Cookstown High School Former Pupils' Association

23/01/2025

16/01/2025

OPEN DAY- Limited Tickets Remaining

We look forward to welcoming you to Cookstown High School on Saturday 18th January 2025 : (9:30am-1:30pm).

The times of the tours are listed below and we have only a few tickets left on Tour C. We are unable to add any further tickets as we are very close to capacity.

We can’t wait to show prospective pupils and their parents our wonderful school and excellent facilities. You will get the opportunity to meet with our staff and pupils. You will also be able to participate in a range of exciting activities and get to see what CHS has to offer.

Tour A - 9:30 AM (Start in Millar Hall for Talk) - 300 spaces- SOLD OUT
Tour B - 9:45 AM (Start at Main Office) TOUR FIRST - 60 spaces- SOLD OUT
Tour C - 10:30 AM (Start in Millar Hall for Talk) - 300 spaces- Limited Tickets Remaining
(Talk-20mins Tour-2hrs)
Book your tour through https://CHS2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Any special requests please contact the school office directly on 028 86763632

Cookstown High School Open Day 2025. Saturday 18th January 2025. Tour times: 9:30am, 9:45am & 10:30am (Tour last 2hrs)

04/01/2025

Congratulations to current pupils Dylan and Luke who attended a ceremony in Belfast City Hall to receive their Chief Scouts gold award alongside past pupils Euan, Jake and Caleb who achieved their Explorers belt.
Their leaders are past pupil James Greer and staff member Mrs Anderson. These awards are a result of hard work, resilience and determination throughout their scouting journey thus far. All boys are a member of Derryloran scouts. Very well done to all.

25/12/2024

Jimmy Kennedy: The Irish Songwriter with Deep Ties to Tyrone and Donegal

Jimmy Kennedy, born in County Tyrone in 1902, was a celebrated Irish songwriter known for his evocative lyrics and memorable melodies. He wrote iconic songs of the 20th century, including

"The Isle of Innisfree" (1950),
"South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)" (1939),
"Teddy Bears' Picnic" (1932),
"I Can't Begin to Tell You " (1945), and
"Red Sails in the Sunset" (1935).

Though born in Tyrone, Kennedy had strong ties to County Donegal, as his mother's family was from Ballyshannon. His love for the Irish landscape influenced his songwriting, particularly in "The Isle of Innisfree," which celebrates Ireland's natural beauty.

Kennedy's work has been performed by legends like Bing Crosby, Doris Day, and Frank Sinatra, and his legacy continues to be celebrated globally.

22/12/2024

Happy Birthday to this year's Euro Cross Country Silver Medalist Nick Griggs!

From everyone at Run Republic have a great day! 🎂

Image: Perri Williams

08/12/2024

A MAGIC SILVER MEDAL FOR NICK GRIGGS
Nick Griggs of Ireland celebrates after finishing second in the U23 men's race during the SPAR European Cross Country Championships 2024 at Dokuma Park in Antalya, Turkey this morning.

The men's U23 team finished 4th overall.

Irish Runner Magazine
Athletics Ireland
123.ie
Sport Ireland
Intersport Elverys
Frank Greally
European Athletics




Photo : Sportsfile/Tyler Miller

10/11/2024

Current pupil.
RBL Cookstown Branch are bursting with pride for Miss Ellie Parke. What a momentus occasion last night as she carried the National Standard of The Royal British Legion at The Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, London.
Your dedication, commitment and determination shone through as you carried out your duties as Deputy National Standard Bearer 🌺

10/11/2024

A runner from NI has set the all-time record for fastest Parkrun.

19-year-old runner Nick Griggs broke the record at Victoria Parkrun in Belfast on Saturday.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/579wwd8m

27/10/2024

🎉 Congratulations Max Anderson! 🎉

A fantastic achievement for Max, helping GB U21 to a well-deserved Gold Medal with a hard-fought 3:2 win over Australia at the Sultan of Johor Cup!

Everyone at Cookstown Hockey Club is incredibly proud. Well done, Max! Ulster Hockey Cookstown High School.
Max is a former Head Boy.

16/10/2024

Cookstown Intermediate 1971. Now amalgamated into the High School.
From Roisin Cuskeran.

01/10/2024

The votes are in!!

Congratulations to the winners for the best scarecrows from our recent event.

28/09/2024

Thank you to all who attended our Scarecrow Festival tonight. There was a great buzz around the campus and all the Scarecrows look fantastic.
We look forward to welcoming more visitors tomorrow. We really appreciated all the positive comments 😀ORRITOR PRIMARY
We’re thrilled to share that our three scarecrows are looking fantastic at the Cookstown High School’s Scarecrow Festival! 🌾🎉

Come by and check out our scarecrows – they’re sure to brighten your day! 😊

27/09/2024

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Taggart, a monumental figure in the history of hockey in Cookstown.

