A taste of School History
The present school building was built in 1954 in the townland of Cloosh. It replaced the old National School which was first opened on January 1st, 1852 and is now beautifully restored as a summer residence.
However, early education began in Dubhras with the setting up of a Hedge School in Knocknacullen during the end of the 18th century. As a result of the Penal Law System and its consequential rules; enacted by the British Parliament during the reign of William 111 and Queen Anne. The Penal laws were inforced from 1700 - 1829 and stated that :
No Catholic could set up a school.
No Catholic could become a Lawyer or a Judge.
No Catholic could become a teacher.
No Catholic could go to another country to be educated.
Hedge School Locally
While many children attended schools in towns and cities, those interested in education in the countryside sometimes attended Hedge Schools. These Hedge Schools were run by educated poets and scholars who went from place to place teaching groups of children who lived in the rural area.
The Local Catholic Landlord was to the fore in securing a teacher, Stephen Killeen, to teach local children in the thatch roofed Dubhras Church for the paltry pay of ten pounds sixteen shillings and eight pence.
Later, in 1835 it is recorded that of six Hedge Schools in the parish of Kinvarra and Dubhras, Patrick Moran taught thirty six boys and seven girls in Nogra.
The fee was one shilling and eight pence to three shilling and six pence per quarter.
Patrick Spellman had a school in Knocknacullen where the fee was one shilling and eight pence to seven shillings and six pence per quarter.
The Hedge School in Knocknacullen was located in a small shed off the road that lead through Knocknacullen village.
The Curriculum was basic as the children were taught reading, writing, arithmetic and Catechism. Mr. Spellman’s school at Knocknacullen also included book keeping and grammar.
As a result of Edward Stanley’s Educational Bill, the fees in the National School System were lowered. At that time there was a population of 2,000 people in Kinvarra. The National School in Kinvarra was set up and holds the proud tradition of being the oldest National School in South Galway.
This school initially catered for the union of the three parishes of Dubhras, Killina and Kiloveragh.
As a result of the growth in population and with the influence of the local landlord (Mark Lynch), lead to the establishment of the Old National School which was to serve the educational needs of the area from 1852-1954. Under the care initially of Michael Brennan, 50 pupils attended and they had to pay a penny a week.
Down through the years under the harsh regime of the local inspectorate and the lack of Post Primary Education the school turned out fine scholars.
Past Staff Members:
Patrick Fallon
His son James Fallon
Kieran Moylan
Joseph Muldoon
Kathleen Farrell.