Major political anniversary in Limerick this Monday
Donogh O’Malley was a reforming minister, bringing in free education up to the age of 18
MONDAY marks one of the most important milestones in Irish political history, when the former Limerick East TD Donogh O’Malley was appointed Minister for Education.
On July 13, 1966, the Fianna Fail deputy was appointed to the cabinet by then Taoiseach Jack Lynch.
Within 60 days of receiving his seal of office, he announced, on September 10, 1966, one of the biggest reforms to Irish education in history.
He ruled that children up to age 17 or 18 could avail of free post-primary education.
And for those living over three miles from their school, free transport was to be made available.
For the next two years – up to the 60th anniversary of his untimely passing in 1968 – a series of events are to take place across Limerick celebrating the reforming politician.