St. Malachy's College

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1 Overview
2 Past pupils
3 Currently
4 Current Members of Staff
5 Former Presidents
6 External links

[edit] Overview

St. Malachy's College is the oldest Catholic Grammar School in Ulster and one of the oldest in Ireland.

It was founded in 1833 by Bishop Crolly, about 50 years after the repeal of the Penal Laws, which had outlawed, among other things, the celebration of the Catholic Mass, and the provision for the education of the Catholics of Ireland. Situated just north of Belfast city centre, it is one of the leading Catholic schools in Northern Ireland.

To this day it remains the seminary for the Diocese of Down and Connor (see [1]), and is still an "all-boys" school, providing education for 1200 students aged 11-18. The College continues to encourage the study of the elements of classical education, with a strong emphasis on Latin, Classical Civilisation and Ancient and Modern History.

The Current Chairman of the Board of Governors for the college is,The Most Reverend Patrick Walsh D.D., Bishop of The Diocese of Down and Connor. Dr Walsh is also the former President of the College (1970-83).

[edit] Past pupils

Notable past pupils include the nineteenth century Lord Chief Justice of England, Sir Charles Russell, Baron Russell of Killowen, leading barristers: Michael Lavery, QC, SC; Philip Magee, SC; The Honourable Mr. Justice Sir James (Seamus) Treacy QC SC; His Honour Judge Kevin Finnegan QC; His Honour Judge Desmond Marrinan; Alban Maginness (BL, MLA) and prominent Belfast solicitor, Professor Denis Moloney OBE. Indeed, it is widely conceded that approximately 10% of the current membership of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland comprises Alumnus of the College. Beyond the law, alumni include: the revolutionary and first Speaker of Dáil Éireann, Professor Eoin MacNeill, the Fianna Fáil politician, Sean MacEntee, the former head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Sir Gerry Loughran, most of the bishops of Down and Connor since the mid-nineteenth century as well as Cardinals Conway and Daly, novelists Bernard MacLaverty, Michael MacLaverty, and Brian Moore, and former Celtic F.C. soccer manager Martin O'Neill.

Past pupils also include TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, actor Ciaran Hinds, journalists Denis Murray, Bill Neely, Seamus McKee and Henry McDonald, Tim McGarry (comedian and member of the Hole in the Wall Gang), leading members of the SDLP such as Tim Attwood, Alex Attwood (MLA), Alban Maginness (BL, MLA), former Alliance leaders, Séan Neeson and Sir Oliver Napier, and former deputy leader, Seamus Close, Stephen Morrow (formerly of Arsenal F.C.).

The College today boasts impressive records in both GCSE and A-level examinations, and has had many recent sporting successes, especially in athletics and basketball.

[edit] Currently

The all weather Pitch is now being totally resurfaced to make way for a new Synthetic Pitch. U16s Basketball team crowned double All Ireland Champions and U19 team are All-Ireland League Champions. The college U17 Basketball team will be attending a World Schools competition in April. Cross-country team took Gold at the All-Ireland Schools Championships

[edit] Current Members of Staff

Principal: Dr John Morrin B.Ed., M.Sc., Ph.D. The first Principal and non-clergy head of St Malachy's Ciollege, all previous heads of the school have held the title President and have been Catholic Priests. The last President of the school was Donal McKeown now auxiliary Bishop of Down and Conor.