Scoil Cholmcille
Ballina, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 231 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 108 girls, 123 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15555G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Breaffy National School is a rural primary school situated approximately four kilometres north‑west of Ballina, County Mayo, serving the Breaffy community and surrounding townlands. The school provides a welcoming, child‑centred environment where the national curriculum is delivered through a balanced programme of literacy, numeracy and creative subjects. Emphasis is placed on fostering curiosity, critical thinking and social development, with a strong commitment to inclusive education and the wellbeing of every pupil. The campus benefits from a range of modern facilities, including central heating – the first rural Irish school to install such a system – upgraded toilets, water supply, sheltered outdoor areas and a well‑maintained playground. A vibrant extracurricular programme complements classroom learning, offering activities such as science weeks, cross‑country running, handball, swimming, talent shows and quiz competitions. These events encourage teamwork, confidence and community spirit, reflecting the school’s dedication to holistic development.
History
Breaffy National School opened in 1902, replacing the earlier Mullauns School (built 1853) that served the area from the townland of Mullauns. The new building was realised after persistent efforts by Rev. Fr. Conway and later Rev. James Naughton, who secured a site to serve the whole Breaffy locality. The first principal was Michael Hegarty, succeeded in 1906 by Peadar O’Kane, and later by Sean Duffy in 1945. Over the decades the school expanded its staff and facilities in response to rising pupil numbers, with notable extensions in 1929 and extensive repairs in 1962 that introduced central heating, water, new toilets and outdoor shelters. The school continued to evolve through the late 20th century, maintaining its role as a focal point for education and community life in Breaffy.
Applying to Scoil Cholmcille
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 Cholmcille. 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 Cholmcille
How many pupils attend Scoil Cholmcille?
Scoil Cholmcille has 231 pupils enrolled, 108 girls and 123 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Cholmcille a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Cholmcille 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 Scoil Cholmcille?
Scoil Cholmcille has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.