Naíscoil: The History
History of the Naíscoil
Twenty years ago, in 1989, a group of Irish language enthusiasts from the New Lodge area, who were attending classes in Craobh Naomh Pádraig, got together and set up a local Irish language nursery, Naíscoil an Lóiste Úir.
Among the founders were Michael Corr, Martin Campbell, John Fleming, Michael Crawford along with Fergus Derby and Seoirse Ó Duifigh. The Naíscoil was originally based in the Recy on North Queen Street.
The earliest teachers were Áine Allen, along with Marguerite and Denise Doyle.
Among the earliest pupils in 1989 – 1990 were Michelle and Claire Corr, Anna Connolly, Aaron McGovern, Conall McKinney, Maeve McCann, Caitlín McCormick, Nicola Goodall, Claire Graham, Aisling Levey and Patrick McKenna.
The pictures show some of the children at the St Patricks Day Parade in 1990 and on an outing to the Waterworks in the same year, accompanied by Áine Allen, Denise Doyle and Mary Connolly, a parent of one of the children.
The Naíscoil continued in the Recy for two or three years before moving to the Ashton Centre, where it remained until 1998. During this period the teachers included Éilis McCafferty and Colette McCann.
In 1998 the Naíscoil moved to its present location, in the 174 Trust, Duncairn Avenue.
The teachers included Christine Ó Neill, Mairéad Connolly, Conor Stiobhard and Coordinator Mary Connolly.
During the years 1989 - 1998 there was no local Bunscoil in the New Lodge area,. This meant that most children passing through Naíscoil an Lóiste Úir moved on to English language primary schools, although some parents sent their children to Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin on the Cliftonville Road.
However, in 1999, Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain opened its doors in the same location, enabling local children to progress from Naíscoil to Bunscoil in their own area for the first time.
Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain is now based in Lancaster Street and celebrates it's tenth anniversary this year.
In July 2009 Naíscoil an Lóiste Úir changed it's name to Naíscoil Mhic Reachtain.
Here’s to the next twenty years!
The Committee of Naíscoil Mhic Reachtain would like to offer their sincere thanks to all those who have offered their support to the Naíscoil over the last twenty years, from the founders, teachers, past committee members and most importantly, the parents and children who have contributed their support, time and determination to make Irish medium education successful in the Greater New Lodge area.
We would also like to thank Seosamh O'Connghaile for writing this article on the history of the Naíscoil.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh!