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BEHIND A BLACK gate off the entranceway to the expansive grounds of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham – now the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) – lies a large, green field that is home to Dublin’s oldest cemetery.
Final resting place
At first glance, the uneven ground and large trees distract from the headstones, many of which are broken, or partially sunken into the ground. Walk down a track to the right of the field and you’ll find yourself in the privates’ burial ground, with its rows and rows of graves lying like broken teeth.
The front row holds large headstones, each declaring the origin of the person whose final resting place is beneath them. Many of these are men who spent their final years in the Royal Hospital, which was founded in 1684 by James Butler, Duke of Ormonde and Viceroy to Charles II, as a retirement home for soldiers who had served in the British army.
In the first part of this field is a large, dappled grey headstone which was erected by the Dublin Corporation to honour those who were buried in the Bully’s Acre area in the “distant past”. Bully’s Acre, next to the privates’ graveyard, was where Dubliners were brought to be buried, and the 3.7 acre site is hidden behind a tall stone wall and locked gate. Across the path from it is situated the officers’ graveyard; it too is locked and inaccessible to the public.
Together, the three sites give a glimpse into life in that area over hundreds of years, as the remains of ordinary people of Dublin lie alongside those of soldiers, criminals and celebrities.
Paul O'Brien. Pic: Aoife Barry/TheJournal.ie
These sites are usually not open to the public, but thanks to Paul O'Brien of the Office of Public Works (OPW), a military historian with a passion for Irish history, the story of these remarkable cemeteries can finally be told.
Last Sunday, he brought a number of people - including history enthusiasts and experts on Ireland's headstones - to this historic spot.
Bully's Acre
This is the largest of the three cemeteries, and as O'Brien explained as he led us through the site, was originally the location of a priory established soon after the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem arrived in Ireland in 1174. Before this, it was the site of a religious settlement that St Maignenn set up (the name Kilmainham has its origins in 'Cill Maignenn', or Church of Maignenn).
In 1540, the priory was closed down after the reformation of Henry VIII and the lands were vested in the Crown, before becoming the site of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. The cemetery was kept, and there lie the remains of hundreds of thousands of people, who were buried there for practical reasons: because it was hallowed ground, and because it was free.
The graveyard was at one time known as the Hospital Fields, but soon picked up the moniker Bully's Acre. O'Brien explained that this could be because Bully is a corruption of the word for 'bailiff' or 'baily', which was what the officials of the priory at Kilmainham were called, or else it came from the cemetery being used for boxing fights, a popular sport at the time.
The site wasn't always quiet or controversy-free: In 1737, officers stationed at the Royal Hospital complained about the large numbers of people who would visit there, as well as those visiting the nearby St John's Well. Public burials were banned in 1755 at Bully's Acre, and high walls were built around the graveyard. Gravestones were levelled, and a prominent high cross bore the brunt of this, being damaged in the act.
However, public outcry led to locals visiting the graveyard en masse, and tearing down the walls to make it accessible. In 1795, damage done to the graveyard was restored with funds from the Grand County Jury, and the shaft of the damaged cross was re-erected.
Today, it is no longer used as a graveyard, and the sprinkling of headstones gives no hint that there are thousands of bodies buried within the uneven land.
Officers' Graveyard
The Officers' Graveyard. Pic: Aoife Barry/TheJournal.ie
Across the path from Bully's Acre lies this cemetery. This is where the higher ranking army officers were buried, and along with their bodies lie the remains of some of their family members. From the Bishops to the Dawbneys, the Crosbies to the Penderys, each grave tells a tale.
Some have heartbreaking inscriptions - "deposited here [are] the mortal remains of her sisters Anne and Ellen and her brother Samuel, all of whom died before their parents", "Erected by his widow in testimony of his great worth as a husband, father and friend" - while others outline the person's role in the Royal Hospital.
Here lieth the body of John Chapman, master of works to the Royal Hospital, which place he and his father held upwards of 60 years.
In loving memory of Captain William Strickland McGill, late 79th Cameron Highlanders, with which regiment he served throughout the campaigns of the Crimea and Indian Mutiny.
The prominent, sturdy headstones in this particular graveyard (some of which were specially constructed so that grave robbers couldn't access them) lie in marked contrast to the invisible paupers' graves across in Bully's Acre. The social divide between those who worked and lived at the Royal Hospital of Kilmainham and the Kilmainham locals is visible even in death.
Grave Robbing
Grave robbing might seem like the stuff of horror films, but back in the 18th century it was a remarkably common activity, and in one way actually contributed towards the evolution of medicine and surgery.
It was only legal for surgeons to carry out anatomies on the bodies of convicted murderers who were hung for their crimes - but as these usually numbered only around 20 or 30 a year, this wasn't enough to satisfy the need of the medical experts (who would perform autopsies to educate their students as well as learn more about the human body).
Grave robbing brought body snatchers money, while surgeons could charge money to people who wanted to watch a dissection.
