Limerick school to celebrate 150 years of education with commemorative book

BALLYGUILTENANE National School in Glin, west Limerick, is celebrating its 150th birthday in style this June with the publication of a commemorative book and a weekend of events.
An appeal is being made to past pupils, teachers, and all who were a part of the school’s story to get involved by submitting stories, memories, and photographs, and attending the festivities on June 13 and 14.
Built in 1876, Ballyguiltenane NS is among the oldest operating schools in Ireland and has played a vital role in the community for generations.
“I, along with all of my siblings and my own children, went to Ballyguiltenane. My father and his parents went here. My mother was even the principal of Ballyguiltenane at one point. There’s so much history here for my family, and so many others,” says past pupil, Maire Reidy.

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Beyond its work in educating young people, this tight-knit country school is a hub for the community, even hosting Sunday Mass for a number of years, and is a place where lifelong friendships begin.
Former student Emma Licciardello says, “It’s only looking back that I realise how lucky I was growing up in a small school where everyone knew each other, and teachers really had time for each and every student. Some of my best friends to this day are those I met in Ballyguiltenane.”
Over the decades, the school has gone through many changes. However, traces of its history remain, including the outline of the fireplaces once used to heat the school, which can still be seen in the classrooms.
Today the school consists of three large classrooms and a separate resource room. On the grounds, there is a large yard for playing that wraps around the school, a basketball court, and a shelter for indoor play.
“I often laugh when telling people about my primary school experience - having to go around the back of the school to use the outhouse bathrooms, and this was in the 2000’s. It was gas, I wouldn’t change it for a second!” says past student, Niamh Kilkenny.
Ballyguiltenane National School’s 150th birthday offers current and past students and teachers the opportunity to reflect on their time here and the wider significance of the school.
“It’s remarkable to be teaching in a school that has been around as long as Ballyguiltenane. Our goal is to create a lasting keepsake of the past 150 years in the book we are publishing and to gather everyone together for a weekend of reminiscing”, says current principal, Catherine Dalton.
The book launch and events will take place on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14 and will have activities for all ages.
More details on this to be announced.
For further information or to share your memories, photographs, or stories, please contact: ballyguiltenanens150th @gmail.com or office@ballyguiltenanens.ie.