Local secondary schools recognise the significance of the planned closure.
SEVERAL Limerick secondary schools have expressed their support following Glenstal Abbey School’s announcement on October 23 that it plans to close.
Villiers Secondary School on the North Circular Road, Limerick, released a statement in support on its website.
“Villiers School is deeply saddened to hear of the planned closure of Glenstal Abbey School. As fellow members of the Limerick education community and neighbours, we recognise the significance of this news for Glenstal’s students, their families, staff and the wider school community.”
The statement shared the long-standing relationship between the two schools, highlighting their shared history with the Barrington family, whose lands and buildings linked the two institutions.
“Glenstal has been an important part of education in Limerick for many years, and we are very sorry to hear that its community is facing such an uncertain time,” said Villiers in their statement.
St. Munchin’s College on the Corbally Road, Limerick also spoke out in solidarity on its Instagram page.
“It is with genuine sadness that we acknowledge the announcement of the closure of Glenstal Abbey School.
“From all of us in St. Munchin’s College, we extend our heartfelt thoughts to the entire Glenstal community, its students past pupils, parents, teachers, staff, and the Benedictine community, as you come to terms with this sad and undoubtedly difficult change,” the statement reads.
The closure of Glenstal Abbey school will take place no later than August 2028, in what was described as a “difficult decision to wind down” the school’s operations.
According to a statement released by Glenstal Abbey: “This decision has not been made suddenly, nor has it been made lightly. The Abbey has wrestled with the future of the school for many years.
“However, the environment in which Glenstal Abbey School operates has changed significantly.”
The school has been running its operation since 1932, providing secondary school education for 94 years for boys aged 12 to 18 in Limerick.