Our History
The Old School in Barnane (1846-1958)
In 1846 two national schools were founded in Barnane under the National Board System. Both National Schools were located in the one building. The patron and manager of the schools was a local Protestant landlord by the name of John ‘Woodcock’ Carden. The schoolhouse was situated on Carden’s estate and was the centre building in a row of five houses (which Carden had built for his workers). It was a non-domination school and records show that no religious figures, from any Church, were authorised to come in to give religious instruction.
The daily report book also tell us that the school was a non-vested school. Records show that John Woodcock Carden built the schoool without any monetary help from the national board. In a letter to the board dated 10/05/1946, John Carden stated that he had ”a good slated house with an Elizabethan front”. He also stated that he had a schoolmaster’s house attached to the building. The dimensions of the building were 36 by 20 by 20 feet. It was a two- storey stone building and it contains two large school- rooms, one which was the boys and one which was the girls room. It was furnished with ” seven benches and forums” and could accomodate 72 children. It was whitewashed on the inside and contained a library, small storerooms, hallways and a stairs.
The school building also contained a master’s desk, a hundred books which were supplied by the national board. The school also possessed a map of Ireland, map of the world and a clock. The building itself had a value of 8 pounds and 10 pence and was exempt from rates.
The New School in Barnane (1958-present)
Barnane National School was built in 1958 by Bertie Keane. To date four Principal teachers have worked in the school. Mrs. Mary White was principal of Barnane old School (1951-1959) and principal of Barnane New School (1959-1988), Mr. Martin Ryan was principal of Barnane N.S. 1988-2004, Mrs. Clare Hanley principal from 2004-2020. The current principal is Ms. Therese Glendon (2020-present).
The New School in Barnane was built in 1958.Pictured above on the Opening day are Mrs Heinz(Assistant teacher) Canon O’ Connor (Chairperson) and Mrs Mary White (Principal).