O'Brien explained - while showing us a wooden shovel and sack like grave robbers used - that bodies weren't buried 6ft under in the 1800s as they are now, so opening a grave and taking a body out of a coffin (and the shroud that covered them, which was discarded) using a hook was not that difficult.
Those who couldn't take bodies sometimes took teeth, which were also valuable. The rate of body snatching declined after the Anatomy Act of 1832 was introduced, which stated that unclaimed bodies from workhouses could be used for dissection.
Well-known people buried there
There were many well-known people who were buried at Bully's Acre, and some who were buried and then removed. Robert Emmet was buried there in 1803 after being killed on Thomas St, but soon after this, his body was removed and buried in another unknown location. His final resting place is still unknown.
The famous Irish boxer Dan Donnelly was also buried there for a time, following his death in 1820. But his corpse was removed by medical students - and only returned, after public outcry, once an arm had been removed.
Pic: Aoife Barry/TheJournal.ie
The bodies of British soldiers who fought during the Rising of 1916 are also buried in the privates' graveyard, as is a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary, who was shot dead by Irish Volunteer Commandant Eamonn Ceannt in the area of St James' Hospital during the Rising.
The youngest person buried there - in the officers' graveyard - was named Adeline Sabine Banks, the 'darling child of Langrishe Fyers and Anne Sabine Banks', who died at just 20 months.
Her grave carries this message to accompany her to the next life: "Peace little loving sleeper/Close to thy saviour side/Rest with thy tender keeper/safe for the Lord has died."
Pic: Aoife Barry/TheJournal.ie
Closure
Bully's Acre closed to the public following the cholera epidemic of 1832, though some burials took place until 1835. When Glasnevin Cemetery was established, this became the main graveyard for Dublin.
Once the Royal Hospital was handed over to the Irish Free State in 1922, said O'Brien, Bully's Acre "became neglected and forgotten", though the officers' burial ground was used until 1954.
Though the headstones are sparse, there are thousands of bodies buried in Bully's Acre, people of all walks of life who shared a common resting place. Though some parts have been vandalised - notably the small graveyard housing some of the British Army soldiers - Bully's Acre remains peaceful and quiet despite being near major roads and Heuston station.
Now that people such as Paul O'Brien and the OPW are there to help bring the area's hidden history to the public, it is possible to take a guided tour of these graveyards, and get a glimpse into the not-too-distant past.
Additional information from Bully's Acre: Dublin's Oldest Cemetery, by Paul O'Brien.
In 1914 to 1918 our kids were asked to charge down machine guns in a mud hole in France.. this generation is asked to stay in a few weeks watch Netflix and do bit of online learning.. ahh give me a break from this world.
@Padraig O’Shea: ya maths was tough yesterday so I made sure the kids went out to dig trenches to make Padraig happy.
@Padraig O’Shea: except this isn’t 1914 to 1918. We know better now than to let children play with machine guns. We also know the cost of continuous isolation on the mental health of young children. And also adults I might add. I also might add that this is now going on for nearly 1 year. Not a few weeks!
@Padraig O’Shea: Padraig, I would be the first to agree with you, but for alot of kids school is a place of sanctuary and repsite from horrible home environments, you read reports of the increase in domestic violence, kids are in that environment too.
Not every household has more than 1 internet device, some families might be only able to afford the 1 computer and it’s needed by the kids for school and WFH parents
Now kids are locked up with their abusers and no way to contact help, no principal, neighbours, other parents at school to spot the signs of abuse and neglect.
I am in favour of suppressing the virus and closing the schools but we have to at the very bare minimum get the most vulnerable back to school.
Just pause for a moment and think about those kids sleeping at this hour of the night worried what will happen tomorrow.
@Padraig O’Shea: God be with the days when a primary cert and a bit of cop on would suffice. 2+2 still =4
@Jacqueline berry: there’s been no school and level 5 lockdown for the past year???
@Padraig O’Shea: ”this generation is asked to stay in a few weeks … ” yeah just a few weeks or maybe 1 year or more in reality which of course for a child or a teenager is not an eternity at all. Could you be any more ignorant?
@Jacqueline berry: You might add if you like, but it doesn’t add up
@Padraig O’Shea: since you obviously remember that so well, you mustn’t have young children now . My next sentence won’t be be published
@Graham Manning: haven’t we been virtually in a rolling lockdown for most of this? I walked out the college gates on March 12th 2019. I have yet to be back full-time on campus. 2hrs a week since we went back in September. Now even that had been stopped. So yes in my opinion we have been on lockdown for nearly 1 year. I suppose depending on your circumstances you may see it differently.
@Sean O Callaghan: nice Riddle there Sean
@Jacqueline berry: To be fair Jacqueline, you implied that children have been locked in and unable to see their friends for a year which is untrue. Teenagers stayed at home from March for a couple of months, they were back socialising with their friends well before the school year ended and they’ve seen their friends all the way up to Christmas. So, calling it a year is simply not the case. It’s different in 3rd level of course with campuses closed but you’re talking about adults there which is a different conversation completely to this one.
