Knocktemple National School

Principal's Welcome
General Information
Contact Details
School Uniform
School History
Board of Management
Our Staff
Parents Association
School Uniform

Principal’s Welcome

Welcome to our vibrant primary school community! We are delighted to have you visit our website and learn more about our commitment to nurturing young minds and inspiring a love for learning.

At our school, we believe every child is unique and has incredible potential. Our dedicated team of teachers and staff work together to create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are proud of our inclusive culture and the wide range of activities we offer to develop each child's talents and interests. We encourage parents and guardians to be active partners in their child's educational journey, and together, we can help our students achieve their best.

Thank you for visiting our school. We look forward to welcoming you and building a brighter future for our children.

Warm regards,

Karen Reilly

Principal

School History

Knocktemple National School (Cnoc an Teampaill — “the hill of the church”) lies in the townland of Knockatemple, parish of Munterconnaught, County Cavan. The first record of a school in the area dates to the early 19th century; in the 1821 census, a school in Knocktemple is listed. A purpose-built school at Knocktemple was erected by Fr Nicholas Conaty in 1854–56 and opened in January 1856. From 1862 onward, detailed admission registers survive, offering a rich record of the school’s long-standing role in the community.

Over the decades, the school has evolved to meet the educational needs of local children while maintaining strong ties to our rural parish and heritage. The 2000s saw significant development and modernisation, with various extensions providing additional classrooms and upgraded facilities. Today, Knocktemple NS boasts a PE Hall, basketball court, sensory room, and playground creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

We also proudly have three ASD classrooms, ensuring that all pupils are supported and valued within our school community.

Knocktemple NS continues to uphold a proud tradition of learning and community spirit, deeply rooted in our local heritage while embracing the needs of a modern, inclusive education.

Meet Our Team

Principal

Karen Reilly

Deputy Principal & Special Education Teacher

Carmel McElroy

Junior Infants

Sara Clarke

Senior Infants

Amanda Rowan & Pauline Duignan

1st and 2nd Class

Simon McCaffrey

2nd and 3rd Class

Killian Flanagan

4th Class

Ruth White Lynch

5th and 6th Class

Shane McHugh

Cairde 1 (Junior ASD Class)

Catherine Cunningham & Martina McDonnell

Cairde 2 (Middle ASD Class)

Breda Mc Keon

Cairde 3 (Senior ASD Class)

Emma Reilly

Special Education Teachers

Eithne Brady

Supply Panel Teachers

Tadhg Morrissey

Adrian Prunty

Michelle Toolan

Special Needs Assistants

Maria Ward

Freda Farrelly

Brigid O'Connell

Geraldine Keogan

Sinead Hyland

Fiona Carroll

Carla McKeever

Jenna McCann

Ruth Farrelly

School Meals Coordinator

Lynn Grimes

Bus Escorts

Carmel Doughty

Cleaner/Caretaker

Helen Harten

Secretary

Shirley Reilly

Board of Management

Fr Kevin O’Donohue (Acting Chairperson)

Karen Reilly (Secretary)

Jackie Skelly (Patron's Nominee)

TBC(Staff Nominee)

Georgina Laragy (Parent Nominee)

Stephen Farrelly (Parent Nominee)

Rosemary Gilsenan (Community Nominee)

Martina Tully (Community Nominee)

Parents Association

Brendan O'Shea (Chairperson)

Paula Doyle (Secretary)

Lorna Gaule (Treasurer)

School Uniform

Our school uniform consists of a Knocktemple NS sweatshirt, polo shirt and tracksuit bottoms. School shorts and jackets are also available.

It is important that all articles of your child’s uniform are labelled to avoid them being misplaced.

Our school uniform is available to purchase here.

General Information

School Begins at: 9:20am - pupils may enter the school grounds from 9:10am

School Ends at: 3:00pm

Small Break: 11:00am - 11:20am

Lunch Break: 1:10pm - 1:30pm

Contact Details

(049) 854 7081

office@knocktemplens.ie