Scoil Náisiunta Gleann Fleisce 

    To fully appreciate the school history of any area such as Glenflesk, it is necessary to observe it as of the wider content involving the country as a whole.

    Briefly, then, we will bring to the mind the main points concerning the growth and spread of education of Ireland.

    1. Before the coming of Christianity, literacy and was un heard of in Ireland
    2. From the coming of St. Patrick, early in the 5th century to the Norse invasion, late in the 8th century, Ireland went through a period known as “The Golden Age”. It was during this era that Ireland became known as “The Island of Saints And Scholars”. Continental students came to the country to learn the classics from the learned Irish monks who conducted some classes such in their famous monasteries. 

    “Lay-schools” also flourished around this time. There were schools other than monasteries staffed by lay-men. Poetry, Law and Medicine made of by law-school’s curriculum.    

    1. During the Norse Invasions, monasteries were laid waste and many Monks were scattered into hiding. Education took a downhill turn and only existed  mainly in the “lay-schools”

    However, during the reign of Brian Boru, monasteries were restored and thus education flourished once more.

    1. The coming of the Normans marked the beginnings of the Dark Ages of Ireland’s history. Henry VIII supressed the monasteries. The Irish were forbidden to speak their language and generally, education of any kind was out of the question for the Irish peasant. The conqueror’s desire was to determine that the Vanquished be born in ignorance and raised in stupidity. With the realisation of this ideal the spirit of nationalism would never exist. 
    2.  The Battle of Kinsale saw the end of the remaining Irish Chieftans. The Chiefs who were Patrons of the “lay-schools” were now no more. Thus the era of the lay schools came to a close. Ireland was now totally deprived of educational facilities. 
    3. The Penal Laws initiated in the 17th Century became the epitome of Ireland’s persecutation. Catholics were not allowed to teach or to have schools.

    It was during this period that the ’hedge-school” was born. These schools existed secretly in barns, stables and in the shelter of hedges. Many subjects including Greek, Latin and Maths were taught. Diligent pupils frequently from there to the Irish colleges in Europe to study for the priesthood or as lay students in Universities. Were it not for the brave “hedge-schools’” teachers Ireland would have been a country of bog trotters and parlour maids. 

    1. As a result of the pressure brought about by the learned section of the Catholic community the British Government passed the 1773 Relief Act thereby allowing Catholics to have “pay schools”. The children paid a few pence a week for their education. The teachers in order to maintain themselves had to work part time by the local farmers thus earning themselves the title ‘spailpini’. 

    Given these conditions educational progress was very unsatisfactory. Nano Nagle who founded the Presentation Order and Edmund Rice founder of the Irish Christian Brothers did great work to alleviate the problem. These Orders with the more dedicated teachers provided for a great number of educationally deprived Irish Catholic Peasants. 

    The National Schools Act of 1831 permitted National Schools to be built in every parish of the country. This was part of the emancipations promised to Catholics under the Act of Unions. Education was free but all subjects were taught through English – Irish History and Language were excluded. Children were punished for speaking Irish. 

    Ireland had to wait for Independence to gain the educational freedom she enjoys today. At last her national schools, second level and third level educational centres are among the finest in the world and are such that any Irish man can be proud of. 

    School History of Glenflesk Area:

    A “pay school” existed in Rusheenbeg where Pat Favier’s house is now built. According to the School Ledgers of the Department of Education a man by the name of Florence Scannell taught there around 1829. His wife, Anne Scannell, was assistant. In 1834 (it became a National School after the 1831 Act ) the total on Roll was 144 pupils and in 1843 the total fell to 108.

    Scannel’s successor was Connie from Gortacoosh, who was a granduncle to Joe Favier. He taught there for some time until eventually he was transferred in promotion to a school in promotion to a school in Boherbue. His place was filled by Johnny Favier from Adfert. Again this man was related to Joe Favier – This time grandfather. His wife Julia was assist. Mrs. Julia was formerly Nee Cronin from Coracow. 

    Johnny Favier taught in Rusheenbeg until 1866 and in that year became first Principal of the present school in Curraglass. The Rusheenbeg school closed of course when the present school opened. Favier continued to teach in the present school until 1892. Pat Brown then took over and taught as principal for six months after which time he returnd to Firies. Brown was father of Fr. Pat Brown CC who was curate in Glenflesk during the 1930’s. Pat O Sullivan, a native of Boherbue, came instead of Brown on the first of July 1892. Maggie O Sullivan, his wife, was assistant. Maggie O Sulliva, formerly nee O Donoghue was reared in Cumacullen, Clonkeen near Jimmy Courtney’s  residence. Her brother was known as Mikie Johnny. Osullivan retired on the 30th of September 1927. He was succeeded by Denis Spillane on 1st October, 1927. Mrs Maggie O’ Sullivan retired on the 30th of September 1934 and on the 1st October 1934 Mrs. H. Walshe became the next assistant. Denis Spillane retired on the 30th June 1973 and was succeeded by John O Donoghue on the 27th of August 1973. Mrs. Walsh retired on the 30th of June 1975 and Mrs. Tina Cronin took up her post on July 1st 1975. In 1983 due to growing numbers a third teacher was appointed –John O Donoghue’s wife Deirdre. In June 1996 Mrs. Tina Cronin retired. On August 31st 2011 John O Donoghue retired and was replaced by Paul Favier (Great great grandson of John De Fabviere). In 2018 Mr. O’ Donoghue’s wife Deirdre retired and was replaced by Ms. Fiona Brick. At present the school is served by teachers Paul Favier, Fiona Brick, Lorraine Landers , SNA’s Joanne MacGillicuddy and Marguerite O’ Donoghue, Our secretary Claire O’ Connor and our caretaker Eileen Courtney.