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Memories of Coláiste Íosagáin

“Blessed Are Those Who Plant Trees Under Whose Shade They Will Never Sit.” (Greek Proverb)

Welcome to our website which has been set up primarily to promote and market the book “Memories of Coláiste Íosagáin, Baile Mhúirne” which will be launched at a function in The Abbey Hotel Ballyvourney / Óstán Ghobnatan on Saturday, 21 September 2024.

The book, edited by Kieran Groeger (an alumnus himself) is a collection of memories from former students, teachers and De La Salle Brothers who walked its corridors during its relatively short fifty-year lifespan from its opening as a Coláiste Ullmhúcháin / Preparatory College in 1940 to its closure as a regular co-educational secondary school in 1989.

The book covers a broad range of topics from Religion, sport, food, and, of course, An Ghaeilge, – all cornerstones of life in Coláiste Íosagáin. Despite various challenges, the spirit of our school endured, creating lasting bonds and friendships over the years.

D’fhreastail an craoltóir cáiliúil Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh ar Choláiste Íosagáin ó 1945 i leith agus bhíomar ag tnúth go mór go mbeadh sé i láthair ag seoladh an leabhair seo, ach, faraor, ní mar a shíltear a bhítear; ach, beidh a sprid iontach inár measc nuair a thionólfaimid le chéile in Óstán Ghobnatan ar 21ú Meán Fómhair. Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas ó chroí a dhéanamh leis an gcoiste as an obair iontach atá déanta acu le cúpla bliain anuas chun na cuimhní cinn seo a chur le chéile in aon chnuasach amháin. Mar thoradh ar a gcuid oibre, beidh an pobal i gcoitinne in ann oidhreacht shaibhir Choláiste Iosagain a bhlaiseadh agus a mheas.

An Bráthair Caoimhín.

A word from the Editor

A Word from the Editor, Kieran Groeger (Íosagáin ’64 to’70)

“Memories of Coláiste Íosagáin“, I hope, will show the incredible changes in Irish society over almost fifty years. In the early days it took one boy three days to get to Ballyvourney from Donegal! There was no television, no computers, no internet, no mobile phones, no electricity, and poor heating. Parents could visit one afternoon per month. Corporal punishment was an accepted sanction. In this book we attempt to share with you what life was like for the students who went there. Some of them are today household names. All of them share a common experience – their days spent in Coláiste Íosagáin. I hope you enjoy the book.

Kieran