Betty Hernon has been appointed as the principal of Coláiste Muire Máthair — the amalgamation of St Mary’s College and Our Lady’s College.
Under the joint trusteeship of CEIST (Catholic Education Irish Schools Trust ) and the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh, and Kilfenora, the interim board of management this week that Ms Hernon will assume the prinicipal role in the new school.
Ms Hernon has worked as St Enda’s deputy principal and has held the position of Galway Ladies Gaelic Football Association chairperson in recent years.
A press statement issued on Monday outlined the reasons why the interim board of management chose Coláiste Muire Máthair as the name.
“Coláiste Muire Máthair reflects the unique historical, cultural and community spirit of Galway and the ethos, traditions and values of Our Lady’s College and St Mary’s College,” the statement said.
Two years ago the trustees of both St Mary’s and Our Lady’s College agreed to amalgamate - a move which was strongly supported by the Department of Education and Skills.
The amalgamation of the two well known second level schools in Galway will create a large Catholic co-educational secondary school.
The interim board of management of Coláiste Muire Máthair said that it wishes Betty Hernon every success in her role as principal.
Located at the St Mary’s College campus, the new school is expected to open as Coláiste Muire Máthair for the next academic year, commencing in September 2021.
Significant history is attached to St Mary’s and Our Lady’s College. St Mary’s opened its doors in 1844 and was widely renowned as a boarding school throughout the decades.
In 2003 St Mary’s ceased catering for boarders. Our Lady’s College, under the patronage of CEIST, was established in 2016 when the Mercy and Presentation Colleges amalgamated.
