A huge thanks to Mrs. Anne Halpenny, former teacher at NewtownN.S., for her great work in researching the history of our school for us!
Schools in the Parish of Lobinstown through the years
(Dr. Plunket’s Visitation Book Records 1788-1879)
1788: 1 school in operation in the parish.
1799: 3 schools in operation in the parish.
1824: 5 Catholic schools in existence:
1) One school was held in the chapel at Heronstown. The headmaster was John Gaughran, father of Bishop Gaughran (bishop of Meath). He taught 60 pupils, 50 Catholics and 10 Protestants.
2) A school at Rathbran was held in a mud house, thatched and had 35 pupils.
3) A school at Creevagh (probably Newtown Creevagh), was held in a house of lime and stone. It was built at the expense of the Catholic parishioners. It was attended by 2 Protestants and 64 Catholic children.
4) At Syddan, school was conducted in “a stable, badly thatched”. It had 1 Protestant pupil and 29 Catholic pupils.
5) A school in Mitchelstown was attended by 1 Protestant and 29 Catholics. (Mitchelstown was then part of Lobinstown Parish, but is now a part of Castletown Parish).
1835: There were schools at Newtown, Greenhills, Mooretown (the ruins of which still stand), Lobinstown Chapel, Heronstown and Killary.
Prior to Dr. Plunket’s Visitation Book Records, there were Hedge Schools. Travelling teachers held schools in fields and under hedges. There, children were taught basic skills of Literacy and Numeracy.
1842: Newtown National School ( which was situated across the road from where the present school stands).
In 1841, Father Guinty, C.C. wrote to the National Board of Education, making application to have the school at Newtown, “built many years ago”, recognised as a National School. Hence, the school came into being in 1842, as the plaque on the wall across the road still shows. There is now a Preservation Order on the Old School building across the road from where our school now stands.
1900-1929:
The school at Newtown was just a two-roomed school with a famous Palm Tree at the front. It had just a small grassy plot for playing. The boys played football in Meade’s field, close by.
1929:
The school was remodelled by Fr. Shaw. An extra classroom was added which made the building L-shaped. The famous Palm Tree disappeared! School was held just down the road in Newtown Church during the renovation.
1970:
Through the efforts of concerned parents, water was laid on and indoor toilets were installed.
1971:
Fr. Carty, P.P., prior to his sudden death, purchased the site for the new school across the road in Balfe’s field.
1975:
Newtown National School, as we see it today, was opened. It was built by Eugene McDaniel of Mosstown, Dunleer. After a special Mass in Newtown Church (now closed), Fr. Moran blessed the new school building.
2007:
A fourth classroom was added to the building to accommodate the increased enrolment numbers.
2022: A new extension was built, comprising of a new purpose-built autism classroom, sensory room, learning support room, office and sensory garden.
Records of Enrolments:
Year:
Number of children on roll:
1940: 79
1955: 75
1959: 87
1979: 81
1988: 95
1995: 50
2012: 97
Staff Through the Years
Teachers of Newtown N.S.:
1900-1929: Mrs. Shiels
???-???: Ms. Mary Jane Cassidy
???-???: Miss Gammons
1926-1970: Mrs. Cole
1920’s: Miss McCurtain
1930’s: Miss French
1929: Master Cunningham
1940: Master Conroy
1944-1974: Master Murphy
1959-2004: Mrs. Anne Halpenny
1970-1972: Miss Elaine Hanrahan
1972-1995: Mrs. Finola Reilly
1974-2009: Mr. Pat O’Grady (Principal)
1996-Present: Ms. Róisín Malone (Deputy Principal)
2004-Present: Ms. Elaine McKenna (now Mrs. Allen)
2005-2006: Ms. Claire Doherty
2006-2022: Ms. Nuala Judge
2006-2023: Mrs. Bridie O’Sullivan (Teacher from 2006-2009, Principal from 2009-2023)
2009-Present: Ms. Niamh McKeon (now Mrs. McComish)
2019-2020: Ms. Jenny Greene
2020-2022: Ms. Méabh O'Reilly and Ms. Méabh Ní Ghribín
2022-Present: Ms. Sinéad Pritchard and Ms. Sarah Grace
2023-Present: Mr. Declan Crosby (Principal)
Learning Support Teachers:
1978-1985: Mrs. Kathleen McArdle
1985-1988: Mrs. Joan Tully
1990-2005: Mrs. Alice Carolan
2006-Present: Ms. Nuala Judge
2017-Present: Mr. Declan Keane (part-time)
Special Needs Assistants:
2006- Present: Geraldine Clinton
2020: Joanna Keenan and Ann-Marie Murphy
2022: Annmarie Clarke
2024: Olive Halpenny, Melinda Fannin & Edel Deane
Secretary:
2012:-Present: Betty Halpin
Famous Past Pupils:
· Paddy Meegan- Poet and author of “From the Life Around Me”. Paddy was also a great footballer, winning All Ireland medals for playing football with Meath.
· Bill Halpenny- Bill was married to Anne, who was a teacher in Newtown. He too won All Ireland football medals with Meath.
· Tommy Farrelly- won All Ireland Football Medals with Meath.
· Linda Clare-author of “At the Edge of the Pale”.
·Tom Ludlow: author of “The Bacon Box”.