CROSS ISSUE CLOSES SCHOOL Shortly after being appointed Parish Priest of New Ross in 1860, Canon Kenny set about building a new school to replace the National or Lancasterian School which was located at the rear of the then Parish Church ( now the theatre ) situated on South St. A new school, complete with a cross over the door, was built in Michael St. & the teaching staff moved from the National School & commenced teaching in 1862. In 1865 the Commissioners ordered the removal of the cross over the entrance saying it was a religious emblem & was contrary to the rules. This enraged the people of the town who demanded that the cross remain in position. No compromise could be reached , the authorities withdrew the school grant & Canon Kenny had to dismiss the teachers & close the school down. The impasse lasted for some time until in 1865 Canon Kenny asked the Christian Brothers to take over the school which they did until 1882 when on the request of the then Parish Priest, Canon Kirwan the school was returned to his & parish control. Source: Jim Doyle.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:11:08 +0000
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