27-06-2025
Rural Tipperary community ‘deeply saddened' as primary school to close down
St Joseph's National School, which opened in the 1960s, is a rural, mixed school in Aglish village in the parish of Borrisokane, north Tipperary.
It's understood that the school, which once had a peak of more than 30 pupils, had dwindled to less than ten students in recent times, with two teachers, including the principal.
The latest Department of Education report, conducted in November last year, stated that there were 13 pupils enrolled.
Due to these dwindling pupil numbers, the Patron of St Joseph's NS, Bishop Fintan Monahan, has decided that the primary school will close with effect from August 31 next. His decision has been arrived at following consultation with the Department of Education and Youth.
Bishop Monahan said he understands that this decision will 'undoubtedly be a source of sadness' for school staff, and the wider school and parish community.
However, due to the significant reduction in the school's enrolment over the past few years, and the fact that there are now no pupils enrolled for September 2025, Bishop Monahan said he no longer believes that it is a viable option to keep the school open, in terms of its functioning as a mainstream primary school.
In a statement to the Irish Independent, principal Sheelagh Grace, said: 'Yes, as school principal I am deeply saddened regarding the closure of our beautiful little school.'
Parents and members of the local community have voiced their sadness and frustration on social media.
One local resident commented: 'I'm so sad to see this. The people of Aglish who have gone before us and who are to come are losing out on their community hub, their anchor, their right to go to school where they choose. Thinking also of the McDonald family who anchored the school for so long. The school may be ending but the lovely community remains.'
Another Aglish resident said: 'Seven of my family went there. It was a great school. When they celebrated 50 years open, it was fantastic to meet up with so many past pupils. This is just so sad, how many communities would love to have this school.'
Data taken in Census 2022 showed that 267 people were resident in Aglish and the surrounding areas at the time, including 21 children aged younger than 10 and 20 aged 10 to 14. The previous Census of 2016 found the same population, with 22 children aged younger than 10, while the 2011 Census recorded a population of 299 people, including 34 children aged younger than 10. That year there were a further 27 children aged 10 to 14 resident.
