SCOIL AINE NAOFA
School Details
Location
About
St Anne’s Primary School is a Roman Catholic primary school situated in the town of Rathkeale, Co Limerick. It offers a holistic education that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, creative and physical development of each pupil, with a strong emphasis on mutual respect, punctuality and community values. The school’s ethos promotes the formation of right attitudes and values, encouraging pupils to become confident, caring individuals who contribute positively to society. The campus comprises 11 spacious classrooms, seven smaller resource rooms, a dedicated computer room, a parents’ room and a fine sports hall. Recent upgrades include a full re‑roof, insulation, rewiring and the addition of astroturf on two school yards in 2016. Refurbished infant rooms feature new furniture, flooring and storage, supporting a modern, comfortable learning environment. A wide range of extra‑curricular programmes—such as the Green Schools initiative, Junior Entrepreneur programme, Young Scientist competition and various sports and well‑being activities—complement the academic curriculum and foster a vibrant, inclusive school community.
History
The present school building was erected in 1959, replacing an earlier structure. The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Rathkeale in 1850 and were instrumental in providing education in the parish. The first principal was Sr Peter. In the late 1960s through the 1980s Sr Patricia Galvin served as principal, followed by Sr Lilian O’Kelly (1987‑1998). The school then transitioned to lay leadership, with Mrs Breda Enright appointed in 1998, succeeded by Mrs Marie Hilliard in 2001, and currently led by Mrs Mairead O’Donnell.