@mar: We are locked down for a reason Mar, thousands are dead and more are dying. You have been anti lockdown, anti mask, anti vaccine since the start of this… Anti everything that normal people see as necessary. You calling anyone else ignorant just makes me laugh. You are part of the problem Mar, you and the likes of you are why we are still locked down and people are still dying.
@Padraig O’Shea: People should stop complaining. 10 years ago there would be no online home schooling as broadband rollout was at best questionable even in the larger towns, not mentioning the country side. Maybe now they can at least see what teaching their children really means. I would never teach. Even before the Covid I knew how difficult it is. And people used to say that the teachers only have holidays. Well, now they can see what a “pleasure” it is to teach their own kids.
@Cliff Burnby: Jaysus you’re some headcase!
@Jacqueline berry: if you have been in college, then lockdown ended, college students don’t do many hours so 2hrs is basically half your working week.
@Jacqueline berry: take no notice of him
He’s just uneducated
Or just a class a pr1ck
@Padraig O’Shea: you can go and live in Africa or middle east. There are few countries down there, where kids still load machine guns those days…. some time they even shoot…
@Jacqueline berry: you talked about the mental health and isolation of young children. By no means is this not an issue but they’ve not been in lockdown for a year. They ere in school for 4 months of that. It’s just factually incorrect.
@Graham Manning: is it NOT an issue? Do you want talk and see my kids for yourself ???
@Padraig O’Shea: I feel the same way as you. Why is this generation so feeble? I have two primary children and a first year and they are doing fine with remote/online learning. They don’t go to fancy schools, just regular run of the mill schools in the countryside. We help them at lunch and before dinner in between our own work as best we can. Our kids know they are home to keep everyone safe and to help the doctors. We just have to be patient.
@Proudly Italian: try reading what I wrote. I literally said it is.
@M: Officially children aren’t supposed to meet in the afternoon. If someone is flaunting the rules than the rules are in need of review or enforcement.
Younger children are usually staying put.
@larry bird: You have never attended a college.
@Padraig O’Shea: at least they were outside and had someone to talk to
@Padraig O’Shea: This comment is true for young adults, or older adults for that matter,that find “so hard” to not be able to go on holidays abroad or drink beyond reason in a pub. But for future generation of primary school children, it is seriously damaging. There is too much focus on leaving cert.
And by the way, if all parts of society were complying with the rules, even the basic one, watch your hands and keep 2 meters away, the school be long reopened… but everyone is an exception in his own little selfish world.
@Padraig O’Shea: Ah this tired old sentiment being recycled for the millionth time since last March. It doesn’t fit this situation though, if this was 1914 I would think it highly improbable that my 3 or 6 year old boys would be charging down machine guns.
@larry bird: You’ve never been to university, so!
@Jacqueline berry: I’m reminded of the story of Anne Frank. A child confined to an attic for two years in fear of her life, often going for hours without speaking, only for it all to be in vain. This is hardship. While current conditions are less than ideal, I’ve no doubt the majority of children will emerge from this pandemic relatively unscathed.
@Peter Roche: uneducated and jealous ;-)
@Padraig O’Shea: so 10 year olds were being shipped off to war? Absolute nonsense of a comment.
@Sorcha Ní Shúilleabháin: I’m astonished what kind of examples people are bringing on.
I don’t know if it’s not actually concerning that everything above a war or risk if being a victim if genocide is considered as acceptable these days.
@Jacqueline berry: Schools reopened fully in September. So far they have been teaching remotely since the second week of January, hardly a year! However in a lot of States in the US they have been taught remotely since last March! We really need to put it into some perspective, how on earth do parents cope in war torn countries? We really are a nation of moaners who just seem to put ourselves first.
@Vanessa: Context is very important. While not easy this for most is a form of discomfort. The vast majority of children are and will be absolutely fine.
@Graham Manning: My bad. Got it all wrong. My apologies
@Padraig O’Shea: Probably only you would make that analogy but maybe you’d explain this to me, who gets full pay while passing on the duties of their job to someone else. Perhaps you’d apply your logic to that one.
@Proudly Italian: no worries.
@Vanessa: Oh I agree with you. I was responding to someone who said children have been isolated from their friends for a year which is untrue. They were isolated from March for a a couple of months and they’ve been isolated for the past 6 weeks.
@Padraig O’Shea: our kids were not asked to charge down machine guns in France, some lied about their age and joined an army. We did not take part in WW1.
We are asking teachers to go to school and do their jobs not charge own anything. Just do the job they are paid to do.
@Adam Hernes: teachers go to college to learn how to teach, we pay our taxes so our children can go to school. Teachers are paid to teach, hand back their wages or go to school.
@M: It’s longer if official guidelines would be followed. We hadn’t only the couple of months in the first lockdown, we had also a level 3+ followed by the second lockdown in which no visitors would have been allowed.
