What happened in Letterfrack Industrial School?
At the end of November 1918, during the Great Flu, seven boys died within 12 days at Letterfrack. At that time it was recorded that 14,000 people in Ireland died due to the epidemic over three months.
When did the last industrial school close in Ireland?
1917
In 1917 the last Industrial School run by the Church of Ireland (Anglican) was closed in Stillorgan. A number of the reformatories were re-certified as Industrial Schools so that by 1922, only five remained (one of which was a Reformatory for boys in Northern Ireland).
What happened at St Joseph’s Industrial School in Letterfrack County Galway and similar institutions?
St Joseph’s received a lasting notoriety through revelation of physical and sexual abuse of the boys by some of the Brothers there, with evidence of sexual abuse and extreme physical punishments going back to the 1930s. 147 children died there while in the care of the Christian Brothers mainly from abuse and neglect.
What is the biggest town in County Galway?
Largest settlements in County Galway (2016 Census)
- Galway, 79,934.
- Tuam, 8,767.
- Ballinasloe, 6,662.
- Loughrea, 5,556.
- Oranmore, 4,990.
- Athenry, 4,445.
- Gort, 2,994.
When did Letterfrack Industrial School Close?
1974
St Joseph’s Industrial School, Letterfrack
| St Joseph’s Industrial School | |
|---|---|
| Type | Industrial school |
| Opened | 12 October 1887 |
| Founder | Congregation of Christian Brothers |
| Closed | 1974 |
What happened in Industrial Schools?
Industrial schools were established to care for ‘neglected, orphaned and abandoned children. ‘ They were run by religious orders, both Catholic and Protestant, and funded by the public. 1900 This was the peak of industrial schools with 8,000 children in 71 schools.
Is Letterfrack Industrial School still there?
St Joseph’s Industrial School was an industrial school for young boys in Letterfrack, County Galway, Ireland. The school was built in 1886/7 after the designs of the architect William Hague, opened in 1887, and run by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The school was closed in 1974.
How many boys went to Letterfrack Industrial School?
In total 2,819 boys went through Letterfrack between 1887 and 1974. The remote location of the school was a factor in its closing. Until 1954, there were three classes of boy at Letterfrack: Those who were homeless, without proper guardianship, destitute, in breach of the School Attendance Act or guilty of criminal offences.
When did St Joseph’s Industrial School in Letterfrack close?
The school was closed in 1974. A wealthy Quaker couple, James and Mary Ellis, moved to Letterfrack in 1849 from the north of England, bought a large tract of land, developed it, built a residence and also a school for local children. After the Ellises left, the school was run by Protestant Irish Church Missions to Roman Catholics.
Who are the 3 classes of boys at Letterfrack?
Until 1954, there were three classes of boy at Letterfrack: Those who were homeless, without proper guardianship, destitute, in breach of the School Attendance Act or guilty of criminal offences. Those sent by the Local Authorities pursuant to the Public Assistance Act 1949.
What kind of degree does GMIT Letterfrack offer?
GMIT Letterfrack also offer an Honours degree in Teacher Education (Construction Studies and DCG) We would like to invite you to view our most recent Student Furniture Exhibitions here: