A Century of success at St Louis Grammar School
Thursday 27 June 2024
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, officially opened an exhibition in The Braid, Ballymena, this week celebrating the centenary of St Louis Grammar School.
2024 marks 100 years of St Louis Grammar School and this special milestone is being marked by a number of events throughout the year.
The Braid is showcasing a selection of artefacts belonging to the school with items including photographs, monogrammed delph and past uniforms. They will all be on display until the end of August in the Atrium at The Braid and will then transfer in late October for display at the school until the end of the year.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Council, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said: “MEA is very fortunate to be home to St Louis Grammar School in addition to our other excellent secondary schools. Their role is so important in supporting young people in our area reach their potential. I would like to congratulate the schools teaching staff and pupils on the Centenary and wish them every success in the future.”
The official opening was also attended by Deputy Mayor Councillor Bréanainn Lyness plus school officials, pupils and past pupils.
In January 1924, four Sisters of the St. Louis Order came from Monaghan to Ballymena at the invitation of Canon O’Donnell to establish a school for young ladies in Ballymena parish. The convent was housed in Kintullagh House, acquired by Canon O’Donnell in 1923 for the purpose and leased to the Order.
The school began with 35 pupils and even in the early years demonstrated the high standards in teaching and participation in artistic and creative activities that St Louis Grammar School is still so well known for today.
Principal of St Louis Grammar School, Mrs J O'Neill, added: “As we celebrate 100 years of St Louis Grammar School, we are delighted that The Braid is hosting this exhibition of the history of our school. Kintullagh House has been at the heart of Ballymena for over 150 years and, while no longer a Convent, continues to inspire our pupils today as the Centre of Excellence for Creative and Expressive Arts at the school."
To complement the exhibition, St Louis Grammar School are publishing a book of the history of the school in the Autumn. It will provide a unique insight into its development - from the arrival of the four founding Sisters of St Louis in 1924 - to its position today as one of the top Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland. Details of all the school's Centenary events and how to order a copy of the book is available from www.the Friends of St Louis Ballymena website.