Since 1979 Clongowes has had a proud association with Portora school, Enniskillen. The twinning of both schools represented a very concrete step in promoting understanding and acceptance of both traditions on the island. Every remembrance weekend, Clongowes travels to Portora to attend their annual commemoration service and lay a joint wreath in honour of the OC’s who died in the cause of freedom.
On Friday, Nov. 8th a number of Poetry students along with Mr. Tom Carroll and Ms. Ann Marie Dolan continued this long and important tradition. The extent of the warm welcome and genuine hospitality became very obvious from the moment of our arrival. Welcomed by Headmaster, Mr.Neil Morton, the service was conducted in the school hall and the thought provoking sermon delivered by Dean Kenny Hall whose words spoke of the sacrifice of so many for the youth of today.
After lunch the Clongownians were treated to a rowing lesson on the beautiful Fermanagh waterways that sit at the foot of the hill at Portora. New friendships were formed as the Clongownians took to the boats with their Portoran counterparts. While rowing may never make it’s way to the green of Clongowes, nevertheless the Clongownians took to the water pretty naturally as this footage shows…Portora 01