FEDAMORE Community National School is marking its first year with a great sense of pride in all that it has achieved since opening in 2024 under the patronage of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.
The co-educational and multi-denominational school has quickly become a vibrant and future-focused learning environment at the heart of the Fedamore community.
Principal Jacintha Mullins is a passionate educator with over 20 years’ experience. Her extensive academic credentials, including a first-class honours postgraduate diploma in school leadership from UL, put her in perfect position to lead the school with vision and energy through its first year.
She is supported by an excellent team in the school, including Laura Quirke, who is a distinguished teacher with many years of teaching experience across a wide range of education settings.
Martina Naughton is the school’s special needs assistant with a background in nursing, bringing years of experience in exemplary care and support to her role in Fedamore CNS. Formerly a registered nurse, she now focuses on creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments for children with additional needs.
Louise Rennie is the school secretary with a strong administrative background, having worked in finance, insurance, and local government.
Speaking about the anniversary, Jacintha said: “Our first year has been nothing short of inspiring, we’ve seen our pupils grow in confidence, creativity, and curiosity, and that’s been at the heart of everything we do.”
“Being part of the ETB school community has given us the support and flexibility to focus on what really matters: creating a supportive, welcoming environment where every child feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about what’s ahead.”
Despite being in its infancy, Fedamore Community National School has already accumulated an impressive list of awards and recognitions, including winning a Curious Minds Silver Award from Science Foundation Ireland for excellence in STEM teaching and learning. This programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students, teachers, and members of the public. The school also won a Branar Digital Arts Award, which is a whole-school initiative designed to promote and reward arts engagement in schools.
Speaking about its first year, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, director of schools with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “Fedamore Community National School exemplifies the values and strengths of an ETB school, inclusive, learner-centred, and deeply connected to its community.”
“From day one, the school has embraced the supports and opportunities available through the ETB model, allowing staff to focus on what matters most: providing high-quality teaching and care for every child.”
As a Community National School under the governance of the Limerick and Clare ETB, Fedamore CNS benefits from a broad range of supports not typically available to other schools, including educational, administrative, financial, HR, and IT services, allowing the staff to focus fully on teaching and learning in a well-managed, well-resourced environment.
Since opening, Fedamore CNS has also built strong partnerships with local organisations, artists, and environmental groups, and has been warmly welcomed by the community.
Looking to September, the school is excited to grow further and welcome new students and families.
Describing their child’s first year at the school, one parent said: “The dedication of the teachers at Fedamore Community National School is commendable, our child feels safe and supported at this school and his confidence has flourished since joining. Thank you for creating such a positive and welcoming school.”
