St Michael’s College

In 1944, on Ailesbury Road, a seed was planted. This seed was St Michael’s College, initially a primary school feeding into Blackrock College. Hear the echoes of the first eight pupils transferred from Willow Park, their small footsteps marking the beginning of a legacy. St Michael’s College quickly blossomed. The following year, fifty-eight more boys joined their ranks. By 1952, the school expanded its reach, welcoming its first secondary school students. St Michael’s College was no longer just a feeder school. It was becoming a force in its own right. The 1960s and 70s witnessed further growth, solidifying St Michael’s College as both a primary and secondary institution. A cafeteria appeared, a sports pavilion rose, and new classrooms and a gym buzzed with activity. The school even gained its own distinct identity. In December 1970, Seamus Galvin became the first president of St Michael’s College, marking its official independence from Blackrock College. Fast forward to 2007. St Michael’s College tasted victory on the rugby field, claiming their first Leinster Schools Senior Cup. Noel Reid’s boot, skillfully guiding six points through the uprights, secured their triumph. The school’s rugby prowess continued. They added two more Senior Cup titles to their collection in 2012 and 2019. The junior teams also shone, securing six Junior Cup titles, including a remarkable run of six consecutive final appearances leading up to 2012. Beyond the rugby pitch, St Michael’s College nurtured talents in various fields. The school fostered creativity, producing renowned artists like Robert Ballagh and comedian David O’Doherty. It also shaped future leaders, with alumni including politician Richard Boyd Barrett. St Michael’s College stands not just as a building, but as a testament to the spirit of its patron, St. Michael the Archangel. His motto, “Quis ut Deus?” (Who is like God?), resonates through the halls, inspiring generations of students to strive for excellence. As you stand before St Michael’s College today, imagine the echoes of laughter, the cheers of triumph, and the quiet dedication to learning that have filled its spaces for decades. It’s a place where young boys have grown into men, carrying with them the values and lessons learned within these walls.