Knock National School is delighted to celebrate 75 years of educating local children this October.

Saturday October 18 will see a string of celebrations, reminiscing upon memories of fun and community spirit. All are welcome to join.

Firstly, a group of volunteers are undertaking a whopping 75km run, and invite all to join them on their final 5km, starting from Spink's picnic area at 2:30pm, finishing at Knock NS.

Pictured: Knock NS students in the early 1960's. Photo: Knock NS

"Donations are welcome," the school said.

Following the run, we will hold an open afternoon for all at the school, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm," they shared.

If you are still searching for more after the 5km walk, there will be a 'walk down memory lane' in the school corridors, featuring a photo and archive display.

A booklet is available, boasting 'A Flavour of Knock School's Story' from 1950 to 2025.

There will be fun for little ones too, with children's entertainment provided from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, along with tea, coffee and light refreshments for all.

An evening mass will be held in Knock Church at 8pm to commemorate their Diamond Jubilee.

"There has always been a great tradition of education in the Knock locality," a school's spokesperson said.

"As far back as 1849 there was a national school in the area. The school and Roman Catholic Church were situated in Knockardgur (Cnoc Ard Ó gCorra) in the barony of Cullenagh, in the Poor Law Union of Abbeyleix and in the Civil Parish of Dysartgallen," they explained.

"You can check out the map by doing an internet search,clicking on Griffith’s Valuation and filling in the above address for the school.

"Sanction was received from The Department of Education to build a new school located in Graiguenahowen beside the main road to Abbeyleix. The school was named Scoil Molaise but retained the name of its original location- Knock School," the school shared.

"In 1949 Fr. Martin Brophy, who was the school manager, lodged £428 in the Hibernian Bank in Abbeyleix. £400 of this was the parish contribution to the building of the school and the balance was the cost of levelling the site. The overall cost was to be £3650," they said.

"In July 1951 the school was completed. Furniture was bought from Carlow Woodwork Ltd. This consisted of 5 infant dual desks, 8 junior dual desks, 7 senior dual desks, 2 teacher desks, 3 teacher chairs and one trestle table at the cost of £143-10-0 (one hundred and thirty four pounds and ten shillings) and the cost of delivery was £1-10-0 (one pound ten shillings)," the school marvelled.

"Everything was completed in time for the move on November 8^th, 1951. John Brophy of Graiguenahowen  (son of the teachers Mrs. Kathleen Brophy) recalled how he and other children helped move the furniture from the old school to the current school.

"In 2000, Knock School celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a Mass and the launch of the publication of a booklet on the History of Knock School written by the Principal, David Finnegan. A big party was held that night in the Manor Hotel," the school finished.

Join staff, past and present students at Knock NS on Saturday October 18.

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