Welcome to Derrylamogue National School
Derrylamogue
National School is situated almost equal distance between
Mountmellick and Rosenallis at the foot of the Slieve Bloom
Mountains. It is very much a rural school serving the south end of
the parish. Records date back to 1872 however the existing building
was erected in 1962 with a new room being added in 1993. Originally
a two teacher school, an increasing enrolment necessitated the
appointment of a third teacher in 1980.
Over the years many teachers have come and gone, each making their
own contribution to the community. At present the staff consists of
Mrs. Maurette Maher, Principal; Mrs. Aideen Timmons and Mrs. Emer
Doyle with 74 pupils on roll.
Outside the normal school curriculum, the pupils in Derrylamogue
N.S. are very active in extra curricular activities. Sports feature
high on their agenda as they are active in the Cumann na mBunscoil
leagues each year. The boy’s football team won out the Church &
General Cup this season. They attend swimming lessons in
Portarlington Pool during the Summer Term. For those who have a love
of music, Ms. Brady teaches Irish Music Classes on Monday evenings.
Children from the school are also active in the parish children's
choir participating in the Church ceremonies. The children compete
in Art Competitions associated with local events. In December the
school was awarded best overall school in the Mountmellick Credit
Union Poster Competition. During the year, many are involved in
local table quizzes. Our most recent achievement is that of the
junior team being placed 2nd in Mountmellick B.N.S. Quiz and third
in the Mountmellick Credit Union Quiz.
Conscious of the local environment, the children have taken part in
Forest Walks organized by Coillte and have visited Farms on Urban /
Rural Day. During the year children are brought to the Dunamaise
Theatre in Portlaoise to enjoy a show suitable to their age group
and every second year, the children put their own drama skills to
the test when they perform in their Christmas concert. Towards the
end of Summer Term all classes look forward to the annual school
tour, the highlight of their year where children are brought to a
place of interest and a "Fun" activity.
Children are also, encouraged to be conscious of others less
privileged when they fundraise for autistic children, have their
Trocaire Day, collect food items for Vincent de Paul. Last year they
collected books and toys for a school in Ethiopia in conjunction
with Br. Kevin McEvoy, a former pupil of the school. The school is
lucky to have a very committed group of people on the Board of
Management, furthermore the Parents' Council are very supportive of
all school activities and they fundraise through the Annual Draw,
Concert and Sponsored Walk and Church gate collection.
Our school endeavours to provide a warm caring environment where
parents, children and staff work together to nurture each child to
attain their full potential, thereby enabling them to take their
place in society.