On Saturday 25th June we were pleased to host an event led by Dr David McNulty from the Fermanagh Genealogical Centre on our Cooper Crescent Site to celebrate the life and work of an eminent son of Fermanagh and Old Portoran, Dr Denis Burkitt.
It was a privilege to welcome to this event Judy Burkitt-Howard, daughter of Dr Burkitt along with Professor Owen Smith from Trinity College Dublin where Dr Burkitt studied, and Professor John Cummings from Dundee University who has recently written a new biography of the distinguished global hero.
In their presentations Professor Smith and Professor Cummings spoke of Denis Burkitt’s ground-breaking contribution to modern medicine and the study of cancer, through his identification of Burkitt’s lymphoma in his work in Africa and in his establishment of the link between diet and illnesses, most particularly in his work on the importance of fibre in preventing bowel cancer.
Following the presentations, a plaque was unveiled at Alexendra Terrace, adjacent to the school, where Dr Burkitt was born.
In his lively intellectual curiosity, in his flexibility and agility of mind which enabled him to establish connections in his learning, in his energy and his perseverance in pursuit of his goals and above all his core values of integrity and humility, clear sense of moral purpose and spirit of service, Dr Denis Burkitt is a worthy role model for our current and future generations of pupils.
Thank you to the Fermanagh Genealogical Centre for presenting two copies of Professor Cummings’ Biography to our Libraries. An excellent read for our pupils.
Thank you too to our Sixth Formers, Paul, our Head Boy, Sophie, Ellen and Kayla who are all aspiring medics and who helped at the event.
