Welcome to St. Patrick’s Primary School, Drumgreenagh!

Fun, Friendship and Learning at the Heart of Everything We Do

St. Patrick’s Primary School is a vibrant Catholic Maintained school at the heart of the Parish of Drumgath, where our motto—Fun, Friendship and Learning—guides every experience we offer our children. Established in 1998 through the amalgamation of Lurgancahone PS and St. Colman’s PS, Barnmeen, our school brings together generations of heritage, community spirit and educational excellence. Built on the former St. Colman’s site and proudly named St. Patrick’s PS, Drumgreenagh, our school reflects the identity and warmth of our local townland.

As our community grew, so did our facilities. A new green?and?navy uniform was introduced, the Drumgath Bell became the symbol of our school crest, and our official opening took place on 28 May 1999. A further extension in 2011 created bright, modern learning spaces including four classrooms, a dining/assembly hall and a well?resourced library.

Today, St. Patrick’s is a thriving rural school where children feel valued and excited to learn. Our strong partnerships with Drumgath Parish, Drumgath GAC, local GAA clubs and Rathfriland FC help us create a school community built on fun, friendship and learning.

The Arts at St. Patrick’s: Creativity That Shines

The Arts hold a special place in school life. Pupils proudly take part in Feiseanna in Banbridge, Warrenpoint and Newry, showcasing their talents in speech, drama and singing.

A standout moment in our school’s story came in 2018 when our talented choir, led by Mrs McCaughey, performed on Britain’s Got Talent—a once?in?a?lifetime experience that brought immense pride to our whole community.

Weekly choir rehearsals take place on Wednesdays and Fridays, while pupils not involved in the choir enjoy lively and creative music lessons with Mrs Kane, Ms McConville and Mr Keenan.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Experiences That Inspire

At St. Patrick’s, we believe that learning flourishes best when children feel happy, connected and curious—true to our motto of Fun, Friendship and Learning. Pupils from Primary 1–7 enjoy a rich variety of enrichment activities, including:

• Spanish lessons with Mrs Patricia Connolly
• GAA coaching with Ambrose Rodgers (Down GAA)
• Brass and string tuition through the EA Music Service
• Swimming lessons for Primary 4–7 at Newry Leisure Centre
• Gardening sessions with Mr K. Gallagher (Gardening for Schools)

These opportunities help children build confidence, develop new interests and truly enjoy learning.

Friends of St. Patrick’s P.S.: Community in Action

The Friends of St. Patrick’s P.S. is a dynamic and dedicated parent group whose work greatly enriches school life. Through a wide range of after?school activities—fitness, art, music, drama and more—they help create the warm, family?centred atmosphere that defines our school.

Their enthusiasm helps ensure every child experiences fun, friendship and learning each day.

Our Parish Community: Rooted in Heritage

St. Patrick’s Primary School is deeply connected to the heritage of Drumgath—one of the smallest yet most historic parishes in the Diocese of Dromore. The parish includes thirteen townlands and the town of Rathfriland, and is home to three Catholic churches:

• St. Colman’s, Barnmeen
• St. Mary’s, Rathfriland
• St. Patrick’s, Drumgath

Before the parish system, Drumgath was served by monastic communities. A 9th or 10th century hand bell—discovered near the old Drumgath Cemetery in 1764—offers a fascinating link to this early heritage and proudly inspired our school crest.