About Our School
Welcome to Scoil Cholmáin, Tuairíní
Scoil Cholmáin is a co-educational, Catholic primary school located in the townland of Tooreeny. Conveniently situated just five minutes from Moycullen village, eight minutes from Barna, and ten minutes from Galway City, our school offers a happy, inclusive and holistic learning environment where every child is empowered to reach their full potential. We are proud of our vibrant school community, our strong Gaeilge tradition and our deep connections with local clubs and organisations in Tooreeny and Moycullen.
Is scoil chomhoideachais le foireann teagaisc de sheisear múinteoirí agus beirt cúntóir riachtanas speisialta atá i Scoil Cholmáin, Tuairíní. Táimid bródúil go bhfuil traidisiún láidir Gaeilge againn inár Scoil agus ceangail láidir le clubanna agus eagraíochtaí áitiúla.
In Scoil Cholmáin, our vision is to develop confidence, knowledge and character in every child, empowering them to meet life’s opportunities and challenges. We provide an inclusive, happy learning environment where diverse talents are nurtured through an engaging, balanced curriculum. By celebrating our rich heritage and promoting equality, we guide our pupils to become active, respectful citizens who make a positive contribution to their community. Our school welcomes parental involvement and participation at every level through our Parent’s Association (Coiste Ceantair, Tuairíní) and our Board of Management.
Historical Background
Founded in 1887, Scoil Cholmáin was extended in 2006 through the extraordinary fundraising efforts of our local community. We deeply value our close ties with the surrounding area and actively encourage our pupils and their families to engage in Tooreeny and Moycullen community life. Our school is equally proud of its vibrant Gaeilge tradition and strong partnerships with local sports clubs and community organisations.
Local Roots & Traditions
Tuairíní (Tooreeny) is the first townland in the parish of Moycullen when travelling from Galway. Its name means ‘Little Bleaching Fields’ (referring to the historic bleaching of linen) or ‘Little Pasture Fields’ (likely used for sheep).
In past times, a key event in Tooreeny was the annual Pattern, held on October 28th—the feast day of Saint Cholmáin, our school’s patron—or on the last Sunday of October. The Pattern featured a sacred procession to the blessed well, where parishioners lit candles and recited prayers before gathering for a lively day of sports and festivities.
Early Education
Records show that an old hedge school on our current site was replaced by a thatched cottage as early as the 1820s, where Master Mark Walsh taught the ‘3 R’s’ (reading, writing, and arithmetic). During the 19th century, the local landlord family, the Brownes, resided at Kircullen House. Notably, Tooreeny’s population grew during the Famine years—a sign of a kind, caring landlord—before George de Caen later succeeded the Browne family.
School Leadership & Modern Growth
Scoil Cholmáin National School was built in 1887. Its founding teacher and principal was Ms. Sabina Murphy, succeeded by Mr. Paddy McDonagh. Subsequent principals included Con O'Donohue (appointed in 1928) and Vincent Higgins (appointed in 1978), who taught alongside his wife, Philomena Higgins. Following Philomena’s retirement, Ms. Carmel O’Malley joined the staff. When Vincent Higgins retired in 1999, Mr. Mark Regan was appointed principal.
- 1990 Expansion: An extension was added and a third teacher was appointed. This era also marked the birth of the infamous ‘Thursday Night Card Game’, a cherished tradition that continues to run to this day.
- 2005–2011 Development: A further extension was built in 2005 and officially opened in 2011, establishing Scoil Cholmáin as a four-teacher school.
- Leadership Transitions (2022–2023): In June 2022, Principal Mark Regan and Deputy Principal Ann Carroll retired. Ms. Aideen Molloy was appointed Principal, alongside Ms. Deirdre O'Neill as Deputy Principal. Lisa Barrett and Fiona Faherty joined the teaching team in September 2022. In October 2023, following the retirement of Áine Nic Dhonncha, Aoife Gillespie was appointed as a permanent member of staff.
Current Information
At the present time Scoil Cholmáin has a teaching staff of six teachers (four mainstream, a resource teacher and a learning support teacher) and two special needs assistants. Aideen Molloy is the principal of the school.
There are four mainstream classrooms. The class split is as follows: Junior and Senior Infants, First and Second class, Third and Fourth class and Fifth and Sixth class.
Over the past 5 years the school has completely renovated and extended the two learning support classrooms. The bigger of the rooms known as ‘Seomra na Smaointe’ has plenty of floor space for class activities and visiting teachers to hold yoga lessons, workshops and talks, instrument and singing lessons etc.
In 2020 the school hallway was reconfigured to create a library space. The adoption of the highly successful Accelerated Reader programme meant that all library books were removed from the classrooms and were graded and ordered according to the Accelerated Reader book levels. The library was extended significantly in 2021 and now has hundreds of books available for children to read.
In November 2020 an Astro All Weather Pitch was installed. This state-of-the-art facility allows visiting coaches to train the children year-round. The all-weather pitch brought about an all-weather school! Every child has raingear in school and they can suit up and get outside as much as possible!
In 2021 Scoil Cholmáin developed an outdoor classroom and extended and developed the school garden. The covid pandemic highlighted the needs for outdoor spaces. The outdoor areas are extremely versatile and can be easily adapted to cater for any lesson at any time!
In 2024 our school garden was revamped with a beautiful new shelter area for the children to enjoy!
Current Staff Members
Principal: Aideen Molloy
Deputy Principal: Deirdre O'Neill
Teachers:
Naíonáin Bheaga & Naíonáin Mhóra: Mary Barrett
Rang 1 & 2: Lisa Barrett
Rang 3 & 4: Fiona Faherty
Rang 5 & 6: Deirdre O'Neill
Learning Support / Resource Teachers: Aideen Molloy & Aoife Gillespie
Special Needs Assistants: Annmarie O'Neill & Aoife Cusack.
