LEARN ABOUT & WITH US
Established in 1950
Today Scoil Naomh Mhuire is a bright, spacious building which accommodates up to 50 pupils. There are currently two mainstream teachers, a shared SET and a part-time secretary. Scoil Naomh Mhuire is a happy, progressive school which is proud of its long history in education and seeks to continue this tradition into the future.
Our History: In the 1870s, two schools existed in Castlegal. Castlegal Girls School had an enrolment of 132 in 1870 and an average attendance of 46. In 1902, the Girls school was replaced by a new school built on land donated by the late Lord Ashley of Classiebawn Castle. [He had replaced Lord Palmerston] It had one teacher and between 40 and 60 pupils. In 1931, pupils and staff changed places with Castlegal Boys School which was nearby [Magee’s Shop] and it became a two-teacher school.
In 1950, the Boys and Girls amalgamated onto the site where Scoil Naomh Mhuire is now situated. A second classroom was added on and the school became known as Scoil Naomh Mhuire. A number of improvements have been carried out over the years. Initially, a staff room/learning support was added to the school building. A set down area for cars and new parking facilities were developed in 2013/2014. In 2015, a major extension was undertaken. A spacious new classroom, an office and a medical room were added. The two older classrooms were opened into one bigger classroom.
Testimonial for Castlegal National School
As a mother of three boys, I can truly say that Castlegal National School holds a very special place in our hearts. All three of my sons have attended this beautiful school, and the experiences they’ve had there have shaped them in the most positive ways.
My two eldest sons are now in secondary school, but they still speak often and fondly of their time in Castlegal — the warmth, the fun, the sense of belonging. My eldest son, William, is autistic, and I will forever be grateful for the care, understanding, and support he received from the teachers and entire staff. He made incredible progress during his time there, and more importantly, he was happy. Truly happy. That kind of nurturing environment is rare and precious.
William is now thriving in Coláiste Cholmcille in Ballyshannon, but Castlegal remains a place he remembers with love and joy.
My youngest son is still attending Castlegal, and it brings me so much peace knowing he is in a school where he is seen, supported, and inspired. One of the school’s greatest gifts is its connection to nature — the children have direct access to the nearby forest, where they not only play but also learn about trees, the land, and the rhythms of nature.
I am deeply thankful that my children have had the opportunity to learn and grow in such a supportive, heart-centered, and nature-connected environment. Castlegal National School is truly a treasure, guided by an amazing team of dedicated teachers who pour their heart into each child’s journey.
With all my gratitude,
Adrianna NeferuPtah Vais 
Mission
Scoil Naomh Mhuire is a co-educational Catholic primary school which strives to provide a well-ordered, caring, happy and safe environment for its pupils.
Vision
Each child through positive learning experiences will be stimulated to achieve their full potential, face life confidently, find fulfilment and be respectful in an ever-changing world.
Educators
-
Róisín O'Grady (Principal)
Third to Sixth Class -
Olive Kenny (Deputy Principal)
Junior Infants to Second Class - Mary O'Grady (Special Education Teacher)
Our Board of Management:
Responsible for the overall management of the school on behalf of the Patron. The BoM of primary schools are appointed for a 4 year term.
Constitution of the BoM:
- Two direct nominees of the Patron
- Two parent nominees, a mother and a father, elected from parents of children attending the school
- A teacher nominee, elected by the teachers in the school
- The School Principal
- Two community representatives
Current Members:
- Member 1
- Member 2
- Member 3
- Member 4
- Member 5
- Member 6
- Member 7
- Member 8