The Bish has been very much in the news recently, because they have run out of space, and the school simply cannot function much longer in its present location. They have been there for a long time. The Patrician Brothers first came to Galway on December 4th, 1826, having been invited by some eminent citizens to instruct the poor in religion and various secular subjects. They were in temporary accommodation for a few weeks and then moved into their new home, a Monastery in Market Street. It would be known thereafter simply as "The Mon". Here they opened a school, which grew very quickly, so that within a short space of time there were over 1,000 children attending. The first principal, Brother Paul O'Connor, was a very dynamic individual and soon got support from the citizens for the poor and the destitute, who became special objects of care and attention. During The Famine, they fed one thousand children every day.

In 1862, they took over a house in Nun's Island at the request of the Bishop, who was trying to secure further educational facilities for Catholic boys in Galway. The official opening day of the school was December 8th, 1862, and there were three brothers in charge. It was formally known as St. Joseph's, but quickly became known as the "Bish" because the bishop was a frequent visitor, and even taught classes there. The school grew steadily in numbers, and in 1931, the Brothers bought a former Bond Store, situated opposite the existing school. A new building was built on the site by James Stewart & Co., and the new school opened in July, 1931. The Bish has made a wonderful contribution to the city since it first opened, and has a long and distinguished list of graduates.

Our photograph today was originally taken about 1865, and must be one of the earliest of the school. It was given to us by The National Library. It is a little strange in that almost every one is wearing headgear. I don't know where it was taken, but it was obviously some kind of an outing, if one can judge from the maypole type of arrangement in the centre of the picture.

The school today still has problems in that it cannot expand and provide proper facilities for the pupils. Let us hope that their difficulties will be resolved soon.

BirdWatch Galway will hold an illustrated lecture entitled "Galway City Habitats - From Survey to Conservation Action" by Richard Nairn, Director of Natura Environmental Consultants on Friday 4th March at 8:00pm at the Anno Santo Hotel, Threadneedle Road, Salthill. All are welcome! For information, call (091) 523910 / 552519 or visit Birdwatch Galway