Castleknock Tradition
ith a history going back over one hundred and sixty years,
Castleknock has constantly sought to prepare its boys to meet the challenges of their day.
While adapting to changing times, the College has always encouraged each pupil to reach his full
potential and attain personal fulfillment.
Mindful that school days are not merely a
preparation for life, the College strives to implement the injunction of St. Vincent de Paul that
we are to "live together in the manner of dear friends."
The resulting relationship between priests, teachers and boys
is the cornerstone of the Castleknock family spirit, and continues long after school days among the past
pupils or "pastmen" as they are known, of the College.
Adopting a caring yet disciplined approach, the College
aims to achieve high academic standards within a balanced education. Particular emphasis is placed on personality
and character development as the basis of a rewarding life. The College also promotes the spiritual and religious
growth of its pupils by creating a truly Christian atmosphere. It leads them to maturity within the context of the
Christian faith that will continue to colour and inform their outlook to the end of their lives.
Origin and Development
In 1830, a year after the passing of the
Catholic Emancipation, four young priests from Maynooth College obtained permission to open a
day school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin at Usher's Quay, not far from the city
center. The new school was given the title "St. Vincent's Academy."
So successful was it that, after just two years, the priests
decided to expand and found a boarding school. In 1834 they purchased a house and estate in Castleknock, Co. Dublin,
for the sum of £3,600, donated by the family of one of the priests.
Transition to Castleknock
In August 1835 St. Vincent's Boarding School was
opened, catering for just 47 boys. Over the next 160 years it evolved through building,
refurbishment and the provision of the most up-to-date facilities into today's fully-equipped College,
at the forefront of the Irish education system.
The Vincentian Community, true to the ideals of
Castleknock's founding fathers, have continued to administer the College with the welcome advice and
assistance of pastmen.
Governing Body
By 1986, the need to establish a more formal
structure had become evident. In that year, a Governing Body was set up, consisting of men and women,
including pastmen of the College and Vincentian Fathers, all prominent in professions, in
industry, the public service, politics and the Church. Meeting on a quarterly basis, the Governing Body
is linked to the main College staff through a system of committees in such areas as finance, building, and
education.
Since the establishment of the Governing Body, Castleknock
College has entered a new era; one that promises a future that will be worthy of the College's
distinguished past.
An Integrated School
In 1987, in line with many leading boarding schools in the U.K,
and on the Continent, the College welcomed day pupils for the first time since the days of the Academy. The
integration has proved particularly fruitful, and has brought a new dynamism to Castleknock. Among other benefits,
it has provided for easy transition to boarding for some 5th and 6th year day students attracted by the more structured
regime and the facility of study bedrooms in the preparation for Leaving Certificate exams.
The Pastmen
Since the foundation of Castleknock College in 1835, "pastmen" have gone on to play prominent roles in the
political, business, professional and farming life of the country as well as in the Public Service, the
Judiciary, the Arts and the Church. Over the years, through their loyalty and practical support, they have
contributed greatly to the tradition of Castleknock.
The College Union
The past pupils union is the
oldest Catholic Union in Ireland and was founded in 1896. The first president
was Lord Russell of Killowen, one time Lord Chancellor of England, whose portrait
hangs in the College Refectory. He was the forerunner of a distinguished line of
pastmen from all walks of life and every part of the country who have subsequently
held this position.
The Union organizes various
functions throughout the year, most notably The Annual Dinner; the Retreat for
pastmen at the College every Good Friday; the Castleknock Business lunch; Golf
outings; Provincial Dinners and the biennial UK Dinner on the eve of the Irish
rugby match at Twickenham.
Over its long history the Union
has, through its philanthropy, assisted the Castleknock Boys Club, an inner city
project. It is currently supporting its own Conference of the Society of Vincent
de Paul for the Travelling Community.
The College Chronicle
Since its first issue in 1886
the Castleknock Chronicle has annually recorded the history of the College. It
is a constant source of interest to our pupils and their parents. Highlighting
the activities of the school year, it is eagerly read by our pastmen who figure
prominently in it and are brought up to date on life in Castleknock.
Castleknock College,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15,
Ireland