Ever wondered what it’s like inside Saint Mac Dara’s Community College? It’s more than just classrooms and books. Saint Mac Dara’s Community College is located on Wellington Lane in Templeogue, South Dublin.
Established in 1982 the school began with just 66 pupils. Now Saint Mac Dara’s boasts a population of over 800 students. The school’s motto is Ar Aghaidh meaning Forward. Saint Mac Dara’s Community College is a non-fee paying school. The Catholic archbishop assigned the Marist Order to oversee the school. An official opening ceremony was held in May 1984.
Saint Mac Dara’s is run by a board of management. The Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board appoints the board. The Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin also appoints members. Community representatives are included on the board.
In 2007 and 2008 Saint Mac Dara’s celebrated its 25th anniversary. Mary Hanafin then Minister for Education and Science visited the school. She was a guest of honor at the celebration. In 2016 the school commemorated the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Daire Keogh a former teacher and deputy president of DCU was a guest speaker.
Saint Mac Dara’s accommodates Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate students. In 2018 the school ranked sixth in Ireland. This ranking was based on the number of students progressing to third level education. Saint Mac Dara’s also has an optional Transition Year program.
The facilities at Saint Mac Dara’s include four science laboratories. There are also three home economics classrooms two art classrooms two woodwork classrooms two engineering classrooms and two technical graphics rooms. Over 40 general classrooms are available. A physical education hall or gymnasium is also on the grounds. In 2010 Saint Mac Dara’s was selected for the Government’s 100Mbits Broadband Initiative. Every classroom was fitted with a smartboard a projector and a broadband-enabled laptop.
Sporting activities include Gaelic football hurling soccer rugby basketball golf and canoeing. In 2012 Saint Mac Dara’s won both the Dublin and Leinster Senior Football Championships.
The school also has voluntary organizations and societies. These include a history society choir Irish-language groups and an Amnesty International group. The Amnesty group organizes an annual Fair Trade Fair. Fundraising is a tradition at Saint Mac Dara’s. In 2010 the school raised more money for Trócaire than any other school in Ireland. Students undertake a sponsored 24-hour fast a table quiz and a soccer marathon to raise funds.
In October 2006 Saint Mac Dara’s was used to film a scene in the movie Assault of Darkness starring Vinnie Jones. Fourth and fifth-year students were used as extras.
Notable alumni of Saint Mac Dara’s include Pat Burke Lauryn Canny and Kevin McManamon. Ryan O’Dwyer Aidan Turner and Fintan Warfield also attended.
So next time you pass by Saint Mac Dara’s Community College remember its rich history its commitment to education and its many contributions to the community.