St Peter’s National School, Dromiskin

Context

Creator(s): St Peter’s National School, Dromiskin

• Administrative History ↴

  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