Past Teachers

In our research we were unable to establish the name of the first Principal of Glassalts in 1837. We wonder though if Michael McColgan mentioned earlier made the natural transition from the 'Hedge School' at Collin to take up that position? We would be grateful for that vital piece of information if anyone knows. It appears that many of the earlier records were lost or destroyed. However, we've been able to get some accurate information with help from a lot of people, to these people we are most grateful.

From the contribution to the 1937/38 Folklore Commission Initiative of the late Mary J. Doherty, Cregnahorna we discovered that a Master McMurray taught in the 1840's. Mr. McMurray was succeeded by Master Michael Markin who was born in 1830 in Carndonagh. He served in Glassalts in the 1850's. Not only was he a great teacher but a literary genius having published "Inishowen, Its History Traditions and Antiquities in 1867. He was also the great-grandfather of the Harkin and Simpson families, Carndonagh. At an earlier stage in his career he taught in a workhouse school in Offaly where his salary was £20 per year.

From 1868 - 1972 Master Alex Reid provided for the education of Glassalts Community. He was very intellectual and a great lover of nature as we are told in a tribute to him by David A. Campbell, Collin. David tells us that "he always appeared to be absorbed in deep thought and would go mountain climbing after school, or sit by a waterfall correcting copies, or searching for birds' nests or nuts in the glen. He resigned in 1872 and emigrated to Boston where he eventually owned a Brewing Establishment. On his way to Boston he penned the poem : "Dear Old Inishowen" which will be quoted in its enitrety on the Folklore 1938/38 Link of this website.

1900's - Master Patrick Douglas was appointed as Principal in 1911. He lived in a schoolhouse and was an uncle of Fr. Michael Douglas, originally from Malin who was ordained in 1900 and his last ministry was as Parish Priest of Clonmany until his death in 1976. Master Dounglas taught in Glassalts for 14 years until 1925 when he retired at the age of 55 years due to ill-health.

1920's - Master John Byrne was appointed by Fr. Mc Geown P.P. to replace Master Douglas in 1925. Master Byrne was a noted Irish Scholar and historian and information gathered from the National Archives, Dublin tell us that "Mr. Byrne was the Professor for the 1925 Irish Course." He was father of the late Conall Byrne, teacher, historian and gentleman and from Conall's writings we learn that at one stage in the 1920's his father, Master Byrne and Miss Annie McLaughlin taught 108 pupils in one room. Conall and his family were not only past pupils but remained closely associated with Glassalts N.S. up until the present day when Master John Byrnes's grandson and granddaughter, Shane and Ann are associated with Sport and Music respectively.

1930's-1940's - In 1930 Mr. Byrne was appointed to another school and Master Mick Doherty became Principal. He held that post until 1943. Katie Nelson remembers that he died around 8th December 1943 while still in service and a relatively young man.

1940's/1950's - Master Niall P. O'Doherty was apointed as Principal in 1943 until his retirement in 1975. He was a man of great intellectual ability, wisdom and humour. Not only did his scores of pupils benefit under his tutelage but many teachers considered it a priviledge to work in partnership with this gentlemanly schoolmaster.

One of Niall's assistants was Ms. Vera Butler who was also a renowned Music Teacher and Director of the Carndonagh Church Choir. She was also a gifted designer and Katie Nelson remembers that she made her sister's First Holy Communion dress as an extra-curricular activity. Vera's proudest moment during her profession was when she presented a choir from Glassalts N.S. for a prestigious Féis in Derry and they brought home the 1st prize cup. It was unheard of that a small rural school could compete with the talent of the city. Such was the prowess of Vera. It was only when Vera was in her 90's that she retired from church music. She died at the age of 101 in June 2011.

1950's - 1970's - Tom Cannon from Gortahork began his teaching career here in 1956 until 1962, then moved to Tullydish because of falling numbers.

Ms. Mary Doherty, sister- in - law of Niall P. taught from 1950 - 1959. Teresa Walsh, Seán Hegarty, Brigid Tierney, Enda Cunningham all taught at Glassalts for short periods during the 1950's

1960's/1970's - The next four teachers shared their knowledge and talents collectively for over 18 years.

Ms. Teish Doherty - 1963 - 1967

Ms. Maureen Scott - 1967 - 1974

Ms. Gráinne Walsh - 1968 - 1974

Ms. Kay Conaghan 1974

All four have now retired.

1970's - Ms. Mary McGeoghan, Ballyliffin joined Glassalts in January 1975. Tom Cannon returned to the school again as Principal. Tom's pupils were his first priority. He ensured they were given every opportunity to stretch to the limits of their academic ability. He was a man of many qualities, but had a special passion for his native language and music which he passed on to the pupils with great pride. He died in Oct 2009.

1980's - In the early 1980's pupils numbers began to rise again which necessitated the appointment of Ms. Anne Marie Doogan and Glassalts became a 3 teacher school again. Anne-Marie is currently on the staff as Deputy Principal.

1990's - Ms. Mary McGeoghegan succeeded Tom Cannon as possibly the first female Principal. Mary is renowned for her kindness and dedication to the children. Ms. Mary Anne Coffey from Limerick was appointed in 1990. She was a very talented artist and the children in her care benefited from this talent during her 8 years.

Between 1998 and 2006 Ms. Geraldine Mooney set up the first every Learning Support facility at Glassalts. Highly qualified in this specialised area of education she set up a very high standard. Ms. Anna McCarron, Muff, ably job-shared in this role from 2004-2006.

In June 2009 Ms. Mary McGeoghegan retired as Principal of Glassalts, having spent 35 years in the school. In paying tribute to her replacement Ms. Celine Quigley, Mary said "She could not be handing over nicer children to a nicer person". A chapter closes for one and opens for another. A huge thanks goes to Mrs Mary Mc Geoghegan for all her research in piecing together the history of the school for this website.

2011 - The school is granted a fourth mainstream class teacher. Mrs Catherine O Connor covers Miss Mc Donald's career break.

2012 - Under the new general allocation model of learning support St. Brigid's becomes a base school for learning support allowing the school to appoint another teacher. Mrs Amanda Doherty comes to us from Rasheney N.S. Ms. Anne Marie Doogan takes on the role as learning support teacher (shared with Rasheney N.S.)