Former Students Donate €30,000 to Mark Mungret College Closure

Past pupils of the former Mungret College have raised over €30,000 to support educational initiatives, commemorating the school’s closure 50 years ago. The Mungret Past Pupils’ Union initiated this fundraising effort to celebrate the legacy of the college, which ceased operations in 1974.

The funds collected will benefit both the newly established Mungret Community College and Loyola College in South Sudan. A total of €20,000 was raised, with €10,000 allocated to Mungret Community College and another €10,000 donated to the secondary school in South Sudan. The Jesuit order matched this contribution, effectively doubling the support for Loyola College to €20,000.

Loyola College, founded in 1982, faced significant challenges due to civil unrest, which forced its closure shortly after opening. The school eventually reopened in April 2008, now serving 180 students.

Celebrating a Legacy of Education

Liam O’Mahony, principal of Mungret Community College, expressed gratitude for the Past Pupils’ Union’s generosity. He stated, “The Past Pupils’ Union have been very generous to us over the past eight years and in particular this year with a presentation of a cheque of €10,000. This generosity is testimony to the close link that the past pupils feel to their school.”

O’Mahony highlighted the enduring friendships formed at Mungret, noting the significance of reopening the school on its historic grounds. “When Mungret Community College opened in 2017, it was great to be in the old school grounds as it helped highlight to our students the strong history of education in Mungret over the years,” he added.

John Power, a member of the Past Pupils’ Union who attended Mungret College from 1959 to 1962, described the donations as “very generous.”

Impact on Education and Community

Fr John Guiney of the Society of Jesus emphasized the broader impact of the donations. He stated, “The generosity of the Mungret Past Pupils’ Union will not only help more disadvantaged students attend school through scholarships but also help them to build food security through their gardens and food growing projects in the school.”

The motto of Mungret College, “May your youth be renewed like an eagle,” resonates through the outreach of the Past Pupils’ Union, connecting the community to both Mungret Community College and Loyola College.

Last year marked a significant reunion for nearly 100 past pupils, who gathered to celebrate their Jesuit education, rekindle old friendships, and honor the lasting legacy of Mungret College as they look forward to a promising future for both institutions.