101-year-old school with two pupils to close on Friday
Louise Walsh
A 101-year-old school that only had two students this year is to close on Friday.
St. Oliver's national school in Stonetown, Dundalk, Co Louth is set to close its doors after the one sixth class student graduates.
Barry Og O'Brien (11) will start post-primary school in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan in September while his younger sister Sheila (7) will enrol in second class in the nearby school in Louth Village.
Father of the two students, Barry, said he is saddened to see a school with such history in the parish close.
Originally from Lisdoo, Barry and his wife Majella moved to the parish 21 years ago and four of his seven children were educated at Stonetown.
"When we moved three of our children were already settled in school in Dundalk so we left them there but our youngest four all completed their education at Stonetown and were very happy there," he said.
"Hundreds of past pupils attended the 100th year anniversary celebrations last year and shared so many wonderful and cherished memories of their time here. Over the years, the numbers just dropped off until my two children were the last pupils in the school last September.
"We did approach all the politicians for help and Peter Fitzpatrick did try and help by organising a meeting with the then education Minister Norma Foley.
"We thought maybe we could get students bussed out from areas in Dundalk but unfortunately, the general elections were called and that was that. Peter retired from politics and the education ministry changed.
"None of my children ever missed a day at Stonetown School and they left every morning and came home every afternoon with smiles on their faces. They were very happy there.
"Barry Og and Sheila will miss the school but they are happy to go to a new school with more students and new friends. I know the school couldn't carry on without students but I know it was a hard decision to be made to close it and it is a very sad day for the area.
In a statement the Department of Education and Youth said: "The decision-making authority for a school closure is the patron of that school.
"Any proposal to close a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and local communities and follow decisions taken at local level.
"A proposed closure is then subject to the agreement of the Department of Education and Youth.
"The Patron of Stonetown National School, Dundalk, Co Louth (roll number 16431Q) requested the closure of the school at the end of the current school year and the Department has agreed to this request. Where a decision is made to close a school, all relevant teachers are redeployed in time for the new school year.
