School: Coolfore (roll number 10700)
- Location:
- Coolfore, Co. Monaghan
- Teacher: P. Ó Cuanaigh
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0933, Page 342
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- XML “Hedge-Schools”
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- Hedge Schools existed in the district around Drumgowna but in no set place. The teachers could not remain long in the district as they were chased. Farmers were supposed to report if they found a 'hedge school' on their farms. Irish was taught and the children sat on stones around the 'master'. The teacher was paid by the scholars.
The following lines written by a pupil of one of these hedge schools gives us an idea of the school and the life of the teachers and scholars: -When first I started school days, it was in the open air,
I enjoyed it most remarkably, while the weather did keep fair
Now the winter's coming on and my coat is getting thin
But we must keep on the hillside, for none dare let us in.
What has become of the Irish race, with their monasteries of old
Where the weary soul found refuge, and(continues on next page)
