Avoca National School - S. N. Phàdraig Naofa

Avoca 2009
By Mary Brennan

Since 1998 Avoca has continued to change with the times. School numbers have gradually increased once more, with 191 students currently on roll. Factors that influenced this increase included the expansion of city suburbs, whereby families seeking a village lifestyle combined with a commute to the city, opted to purchase the many new homes on offer close to the school. Also the phenomenon known as "The Celtic Tiger" caused a boom to the national economy which resulted in local employment and thus a cessation of emigration. This has resulted in a wonderful mix of the old and new in Avoca School.

Personnel in the school has also experienced gradual change over the past ten years. Lisa Corcoran was appointed to the staff in September 2003. Followed by Kathy Van Eesbeck in 2005 who replaced Frank Gallagher (author of above history). Ciara Byrne joined the staff in 2006 due to the retirement of Eddie O'Sullivan. In September 2007 Dianne Mc.Kenna and Aisling O'Leary were appointed as a result of Marina Clune's retirement and an increase in student numbers. In September 2008 student numbers had increased sufficiently for Mary Brennan to become an administrative principal and consequently Valerie Creaton was appointed to the staff.

Both retirements were significant in the history of the school. Eddie O'Sullivan was a passionate GAA man who infused a love of the national games in his pupils. Marina Clune had provided the "reception committee" for hundreds of infants in her years of service in Avoca. Therefore it was no surprise when past pupils, parents and members of the Avoca community thronged the church and community hall on both occasions to celebrate their retirements.

On a sadder note, a large crowd was also in attendance when May Byrne, a former member of staff, was laid to rest on the 14th of January 2004. May had served both the school and local communities with verve and style and her passing marked the end of an era.

The year 2009 marks the thirtieth birthday of the current school building (built in 1979). A glance at the records shows that the "old school" was twenty one years old (built in 1958) when the school community decamped to Kilmagig. Therefore, the "new school" is now, technically speaking, older than the "old school".

To keep abreast of the changes such as, the increases in pupil and teacher numbers and the appointment of additional staff to cater for students requiring learning support/ resource teaching, the Board of Management embarked on a building programme. This has included a new car park for parents and visitors, a new basketball court, the installation of lifts and ramps for wheelchair access and an extension to the present building in the form of two new classrooms and reception area. This ambitious project required substantial fundraising on the part of the school community as it was only part funded by the Department of Education and Science (DES). Thankfully, the response to the Finance Committee's initiatives was very positive and the school is once more renewed and well equipped to weather the storm of the impending recession.

Hopefully, the staffing schedules and pupil numbers will remain in tact so that the school body may enjoy the fruits of recent labours. It is also hoped that history will not repeat itself with forced emigration as previously experienced when the mines and other local industries closed in the past.

Historic gate in close proximity to Avoca School

Bluebells in Avoca

Avoca Handweavers