‘Strange and Unexplained Happenings’ at St. Joseph’s Annual Spooker Prize

Halloween is always a special occasion in Derry and local school St. Joseph’s Boys in the Creggan held their seasonal Spooker Prize event on Thursday before the school wrapped up for end-of-term.

The annual event in the school calendar is a writing and storytelling extravaganza held in the school each October.

School librarian Miss Celine McLaughlin prepared the Lecture Theatre on a graveyard theme and set about delivering a short scary story to set the scene.

IN PICTURES: Derry pupils spellbounding ‘Spooker Prize’ success

Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

This was followed by Literacy Co-ordinator, Mr Peter Smith who engaged pupils with storytelling about a local hunchback called Eddie who had difficulty being contained in a traditional coffin and some yarns about Cumber House in Claudy which is reportedly the most haunted place in Ireland!

Th Literacy Co-Ordinator walks his dog in these grounds each night and from his tales it was evident that he has witnessed some strange and unexplained happenings in this area.

Pupils appeared spellbound and deserve enormous credit, not only for their imaginative stories on the day, but also for their willingness to follow Mr. Smith and read their own stories aloud to their peers.

There were a few treats for each pupil and cash prizes for the top stories. Fancy dress was the order of the day for these Year 8 pupils and again prizes were on offer for the best costume.

Speaking after Thursday’s successful event, Mr. Smith said: "We had everything from zombies to inflatable costumes. Unfortunately, Donald Trump (aka myself) was unable to attend this year as he is currently being arraigned in a New York court. He did send his best wishes to our pupils and made a cryptic comment about ‘witch-hunts'."

The Head of Junior School Mr. John O'Loughlin was on hand to deliver the prizes.

In praising the students for their exceptional stories, he added: "What an experience for our pupils. The Year 8 English teachers have spent the last week showing our students different writing techniques to raise suspense and today we witnessed the results of that labour. The stories were truly exceptional.

"This is also fantastic for the self-esteem and confidence of the boys to read their stories to an audience and have their work recognised. Well done to all!"