Fond farewell from an ice cream van

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By Freya McClements BBC News

Sean Callaghan handed out an ice cream to every pupil

Stuck in a hot classroom on a sunny day, who hasn't dreamt of an ice cream?

For one day only, that dream came true for 400 lucky pupils at St Mary's Boys Primary School in Strabane, courtesy of retiring vice-principal Sean Callaghan.

A teacher at the school on Melmount Road for 40 years, Mr Callaghan hired an ice cream van and handed out 99s to make his goodbye to the students a memorable one.

"When the children and parents heard I was leaving they were very generous to me, and I wanted to do something for them.

"The weather's been really good, and I had the idea of the ice cream van.

"There's a man who sells ice cream from a van round the town, and he always comes to our school sports day, so I got the idea of getting the van in and giving everyone an ice cream.

"We brought all the classes out one by one - I think it added up to about 400 99s!

"Everyone enjoyed it, and besides, I've always wanted to give out ice cream from a van," laughed Mr Callaghan.

The teacher leaves the school for good on Tuesday, but said he hopes he has left behind some special memories.

"It was great craic - it was good to see the boys all together and all excited over their ice creams.

"As they were leaving in the afternoon they were all saying thanks for the ice cream.

"I think it's something they'll remember."