Our Catholic Ethos
Scoil Náisiúnta Oilibhéar Pluincéad is a Catholic primary school located in the parish of Carbury, Co. Kildare. The school is under the patronage of the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Bishop Denis Nulty.
As a centre of Catholic education, our school aims to support each child in becoming an educated, responsible, and committed member of society—guided by a Christian philosophy that is spiritually enriching and grounded in love, respect, and service. We strive to nurture pupils who can make a positive contribution to the world in which they live.
Our educational programme is rooted in a Catholic vision and is directed towards the growth of the whole person—intellectually, emotionally, physically, morally, and spiritually.
While Catholic religious education plays a central role in the life of our school, we are also committed to being inclusive and respectful of the beliefs and sensibilities of every child. We endeavour to be flexible in facilitating alternative arrangements for families who do not wish to avail of Catholic religious instruction.
This ethos finds a powerful expression in the life and legacy of our patron saint, St. Oliver Plunkett.
As a centre of Catholic education, our school aims to support each child in becoming an educated, responsible, and committed member of society—guided by a Christian philosophy that is spiritually enriching and grounded in love, respect, and service. We strive to nurture pupils who can make a positive contribution to the world in which they live.
Our educational programme is rooted in a Catholic vision and is directed towards the growth of the whole person—intellectually, emotionally, physically, morally, and spiritually.
While Catholic religious education plays a central role in the life of our school, we are also committed to being inclusive and respectful of the beliefs and sensibilities of every child. We endeavour to be flexible in facilitating alternative arrangements for families who do not wish to avail of Catholic religious instruction.
This ethos finds a powerful expression in the life and legacy of our patron saint, St. Oliver Plunkett.
Our Founding Intention:
St. Oliver Plunkett
St. Oliver Plunkett National School is a rural, mixed, multi-grade primary school . Our school is proudly named after St. Oliver Plunkett, a man of deep faith, courage, and compassion. He was born on 1st November 1625 at Loughcrew, Co. Meath. In 1647, he travelled to Rome to study for the priesthood and was ordained a priest on 1st January 1654.
In the summer of 1669, Oliver Plunkett was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and returned to Ireland, where he was warmly welcomed by the people. His mission was one of hope during a time of great suffering and fear. He devoted himself to strengthening the faith of the Irish people, travelling constantly to minister and teach—despite knowing that his life was in danger.
The final chapter of his life is well known. He was betrayed by those who should have supported him, arrested near Dublin, and brought to London. There, he was wrongfully convicted of high treason on false evidence. On 11th July 1681, he was executed at Tyburn Hill, London.
St. Oliver Plunkett was remembered for his unwavering dedication to his faith and his people. In 1918, Pope Benedict XV declared him a martyr. He was beatified on 23rd May 1920, and later canonised on 12th October 1975 by Pope Paul VI, becoming the first Irish saint to be canonised in over 700 years.
His life and legacy continue to inspire our school community today, reminding us of the power of faith, courage, and forgiveness.
In the summer of 1669, Oliver Plunkett was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and returned to Ireland, where he was warmly welcomed by the people. His mission was one of hope during a time of great suffering and fear. He devoted himself to strengthening the faith of the Irish people, travelling constantly to minister and teach—despite knowing that his life was in danger.
The final chapter of his life is well known. He was betrayed by those who should have supported him, arrested near Dublin, and brought to London. There, he was wrongfully convicted of high treason on false evidence. On 11th July 1681, he was executed at Tyburn Hill, London.
St. Oliver Plunkett was remembered for his unwavering dedication to his faith and his people. In 1918, Pope Benedict XV declared him a martyr. He was beatified on 23rd May 1920, and later canonised on 12th October 1975 by Pope Paul VI, becoming the first Irish saint to be canonised in over 700 years.
His life and legacy continue to inspire our school community today, reminding us of the power of faith, courage, and forgiveness.