A Derry primary school this week celebrated its 100th anniversary with a centenary mass at St Eugene's Cathedral.

Pupils, parents, grandparents and past pupils of St Eugene’s Infant School attended the service, which was celebrated by the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown.

Bishop McKeown paid tribute to the Sisters of Mercy who opened the school in Francis Street in 1914.

“100 years ago is and awful long time ago, even for the adults amongst us,” he said.

“The ones involved in starting the school would not recognise the city or how we live now but one constant is the desire of all parents to give children the best chance for the future so they can be the best adults they can.

 “This has all been made possible by the dedication of the Sisters of Mercy who worked hard often for no pay and I would like thank them.”

The Bishop also thanked the St Eugene’s Parishioners who raised funds for the school over the last ten decades.

“Only about 25 years ago did the government become responsible for the building of our schools,” he added.

“The parish community put the equivalent of millions of pounds into the school.”

The Bishop also told those in attendance that Catholic education was the envy of the world.

“If you go around the world Catholic education remains in high demand,” he said.

“There are 60 million pupils in catholic schools and people are beating the doors down to get into them because it offers something more, not just results.

“Pope Francis says the real source of excellence in catholic education is the sense of solidarity with schools around the world, not just the school around the corner.

“Education is about more than passing exams it is about developing loving and mature young people.”

Pictured above are some of the pupils who attended this week's event along with the school's principal and the Mayor Brenda Stevenson.

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