Also officially they would have to be 2m apart in most scenarios which is a challenge in itself
@Chris Mc: Most teachers are working mad hours to get all that online stuff sorted. I know some who are asking to go back to eork as they a) could work more effectively b) would have less workload c) happy to bring normality to their and the children’s lives.
However, the government is deeming even golf as dangerous how would you try to justify being in a classroom?
@Chris Mc: Well, we did take part in WW1, Chris. Over 200,000 Irishmen fought and, whether you like to admit it or not, we were just as much a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1914 as Wales and Scotland. You could have been a teacher yourself if you knew that. Schools are closed at the moment too, a governmental decision completely out of our hands, so I’m not sure why you expect us to be in there these weeks.
@Chris Mc: they are.
@Chris Mc: no
I have 3 children under 9 one with asd and while it is hard going, homeschooling is not impossible. You just need to apply yourself and plan. I have to say my school is really helping us
@NurseRatched: I have a friend with a toddler and special needs child under 10. The special needs child has excelled at home as he is not competing with others and has the one on one needed
@NurseRatched: it is impossible if both parents are front line workers & have to go to work everyday. The government/teachers/unions (our own included) have made no provisions for the kids of people that have 2 go 2 work everyday. It’s just very tough atm.
@NurseRatched: are you also working full time? If you are, please tell me your secret.
@Mickjk: I know in the North some teachers came into school on a rotating basis for kids with parents on the medical front line. Worked quite well too
@NurseRatched: aren’t you working? Me and my wife both work from home full time. Can’t do that and homeschool at the same time. My wife is a freelance and she’d to give up few jobs because of this….
@Proudly Italian: she probably works handy hours that suits her to homeschool just neglected to mention that
@motojack: “d she’d to give up few jobs because of this”
@Vanessa: not sure what’s your point here. My wife HAD to give up few job because of home schooling, which ENDED UP in loss of revenue for us.
And yet teachers are getting paid a full wage for ?????My son is in 4th class and I asked could the teacher do more than a current 15 min zoom call. The reply I got 2 weeks after a asked was that she did think about it but unfortunately she was not be able to facilitate a second call. What nonsense…. Just in case I hear teachers defending the undefendable I am a teacher with over 20 years experience. Teachers need to do what they are getting paid for …….That is to teach.
@Brian Shea: of course teachers are getting paid. And, generally speaking, they are teaching. Are there lazy numpties in every profession? Sure. Do something about it and don’t generalise your anecdotal experience as if it’s representative of the whole. It isn’t.
@Graham Manning: Generally teaching….. Yep that sums it up….
@Brian Shea: If you really were a teacher, you’d appreciate that your child’s case isn’t reflective of teachers as a whole. You’d know full well that the majority of teachers are working harder now than ever. You need to complain to the Principal about this situation which absolutely isn’t good enough. It annoys me as a teacher that there are idle ones who aren’t doing much. But casting aspersions on the whole profession shows full well that you aren’t a teacher at all.
@Brian Shea: not what I said and a nonsensical attempt at sarcasm.
@Brian Shea: In what sector do you teach ? Are you teaching in Ireland ? I’ve never once met an irish teacher who wouldn’t report their dissatisfaction with underperforming teachers to the teachers and the school to protect their kids . What is stopping you ? I think you should do a little less venting on the journal and be a little more proactive with your thoughts .
@Brian Shea: very frustrating , my daughter is a primary school teacher of 3rd class, she spends a huge amount of time preparing lesson plans and she is online with them each day Mon-Fri for school hrs, she schedules a zoom call with each child to keep in touch, there are a few who just dont engage and she has to keep hunting them up!! Its not easy for anyone but you can only work with what you have! Very frustrating for everyone at times!
@Brian Shea: so is this entire thing not proof that teachers should have merit based assessments for pay increments? As is there’s no incentive for poor teachers to improve…. You’re getting 1 zoom a week, my 4th class daughter has had none. The teacher has childcare issues apparently….as though the rest of us haven’t been dealing with childcare issues for almost a year now
@Sharon Brennan: Not that it’s ever going to happen but no it’s absolutely not. How exactly would that work?
@Graham Manning: how does it work for the rest of of the workforce???
@Sharon Brennan: your silly plan. Not my fault you can’t explain it.
It could be a lot worse, both of us are front line workers and are struggling to get by because we cant let family or child care mind or kids because we both work front line. When I’m working shes off and Visa versa and its tolling on us both having to change shifts and not seeing each other. It’s a hard time, we would be the first ones looked at if our parents or family members catch covid so we cant risk itvas they would be susceptible to it. But we’re v positive about it and we all need to be. Mind yourselves, be patient and it’s not as bad as we think it is if we just be be responsible is all.
@daniel grimes: thanks to you and your wife. Thats really tough on both of you. Mind yourselves and stay safe.
@daniel grimes: genuine question but can you insist on less hours/ better shift because of this?
Do these people in government not understand people are now at breaking point.Personally,I have spoken to people who have had enough.Government of this country listen to the people.
