BY MARK MCKELVEY

THE news that these next couple of weeks are to be the last in Trillick Primary School's 158-year presence in the town have been greeted with great sadness.

Described as an integral part of the community by the principal Mary Kee, a recent educational reform decided that with only 35 pupils enrolled this past year and two full-time teachers, the school was unable to remain operational.

"We have known for some time that this was happening and that when the children take their holidays at the end of June they won't be coming back again next year," said Mrs Kee.

"We are all very sad that this has happened, but in the light of educational reform this had to happen. Some pressure was put on us, but we knew we couldn't go on for any more than a year and it's probably best for all concerned that this doesn't drag on any further.

Mrs Kee added, "There has been a long tradition in the town, with the foundations of the school having been on this site since 1850. We have always had great support from the area and a played an integral role within the Trillick area."

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, who approved the proposal from the Western Education and Library Board to close the rural school, commented that it is always with "great sadness" when any school has to close.

The Sinn Féin Minister said, "The low enrolments present major difficulties in delivering the revised curriculum. The educational interests of the children would be better served by one of the neighbouring schools in the area, where they will be able to benefit from a broader educational experience.

"I would like to thank the Board of Governors, the teachers, and staff for all the work that they have undertaken at the school over the years and I wish the pupils every success in their future education."

A WELB spokesperson commented, "The school's enrolments have been low for some years and the school's Board of Governors, therefore, recommended the closure. There are only 35 children enrolled in 2007/8. During the statutory consultation period, there were no objections to the proposal to close the school."

To commemorate the life of Trillick Primary School a ceremony took place on Wednesday night, gathering together past and present staff, pupils, Board of Governors, parents, relatives and friends and family of the school congregated for an historic occasion to mark the event.