As our photographer, Andrew Paton, reveals the little country school remains virtually unchanged since the day it closed. Now, however, there are hopes that it will once again be at the centre of this small, rural community.

The site has been  leased by a local community group, ‘Turas nDaoine’ who have already put plans in motion to revive the Knocks area with community business and social enterprise to be the new face of the building.

Subject co-ordinator, Barry Murray told the Herald, “We are going to lease the building with the plan to incorporate community businesses and social enterprise businesses. It’s going to be for the community. We want to bring it into the area so that people will benefit from fair work, for fair pay in a democratic and co-operative style.” 

Future ideas regarding the newly purchased site has been proposed by Turas nDaoine.

“We have a few ideas already, which will take a bit of time to work out. The condition of the site has been fairly well maintained, with further repairs remaining high on the agenda. In the new year, there will be an opportunity to provide after school clubs and crèches that will accommodate the youth and community,” said Mr Murray.

When asked about the main aim of this new venture he added; “We want to involve the local community above all, nobody will be taking the property over to make profit for themselves or any one individual or group of individuals. 

“Somewhere down the line, once legalities are sorted, the site will be held in Trust for the community. It is a great opportunity for all and the group is very excited for the future.”