St. Brigid’s Mercy Secondary School, Tuam
On May 13th, a liturgical service of remembrance and thanksgiving was celebrated to mark the end of an era of Mercy service to education in Tuam. The school community of Scoil Bhríde faces the future with new courage and confidence. An amalgamation of Mercy and Presentation schools has begun, to become High Cross College. The future beckons for a new generation of girls and boys next September. They will carry the Torch and the Lantern, writing their own history, but for all the Sisters, Staff, Students and Boarders for over 150 years, we were The Mercy School in Tuam.
Our Story: the first Mercy Sisters came to Tuam in 1846 from St. Leo’s Convent in Carlow, at the request of Archbishop John McHale. They began the works of mercy by providing relief to the starving poor and caring for famine victims. In 1861, a House of Mercy was built and young girls were taught the 3Rs, catechism, cookery, needlework, lacemaking and laundry.
The year 1884 marks the formal beginning of secondary education as the first boarder enrolled. The school was placed under the patronage of St. Brigid. By 1911 the school was recognised as a Class A all-Irish Secondary School. In addition to the basic curriculum, Latin, French, German, drawing, Shorthand, Typewriting, and Music, including Piano, Harp and Organ, were taught. A Cup presented by Department of Education was awarded as the best Irish Speaking school in the country, in 1932.
To mark the centenary year of 1946, the school building was extended. In 1969, following the introduction of free education, and to cater for the huge influx of pupils, a modern two storey development was completed. More specialised classrooms, including a fully equipped Gym, were added. The convent lawn was converted into courts for different sports, while Camogie and hockey pitches were developed.
A versatile and multifunctional Gymnasium was opened in 1983, serving the school and local community for many and various events. In the following centenary year, 1984, a further ultra-modern two-storey extension was built. Love of learning and passion for education, human development, appreciation of Music, Art, Sport, Science, Literature inspired and motivated all the building projects over the years. However, the story of St. Brigid’s is not confined or defined by the facilities. When the Boarding School closed in 2000 A.D. Sister Mary Hennelly was the last serving Mercy Principal. Sister Teresa Nolan served as School Chaplain until 2020.
The face and fabric, interior and exterior, refurbishment, décor and appearance of St. Brigid’s continues to change with the introduction of new programmes, subject choice, revision of syllabi and curriculum development. These combine to make St. Brigid’s a centre of holistic excellence, inclusiveness, diversity, openness and the nurturing of Christian values.
The dawning of a new era with world wide web, digital and information technology, eLearning, virtual and hybrid teaching have had a huge influence on modern education. St. Brigid’s school embraced this challenge, to make student life and learning more exciting, engaging and effective.
Moladh go Deo le Dia
Teresina Daly
Western Province
