Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa
Castleisland, Kerry
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 179 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 61250R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Patrick’s Secondary School (Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa) is a co‑educational secondary school situated in Castleisland, County Kerry. The school’s ethos centres on providing a holistic education that nurtures academic, personal, sporting and social development. It promotes close collaboration between the school, families and the local community, and aims to create an interactive learning environment with small class sizes and a strong focus on student‑centred teaching. Modern technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, ensuring pupils have access to up‑to‑date resources and digital tools. The campus boasts a range of state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including a fully equipped science laboratory, an engineering workshop, a woodwork area, a technical graphics studio and a dedicated home economics suite. Additional provisions comprise a well‑resourced computer lab, broadband connectivity, and extensive sports facilities that support a thriving programme in basketball, rugby and football. These resources underpin the school’s commitment to developing each learner’s talents and preparing them for future professional pathways while fostering a safe, supportive and vibrant school culture.
History
St Patrick’s Boys Secondary School opened in the Carnegie Library, Castleisland, in September 1939 under the leadership of Sean Prendiville. It remained in the library until 1945, when Timothy Kerrisk assumed responsibility, and continued there until 1962 before relocating to the former boys’ national school on College Road, its present site. Kerrisk served as principal until 1986, succeeded by Dan O’ Connor who led the school until 2012. From 2012 to 2024 Denis O’Donovan held the position of principal and manager. In 2024 Tim Long, a former pupil, was appointed principal, continuing the long tradition of education at St Patrick’s Secondary School.
Applying to Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa. 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa
How many pupils attend Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa?
Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa has 179 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa a DEIS school?
No. Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa 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 Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa?
Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.