BREAKING: Great sadness and anger after decision to close much-loved Tipperary school

There has been great sadness expressed throughout the Lower Ormond region during the last couple of weeks after it became known that Aglish National School, located in the Borrisokane parish, is going to close permanently.

The sadness is mingled with anger as people voice their frustration at losing a very important part of the community's life.

The following statement was issued by the Killaloe Diocesan Office on June 10 last:

"The Patron of St Joseph’s National School, Aglish, Roscrea, county Tipperary, Bishop Fintan Monahan, has decided that this Primary School will close with effect from August 31, 2025. His decision has been arrived at following consultation with the Department of Education and Youth.

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"Bishop Monahan understands that this decision will undoubtedly be a source of sadness for school staff, and the wider school and parish community. However, due to the significant reduction in the school’s enrolment over the past few years, and the fact that there are now no pupils enrolled for September 2025, Bishop Monahan no longer believes that it is a viable option to keep the school open, in terms of its functioning as a mainstream primary school."

Parents of children in the school and others voiced their frustration and upset on social media.

One parent, a mother, claimed that there hadn't been enough consultation and interaction between the Diocesan Office, the Department of Education, local political representatives and parents in the school.

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She said that if there had been more interaction between the various groups then the bad news could have been averted.

She pointed out that the closure was heartbreaking for some of the staff who had served a long time in the school.

Another person said: "So sad and devastating for locals who attended the school themselves and always envisaged their children and grandchildren continuing with the tradition. Shame on the powers that be on actually letting this happen."

"This is so sad to read," wrote another after learning of the news. "To the kids left I wish them well moving to new schools and to the parents who fought hard to keep it open, I'm sorry it didn't work."

One woman wrote: "What a terrible thing to happen in our little village. My husband, our three children, all educated here, and each one of them with nothing only happy memories. Sad that no one held accountable for the closure of a lovely school only opened in 1966."

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Another wrote of the "lovely memories" he and others had of the school and expressed concerns for pupils who now have to find an alternative school.

"It is a lovely school and a lovely space. There is no room in schools in many towns for children and so many children with additional needs crying out for a school space. To close a school is beyond belief. Well done to all who tried to keep it open."