Laois primary school ‘deeply saddened’ at death of former principal Liam O’Neill
Former GAA President credited with transforming one room school into thriving Gaelscoil
Alongside the late Liam O’Neill’s service to the GAA in Laois and nationally, he spent 41 years serving his rural Laois community of Trumera, teaching in his beloved primary school.
“Bord Bainistíochta Ghaelscoil Thromaire” describes their deep sadness at his death.
“Is cúis bhróin dúinn uile ar Bhord Bainistíochta Ghaelscoil Thromaire bás ár n-iarphríomhoide, Liam Ó Néill, a chloisteáil.
“Bhí sé dílis don oideachas, don Ghaeilge agus do phobal na scoile, agus d’fhág sé oidhreacht bhuan trína cheannaireacht, a dhúthracht agus a chineáltas.
“Déanaimid comhbhrón ó chroí lena bhean chéile Áine, lena chlann, Caoimhe, Cliodhna agus Ciarán, lena mhuintir agus lena chairde.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. Ghaelscoil Thromaire
“The Board of Management of Gaelscoil Thromaire is deeply saddened by the passing of our former Principal, Mr Liam O’Neill.
“Liam was a dedicated educator whose vision, leadership and commitment to the Irish language and to the children of our school leave an enduring legacy.
“A defining achievement of his tenure was leading the transformation of the school into a Gaelscoil. With vision and determination, he guided this transition and established the strong foundations on which the school continues to thrive. His belief in Irish-medium education shaped the identity of Gaelscoil Thromaire and enriched the lives of generations of pupils and families.
“Liam also played a central role in securing the school’s modern, purpose-built building. His perseverance and advocacy were key to realising this vision, providing an outstanding learning environment for future generations.
“The building stands as a lasting testament to his commitment to educational excellence and to the future of Gaelscoil Thromaire.
“The Board of Management extends its heartfelt sympathies to his wife Áine, his children, Caoimhe, Cliodhna and Ciarán, his extended family, friends, former colleagues, past pupils and all who mourn his passing. Suaimhneas sioraí d’anam. Eochair feasa foghlaim”.
Back in 2018 when Liam was retiring as principal of the one roomed school near Mountrath, he spoke to the Leinster Express in depth.
His decision was made just as funding was approved by the Department of Education to build a brand new school building, replacing the 117 year old building and one prefab.
It is said to be the only Irish primary school to 'convert' to become a gaelscoil, back in 1998, and one of the few to get a new two classroom building in modern times despite only having 35 pupils.
The school building was the oldest in Ireland still in operation without extensive refurbishment.
"It was well overdue, we are not getting anything we are not entitled to. It was a long process. When I came back from the GAA post I looked at it and said we deserve better. The Board of Management has spent over three years at this, they have been fantastic as has Fr Hennessy," he said.
His retirement aged 62 ended an incredible 101 continuous record of teaching service by the O'Neill family to the school in Trumera, apart from the three years when Liam took time out to serve as GAA President from 2012 to 2015. His grandaunt Lil taught from 1911 to 1955. His father Liam (Billy) from 1941 to 1981, and Liam from 1981 to the present.
Making the month even more momentous, his wife Áine O'Neill had also taken the decision to retire as principal of St Fergal's College in Rathdowney after 15 years.
Sited in a community of just 150, Gaelscoil Thromaire gets pupils from as far as Portlaoise because it offers education through Irish in a rural small school setting.
Liam O'Neill said that he had “no doubt” that establishing its Gaelscoil status back in 1998 had saved it.
"This is not just a new school, a school anchors a community. Our hurling club gives it recognition, but the fact that the department has endorsed what we are doing, is a vote of confidence in the community of Trumera. I can't tell you how old people have reacted here. For me, for my family, friends and neighbours, I couldn't tell you the joy," he said in 2018.
Later in 2022 when the new building was completed and opened by Minister for Education Norma Foley in 2022, Liam was a special guest on that day.
Liam spoke at the opening as Gaeilge, recalling how the previous one room school was ironically planned in Queen Victoria's era in 1837 to promote English speaking.
Principal Áine mhic Aodha Bhuí had said that the community is proud and grateful for their new school.
Minister Foley spoke about the vital role that small schools play in the community and the importance of supporting local schools.
“Tá Gaelscoil Thromaire ag dul ó neart go neart (going from strength to strength),” she had said.