St. Brigid's PS Carnhill celebrates 50th anniversary: St Brigid's - it's a Morrison family tradition

One family which has a long and distinguished association is the Morrison family - Christopher, Martina (nee Kerr), Aine, Niamh and Cormac - who all attended St Brigid’s PS.

Martina explained that her husband, Christopher was in the first P1 intake in September 1974 while she began P1 in 1976. It's a rich heritage.

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Speaking this week week Martina stated: "Our children Aine, Niamh and Cormac all followed us to become pupils of St Brigid's PS. Aine was in the first Nursery class in 2000, followed by Niamh in 2001 and finally Cormac in 2008.

"St Brigid’s PS was our first choice of the school we wished our children to attend. It was an easy decision as myself and Christopher’s experiences had been so good. I have very fond memories of St Brigid’s where I received a first-class education and had many wonderful times. I particularly remember the annual school pantomimes in the school hall and also the many Derry Feis events I was proud to take part in."

Martina's experiences of her primary education were so positive that in her adult life she felt the need to give something back.

She explained: "It has been my greatest honour and pleasure to serve on the Board of Governors and to now be Chairperson of the BOG. It has allowed me to give back to the school community that has served my family so well.

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"When I enter the school now it brings back so many memories as I walk down the corridors remembering my old classrooms and teachers who had such a formative influence in my life. It was in St Brigid’s that I gained a love for learning, and I have continued that in my career as a lecturer in North West Regional College."

From a well -known Derry family Christopher is a Station Commander with Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and has given of his time and expertise to visit various classes in the school over the years to share his expertise in fire safety education and also to allow the children to try on his fire equipment.

Aine, Niamh and Cormac have all prospered in their education due to the excellent start they had in St Brigid’s. Aine and Niamh both progressed to Higher Education, where Aine achieved a degree in Biomedical Science and a Post graduate Diploma in Physician Associate Studies and Niamh has achieved a Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts. Cormac is about to embark on his University experience in September 2024. A noted sportsperson, Cormac has represented Northern Ireland at the World Karate Championships in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

A proud mum Martina points to the wide experiences a sound education helps to bring about: "Recently Aine was welcomed back to visit the school as the Derry Rose 2022, an amazing ambassador for Derry in Tralee.

N"iamh is an aspiring musical theatre performer and is currently a member of the Playhouse Music Theatre Company and recently appeared as an extra in the BBC drama “Blue Lights”. Niamh’s love for performing began as the original “Whoopsadaisy Angel” in the Nursery nativity play.

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"Aine is an accomplished pianist and their musical achievements have their roots in St Brigid’s PS. Aine and Niamh provided the music for the 40th Anniversary celebrations. I can state with absolute pleasure and certainty that Aine, Niamh and Cormac are very proud past pupils of St Brigid’s."

And she concluded: "St Brigid’s PS remains very special to us as a family and we are delighted to share in the 50th Anniversary."