The Carnaun Centenary

A compilation of short articles about the life and times at Carnaun National School in Athenry. The book marks the 100th anniversary since the school opened it’s doors. It was dedicated by Finbarr O’Regan, Principal Teacher, to the Teachers and Pupils of Carnaun National School. In Iothlann Dé go gcastar sinn’. An invaluable record of some of the school history of this area.

The deed was signed by W. P. Lambert, landlord and Mary Rabbitt, tenant, on 19-09-1891 , and the work of building began immediately. While this book is not in itself a history of the school, I believe that it will be an invaluable record of some of the school history of this area. It may, I hope, be the inspiration to somebody somewhere to research and chronicle the facts in a more scholarly way. It may open peoples eyes to the precious physical environment which they have inherited-the fine farming land with its natural stonewall boundaries, the beautiful woodlands abounding with wild life and plants, the “Escir Riada” to the South and the “Mountain” to the North West, as well as the monuments of the past – the prehistoric and historic-the ringforts, castles, graveyards and buildings which with the history of the people and their economic and social life and customs, all form part of our heritage and need to be preserved from the ravages and neglect of the 20th Century “civilisation”.

This book would not have been written without the help of many-the authors, both adult and children, the people of the Carnaun area who gave their knowledge, help and advice willingly, the National Archives and the Galway Co. Library, and of course the sponsors without whose financial contributions the work would not materialise. A special thanks to Martin and Rita Burke for their invaluable advice and encouragement.

Guidhimis ar son na ndaltaí, na tuismitheoirí agus na n-oidí a mhuin sa scoil seo, go mórmhór iad sinn atá imithe ar slí na bhfiréan. Guidhimis rath Dé ar ‘chuile dhuine atá agus a bhípáirteach in obair na scoile.

Gura fada buan sibh!

Finbarr O’Regan
Editor

Cover design: Paul and Bridie Browne.
Manuscript typist: Stephanie O’Regan.
Typeset design: Martin Burke.
Publisher: Finbarr O’Regan.
Printer: The Connacht Tribune.
Published: June 1991.

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