(Photo: Winners of the College’s Hurling Awards. Pictured with Pat McDonagh are Darren Grenham, Conor Jennings, Daniel Mooney and Principal Pauric Hanlon.)
On a bright and summery day recently, Clonfert College marked a significant moment in its young history with the celebration of its first St Joseph’s Day as a unified school community. The occasion brought together students, staff and invited guests for a day of reflection, celebration and recognition, blending long-standing traditions with a new shared identity.
Clonfert College, which opened its doors in September last year following the amalgamation of Garbally College and Ardscoil Mhuire, is still in its foundation year. The celebration of St Joseph’s Day, traditionally associated with Garbally, now forms part of a wider effort to bring together the heritage of both schools in a meaningful and inclusive way.
The day began with a special Mass, described as an important and reflective occasion in the life of Clonfert College. The ceremony was attended by the school’s co-patron, the Bishop of Clonfert Michael Duignan, alongside Bishop Emeritus John Kirby, priests of the diocese and the Sisters of Mercy.
Fr Iomar Daniels celebrated the Mass, while the school’s choir and musicians enhanced the ceremony through music and song. In his address, Bishop Duignan reflected on the importance of tradition and continuity during a time of change. He noted that while Clonfert College represents a new chapter, the roots of the two former schools remain central to its identity.
“The roots of this new College have not disappeared in the amalgamation,” he said. “They are still very much alive and active today, nourishing the new reality of Clonfert College that is taking shape in the life of this College community.”
(Photo: The Winners of Clonfert College’s Camogie awards. (L-R): Pat McDonagh, Caoimhe Naughton, Éabha Curran and Ellie Ryan with Pauric Hanlon)
As the day continued, attention turned to celebrating student achievement at the school’s awards ceremony. Local entrepreneur Pat McDonagh, founder of Supermac’s – whose connection to the town dates to the opening of the first restaurant in 1978 – was welcomed as special guest. In addition to presenting awards, McDonagh took part in a fireside-style discussion with Student Council Presidents Mary O’Grady and Alex Dolan, offering students a candid insight into his own journey.
Speaking about the challenges he faced along the way, he emphasised the importance of resilience, taking risks and learning from setbacks. The ceremony also included the presentation of the Founding Vision Award to Phillip Costello, recognising his contribution to school life and his commitment to the values and ethos of the school.
The day’s events reflected both continuity and change, honouring long-standing traditions while shaping a new shared identity for Clonfert College. As Bishop Duignan noted, the roots of the college remain strong, and from them, a new chapter in education in Ballinasloe is steadily taking shape.To see all the award winners and the Principal’s remarks, please visit the Clonfert College Facebook page.
