Dhuish National School was opened in 1875 and was assigned number 7927.[1] According to an article in the Anglo Celt, it could boast of a real Gaelic name long before it became fashionable or obligatory, as it derived its name from the small black mountain overlooking it, Dubh Mish.[2] This mountain is situated in the townland of Relaghan, between the towns of Bailieborough and Shercock. In that area there are five or six townlands covered by a variety of drumlin hills and bog. According to Rev. Randal McCollum (1802-1874) who lived in this area, he stated in his journals ‘The Highlands of Cavan’ that ‘Hill rises above hill, still ascending till your eye rests on the brown heath-clad top of Dhuish and and above it soars Taghart mountain with its heather-tufted moors, which are for the most of the winter capped with mists that at times are so dense as to hide the path and puzzle the wits of the belated traveller crossing its broad moors.’[3]
It was built with one classroom and replaced two older schools in the area most likely Nolagh and Northlands. At that time the only suitable site for the school was in the townland of Glasleck. As a non-Catholic school already existed in Glasleck, the authorities refused permission or funding for another school in the same townland. However, a solution was found and it is believed that a local gentleman, and a non-Catholic at that, suggested the name ‘Dhuish’ which proved acceptable to those concerned.[4] It has been suggested that this gentleman was Rev. McCollum.
This building had many other uses other than as a school. In perusal of the local papers the following notices were found:
1 June 1907 - Monday night next will be the last night that Mrs McManus, Poultry, Instructress, will lecture in Dhuish National School. Perhaps an extension will be given in this district, but it is not likely as very little interest is being taken in her lectures, which are also badly attended.[5]
In 1917, Cavan County Committee of Agriculture advised that ‘A Course of Lectures will be delivered by Miss Brophy, Itinerant Instructress on Poultry-keeping for Co. Cavan, at the Centres on the dates undermentioned, on the subject of Increased Egg Production and other matters connected with Poultry-Keeping.’ Included in the list was Dhuish National School and that the course would commence on Thursday, on 14th Feb. 1917, at 6.30 p.m., sharp.[6] It is not known if this course was better attended than the previous one.
The following notice gave the reader details of a political meeting:
It was decided that the members of the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) division meet at Dhuish National School for the demonstration at Corlea on Sunday, 2nd September, at 2 o'clock (new time). The building of hall was under discussion and ruled on. Next meeting Sunday, 26th August at 4 p.m.—Terence M'Entee.[7]
In 1933, the school also was used as a polling station for the elections. However despite competition from the school in Glasleck, it managed to act as a polling station until recent years as the following extract tells us:
ELECTIONEERING - QUESTION OF A POLLING STATION
‘At Cavan Co. Council on Tuesday a resolution was received from Killann A.O.H. asking that the polling station for Taghart Electoral Division, which was changed at last meeting from Dhuish to Glassleck, be changed back again to Dhuish. The resolution pointed out that Glassleck was on the border of the Shercock Electoral Division while Dhuish was in the centre of the Taghart division. Secretary—It is already changed to Glassleck, I will inform them that they must lodge an objection with the Minister. Mr. Farrell—Can it be changed by notice of motion? Secretary—Yes. Mr. McCabe said that Dhuish was more central and the polling station was always there till it was changed by Mr Vogan at the last meeting. Glassleck was on the extreme end of the electoral division. Mr. Sheridan —it is not fair to change a station when it is in the most central place Mr. McCabe and seven other members handed in notice of motion for next meeting that the polling station be changed back to Dhuish.’[8]
In 1914 the Anglo Celt noted that 84 children took part in their religious exams and that 33 were very good.[9] The school had a boy’s football team and they played against Corlea, The Brian Borus and other local teams in the area.[10]
Towards the end of 1914 the following advertisement was placed:-
Wanted. Qualified Assistant (Female) Substitute for three-quarter N. S., Music essential, board, salary, also trained Assistant (Female) for Dhuish N. S. Apply Parish Priest, Bailieboro Co Cavan.
In 1928 another advertisement was placed:-
Wanted. Female Trained Assistant for Dhuish National School qualified in Irish and Kindergarten; average around 75. Apply, with references, etc., The Rev. M. Kelly, C.C., Bailieboro, Co. Cavan.[11]
In 1929 the following notice was placed in the paper:
Enlarged Dhuish National School, Co. Cavan. Plans and specification are on view at the residence of the Rev. M. Kelly, C.C, Bailieborough, and Dhuish National School. A copy of the plans and specification may be obtained on application to this office on deposit of £1 for each set, which will be refunded on return of the plans and specification. In considering the placing of these contracts special regard will be had to the extent to which firms submitting tenders employ, or are prepared to employ, demobilised officers and men of the National Army. The Commissioners will not be bound to accept the lowest or any tender. T. Cassidy, Secretary. Oifig Oibreach Puibil (Office of Public Works), Baile Atha Cliath (Dublin), 2nd October 1929.[12] This was most likely when the second classroom was added. Each room had independent access to the outside, while inside a small hallway joined the two rooms.
