THE LATE Donogh O’Malley was commemorated by the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board with the presentation of a portrait of the former Minister for Education, who also served as a Mayor of Limerick.
The ceremony was part of national 60th anniversary commemorations of his landmark 1966 announcement of free post-primary education in Ireland.
The presentation took place at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Clare Street, one of Limerick and Clare ETB’s 17 Community Colleges, which will display the portrait painted by Limerick artist Declan Chambers.
The presentation forms part of a wider national initiative marking six decades since O’Malley’s reform, widely regarded as one of the most transformative developments in Irish education.
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
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Limited-edition framed prints of the portrait have been produced for presentation to selected institutions across Ireland. The portrait will be displayed in Limerick and Clare ETB’s Community Colleges.
Speaking at the presentation to the board, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, chairperson, said: “Donogh O’Malley was a much-loved politician and was always very proud of his Limerick roots.”
“As Minister for Education, he introduced reforms that transformed opportunities for generations of young people across Ireland, including free second-level education, free school transport to rural areas, and the introduction of comprehensive and community schools. He is also credited with the development of
regional third-level education, which laid the foundations for institutions such as University of Limerick.”
Cllr O’Hanlon said that “most people of my generation will remember Donogh O’Malley for introducing free second-level education. It was a brave and most welcome decision which opened up new opportunities for many families, and I was one of the first to benefit from this scheme when I had just started in St Munchin’s College the previous year.”
“His career was cut short by his sudden death in 1968. He was accorded a State funeral at St John’s Cathedral attended by President Éamon de Valera, with thousands turning out to pay their final farewell to one of Limerick’s greats.”