Ballintleva Old School House, Cornalee, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon

Joe Naughton Auctioneers are delighted to present to the market this truly unique property - Ballintleva Old School House, Cornalee, Co. Roscommon.

Steeped in history and character, this landmark building dates to 1834 and is recognised as one of the very first National Schools built in Ireland.

The property, contained in Folio RN37194F, stands on 0.13 hectares (approx. 0.32 acres), offering ample space and potential in a peaceful rural setting, while being just a short 20-minute drive from both Athlone and Roscommon Town. The property is directly opposite the current Ballintleva National School and is just 3km from Dysart village.

The property is presented in excellent condition with the owner having spent a significant sum in 2012 for full roof and rafter restoration while maintaining the character of the property. Restoration works were also undertaken in 2009, including the installation of upstairs flooring.

Today, Ballintleva Old School House stands as a remarkable landmark a rare opportunity to acquire a property of true historical importance, rich in character and local heritage.

History

Ballintleva Old School House, Cornalee, Co. Roscommon was one of the very first national schools built in Ireland. It is believed to be the first 2-storey school in Connaught, if not in the whole of Ireland.

In 1831 a National System of Education with an appointed Board of Commissioners was set up to provide for the building and running of nondenominational national schools throughout Ireland. These schools were to provide free primary schooling for all children up to the age of 12. The commissioners awarded a grant of 131 for the building of Ballintleva school and a second grant of 93 was given to furnish the school and to provide books. Prior to 1834, the only school in the area was a hedge school in Sallygrove (3 miles away) where the impoverished parents had to pay the teacher. This meant that very few children in the area received any education until the school opened its doors.

The National school opened in 1834 with 220 pupils recorded. Originally called St Michael's, the name was changed to Ballintleva National School in 1835.

The pupils were segregated with the girls classrooms upstairs and the boys downstairs. There was a dividing wall separating access to the girls and boys toilets which were outdoors, in the yard.

Gonville French was the landlord for Cornalee townland in the 1830s and he was the school's first manager (the school is on the boundary of the parishes of Dysart and Cam and the townlands of Culleenirwin and Cornalee). He was also responsible for the building of the school.

The first recorded teacher was James Walsh and the last two teachers were P.J. Cunningham and Rita Tully when the school finally closed its doors in 1963.

The current owners' grandparents taught in the school from 1907 until 1955.