Longford secondary schools Meán Scoil Mhuire and Saint Mel’s College to amalgamate

Longford secondary schools Meán Scoil Mhuire and Saint Mel’s College are to are are to join together to become a single co-educational education institute called Coláiste Mel agus Mhuire.

In a statement from the Irish Catholic Bishop's Conference the future of the two schools were outlined: “The Patrons of Meán Scoil Mhuire and Saint Mel’s College, CEIST and the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, wish to thank the school communities of Meán Scoil Mhuire, Saint Mel’s College and local Catholic primary schools for their participation in the consultation process on the future of post-primary Catholic Education in Longford Town.”

Consultation on the amalgamation took place between December 2022 and May 2023 and was facilitated by independent facilitator, Frank Smith.
The statement continued: “Following its conclusion, the views of Parents, Students, Boards of Management and Staff of both post-primary schools and the views of Parents of local primary school students, were reflected on and carefully considered both by the Patrons of both secondary schools and their respective Boards of Management.

“The Patrons then entered into discussion with the Department of Education, seeking to establish the best option going forward.”

As a result of these discussions, the Patrons have decided on the following: CEIST and the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois will submit an application to the Department of Education seeking approval for the amalgamation of Meán Scoil Mhuire and Saint Mel’s College and for the newly amalgamated school to be a Co-Educational school, known as Coláiste Mel agus Mhuire.

This application will request that the Department provide capital funding to facilitate modern school accommodation for an amalgamated school of 1,200 students which will be based on the Saint Mel’s College site.

Both schools have storied histories in the town. Meán Scoil Mhuire was founded by the Sisters of Mercy who came to Longford from Mother House in Baggot Street, Dublin in April 1861.

They first lived in Keon's Terrace and taught young children in the ground floor room of the old St Micheal's Boys’ School. The 'new' convent was completed in 1874.

St Mels college opened in September 1865 with 48 boarders and 20 dayboys, having been built at a cost £16,000. In was initially a seminary, where students studied to become priests. Fr. James Reynolds was the first president.