About Leenane NS

A litle bit about ourselves, our history and our ethos...







The School

There are two mainstream classrooms here and we cover the primary curriculum as set out by the Department of Education and Skills. We share a learning support teacher with a neighbouring school.

In addition to the core subjects we pride ourselves on providing a wide and varied selection of extra-curricular activities which gives every child a chance to explore all aspects of their personality. Examples of these activities are to be found in our school activities section of the website. Small numbers at this school ensure that your child receives plenty of attention.

Our Mission Statement


Our school is a welcoming, inclusive learning community at the heart of the village, where strong partnerships with families and the wider community support the holistic development of every child. We are committed to valuing all pupils equally and to promoting fairness, sensitivity to others and civic responsibility, recognising that differences enrich the learning and school life.

We provide a happy, caring, and secure environment in which each child feels safe, respected, and supported to achieve their full potential. We strive to foster a love of learning and for strong academic achievement while preparing pupils with the skills, confidence and values needed for life and for a future full of opportunity.

History

The Mercy Sisters founded a convent in Leenane on 26th April 1946. This convent was dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The sisters continued to provide primary education in the village for over 27 years and the school garden won many prizes at national level. Drama was also very much encouraged and the school excelled in this area.

The present school building was built in 1960. However following the amalgamation of the Mercy Sisters in Tuam in 1971, the future of small convent communities was examined and the convent in Leenane was closed in 1973.

The following year Maureen Joyce was appointed Principal of Leenane National School, which started a new era of lay teachers at the school. Teachers who taught here from 1974 to the present day are: 
Maureen Joyce principal 1974-2005
Patricia Farrell assistant 1974-1976
Olive Summerville assistant 1976-1993
Alice Freeley deputy principal 2000-2025
Ide Tynan principal 2005-2010
Garry Kane principal 2010-2025
Ciara McKenna special education teacher 2024 - present
James Fallon Principal 2025 - Present

Board Of Management

  • Patron's Nominees: Liam Gavin (Chairperson), Fr. Kieran Burke
  • Teacher Representatives: James Fallon, Ciara McKenna
  • Parent Nominees: Zoe Goor, Conor Foyle (Treasurer)
  • Community Representatives: Breda Hamilton, Cathy Joyce
Address

Scoil Mhuire an Chroí gan Smál
Leenane
County Galway

Contacts

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 (0) 95 42366
Roll Number: 18490T