Rockmount National School was built in 1864 for one hundred and fifty children at a cost of £416 including a grant of £277. It replaced Ballinoe National School and a hedge school in Carrowkeel (Ballyvaskin).The hedge school in Ballinoe was run by Mr. Thomas Nash and catered for two boys and five girls. Children from the locality also attended the Carrowkeel (Ballyvaskin) hedge school which was run by Mr. Timothy Connor and catered for twenty eight boys and seven girls.
Rockmount National School first opened its doors in 1865 with Mr Ned Kennelly, Principal of the Boys School and Mrs. Curtin Principal of the Girls School. The two schools amalgamated on January 1st 1936 under Mr. John Kennelly, Principal.
Originally the room on the eastern side was the Boys School with a partition allowing two teachers to work. Similarly, the Girls School had two teachers with a total pupil population of up to 150.
It was built from local stone taken from nearby quarries. One feature in each hallway was a stone trough which was used as a “foot bath” for the bare footed children of the time.
Rockmount National School stands over 600 feet (200m. approx) above sea-level with a beautiful view of the broad Atlantic, the Shannon, Cliffs of Moher, the Magillacuddy Reeks and the Twelve Pins in Connemara on a clear day.
Over the past twenty years the school has been extended and completely refurbished and a playing pitch developed adjacent to the school.
During the summer of 2019 we built an extension which consisted of a large indoor hall. We are delighted with the final result as we now have a modern and wonderful facility for us to use every day!
Rockmount 150
2015 marked a very important milestone in the life of Rockmount N.S. The 150th anniversary was celebrated on Saturday May 30th 2015 when anyone who had an association with the school down through the years was invited to this special celebration. A Mass of Thanksgiving was concelebrated by Fr. Sean Murphy P.P. Canon Seamus Mullin and Fr. Des Hillery, Diocesan Administrator. After Mass, former principal, Mary Laffan launched our commemorative book 'Rockmount 150' which traced the story of Rockmount N.S. from 1865-2015. Francie Kennelly, our oldest past pupil, unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the special anniversary. Following refreshments, past pupils had an opportunity to view old roll books, registers and memorabilia, to renew friendships and to recall their school days in Rockmount N.S.
President's Visit
The pupils, staff, parents and Board of Management were delighted when President Michael D.Higgins and his wife Sabina accepted their invitation to visit to commemorate the 150th anniversary and to celebrate the school's continuity as a place of education in its original building since 1865. On Friday March 20th 2015 the President was shown a display of the history of the school and viewed and signed the book that the children compiled with Sara Foust as part of the Artist in the School Scheme. The pupils and past pupils provided musical entertainment. President Higgins was presented with a copy of our recently published book 'Stepping Stones' and Mrs. Higgins received a basket of flowers. Later there was an opportunity for the President to mingle with all those gathered and photographs were taken to capture the memorable occasion.
