St Patrick’s College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Yesterday Mary Immaculate College (MIC), latter founded in 1898, announced an expansion of its geographical footprint, following their incorporation of St. Patrick’s College, here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, has been long synonymous with education dating back to 1837. Indeed the foundation stone was laid in the presence of the Great Liberator, Daniel O’Connell in 1829.
Today, the Thurles College offers four concurrent degree programmes which are designed to prepare students to become second-level teachers. These programmes are validated by the University of Limerick and are accredited by the Irish Teaching Council.
As a result of this announced incorporation, which is expected to take place formally in 2016, MIC will become a multi-campus institution offering 9 undergraduate degree programmes in Education and the Liberal Arts, as well as a wide range of continuing professional development offerings for teachers and numerous postgraduate opportunities at Masters and PhD level.
This incorporation will now consolidate the position of MIC as the most significant provider of initial teacher education outside of Dublin and Prof. Michael A. Hayes President of MIC, paid tribute to the current President of St. Patrick’s College, Fr. Tom Fogarty, commending him on his stewardship of St. Patrick’s College since May 2004.
The welcome announcement for Thurles was also greatly acknowledged by Mr. Tom Boland the Chief Executive of the Higher Executive Authority (HEA), whose officials were closely involved in the negotiations between MIC and St. Patrick’s College.
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