SCHOOL HISTORY

Carrigaholt National School is a central part of the fabric of the local community. The new school, built in 1962, replaced the ‘old school’, which has stood on the same site since 1850 (and which has been the first national school on the Loop Head Peninsula). During the rebuilding period classes were conducted in the parish hall - St. Mary’s.

In 2008, the building was refurbished and modernised to the 21st century standards. During this period of refurbishment classes were held in the nearby Irish college Coláiste Eoghain Uí Chomhraidhe.

This school has seen many changes throughout the years. In previous times a boys’ and girls’ school co-existed on the site with a male school in existence since 1850, with a female school being set up in 1853. Each school having its own separate identity and staff.  As educational practices changed and numbers of school going children declined the schools merged into a co-educational model.

Mrs. Bríd Keane retired as Principal in 1952 and Mr. Vincent Flynn was appointed as Principal. Mrs. Mary Flynn was appointed as Assistant teacher in 1956 and from then until 1996 the children in the community were taught by Mr. Vincent Flynn (principal and known locally as the Master) and his wife Mrs. Mary Flynn.

In 1996 Mrs. Mary Keane was appointed as Principal and Mr. Flynn himself said that he "took over from a Mrs. Keane and handed over to another Mrs Keane". 

From 1996 until 2015 Mrs. Mary Keane served as Principal and was replaced by Ms. Edel Smith who had worked as Deputy Principal in the school for the previous 10 years.

Teaching and learning in the school are  of an excellent standard and the inclusive welcoming environment supports all children  to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives.