Boarding school popular in Laois to go co-ed

A famous midlands boarding school is set to open the historic building's doors to girls in 2026 for the first time in more than a century.

Cistercian College in Roscrea has been a boys-only school since it opened its doors in 1905, but next September, the school will open its doors to girls.

Located on the stunning grounds of the Mount St Joseph campus close to Roscrea on the border of north Tipperary and Offaly, the college has several well-known past pupils. These include: Brian Cowen, former Taoiseach, Dick Spring – former international rugby player and Tánaiste and many more.

Many from Laois have attended the school over the decades. These include Rory O’Connell from Cullohill. Brother of Darina Allen, he is a Chef and Head of Ballymaloe Cookery School. Form Leinster Express Editor Pat Somers also attended.

The President of Cistercian College Colm Moloney, said the decision to change direction is a historic.

"We want to cater for entire families, for boys and girls - for sisters to attend the same, as their brothers. It’s a hugely historic decision, as Cistercian College has been a boys-only school for 120 years," he told the Irish Independent.

"The Cistercian Order and school as a whole, feel we should extend to girls and the whole family. This reflects society and workplaces. We want to make sure we’re part of the future.

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"It can only have a positive effect on gender equality. What we’re doing is mirroring a societal shift in Ireland, under way for a number of years. It’s great to see the Cistercian Order, our patrons, are fully behind the move as well," Mr Moloney added.

The private school offers seven-day boarding, five-day boarding, and day fees.

The seven-day boarding fee currently stands at €19,368, fees for five-day boarding are €18,368, while day fees are €8,845.