Scoil Íosagáin History

Scoil Íosagáin, Átha Fhada 1819 - 1998

Scoil Íosagáin, or Aghada National School as it is more commonly known, was founded by local landlord - the late John Roche Esq. who was resident at Aghada House in 1819, from his private funds. In his will John Roche set up a bequest for the maintenance of the school and for an annual salary of £18 - 6s - 0d for the Teacher. The Roche School was subsumed into the national school system when it was introduced in 1832 through the work of the 'Liberator' - Daniel O'Connell (of Catholic Emancipation fame). This historical occurrence is in evidence today, as a glance at the foundation stone near the school gate reveals. The stone shows the word "National" inserted between/above the words "Aghada" and "School" by using the "^" symbol. This old building which was close to the Catholic Church is no longer in existence having being removed in the 1950's. A new building was opened in 1948 comprising three classrooms with cloakrooms, coal-house and outdoor toilets and shelters. This building accommodated the amalgamated schools of Rostellan and Aghada.

In 1968, Ballintibbet School was amalgamated with Aghada School. Ballintibbet School had previously amalgamated with Guileen National School. A transport service was provided for the children of Ballinrostig-Guileen area as part of the amalgamation agreement. Registers, Attendance Books and Inspectors' Report Books, some dating back to 1856, from all the above schools are now housed in the library of the present day Scoil Íosagáin awaiting examination by an interested historian.

An increase in the population in the early 1980's due to industrial development with the building of the ESB Natural Gas Power Plant in the Parish led to a major extension being added in 1983. The 'new' Aghada School is comprised of seven classrooms, a large General Purposes Room cum Kitchen and Storeroom. Modern amenities such as a Library, Office, Staff Room, and storage area are also included. The site was also enlarged in 1983 with the addition of a neighbouring field which provides basketball courts and a playing pitch for pupils. One classroom has been equipped as a Computer Room and houses ten Acorn BBC 128 computers which, although adequate, due to modern technological advances have become somewhat dated.

The School Uniform of wine/maroon and grey was introduced in 1984 following a plebiscite among the school population. A school crest consisting of an image of the youth Jesus - to a background of a rising sun above a blue sea and bearing the name "Scoil Íosagáin, Átha Fhada", was designed. The school population has fluctuated since the late 1970's with the peak being in 1985/86 when 220 pupils were enrolled. The present enrolment is 120 pupils and looks like remaining at this level for the immediate future.