Latest stage in St Mogue’s College extension opens

An impressive new extension, boasting a new broadband service was officially opened at St Mogue's College in Bawnboy last Wednesday is expected to cement the school's reputation for excellence in education. The extension consists of a new classroom, the latest ICT facilities, which includes four new computer suites, a multi-media language laboratory, video conferencing facilities, and an entrance lobby. The development, designed architect Pat Gaffney and built by Joe and Patrick McGovern was financed through a Department of Education grant of €162,000 under the Additional Accommodation Scheme. The building work at St Mogue's is not yet complete however as more classrooms are currently under construction and are due to open later this summer. Even before the extension, St Mogue's had already caught the eye of the Oxbridge elite as leaders in their field. Oxford and Cambridge Universities recently selected it as one of five schools in Ireland which will be featured in a publication outlining centres of educational excellence in Britain and Ireland. It is expected that the additional facilities will help the school to maintain their exceptional standards. The new extension was blessed by Fr Tom McKiernan and Captain Richard Beadle. Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith had the honour of performing the official opening and noted that the new facilities were the latest in a series of developments at the College which has seen a complete upgrade of the building. “Since 2007, the college has secured in excess of €1.3 million from the Department of Education and Skills which has been invested in new classrooms, school canteen, reception areas, social area, car park, technical graphics room, heating system, communication system, rewiring and networkingâ€, the Minister said. “From humble beginnings in the former workhouse in Bawnboy, to one of the most successful educational establishments in County Cavan, St Mogue's College has had a major impact on the lives of generations of students in west Cavan,†the Minister said. Minister Smith paid tribute to the work of those involved in developing this latest chapter in the development of St Mogue's. “I'd like to congratulate the principal, Anne Conaghan for her outstanding commitment to the school and the board of management and parents' association. Thanks also to Cavan CEO, Colm McEvoy for his energy and vision, and ongoing support for St Mogue's.†Chairman of the board of management, Peter McVitty said that St Mogue's College had a long and proud tradition in the delivery of second level education in west Cavan. He complimented everyone involved in ensuring the new accommodation became a reality and paid tribute to Principal Ann Conaghan, the 22 members of staff and the caretaker Seamus McHugh for their dedication. He also said he was delighted to see 20 megabyte broadband being provided in the College. Despite the ongoing investment in St Mogue's, Colm McEvoy stressed the VEC would continue to lobby for improved facilities in the school. “The provision of a PE hall has been a long held ambition. We have not been successful to date in that regard, but we are not giving up hope. Last year we made a new submission to the Department under the devolved funding mechanism and we will keep the fight going and we hope we will be here at some stage in the future to open a new PE hall.†Principal Ann Conaghan said that the school's academic achievements over the last two decades is testament to the excellent team of highly motivated teachers who not only deliver a first class academic programme but are always available for extra duties in a voluntary capacity. Among her outstanding staff she mentioned the contributions of Niall Lynch and deputy principal Martha Leavins in particular. She also praised the caretaker Seamus McHugh and also Charlie Clarke. Principal Conaghan also extolled the virtues and educational achievements of the students and pointed out that they continue to follow the college motto of courtesy and respect for every person. “They are great ambassadors for our College, everywhere they go.â€