Seamount College finally opens its doors to boys

September will see history made in the South Galway village of Kinvara as Seamount College opens its doors to boys for the first time.

A jubilant Kinvara community on Monday welcomed the news that Seamount College is to enrol both boys and girls from next September. It is understood that the school will operate under the new trusteeship of the Diocese of Galway and Kilmacduagh. A public celebration is planned for this weekend in the village’s Pier Head.
RESCUE, the umbrella group established to campaign for the retention of secondary education in Kinvara, expressed its delight that this finally brings certainty to the future of Seamount College.
Jane Joyce, spokesperson for RESCUE, said, “The fight to Save Seamount and the long tradition of secondary education in Kinvara has been the most amazing journey, which we undertook as a community united. So many people helped in a variety of ways and their determination, hard work and commitment has been rewarded. From next September, all the children from the area can be educated in their own community.”
“These are exciting times for the school community – a secure future and a wealth of potential for further development,” she added.
“We thank the legions of people from within the community and beyond who fought tirelessly since October 2006 for the future of our school.”
Last September, the school’s educational capacity increased considerably with incorporation of the large convent building, Seamount House, into the school campus.
Co-educational intake is not restricted to first-year students. Any student who may wish to join at transition year leading onto a senior cycle in Seamount College should contact the school principal.
“This remarkable community achievement will be celebrated on Saturday, April 17 in the Pier Head, Kinvara. It is hoped that the entire community will come along and celebrate together. The evening begins with an optional meal from 7pm to 9pm with the main festivities occurring at 10pm,” Ms Joyce continued.
Maighréad Mhic Dhomhnaill, principal of Seamount College, said, “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to reach our aim – our local representatives, my predecessor Eileen Mulkerrins, our staff and in particular all those involved in RESCUE. They have worked consistently over the last three years, representing the local community and the wish to have a co-educational school.”
“The long tradition of high academic standards and the holistic education associated with Seamount College will be maintained under the new trusteeship of the Office of the Diocese of Galway. This positive news enhances the whole sense of community spirit in Kinvara and its hinterland. We are delighted that at last we can offer a choice to the boys of the area also,” Ms Mhic Dhomhnaill continued.
Galway East TD, Fine Gael’s Ulick Burke, paid tribute to the hard work of RESCUE, the parents, the staff and the local community. “Now we can look forward to the necessary facilities and resources being put in place to accommodate boys who will become part of the school population in the coming months.