About

St. Colman’s College, Newry

Our 200-Year Journey

Over 200 years of educational excellence leads the way at St. Colman’s College. Journey through the history of Violet Hill College, and our many musical and sporting achievements.

1823

St. Colman’s College is founded by Fr. J.S. Keenan on William Street, Newry as the Dromore Diocesan Seminary.

1829

St. Colman’s College moves to the magnificent rural setting of Violet Hill, Newry.

1938

St. Colman’s College opens its Chapel of Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, with specially commissioned stained-glass windows by Ireland’s renowned Harry Clarke Studio.

1945

St. Colman’s College hosts its first musical event, with pupils performing the Pirates of Penzance. 

1967

St. Colman’s College wins the Hogan Cup for the first time, the top-level Gaelic football championship for secondary schools in Ireland.

2009

St. Colman’s College unveils new college buildings and renovations, including 18 new classrooms, a new sports hall and the renovation of all classrooms, equipped with interactive whiteboards.

2011

The College completes works on a new, state-of-the-art 3G Gaelic football pitch and a 6-lane floodlit running track.

2012

St. Colman’s College introduces its transformative Digital Initiative, rolling out 375 iPads to its junior pupils.

2020

St. Colman’s College wins its record 20th MacRory Cup title, 71 years after the school’s first win.

2023

St. Colman’s College marks its bicentennial year, and a 200-year tradition of educational excellence.

Our Bicentenary

In May 2023, we marked 200 years of St. Colman’s College, with a calendar of commemorative events across the 2023-2024 academic year. 

As we strive to continue innovating and delivering the highest standards of learning in the future, it is important for us to mark the foundation of our school: our pupils and the wider College community.

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Our office is open 08.30 - 16.30 Monday – Friday
(times may vary outside of term time).