Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan is a voluntary secondary school established in 1964 by the Sisters of Mercy. In accordance with the foundress of Mercy School, Catherine McAuley, her gospel and legacy, we show a special interest in the poor and disadvantaged.
List of Past Principals:
- 1948-1962 Sr. Philomena
- 1962-1986 Sr. Aphonsus
- 1986-1990 Sr. Immaculata
- 1990-1991 Sr. Sacred Heart
- 1991-1992 Sr. Immaculata
- 1992-1999 Sr. Pius
- 1999-2007 Catherine Moynihan
- 2007- Garrett Farrell
Major Events
- 1948 – Secondary Education Commenced
- 1952 – First Leaving Certificate Exam
- 1964 – Co-educational School
- 1999 – First Lay Principal
- 2015 – New School Commitment from DES
- 2023 – Moved to New School
By Sr. Immaculata
Free secondary education was introduced in this country in 1967. There has been free secondary education here in Kilbeggan since 1948: it was free in the sense that the fees charged were so low that most families who lived near a secondary school could always, with only a small sacrifice, secure a secondary education for their children. Religious Communities and the Sisters of Mercy have a long history of dedication to raising the level of education of the young people of Ireland. They build their schools in conjunction with the Department of Education to benefit the community and to realise the ambitions of parents to give their children the best education possible.
The Secondary School in Kilbeggan testifies to the courage, vision and education skills of Mother Philomena McDonald. She started the Secondary School in a couple of rooms in the National School in 1948. The school furniture was old, text-books were scarce and the rooms were often cold and draughty. Within two years the pupils were ready to sit for the Intermediate Examinations and every one of them passed with honours. In 1952, when the first Leaving Certificate Examinations were held, there was one hundred percent success.
The reputation of the Secondary School attracted many new pupils and more room was needed. It was decided to build a new National School and to renovate the old one for the Secondary pupils. A fund-raising committee was formed and money was raised for the new school in a number of ways – raffles, flag-days, sales of work and annual card-drives. Enough money was raised by the end of 1954 to start work on the building which also incorporated a Dining Hall.
In 1964 the Secondary School became co-education, one of the first convent schools in Ireland to admit boys. Co-education meant an extension to the curriculum and called for more accommodation and extra facilities. New Classrooms were built. With classes growing, additional teachers were appointed.
In addition to providing increased facilities for traditional education – amenities for physical education received more attention. The importance of physical education in the development of the student was recognised and playing fields, pitches and a gymnasium became part of the school complex.
In the 1980’s the numbers of pupils continued to increase, and the school continued to expand its campus and curriculum. European languages became very important and tours to European countries were organised. Inter-school games for both boys and girls were introduced on a large scale and Mercy Kilbeggan participated on all fronts.
In 1999 the first lay Principal was appointed to the school.
The school has kept abreast with all the educational change of the last century and into the new millennium.
In 2023 the school moved to a state-of-the-art new school campus after continued expansion.
May the work of Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan bear fruit in this world and the next.