Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire
Carrigallen, Leitrim
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 35 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 23 girls, 12 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19600F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School, Drumlea is a co‑educational Roman Catholic primary school under the patronage of the Bishop of the Diocese of Kilmore. The school serves a roll of 36 pupils and provides a balanced programme that nurtures spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social development. A dedicated team of mainstream teachers, a special‑education teacher and Special Needs Assistants ensures that children of varying abilities receive appropriate support in a safe and secure environment. Recent enhancements to the premises include new flooring, fresh interior paint, modern furniture in the senior room and, for the first time, a purpose‑built sensory space designed to help pupils regulate sensory input and optimise learning. The school’s rich tradition of sport, music and science is evident in its active participation in events such as European Schools Sports Day, regional science fairs and music workshops, fostering a vibrant community spirit and encouraging pupils to explore a wide range of interests.
History
The parish’s educational roots trace back to Penal‑time hedge schools along the old road to Keeldrin. In the early 19th century, teachers such as James Holahan and Daniel Gilheaney ran small mixed‑faith classes in private homes. Subsequent schools included Gortahose (opened 1896), Dohern (operating 1868–1943) and Drumdiffer (1889–1968). Kilmore National School was established in 1916. In 1982, Kilmore and Gortahose closed and pupils and staff moved to a newly constructed building, the present St Mary’s NS, Drumlea, initially staffed by three teachers and accommodating 93 pupils. The school transitioned to a two‑teacher model in 1996 and has seen several principal appointments, most recently in 2019 when Mr Kieran Conefrey became principal, continuing the tradition of community‑focused education.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire
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 Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire. 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire has 35 pupils enrolled, 23 girls and 12 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Mhuire has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.