Athenry News & Views Winter 2025

Athenry Primary School

Athenry News & Views

‘Life is better when we work together’

Athenry Primary School stands on the foundations of two long-established institutions Scoil Chroí Naofa and Athenry Boys’ School whose histories continue to shape the school’s identity today. The newly amalgamated school has set out to honour that legacy by maintaining a high standard of teaching and learning, strengthened by a broad range of extra-curricular opportunities. Staff and parents work closely together, aiming to ensure that every child is supported to reach their full potential, not only academically but also socially and personally. While the school currently operates across two sites Junior Infants to 4th Class in the former girls’ school building and 5th and 6th Classes in the old boys’ school in Knockaunglas — attention is now firmly on the future. Plans for a new, modern 24-classroom school promise a vibrant and contemporary learning environment for generations of Athenry children. The amalgamation itself has been regarded as a success, with pupils adapting quickly to co-educational life. School leaders say they are immensely proud of how seamlessly students have navigated the transition, embracing their new school community with confidence and resilience.

In September 5th and 6th classes enjoyed a trip to Galway and listened to Martin Curley as he educated them about Medieval Galway.

Many classes in the school took part in a wide variety of activities to learn about the history of Athenry town. During their visit to the Athenry Heritage Centre they were dressed up in medieval costumes.

Many classes throughout the school visited Coole Park where they were met by the park rangers who educated them about the huge range of biodiversity in the area.

The school had a huge response to their Christmas Shoebox appeal with 172 boxes donated. These boxes will certainly bring joy to many children around the world who continue to live in difficult conditions.