Star
of the Sea’s roots go way back to when there were several private
schools in the 19th century, but there was no provision for the children
of the less well heeled! Ringsend, Irishtown and Sandymount had what were known as Free Schools which were founded by a Parish Sunday Collection, with each child paying a penny a week.
In 1844 in Ringsend a school for 240 children was built, which children also attended from Irishtown and Sandymount since there was no parish school in Sandymount.
On 26th November 1876 the parishes of Donnybrook, Haddington Road and Sandymount were formed, with Ringsend as a Chapel of Haddington Road.
On 15th April, 1877 Fr.-Thomas Leahy, Parish priest of Sandymount convened a meeting of parishioners “as the new Parish was left entirely destitute of any school for the male portion of the poorer classes belonging to said parish, and whereby recognise the necessity of having same provided as speedily as possible.”
In January 1878 Mr. James Mullaly became the first Head Master of Sandymount National School and was paid £38 per annum. A gallery for infants was built a few years later in 1891 and a house was built on the school grounds for the Headmaster, financed from proceeds of concerts and bazaar.
When Canon O’Hanlon died in 1905 after 25 years as Parish priest, three new rooms were built and the school was renamed the ‘Canon O’Hanlon Memorial School’. These rooms now form the school hall.
In 1939 a new 5-room Infant school was built on reclaimed land which is still the Junior school. The late Monsignor John S. Regan PP saw the need for major improvements in the original school and in 1974 building of a new school commenced.
The Junior and Senior schools were amalgamated and renamed St. Mary’s, Star of the Sea BNS. The school was officially opened on Monday 18th October 1976 by Mr. Richard Burke, Minister of Education and solemnly blessed by the late Archbishop of Dublin, His Grace, Most Reverend Dermot Ryan DD.
Star of the Sea Boys National School has been a centre of excellence for many years. However, maintaining this excellence is becoming ever more challenging.
Last year’s expenditure exceeded income by over €4,000 despite generous support from parents. The chief source of funds are annual grants from the Department of Education and Science but unfortunately this funding falls short of what is actually required to maintain the building.
The current financial climate has put extra strain on the resources available, with a list of projects left untouched or unfinished. For instance, the junior school roof requires repair, and drainage problems need to be sorted out, the computer room needs upgrading-and networking. Enhancement and completion of the playground area which facilitates over 300 boys is also required.
Perhaps you or someone you know received an education in the school and is now in a position to help it out, after all Christmas is a time for giving.
Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year to all past pupils of the Canon O’Hanlon Memorial or the Star of the Sea School.
Picture: Bill Ralph, Brian Masterson and Tadgh Shaloo with His Grace, most Reverend Dermot Ryan DD and Father Tierney at the official renaming and blessing of the school in 1976.