School History

History of Local Schools in Killyon to 1916:

In the early 19th century, education in Killyon and the surrounding areas was quite different from today. A thatched chapel in Killyon once served as a nighttime school until it was destroyed in the famous “Big Wind” of 1839 when a rush light accidentally set the thatch ablaze—fortunately, all the students escaped unharmed. Before formal schools were established, children attended hedge schools, such as the one at Blackshade, Hill-of-Down, Co. Meath, run by Master Flanagan. Here, students learned Irish, Latin, and other subjects before the school transitioned into the first National School in the district. Flanagan’s son later became Headmaster of Dublin’s Central Model School and even published an arithmetic book.

In 1853, Killyon Old School was built by parishioners using stones from Clogherinkoe Quarry, ten miles away, replacing the Blackshade hedge school. The first teacher was Master Buck, followed by several others, including Miss Dunne and Miss Masterson. The school operated until 1916, when a new school was constructed. Notably, Irish was never taught here, and families paid teachers based on their means.

Other hedge schools existed in the area, including one in Newtown (now G. Gilsenan’s home), where Mr. Masterson taught in a barn, and another at Killyon crossroads run by Master Hanly. Additional hedge schools were located in Inan, taught by Mr. Moloney, and in Kilmer, where a Protestant master, Mr. Daly, instructed students. These early schools, though humble, laid the foundation for education in the community. Today, their legacy remains, though some sites, like Master Flanagan’s grave in Killyon’s old cemetery, have sadly fallen into neglect. (https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008937/4968066/5108348)

Killyon National School: More than a Century of Education (1916- present):

Killyon National School opened on May 1st, 1916, replacing an older mud-walled school building located to the northwest. Mrs. Bridget Fehily (née Crookes), a newly qualified teacher from Portnob, Kildalkey, Co. Meath, was appointed Principal in 1912 while the school was still in its original structure. When the new two-roomed school was built in 1916, she continued as Principal, serving in that role until her retirement in 1957.

As pupil numbers grew, a third classroom was added in 1930 on the northern side of the building. Further improvements came in 1965 with the construction of a toilet block at the rear and the installation of oil-fired central heating—a welcome upgrade that remained in use until 1975. That year, the school expanded significantly with additional classrooms, a general-purpose room, a staff room, and an office. Another extension in 2016 introduced two more large bright classrooms.

Since its founding, Killyon National School has had only three Principals. After Mrs. Fehily’s retirement in 1957, Mr. William Fennessy, originally from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, took over until his passing in 1996 (R.I.P.). Mrs. Jane Burke, a native of Kinnegad, then led the school for 27 years before retiring in August 2023. The current Principal, Mr. Nigel Boardman, began his tenure in January 2024, continuing the school’s long tradition of dedicated leadership.

Over its 107-year history, Killyon National School has evolved from a small two-room building into a thriving educational hub, shaped by the commitment of its teachers and the support of the community.