Dromara Primary School, Dromara, Dromore

In the past

Mr Gibson
Mr Gibson

The village of Dromara lies about 20 km south of Belfast, in the county of Down. It nestles close to the foot of Slieve Croob where the river Lagan rises, flowing through the village on its way to the sea at Belfast Lough. 

In days gone by the village was very much a 'linen centre' with some 400 people employed in the local flax mills. Many small farms were also found nearby. Folks travel to work in places like Lisburn and Belfast. Many of the small farms no longer provide the main source of income.

The school was formerly sited close to 2nd Dromara Presbyterian Church but in 1939 a new building was opened on the present site under the control of the Department of Education. The headmaster at the time of opening was Mr J. O. Gibson, a well known figure both in the village and the teaching world, where he became president of the Ulster Teachers' Union. 

Mr Gibson retired in 1957 and was succeeded by Mr William Ward who remained in post until 1970.  

 
Mr Ward
Mr Ward

Mr Stanley Poots was appointed principal following this, until his retirement in 2011.   

The village school takes pride in its community approach and this is reflected in the cross community involvement of its pupils. 

The school has proven to be very much a centre of activity for the community and credit for this must be given to the excellent staff, parents and pupils down the years. 

 
1949 Football Team
1949 Football Team
 
1966 Staff and Pupils
1966 Staff and Pupils
 
1989 P1 Class
1989 P1 Class
 
1989 Netball Team
1989 Netball Team