Garbally closes doors to boarders

NEXT month marks the end of an era in Ballinasloe, with the closure of the Garbally College boarding house after almost 85 years in existence. Closing these doors brings the curtain down on another chapter in the college’s long and proud history, which dates back to 1892 when the college was founded as a catholic seminary to help educate priests for the Diocese of Clonfert. Right from the beginning boarders have made a life lasting contribution - in the classroom and on the sporting fields.They have contributed to 44 Connacht Senior Cups with the most recent victory coming in 2007, as well as 41 junior cups with the last success being in 2006.The boarding house has been the foundation for successful future careers in all walks of life - like Irish rugby heroes Ray McLoughlin, Ciaran Fitzgerald and Johnny O’Connor, or current Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, along with fellow TD’s, Fianna Fail’s Noel Tracey and Fine Gael’s Brian Hayes.To mark the end of boarding in Garbally, the Garbally Student Council.................