Tipperary high-support school hosts farewell event ahead of relocation

Tipperary Education and Training Board’s high-support school Coláiste Shliabh na mBan held a farewell event at its Ferryhouse location in Clonmel ahead of its relocation to Kickham Barracks for the 2025/26 academic year.

There has been education provision at Ferryhouse since the late 19th century under the Rosminians, with South Tipperary VEC (now part of Tipperary ETB) taking over the running of the school in 2007.

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In 2018, admissions were opened to the community to the renamed Coláiste Shliabh na mBan.

The relocation will present an exciting new start for the school, which supports students with a clearly identified Special Education Need, or those whose diverse needs have not been met in mainstream education.

Tipperary ETB already delivers a large selection of Further Education and Training courses from its Tipperary FET College campus at Kickham Barracks, and Coláiste Shliabh na mBan will complement the education provision at the site from this September.

The school supports young students from 5th class to Leaving Certificate Applied. It operates a low pupil-teacher ratio, access to a range of support programmes, hot meals, and a wide range of subjects during a standard school timetable and academic year.

Speaking at an event on Monday, June 16, to mark the relocation, Chief Executive of Tipperary ETB, Clodagh Kelly, described it as an exciting fresh start for the school: “The relocation of the school to its new site in Kickham Barracks provides enhanced educational opportunities for our students. We will build on our strengths and embrace all the new opportunities this move gives us.

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“As we step into this new chapter, let us carry forward the values and traditions that have defined us, while embracing the innovation and growth that will shape our future. Together, we will continue to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students to thrive.”

The event was attended by current and past staff and students, and Principal of Coláiste Shliabh na mBan, Paula O’Halloran, paid tribute to everybody involved in education provision at the site: “After a long history of education provision at our current location, we are excited to continue to provide a high-quality, student-centred education for our students in our new school.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge all the staff that contributed to St. Joseph’s School, Ferryhouse and Colaiste Shliabh na mBan and we are looking forward to the next step in developing the school.”

If you would like more information about Coláiste Shliabh na mBan, please contact 086 033 6494 or 086 165 3377.