St. Peter's N.S.

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History Project video created in 2010 by Ms. Farrell's 4th and 5th Class

History of Education in Dromiskin

History Project by Ms. Farrell's class 2009/10~Click Here

Apart from the monastic schools which must have flourished here during the early Christian Period, we find little reference to formal education in Dromiskin until 1692, when records inform us of the existence of an English and Latin schoolmaster named Samuel Rankin. The few Catholic children who received an education subsequent to the passing of the Penal Laws would have resorted to the hedge schools, whereas the low Protestant members would hardly justify the establishment of school in the area. In 1825 we are told of a schoolmaster who ''may be perfectly qualified but it is impossible for him to do justice to the children in the hovel provided for Educational purposes. Pity the Rector does not use a site of approx. 1 acre which is convenient and available for a new school". In 1837 such a schoolhouse was built by funds collected by Mrs. Mc Clintock (she later became Lady Rathdonnell), Dromiskin House, (Mc Mahon’s live there now)

Provision for the Education of Catholic children became available when the National Education Act came into force in 1831, and what we call the OLD OLD School was built under the jurisdiction of the National Board of Education. For many years until the OLD School was built in 1926 this establishment provided an excellent education to 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.

The Old Old School Today

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, later to become 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 R.C. Church.

Other teachers who served in this school were, Mr Crawley (a Corkman), Mr. Callan (who resided in the teachers' residence), Mr. Joe Armstrong later Principal of Blackrock N.S. and who married Mr. Morgan’s sister, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Mc Ardle and James Morgan, who attended the school as a pupil and monitor before taking up duty as an assistant teacher.

What is now referred to as the OLD school, was built in 1926 under the managership of Canon Johnson P.P. and served the Educational needs of this end of the parish for approx. 50 years. One of the first schools built by the Saorstát Eireann government following independence, it became the envy of many who had, over the preceding years suffered the indignity of a system of Education starved of financial support. At a time when dry-toilets were the norm, the introduction of flush toilets and wash hand basins was really revolutionary. So many parishioners at the time could not avail of, what we now regard as, basic hygienic facilities in their own homes for many years afterwards.

Principals of Dromiskin N.S.

Tom Mc Ardle

First Principal of the Old School

Jim Morgan Senior

Jim Morgan Junior

Principal 1957 - 1987

Gertie Mc Gee

Principal 1987 - 2004

Patrick Mulligan

Principal 2004 - present

Cost of Building Dromiskin N.S.

Dromiskin National School Co. Louth

Statement of Final Cost – 1976 (Figures in Irish Pounds)

Amount of building Final Account	101,262.28
Nameplate	226.60
Blinds	1,064.30
Gym. Equipment	387.00
Furniture	4,693.45
Architect' fees	7,307.58
Quantity Surveyors' fees	3,706.59
Consulting Engineer's fees £ 8% of £11,393.98 911.52
Expenses 222.27
1,133.79
V.A.T. @ 10% 113.38	1,247.17

119,894.97

Less local contribution @ 1/8^th

14,986.87

Grant Payable

104, 908.10

Already Paid

103,564.34

Now Payable

1,343.76

MORGAN PERPETUAL TROPHY

The Morgan Perpetual Trophy was presented to St. Peter’s National School by Mr. Jim Morgan

when he retired as Principal in 1987.

It is awarded to the 6^th Class pupil who shows most care, compassion, respect and courtesy to

fellow pupils and teachers.

Each year the 6^th class await with great anticipation the announcement of the winner. The

winner is decided by the teachers in consultation with the pupils.

Winners to date are:

1988	Linda Hamill	1997	Aideen Smyth	2006	Laura Bray Mc Knight
1989	Patricia Neary	1998	Mary Galligan	2007	Christopher Morgan
1990	Valerie Hamill	1999	Fionnuala Mc Geough	2008	Lisa Neary
1991	Olivia Bannon	2000	Jonathan Mc Gailey	2009	Shane Mc Quillan
1992	Liam Reilly	2001	Liam Mernagh	2010	Liam Fussey
1993	Shirli Muldoon	2002	Colm Rogan
1994	Tomas Reilly	2003	Yvonne Lennon
1995	Eamonn Mc Keown	2004	Kim Mc Quillan
1996	Ciaran Murtagh	2005	David Dolan

Mr. Morgan began his teaching career on 22^nd October 1947 in Sheelagh N.S. He was, in 1948, invited to teach in Dromiskin by the formidable Canon Johnson and taught in St. Peter’s until his retirement in 1987. He was made Principal in 1958, succeeding his father Mr. Jim Morgan Senior.

	Mr. Jim Morgan
2005	2006
2007	2008
2009	2010

Mr. Morgan’s Retirement

~Pat Hamilton

30. 10.1987

At 11.40 am in the gym of St Peter's School, Dromiskin, the excitement began. It was the day of Mr Morgan's retirement and there was a silent atmosphere surrounding the school grounds. Classes, from the chattering Junior Infants to the serious sixth, were gathered together. Only one class was not present and that was Mr. Morgan's (third). Mrs. Warren and Mrs. Morgan were doing their best to get everybody singing.

Then there was a silence as third class walked in, followed by the surprised Mr. Morgan who was greeted by a loud applause. He was lead to the top of the gym, followed by the singing of “Congratulations”. Meanwhile Mrs. Sharkey, Mrs. Mc Gee and Mrs. Mc Kiernan went around keeping order.

This was followed by a poem which was written by Mr. Hamilton. The first verse was said by all the boys from fifth class, and the second by all the girls from fifth class. The third verse was said by Niamh Warren and fourth by Christina Neary and the fifth by Linda Hamill who were all from sixth class. The last verse of this true poem about Mr. Morgan was said by fifth and sixth classes

After this Michael Kinahan said a poem of which the title was "Halloween Magic'. He was from Sixth class and dressed as Dracula which pleased the young children very much.

A humorous play followed this and was performed by Mark Fagan, Shane Bannon and Kenneth Farrelly all from sixth class. It's title was "Back in the classroom" a play enjoyed by everybody as if the actors were professional.

Aaron Carolan read aloud a poem which he composed himself about the teachers of the school but mostly about Mr. Morgan. After this they sang congratulations, while a large box was wheeled in and in it was Miss Piggy (Miss Mc Kenna). She jumped from the box and sat on Mr. Morgan’s knee. She talked to the audience as Miss Piggy and went on to tell a story which was about Mr. Morgan who was a beautiful prince. Then she was wheeled off and afterwards returned.

Jim Woods from sixth made a speech on behalf of the pupils of the school which Mr. Morgan greatly appreciated. Then followed a speech by Mr. Morgan, which was encouraging. and then he thanked everybody

Then three cheers were given and Mr. Morgan handed around sweets while everyone congratulated him.

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