Knockminna B 

Cnoc Mionna Hill of the Meal (Famine).

Ballymote, Co. Sligo

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Diocese : Achonry        Opened : 11.1961     Enrolment : 33     Staff : 2

Parish : Ballymote 
Principal : Louise King 
Chairperson : Rev. Joe Caulfield CC 

Knockminna A, situated about a quarter of a mile from the present school, was built in 1885 in unusual circumstances. It resulted from agitation organised by Mrs. Mary Kelly and other parents who objected to having their children travel to ilmorgan (q.v.) or Knockalassa (q.v.) schools. Stones from an old sheebeen were used in the construction of the school which, at times, catered for up to 80 pupils. 

Teachers who taught at Knockminna were Bernard Mullen, Mary Ellen Healy, Maria Scanlon, and Bridie Lyons (nee Healy). Maria Scanlon's pupils were at one time or another awarded scholarships to almost all the local post-primary schools. Bridie Lyons was choirmistress in Doo Church and organised financial support for it. She and her choir performed at the first Mass there of Fr. Francis Cawley, a past pupil of Knockminna. Quite remarkably for the Principal of a one-teacher school, she was awarded the Carlisle and Blake Premium in 1951. 

Knockminna A closed in November 1961 when the new two-classroom Knockminna B was opened. The building is now derelict. 

Martin Tansey, a past pupil of the old school, built the new school. The present staff consists of Louise King (Principal) , Brian Henry, Michelle O'Donnell and Sarah McIntyre. Other teachers who have taught in the school includePatty O'Connor,Maura Horan, Aoife McDonagh, Ann Carney and Mary Leydon.  Past pupils of the Knockminna schools include Fr. Francis Cawley and Fr. Devine, and Martin Healy of Cloonlurg, distinguished short story writer.

Knockminna was one of six schools to participate in the 1998-2000 Sligo Whole  School Programme to tackle disadvantage. 

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Patty O'Connor retired as principal in June 1999 and was replaced by current principal Louise King..