Many other past pupils played for Newry Town, including the Magee brothers, John Mallon, Tommy Gray, Gervase Dixon, Brian McGuigan, Conor Larkin and Neil Tumilty. Others competed in the Carnbane League, such as Larry Boyle, who was the leading goal-scorer for five seasons.

Another past pupil, who has really �gone up in the world� is Terence `Banjo` Bannon, renowned for his exploits on Mount Everest. He confessed: �I loved St Joseph�s, - I had no pressure or worries. The teachers played a major part in promoting inter-action with our peers and adults. I developed good inter-personal skills.

G.A.A. All-Star Tommy McGovern played for Down and Ulster, won seven County Championship and League medals with Burren, along with his brothers and Kieran McConville. He recalled taking to bus from the `Point to Newry, getting off at the Stonebridge, and visiting every shop en route to St Joseph�s School. Tommy captained the Down sides, which defeated Armagh in the 1981 Ulster Final, and again in the 1983 National League Final.

A second All-Star, educated at St Joseph�s, was Paddy Kennedy from Glenn. He commented: �During my five years at the school, I was able to indulge my passion for sport. John Murtagh and Francie Rooney were on the Down minor side, which won the All-Ireland title in 1977, while others who later played for the county were Martin Lynch, and Marty McCabe. Tony McCartan and Pat McStay were on the Newry Mitchels side, which won the double in 1968, - the year that Mickey Cole won an All-Ireland senior medal.�

Also on the sporting scene, great expectations have been raised about David Shields as a future Olympic candidate. Already he has won over 20 prizes at the long and high jump, has gained a scholarship and, though only 14, has been selected to represent Ireland in senior events. He has been described as the `all-time great under-15 jumper`. Brian Murphy has represented Ireland in the decathlon, while Michael Fox and Paul Morgan have been invited to compete in the London Marathon.

Music has also played a crucial role at St Joseph�s, the teachers having been Joan McGivern, Doreen Cahill, Mary Halpenny, Margaret Mussen and Mary McManus. The first public concert was given in 1960, followed by the `Pirates of Penzance` in the Parochial Hall in 1967. Later productions included `Oliver,` `Jack and the Beanstalk,` `Christmas Carols,` `Carrotts`, and `Little Shop of Horrors`.

But the most memorable event, apart from a Gala Concert at the Town Hall in 1998, occurred last year when the school choir was joined by former Eurovision star, Dana in a pre-Easter Cantata at Newry Cathedral. The choir has gained many first prizes at Newry and Warrenpoint Feiseanna over the years. At present, �Stars in Your Eyes� is the big attraction.

Tommy McLoughlin described how he had appeared in a school production of `Oliver,` along with Gerard Rooney and Kieran Cunningham, who have appeared regularly on television. Tommy had leading roles in `Hair` and `Miss Saigon` in London�s West End and Broadway. Incidentally, St Joseph�s Boys� Silver Band, conducted by the legendary Tommy Mulligan, and containing the present principal, Hugh Mallon, was based at the school. It won a number of major awards, competing against senior bands at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

Students at St Joseph�s also enjoyed success in poetry competitions, with authors and publishers praising their �wit, imagination and sensitivity.` The pupils swept the boards in competition against primary and post-primary schools from the Newry and Mourne area in 1991, taking the first ten places in the under-15 section. And 15 students had their poems published in the `Poetry Now` anthology.

Former vice-principal, Sister Eleanor stated: �Management of a school will always be a challenge, but the pupils at St Joseph�s make it a really worthwhile place in which to work. Their natural quick wit and sense of humour could put a smile on your face in the middle of a busy day.�

The person with the task of managing this unique institution, Hugh Mallon, has the benefit of having been a pupil and member of the staff there. He has warm memories of those years as a student, recalling the �dedication and commitment of teachers, and marvelling at the enthusiasm and energy of today�s staff.�

Graduating from De La Salle College in Manchester, he obtained a B.A. degree, as well as a Master�s Degree in Education Management. And he was one of the first 16 teachers to achieve the Professional Qualification Headship (PQH). Married to Anne Toner, a teacher at St Paul�s High School, where he was previously based, they reside at Lislea with a son and three daughters.

The principal�s philosophy is that �all children are entitled to the best education available. St Joseph�s has proven to be the provider of such an education for pupils of all ability in its care. My mission is to develop the excellent reputation, which the school holds in the Newry area, knowing that the staff will support me in ensuring that each pupil will achieve his objective.�

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