Gaelscoil Philib Barún is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of Irish-medium education and community spirit in Tramore. The school first opened its doors in 1985 with just 29 pupils and one teacher. Since then, it has grown into a thriving primary school with more than 200 pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. Today, a team of eight teachers, a resource teacher and an administrative principal supports the school community.

Gaelscoil Gathering Planned to Mark Milestone

To celebrate the milestone, the school community will host “The Gaelscoil Gathering” on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30pm at The Waterfront Tramore. Organisers are inviting parents, past pupils, former staff and supporters of the school to attend what they describe as a night of nostalgia, celebration and reconnection. Tickets for the event cost €22 and are available through Eventbrite. The event is strictly over 18s.

From Small Beginnings to a Thriving School

Gaelscoil Philib Barún began in rented accommodation on Pond Road in Tramore. As enrolment grew, the school moved to Stella Maris House in 1989, where it expanded to 65 pupils and three teachers. However, the school community spent many years campaigning for a permanent home. Parents, staff and supporters worked together for decades to secure a purpose-built facility. Their efforts paid off in June 2017, when the school officially opened its modern new building. The development marked the culmination of a long campaign to establish a lasting home for Irish-medium education in the area.

School Name

The school takes its name from Philib Barún — also known as Philip Barron — a 19th-century Waterford native born in 1803. Barron came from Ferrybank and strongly supported the preservation of the Irish language at a time when few others did. He invested his own money to establish a college on his estate in Bonmahon. He also produced Irish-language learning materials and a weekly Irish-language magazine in the 1830s. Although his educational project ultimately failed without state support, Barron believed that the Irish language would one day return to prominence — a vision that continues to inspire the school today.

Principal Reflects on Four Decades

School principal Daithí de Paor, who has taught at the school for almost 40 years, described the anniversary as a proud moment for the entire school community. He said it has been extraordinary to witness the growth of Gaelscoil Philib Barún from its early beginnings into the vibrant school it is today. De Paor said the anniversary celebrates the vision, dedication and resilience of generations of parents, staff and pupils who believed in Irish-medium education in Tramore. He added that the school is looking forward to welcoming past and present members of the Gaelscoil community to share memories and celebrate the milestone together.

Celebrating the Past and Looking Ahead

Since opening in 1985, Gaelscoil Philib Barún has remained committed to high-quality Irish-medium education while promoting Irish culture, identity and community spirit among pupils and families. The school’s Parents Association and wider community now look forward to welcoming guests to The Gaelscoil Gathering on April 18 to celebrate 40 years of achievement and to look ahead to the future. Tickets for the event are available online via Eventbrite. For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.