Showing 5 results

Letter from Fr Edward J Coyne SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to Fr Rector, concerning the siting of Gonzaga College at Sandford. Remarks that Sandford would be very suitable 'It has all the positive requirements we need in the way of space and privacy...'

A file concerning the opening of Canisius Preparatory School, Beechwood, Ranelagh. Includes a letter from Fr Charles O'Conor SJ discussing the different names for the school and the location. Remarks that he is arranging to see the house at Sandford owned by the Bewley family.

Typed manuscript entitled History of Gonzaga College 1951 - 1952.

'A Short History of Gonzaga College, 1950 - 2000' by Christopher J. Finlay, published by Eneclann Ltd, Dublin. This short illustrated book briefly charts the history of Gonzaga College.

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).