Mr Taggart was the driving force behind hockey at Cookstown High School from the late 1940s. He coached many of the club's early members and led the school’s 1st XI to their first Ulster Hockey Burney Cup victory in the 1955/56 season, with a 1-0 win over Bushmills Grammar School. He coached eight Schools' Cup-winning teams, including an incredible three consecutive victories in 1971, 1972, and 1973.

Hugh always viewed the club teams as an “extension of the school teams," a vision that remains true to this day. The strong connections between the school and the club, first established by Hugh in the 1940s and 1950s, are still thriving, and we are proud to continue his legacy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

———

Hugh Alexander Taggart

Taggart; 26th September 2024, peacefully at Roddens Residential Home, aged 98 years, Hugh Alexander, late of Killowen House and formerly of Vow Road, Ballymoney, dearly beloved husband of the late Margaret, much loved father of Brenda and the late Sandra and a dear father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. Service in James McMullan and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday at 11am followed by interment in Drumreagh Presbyterian Churchyard. Family flowers only please. Lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family and the entire family circle.

27/09/2024

Photo provided by FP Rupert Rea who now lives in England. He visited the school recently and passed the snap to the Head. Thanks to David Lennox for forwarding it.

23/09/2024

Join us for our Scarecrow Festival next weekend (Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September) for a fun-filled event! 🎃🍁🎈

We have a selection of unique Scarecrows on our trail, designed by local schools, organisations, and businesses. 🏠🎨

You can also browse our Craft Fair, featuring local crafters showcasing their products to purchase. 🛍️🎁

There are activities for children, including a crafting area for autumn-themed decorations and a bouncy castle. 🎈🎊 And, you can purchase light refreshments such as tea, coffee, soup, cakes, and traybakes. ☕️🍰

Tickets are available at Thompson Footwear or pay admission at the entrance. 🎟️👋 We hope to see you there! It's going to be a fantastic event!

22/09/2024

Former pupil Joshua Dripps was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal today by Mrs Meta Bell DL. This was in recognition of the volunteering he did with Scouting NI during the Coronation in London.

18/09/2024

CHS are proud to introduce their new prefect team.

Louis (Head Boy)
I attended primary school at Windmill Integrated PS in Dungannon, I then moved to RSD before ultimately transferring to CHS in February 2019. At A-level I study Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics with hopes to become a chemical engineer in the future, hopefully studying at the University of Manchester. Out of school I work part time and until last year played both school and club hockey. Last year I was a sound tech for 'The Sound of Music' and this year I am taking up a principal role in 'Oliver!' I am involved in the music department within school, the mathematics department as a maths mentor and now the school council.

Theo (Deputy Head Boy)
I attended Orritor Primary school before joining CHS in 2018, and I am currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Technology, and Physics at a-level. In the future I hope to follow a career in design work either through architecture or engineering. Outside of school I've been playing the drumkit for over a decade hoping to attain Grade 8, and I am involved in my local Boys Brigade currently working towards my Queen's Badge. In my spare time I also enjoy watching movies, cycling, and hiking. In school I'm a member of the Senior SU committee, a maths mentor, and now a member of the school Council.

Sam (Deputy Head Boy)
I went to Ballytrea Primary School, and I am now currently studying Maths, Physics and Business studies at A-Level. My main hobby outside of school is competitive Pipe Band playing. This occupies most of my free time and is something which I thoroughly enjoy. I also help and play in the school pipe band playing in a variety of events such as the Carol service and the spring concert. My hope for next year is to study Quantity Surveying at university.

Sophie (Head Girl)
I went to Cookstown Primary School and for my A-Levels I'm studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. After CHS I hope to study electrical engineering at university. I play hockey for both the school and club’s 1st XI and am joint vice-captain for the school. I also play netball for the senior squad. I have been involved in school productions as part of the sound and light team and am also a part of maths club as a mentor and a member of the school council.

Leah (Deputy Head Girl)
I went to the Howard Primary School in Dungannon for 6 years then Cookstown Primary School for 1 year before going to Cookstown High School. I study RE, History, and Health and Social Care at A Level and I would like to study Primary Education at Stranmillis University College. Outside of school I play hockey for Cookstown Ladies, and I'm involved in my church's children's work such as a leader in the kids club and I am a Sunday school teacher. This year, I have been made joint vice-captain of the 1stXI hockey squad and I play netball for the senior team. I'm also a member of the Senior SU committee and I am a member of the School Council.

Anna (Deputy Head Girl)
I attended Cookstown Primary school until 2018 before transferring to CHS that September. At A-level I study Biology, Chemistry and Geography with aspirations to become a veterinarian once I leave school. Throughout my school life I’ve been a member of the hockey squad, and this season I am vice-captain of the 2ndXI. I am also participating in the production of ‘Oliver!’ as Mrs Sowerberry. The SU has always been a part of my life and now as one of 6 on the committee we entice our peers to come along, hear the scripture while having lots of fun at the same time. However, outside of school I have my own flock of pedigree sheep which I’ve shown at Balmoral and I am one of a few female judges, having judged sheep all across Ireland at different agricultural competitions. I am very thankful for the support of my teachers and I will definitely miss them once my CHS journey comes to an end.