History of Kilcummin NS
Kilcummin National School/Cill Chumín N.S is a rural school located approximately 15km from Killarney town in County Kerry. Kilcummin N.S. is a Catholic school which is run under the patronage of the Diocese of Kerry. His Lordship Bishop Ray Brown, Bishop of Kerry is the Patron of the school. There is a long tradition of education in the parish of Kilcummin with a school appearing in the townland of ‘Clashnagarrane’ on maps as far back as 1837. This school was moved to a new building which is now the former Rural Development office for the parish.
The current school was built in 1939 as a two-classroom school. It was initially divided into two sections. One school for boys and another school for girls. As time moved on however, the school facilities were no longer suitable for modern educational needs.
In 1990, the school building was extended from a two-classroom school to a four classroom school on the present site. It remained this way for a period of 25 years. The current school facilities include 6 teaching classrooms, 1 computer room, one office and 4 learning support rooms and a staff room. The school also uses the local parish hall, which is located beside the school building. In 2015 the school required an extension of another two rooms including a new wheelchair accessible classroom which opened for use in 2020. A fully equipped sports hall is also located on the school grounds and proves a very useful addition to the school facilities.
At present, the teaching staff is comprised of 6 multi-grade class teachers, including Ms. Gillian Sheehan, Principal Teacher. At present they are supported by 6 class teachers, 4 Special Educational Teachers and 4 Special Needs Assistants. The full range of classes is taught in the school and classes are of mixed gender. The school depends on the grants and teacher resources provided by the Department of Education and Skills. Currently there are 149 students enrolled in the school. The school ethos promotes a warm, friendly and caring atmosphere with a rich sporting and musical tradition.
