Pupils from Athlone’s Dean Kelly National School are pictured with Cllr. Aengus O'Rourke, Cllr. Paul Hogan, Cllr. Frankie Keena and school principal Bríd McCoy. Also pictured are Annie Blessington, Angela Naughton and Shane O'Gorman. Photo: Paulina Kusa.

Address of recognition marks education milestone for Dean Kelly NS

Ronan Fagan

Published: Fri 6 Jun 2025, 12:27 PM

To mark a centenary of education in the community, Athlone-Moate Municipal District hosted an address of recognition for staff and pupils from the Dean Kelly National School.

The civic reception was just one of a number of events which the primary school, located on the west side of Athlone, hosted in recognition of the milestone occasion.

Represented in the civic chamber by school principal Brid McCoy, teacher Shane O'Gorman and a number of pupils, Town Mayor, Cllr Frankie Keena reflected on the school's standing in the education community dating back to 1925.

"The Dean Kelly National School has been a significant institution in the town's educational landscape for the past century having first opened its doors in February 1925.

"Named after Fr. James Kelly who lived in the locality, the first principal of the Dean Kelly NS was a man from Cork called Denis Cahalane. At the time the school had an enrolment of 153 pupils with only three teachers.

"Through the years the pupils have received an excellent education in the Dean Kelly NS with many boys travelling long distances to attend the school," Cllr Keena said.

The school has had eight principals to date - Denis Cahalane, Frank Fitzpatrick, Larry Hanley, Billy Murray, Larry Fagan, Catherine O’ Gorman, Laura Casey and the current incumbent, Bríd McCoy.

"The school has a current enrolment of 94 students with five classroom teachers, four special education teachers and four special needs assistants.

"While times have changed, and new ideas and models of teaching have been introduced, there has always been a strong tradition of commitment and dedication to the boys who attend this great school," Cllr Keena said.

The Town Mayor expressed his gratitude to all past principals, staff and board of management members for their commitment and dedication to the school over the decades.

"The Dean Kelly NS continues to be a cornerstone of primary education in Athlone and has played a vital role in the lives of many generations of pupils with a focus on inclusivity, equality, and respect," Cllr Keena said.