Coláiste Cholmáin
Cork
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 716 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62260C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Colman’s College, Fermoy is a voluntary Catholic all‑boys secondary day school operating within the Irish free‑education scheme. The college combines a strong Catholic ethos – reflected in its motto “Dilis do Dhia agus d’Eirinn” (Faithful to God and to Ireland) and the presence of a resident chaplain – with a welcoming attitude towards pupils of all faiths or none. Academic excellence is a core focus; students consistently achieve high results in state examinations, supported by a curriculum that balances rigorous academic study with personal development and community engagement. The campus has evolved considerably since its 19th‑century origins. Modern classrooms are equipped with PCs, whiteboards and up‑to‑date learning resources, while dedicated sports and leisure facilities cater to a broad range of extra‑curricular activities. The college also offers a bespoke school app for easy access to news, timetables and resources, reinforcing its commitment to integrating technology with traditional learning values. Rooted in over 150 years of history, St Colman’s continues to blend its historic traditions – such as the 1912 college chapel – with contemporary innovation, ensuring pupils receive a well‑rounded education that prepares them for further study, professional life and active citizenship.
History
Founded in 1858, St Colman’s College began as a boarding institution and quickly became a centre of academic and sporting life in Fermoy. Its first president, Fr Thomas W. Croke, was a founding member of the GAA, and the school later played a role in the formation of the teachers’ union ASTI. Notable historical figures associated with the college include teacher Thomas MacDonagh and early pupil John Joyce, father of James Joyce. Over the decades the college expanded its facilities, adding new classrooms, sports amenities and modern technology, while transitioning to a day‑school model with no boarding students. Today the college maintains its tradition of excellence, combining a rich heritage with continuous investment in innovative teaching and learning environments.
Applying to Coláiste Cholmáin
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Coláiste Cholmáin. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Coláiste Cholmáin
How many pupils attend Coláiste Cholmáin?
Coláiste Cholmáin has 716 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Cholmáin a DEIS school?
No. Coláiste Cholmáin is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Coláiste Cholmáin?
Coláiste Cholmáin has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.