St. Nathy’s College 1810 - 2010  / Book Launch

Moments in Time by: Xandra Kilduff

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The launch of the long awaited work of Xandra Kilduff was performed on June 3rd last by past pupil of St. Nathy’s College – Dr. Nollaig O’Muraile M.R.I.A. The launch was attended by a large number of the public which included past pupils and former members of staff as well as present members of the school community.

Dr. O’Muraile, in his address, reminisced on his days in St. Nathy’s and recalled many of the scenes in Xandra’s book with an obvious sense of delight. Xandra thanked all who helped her research and compile her work. Bishop Brendan Kelly drew attention to the contribution of the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of Mercy in providing second level education in Ballaghaderreen. He later unveiled and blessed a mosaic of the Madonna and a commemorative plaque dedicated to their memory.

The book, itself, is a very fine work. To research, compile and edit the history of an institution like that of St. Nathy’s College is, perhaps, one of the most daunting challenges any individual could undertake in a lifetime. This very significant work by Xandra Kilduff is the closest approximation to date of a comprehensive history of this 200 year old school.

The work reaches back to the early decades of the sixth century to locate the Saint to whom the College is dedicated and named after. The historical context of the subsequent centuries is outlined with a view to providing the reader with a better understanding of the deep rooted foundations upon which St. Nathy’s College was built in the early 1800s.

From humble origins as a struggling Classical school in 1810 to the present day reality, the events of history which impacted upon and shaped the fledgling school are discussed by the author. A sharp eye for historical detail, as well as a great command of story narrative, brings back and restores to life the dominant characters from the past two hundred years who played key roles in the school’s development and success.

As each page is turned the past becomes more real. The lives of men and women, young and old, religious and lay, are presented as cornerstones in a very human story. The characters portrayed are as vivid as they are diverse. They range from the Black and Tans who raided and terrorised the College in 1921 to the past pupils and staff who gave heroically of their lives in the service of humankind in two World Wars.

This work pauses, appropriately, on the individuals whose unique sacrifices and struggles helped to mould and shape St. Nathy’s College into its present entity. In a very real sense the author records, and preserves for all future generations, Moments in Time from the first two centuries of the school’s existence.

The book is of very significant importance, not just for past and present members of the school community, but also for historians and educationalists alike.

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