Holycross National School Firoda.
CASTLECOMER, Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 72 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 40 girls, 32 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18643S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Holycross National School, Firoda, is a vibrant rural primary school serving the north Kilkenny community. The school prides itself on a lively, inclusive ethos and has recently achieved both an Active Flag (2023) and an Amber Flag (2024), reflecting its commitment to health, safety and environmental standards. A broad curriculum is delivered within a modern learning environment that balances traditional teaching with contemporary resources, including a state‑of‑the‑art multimedia computer laboratory. The campus benefits from extensive facilities: a purpose‑built sports hall, expanded playing fields, dedicated play areas and a ball‑court, as well as a series of recent classroom extensions that provide spacious, well‑equipped learning spaces linked by an open central area. Continuous investment in infrastructure – such as new windows, doors, plumbing and electrics – ensures a comfortable and safe setting for pupils to explore, create and develop confidence in preparation for lifelong learning.
History
Holy Cross Mixed National School, commonly known as Firoda N.S., was erected in 1962 in the townland of Skehana, near the Laois border between Castlecomer and Ballinakill, replacing the original school situated in the neighbouring townland of Firoda. The name “Firoda” derives from the historic Barony of Uí Duach, the early nucleus of Ossory. In 1989 a major redevelopment added a sports hall, expanded playing fields, new play areas, a ball‑court, and upgraded windows, doors, plumbing and electrics, made possible by strong parental and community support, notably the land donation from Alice and Mick Kennedy. Subsequent enhancements include a multimedia computer laboratory, a 2005 overhaul that introduced two new classrooms and an open linking area, and a further classroom added in 2012/13 to accommodate additional staff, with official openings attended by Minister Mary Hanafin and local benefactors.
Applying to Holycross National School Firoda.
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 Holycross National School Firoda.. 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 Holycross National School Firoda.
How many pupils attend Holycross National School Firoda.?
Holycross National School Firoda. has 72 pupils enrolled, 40 girls and 32 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Holycross National School Firoda. a DEIS school?
No. Holycross National School Firoda. 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 Holycross National School Firoda.?
Holycross National School Firoda. has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.