Obrennean National School
School Details
Location
About
O'Brennan National School (Scoil Bhreanainn) is a co‑educational primary school situated in the parish of Ballymacelligott, just off the N21 between Tralee and Castleisland. The school embraces a Catholic ethos while welcoming pupils of all faiths and none, fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, equality and diversity. Its educational philosophy is child‑centred, aiming to develop intellectual, physical, creative, social, emotional, spiritual and moral capacities through a balanced curriculum that follows the 1999 Primary School Curriculum and incorporates Irish language, music, sport and cultural traditions. The modern campus, opened in June 2012, provides eight spacious classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and computer stations, three dedicated learning‑support rooms, a well‑stocked library, a fully equipped computer suite, an art room, a sensory room and a large PE hall with an adjoining kitchen. Outdoor facilities include a playground, a soft‑play area and a basketball court. A broad range of extra‑curricular activities—such as basketball, football, tag rugby, hurling, drama, music lessons, choir and Irish dancing—complement the academic programme and promote pupil well‑being and community involvement.
History
O'Brennan National School first opened on 16 November 1868 in Tonreigh, Kielduff, with separate boys’ and girls’ sections taught by Mr James O’Shea and Ms Julia Clifford. After the original building became unsuitable, a new three‑classroom school was erected at Ballynahinch in 1949. The school expanded over the decades, amalgamating the small schools at Renagown and Maugha in 1969 and adding prefabricated classrooms in 1982, 2000 and 2005 to accommodate growing enrolments. A campaign for a purpose‑built facility began in 1998; following a GRD design approval in 2007 and successful fundraising, construction commenced after a 2011 contract. The school operated from temporary premises at Ballybeggan Racecourse in 2011, and the new state‑of‑the‑art building was completed in June 2012, offering eight classrooms, support rooms, a library, computer room, PE hall and sports courts. Leadership changes included principals Seamus O’Connor (from 1955), Elma Murphy (1994), Mike Sweeney (2008), Barry O’Leary (2017) and Michelle O’Brien (2020).