Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy National School
Rathreagh, Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 62 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 26 girls, 36 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17222M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Mhichil Naofa is a rural mixed primary school situated just outside the village of Galmoy in north County Kilkenny. The school provides education for children from junior infants through to sixth class within a Catholic ethos, aiming to nurture the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral, social and cultural development of each pupil. A structured, caring and secure environment is central to the school’s approach, with an emphasis on a happy learning atmosphere and a spirit of co‑operation among staff and learners. The curriculum is underpinned by Christian values that are woven into both religious and secular instruction, preparing children for life in the wider community. Facilities support a broad range of activities, including dedicated class pages, learning‑support provision, ICT and digital learning resources, and participation in programmes such as the Green Schools initiative and the Active School Flag. Ongoing school‑improvement efforts, regular events and a vibrant school blog keep families informed and engaged with school life.
History
Scoil Mhichil Naofa was officially opened in 1939 and has been a cornerstone of the Galmoy community ever since. Steeped in local history, the school has evolved while maintaining its Catholic ethos and commitment to providing a nurturing, rural primary education.
Applying to Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy 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 Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy 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 Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy National School
How many pupils attend Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy National School?
Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy National School has 62 pupils enrolled, 26 girls and 36 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy National School a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy National School 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 Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy National School?
Scoil Mhichil Naofa / Galmoy National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.