A 102-year-old former pupil has rung the school bell for the final time as a Tipperary national school closed its doors for the last time after more than a century educating children in the community.

Johnny Sheahan, who attended Killusty National School near Fethard, rang the bell during a closing mass held at the school as it formally closed following years of declining pupil numbers.

Statistics online show that the south Tipperary primary school had 24 students enrolled in 2022/2023, but by 2024/2025, this had dropped to just 20.

The 2025/2026 school year showed just four students enrolled — three girls and one boy.

Despite the efforts of the school community, the facility was forced to close its doors permanently after more than 100 years.

South Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath attended the school’s closing mass, which was a “poignant and historic occasion,” he said.

“Despite the determined efforts of the school community, the school has unfortunately closed due to declining pupil numbers.

“I recently attended the official school closure mass for Killusty National School, celebrated by Fr Liam Everard, Parish Priest. It was a poignant and historic occasion for the parish and wider community,” the independent TD said.

“In a fitting tribute to the school’s long and proud history, 102-year-old former pupil Johnny Sheahan rang the school bell for the final time, bringing to a close an important chapter in the life of Killusty,” he added.

The school opened in 1910, with a new school building being added in 1983.

Deputy McGrath said that, while the fact that the school had to close was unfortunate, he paid tribute to the staff and the wider school community.

“While the closure of any rural school is deeply regrettable, it is important that we acknowledge and honour the generations of teachers, pupils, parents and volunteers who made Killusty National School such a valued part of the community,” Deputy McGrath said.

The Tipperary TD said that he now hopes that the school building can continue to be used by the local community and not sit idle.

“I sincerely hope the school building can continue to serve the people of Killusty in the years ahead and remain a valuable community asset, playing an important role in local life for future generations,” he added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme