Rosary High School, Ard Scoil na Coroine Muire Concert March 1950

On December 8, 1942, with the approval of the Bishop of Elphin, Dr. Doorley and the Rev. M. Casey, C.C. Drumlion, Rosary High School was founded by its principal Mrs M.K. Lynch.

At that time, it was felt that there was a need for the establishment in Carrick-on-Shannon of a secondary school to cater for the boys of the neighbouring districts of north Roscommon and south Leitrim.

With determination, courage and fixed principles, Mrs Lynch set about the business of bringing together, in her own house and at considerable expense, those boys who have since brought great credit to their Alma Mater.

Scholars have emerged from the school and have taken their place in Ireland and throughout the world in all walks of life, be it as professionals, teachers, religious, in commerce, as civil servants and agriculturists.

The school is run on the basis of a large family where every student confides in sympathetic qualified teachers who are devoted to their pupils and who take an interest in each student until he is placed in a suitable position.

Subjects taught in the School: Irish, English, Latin, French, Mathematics, History, Geography, Commerce and the Arts.

(Leitrim Observer January 1963)

The Motto of the School is: Rosario Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful to the Rosary

As part of its fundraising, the school held the third annual variety concert on March 22, 1950 in the Gaiety Cinema. Programmes at 4pm and 8.30pm.

Heading the list of distinguished artists was the famous Irish tenor Mr. Joseph McNally, well known to listeners of Radio Eireann and the B.B.C. Described as having a tenor voice of beautiful quality and range, he provided a programme of Irish ballads, well known opera pieces and modern songs.

Also included in the programme was the accordionist, Albert Healy who delighted his audience with many pieces of music as well as accompanying the school choir on the piano.

James Eardley, traditional Irish musician from Leitrim Village played a range of Irish Airs and Irish dance music on the violin.
Local girl Miss Mary Nolan gave an exhibition of Irish Step Dancing.

Miss Joan Barrett sang a selection of Irish songs.

The school dramatic society presented a Romantic Comedy “The Romantic Lover” written by J. Bernard McCarthy and produced by Joseph F. Maguire, B.A. H.D.E. featuring Frank Carroll, Bridie McCabe, Jim Boles, Nuala Garvey and Ann Costello.

The students staged another sketch “The Hill Billies” Round the Camp Fire. The cast included F. Moran, J. Nolan, N. Whitney, J. Reynolds, M. Mitchell, E. Hayden, B. Whitney, N. Shanley, J. Flynn, G. McDermott, M. Connellan, A. Hayden, E. Flynn, M. Dowd, B. Dolan and P. Lynch.

The stage manager on the night was Mr. Stephen Chawke, B.A., H.D.E. Costumes were by Gings of Dublin. Amplifying Effects, Alan J. Dunne. Scenery, Fred Moran.

The Programme ended with the playing of the National Anthem.

Acknowledgements: Leitrim Observer Archives, Leitrim County. Library, Michael Lynch, Jeanette and Mary, daughters of the late Atty and Alan Dunne.

Article by Dermot McNabb, Carrick-on-Shannon and District Historical Society. St. George’s Heritage Centre.