August 17 - St Munchin’s: 50 proud years in Corbally

St Munchin’s College, Limerick Diocesan College, is the oldest secondary school in Limerick. It was first founded by Most Rev. John Young, Bishop of Limerick, in 1796 as the shadows cast by the Penal Laws were starting to recede.

The various chapters in its colourful history from seminary to boarding school to its present life as a Catholic secondary college under its first lay principalship, have mirrored the shifting cultural, economic, social and religious landscapes of Ireland over two centuries.

In this time, the school has indeed seen many changes, both of organisation and location; however, its dedication to Christian education, sound moral ideals and high academic standards has not changed.

The latest step in the college’s life sees a new €7.8 million development of our campus in Corbally, by the banks of the Shannon. This coincides with the 50th anniversary of our move here which was celebrated on August 28, 1963.

A very large gathering watched as the Minister for Education, Dr. Patrick Hillery (future president) cut the tape. The celebrant of the High Mass was the Bishop Murphy of Limerick, patron of the College. Also present were more representatives of both Church and State, including President Eamon de Valera, who revealed that he sat the entrance exam for St. Munchin’s College but had failed to secure a place.

As the present custodians of this wonderful secondary school, I would like to cordially extend an invitation to all past pupils to join us for a celebration to mark this event. We will officially unveil a special monument constructed by our Transition Year students to mark 50 years in Corbally. It promises to be a simple ceremony with the Most Reverend Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick celebrating mass in the College Chapel at 2pm on Wednesday August, 28.

An invitation has also been issued to both President Michael D. Higgins and the Minister of Education & Skills, Ruairi Quinn, as we endeavour to replicate the formal opening 50 years ago on August 28. I hope that the occasion will serve to frame the past, present and future as a continuum, stimulating us to consider where we once were, are now and where we want to be.

I hope also to remember the educational experiences of the thousands of young people who attended St. Munchin’s College in the past half century, and I look forward with optimism, despite these difficult times, to a brightening future which the next generations of Ireland’s youth will build.

david quilter

principal, st munchin’s college,

corbally, Limerick