St Mary's Boys National School
School Details
Location
About
St Mary’s Boys’ National School is an all‑boys primary school serving the Ferrybank community on the north bank of the River Suir, straddling the counties of Waterford and Kilkenny. The school provides education from Junior Infants through to 6th Class and operates under a Catholic ethos while welcoming children of all faiths and none. Teaching is delivered by a team of eight class teachers supported by five Special Education Teachers, fostering an inclusive environment that values tolerance and respect for religious differences. The school benefits from a purpose‑built campus that was extended in 1975 to include additional classrooms, a staff room and a modern oil‑fired central heating system. The original 1959 building sits opposite the former 1897 school, now the Parish Community Centre, linking the school to the wider community. Strong links with local GAA and soccer clubs encourage participation in sport, and the school’s curriculum reflects the industrial, maritime and cultural heritage of the Ferrybank area. A Board of Management, backed by an active Parents’ Association, oversees school development and ensures a supportive, forward‑looking learning environment.
History
The present school premises opened in the spring of 1959, the same day that the neighbouring Our Lady of Good Counsel girls’ school was blessed by Bishop Daniel Collier. Situated on the north bank of the River Suir, the school has long been a focal point of the historic Ferrybank community, which spans both Waterford and Kilkenny. An earlier school building dating from 1897 stood nearby; after the 1959 move, that structure was refurbished and now serves as the Parish Community Centre. In 1975 the school was extended, adding three classrooms, a purpose room, a staff room and a central heating system to accommodate growing pupil numbers. Over the decades the school has maintained close ties with local GAA and soccer clubs and has celebrated the achievements of its past pupils in sport, academia and the arts. Leadership has passed through several principals, with the current principal overseeing a modern, inclusive educational setting.