St. Colmcille’s Boys’ National School, Chapel Lane, Swords, Co.Dublin K67 WP65

(01) 8405132

St Colmcille's BNS

Ní neart go cur le chéile

Main Street

Star.jpgAt the intersection of the Chapel Lane and the Main Street is the Star Public House. It was originally owned by Foleys, but the Taylor family from Rush (the family of the present owner) came to Swords about 1898. The Star was burned out by the Black and Tans during the “Troubles”, with Mrs Taylor being given three minutes to vacate the premises. The RIC Barracks was next door to the Star, and it was taken over during the 1916 Rising.

1991 Project

As part of a project in 1991, the boys in the Sixth Class (Mr G. Lynam was their teacher) compared Main Street in 1900 with Main Street in 1991. They used Thom’s Directory and local history notes written by Francis Coleman for the information with regard to 1900, and they surveyed the Main Street for the information with regard to 1991. The most significant finding was that the Main Street has changed completely from being a place where people lived to one where people worked. The number of private residences had dropped appreciably.

2001 Survey

We decided to carry out a similar survey in 2001, and we found that this process has continued. On the side of the street opposite the Fingal County Hall, there are 4 private residences, and 2 of those are for sale because the residents have died during the past year. On the other side of the street, there is one private residence.

Other Changes

The other changes are that the Park has gone, and Fingal County Council Offices are in its place. 61 businesses have changed hands over the past 10 years. A Shopping Mall has been built, and there is also a new Plaza. The Old Borough School will has closed, thus ending almost 200 years of education in this building. It will be interesting to see what our successors will find in 10 years time if they repeat this project.