@Peter Bell: Breaking point of what? We haven’t been asked to go to war. Are there hard days? Sure. I have spoken to people who don’t know why so many are whinging while thousands are very sick and have died. I will do anything if it means you or your loved one can live through this.
@Peter Bell: you can’t wish away a virus. Your frustration is understandable, but the government can’t exactly open up without unleashing a wave of infections and deaths.
@Peter Bell: Most people aren’t at breaking point. They’re bored because they can’t see their friends and the weather is terrible. Yes, that’s a bit miserable but it’s not the end of the world while a deadly virusis is being suppressed. The phrase ‘breaking point’ is deliberately inflammatory and you know it. Also, the piece about a 3% loss in income is ridiculous. This assumes that a child has missed in-school education while all around him/her are attending. Schools all over the world are closed so this isn’t valid data in the time of a global pandemic.
@M: Why can’t teachers go back to do what they are supposed to do which in teach in classrooms. Why are teachers so much better or privileged than shopkeepers, nurses etc. The most entitled profession in this country and they need to get a grip. I am speaking as a teacher and see the majority of my colleagues really milking this. Not everyone is the same in case you pull that card.
@Brian Shea: But teachers aren’t the ones deciding when we go back to the classroom. You know that full well. The vast majority of teachers can’t wait to get back but the Govt/Nphet has decided that they don’t want 1 million kids and their parents on the move. What do teachers have to do with this decision? It’s nothing to do with privilege or entitlement and that’s what makes me question your motives here. It’s out of our hands every bit as much as it was 11 months ago.
@Peter Bell: I’m with you. Can’t take anymore. My kids are breaking up, I do see my folks since September, I’m not productive at work… this is not life.
@Brian Shea: speaking as a teacher ? Your comment has no basis , nothing other than your own limited anecdotal “evidence” to back it up . How dare you generalise about others . I have a feeling this applies to your professional standards but not mine . I have no choice but to stay at home but I ve worked extremely hard as a teacher to make it a worthwhile experience for the kids I teach .
@JustMeHere: Spot on.
@M: The trade unions that represent “teachers” and their views ignored the advice that it was safe in schools with the current measures put in place. They threw their dummy out of the pram. The most entitled group of employees this country has. But then again this profession is much better than other professions working as possibly normal aren’t they ?
@Peter Bell: the government and media is censoring views, so that are only listening to views they approve of. That’s the problem.
@Ross McBride: They could do heaps more to prevent it, but have sat on their hands. Close the airports vaccinate the teachers please.
@thesaltyurchin: Vaccinate shopkeepers, the logistics people like everyone in the postal service and delivery people, Garda etc etc I could go on. What is so special about teachers……Do they think they are above everyone else. They think they are…..
@Brian Shea: Absolutely. Vaccinate all the people we need to get the economy going, Currently we’re vaccinating people who have nowhere to go and nothing to do! (just said teachers as that’s the topic).
@Brian Shea: There you are again saying ‘they’ and ‘them’ and putting inverted commas around the word ‘teachers’ when badmouthing a whole profession of which you claim to be a member. You have the gall to repeatedly call yourself one to make your point seem more balanced. Waste of time reading what you have to say.
@Brian Shea: I think vaccinating teachers first is a ridiculous idea but you do realise that shopkeepers, logistics people, postal workers etc aren’t spending all day in a freezing and cramped porta-cabin with 30 others, none of whom are wearing a mask. If you were really a teacher you’d have some clue about this.
@M: Oh dear who is now generalising an entire profession saying that all teachers are in freezing cramped porta-cabins to make them look good and like hero’s. Have a look at the profession and how ridiculous the majority of self serving entitlment type attitude bunch they have become. Yes they are good teachers and fantastic teachers but I am afraid this is becoming less and less. Seriously really have a good look at the profession. I am in 2nd level and been principal for over 5 years . I think I have a good insight into the profession.
@Brian Shea: no Brian you’re a laughable fantasist with zero insight but thanks for playing.
@Brian Shea: You’re joking me. Nobody believes that you’re a principal. You haven’t said a single positive thing about teachers in the past few days which is incredible given your laughable claims. What exactly are you doing with your days (apart from being on this) while your teachers are on zoom calls all day with their classes? I’d love to hear your answer but it’ll no doubt be another bout of fantasy.
Thanks Padraig I’m sure this will be helpful to remember the next time I’m comforting my crying, terrified 5 year old who is bored and lonely and anxious beyond belief due to the isolation of no school, no playtime with friends and has developed a fear of seeing the extended family he adores because he thinks they might die. Your wise words will surely keep me calm while we battle through the most basic schoolwork from 6-8pm after another exhausting day of ‘I’m sorry love I’m on a call’ as we are two full time working parents. It is an awful time. It is hard and people are allowed to find it hard.
@Roisin White: I think your situation and experience is more likely a more realistic vision for most parents and families . I hope things ease for u . I have 5 boys and home but luckily I have been able to put my career aside for a few weeks , to manage . When others dismiss how hard stuff is by saying we are not sending our kids to war is unhelpful .