In 1945 the following advertisement was placed:-
Wanted, J.A.M. (Junior Assistant Mistress) for Dhuish School, Co Cavan. Fully qualified Leaving Certificate. Honours in Irish and Oral Examination at Easter; Singing.[13]
In 1945, in order to heat the school, the pupils were asked to bring fuel with them. To assist with this a dance was held in Killann AOH Hall. Music was supplied by M. Lynch’s Band (Amp.). Admission was two shillings or one shilling and six pence.[14]
References to past teachers:
Mícheál O Chianain a well known musician and pipe maker, recalled that in 1906 the late Mrs. O’Farrell introduced St. Patrick's crosses to the pupils of Dhuish National School and her husband, the late Mr. Sean O'Farrell, taught them their first lessons in Gaelic, including 'Eibhlin Aroon,' and from whom we first heard of the efforts to revive the language.[15]
In 1929 reference was made to the late Peter Brady, who for many years was a National teacher of Dhuish National School on the death of his brother Mr. Thomas Brady, Glasleck.[16]
In 1934 Mr. Patrick Kelly, N.T., left Newport, Co. Tipperary, where he has been engaged for several years, to take up duty as principal at Dhuish National School, Shercock, Co. Cavan. During his stay there, Mr. Kelly, who was a native of Galway, was one of the most popular figures in the life of the Newport, and his many sterling qualities and amiable characteristics won for him a host of friends. He discharged the duties of his profession in a conscientious manner. As a result of his assiduous labours, many of his past pupils engaged in various responsible positions, and not a few had devoted their lives to the service of God. While regretting the departure of such a popular figure as Mr. Kelly, his friends and pupils wished him every success and happiness on his merited promotion.[17]
This two teacher school closed in 1975, there were approx. 23 pupils left in the school. The pupils went to other schools in the local towns to finish their education. These pupils were once able to walk 3 or 4 miles to school, but now they availed of a free bus service to take them to school. When the school closed, regular night classes were organised to keep the community in touch with each other. The classes included upholstery, car maintenance, pattern making, cake decorating, Irish dancing and many others. The cups of tea, biscuits and the chat were the highlight of these nights.[18] During the winter nights card games were held and the local political parties also held their meetings there.
Discussions were held as to what to do with the building. St. Felim’s Diocesan Trust held the title. This was a charitable body, which acted with regard to property and investments of every kind, owned by, held in trust for, or used in connection with the Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Kilmore.[19]
The local rural community had no access to a reliable water scheme. Houses and farms were connected to their own private wells; some had pumped systems, while others worked from gravity flow. This system did not support modern living as the demand for showers, toilets and washing machines grew, while milking parlours demanded better washing facilities for hygiene purposes. When there were any disruptions in electrical supply or weather so cold that pumps froze, people were very inconvenienced. To look at solving this issue a committee was formed and Dhuish Group Water Scheme was set up to provide piped water to every house and farm.
The Anglo Celt wrote in 1985 that Dhuish Group Water Scheme was “One of the most successful community projects to be completed in the area”. It was “Now almost two years in operation, the scheme is the result of three years work by a small, dedicated committee who met weekly in Dhuish Community Centre. Lying between the larger Magheracloone and Knockbride water schemes the water is pumped from Annaherin Lake to the reservoirs, at Relaghan and Dhuish Mountain. Over 160 houses are served stretching from Killann Church to Collops and from Shinan to Lear Cross, near Bailieborough. Over 30 miles of piping were used owing to the length of the scheme and the overall cost amounted to more than £200.000.”[20] In 2020, this scheme supplies almost 400 houses and serves the town of Shercock as well.
In 2005 Dhuish Group Water Scheme purchased the old school from St. Felim’s Diocesan Trust, thus keeping the building in community ownership. A filtration system was installed to supply quality water to the area.
However, before the building was repurposed, a past pupils reunion was organised for the weekend starting 30 April 2005. It was the one hundred and thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the school and thirty years after the school was closed and people travelled from many parts of the country and from overseas for this weekend of events. The old roll books were brought back to the school and many reminisced about their younger lives.
In 2020, the plaque bearing its name and year of opening remains, the old school looks the same from the outside, except for a large roller door in the gable end, inside machinery hums as it works to provide water to the community. The electorate now vote in Shercock National School.
If Rev. McCollum came back to-day he would not recognise the area. Most of the marginal land has been cleared of heather and whins and there are more roads, large farms and houses. He would be surprised to see that those hills now support our utilities as mobile telephone masts, water reservoirs and wind turbines cast their shadows over us all and sadly there are no schools at all in Glasleck.
Carmel O’Callaghan
[1] http://www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/islandwide/education/teachers-24…
[2] The Anglo Celt, 5 January 1946.
[3] http://www.cavanlibrary.ie/file/Local-Studies/Library-Scanned-Docs/Rand…
[4] The Anglo Celt, 5 January 1946.
[5] Dundalk Democrat, 1 June 1907.
[6] The Anglo Celt, 3 February 1917.
[7] The Anglo Celt, 25 August 1928.
[8] Meath Chronicle, 22 July 1933.
[9] The Anglo Celt, 28 February 1914.
[10] The Anglo Celt, 18 July 1914.
[11] Irish Independent, 8 June 1928.
[12] Irish Independent, 3 October 1929.
[13] Irish Independent, 21 September 1945
[14] The Anglo Celt, 8 December 1945.
[15] Irish Independent, 7 April 1961.
[16] The Anglo Celt, 17 August 1929.
[17] Limerick Leader, 29 December 1934.
[18] The Anglo Celt, 17 September 1982.
[19] https://search.benefacts.ie/org/10e1e785-0ba6-4752-82a6-224ccea672fa.
[20] The Anglo Celt, 1 February 1985.
