Christian Brothers College, Cork

Template:Short description Template:COI Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Hiberno-English Template:Infobox school Christian Brothers College, Cork (CBC Cork, colloquially known as Christians) is a fee-paying school under the trusteeship of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust in Cork City, Ireland.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As of 2024, the secondary school had over 900 pupils enrolled.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The preparatory school, Christian Brothers College Preparatory School,<ref name="tulsa">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> is registered with Tusla as an independent school and not subject to inspection by the Department of Education.<ref name="irishtimes">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> CBC Cork's "sister school" in County Dublin is CBC Monkstown.<ref name="indo2019"/>

History

Saint Patrick's Place building

In the mid-19th century, the Vincentian Fathers maintained a seminary at Saint Patrick's Place in Cork City, known as the Cork Diocesan Seminary. In 1888, a new seminary with residential accommodation was completed at Farranferris, and the Vincentian ecclesiastical students transferred there. The then Catholic bishop of Cork, Most Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan, invited the Christian Brothers to take charge of the St Patrick's Place establishment. From this point, the school existed in its current form.<ref name="125anniv">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

As per a Cork Examiner report from 21 August 1888 covering the official opening, Bishop O'Callaghan stated that the school would "yet become famous in Cork, and it will be loved by the people".<ref name=":10">Template:Cite news</ref> The Mayor of Cork Corporation, John O'Brien, attended the official opening.<ref name=":10" /> William J. Lane and John Hooper, both members of Cork Corporation and Nationalist Members of Parliament (MPs), were also present.<ref name=":10" /> Br. James Dominic Burke, a pioneer in Irish education, served as the school's founding president that year.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In a report of the British government's Committee for Education and Social Economy, CBC Cork was named as an example of Catholic boys' education in Ireland, amongst "contributions from the great British public schools" to be featured at the St. Louis International Exhibition of 1904.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

From the beginning, CBC was principally involved in preparing pupils for university entry,Template:Citation needed and operated on St Patrick's Place for one hundred years.<ref name="125anniv" /> In Where Finbarr Played, Professor John A. Murphy refers to both CBC Cork and PBC Cork as "elitist feeder schools".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the Intermediate Education Commission of 1899, chaired by Christopher Palles, CBC Cork was one of nine Roman Catholic schools in Ireland to be interviewed. In a paper published by the University of Liverpool, Dr. Ciaran O'Neill noted that "from the composition of this set of Catholic representatives, we can deduce the centrality of the Catholic elite schools to decision-making and state policy".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In a 2003 Oireachtas debate, Senator Brendan Ryan, derisively referred to the school, along with Belvedere College, PBC Cork, and Clongowes Wood College, as "elitist education".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The school historically published an annual, titled the Collegian.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite book</ref> During World War I, the school produced a special edition, titled Collegian 1917: CBC at the Front.<ref name=":11">Template:Cite book</ref>

During World War I, over 300 of the school's past pupils served in the Allied forces, which was relatively unique for an Irish Catholic school. Anthony P. Quinn, writing in Wigs & Guns: Irish Barristers During the Great War, explains that "discipline" and other characteristics beneficial for military service were instilled in 'Christians', in the same manner as public boys' schools in England.<ref name=":4" /> The school at this time was noted as "catering for the sons of comfortable families, and, as such could hardly be expected to be a hot-bed of revolutionary ideas". Unlike other Christian Brothers' schools, there existed a "vital thrust" to "support Britain in her hour of peril", and visits by past pupils wearing khaki aided a recruitment drive. Writing in the Irish Examiner, Anthony P. Quinn also stated that schools like CBC were key to providing a "Catholic officer class" in the British Army during WWI.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The school is described, in a similar manner, in Steven O'Connor's Irish Officers in the British Forces: 1922-1945 and Turtle Bunbury's The Glorious Madness: Tales of the Irish and the Great War.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Several lawyers who had attended the school became officers in the British Army throughout this period. Among those who died in World War I included past pupil and Irish rugby international, Vincent McNamara.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":11" /> However, Sean French, a chemist and noted IRA volunteer in the War of Independence and Irish Civil War, TD, and Lord Mayor of Cork, also attended the school.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

After its foundation in 1931, the school's Past Pupils’ Union received a letter of “thanks and appreciation” from Pope Pius XI for their initiative. It was edited and sent by then Secretary of State at the Vatican, Cardinal. E. Pacelli (later Pope Pius XII). The letter was reprinted on the front page of the Evening Echo.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The school possessed cordial links with the Dominican Fathers in the mid-20th century.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 1989, a centenary book titled Christians: The First Hundred Years, was published.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The school was reported as being expected to suffer from the cut in state aid to private schools in 2008.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2009, the school was scrutinised by the Irish Independent for its receipt of state subsidies, along with Blackrock, Belvedere, Clongowes, Wesley, Mount Anville, King's Hospital, Terenure, Kilkenny, and St. Andrew's.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In April 2013, the Evening Echo referred to it as one of Cork's "most historic and exclusive institutions".<ref name=":8">Template:Cite news</ref> In November 2013, President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, commemorated the school's 125th anniversary.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The school featured in the top 10 of the Irish Times list of feeder schools for progression to university education in 2017.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As of 2019, it reportedly had a 100 percent rate of student progression to university.<ref name=":9" /> As of 2024, the school's chairperson was Dr. Larrie Martin.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Recent development

