Drumboylan National School in North Roscommon recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a joyful community event attended by over 250 people. Among the many highlights of the day was a special tribute to Aidan Malone, a local man whose long-standing commitment to the school made the occasion even more meaningful.
Aidan Malone, who turns 85 this year, has served as the patron’s representative on the school’s board of management for an impressive 50 years. His involvement began in 1975, and since then, he has attended hundreds of board meetings and played a key role in shaping the school’s future.
Reflecting on his decades of service, Malone said with a smile, “Thank God I lasted so long!” His dedication was especially vital during a campaign in the late 1970s to prevent the school from merging with another. That effort reached the national level, including a meeting with the Minister for Education, and ultimately secured Drumboylan NS’s status as a standalone school.
Although Malone attended school in nearby Keadue, all five of his children went to Drumboylan NS, with the youngest finishing in 1986. Speaking to the Roscommon Herald, he expressed pride in the school’s progress over the years, noting improvements like the addition of a multipurpose room and car park.
As a builder by trade, Malone has often lent his handyman skills to the school, always willing to help with maintenance and repairs. In earlier years, he also helped organise the school’s marching band, once a popular feature in the community.
Malone’s contributions extend far beyond the school. He was a key figure in the establishment of Drumboylan Community Centre in the 1980s and has been active in other local initiatives, including the pastoral council. He also shared plans to mark the centenary of the local church in five years, including an ongoing fundraiser to repaint its interior.
In recognition of his decades of service, the school’s 75th anniversary publication included a heartfelt tribute to Malone, describing him as one of Drumboylan NS’s most dedicated supporters. The tribute praised his unwavering support, tireless volunteer work, and regular presence at school football games, even during difficult defeats. It concluded with a sincere thank-you for his many years of service and devotion to the school.
The anniversary celebration brought together former pupils, staff, and members of the wider community, with visitors traveling from across Ireland and even the UK. Principal Ann Murray and Deputy Principal Cathy Martin thanked everyone who attended and acknowledged the efforts of volunteers who helped make the day a success.
The festivities began with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Brendan McDonagh on the school grounds, followed by the launch of the commemorative booklet A Trip Down Memory Lane. The publication featured stories and photos from past pupils, capturing the history of the school through the decades.
The family fun day included a variety of activities such as an ice-cream van, bouncy castle, face painting, balloon making, and sumo suits. One of the day’s standout events was an ‘all-star’ football match, which gave past pupils the chance to reconnect and relive old memories on the pitch.
The celebrations concluded with an evening of music at the Leitrim Inn, closing out a memorable day that showcased the strong community spirit still alive in Drumboylan.