@Mia Morrissey: thanks for your kind words. It’s not that I necessarily think we should be rushing them back into schools I just think the narrative of sure it’s only a few weeks of Netflix and they are only kids is so harmful and people commenting you shouldn’t have kids if you can’t mind them is crazy. Every family has struggles to manage. Nothing about this time is normal or planned for.
@Mia Morrissey: thanks Mia. No one planned for this and nothing is normal. We are all just trying to hold it together and the likes of people tell you sure it’s only a few weeks of Netflix is so hurtful when the reality is people (including kids) are breaking daily.
@Roisin White: while Im not in your position I wholeheartedly agree. I think your own situation is a much more realistic picture of what parents and children are dealing with. I work from home anyway, but I also have a 5 year old, a 5 mth old, a house to run and my husband thankfully able to do his line of work throughout this. It is not as simple as he makes it out to be. Also homeschooling is a big decision for any parent to make and is done so with extensive researching and planning in place, to have it landed on your lap in these circumstances. It is hard. On almost everyone.
Blame the dept. for making a balls of it all.
- Teachers or SNAs aren’t close contacts if child in class had Covid. In the UK it was found that teacher infection are up to four times higher than normal population. Our government called this “community transmission”.
- Special class teachers and SNA work with some kids intimately, changing and cleaning them and again, not considered close contacts.
- Schools including my own had classes with most of the kids missing because they were close contacts of a student in school. Parents took them out, not by HSE tracing. Our school never received one call from HSE from contacting tracing even though a lot of students had it. The students on their return said they were told it was unlikely to be school and was put down as “community transmission”. Another group were told they got it at football training with the same kids, not school. Still never a HSE call.
- Not that teachers want special treatment when it comes to testing, but if schools did antigen testing like some business are all I doubt there would be a problem returning. We were missing 10 teachers at one point, all waiting on results, no subs could be found so classes were sent home. Usually the TY group so their teachers could fill in for exam students. That’s no good from the dept. We even had a parent give out, e-mailing in saying “if we cared about her child’s education they would isolate outside school hours from everyone, including our families, in a separate room and it’s a disgrace they don’t. This parent was serious too.
For the LC the dept. had MONTHS to come up Plan A, B, C, D, E etc. that would enable exams to continue regardless so students and teachers could prepare instead of not knowing which is causing huge anxiety. Only now they’re working on it. Even some clarity now for students and teachers so at least what LC kids are learning will be in the right direction. Most likely they’ll cut questions etc.
- Remove the guessing game in the like of English where they should put all poets on. – Two questions instead of one for each exam topic e.g. if an exam has 10 long questions, give 2 different versions of same each question so much more choice there for students. They do Q1a or Q1b.
- Remove compulsory questions
- Remove a question: If an exam had e.g. answer 6 of 10 questions then make it 5 of 10.
Just another point, last year during calculated grades only work up until Mar 12th was allowed to be counted. Summer exams for the current 6th years in May ’20 can’t be used in the calculation. The kids were at home, not all did them so in essence they only have 5th year Christmas and 6th year Christmas. I know some kids that never did either exam too.
@Edward Ucator: the only frontline workers who refuse to go to work
@Chris Mc: yawn, nope. Still working genius.
About time! Wasn’t that obvious from the very beginning? Primary schools should have never been closed on the first place!
Kids are devastated. They lost a whole year of education. Parents can’t home school and can’t certainly do that while working.
@Proudly Italian: 5 1/2 months isn’t a year.
@Proudly Italian: What about the families who are (actually) devastated due to loss of health and life? I have huge empathy for any person who is suffering.However, it’s obnoxious of any parent to expect teachers&SNAs to put themselves&their families at risk.Education etc can be compensated for at a later stage, permanent health damage&loss of life can’t. Surely parents can look after the needs of the kids they brought into the world, on a temporary basis?Perhaps young people would fare better if their parents and society explained to them that sometimes we need to do things for the greater good, instead of telling them we should all be feeling terribly sorry for ourselves and ignore the fact that people are losing their lives while we demand that our ‘needs’ are met
@Anne O’Reilly: but it’s ok for everyone else to do it…what absolute BS. The worst thing now for people is the level of delusion amongst teachers and self justification the longer this goes on. It’s just nuts…embarasing..
@Declan: who is everyone else?
@Julian Friesel: health care workers, prison staff, guards, shop workers etc
@Sharon Brennan: not a criticism of those workers in any way but how are those jobs the same as teaching? And none of them can work remotely.
@Anne O’Reilly: …last time I checked, I don’t have the gift of the ubiquitous. Either I work, or I home school.
Bringing the kids to school, particularly primary where almost nobody take public transport, it’s an affordable risk.
If not the school, perhaps teachers can do better than 1hrs zoom call twice a week. How about 3hrs a day, for a start?
We all need to take some risks, otherwise rather than dead of Covid, you’ll count dead from starving in few years time.
