CANOVEE'S EARLY SCHOOLS
by Rita O'Brien, N.T.
Canovee, the Head of the Plain, lies to the east of Macroom, forming
part of the Barony of East Muskerry. Often referred to as "The
Island of Cannaway", it indeed resembles an island, being
bounded on the West by Aghthying Brook and on the North West and
North by the Lee as it flows past Lehena, Coolnacarriga, Classis,
Monallig and Killinardrish, by Carrigadrohid and past Nettleville,
Mahalough and Loughleigh to Rooves. The heights of Rathonane,
Knockavullig, Coolnashamrogue and Shandangan define its eastern and
southern boundaries.
Seat of an early Christian settlement (7th Century) evidence of which still remains in Bawntemple, it is conceiveable that the area's first school was conducted here, as education could be a feature of any early monastic settlement.
An alfresco school in all probability existed in connection with the late 14th century McCarthy Castle on the River Lee at Carrigadrohid. It is known with certainty that a school functioned at Kilcrea Friary up to the 17th century, students coming there from within a radius of at least 10 miles.
Before further reference can be made with authority to early education in Canovee, however, a large segment of our history, encompassing the McCarthy dominance of the area, the prominence of the O'Longs, the O'Learys and other families of note, and the Cromwellian invasion with its disastrous consequences for land ownership must be passed over. The system of landlord and Tenant which followed introduced a period of rack renting, eviction and general abasement of once proud families. Objection to this evil system manifested itself gradually in activities of the Whiteboys, national movements such as '98, and Young Ireland, also the Fenians, building to a climax and successful conclusion when the Land League, under Parnell and Davitt united all tenant farmers and broke the power of the landlords. The tenants of Cannaway soon saw the names of Nettles (Nettleville), Gollock (Forrest), Bowen-Coldhurst (Oakgrove), Crooke (Killinardrish) and Warren (Warrens Court) fall from prominence. An existing photograph showing the tenants of the area grouped under their banner I.L.L.A. Canovee Branch -- "United we stand" -- in Macroom square, reminds us of that struggle.
HEDGE SCHOOLS OF CANOVEE
According to the Irish Education Survey of 1826, there were hedge
schools at Kilnardy (Killinardrish), Shandangan and Cappanagraun
(Cappanagrown). These schools had been provided during Penal times
for the educationally deprived Catholics. Hedge schoolmasters risked
their lives in the promotion of education. Adequate notice has not
yet been given to the Roman Catholic School teacher during the penal
period. He ran the risk of prison, transportation and worse. One
member of the Cork Church of Ireland Gentry, Cox, suggested that
"Clandestine Roman Catholic school teachers be branded.".
In this post-penal period, teaching in thatched cabins, "stone and clay mortar", which were little more than hovels, were Maurice Roche, K. Splane, and John Twomey.
K. Splane's income at Killinardrish was from £20 to £25-2s-6d p.a. 60 boys and 30 girls attended, of whom 7 were Protestants. Their parents paid according to their means, generally per quarter. By 1839 there existed a Male and Female Parochial School (Protestant) which was chiefly supported by the Vicar. A Diocesan Schoolmaster's pay for that year is given -- £16-0s-Od.
Mr. Jerh McCarthy, Principal of Boys' School 1884-1929 and his
wife Margaret (nee O'Sullivan), Principal Girls' School 1885-1929
THE FIRST NATIONAL SCHOOL
In 1841, the Parish Priest, Rev. G. Daly applied to the newly
established Board of National Education for a grant towards the
erection of a school at Canovee. The site was granted by John W.
Spread, a retired Captain of the Navy to whom the property was
entailed. A joint lease by father and son ensured a satisfactory term
of at least 50 years. The School was to be vested in Trustees,
namely: The Parish Priest, Mr. John Hackett, Mr. W.M. Murphy,
Curragh, Mr. Denis Horgan, Lehena.
The Superintendent of National Schools, James Sheridan, in his recommendation dated 28-8-1841 stated that "owing to the want of a school, the farmers have been obliged to procure education for their children at home", and that "they are in class likely to take advantage of the National Schoo". On February 27th, 1843 Mr. Cornelius Lane became the first Teacher of Canovee National School, having previously taught at Watergrasshill and at Goggin's Hill, Bandon. The classroom measured 33 ½' X 18'. As there were no local funds available, (£40 had already been given towards the erection of the school) application was made for a salary. The attendance that first week was 20 males and 10 females. Poor attendance was normal at that time and about 75% of Irish children appear to have stayed away from school. Most attended from age 6 or 7 to 12 years of age.
The subjects generally taught at the time were Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Euclid (Geometry), Mensuration (Measurement) and History.
On the resignation of Mr. Lane in 1849 and following the hard years of the Famine, Timothy Connell, who had taught in England, was appointed with Jeremiah Martin as Assistant. At this stage there were 120 males and 64 females on rolls, with attendance averaging 140. In 1853 Timothy (Cuck) Murphy was Principal with Daniel Murphy as Assistant, Miss Julia Murphy was workmistress, "employed exclusively for needlework, plain and fancy, and knitting" from Monday to Friday, 10 am. to 4 pm.
Attendance of 48 males and 55 females is recorded. Teachers and scholars were all housed in this one room until about 1868 when a separate room for girls, measuring 27'x 14' was erected. Mary Hurley was now Principal in the girls'school with Julia Murphy still employed as Workmistress and Eliza Sheehan, Assistant, aged 23. She had been Monitor since 1863. Monitors were prospective teachers chosen from the senior class and given a few hours work with the Infant classes daily. After a number of years they were accepted for Teacher Training. They worked for the paltry sum of about £6 p.a. This system ceased in 1922.
The last mentioned Teachers of this school are Mary Walsh and Ellen Fitzgerald in 1876. Terence Murphy, a Monitor since '69 was appointed Assistant and John Leary is mentioned in Guy's Directory 1875-76. The Principal, Timothy Murphy, remained until 1884, when the second National School was built.
The usefulness of this educational building was by no means at an end. It became the "Reading Room" and seems to have been used as what we now term a "Community Hall". Older inhabitants tell of Concerts, Band practice and such functions being held there. Jerh McCarthy, Principal teacher in the new school, is reputed to have tutored boys there in preparation for examinations for Civil Service, Post Office etc, at night classes. History repeats itself in some respects in the second Cannaway National School at the present time. It is used as a meeting place for all the local organisations G.A.A., I C.A., Civil Defence, Choral Group and Historical Society. Ambitious plans for Reconstruction and Refurbishing are in the minds of many interested parties, as soon as certain obstacles are overcome.