The Old School in Kilcash

Last Friday night, 17 October 2014, I attended the Community Hall, Kilcash, Co.Tipperary. This building was the old school in the village. It consisted of a girls' school on the west side; living quarters in the middle; and a boys' school on the East side. A new school was opened in 1958 and continues to provide for the educational needs of the children in the area.

The old school has been converted into one building and refurbished in a very attractive style. Great credit is due to the committee for providing this lovely community hall in Kilcash.

The building is 200 years old this year and to mark the occasion, the committee invited former pupils of the school to join them last Friday night.

Two distinguished guests gave talks. The renowned historian, Dr. Vincent Comerford, spoke about The National School system and it's predecessor, The Kildare Place Society. Dr. Comerford was born at South Lodge in Grangemockler parish and has many cousins in the area. Con Manning spoke and showed slides, tracing his family association with teaching in the area going back to the 18th century.

It was great to meet old class mates and neighbours that I seldom meet. Overall a pleasant occasion.