The National School

Prior to an established school in Loughanure (ex. purpose built school) there was probably a hedge school. English law dictated that education was forbidden to the native Irish. This was to try and keep the Irish less troublesome and ignorant of human rights.
The first proper school in Loughanure was built on the border between Loughanure and Meenderrynasloe in (1863 – 1929) on a site which was probably in the vicinity of this primitive hedge school.
The first principal was John McBride. The Sharkey brothers, Michael, James and Frank all taught there before Patrick McCullough (a native of Tyrone and grandfather of Paddy Campbell, auctioneer.), was appointed with Biddy Mhuirish Neddie as assistant.
Hugh McGinley (Hughie Mhici Frank) succeeded Patrick McCullough and Hugh’s brothers Michael, James and Frank all taught there at various times.
Also teaching there was Bridget Sharkey, (Bridget Seán John O’Donnell who married Hughie Owen Andy Sharkey of Keadue, (an uncle of Danny Sharkey, himself a teacher of renown and famous of Highland Radio)
Another teacher was Miss Bradley who married Charlie Thimlin McBride of Meenderrynasloe (mother of Dr. Timmy Patrick McBride). Other teachers to work there were Miss Brown and Miss Calhoun.
The ‘Maistir’s are a well known family in Loughanure who derive their name from one Paddy Boyle who taught in the old school. His father was also Paddy Boyle a native of Kincaslagh and his son Charlie taught in a Gweedore school.
The school originally had a thatch roof but in later years with the coming of the railway, there was a fear that the thatch could catch fire due to the close proximity of the track. The Railway Company financed the slating of the roof.
The structure no longer exists but the foundations are still clearly visible. (between the Annagry Road Gate House and Loch Chonaill)

The existing National School was built in 1929.
The first Principal was An Maistir Mór, Paddy O’Donnell and his wife (Miss Harte) who came to teach in Loughanure prior to her marriage as an assistant teacher, (she was a native of Bellek Co Fermanagh ) and Lizzy O’Donnell, a native of Kincaslagh.
An Maistir Mór was tragically killed travelling from Dungloe on 27th January 1940, at the Red Quarries, outside Dungloe, leaving an expectant wife and young daughter Máire, R.I.P. Shortly after his death Anna (Mrs McRoarty) was born.
Joe Sharkey of Annagry came as a sub to replace Paddy McBride and taught there from January to June 1940. In September 1940 Paddy Johnny Sheáin O’Donnell came on permanent appointment. John Sweeney, a nephew of Paddy Johnny Sheáin, did temporary work also.
John O Donnell (Eoin Phádraig) a native of Burtonport replaced Lizzy O ‘Donnell, who was appointed to Belcruit. Later Paddy Johnny Sheáin O’Donnell was appointed to Mulladuff National School and John (Eoin Phádraig) O’Donnell was appointed Principal in Loughanure with Mrs McBride(Miss Harte) as assistant. When Miss Harte left in the early fifties there were several temporary teachers including Molly Sharkey from Kincaslagh before Miss Sarah Ferry, a native of Killult Gortahork was appointed. She remained there until her retirement in 1989.
John O Donnell was succeeded by Seán Henry O Gallchóir as headmaster.
He was succeeded by Cathriona Ni Dhomhnaill a native of Rann na Feirste who is now a schools inspector and who was replaced by Micheal O Fearraigh a native of Gortahork. In 2003 he transferred to the teaching staff of Dungloe National School and was succeeded by the present headmistress, Mairead Nic Suibhne, a native of Gweedore.
The much increased numbers of children at the school, necessated the appointment of two other teachers. There are also remedial teachers and an assistant teacher Mary McGarvey employed.
Due to the ongoing dispute with the Department of Education regarding the state of the school, classes have been moved to the ‘Tech’ until repairs are carried out to the existing structure and extra new classrooms are erected.

See the school website at:
www.loughanurens.com

by John Sweeney
© 10/09/07