Shanbally National School

A Brief History of Scoil Naisiúnta Seanbhaile

The earliest written records which survive in the School are of (a) Shanbally Girls' School in 1886, and (b) Shanbally Boys' School in 1890. In those days the Boys and Girls Schools operated separately, all the Boys being in one room and all the Girls in another. The condition of that School building was often commented upon by visiting Inspectors (On His Majesty's Service!!) as being "appalling". Indeed the children themselves were generally in a poor state of nourishment and dress due to the pertaining conditions in the locality. The most common Occupation listed for the Parents of the time was 'Labourer' and often this meant a meagre income.

Then in 1893 a 'New' School was built near the Church, located where the present Car Park is situated. Mr. John Barry became Principal in 1898 and it rapidly improved, considering the Head Inspector's words of 1891 (Mr, Newell)-" Of course it was one of the worst in Ireland when Mr. Foy took charge!"- The Curriculum then was quite narrow, consisting of mainly the ' 3- R's', Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, with a great emphasis on Handwriting and 'Tables'.

In 1932 Richard B. O'Flynn was appointed Principal, and his wife Kathleen became Assistant in 1933. Their arrival oversaw the development of school matters until the late '60's'. They brought a greater variety to the Curriculum, with Music, Sewing, Drawing, "Drill" in the Yard, Liturgical Festivals, Christmas Concerts in the Forresters' Hall, Cork Co. Schools Sports, our own School Sports, etc., all forming special memories for many of the Parents. It was also the age of the 'Primary Cert.' which, in retrospect, cruelly classified children as Failures before they had even started life in earnest, and totally ignored any Talents the child may have had. Bernie taught here for 34 years until 1966 and his wife Kathleen for 38 years until 1971 - A real 'Lifetime of service!

In 1961 a third Teacher was appointed (Ms. Claire Breen) and so the two- roomed School could no longer accommodate all pupils. The local FCA Hall was converted to a Classroom, where the Middle Classes were taught by Mrs. O'Flynn. Meanwhile the campaign to have a new School built was underway and this finally came to fruition in 1964,when the Foundation stone was laid and, with the Opening of the 'New' School in May 1965. It was with great pride that Mr. And Mrs. O'Flynn oversaw the transition from the Old School to the New.

Mr. Michael O'Donovan was Principal for a short time until Christmas 1969 when he died suddenly, R.I.P.

Mr. Con O'Leary became Principal in Jan. 1969, and was in charge until June 1988. He, with his staff of dedicated Teachers, oversaw the introduction of the 'New Curriculum' in 1970, and maintained a high standard of Education, continuing Shanbally National School's reputation as one of the best National Schools in Cork. Suddenly, with the advent of the Multinationals in Shanbally/Ringaskiddy area, the nature of the little rural community began to change. The rate of high employment among the Parents of the School was often in direct contrast to the rest of the Country. There was a danger at one time that the whole Community would be swallowed by IDA expansion. But the School thrived and was a strong focal point for the Community, and continues to be so today. Anne MarieBarry was appointed Assistant in 1977, her first Teaching Post, and is currently Deputy Principal. Ms. Patricia Kelly was appointed in 1981 and is still with us today.

Mr. Liam Shanahan was appointed Principal in 1988. Liam is a Past Pupil of Shanbally NS (Info) . There have been quite a few changes over the last 12 years, in many ways. In particular we had the appointment of a fourth Teacher in 1991, and a fine extension to the school was opened in 1993. That project saw an innovative partnership between the Dept. of Ed., Local Industries, Board of Management and Parents Assoc. in bringing it to fruition.

The Computer Age has arrived in Shanbally NS, with facilities second to none. The School has now implemented the New Revised Curriculum, which will guide our young children, with confidence, into the new Millennium!

Just take a look at the Subject areas for year 2000 and beyond - - - - -

(And think back to what they faced in 1900!!)

LANGUAGE: Gaeilge and English

MATHEMATICS: Computation, Concepts, Problem Solving, etc.

SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION

History, Geography and Science

ARTS EDUCATION: Visual Arts, Music and Drama

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

SOCIAL, PERSONAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION


	*Shanbally National School* Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
What would you like to see?	*A Brief History of Scoil Naisiúnta Seanbhaile* The earliest written records which survive in the School are of (a) Shanbally Girls' School in 1886, and (b) Shanbally Boys' School in 1890. In those days the Boys and Girls Schools operated separately, all the Boys being in one room and all the Girls in another. The condition of that School building was often commented upon by visiting Inspectors (On His Majesty's Service!!) as being "appalling". Indeed the children themselves were generally in a poor state of nourishment and dress due to the pertaining conditions in the locality. The most common Occupation listed for the Parents of the time was 'Labourer' and often this meant a meagre income. Then in 1893 a 'New' School was built near the Church, located where the present Car Park is situated. Mr. John Barry became Principal in 1898 and it rapidly improved, considering the Head Inspector's words of 1891 (Mr, Newell)-" Of course it was one of the worst in Ireland when Mr. Foy took charge!"- The Curriculum then was quite narrow, consisting of mainly the ' 3- R's', Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, with a great emphasis on Handwriting and 'Tables'. In 1932 Richard B. O'Flynn was appointed Principal, and his wife Kathleen became Assistant in 1933. Their arrival oversaw the development of school matters until the late '60's'. They brought a greater variety to the Curriculum, with Music, Sewing, Drawing, "Drill" in the Yard, Liturgical Festivals, Christmas Concerts in the Forresters' Hall, Cork Co. Schools Sports, our own School Sports, etc., all forming special memories for many of the Parents. It was also the age of the 'Primary Cert.' which, in retrospect, cruelly classified children as Failures before they had even started life in earnest, and totally ignored any Talents the child may have had. Bernie taught here for 34 years until 1966 and his wife Kathleen for 38 years until 1971 - A real 'Lifetime of service! In 1961 a third Teacher was appointed (Ms. Claire Breen) and so the two- roomed School could no longer accommodate all pupils. The local FCA Hall was converted to a Classroom, where the Middle Classes were taught by Mrs. O'Flynn. Meanwhile the campaign to have a new School built was underway and this finally came to fruition in 1964,when the Foundation stone was laid and, with the Opening of the 'New' School in May 1965. It was with great pride that Mr. And Mrs. O'Flynn oversaw the transition from the Old School to the New. *Mr. Michael O'Donovan was Principal for a short time until Christmas 1969 when he died suddenly, R.I.P.* Mr. Con O'Leary became Principal in Jan. 1969, and was in charge until June 1988. He, with his staff of dedicated Teachers, oversaw the introduction of the 'New Curriculum' in 1970, and maintained a high standard of Education, continuing Shanbally National School's reputation as one of the best National Schools in Cork. Suddenly, with the advent of the Multinationals in Shanbally/Ringaskiddy area, the nature of the little rural community began to change. The rate of high employment among the Parents of the School was often in direct contrast to the rest of the Country. There was a danger at one time that the whole Community would be swallowed by IDA expansion. But the School thrived and was a strong focal point for the Community, and continues to be so today. Anne MarieBarry was appointed Assistant in 1977, her first Teaching Post, and is currently Deputy Principal. Ms. Patricia Kelly was appointed in 1981 and is still with us today. Mr. Liam Shanahan was appointed Principal in 1988. Liam is a Past Pupil of Shanbally NS (Info) . There have been quite a few changes over the last 12 years, in many ways. In particular we had the appointment of a fourth Teacher in 1991, and a fine extension to the school was opened in 1993. That project saw an innovative partnership between the Dept. of Ed., Local Industries, Board of Management and Parents Assoc. in bringing it to fruition. The Computer Age has arrived in Shanbally NS, with facilities second to none. The School has now implemented the New Revised Curriculum, which will guide our young children, with confidence, into the new Millennium! *Just take a look at the Subject areas for year 2000 and beyond - - - - -* *(And think back to what they faced in 1900!!)* *LANGUAGE: Gaeilge and English* *MATHEMATICS: Computation, Concepts, Problem Solving, etc.* *SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION* *History, Geography and Science* *ARTS EDUCATION: Visual Arts, Music and Drama* *PHYSICAL EDUCATION* *SOCIAL, PERSONAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION* *RELIGIOUS EDUCATION*
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