Clare school set to become the largest in Munster with over 1,200 students

ONE Clare school is on route to become Munster's largest school, with the population set to grow to 1,280.

St. Flannan’s College in Ennis is on course to become the region's most populated school this September, when its student population increases from 1,201.

A record 302 enrolment applications from 34 feeder schools have listed St. Flannan’s College as a first preference, up from 279 in 2023, prompting the Board of Management to approve an increase in the school’s intake of first year students for the 2024/25 academic year.

Principal Fr. Ignatius McCormack described the expansion as “a proud moment” in the history of the school, which has been an educational institute in Clare for more than 150 years.

“The school’s distinguished track record in the field of education and in providing an enriching school experience for attending students is the foundation on which we are building for the future,” Fr McCormack explained.

“A measure of the expansion that has taken place in recent decades is that in 1962, there were some 370 pupils in St. Flannan’s, 140 of whom were day boys. The introduction of co-education at the school in 2002 and the opening of a new wing containing extensive facilities in 2003 heralded a new era at which point student numbers had climbed to 1,000 students.”

Fr. McCormack confirmed that planning is underway to significantly expand the sporting and recreational infrastructure at the school with plans for a full-size astro turf pitch and gym facilities. 

He said: “The further increase in numbers this September will see our teacher numbers rise by four, while we also will be expanding our classroom and resource space.”

“As the population of Ennis and surrounding areas continues to increase, there is a plan ahead to meet the growing demand for places in our school.

“With that responsibility comes the need to invest in the overall offering at St. Flannan’s College and that includes delivering the necessary infrastructure befitting of a modern, proactive, welcoming and inclusive 21st century educational facility that has one eye on its rich heritage and the other on the future.”