Teaching while the supports fall away

A blue sign facing the narrow country road outside Derrinacahara National School stands below a plaque marking its foundation in 1888.

The modern sign carries the school slogan: “Celebrating Children.”

There are 81 celebrated children on the roll of the West Cork school and, up to the start of December, principal Gabrielle Crowley was hoping to have a fourth teacher on staff again next autumn. Before the 2012 budget was revealed, the number on roll this year would have entitled the school to an additional teacher in September.