The records in this collection are concerned with the running of St Peter’s National School, Dromiskin, known in Irish as Scoil Naomh Peadar, Droimineasclainn. The following is from Dromiskin NS:
Provision for the education of Catholic children became available when the National Education Act came into force in 1831 and what is locally called the ‘old old school’ was built under the jurisdiction of the National Board of Education. It was built from funds collected by Mrs McClintock (who later became Lady Rathdonnell), Dromiskin House in 1837. For many years until the ‘old school’ was built in 1926 this establishment provided an excellent education for the large school-going population during and prior to the Famine years and subsequently during periods of unrest covering the Land War Years and War of Independence. In the year 1844 Patrick Quinn, the Principal, was awarded Lord Morpeth's Premium (awarded only in cases of special excellence). A farm known locally as the ‘Model Farm’ (presently inhabited by Mr. Tom Dooley) was provided and young aspiring farmers were instructed in `Crop Rotation' under the supervision of Mr Quinn.
Many excellent scholars were produced who distinguished themselves in various walks of life at home and abroad. Amongst the most noteworthy past pupils were Doctor Conroy, who later became Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise; and Chief Kindlon, who, after a colourful career as a mariner of repute, became head of the New York fire service and played a prominent part in fund-raising for the construction of St Peter's Roman Catholic Church.
Archival History ↴
The material in this collection was created through the running of the school. The collection was held in the school until November 2008, when it was deposited in Louth County Archives Service.
Immediate Source Acquisition ↴
Permanent Loan
Content & Structure
Scope & Content: St Peter’s National School, Dromiskin ↴
The collection consists essentially of roll books (SCH7/RB1/ and SCH7/RB2/), daily report books dating from the 1890s (SCH7/REP1/ and SCH7/REP2/) and register books dating from the 1860s (SCH7/REG1/ and SCH7/REG2/). It contains two observation books dating from 1892 – 1943 (SCH7/OBS1/) and a smaller organiser’s observation book (SCH7/OBS2/) dating from 1909 – 1948. Entries for only one page have been completed in the punishment book dating to 1908-09 (SCH7/PUN1). There is a considerable quantity of extracts from general reports of the inspector’s visit to the school dating from 1900 – 1940s (SCH7/OBS3/ and SCH7/OBS4/). A number of circulars (SCH7/1/1-22) issued by the National Education Office and later the Department of Education; memorandums of agreement of employment (SCH7/2/1-7); and items regarding the Savings Certificate Scheme (SCH7/6/) are to be found in the collection. Much of the material in the collection relating to individuals (roll books, registers, observation books, extracts from general reports and possibly other documents) is subject to restricted access until the date of the last substantive entry in the item in question is 100 years old. This is to protect the privacy of individuals. Researchers may view entries relating to themselves upon proof of identity.
Appraisal Destruction ↴
Retained permanently
Accruals ↴
Further accruals may be expected.
Arrangement ↴
The collection has been arranged into series reflecting either the form of the record (eg roll books) or the activities to which they relate (eg administration or Savings Certificates Scheme). Within the series, items are arranged chronologically.
Conditions of Access & Use
Access Conditions
Access is by appointment, and subject to restricted access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
Copying is subject to copyright and physical condition.
Creation Dates
1862–2007, predominantly 1900–1948
Extent Medium
63 bound volumes, 7 folders
Material Language Script
English, Irish
Characteristics Tech Req
Paper. Fair - good condition. Careful handling required.
Finding Aids
Descriptive list can be found on on-line catalogue and Archive Collections webpage both available at http://www.louthcoco.ie
Archive Web Link →
Allied Materials
Originals Information
Louth County Archives Service
Copies Information
Some digitised documents may occasionally be found on http://www.louthcoco.ie
Related Material
IE LHA: MIC003/ Microfilm copies (negatives and positives) of school roll-books, register books and report books for St Peter's National School, Dromiskin.
Descriptive Control Area
Archivist Note
Lorraine McCann
Rules/Conventions
ISAD(G): General International Standard Archival Description. 2nd ed. Ottawa: International Council on Archives, 2000.
