By Dan Walsh
Ballyfad National School near Inch, Gorey, will close after this academic year. After thorough consultation among Bishop Ger Nash as Patron, Very Rev. Denis Browne as Single Manager, and other key stakeholders, this decision has been reached.
The current School Principal, Ms. Anne Ryan, will be retiring at the end of the school term. Additionally, the current 6th class students will transition to secondary education, resulting in only one student remaining in the school. This student has been accepted into another school for 6th grade next year.
Despite best efforts to boost enrolment, Ballyfad parish’s school has no students registered for the 2025/2026 year. Keeping the school open is not feasible.
The closure decision will be reported to the Department of Education this week, followed by consultations about the building’s future use.
In a statement to WexfordLocal.com, Bishop Nash said; “I offer my sincere thanks to many people for their tremendous efforts on behalf of this school over the years. Many people will feel great sadness and regret because of this closure and indeed it is a very significant event in the life of the curacy. However, this does not take away from the great work done by so many people in the school over the years, or from the achievements and successes in the school or from the very happy memories that many people have of their time spent in Ballyfad National School.
Scoil Naisiunta Baile Fada has served the community since it replaced the old national school, now the Community Centre, in 1950.
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