From the mid-1960s, the teaching force in Catholic schools in Ireland that for so long had been composed primarily of members of religious orders began to change as a large number returned to the secular world and recruitment levels dropped rapidly. Concurrently there was an outpouring of order-focused hagiographic works. During the 1980s, a range…

Historians have observed that the period 1860-1890 was educationally progressive. This paper identifies the renaissance with the creation of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland in the aftermath of Church Disestablishment. Disestablishment legislation facilitated the inclusion of the laity in Synod. The paper argues that the lay-clerical…

This essay investigates the development of the boys' magazine, "Our Boys," and how this became a powerful auxiliary to the Christian Brothers' work in schools. It championed the values that the Christian Brothers had propagated since their foundation in 1802. Often characterised as Celtic and Romantic, it was neither, but aimed at…

This paper examines the role of William Graham Brooke as advocate of women's higher education and access to university. His work as advocate is considered against the religious, political, social and economic backdrop of late nineteenth century Ireland. A barrister, as Clerk in the Lord Chancellor's office, he was centrally involved in the…

Explores the two Christian Brothers religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church. Focuses on the Irish Congregation that has been controversial, specifically in its residential care for neglected, orphaned, and delinquent children. States that allegations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse has been reported in their institutions. (CMK)

Examines tensions and divisions that formed the educational legacy of the two states in Ireland that emerged from the political settlements of 1920-21. Concludes that, on the eve of partition in 1921, deep divisions in education were reminders that education would continue to expose ideological differences between Ireland and Britain. (CFR)