Prizon School
Prison school was a school which once existed in Co. Mayo in a townland called Prison East which lies between Balla and Manulla. It was opened it doors in 1850 and was closed in 1970. The school had educated many children from the surrounding areas of Balla Town.
For a short time, the old schoolhouse was used for social events such as Bingo and local dances. Now the school building remains used only opening for the odd reunion of the past pupils. Many of the people connected to the school have passed on. This site was created to give Prison (also spelt Prizon) school it digital footprint and celebrate the past pupils, teachers and locals involved in the school.
Many of the past pupils have left us including some of those that have contributed stories we have.
This is dedicated to those that have left us. Although they may have left us, their voices and memories are still with us.
Go raibh míle maith agat!
The collection of 1938
There was a large project undertaken on by Dúchas © National Folklore Collection, UCD. This a compiled collection of stories, traditions, culture and history written by pupils and teachers of the schools of Ireland. With the goal to help preserve Irish History and Culture. We have compiled those stories from Prizon school and presented them in a blog style for you to read at your pleasure. We hope enjoy reading these stories.
Extract from the exercise book of teacher Mary Doherty. Dúchis.ie
Artist impression of old school built in 1850’s
“The other school Gardens continue to work with fair efficiency, especially that in the connexion (connection) with Prizon national school near Balla, Co. Mayo, which is man-aged in a most creditable manner and cannot fail to exercise a most salutary effect in improving the tastes and habits, as well as the industrial knowledge of the pupils.”
Past pupils
Every 12 year years the former pupils reunite to remember the good old days gone past. We have been lucky enough to have a collection of some of the stories told by them. These can be considered eyewitness accounts of history by the local people. Some with funny tales of their life in school we have also manged to gather some photos to go with these stories. Join us in reading about the times gone past.
Remembered Joy
“
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all…
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief –
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.”
Source: Ireland-calling
On Easter Sunday morning we first go to Mass. when we come home we have our breakfast. We make a fire, and we make tea and we have sweet-cakes and eggs in a field if the day is fine.