December. 1990

Source: Fas Teamwork Scheme 1991/2

Scheme Sponsor:  Athenry Project Society

Teamwork Leader:  Mrs. Marie  Fahy.

Photos: Newcastle National School Archive

Mr. Paddy Joyce, Newcastle, was born in Castlebar, Co.Mayo. After attending the local National School, he went to St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar. After this he was called to the De La Salle Teachers’ Training College, Waterford. He qualified as a teacher in 1933. In 1934, he was appointed principal of Dooniver N.S., in the parish of Achill – a small school with one assistant. He spent seven years there. In 1941 he was transferred to Tonragee N.S. in the same parish. He spent four years there during the Second World War years.

In 1944 he got married to Patricia and was appointed principal in Newcastle, N.S. in December 1945. He attended lectures in U.C.G. and was awarded a B.A. degree in 1951. The following year he was awarded the Ard Teastas Gaeilge of the Department of Education.

Newcastle Schools The first school in Newcastle was built about 1856; it was a two storey thatched building –girls upstairs, boys downstairs. Mrs. Heavey was the principal in the girls’ division. The name of her assistant is not known. Her husband, Mr. Heavey, was principal of the boys’ section. His assistant was Mr. Thomas Rohan, who lived where the O’Shea family now live. The Heaveys lived in the house opposite the church, where the Joyces are now living. The remains of the  old school can still be seen at the back of the church.  The new school was opened in 1906, almost exactly on the same site as the present modern building. Teachers and pupils were transferred there. Two separate schools, boys and girls, were under the one roof.

Mr. Heavey died soon after and Mr. Johnny Whelan was appointed principal. Mr. Rohan was made principal of the new school in Tiaquin in 1926. Mrs. Heavey was replaced by her daughter as principal of the girls’ school with Mrs. Whelan as assistant. Miss Heavey resigned and was replaced by Miss Monaghan and Miss Tully became her assistant. Both Whelans retired in 1943. The Whelans both retired in 1943. The two schools were then amalgamated and Mr. Deasy became principal. Mr. Joyce replaced Mr. Deasy in 1945.