County Derry school 'privileged' to welcome three sets of twins

A County Derry school has encountered something special and unheard of this new term. 

Saint Matthew’s Primary School in Drumsurn has welcomed three sets of twins this year. 

Cara, Meave, Jack, Harry, Ella and Fiadh started Primary One in September and have been settling well into life in their new school.

When asked about how they feel to be a twin, the children shared how happy it makes them to have a best friend always by their side. They count having someone to play with as one of their favourite things about having a twin sibling. 

One of the twins shared how they love to cuddle their twin and do each others’ hair. They also love to play jokes and tricks on each other. 

Being a twin has taught the children the importance of sharing from an early age with one saying they share each others’ teddy bears. 

The children’s teacher Miss Kealey said it is a privilege to have the twins in her class. 

“It feels very special to have the twins in my class, especially in the early stages of my teaching career,” she said.

“It is nice to be able to say that I have taught a class where there are three sets of twins. It is the first time in the history of the school where it has happened which is so special. A lot of people think twins have the same personalities but you can really see all their different personalities, they all have their own interests which is nice as well. It is also lovely to see them venture out and make new friends outside of their twins. It’s great to be a part of their educational journey.” 

The Principal of the school, Mrs Ann-Marie Kealey, spoke to the County Derry Post about how she feels during this momentous event for the rural school. 

“This is a massive milestone for us. In the history of 58 years of our school we have never had three sets of twins before,” she said. 

“I happened to google sets of twins starting school together in the UK and found four sets starting in Glasgow. For us however this is very rare as we are such a tiny rural school. One of the sets of twins has a family connection to the school, the other two sets are new families. This is lovely to see.” 

Speaking about the development of the school over the years, Mrs Kealey shared how the numbers in the rural school have increased 32% in the last five years. The school is in the process of building two extensions to accommodate growing numbers. 

St Matthew’s PS is an all-inclusive learning community dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, physical, spiritual, moral and emotional development of each individual child. 

To find out more visit stmatthewsprimaryschool.com