The Forgotten Photograph

A recently discovered black and white photograph of the old Dalgin National School has provided a valuable glimpse into the educational history of our parish. Kindly donated to Milltown Heritage Group from The Tuam Herald archives, it is believed to date from the 1960s and is one of the few known images of the original school building.

The only information accompanying the photograph is a handwritten note on the reverse stating, "Dalgin N.S. built 1879", together with the photographer's stamp. The image shows the school standing proudly beside the roadside, complete with its entrance porch, stone pillars and name plaque. It offers a rare visual record of a building that has now almost disappeared beneath ivy, trees and undergrowth. The new Dalgin National School opened in 1955, suggesting this photograph may have been taken to record the original building before it fell into disuse.

Interestingly, the school plaque, now displayed in Milltown Heritage Park, bears the date 1877, while the photograph is annotated 1879, highlighting a small historical mystery that remains unresolved.

This photograph complements our digitised parish school records and helps preserve the story of Dalgin National School for future generations.

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