HISTORY OF ST. NATHY’S COLLEGE, BALLAGHADERREEN:

1810 – 2010. - [Page 4]

The blessing and official opening of the New Building was held on Sunday 29th April 1984, performing by Bishop Thomas Flynn and Mr. Ted Nealon minister of State for Art and Culture, both of whom were past pupils. Invitations to the opening were sent to all students of the College, their parents, national school teachers in the catchment area, priests of the diocese, school staff and public representatives.

Some ten years later in May 1985 it was agreed, in principle, that the three existing schools in Ballaghaderreen should amalgamate into one school located on the existing St. Nathy’s College site.

A building contract was signed on 21st December 1993 by Fr. Johnston, Bishop Thomas Flynn and Patrick Reynolds on behalf of builders Michael Reynolds and Sons Ltd. Carrick – on – Shannon. The architect was Niall J. Kearns of Galway. After much discussion and consultation, the building was officially opened on April 19th 1996.

As a result of this building project, the school was provided with some of the finest teaching facilities in the country. However, it lacked badly needed recreational and sporting facilities. Handball alleys and outdoor courts which had previously existed were demolished to make way for new classrooms but, unfortunately, were not replaced.

When it became clear that the school would have practically no sporting facilities and, in effect, be worse off than prior to amalgamation - staff, students and parents alike set about fundraising. Thanks to their very considerable support, dedication and commitment, a substantial sum of money was raised. Additional contributions from the trustee, along with corporate sponsorship, brought the total close to €500,000.

Thus, Phase I of this Sports Complex, completed in September 1995, was financed. It provided facilities for basketball, racquetball, handball, volleyball, indoor soccer, badminton and gymnastics to mention but a few. However, the structure lacked such basic facilities as heating, showers, toilets, changing rooms and adequate floor covering.