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Like any village in Ireland, time marches on and the buildings evolve to meet the community’s needs.
In the picturesque seaside village of Ardmore, County Waterford, once stood a beacon of Irish language and culture – Coláiste Deuglán. This Irish college, founded in 1920, played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Irish language and preserving the area’s rich cultural heritage [1].
The Birth of Coláiste Deuglán
Coláiste Deuglán was established by visionaries Micheal Ó Foghlú and Rev. James Walsh in response to the growing need for Irish language education[1]. The college’s first sessions were held at Ardo House in the summers of 1920 and 1921, rented from the McKenna family[5].
A Home at Monea House
Soon after its inception, the college found a permanent home at Monea House, acquired from the Bagge family[1]. This magnificent building, formerly known as the residence of John Leonard Bagge, became the heart of Irish language learning in Ardmore[2].
Life at the College
Coláiste Deuglán quickly became a hub of activity:
- It offered residential accommodation for 40 students[1]
- The college boasted a substantial Irish book library
- Art enthusiasts could admire paintings like “The magpie and the maid” by Sir Philip Langress[2]
- Nightly sessions featured prominent speakers, including Maud Gonne McBride[1]
Impact on Ardmore
The college’s influence extended beyond language education:
- It gave the first boost to Ardmore’s tourist industry[1]
- Local guesthouses and rental properties benefited from the influx of students and visitors[1]
- The college hosted courses for vocational teachers in the 1940s[1]
The Legacy Lives On
Although Coláiste Deuglán closed its doors in the 1950s, its spirit endures. In September 2024, a commemorative concert called “Cuisle Ceoil” celebrated the college’s legacy, featuring local choirs and musicians performing songs from a century-old songbook used at the college[3].
Coláiste Deuglán may be gone, but its impact on Ardmore’s cultural landscape remains. It is a testament to the enduring power of language and tradition in shaping a community’s identity.
Citations:
[1] https://www.waterfordmuseum.ie/exhibit/web/Display/article/372/3/Ardmore_Memory_and_Story__Traditions_Coliste_Deugln.html
[2] https://www.ardmorewaterford.com/a-heritage-lost-forever-the-irish-college/
[3] https://waterfordcouncil.ie/cuisle-ceoil-commemorative-concert-celebrates-ardmores-bygone-irish-college-2/
[4] https://www.waterfordmuseum.ie/exhibit/web/Display/article/374/7/Ardmore_Memory_and_Story__Events_and_Changes_The_Ardmore_ICA.html
[5] https://www.waterfordmuseum.ie/exhibit/web/Display/article/372/1/Ardmore_Memory_and_Story__Traditions_The_Irish_Language.html
[6] https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000593785
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_County_Waterford
[8] https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000593901
[9] https://www.ardmorewaterford.com/the-parish-of-ardmore-and-grange-1912/
Three Buildings That Are Now Lost Forever
We include pictures of some notable losses to Ardmore: Colaiste Deuglan, which once stood proudly in the village (within the exact location of the Round Tower Hotel), the old Police Barracks (by Whitehorse and The Hall), and the old schoolhouse (in the car park).
In 1945 an I.T.A. Topographical and General Survey of Ardmore wrote about Colaiste Deuglain, known as Monae House, former residence of the late John Leonard Bagge. Bought from Leonard Bagge in September 1921, by the late Rev. James Walsh P.P. Portlaw (native of Kilrossanty, Co. Waterford) and Micheal O Foghludha, P.C. present Secretary and Managing Director, and since then is used as an Irish College. It contains a good library [Irish books] and a number of paintings including “The magpie and the maid” by Sir Philip Langress, “The shepherd’s wooing” and “Pharoe’s Daughter”. Colaiste Deuglain is not usually open to visitors.
All the above sites are now gone and lost forever.
