On Friday 14th October, 5th and 6th classes were given a fantastic presentation by local historian Michael O’Mahony, based on the life of Dick Barrett. Michael is a direct descendant and he provided us with an amazing insight to the life and death of Dick Barrett , who was a teacher, a soldier and a patriot.

Dick Barrett was born in the parish of Enniskeane and Desertserges in December 1889. He attended Knocks National School, which has now been closed for a number of years. At that time, Knockskeagh NS provided advanced classes for pupils who intended to pursue a career in the Civil Service, teaching or such professions. Dick finished 6th 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 Education.

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

Both 5th and 6th classes will be completing projects based on Dick Barrett over the next two months and the finished products will be put on display for us all to see in the school Halla in December.

Thank you Michael for your very informative visit, we look forward to getting started on the projects!