FEW teachers or pupils have had to endure so many years of harassment and disruption as those at St Joseph�s High School in Crossmaglen, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2004. Yet outstanding academic results have been achieved, both in earlier and recent times.

Situated close to a major military installation, staff and students were forced to tolerate helicopters continually clattering overhead, soldiers patrolling through the school grounds, students being stopped and searched, over a 35-year period. Also, they would have to lie on the floor during I.R.A. rocket or gun-attacks.

And the `Troubles` had a personal effect on the school when one of the students, 14-year-old Michael Donnelly, and a past pupil, Patrick Donnelly, - no relation, - were killed along with Trevor Bracknell, during a loyalist attack on a shop and filling-station at Silverbridge in the late 70�s.

Bernard Crilly, the principal from 1981 to `97, recalled: �There was a lot of disruption to school life, and to extra-curricular activities; indeed, some companies refused to deliver materials and equipment to the school, resulting in necessary items having to be collected from Newry Technical Centre or St Paul�s at Bessbrook. And there was great sadness at the tragic deaths of some past pupils in the `Troubles.�

Of course, there have been causes for celebration at St Joseph�s High School, such as the official visit by President Mary McAleese in 1998. And the Sam Maguire Cup was borne to the school in triumph by Armagh team-manager, Frank Kernan from Crossmaglen. Three members of that historic squad were past pupils.

Also Tom McCreesh was an All-Star, while many of the Crossmaglen Rangers squad, which won the All-Ireland Club Championship three times, were past pupils. Meanwhile, the President of the G.A.A., Jack Boothman, got a great reception when he visited the school in 1997.

President McAleese expressed her �great fondness for the area and its people. For the first time in generations, there has arisen the opportunity for long-lasting peace, which could be built with real respect for each individual.

�We are on the brink of a new beginning in Irish history, with peace as part of a golden circle of cultural and economic renaissance. It is up to young people to move forward in a spirit of respect and partnership. You can realise the new Ireland, which had been Cardinal O Fiaich�s dream, and should be the dream of all you talented young people,� the president added.

Indeed, the late Cardinal O Fiaich had told those present at the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1989 about �the great influence for good, which the school had on the area. St Joseph�s has produced many good men and women, who have passed on what they have learned to the next generation. And it is wonderful to see the faith as strong as it was, when I grew up in this area.�

At the official opening in 1965, Cardinal Conway stated: �I have confidence that we are witnessing the birth of a new vivifying force in South Armagh. Since the school opened its doors last year, much has been achieved in terms of academic success, many sporting achievements, as well as the personal and social development of pupils, along with concern for those with learning difficulties.�

Indeed, the birth-pangs of St Joseph�s had been difficult, with no curriculum, canteen, gymnasium, library, music room or playing facilities, nor equipment for many departments. One of the first and longest-serving teachers, Frank McCreesh, - who played host to President McAleese when principal, - paid tribute to those, who had established the foundations, ethos and spirit of the new school.

Frank was born at Aughanduff, and educated at the old schoolhouse, where I attended Mass during school holidays with my cousins, the Heartys at Dorsey. He studied at St Colman�s College, along with Mickey Keenan and future Down stars like Leo Murphy, James and Dan McCartan. Finally, Frank graduated from St Joseph�s Training College in Belfast, and was offered a post at St Joseph�s High School.

Praising the first principal, Archie McMullan; vice-principal, Bernard Crilly; and senior mistress, Mrs Brigid McMahon, he said that the school was still under construction on opening day. He had no equipment for the woodwork and metalwork classes, having to operate from the local Technical School. Frank was bestowed with the Bene Merenti Medal �for services to Catholic education.�

Bernard Crilly, - who also received the Bene Merenti Medal, - explained that St Joseph�s had catered for post-primary pupils from the parishes of Crossmaglen, Cullyhanna and Forkhill. It provided courses for all levels of ability, from the academic to technical and vocational, as well as those with special needs.

�Archie McMullan, having taught in the local Technical School, was conscious of the need for courses to prepare pupils for the world of work, to give them a chance to gain employment. So, in addition to the academic aspect, there was a strong technical and commercial dimension.�

Recalling that first day at St Joseph�s, Bernard Crilly, - who had been educated at Forkhill P.S., Abbey C.B.S. and St Mary�s Training College, stated: �There was a great sense of excitement and anticipation. Some had been teachers at primary schools in the region, while others were just out of college. So, there was much enthusiasm and optimism.

�No guidance was given by the Department of Education with regard to a curriculum, so it was a matter of writing the script as you went along. The vast majority of pupils were great to work with, while Mrs Nan O�Brien, Carmel Cowan and Anne O�Hare took their job seriously, but not themselves too seriously.� He also paid tribute to former vice-principal Gerard Brown, John Commins and Maura Cumiskey. The ex-principal won County Junior and Senior Championship medals, while playing for Mullaghbawn Cuchulainn G.F.C. And he went on to serve as club secretary and chairman.

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