School history
 St. Michael's College staff and students in 1915
St Michael's College was founded in 1879 by Dr. Daniel McCarthy, Catholic Bishop of Ardfert & Aghadoe (now Kerry), to provide education for boys in North Kerry. The idea had been mooted by his predecessor Bishop David Moriarty. Its original school population of about 70 was unusually multi-denominational, including the son of the local Protestant clergyman, alongside the sons of tenants farmers and merchants from about the hinterland.
The school was originally located in The Square in Listowel. This building was inadequate and when the present building, which was built before 1845 as a fever hospital, became vacant, it was purchased and extended for use as North Kerry's first secondary school. The college was founded with the intention of providing an initial schooling to the growing Catholic middle class, which was more socially empowered by the 1878 Intermediate Education Act, as well as the various Land Acts and Home Rule Bills going through Westminster. During the early days of the 3rd Home Rule Crisis (1912-1914), and again during the initial stages of the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), students were instructed in drill by teachers, presumably in preparation for their role in fighting for their country. (Anthony Gaughan) |
Until fairly recently the "professors", as the teachers were known, were remembered as much for their strict discipline as for their love of learning. In its role as a diocesan college it produced, over the years many students for the priesthood and religious life. The first lay principal was Mr. Paddy Rochford, who succeeded Fr. Seamus Linnane, the last of the college's religious Presidents. In 1991, Mr. John Mulvihill (incumbent) was appointed. 
Bishop David Moriarty, who first proposed a college for Listowel
|
|
Ariel photo of the school in 2014
|
In 1979, it was decided to construct new buildings to accommodate the huge increase of students. The front building facing Cahirdown road was constructed and opened in 1981, containing a new lab and demonstration room, an oratory, many new classrooms, an art room, and most notably a new assembly hall and stage. This last addition has become the beating heart of the college, with masses, shows and graduation ceremonies all taking place there. Later additions included a computer room and new school library, the later being developed with a huge effort from the community, students, parents, and staff members.
|
|
Under current principal Mr. Mulvihill, the most recent building was added to our campus in 2003, and was opened by then Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. Guiding the school into the place it has now evolved into, a new chemistry lab, construction and engineering rooms, and new classrooms were added, along with a new common room for students.
|
 The college in a 1951 picture of Listowel (bottom left). The College President's residence is opposite
It was agreed in 2016, that a new construction project will be completed by summer 2018, to accommodate the growing numbers of pupils with new facilities for practical subjects, an elevator, as well as a parents room and new classrooms.
As society has changed over the past 140 years, St. Michael's College has changed with it. Nevertheless, our ethos and devotion to the education and total formation of young men remains constant, and will remain so for another 140 years. |
St. Michael's College on Proclamation Day 2016
St. Michael's College At 140
|
