New classroom opened at Brownsgrove NS
THERE was great excitement at Brownsgrove NS as they officially opened their new extension.
Over 150 people were on hand as the ribbon was cut on the extension on Tuesday June 16. It brings the school up to three classrooms.
“At times we only had 38 students and the highest we have had in recent years is 64. That allowed us to gain a third teacher and with that appointment we needed another classroom,” Principal Patricia Boyle explained to The Tuam Herald.
“The last few years have been tough. I have been teaching in a classroom that is about 20 square metres. You had 13 children in the room, and it was extremely tight for space. There was no place for storage or different activities for the children.
“This has been in the works since 2020, when we were granted funding, but with Covid-19 and other factors the project was delayed until now, so it was great to see it finally completed. Our students now have that extra bit of space to play and learn.”
Additional Developments
Brownsgrove NS is now the home of three teachers, two Special Education teachers, two Special Needs Assistants and a school secretary. They have 54 pupils enrolled ahead of the 2026/2027 school year.
The extension is the latest development to the facilities at the school, with a turnabout area for drop off and pickups created in recent times. This was made possible following the demolition of the old schoolmaster’s house.
“Our school leads to a dead end so all cars had to turn around before heading home with their children. This was a dangerous situation and it needed to be addressed,” added Principal Boyle.
“We gained funding from CLÁR and we came up with our own funding as well, to develop this turnabout. It works two-fold as a tarmacked play area for the children too. At 3pm the gates are opened, and parents can make a U-turn safely and head home. It has been a great addition.”
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AMBER Boyle and her mother Donna. Photos: Jacinta Fahy Jacinta FahyImage 2 of 5
SIX grandchildren with their grandparents. Paddy and Kitty Costello, Brownsgrove with their grandchildren (back) Caoimhe Keane and Sarah Costello and (front) Clodagh Keane and Amy, Maura and Kate Costello. Jacinta FahyImage 3 of 5
THE Board of Management of Browsgrove NS. Back: Fr. Mark Quinn, PJ O’Rourke, Chairperson Frank Burns, Paul Flattery, and Mickey Costello. Front: Principal Trisha Boyle, Mary O’Brien and Regina Rattigan. Jacinta FahyImage 4 of 5
PUPILS perform during the concert. Jacinta FahyImage 5 of 5
SIXTH class students Cara Quirke, Sinead Joyce and Ruby O’Reilly sharing their memories of sixth class. Jacinta FahyEvents began with a mass celebrated by Fr. Mark Quinn, who blessed the new extension. This was followed by a concert from the students, who showcased their musical talents by playing tin whistles, ukuleles and flutes, while others impressed with their singing abilities.
Principal Boyle, parents representative Leona Quirke and Chair of the School’s Board of Management Frank Burns were among the speakers at the opening. They spoke of how the new facilities will enhance the experience of every student that comes through the door.
“It is great to be here for the official opening of the extension, as so many of us have a lifetime of memories from our time here as students,” said Leona Quirke in her speech.
Frank Burns has been associated with Brownsgrove NS for 13 years through different roles and has seen it grow during that time.
He thanked both the current and past members of the school’s Board of Management for their dedicated work down through the years.
“Brownsgrove NS has created a great school community, made up of the staff, board members, parents and neighbours who all help and support each other. It is no wonder the school is thriving,” commented the Chair of the school’s Board of Management.