Newbridge College

Newbridge College is a co-educational fee-paying secondary school in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland, run by the Dominican Order. The Dominican Fathers founded Newbridge College in 1852 as a boarding school for boys. Today, still under the care of the Dominican Fathers, Newbridge College is a co-educational day school with a student population of just less than 800 students.

Motto

The College coat of arms bears two mottos. 'Veritas', ('Truth') is the motto of the Dominican Order. 'Cur me persequeris' ('Why do you persecute me?') is the motto of the Eustace family, who donated the land upon which the school is built. The reference is to the legend of St Eustace, who, out hunting, encountered a stag with a cross between his antlers (visible in the College's arms); the stag addressed the saint in the terms of the motto.

See also

• Dominicans in Ireland
• Vincent Mercer

Newbridge College and River Liffey

Newbridge College at Sunset

Changes in the 1950s

Under the leadership of the Prior, Father Cyprian Candon, b 1921, a great extension to the College was built. Despite his comparative youth, he oversaw the extension of the college, the new block included a large theatre, a library, classrooms and dormitories for the senior pupils as well as other rooms for recreation and learning. Father Candon - not content with one role - was coach of the Junior Rugby Football team which reached the final of the Leinster Junior Cup in 1956. One of the team players was none other than Michael Doyle(Doyler). In his days as a pupil, at Newbridge, Father Candon had been an outstanding scrum half. Shortly after serving two terms as Prior Father Candon did not rest but took on the role of Junior Dean and from 1962 to 1972 he served the Order in India.

Preacher in Stone

Father Henry Flanagan (1918-1992) was for many years a teacher in Newbridge and deputy Headmaster as well as being an acknowledged organist, choir master, sculptor and musician.

Notable Past Pupils

• Senator Feargal Quinn, entrepreneur who founded Superquinn
• Cyril Cusack, the Arts
• Hugh Brady, President of University College Dublin
• Mick Quinn, former Irish rugby player and coach
• Jamie Heaslip, Leinster and Irish rugby player
• Fionn Carr, Leinster rugby player
• Geordan Murphy, Leicester Tigers and Irish rugby player
• Tony Buckley, Munster and Irish rugby player
• Johne Murphy, Munster rugby player
• Bernard Jackman, Leinster and Irish rugby player
• David Byrne (politician) former Attorney General of Ireland and former EU Commissioner
• Barry Murphy (comedian) Comedian, best known for his roles in Après Match
• Christy Moore Folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist
• Dave Allen comedian well known for wit and comedy sketches in the 60's to 90's on BBC TV
• William Doyle CEO of Newbridge Silverware

References

External links

• Newbridge College Homepage
• Newbridge Dominican Church & Priory Homepage