Economically speaking, the worst is yet to come.
@Julian Friesel: obvious trolling is obvious
@Declan: Declan back again for another round of scutter. Take a day off.
These comments illustrate perfectly that are nation is divided. There are some that are really struggling and there are some that are actually enjoying lockdown. Neither side seems to be able to understand the others perspective.
Homeschooling is where parents decided to educate their children in a way that suits them best…..we are not homeschooling at the moment, this is emergency education because of a worldwide pandemic and it’s perfectly fine to struggling without being accused of being a snowflake.
Just do what you can, that’s all we can do.
@Mary Nugent: of course, but it’s wrong. Kids don’t deserve this, they are not learning properly, they lost a whole year of education, not to mention their mental health.
Schools must reopen now.
@Proudly Italian: no true. Of course. Not true. Not true. Depends. No.
@Proudly Italian: A whole year? Come off it, it’s less than half a year.
‘women are at breaking point’ I understand its a comment from the national womens article and it affects majority women but is there any acknowledgement for men in this situation? Wife mon-fri frontline worker, I homeschool two kids (6 & 8), whilst working from home in a very demanding financial services postion. Worked from 9am to 2am one day this week then back up at 7am to start again.
Simple thing like mentioning some men are also in this situation in any article would not go amiss. There’s an underlying perception that every man has a team of women who take care of their children for them which is not always the case.
@Seány C: I agree. Unfortunate that it seems like only women and children are suffering in the pandemic. Media bias at its finest
@Seány C: Just have to be the blame for everything and handle it really
Online learning?? What’s that??
Haven’t had as much as a 5min online class fir either of my 4th and 6th class children, only receive the ‘data dump’ of work I am expected to do with them. (While I work)
Crazy that the schools have not been directed on a common required approach.
@Tony Gordon: As a teacher that’s obscene. You should definitely complain. To teacher, principal, BOM and patron. There should absolutely be a bare minimum standard that all schools have to reach. Especially in a second lockdown. My fella in senior infants has 3 hr long zoom classes per week. Odd additional one and daily work, interaction and feedback via seesaw. My own students follow their usual timetable.
@Tony Gordon: I really think you need to complain about this. I’ve heard of plenty of people frustrated with their child’s school yet have turned around and said they don’t want to rock the boat and complain. You NEED to complain. The lack of consistency amongst schools is the real reason most parents are annoyed about all of this. One child in a household may be online daily whilst the other doesn’t get one class a week. Shouldn’t be allowed happen.
@Alice Collins: No one to ring (as school is closed) and no response to emails to the principle.
@Tony Gordon: that’s shocking.. next step is to contact the dept of ed
@Tony Gordon: keep a record of same. If no reply from school put it in writing to the BOM. They’re still meeting and have to respond. Go above em to the Patron or the Dept.
@Tony Gordon: Agree 100percent , 2 kids in 1st and 3rd , , a list of homework on Seesaw on Monday for the week , 5 minute records voice message from the teachers two or three times a week, PE a link to Joe Wicks etc etc . A complete joke . Insane that no standard level of education has been set by the Dept of Ed . Easy to say to complain to principal etc if you want your kids to be remembered by teachers in the school for being difficult
@col c: sorry but that’s just silly. If teachers aren’t doing their jobs and principal isn’t doing theirs it needs to be called out, loudly.
@Tony Gordon: Schools were supplied with a common approach. If you’re unhappy follow the correct channels to register your complaint. Thankfully this isn’t the norm.
My partner is spending a min of 5 hours a day.she is shattered
I’ve 3 kids in school. The teachers are working harder than ever. One by one in the last few weeks my kids have begun to fall. It’s breaking my heart to see them struggle. They need their friends and social contact. They need to do everything they can to get them back. Us adults can rationalize and understand it – the kids can’t abs there are going to be untold problems for their future if this isn’t fixed quickly.
Best of luck to all the breeders out there. Can’t be easy at this time specifically or considering their offsprings’ future, with everything going on, from economics, environment, division etc. etc. I”m not saying it’s the worst time to be a child necessarily, but I appreciate it’s not going to be easy. Stay strong and well.
Please prioritise opening schools.
@Seeking Truth: Boomers on whopper retirements come first.
Schools are closing in NZ as there is an outbreak of 3 cases! While over here some are demanding for schools to reopen while we have approx 1000 cases a day! No wonder we are in the mess we are in.
Maybe the virus could be persuaded to take some time off so everyone can be happy.
@Michael Creagh: I would be happy to be allowed to take the risk
A shame the government decided to open the country up over Christmas…I really hope they will be held accountable…whats that…its the teachers fault…really? PUP? But the article said they were now working longer hours no?
@EMD: it’s not their country to close, is the people of ireland country
@Tony Humphreys: that’s just daft.
I’ve 3 kids in school. The teachers are working harder than ever. One by one in the last few weeks my kids have begun to fall. It’s breaking my heart to see them struggle. They need their friends and social contact. They need to do everything they can to get them back. Us adults can rationalize and understand it – the kids can’t and there are going to be untold problems for their future if this isn’t fixed quickly.
