Headford, Killarney,
Co. Kerry.
The History of Meentogues National School
There is a long tradition of education in the Meentogues area. In the 18th Century, two makeshift schools known as hedge schools existed in the area which provided education to Catholic children during the time of Penal Laws in Ireland. The great Kerry poet, Eoghan Rua Ó’Súilleabhán, who lived in Meentogues, attended one of these hedge schools and became a hedge school teacher himself in later life.
Meentogues National School was first built during the years 1870 to 1871. The school opened on Tuesday, 1st August, 1871. Local tradition says that stones from Eoghan Rua O’Súilleabhán’s nearby derelict house were used in the building of the school. The building consisted of two rooms. Two teachers taught at the school. The boys and girls were taught separately. The children used books, paper, slates and quills to learn. The last pupil registered on the boys’ roll book on the opening day was Patrick Stephen Dinneen of Corran, who was to become An t-Athair Pádraig Ó’Duinnín, the great lexicographer and scholar.In 1955, a new school (the existing building) was built, located near the first school.
The first school was demolished and the stones from this building are embedded in the perimeter wall of the school today. Today, the children of the school use books, paper, laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards to learn, to name but a few of our many resources.
Over the years, in both schools, a tradition of excellence and quality education has existed.
Today, the Staff and Board of Management of Meentogues National School acknowledge the educational heritage of the school since its origin in 1870 and are conscious and supportive of the original aspiration of the school. We also acknowledge the attitudes, values and aspirations of the local community. A neighbourly tradition exists here. The school still has two teachers as well as a Special Education Teacher and a Special Needs Assistant to support our pupils and their learning.
Our school is marked by friendly relationships between all members of the school community. Meentogues National School is characterised by warmth and an almost family-like atmosphere at all times. We value our relationship with parents and seek to work in partnership with parents and the wider school community to ensure the best interest of the child is provided for.