St Malachy’s Primary was founded in 1867 and has a proud history. Some of the key milestones of our school during its earliest period are documented below:

• In 1858 Father Patrick McGinn established a school in an old dwelling on the site of the present St Malachy’s School
• In 1867 the old building, including teacher’s residence, under a thatched roof was demolished and a school built
• In a Senior Inspector observations dated 18th September 1925, the inspector noted, “The building is an old and poor structure. Only one room, 25 x 17 ½ is provided, and it is too small both for attendance of pupils and for the proper working of two divisions.”
• The Parish Priest at that time, Fr Thomas MacGowan, took action to improve the school. On 4th January 1926 Fr McGowan received a letter stating: “The Ministry appreciate your efforts to improve the equipment and accommodation of the above named schools.”
• Two years later on 30th October 1928 the Chief Inspector wrote: “The manager is to be congratulated very heartily in the wonderful transformation he has effected in the school building here.”
• The school was reconstructed between 1927-1929, by direct labour at a cost of £1,800 under the direction of Fr MacGowan.
• An inspector wrote on 18th January 1929, “I visited these schools for the first time since you rebuilt them, and I should like to express my admiration of your work there. The school buildings are a model for any school, city or rural.”