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Arles Technical School c.1940's

Standing on the front steps of the Arles Technical School in 1937 was my Mum Elizabeth (Lily) Brennan with her Tom Brennan who helped plant the trees in front of the school with help from his brother Mark Brennan. His son Markie Brennan and William Muldowney who helped with the plastering.
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Fr. Killeen showed great wisdom in building a technical school in Arles. It was built in 1937.  Lots of the local children and adults were able to learn various skills such as Domestic Science, Wood working, Needle Work and Technical drawing plus other various handy crafts. After you finished your regular school at the end of the day, at least once a week, you would go along to the Tech (short for Technical) for an hour,  learning a craft or how to bake bread or what ever you fancied doing with your spare time. My Uncle, Mark Brennan (1914-1939), with the help of his father (my Granddad) Thomas Brennan (1876-1957), (who was a Plasterer and Slater by trade),  planted all the trees around the front of the school and and for several years later he also worked on the upkeep of the school.

The two people on the steps of the Technical School are Thomas Brennan and his daughter Elizabeth (Lily) Brennan of Cooper Hill who helped with the build and the layout of the garden at the front c.1937.

A number of local craftsmen were involved in the building of the Technical School at Arles and especially in the finishing work. Mr William Muldowney from Ballynagall along with Thomas Brennan and his brother Mark Brennan and Thomas' son Markie Brennan from Cooper Hill were responsible for the Plastering and Tiling work. Thomas Brennan's son was also involved in the planting of the Trees at the front of the school. The work was completed in 1937.

The main building contractors were D & J Carbery Limited. Building Contractors. Athy & Carlow.

Messrs. Duthie, Large and Co., The Foundry, Athy, Co. Kildare installed a very modern electrical lighting system with round white globes hanging from the ceiling, six in each room,, A big generator and a petrol engine with wires and dials was housed in a special building. But alas, it never ever did work. The man came several times and pushed and pulled and nothing happened, it was eventually forgotten.

Electrification finally arrived in both Arles and Ballickmoyler in the November of 1955.

Arles Technical School 1968. This photo is looking south and at the rear of the building. Photos by W Muldowney c.1968

The building is no longer been used for educational purposes.  It is now occupied by some local business people today. Photos by W Muldowney c.2009

Arles Technical School 1968. Photos by W Muldowney c.1968