Opening ceremony for Coláiste Dhúlaigh in Coolock now the largest vocational school in the country .
Coláiste Dhúlaigh opened in nine years ago with one hundred pupils and six teachers. The official opening took place today, marking the last stage of the school's development.
It is now the biggest vocational school in the country, with fourteen hundred day pupils, five hundred evening students and over one hundred teachers. Offering pre-employment and secretarial courses, students of all ages can also study for the London City and Guilds qualifications. A wide range of evening classes are on offer to those in the local community.
As part of the opening ceremony Mass was celebrated in the school by Father Seán Ó Cúiv and Father Joe Connolly, both of whom teach religion here.
Representatives of the major churches blessed the school, which is officially opened by Minister for Education James Tunney.
Operated by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC), principal of Coláiste Dhúlaigh Richard Doyle tells RTÉ News that he prefers the term post-primary to describe the nature of this school,
Comprehensive in our attitude to students, in our curriculum and in the type of student we attract. Community in the sense that we are completely involved in the community.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 March 1978.
