Coldwood National School

Source: Athenry Journal No. 11 (1998)

Author: Tomás Ó Cobhthaigh – Príomhoide

Coldwood has a long association with National School education-124 yeas to date. The school has been the focal point of the community and many generations of people have their own childrens’ memories of ‘School Through the Fields’. Mention of the title of Alice Taylor’s book brings a beautiful poem to mind. It sums up the happiness and simplicity of a child’s life, something we adults would do well to retain in our lives.

Free to be children

Give to our children 

Time to be children,

To savour the wonder

That is theirs.

To blossom in the world

Of their simplicity

Not darkened

By the shadows

That are ours.

Let them bask 

In the warmth 

Of their sunshine,

Cleanse in the

Softness of their tears,

Be kissed by the 

Beauties of nature, 

Let them be free 

In the kingdom 

That is theirs.

Their beauty

Is the purity

Of heaven,

Not tainted

By the ugliness 

Of man

Oh, let’s not destroy

Their simplicity

We never can improve

On what they have.

People attending the old school in Coldwood probably could more easily identify with school life as portrayed by Alice Taylor than the younger generation could.

The first Coldwood school was built in 1874 and was located on a site adjacent to the present building on the Craughwell side.

The following is an extract from the educational archives describing the school at the time.

1874 Coldwood National School

County of Galway

Barony of Dunkellin

Parish of Athenry

Townland of Coldwood

Nearest Post Office Athenry North/East

A slated house

One school room which is 36 feet long 16 feet abroad and 9 feet high

The furniture is in good condition consisting of six forums, a writing desk, a book press and teachers desk.

The teacher is Thomas Mullen aged 18 years.

School hours are from 10 to 3.

The average daily attendance is 34.

Religious instruction from 3 to 3.10.

No special arrangements for admission of visitors.

Manager is the very Rev. John O’Grady P.P.

Exact date of establishment 25/5/74.

There are 15 dwellings of families within a half mile circuit of the school.

The school was erected from private funds.

Built from stone and it has a slated roof.

School used for school purposes only.

No clock in school.

Register kept in school of pupils daily attendance.

Inscription National School put up on wall of school house.

35 students enrolled: 19 males 11 females.

District inspector A. Hamilton.

List of managers from 1874 to 1901

District inspector A. Hamilton.

List of managers from 1874 to 1901

No. 1 Rev. John O’Grady

No. 2 Canon John O’Brien

No. 3 Rev. E. Thomas

No. 4 Rev. B McAndrew

No. 5 Rev. J Leanton

Teachers from 1874 to 1901

Thomas Mullen appointed 6/1874, left 5/5/1876

Ellen Walsh appointed 31/12/1879

29/5/1876, resigned

Juila Larkin appointed 9/1/1880, left 31/12/1884

Helena Powell appointed 1884 provisionally

Mary Monaghan appointed 7/4/1885, left 4/10/1889

Michael Lohan Principal from 8/1/1890

The building was abandoned in 1936 when a new two-roomed structure was built. This was constantly improved and renovated over the years by the parents of the area, and despite its insufficient size was a comfortable setting for both teachers and pupils.

1985 Three-Teacher School

1985 was a very important year because, for the first time, the school became a Three – Teacher school. The third teacher was accommodated in a new pre – fab which cost £11,000 at the time.

1992 New Building

One always wondered at the futility of erecting temporary accommodation at such expense when a solid, more permanent structure could be built on for less. Recognising this fact, the Board of Management immediately started negotiations with the Department of Education with a view to having two new rooms plus ancillary accommodation added to the existing building. Their perseverance, patience and generosity were rewarded in the year 1992 when, on October 22nd, An Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, cut the tape to officially open what is practically a new building. There was great excitement in the school yard when the Taoiseach’s helicopter hovered overhead as close on three hundred people watched it land on the school pitch.

Past pupils gathered from far and near to celebrate a wonderful day for the school. The Taoiseach, in addressing the gathering at the rear of the school, said he was very impressed with the building and praised the architects for the skilful way they had married the new with the old. He enjoyed meeting the people and had a cup of tea with the staff in the new staff room before continuing to his next engagement in Galway. The school was blessed by Monsignor Mooney, R.I.P. retired Parish Priest of Athenry. He was most instrumental in building four new schools in the parish while in charge. Mass was celebrated by Fr. J.J. Cribbin, Chairman of the Board of Management, assisted by Fr. King P.P, and Msgr. Mooney. Refreshments followed ; ably prepared and presented by the Parents Association. To complete the day a celebratory dance was held in the Green Briar where young and old had a super night. It was a great day for all, particularly the pupils and staff. The school because of it’s location serves the educational needs of children from three parishes, Athenry, Craughwell and Clarenbridge and so has a special affinity with all three.

Coldwood is an expanding area and much development has taken place recently with the consequent result that numbers on rolls have reached a new high and the Board of Management is now negotiating the addition of a further teacher to the staff. The past has been progressive and exciting and I’m sure the furture will be no different. The quite resolve and positive attitude of the parents and people of the area towards their school and education will ensure that all our goals will be realised.

The goal of a teacher is very aptly summed up in this simple little poem (author unknown).

MY GOAL

I want to teach young people 

how to live this life on earth,

To face its struggle and its strife, 

and to improve their worth;

Not just the lesson in a book 

or where the rivers flow,

But how to choose the proper path, wherever they may go;

To understand eternal Truth, 

and know right from wrong,

To gather all the beauty 

of a flower and a song.

For if I help the world to grow 

in wisdom and in grace,

Then I shall feel that I have won, 

and I have filled my place.

And so, I ask your guidance God, 

that I may do my part,

To build character and confidence 

and happiness of heart.

Tomás Ó Cobhthaigh – Príomhoide