Mission Statement

Coláiste Muire seeks to foster the personal development and pastoral care of each individual and to…

• Maintain a balance between academic, technical and artistic achievement
• Value each individual, recognising his/her uniqueness and dignity
• Affirm the Catholic ethos and develop an appreciation and pride in his/her cultural heritage and environment
• Develop a co-operative caring environment between parents, teachers and home
• Maintain a policy of openness to all, regardless of class, creed or culture.

School Vision & Aims

In Coláiste Muire, we aim to foster the holistic development of each student by:

• providing a curriculum which offers equal opportunities for all in areas of academic, technical, artistic and job related activities
• providing a living witness to the Catholic faith while teaching understanding and tolerance towards all
• offering a pastoral structure to take part in charitable activities, particularly in the area of care for the needy
• allowing for the development of personal and interpersonal skills and spiritual development
• creating an awareness and pride in our cultural heritage and traditions while also making the student aware of their European and global identity
• empowering students to develop their talents and use them in the service of one another, the school and the wider community
• encouraging a respect for the environment and the world we live in

School History

Coláiste Muire was developed as a Girls Secondary School in 1942. Its beginnings were modest and the school operated from the Convent community room and a small room behind the convent.

In 1957, a new school premises was opened which had been entirely funded by the Mercy Order. This new school was one of the first co-educational voluntary secondary schools in the West of Ireland.

A fully equipped science laboratory was added in 1967. A further extension was added in 1979 providing additional classrooms and specialist rooms. It was around this time that woodwork and technical drawing were introduced.

A new extension opened in 1991 providing a second Science Laboratory, Library, Arts and Crafts Room, Career and Pastoral Rooms and offices. The 1991 extension also included a full sized Gymnasium equipped for a wide range of sports with a viewing balcony and adjoining changing rooms and showers, all opening out to a three acre playing field and two hard court areas.

Further classrooms were added over the next few years and in 2003 a new construction studies room was commissioned.

In 2008, the trusteeship of the Western Province Mercy Schools changed from religious trusteeship to CEIST (Catholic Education, an Irish Schools Trust).

Also in 2008, Coláiste Muire celebrated its golden 50th anniversary.