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In 1947, the decision to open a Jesuit school on the south side of Dublin was taken. The purchase in 1949 of Sandford Lodge and Sandford Hill belonging to the Bewley Estate consisted of 15 acres in Ranelagh, two miles south of Dublin city centre. The college opened on 8 September 1950, with 52 boys registering. The founding Jesuit Superior (and later first Rector) was Fr Charles O'Conor SJ (The O' Conor Don) (1906-1981), and the first Prefect of Studies was Fr Bill White SJ (1912-1988).

The papers of Gonzaga College consist mainly of letters relating to: the foundation of the College (1950); prospectus and rules (1950); annual financial statements and accounts of the school and community (1958-1979); correspondence between the Rectors of Gonzaga College and Irish Jesuit Provincials concerning school and community matters, such as finance, staffing and building (1960-1980); school administration (1970-1988); planning and development (1972-1977); building and renovations (1963-1981); educational affairs such as the teaching of physics, chemistry and religious education (1966-1975). There are only a few early photographs of Gonzaga College (1950-1970).