Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town

A brief history

Scoil na Mainistreach or The Abbey Vocational School was established in 1954. The school was then located on the Killybegs road where the building is still in use today. This original building has maintained an educational function as it is used for adult education classes and administration. The initial concept for the school was to provide vocational training for students wishing to enter trades etc. The emphasis was mostly on practical and ‘useful’ education. At that time there was also a secondary school in the town, The Four Masters High School, which provided a more ‘academic’ education. The Donegal Education Centre is currently located in this building. The Donegal Vocational School, as it was then known, was very successful and began to offer the same educational courses as the other second level school. Eventually the Four Masters H.S. was taken over by the Vocational School. This together with the introduction of ‘free’ education for second level students saw a dramatic increase in the numbers attending the school. Accommodating these extra students became a problem. The original building could no longer cater for the large numbers. In fact at one time the school operated in seven different centres throughout the town. In 1982 the present school was built and took on the name of Scoil na Mainistreach, The Abbey Vocational School. It is located on the Ballyshannon road. Three building extensions have been added since 1982. At this time also a school uniform for students was introduced.

An Mainistreach

The Abbey The Abbey or Mainistreach in the school title refers to the Franciscan Abbey built in 1474 in Donegal town. In fact the remains of the Abbey are just across the road from the school in a beautiful location at the waters edge of Donegal harbour. It was here that work was carried out on the famous ‘Annals of the Four Masters’ (a history of Ireland). The Annals of the Four Masters has been described as “The most remarkable collection of national tradition in all Christendom”.

The school crest

A window from the Abbey is the main feature in the school crest. The school crest also has the initials of the four masters; Míchéal Ó Cléirigh, Cúcugríche Ó Cléirigh, Cúcugríche Ó Duigneán and Fearfeasa Ó Maolchonaire. The motto of the school is “ Mól an oige”, part of an old Irish saying, “Mól an oige agus tiocfaidh sí”. The translation is “Praise the young and they will come with you”. Underneath is the proclamation, “Chum Gloiré Dé agus Onóra na hÉireann” translated as “For the glory of God and honour of Ireland”.

Today

Today the Abbey Vocational School is a thriving educational establishment. The current principal is Mrs. Mary Ann Kane. Almost one thousand pupils attend the school. The intake of students is comprehensive, boys and girls, all religions, all socio economic classes. Most of our students are transported in from the outlying rural areas. The school offers the entire range of second level courses i.e. Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Award and Transition Year. It also runs Post Leaving Certificate courses. There are three computer suites in the school and most students are afforded the opportunity to complete the ECDL.

The Curriculum

Subjects offered to students include; Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science- Physics, Chemistry, Biology-, French, German, Art, Drama, Music, Home Economics, Technical Graphics, Materials Technology- Wood and Metal, Construction Studies, Engineering, Civil Social Political Education, Religious Instruction, Physical Education and Computer Studies. As well as the academic life of the school emphasis is also placed on sport and culture. The school participates in many sporting activities both team and individual events; Gaelic Football, Hurling, Soccer Football, Basketball, Camogie, Athletics, Golf etc. On alternate years the school puts on a play or a musical. This year it is a musical, “My Fair Lady”. Rehearsals are well under way. The Donegal Youth Orchestra holds its classes and rehearsals in the school also. Scoil na Mainistreach is delighted to be involved in this satellite project. The two teachers from the school are John Gallagher and Eamonn Griffin.

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