Castledermot National School Mxd
School Details
Location
About
Scoil Diarmada is a Catholic national school situated in the historic village of Castledermot, County Kildare. Operating under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin, the school delivers the Department of Education and Skills (DES) curriculum to children from Junior Infant through to Senior classes. The school’s ethos is encapsulated in its motto “Ár ndícheall í gconaí” – “Our best always” – which underpins a commitment to academic rigour, personal development and a supportive community atmosphere. The school occupies a modern, purpose‑built complex that was opened in January 2009, providing contemporary classrooms, specialist learning spaces and a well‑maintained playground. An on‑site sports ground, Pairc Uí Dunne, offers facilities for a range of activities including hurling, soccer, athletics, equestrian pursuits and basketball, reflecting the school’s strong emphasis on physical well‑being and teamwork. Comprehensive safeguarding and health policies are regularly updated, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all pupils. Scoil Diarmada places a strong focus on inclusive education, with specific enrolment provisions for children with additional support needs and a range of pastoral policies covering behaviour, medication, and child protection. The school day runs from 9.00 am to 1.40 pm for Junior and Senior Infants and until 2.40 pm for older children, with supervised yard time beginning at 8.45 am. These structures, together with a clear set of school policies, support a balanced approach to learning, play and personal growth.
History
Scoil Diarmada is located in the townland of Garterfarm on the Athy road in Castledermot, Co. Kildare and operates as a Catholic school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin. The original school building was erected in 1952 and refurbished in 1988. Previously, separate boys’ and girls’ schools – Scoil Mhuire na gCailíní and Scoil Mhuire na mBuachaillí – occupied the site; they amalgamated in September 1981 under the principalship of Ms Mary Lyng and the new institution was named Scoil Diarmada. A new school building commenced in January 2008 and opened on 7 January 2009. In June 2016 Mr Brendan Dunne resigned as principal and the school’s playing field was renamed Pairc Uí Dunne. Ms Jennifer Murphy was appointed principal in September 2016. The school day starts at 9.00 am for Junior and Senior Infants and at 2.40 pm for the remaining classes, with yard supervision from 8.45 am. The school motto is “Ár ndícheall í gconaí” (“Our best always”).