Moneenroe National School
School Details
Location
About
Moneenroe National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in the Glen, Moneenroe, County Kilkenny. The school’s ethos centres on fostering a vibrant learning community where faith, responsibility and respect are woven into everyday teaching. A strong emphasis is placed on nurturing both the academic and personal development of pupils, encouraging curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. The school offers a broad, balanced programme that extends beyond the classroom. Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra‑curricular activities including sports (hurling, Gaelic football, rugby, cricket, soccer, athletics and handball), dance, gymnastics, swimming, music workshops, choir, ukulele and drumming sessions, as well as science experiments and Green Schools projects. Facilities such as a school garden, access to the Carlow Swimming Pool, and dedicated spaces for arts and sports support this holistic approach. Regular events like the annual Sports Day and participation in regional competitions further enrich the pupil experience. With a modest staff team and a commitment to inclusive, welcoming education, Moneenroe National School strives to provide a safe, supportive environment where every child can achieve their full potential.
History
Permission to build a new school was granted on 22 August 1911 and the Gazebo building was completed in 1913‑14. Senior pupils moved into the premises on 21 April 1914, but the school closed briefly from 14 May to 30 June 1914 due to a scarlet fever epidemic, after which a shortened summer vacation was advised. Initially, separate boys’ and girls’ schools operated in the same building with distinct entrances and staff. In the early 1940s the two schools amalgamated into mixed classes. Renovations in 1985 modernised the building with new windows, concrete floors, carpets and staff‑room alterations. During the 1990s, a major fundraising effort led by the Parents’ Committee and the parish priest resulted in an extension to the school.