Tulla Boys national school was built on the site of the previous local boys and girls schools which existed before 1880. Originally, there was a separate boys school and girls school in use near the Fair Green. However, with the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in 1880, it was decided that a new Boys school would be built. This school would educate the boys while the Convent of Mercy would educate the girls.
The school was located at the top of the hill of Tulla just to the right of the Fair Green until the 1950s when a new school was built on the site where St Mochulla’s National School is today. The original Boys school (photo below) is now used as the Tulla pre-school.
Canon Halpin and Canon Lynch were the original managers of the school.
The school building was in use until the 1950s when a newer Boys school was built on the Ennis Road (where the present St Mochulla's School stands today). Today, the building houses the Tulla Pre-School group.
For further reading about the development of school education in Tulla, see Joan Kennedy’s M. Ed thesis (2011) entitled “The Development of Primary Education in Tulla, Co. Clare, 1831-1970”
The Tulla Boys School Registers are available online through the Clare Library website. https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/genealogy/tulla_boys_ns.htm/tulla_boys_ns_roll_books.htm
So interesting. Curious as to where and how a young boy born in 1856 would receive his education. My great grandfather, Michael Hinchy/Henchy was living with his family on Mill Street when he was born. He could read and write according to the US census. A Hedge School? Was Mill Street rural at that time? Any information or opinion is welcome. Thank you. Mary Jean
