Dick Barrett Centenary Commemoration

On Friday 2nd December, Knockskeagh NS held a Centenary Commemoration for past pupil and teacher Dick Barrett. A plaque in his honour was unveiled at this commemoration. Relatives of Dick Barrett, parents and other interested parties attended the commemoration, with the 5th and 6th Class pupils dressing up in attire from that time. They also gave an amazing rendition of “Grace”.🎶

Dick Barrett was born in the parish of Enniskeane and Desertserges in December 1889. He attended Knocks National School, which has been closed for a number of years now.

At that time Knockskeagh National School provided advanced classes for pupils who intended to pursue a career in the Civil Service, teaching or such professions.

Dick finished sixth class in Knocks in 1904 and then transferred to Knockskeagh from 1904 to 1909. He was engaged in Knockskeagh as a monitor teacher during that time – they were students who were preparing for the Teaching Training College. Having completed his tenure in Knockskeagh, he secured a First Grade Scholarship for a two year course at De La Salle College, Waterford.

Dick qualified as a teacher in 1913 with a First Class Diploma and was placed in the First Division by the Board of Educaiton.

So, Knockskeagh School played a huge role in his career and educational development.

Dick was killed in 1922 in Mountjoy Prison.

A massive thank you to photographer Mark Coombes who captured the day for us. 📸 5th and 6th Class pupils completed projects which were displayed in the Halla for everyone to see after the plaque unveiling was complete.