Rath Eoghan National School
MULLINGAR, Westmeath
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 62 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 29 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17189R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School, Rathowen, is a co‑educational Catholic primary school situated in County Westmeath. The school’s ethos is founded on a caring and happy environment where children are encouraged to develop academically, socially and spiritually. Emphasis is placed on partnership with parents and the wider community, fostering a sense of worth and belonging in each pupil. The curriculum is balanced, integrating core subjects with Irish cultural elements such as music, language, sport, dancing and traditional customs, while also promoting respect for other faiths and religions. The school aims to nurture each child’s talents and prepare them for further education, offering opportunities to reach their full potential. Its motto, *Ag Fás is ag fóglaim le chéile* (“Growing and proclaiming together”), reflects a commitment to collective growth, charity, justice and tolerance. Facilities have expanded over the decades to accommodate growing enrolments, and the school provides resources such as a current school booklet and enrolment forms to support families.
History
St. Mary’s N.S., Rathowen was established in 1937 as a two‑teacher school under the leadership of Master McGarry, with separate entry doors for boys and girls. In 1968, declining parish numbers led to the amalgamation of Corry N.S. with Rathowen N.S. The following year a third classroom was added and Seamus McElwee became principal, marking the transition to a three‑teacher school in the mid‑1970s. Padraig Flynn took the helm in 1982; during his tenure the school’s roll fluctuated, at times reverting to a two‑teacher model. Sheila Lambden succeeded him in 2012, and David Morgan was appointed principal in 2019.
Applying to Rath Eoghan National 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 Rath Eoghan National 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 Rath Eoghan National School
How many pupils attend Rath Eoghan National School?
Rath Eoghan National School has 62 pupils enrolled, 29 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rath Eoghan National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Rath Eoghan National School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Rath Eoghan National School?
Rath Eoghan National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.