|
|
|
SCHOOL HISTORY
| Opened in 1802, St.Finian's
Diocesan Seminary was the first second level school for boys in Navan.
. The school was located in Academy Street in a house purchased by then
Bishop of Meath, Dr.Patrick Plunkett. The Education Report
of 1826 states ".........that the college is attended by 65 pupils who
study a wide and varied curriculum".
Towards the end of the 19th century
the need for a more modern and spacious premises became apparent. It was
decided that the college should be relocated to Mullingar, the Cathedral
town of the Diocese. The students from Navan transferred to the new College
building in February 1908, bringing to an end a over a century of Catholic
education for boys in Navan.
By 1930 the need for a diocesan college in Meath again became evident and so St. Patrick's Classical School was founded in the study hall of the old St. Finians College building. On opening day, Monday, September 8th, 1930, 20 pupils and a staff of 2, Principal Rector Rev. Mattie Gilsenan and Prof. Rev. Dennis Clarke, were in attendance. For three decades little changed but in the 1960's "free education" brought about a sharp rise in the demand for school places. With enrollment numbers rising rapidly it was decided to leave Academy Street and build an entirely new "St.Pats" on the current site at Moatlands. At the behest of the then school principal, Fr John Walsh, in 1970 the Department of Education eventually provided accomodation for 375 students and now 30 years and numerous improvements later St.Patrick's Classical School proudly serves the educational needs of some 850 students. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|