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Step back to the early 20th century, when Ardmore’s Coláiste Deuglán stood as a beacon of Irish language and culture. This Irish college, nestled in the picturesque coastal village of County Waterford, played a pivotal role in Ireland’s cultural revival movement.
A Legacy Captured in Photographs
Recently, a fascinating photograph emerged, offering a window into the college’s vibrant past. Among the students, Jim Morrish discovered a picture featuring his late aunt, Eileen Murray. This young girl with round glasses, seated in the bottom right-hand corner of the second row, wearing a black coat, represents just one of the many stories intertwined with the college’s history.
More Than Just a Language School
Coláiste Deuglán was more than an educational institution; it was a crucible of Irish culture:
- Founded in the 1920s, it became a summer haven for those eager to immerse themselves in the Irish language and traditions.
- The college attracted students from various backgrounds, including notable figures like John Betjeman, the renowned English poet who reportedly attended around 1940 while working at the British Embassy in Dublin.
A Family Affair
The college’s impact often rippled through families:
- Jim Morrish’s mother, Maire, was too young to attend that summer, being only four years old.
- Their brother, Terry, is possibly the lone figure standing on the far right of the photograph.
- Generations of families, like the Cullens, were involved with the college, with Johanna and Declan Cullen both teaching there.
Preserving the Past
These photographs are more than mere images; they’re portals to a significant era in Irish cultural history. Each face represents a story, a connection to Ireland’s past, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Irish language and culture.
Do you recognize a familiar face in these photographs? Perhaps your grandparents or great-grandparents were part of this cultural renaissance in Ardmore. We invite you to share your stories and any additional pictures you might have, helping us piece together the rich tapestry of Coláiste Deuglán’s legacy.
Join us in celebrating and preserving this vital chapter of Ardmore’s history – where language, culture, and community intertwine to shape Ireland’s future.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ardmorewaterford.com/students-of-the-irish-college/
Jim Morrish recently found a picture of his late aunt, Eileen Murray (the young girl with the round glasses in the bottom right-hand corner 2nd row, wearing a black coat in the featured image).
He believes his mother, Maire Morrish, was too young to attend college that summer, as she was only four years old. Their brother, Terry, is possibly standing on the far right by himself.
We also include some further images of other students. We would love to hear from you if anyone has more details or pictures.
Are there dates for more of the photographs, or any names? I think that I recognise my grandmother in one of them. Johanna/Hannah was married to Declan Cullen. They both taught at the college.
Are there any records or accounts that indicate that John Betjeman, English poet attended the Ardmore Irish School c.1940. He was working at British Embassy in Dublin at that time.
Dungarvan Observer 24 May, 2019 “A decision to learn Irish brought John Betjeman to Waterford, to study at Coláiste Deuglan.” My dad’s dad taught there for a number of years.
Dungarvan Observer 24 May 2019 page 41 is all I have been able to find so far.