Bishop Murphy Memorial School
Fermoy, Cork
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 112 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16683U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Bishop Murphy Memorial School is a boys’ primary school situated in the heart of Fermoy, County Cork, catering for pupils from Second to Sixth Class. The school provides a caring, happy and secure learning environment where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of each child are nurtured. Its Catholic ethos is complemented by a respectful approach to other religions and a commitment to embracing the multicultural nature of contemporary Irish society. The curriculum is delivered within a “learning organisation” framework that encourages competence, equality and responsible social and economic development. Emphasis is placed on fostering lifelong learners through a blend of academic rigour, moral formation and extracurricular activities such as science weeks, reading programmes and community projects. The historic school building, originally completed in 1905, houses modern classroom facilities and spaces for sport, arts and digital learning, supporting the school’s aim to empower pupils to reach their full potential academically, morally and spiritually.
History
The Christian Brothers arrived in Fermoy in 1863 at the invitation of Bishop William Keane, adapting the existing National School (now the Parish Centre) for their use. A new school building was erected, with the foundation stone laid on 28 August 1904 by Bishop Robert Browne, and the school opened in 1905. Significant milestones include the Golden Jubilee in 1913, the centenary celebrations in 1963 attended by the Minister for Education, and the withdrawal of the Brothers between 1976 and 1980, ending 118 years of their presence. The school remains fondly known as “The Brothers”.
Applying to Bishop Murphy Memorial School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Bishop Murphy Memorial School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Bishop Murphy Memorial School
How many pupils attend Bishop Murphy Memorial School?
Bishop Murphy Memorial School has 112 pupils enrolled. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Bishop Murphy Memorial School a DEIS school?
No. Bishop Murphy Memorial School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Bishop Murphy Memorial School?
Bishop Murphy Memorial School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.