Dean Maguirc College

Dean Maguirc College
Location
26 Termon road, Carrickmore

,
BT79 9JR

Northern Ireland

54°35′38″N 7°02′39″W / 54.5938°N 7.0441°W / 54.5938; -7.0441
Information
TypeSecondary school
MottoProficiens Sapientia et Gratia ('proficient in wisdom and grace')
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
Local authority
Education Authority (Western)
Principal
James Warnock
Staff50 approx.
GenderCo-educational
Age11 to 19
Enrollment611[1] (2022)
HousesCanice, Davog, Finbarr, Tiernach[2]
Colours   Green and black
Websitewww.deanmaguirccollege.com

Dean Maguirc College is an all-ability 11-18 co-educational post-primary school in Carrickmore, Northern Ireland.

History

The college is named after the 17th-century priest named Brian MacGurk who was born in the area. He was appointed Dean of the Diocese by St Oliver Plunkett. Following his imprisonment, he died in Armagh Jail on 13 February 1713. He is commemorated both in the name of the college and by the Celtic cross outside St Colmcille's Church.[3]

The number of pupils in the college has steadily increased and by 2022 it had reached over 600.[4] To accommodate the increase in enrollment, the college was awarded over £13million in 2022 for new facilities.[5]

Academics

The school provides instruction in a range of academic subjects. In 2018, 59.6% of its entrants achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, including the core subjects English and Maths.[6] Also in 2018, 84.1% of its entrants to the A-level exam achieved A*-C grades.[7]

House system

At the start of Year 8 all pupils are divided into one of four Houses (Canice, Davog, Finbarr and Tiernach). These houses are named after ancient Irish saints. The pupils remain attached to one house throughout their time at the college.[8]

Extra-curricular activities and sport

The college has a choir and organises several musicals each year.[9]

The school also participates in a variety of sports including Gaelic football, hurling, handball, basketball and athletics.[9] In Gaelic football, Dean Maguirc College won the Ulster Schools Rafferty Cup (Grade B) in 2018. The college also won the McDevitt Cup in 2022. In 2023, the Dean defeated Abbey VS Donegal in the Loch an Íuir Cup final which earned them promotion to Grade A for the first time. In January 2024, the school's Gaelic football team played their first ever competitive game in Grade A, losing 1-10 to 0-5 against Omagh CBS. Dean Maguirc College had won the Markey Cup the year prior, which granted them promotion to the MacLarnon Cup for the first time. Two years later, in February 2025, the school progressed to the MacLarnon Cup final against Partrician Carrickmacross. The game finished as a draw, Dean Maguirc College 1-10 - 0-13 Partrician Carrickacross, and a replay was scheduled for just two days later in Brewster Park, Enniskillen. Partrician won the replay on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-12.

References

  1. ↑ "Letter to parents" (PDF). Dean Maguirc College. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  2. ↑ "Dean Maguirc College house system". Dean Maguirc College. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  3. ↑ "Termon Maguirc Parish, Carickmore". termonmaguircparish.com. Archived from the original on 13 October 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  4. ↑ "Letter to parents" (PDF). Dean Maguirc College. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  5. ↑ "How much each school will get out of £800m Northern Ireland funding pot". ITV. 21 March 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  6. ↑ "Belfast Telegraph GCSE 2018". belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  7. ↑ "A-Level: Northern Ireland School League Table 2018". belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  8. ↑ "House system". Dean Maguirc College. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  9. 1 2 "Dean Maguirc College Extra curricular activities". Dean Maguirc College. Retrieved 12 October 2018.