St Augustine's continues with education legacy

It started out as a place of education back in 1939, and thanks to a landmark refurbishment, St Augustine’s Hall on Farnham Street is set to continue that proud legacy into the future.

The historic building officially reopened last Friday (May 22) as a state-of-the-art Adult Education Centre under the stewardship of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).

Designed by Ronan Fitzpatrick of Craftstudio Architects and delivered by Rodney Brady Contracting Ltd, the ambitious project saw the careful restoration, refurbishment and extension of the protected structure, blending modern educational facilities with the preservation of one of Cavan Town’s most historic buildings.

Originally built in 1829 after Bishop Browne purchased the site from Lord Farnham’s land agent, St Augustine’s first served as a day seminary for student priests before that role later transferred to St Patrick’s College. Now fully operational, the transformed facility is already hosting classes and community programmes, becoming a central hub for adult learning in the region.

Continued growth

Adult Education Officer Deirdre Byrne reflected on the long road to securing a permanent home for adult education services in Cavan. For years, she explained, programmes were delivered wherever space could be found - from Jackson’s Garage and Drumalee GFC to Terry Coyle Park and various rented units.

Learners and staff, she said, had been “incredibly adaptable” despite the “constant moving” and disruption involved in transporting files, materials and equipment from location to location.

Yet through all the upheaval, adult education “continued to grow”. “None of this happened overnight,” stressed Ms Byrne, paying tribute to the many staff, partners and community stakeholders who helped bring the project to fruition.

Opportunity

CMETB Chief Executive Fiona McGrath said the facility offers opportunities for progression, personal development and stronger participation in community life. “In every sense, it reflects the core values of further education and training.”

Director of Further Education and Training, Dr Linda Pinkster, described the completion of the project as “long, long awaited”. She added: “It's not just a physical centre. It's a place of support, guidance and encouragement.”

‘No Whiteboards, No Wi-Fi’

Fr Kevin Fay delivered a reflection on the building’s rich educational history, recalling how students once studied Classics, Geography, Geometry, Natural Science and History within its walls.

“No whiteboards, no Wi-Fi,” he remarked warmly.

Fr Fay revealed that conversations about saving St Augustine’s Hall first began in the early 2000s as the building’s condition deteriorated.

A decision was eventually taken to restore the property alongside refurbishment works at the Cathedral, something he said was made possible through the “huge generosity” of supporters.

Reflecting on the building’s transformation, Fr Fay recalled once passing St Augustine’s Hall on dark winter nights when it sat silent and deteriorating. Today, he said, those same windows shine with light, life and learning once again.

‘A Place of Hope’

One of the most moving contributions came from adult learner Julie Garland, who recalled the overwhelming nerves of walking into class for the first time again as an adult learner but she quickly realised she had entered somewhere “very special”.

She praised the dignity, encouragement and professionalism shown by staff and fellow learners throughout her educational journey.

“Everybody's journey is different,” she said.

Completing her courses was once something she “never imagined possible” only a few years earlier.

“It's not just a modern facility or a new campus,” Julie concluded emotionally, “it's a building and a place of hope.”