Ballycurrane National School
School Details
Location
About
Ballycurrane National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in Clashmore, Co. Waterford. It provides a family‑like atmosphere where boys and girls learn and play together in a caring, well‑ordered and safe environment. The school places a strong emphasis on equality of access and gender equity, recognising the dignity and uniqueness of every child and welcoming children of all religions and cultures. The ethos promotes holistic development across social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, moral, creative and cultural domains, aiming to instil a lifelong love of learning. High expectations are set for all pupils, encouraging independence, active participation in learning and a positive self‑image. Staff development is supported through continuous professional training, fostering a collaborative ethos among pupils, teachers, management and parents, who are acknowledged as the primary educators of their children. The school’s motto, “Ní neart go cur le chéile – There’s strength in unity,” reflects its commitment to community spirit and collective achievement.
History
The original Ballycurrane school began as a farmhouse owned by Maurice Coughlan, constructed in the early 1840s. The earliest recorded pupil in the boys’ register is Edmund Keating, enrolled on 7 June 1869, while the first girl, Ellen Power, entered the girls’ register on 3 July 1865. By 1909 the school accommodated fifty‑two pupils. Photographic records show the old school building, its pump, and the development of a new school building in the mid‑20th century, illustrating the school’s evolution from modest beginnings to its present facilities.