News & Reflections
The New St. Augustine's School
Limerick October 3rd 2011 - A hall in Augustinian Lane behind the church and Priory has been home to an alternative educational project for the past thirty years. It had been a venue for concerts, missionary sales of work and social gatherings. In 1981 the Augustinian community offered hospitality to a Youth Encounter Project for students whose gifts could not be accommodated in mainstream schools.
Through the pioneering and visionary work of Fr. Paddy Mullery O.S.A. initial contacts were made with a number of young people who had been out of school for some time. He formed them into a club which grew into the Youth Encounter Project in St. Augustine’s Hall. The building was adapted to accommodate an innovative venture. Members of the Augustinian community served on the Board of Management. Fr. Paddy Mullery and Fr. Jerry Sheahan are remembered with deep affection by pupils and staff. Both of them are deceased.
For many years the building had been deteriorating and after a long search for a new site part of the former Presentation Convent, Sexton St. was identified as a suitable location. The work of refurbishment and conversion was completed during the summer. The transfer to the restored location is under way.
There is great rejoicing that the young people and the staff now have a learning environment in keeping with their dignity.