HISTORY

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The first 15 pupils took their places in class in Coláiste Muire on the 14th of September 1942. The staff consisted of Sr. Francis Keating who was principal, Sr Ursula Flannery and Miss Rose Gonley. In 1943 18 pupils were enrolled and the school was transferred from the Convent Community Room to "Beechmount", a house close to the convent grounds. In September 1944 17 first years enrolled. Pupils came from the town and parish of Ballymote and also from Bunanadden, Doocastle, Keash, Culfadda, Lavagh, Castlebaldwin, Ballinafad, Cloonloo, Riverstown, Ballinacarrow and Coolaney. There were no school buses at that time so many of the pupils cycled to school. Others stayed with relatives who lived in the Ballymote area or else lived in lodgings in the town from Monday to Friday.

In September 1955 the school became co-educational. It was the first co-educational school in Connacht. At this time the Mercy Order, out of its own resources, built a new school of 5 large classrooms plus kitchen and cloakrooms which was offically opened on the 12th September 1957. There were still only 5 teachers in the school. The Old School

 

In 1967 the free education system was introduced and also the free school bus service. This resulted in a fairly dramatic increase in enrolments in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Prefabs were added to accommodate the increase in numbers. In 1979 eight new classrooms were added. There were now over 300 pupils in the school and a staff of 20 teachers. The final addition to the school took place in 1991 with the construction of a full sized gymnasium and an additional wing.

The latest addition to the school is new woodwork room which is under construction at the moment. It is due to be completed later this year.


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