Mungret College Alumni Raise Over €30,000 for Education Initiatives

Former students of the historic Mungret College, which closed its doors in 1974, have come together to commemorate the school’s legacy by raising over €30,000 for educational initiatives. The Mungret Past Pupils’ Union organized this fundraising effort to support both the newly established Mungret Community College and Loyola College in South Sudan.

The initiative marked the 50th anniversary of the college’s closure, with the alumni contributing a total of €20,000. This amount was split evenly, with €10,000 allocated to Mungret Community College, which opened on the original grounds of Mungret College in 2017, and €10,000 directed to Loyola College in South Sudan. Notably, the Jesuit order matched the donation for Loyola, resulting in a total contribution of €20,000 to support the school in South Sudan.

Supporting Education in Challenging Environments

Loyola College, established in 1982, has faced significant challenges, including closures due to civil wars shortly after its opening. The institution was reopened in April 2008 and now serves 180 students. The funds raised will play a critical role in enabling disadvantaged students to attend school through scholarships and support food security initiatives through the establishment of gardens and food growing projects.

Liam O’Mahony, principal of Mungret Community College, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Past Pupils’ Union. 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 also highlighted the enduring friendships formed at Mungret College, noting that the connections have persisted long after its closure.

John Power, a member of the Past Pupils’ Union and an alumnus from the class of 1962, described the donations as “very generous.” He emphasized the significance of the contributions, which reflect a commitment to continuing the legacy of education initiated by Mungret College.

A Legacy of Generosity and Community Spirit

Fr John Guiney of the Society of Jesus commented on the impact of the donations, stating, “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.” He further noted that the motto of the school, “May your youth be renewed like an eagle,” continues to resonate through the outreach efforts of the alumni.

In a heartfelt reunion last year, nearly 100 past pupils gathered to celebrate their Jesuit education, rekindle old friendships, and visit the new facilities at Mungret Community College. This gathering served as a reminder of the lasting impact of Mungret College and the commitment of its alumni to support future generations of learners. The fundraising initiative exemplifies how the spirit of Mungret continues to thrive, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among its former students.