Embedded Files
Records show that there was a school functioning in 1864 near where the N17 Electrical Store is today. Its first master was James Corcoran, succeeded by Martin Mannion, Julie Smyth and Ellen Geraghty.
In 1881 the “old” school on this site was built on land donated by Jack Tierney. It had one room at first, later enlarged in 1900 with an enrolment of 138 pupils. There was no compulsion on children to attend. There was low attendance at harvest/spring time.
By 1970 the physical condition of the school building was diminishing. Windows and doors were in desperate need of repair. By July the 4th, the construction of a third school in just over a century got underway. The old school was demolished to the ground and the new school was open on the same site and finally completed on November the 20th, 1972. The school consisted of three classrooms and Mrs. O’Connor became principal.
In the 1990’s, Dalgin N.S. closed. They amalgamated with Belmont N.S. and a school bus was put in operation to bring children from the Dalgin area to Belmont N.S.
The first principal was Ellen Geraghty. Second principal was James O’Kane, followed by Michael Acton, Christy Molloy, Seán Callaghan, Kathleen O’Connor, Eleanor Sheridan & Martina McGrath.
The Ash Tree
On the hill standing tall
Lies the Ash tree that will never fall.
Connecting three schools together as one,
It started when John Bermingham had a son.
His son Michael got Dalgin House.
But what he wished for was a spouse.
From Belmont House he met sweet Sarah,
It was the start of a new era.
So off they went to live on the mound
Where they grew a special bond.
With each other they grew old
Until they died and turned to mould.
Under that special Ash, they lie together.
Connecting Dalgin & Belmont forever.
Dalgin and Belmont schools came together as one.
This was easier said than done.
On the other side of the hill,
Lays Carnageehy calm and still.
From that school in a certain place,
You’ll be able to turn and face
That gorgeous Ash in all its glory.
Which beholds this wonderful story.
Belmont and Carnageehy together for sport,
Teamed up with pride of the finest sport.
The Cumann na mBunscol cup they did lift.
To everyone it was a gift.
Sadly for Carnageehy they failed to stay
Open for some more days.
Joined as we tried to do,
It didn’t work and we felt blue.
Our heritage is tied up in that ash tree,
Belmont, Dalgin & Carnageehy.
By Fionnuala Ruane
Page updated
Report abuse