Glanduff National School
School Details
Location
About
Glanduff National School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school serving the parish of Knockcroghery, situated midway between Athlone and Roscommon in County Roscommon. The school welcomes children from Junior Infants through to 6th class and currently educates 141 pupils. A balanced team of seven mainstream teachers, three special‑education teachers and three special‑needs assistants provides a supportive learning environment that promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development. The school places a strong emphasis on partnership with parents and the wider community, fostering a caring, secure and challenging atmosphere where every child can reach their full potential. Facilities include well‑maintained classrooms, dedicated spaces for special‑education support, and extensive outdoor areas that underpin the school’s “green” ethos. Extra‑curricular activities such as energy workshops, local history outings and participation in county‑wide competitions enrich the curriculum and encourage holistic growth.
History
Education in the Knockcroghery area dates back to the penal era when Catholic schooling was severely restricted. After the repeal of the Penal Laws in 1782, modest free schools emerged, but attendance remained low. In the 1840s St John’s Church was erected on the present site, later serving as a thatched schoolhouse. A purpose‑built school was constructed in 1910 and demolished in 1961, when the current building was erected. The school’s first principal in the new building was James Kelly, a former hedge‑school master. Successive leadership included Margaret Kelly, Agatha Feeley, Hugh Feeley, Teresa Killian (who continued after the 1971 amalgamation with Lloyd NS), Mary Geraghty, Fiona Murray Ridley and, most recently, Frank Noone (appointed 2023). A major extension opened in February 2017, expanding capacity and modernising facilities.