School Secretary: Colleen Davoren
Child Protection:
Designated Liaison Person: Aideen Molloy
Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP): Deirdre O'Neill
Contacting Teachers
We warmly welcome communication with parents and always strive to keep you updated on your child’s progress. To ensure teachers can give you their full, undivided attention, we kindly ask that all discussions regarding your child be scheduled in advance. Drop-in meetings before or after school are not possible.
To request an appointment, please email your child's class teacher directly with a brief outline of what you wish to discuss. Alternatively, you can contact the school office on (091) 555 650 or 089 608 0429 to arrange a callback.
Teacher Email Directory
aideenmolloy@scoilcholmaintuairini.ie
marybarrett@scoilcholmaintuairini.ie
deirdreoneill@scoilcholmaintuairini.ie
fionafaherty@scoilcholmaintuairini.ie
lisabarrett@scoilcholmaintuairini.ie
aoifegillespie@scoilcholmaintuairini.ie
For general enquiries please email oifig@scoilcholmaintuairini.ie
School Times & Daily Supervision
- 8:50 – Gate Opens: Morning supervision begins in the school yard. In wet weather, pupils may go straight to their classrooms upon arrival.
- 9:00 – School Begins: Formal classes commence for all pupils.
- 13:40 – Infant Dismissal: Junior and Senior Infants go home.
- 14:40 – Main School Dismissal: 1st Class through 6th Class go home.
Please Note: Pupils are not permitted on the school grounds before 8:50
Drop-Off System
To ensure the safety of all children, drivers, and pedestrians along our busy road, we ask all parents to strictly follow our drop-off and roundabout system. See photo attached below.
- Cars coming from Maigh Cuilinn turn right into the roundabout; cars from Bearna turn left. Follow the curved yellow line around the planter.
- Drive all the way forward to the Blue Arrowbefore letting children out or picking them up. Children will only be released to vehicles parked in this exact zone.
- Children on the roundabout must use the small gate (Blue Arrow). Pedestrians arriving from parked cars on the Bearna side must use the dedicated pedestrian entrance (Yellow Arrow).
- For the safety of everyone, please never cross or walk through the vehicle roundabout on foot.
Afterschool services
Afterschool services and an afterschool hour (from 13.40 to 14.40) are available on-site through Tuairíní Montessori. Contact Orla / Michelle on 085-7637133 or email tuairinimonti@hotmail.com for further information.
School Calendar
Our School Calendar is available on the website or from the office oifig@scoilcholmaintuairini.ie
School Uniform
- Navy round or v-neck sweat shirt or cardigan (plain or with school crest)
- Light blue polo shirt
- Navy trousers / skirt / pinafore or navy tracksuit pants (please note that they must be plain navy - no logos)
- Skirts are to be worn with navy tights or white socks
- Plain navy shorts are allowed in warm weather.
- Rain-pants (to be stored in the classroom for the year).
The jumper and cardigans are available from myschooljumper.ie and/or The Schoolwear Centre in Liosbán, Galway if you would like to order a crested one (completely optional). The other items of the uniform are widely available.
Curriculum & Religious Education Scoil Cholmáin delivers all subjects on the Primary School Curriculum. While we have opted not to sign up to the Department of Education's Gaeltacht Recognition Scheme and teach our subjects through English, we place a strong emphasis on Gaeilge in our daily routines and school life.
As a Catholic school, we work closely alongside neighbouring schools in our parish to prepare pupils who wish to receive the sacraments of First Confession, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
Free School Books Scheme All pupils are eligible for the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme. The school provides all necessary textbooks, workbooks and copybooks directly to each child at the start of the school year.
School Communication (DataBiz Eolas App)
We use the DataBiz Eolas App as our main platform for communicating with parents. Upon enrolment, you will receive details on how to set up and access the app. Through DataBiz, parents can:
- Receive school notices, news and official correspondence.
- Access end-of-year school reports.
- Submit absence notes or return-to-school declarations when your child is absent.
- Make secure online payments for school activities and services.
Break, Lunch & Healthy Eating
At Scoil Cholmáin, we actively promote healthy habits and physical well-being. We are an all-weather school, meaning that whenever possible, pupils suit up in their rain pants to get outside and play during breaks!
Break Times:
- Morning Break: 10:50 – 11:10
- Lunch Time: 12:40 – 13:00
School Meals & Guidelines:
- Hot School Meals: We participate in the Hot School Meals scheme operated by The Lunch Bag. Delicious meals are prepared on-site daily by Sue and served directly to the classrooms at lunchtime. Fresh fruit is provided for morning break.
- Healthy Snacks & Hydration: We encourage healthy eating; sweets, crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks are not allowed (except on special school celebrations). Water is encouraged throughout the day, with a drinking fountain accessible in the yard.
- Nut-Free Policy: Please note that Scoil Cholmáin is a strictly nut-free school to protect pupils with severe allergies.
School Tours & Outings
School tours are always a major highlight of the year at Scoil Cholmáin. Held during the final term, these end-of-year trips provide a wonderful balance of educational value and memorable, hands-on fun for the children.
To complement the curriculum, class teachers also organise shorter trips and local outings at various points throughout the school year. We take full advantage of our proximity to Galway City by regularly attending performances with Baboró, shows at the Town Hall Theatre, and hands-on workshops at the University of Galway during Science Week and Engineering Week.
