Our Lady Of Good Counsel Boys National School
School Details
Location
About
Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys National School is a Catholic primary school situated in Johnstown, County Kilkenny, welcoming children of all denominations. The school’s ethos centres on a child‑focused, inclusive and caring environment where each pupil is encouraged to reach their full potential. A broad, high‑standard curriculum is delivered with an emphasis on respect, self‑confidence and the development of both academic and personal skills, supported by the whole school community—including parents, staff and the wider parish. The campus benefits from a modern building completed in 2006, which added five new classrooms, upgraded mechanical and electrical services, double‑glazed windows, improved insulation and an expanded school hall. These facilities accommodate a three‑stream, 24‑classroom layout and provide dedicated spaces for special education, sustainability projects and extracurricular activities such as school tours and sports. The school actively promotes environmental stewardship through its Green Schools programme and integrates sustainability into everyday learning, fostering responsible citizens who can contribute locally and globally.
History
In the late 1960s, eleven acres of farmland were purchased to build a church and primary school for the new parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Johnstown/Killiney. The school opened its doors in September 1967 with prefabricated classrooms and Mrs Nell Wallace as the inaugural principal and teacher. By 1968, Bernard O’Looney became principal of the boys’ school, operating three classrooms on a four‑acre site. A 16‑classroom unit opened in 1978, expanding the school to a three‑stream, 24‑classroom institution, though the original prefabs remained in use. The Board of Management later phased out the third stream. Bernard O’Looney retired in 1995, succeeded by Neil Cadogan, who retired in 2021; the current principal is Mrs Michelle Cotterell. A major extension in 2005 added five new classrooms and extensive upgrades, completed in September 2006 at a cost of €3.5 million, resulting in the present school building.