Franshaw Villa

Franshaw House is a 19th Century house listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage for its unique craftsmanship. It is located at 314-316 Crumlin Road and comprises a three-bay elevation, a hipped roof and central porch with brick detailing to the rear façade.

Árdscoil Éanna

The house was purchased in 1939 by James J O’Byrne and his wife, Ester, to provide second level education to families in the area who paid one shilling per week. Otherwise known as “the schilling a week school” and “the Hen House”. The school was initially set up at St Agnes’ Park, Crumlin and moved to Franshaw House in 1941 due to the increased demand for school places in the newly developed areas of Crumlin and Drimnagh. It was the first Catholic co-educational secondary school in the country. A primary school was added at a later date.

Ethos

The ethos of the school was that every child had an opportunity to reach their full potential. This ethos continued until its closure in 2016. The school was strongly affiliated with the GAA and participated in inter school games. Although the school had a Catholic ethos, its doors were open to all denominations.  Árdscoil Éanna had a strong association with the parish of Drimnagh where its students attended mass on the first Friday of every month. 

Success of the School:

‘the main objective in education is to help the child to be his own true and best self.’ Padraig Pearse

The school’s success was due to strong leadership and commitment of its principal, James J. O’Byrne his wife, Ester and the assistance of Margaret Pearse (sister of the 1916 leader Patrick Pearse). O’Byrne previously taught at St Enda’s School, Rathfarnham. He participated in the Easter Rising of 1916 with fellow colleagues, Padraig and Willie Pearse, Eamon Ceannt, Con Colbert and Fergus De Burca. He was interned in Frongoch following the Rising and returned to St Enda’s School until its closure in 1935.

James’ two daughters Réitlín and Eibhlín continued their father’s legacy. The school closed in 2016 following the death of Eibhlín Ní Bhrion in 2013. The legacy and success of Ardscoil Éanna was evident in the successful careers of some of its students such as; Theatre and Movie Actors, Johnny Murphy (“Joey The Lips”) – (The Commitments) and Golden Globe Award winner Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment), as well as Charlie Chapman, singer with the Miami Showband.