Name of amalgamated Ballinasloe secondary schools announced
The new name for the amalgamation of Ballinasloe secondary schools St. Joseph’s College, Garbally, and Ardscoil Mhuire has been revealed.
The patrons of the new school, which will open on September 1, 2025, have announced that the newly formed school will be named Clonfert College.
The project involves the coming together of the existing secondary schools– to form a new, Catholic Voluntary Secondary School for all the boys and girls of the area under the joint patronage of CEIST and the Diocese of Clonfert.
St. Joseph’s College, Garbally, was founded by the Diocese of Clonfert, and Ardscoil Mhuire was founded by the Sisters of Mercy of the Diocese of Clonfert and the new school name reflects the historical and religious origins of the two schools, and the location of the amalgamated school in the Diocese of Clonfert which is under the Patronage of St Brendan the Navigator (c. AD 484 – c. 577).
A statement issued by the Diocese of Clonfert and CEIST, the Catholic Education Trust said: "The newly amalgamated school will continue to draw on the richness of the Catholic Tradition of Education promoting Christian values and high educational standards in a coeducational setting. The new school will not only serve Ballinasloe town, but the surrounding areas and the 21 feeder primary schools which have traditionally supported the two schools."
"As it was important to develop an identity for the new school as soon as possible, the Amalgamation Steering Committee got down to work straight away last November, planning for immediate work to be completed during school year 23/24, the name of the new school, the new school uniform and crest, staff development and Mission Statement. The new school uniform has already been decided, with a decision on the crest to be announced soon after consultation within the schools. A staff development day has already been held, with another planned for next term.
"Other ongoing work during school years 24/25 will involve planning for the introduction of co-education, integration of both school staff, parents’ associations and students’ councils, admissions policy, code of behaviour, curriculum planning, booklists etc. An Interim Board of Management is expected to be appointed before the Summer," the statement added.