Throughout the history of Coláiste Mhuire, thousands of students and hundreds of educators set foot within its classrooms. Of course throughout the decades the experiences that both students and teachers had would all vary slightly, yet, be very comparable at the same time. If you were to compare a 1st year student from 100 years ago to a modern day student, their experiences and feelings would be quite similar. They both entered a new learning environment with new teachers and pupils around them. As would be expected they both might’ve felt nervous yet hopeful and excited for the experiences they were about to encounter.
As mentioned in the schools’ foundation it was the Christian Brothers who took on the duty of being the school’s first educators. The Christian brothers remained present in the schools staff right up until the beginning of the 21st century. However it was in late ‘80s/early’90s that the christian brothers were withdrawing from education due to lack of vocations (Murray, 2016).
It was decided by the trustees of the school that the general education section of the Hevey Institute would be entrusted to the Christian brothers for two reasons: their mode of education was considered the ‘best’, and they would be ‘less expensive’ (Murray, 2006). It’s odd to think that the ‘best’ teachers at the time were the ‘least expensive’.The fact this group of educators withstood the test of time and impacts of new education policies, to remain present in the school for close to one hundred and fifty years is truly a marvellous feat. Any school would be proud to have this presence of hard work, loyalty, and utmost dedication to the education of the school’s students.
Coláiste Mhuire is also known for its rich history that involves great academic achievement, a highly regarded sporting tradition in GAA and athletics, and achievements in other areas such as the sciences, drama or music. Even if you were to glance back over the 160 year history of the school it is evident that all these traditions remain central to the schools identity. This is an identity that is recognised very soon upon students beginning their education in Coláiste Mhuire.
Pictured above are the 2002 All-Ireland Senior cross country champions, and the 1934 hurling team.
There are an abundance of sports teams to partake in for all age groups, many exciting clubs to get involved with such as Coding and drama, and an excellent staff of teachers who are there to help, support and challenge students in their education to help them achieve their personal and academic goals. These traditions are made known to students upon entering the school. Students themselves will also realise and understand these traditions over time. When a list of the team panel went up on the wall, coaches of the present and past would tell you that students approached them in tears desiring to be on the panel. This is only one example of how much it means to a student to play on the school team.
If you were to walk down any corridor in the school you would see pictures and representations on the walls of achievements in all areas whether they be current or from the past. Every school day you would see students from first to sixth year observing and admiring these photos. What students may learn and experience through sport can give them the reasoning and understanding to strive to achieve their highest goals.
Pictured above are the 1977 Under-17 Leinster champions, and the 1968 leinster B hurling champions.
Any past or present student will tell you that when given the chance to attend a school’s football or hurling final, they would be bursting with pride for the school team through cheering and chanting. Occasions like these would remind students that this is their school, their team, and that they should be bursting with pride for it during all occasions in which it’s represented.
“Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence.”– George F. Will
Photo sources (Murray, 2006)
Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar 