ST Patrick’s Grammar School in Downpatrick has closed its doors for the final time.
After 90 years of faithfully serving true community, the ‘Red High’ is no more.
It will reopen in September as part the new Lecale Trinity Grammar School in an amalgamation with De La Salle High and St Mary’s High, which have also closed.
School principal Joe McCann said it was the end of an era and that he had been blessed to have served the community.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed making a contribution to the students, past and present,” he remarked.
“I started working at St Patrick’s Grammar School in September 1992 as an RE teacher and have been principal of this fantastic school since February 2018.
“Working at this school has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and it was made all the easier for the hard work and dedication of the staff, the support of the parents and families, and the kindness of our students.
“Like anything, the job has had its challenges but I am honoured to have been the principal of this school.
Looking to the future, Mr McCann added: “It’s a big change, but it is time for us to embrace the change and get behind the new school.
“I am very confident that the students from St Patrick’s Grammar School will have a strong foundation going into Lecale Trinity and they will be a great success.”