Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré is an amalgamation of three schools –
- Sacred Heart Convent
- Roscrea Vocational School
- Christian Brothers School
Mother Madeleine Sophie Barat, foundress of the Sacred Heart Order, was interested in establishing a school in Roscrea. The Brigidine Community had been there since 1823 and some of them joined the Society of the Sacred Heart. From 1842 onwards, the Sacred Heart Sisters have made an outstanding contribution to education in the town.Over the years the original building experienced many changes and extensions to meet the growing needs of the town and surrounding area. 1976 saw the closing of the Boarding School, while in 1992 the order celebrated the 150th anniversary of its foundation in Roscrea.
Roscrea Vocational School traces its origins to Damer House in 1931. The first Principal was George C. Barry. Due to increased enrolments, a new school was built on the Corville Road and this opened in 1956. Numbers continued to rise and a new extension to cater for 500 pupils was opened in 1984. Due to further expansion, temporary accommodation was added to cater for over 600 day pupils. In addition over 500 people attended night classes in the school. Roscrea Vocational school contributed a huge amount to education and the life of the town over seven decades.
During the summer of 1961, Brother James Scully and Brother William Collins, of the Irish Christian Brothers came to Roscrea to establish a Christian Brothers House and Secondary School. The school was blessed and officially opened by Dr. Rogers, Bishop of Killaloe on September 8 1961 and 29 boys enrolled on that first day. From those early beginnings the school grew and flourished. It became established among the larger families of Christian Brother Schools as an excellent educational institution. Successes came in both the academic and sporting arenas. The school went on to achieve first place in Ireland in the Leaving Certificate in Accountancy, History and Mathematics. In sport, success came in hurling, badminton and athletics.
With this amalgamation, the traditions, values and experiences of three schools has contributed to a new school capable of coping with the demands of the 21st century. Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré is managed by a Board of Management under the auspices of Tipperary Education and Training Board.
