School History

Mount Mercy College was founded in 1965 by the Mercy Order to provide second level education for the growing young population of the Bishopstown area. The school started with 26 pupils in two pre-fabs in the grounds of St. Catherine’s Primary School. Classes then moved to Scoil an Spíoraíd for a term and finally to Mount Mercy College. The official opening ceremony took place on 4th November 1969. In 2003, a three storey extension was completed and an Astro Turf Pitch has been put in place, which has added to the school’s excellent facilities.

The first three Principals of Mount Mercy College were Sisters of Mercy. In 1993 Ms. Mary Murphy who was a staff member since its opening was appointed first lay Principal. When she retired in 2004, she was replaced by the present Principal, Padraigín Uí Riordan.

School’s Highlights & Major Achievements to date:

• 1989 – A Parent’s association was formed.
• 1993 – The first Board of Management was formed
• 1994 – Introduction of new programmes – e.g. Transition Year
• 1994 – Introduction of modules such as Philospphy, Legal Studies, Architecture, First Aid, Italian, Social Awareness for Transition and Fifth Year.
• The establishment of a School Archive were staff, present students and past pupils are involved.
• A Millennium Re-Union for past pupils took place on St. Stephen’s Day, 2000
• A special Remembrance Service for deceased staff and past pupils took place in March 2000. Families of the deceased attended and each year at the annual School Mass in September these deceased are remembered. In March 2006, past and present pupils and staff united in a Celebration of the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the school.