The end of an era for former Scoil Carmel pupils
Part of the wall outside the former secondary school, which opened in 1952, has been knocked down
WHEN the gates of Scoil Carmel on O’Connell Avenue in Limerick city closed for the final time in 2016, it marked the end of a long chapter for generations of students who had passed through its halls.
For Stacey Doyle, a former student of the school, from Singland, the closure still feels like a heavy loss. “It’s so sad, I can’t believe it’s gone,” Stacey said as she reflected on the days when she attended Scoil Carmel between 1996 and 2001.
Now, part of the wall outside the former secondary school, which opened in 1952, has been knocked down as its new future emerges. On the site, the HSE have planning permission to construct a new elective surgery hub for providing minor day procedures.
Some of the memories of over 60 years of education along the Mount and O’Connell Avenue were buried in 2000 in the school grounds in a time capsule, but its whereabouts are unknown. In the millennium year, mementos buried included uniform ties and notebooks. Former caretaker for the school, Mike McLoughlin said he hopes the time capsule which was buried opposite the old staff room hasn't been dug up.
Another well-known landmark on campus was the stone heart painted red located on the O'Connell Avenue side of the school. Mr McLoughlin said the heart is still visible there. “There's gates into the side of Scoil Carmel from O'Connell Avenue and the heart stone is just on the right hand side of the gates, a few metres away.”
The stone heart is thought to have been put there by a builder whose sweetheart moved to Australia.
Tom Shortt, a former art teacher at Scoil Carmel, reflected on the school’s closing and said there was a sense of community in the school.
“It was a huge school,” Mr Shortt recalled. “It was a really, really big, busy school. There was about 50 teachers.” Scoil Carmel, with its vibrant community and diverse student body, witnessed many changes throughout its long history. However, by 2014, the enrolment numbers had dwindled significantly, with only 18 students applying for a place in the upcoming year.
In January of that year, the announcement came - Scoil Carmel would close its doors for good. Mr Shortt stated: “I'll always remember the tears in the staff room the day it was announced because it was a shock. He said it was “an overnight decision” to close the school but that “the writing was on the wall.”
In the years before the closure, the school had undergone significant refurbishment, including the installation of a new heating system and the replacement of windows and doors. Mr Shortt noted with some sadness, however, that despite this investment, the building’s eventual demolition left many questions about its future. “The place never looked better and then it was announced it was closing a couple of years later.”
READ MORE: Shannon Airport boost expected, as almost 38,000 to take to skies over St Patrick’s Day period
One particularly poignant aspect of the school’s legacy was its architecture. The classroom block, designed by the renowned Limerick architect Andy Devane, stood as a testament to a different era of design.
Mr Devane, who had studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, was known for his innovative work that brought light and openness into spaces. “I would be sorry if his block of classrooms hasn't survived. I thought it was worth preserving in some way,” added Mr Shortt.
“It got established as a health centre during Covid,” said the former art teacher referring to the HSE using the site during the pandemic which they since purchased. “Life goes on. It's hard to believe it's closed nine years this year.”
“I think the big thing for former students is that you always think the school you went to is always going to be there... but the green uniform's gone.”
The iconic school grounds were a significant part of Stacey Doyle's time at Scoil Carmel, and she fondly recalled the lush gardens, the grotto and the towering trees that once shaded the campus. “The grounds were absolutely beautiful. There were these huge trees, probably a hundred years old.”
Today, as she watches the developments unfold on the old school grounds, she can’t help but feel a deep sense of loss. “The grounds were lovely, and it’s hard to see it all gone.”
While many former students feel a sense of loss, others are hopeful that the site is being put to good use.
Sarah Neville from Roxborough Road said: “I’m sad to see the school change use, but I’m glad to see it being put to proper use now.
“It’d be sad to see it go derelict, especially being such an iconic place for so many people over the years... I could see the inside of the classrooms recently when I passed, because the walls were torn down, and it brought back lots of memories.”
The school’s strict rules meant the girls were not permitted to leave the grounds, yet the lure of a delicious deli sandwich was irresistible. “We’d have to hide behind cars or behind the prefabs to eat them, and you could always spot the principal, Mrs Doyle, and vice principal Miss Kearns, patrolling the school like detectives,” Stacey recalled.
Former student Melanie Moran from Kennedy Park recalled a similarly unforgettable moment when she attempted to skip school. “One day I went on the ‘go’ as we called it back then,” she explained.
“Came home thinking I got away with it, full uniform still on, only to walk out my front door and see the principal, Sr Josepha, walking up towards me on her way to my house. Caught rapid I was!”