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National System of Education was set up in 1831. By 1833 the Parish Priest
of Kilmichael; Fr. James O'Driscoll;had set up the parish's first national
school at Toames. In 1838 he applied for funds towards the building of a
school at Dromleigh. He had the support of various local landlords both
Catholic and Church of Ireland but not of the local Protestant rector whom
he said did not support the new National system of Education. Funds were
granted and the school opened for business on Monday 13th June 1840. Cal
O'Callaghan; described as a young man of abilities ( twenty one years old)
was the first teacher. The average attendance on the first week was forty
seven boys and twenty seven girls. |
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