In the background of the above photograph is the Old Drinagh National School (now the site of the tennis court) built possibly in the 1860s. There is a girl’s roll book surviving from 1869. The building was deemed unsuitable in the 1960s and closed in 1964.
On right: Mrs Walsh and girls entering the new school. 
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On left: The boys and girls waiting to be escorted through the village from the old school to the new school in 1964.
On left: Girls waiting to be escorted to the new school 1964. |
The picture above is of Séan Ó Muirthile ( John Hurley) born to John Hurley and Catherine Walsh of Maulagow, Drinagh in June 1887. Séan’s older sister Catherine was married to John Collins brother of Michael Collins, Woodfield, Clonakilty. When Séan finished his schooling in Drinagh he attended the boy’s school in Clonakilty run by Mr Crowley to obtain his civil servant training. On completion, he went to work in the post office at Harrods store London. While in London he joined the I.R.B and the G.A.A. becoming well known in both organisations achieving rank of Quartermaster in the I.R.B and being noted as a fine athlete on the G.A.A fields.
When Michael Collins arrived in London in 1906, Séan took Michael, his relative under his wing and introduced him to the members of the London I.R.B and G.A.A organisations. Michael also became active in the I.R.B and G.A.A scene in London. Séan and Michael along with many others became committed the cause of Irish Freedom and did as much as they could to help their comrades back in Dublin and elsewhere throughout the country. In January 1916 Michael and Séan returned to Dublin and were informed of the steps being taken to secure Irish Freedom. In April 1916 Easter Week Séan volunteered to take up arms against the British on Church Street and surrounding areas while Michael fought in the G.P.O. On the last day of the rising Séan was shot and seriously wounded. He was later removed to Richmond hospital were he died. His last words were ‘tell my mother I died fighting for Ireland’. Sean is buried in a paupers grave, St. Paul's Plot, Glasnevin cemetery.
When Michael Collins arrived in London in 1906, Séan took Michael, his relative under his wing and introduced him to the members of the London I.R.B and G.A.A organisations. Michael also became active in the I.R.B and G.A.A scene in London. Séan and Michael along with many others became committed the cause of Irish Freedom and did as much as they could to help their comrades back in Dublin and elsewhere throughout the country. In January 1916 Michael and Séan returned to Dublin and were informed of the steps being taken to secure Irish Freedom. In April 1916 Easter Week Séan volunteered to take up arms against the British on Church Street and surrounding areas while Michael fought in the G.P.O. On the last day of the rising Séan was shot and seriously wounded. He was later removed to Richmond hospital were he died. His last words were ‘tell my mother I died fighting for Ireland’. Sean is buried in a paupers grave, St. Paul's Plot, Glasnevin cemetery.
On the 50th Anniversary of Séan’s death, May 1st 1966, the Community of Drinagh held a commemoration in honour of Séan’s contribution to the cause of Irish Freedom. The new school built in 1964 was officially opened and named in remembrance of Séan Ó Muirthile. On that day, Séan’s surviving relatives, distinguished guests and the people of Drinagh gathered for the commemoration.