placenamesRathlee
Ráth Lao
The move to a new school in 1926 became the focus of Rathlee’s centenary celebrations a hundred years later.
The name
These Irish name elements are associated with this record in the Logainm glossary.
An element’s translation is a clue, rather than a complete explanation of the name. Its form and meaning depend on local history and the full Irish name.
Recorded forms
- Ráth Lao · Irish · main form · validated name
- Rathlee · English · main form
Place & story
The school of 1926
Rathlee’s school history records a new building in 1926, replacing the earlier school opened in 1835. The new premises had two large rooms, and boys and girls were brought together. Later, pupils from Clooneenmore joined Rathlee. A refurbishment added a classroom, staffroom and indoor toilets, followed by further accommodation as enrolment increased. [2]
A community centenary
The school community celebrated its centenary on 26 April 2026. A report in the Western People describes Mass in the Star of the Sea Church, followed by a photographic exhibition of school life. A commemorative tree was planted, with older former pupils and younger current pupils participating in the occasion. [3]
Geographic information
Sources & further reading
- Logainm.ie — Rathlee. Place names and geographic record, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- School History · Rathlee National School
- Local Notes: Rathlee NS celebrates 100 years of learning, community and achievement, 5 May 2026 · Western People, local notes
Name record retrieved 2026-10-25 · Source record modified 2025-01-10. How this page was prepared.