@Lucy Legacy: Kids are extremely resilient and adaptable to change. I make sure mine have regular ‘non school zoom meets’ to help them
@Tony Gordon: thanks but to be honest they are zoomed out and they are a lot less interested this time around. I know Deis schools and leaving cert kids get a lot of air time and deservedly so, but the regular kids with parents at home and working a suffering a lot too.
@Lucy Legacy: I don’t think the focus should be on how hard or not teachers are working , the bottom line is “ homeschooling” is far inferior and doesn’t reach many kids for many reasons . It’s a very poor substitute and many kids are falling behind and loosing out socially . It’s an impossible situation and the government poor response is a major issue . Why can’t kids go back part time to reduce numbers . ? At least they will get some schooling . Why can’t holidays be changed to ensure kids get in person teaching when numbers are significantly low ? . It’s not about teachers , all I hear is how hard they work well that may be case but it’s not consistent across board and many kids are missing out , it needs to be about children and very few are advocating for their needs
I’m home schooling. Its 1 hour a day max for primary age. Inhave 3 children doing it. It’s easy.
Amazing how little media coverage there is of the fact the schools have stayed open in Northern Ireland and England for vulnerable children and children of key workers . How is it that they can get the teachers to go in ?
@col c: weak unions and acceptance of lower safety standards.
@col c: Or the fact that thousands of schools across the US have been teaching online since last March, or that schools in Israel will not be reopening until May after 80% of those over 50 have been vaccinated!
https://www.timesofisrael.com/gyms-malls-hotels-could-be-reopened-to-the-vaccinated-on-feb-23/
@Graham Manning: or maybe they can assess the risk for what it is and feel that educating and helping the most vulnerable in society and children of front line workers is more important at this current time . Have family teaching in the UK who are well aware of the risks but feel that everyone should step up and play their part . Spare me the flippant comments about ” acceptance of lower safety standards ” when you haven’t a clue what you are talking about
@emer mcdonnell: well the whole thing depends on whether or not you are happy to accept all the collateral damage done by schools being closed/ online ed – to vulnerable children, special needs and disadvantaged children with parents who have zero interest in education ( and yes I can add endless links to back me up ) . To me the damage far outweigh the low risks with the current numbers- teachers in this country obviously think otherwise and put their own health above all considerations which is their choice
@col c: not flippant, factual. And how is it you’ve more of an idea on this topic that me when I’m actually a teacher???
@col c: do you produce that tripe yourself or buy it in bulk?
@Graham Manning: both my parents were teachers ( and who are embarrassed by the carryon of the unions ) , have 4 other relations who are teachers so I’m well aware of all the different aspects of teaching . Teachers aren’t the only folk who can have an informed opinion on education no more than GPs opinions aren’t the only ones we have to listen to on medical matters. Just because you think you know more about education than every other poster here doesn’t mean you actually do…..
@col c: being related to someone who does a job isn’t the same as being someone who actually does that job. Never said I know more than everyone but I know more than you
Well it’s midterm this week then the return is staggered over the month of March is what has been announced. Do people not know this? It’s clear it has to begin with Primary schools in the first instance.
“Everyone has been pitted against each other” = Irish politics
It seems teachers have misunderstood “home schooling” with ” homework”. The most in.sane homework in the history of teaching and schools, enough for the whole day, oh gosh !
And without any briefing to the parents and any induction to be teachers’ assistants … what does it mean? No need of a master in pedagogy any more? Can parents become teachers next years, join the teaching council? Have their own Union as homeschool teachers with Equal rights than teachers Union?
All of this mess could have been reduced. Instead of providing a cycling network to go to school, the government should have provided with a phone network to connect (free of charge) to the virtual class. Virtual class in the schools. And provide built for purpose tables to the children …
…. In the land of giants ITC organizations …. and the government has been unable to turn to virtual class ….
@Maria Quinn: nobody is home schooling Maria. It’s emergency remote teaching! But the “master in pedagogy” made me laugh! You can have one if you do your relevant studies and practice! You don’t get it out of a cornflakes box you know!
@Maria Quinn: Jebus that’s a fair wack of nonsense.
I agreed it’s tough on everyone.
However, I don’t understand why schools have to stop for midterm break, Halloween breaks and etc?
@FPL_Leo SPFC: because students and staff have been working even when they’re not in the buildings.
Ah God love them all
Good man Padraig, hero
my sons secondary is doing the best they can in the circumstances , the day starts as usual classes are of the same duration as a whole with the day ending also at the normal time its as good as it could be without him actually being in school , my daughters primary on the other hand is a joke one 30 minute zoom lesson per day not one on one but the whole class for just 30 minutes , everything else falls to the child and the parents or just parent in my case to take care of the teacher just chuck out a pile of assignments and expect it to be submitted via email , i wonder what they do with the rest of their day
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