St. Tiernan's College
Crossmolina, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 253 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 71 girls, 182 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 72100J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Tiernan’s College, situated in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, is a co‑educational secondary school committed to delivering a high‑quality education within a caring and supportive environment. The college offers a broad and balanced curriculum across both the Junior and Senior cycles, designed to promote academic excellence while accommodating the needs of students with special educational requirements. A strong emphasis is placed on personal development, with guidance counsellors available to assist pupils in making informed career choices. The school boasts modernised facilities, including fully equipped science, woodwork, engineering and home economics rooms, as well as comprehensive information‑technology resources such as laptops, data projectors and broadband in every classroom. A vibrant programme of sporting and extra‑curricular activities – ranging from GAA and basketball to cultural events – complements the academic offering, fostering teamwork, confidence and a well‑rounded school experience.
History
St. Tiernan’s College originated in 1957 as the two‑room Crossmolina Technical School, established by the Mayo Vocational Education Committee to meet the demand for apprentices from Bord na Mona. Initially a boys’ school teaching six subjects, it expanded in 1966 with specialist rooms and admitted girls, becoming Crossmolina Vocational School under its first principal, Frank Corduff. The introduction of free education in 1967 spurred growth, and the school saw its first Leaving Certificate cohort in 1974 with a limited curriculum. Subsequent developments included prefabricated extensions (1972, 1988, 2000), a comprehensive Leaving Certificate programme after the 1999 name change to St. Tiernan’s College, and major capital investments in 2003 and 2009 that modernised classrooms and upgraded IT facilities. Leadership changes saw principals such as Jack Leighton, Oliver Bolton, Conor O’Reilly and, from 2021, Brenda O Malley, with enrolment now around 215 students supported by a staff of 25.
Applying to St. Tiernan's College
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 St. Tiernan's College. 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 St. Tiernan's College
How many pupils attend St. Tiernan's College?
St. Tiernan's College has 253 pupils enrolled, 71 girls and 182 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St. Tiernan's College a DEIS school?
Yes. St. Tiernan's College is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of St. Tiernan's College?
St. Tiernan's College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.