History
Prior to the development of the present co-educational system, the Sisters of Mercy opened the school for girls in 1893, leading to the expansion and introduction of Technical education. Even in those days, fund-raising was necessary and the Sisters organized several concerts to clear a IR£1,500.00 debt. The world acclaimed tenor, John McCormack, was a frequent star performer and helped alleviate some of the Sisters financial difficulties.
In 1902, a Technical School for boys was opened by the Secretary of the Department of Education and Technical Instruction. In 1906, the committee set up the Athlone Woodworking and Industries Society offering their premises and equipment in Gleeson Street to the Society. In 1930, the technical scheme that had up to this been administered as a local scheme, now joined the wider county scheme. New premises were acquired in St. Mary's Place. Classes commenced and as numbers increased further extensions to the building were required.
Eventually greater accommodation was necessary and in 1974 the work and students of the Old Vocational School transferred to a new building at Retreat Road where the present Community College stands.
In 2006, the Department of Education & Science have given approval for the building of a brand new state of the art school in place of the existing building. Planning is still undergoing as a result of mismanagement by the Irish Government and the Late-2000s Recession.
Read more about this topic: Athlone Community College
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