Schools

This school came into existence in May 1987 following an amalgamation of the Presentation Secondary School and the Vocational School. It offers Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and Transition Year. It holds a Green Flag for litter and waste. Castlecomer Community School also offers courses within its College of Further Education scheme. Courses include FETAC Level 5 in Childcare, with special needs and FETAC Level 5 in Business with Computers.

The history of the Boys’ National School goes back to the year 1841, when the transepts of the Holy Cross Church – built 1790 – were used as a location to introduce the Roman Catholic parish school to Castlecomer. In 1852, the Holy Cross was redesignated a primary school, courtesy of parish priest, Fr. Aylward and it’s reconstruction followed. The school remained open until 1941 – one hundred years at the original site. The present railings at the Maryville side south bounded the school and provide a link with the past, as the school was demolished in 1943.

Holy Cross Mixed N.S. known as Firoda N.S. was built in 1962 in the town-land of Skehana (Gaeilge – a bushy place – sceach), which is situated close to the Laois border between Castlecomer and Ballinakill. The school is known as Firoda School as it replaced the original school, which was in the town-land of Firoda even though just two fields away from the present building. The name ‘Firoda’ or ‘Pheroda’ (Fíor ‘Ó Duach or Fioghar” Duach) comes from- “The Barony of Uí Duach” which was the original nucleus of Ossory and eventually diminished to become the civil parish of Castlecomer.

Wandesforde National School is a three teacher school. Rebuilt in 2007, it offers wonderful facilities and resources in a traditional stone building with plenty of grounds for parking and playing. Located in Castlecomer in North Kilkenny, it is within a short walk of Castlecomer Discovery Park which provides fabulous opportunities for lots of nature walks and science lessons. Class sizes are small generally being 6-10 children per class. As a school community, we endeavour to help each child reach his or her potential, all are equally valued and respected and a positive, friendly atmosphere is maintained.

On 29th June 1829 , the Presentation Sisters first came to the Parish of Castlecomer. It was the year of Catholic Emancipation. Catholics were now free to practice their religion and their children could attend schools. Three Sisters from the Presentation Convent Kilkenny, volunteered for the foundation-Mother Lewis Aylward, Mother Angela Feehan and Sr. Catherine Aylward (aunt of Mother Lewis). In 1959, an application was made to the Department of Education for a new Primary School. After a year or two, permission was granted. The site was vegetable garden, purchased by the nuns in 1936.