Shramore N.S. 1909 - 1970
Nancy Gallagher
Shramore N.S. opened in 1909 to serve a school-going population of approximately 65 children on a site donated by the Connelly family (Shramore).
Prior to its opening children attended school in Treenbeg, which entailed a five to six mile walk for those living furthest away. Because of the distance involved, only those that were big enough and strong enough to walk could attend. For some years prior to 1909 the younger children of the village attended a "hedge school" held in a barn belonging to Pat McManamon (of the Sraith). This was run by Martin McNeill, a school teacher from Galway. He resided in the village and was paid by the parents at a fee per pupil. Others attended school in various districts where they had family and relatives to lodge with.
The first principal of Shramore school was Patrick Moran from Collabrack, Newport and the assistant teacher was his sister Mary. Patrick, also known as Pádraig Ó Móráin was later more widely known as a great Irish Folklorist and translator. He taught in Shramore for a number of years until he moved to another position in Knockloughra N.S.
Other teachers to work in Shramore N.S. were Mr. Gerald Flynn, Miss Teresa Moran, Mr. Gilligan, Miss O'Boyle, Miss Gibbons, Mr. Mulloy, Mr. Evans, Miss Annie Maye, Mrs. McNulty, Miss Dillaney, Miss Burke, Miss Doyle, Miss Ward, Miss McHale, Miss Moran, Miss Kilroy and Miss Conroy.
In the early years of school night classes were held for the village adults who wanted to avail of the opportunity to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Such skills may have been limited prior to this due to the possible lack of
opportunity. Also cookery classes and butter-making classes were held in the school.Shramore N.S. covered an area from Letterkeen to Althahoney to the North and Glenamong to Treenlaur to the South. However a number of children from other areas also attended. Children from the West side (Thirclue) of the village had to cross the river by means of stepping stones and on horseback up until the early 1930's when the bridge was built on the Black river. The children were required to bring turf with them to school each day in order to heat the school.
Just two of the original pupils of the first year (1909) are still alive. They are Frank McManamon (the Sraith) and Kate (McManamon) Waters of Althoney.
In the early years dances were held in the school. From the early 1930's up until 1964, when Shramore church was built, it was also used for Sunday Mass. In the latter years, prior to the school's closure, socials were again held in the school.
The school was closed in 1970 due to the dwindling number of pupils and the Dept. Of Education's Amalgamation Policy of the time.
The last teacher to run the school was Mrs. McGuire (neę Conroy), Newport. In May 1970 she and her 12 pupils, namely : Barbara Chambers, Breda Calvey, Mary McIntyre, Frank McManamon, Jimmy Chambers, Breege McManamon, Breege Chambers, Margaret McManamon, Martina Calvey, Sheila Kilker, Ann Chambers, Margaret Gallagher, transferred to Derradda N.S. - and so ended 61 years of education in Shramore.