Marking the centenary in 1988, the college moved from its original site to a new location, one hundred metres away, atop Sidney Hill.<ref name="125anniv"/> A private, non-profit fund was established to build the new premises, in May 1986. The patron of the fund was Peter Barry TD (Minister for Foreign Affairs), and the chairman of the fund was Hugh Coveney TD, also president of the school's Past Pupils' Union that year. The new project was designed by Brian Wain, also a past pupil.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 1994, the school appointed its first lay principal, Dr. Laurence Jordan, who held the position until 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By 2008, the school's annual fees were €3,100 for first year and €2,850 for subsequent years.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As of 2023, it was the most expensive day school in County Cork.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Though the Christian Brothers retain a presence on the board of management, as trustees, CBC is now staffed entirely by lay teachers, and is recognisedTemplate:By whom as one of Ireland's leading educational establishments at secondary level. In addition to its board of management, it is under the stewardship of the Edmund Rice Schools' Trust.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

As of January 2019, CBC had over 1000 students in the college, with over 900 at Secondary Level, and approximately 150 at primary level in the preparatory school.<ref name="indo2019"/> The principal of the college (both secondary and preparatory) is David Lordon.<ref name="contact"/>

In January 2020, the school was granted permission for the development of a new €12.5m school building alongside Sidney Hill. In an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, a local business man objected to the building.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> While planning permission was granted for the proposed development in 2020, a review by the board of management and the Edmund Rice Schools' Trust deemed it to be not commercially viable and cancelled the project.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Sport

Rugby

CBC rugby team at Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament, Global Arena, 2006

The school has been described by the Irish Independent as one of Cork's "rugby union nurseries" and as having "one of Ireland's oldest and most successful established rugby teams". They have won the Munster Schools' Senior Cup thirty-two times,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> winning its first title in 1909 (where they defeated Rockwell College).<ref name=":1" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":9">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they "shared" the 2020 title with Presentation Brothers College.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> CBC also won the 2016 title after defeating Crescent College in the final.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They won the title in 2025, when they defeated PBC Cork, bringing them level with their rivals in overall honours.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The college's main rivals are Presentation Brothers College, Cork (as the two main fee paying all-boys schools in Cork, both share similar histories, student bases, and sporting and academic traditions). In his autobiography, Ronan O'Gara, a past pupil of 'Pres,' refers to 'Christians' as their "arch rivals" from his school days.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 2024, CBC Cork lost both the Junior and Senior Cup finals to PBC Cork.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Former Munster Rugby centre, Cian Bohane, went on to claim that both schools provided a "seamless transition" to professional rugby.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 1974, 'Christians' defeated a 'Pres' team which featured Moss Finn, resulting in four wins in a row in the cup for CBC Cork.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In Where Miracles Happen: The Story of Thomond Park, the two schools are described as dominating these tournaments for most of the 20th century, regularly meeting each other in cup finals.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1999, the school won its third Senior Cup in a row, defeating Glenstal Abbey.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It is the only school to have attained two four-in-row feats in the competition.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite news</ref> However, in 2024, PBC Cork surpassed the joint record it held with CBC Cork when it won its 32nd title, also defeating the school in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2024, the school also defeated PBC Cork to win both the Munster 'Senior B' Barry Cup, and the Kidney Cup.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2021, the Senior Cup was named after former Munster Rugby CEO and past pupil, Garrett Fitzgerald.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The school has also played matches against the Methodist College, Belfast, in the past.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Historically, the school also played against club and university teams (such as Cork Constitution RFC, Black Prince Boys, Queens College XV, Cork County XV),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> as well as against schools from outside of the Munster competition circuit, such as Clongowes Wood and the King's Hospital School.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The school also played against teams fielded by the Royal Navy.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The school also developed a tradition of organising rugby tours in Great Britain.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Full citation needed</ref>

The school has produced a number of Irish rugby internationals, with some of its earliest, among whom were Harry Jack and Vincent McNamara, predating the First World War.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite book</ref> David J. Lane and Basil Maclear, both past pupils, played for Ireland during the Inter-War period.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jimmy McCarthy, regarded contemporaneously as one of Munster and Ireland's greatest-ever rugby players, was also a product of the school.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Irish-Canadian rugby player Patrick Parfrey also played for the school as a youth.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Paul Anthony Burke, a past pupil, played for Ireland in the 1990s and 2000s.<ref name=":13">Template:Cite book</ref> In 2019, the Sunday Independent referred to the school, along with PBC Cork, Belvedere, and Clongowes, as "bulk providers of raw material" for Irish rugby.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Past pupils have also played for the British & Irish Lions.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

In 1955, Old Christians RFC was founded to provide a sporting and social outlet for past pupils. Regarded as a literal "old boys club" until the 1970s, membership of the rugby club is also open to non-past pupils.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

As described by the Rugby Paper UK, the school's past pupils have generated "countless stalwarts" for the Munster Rugby squad.<ref name=":6">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the 21st century, this has included (among others) Rory Burke,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Darragh Hurley, Tomás O'Leary<ref name="oleary" /> (in 2023, O'Leary was appointed to lead the school's Junior Rugby coaching team),<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Billy Holland,<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> Stephen Archer,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Liam Coombes,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Alex McHenry,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Ross Noonan,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Mark Donnelly,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> John William Ryan,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Cian Hurley,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Frank Murphy,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Ivan Dineen,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Duncan Williams,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Scott Buckley,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Simon Zebo (who attended both CBC Cork and PBC Cork),<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> James Coughlan<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Donncha O'Callaghan.<ref name="callaghan">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="joeie" /> The school's Past Pupils' Union awards rugby union honours caps to notable players.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":7" />

The school has links with the Old Christians Club, Uruguay, and has previously commemorated the Flight 571 disaster of October 1972. Several of the Uruguayan players, involved in the disaster, had been taught and coached by Br. John (Dicey) O'Reilly (a founding Brother of the Uruguayan school in Montevideo), who was the principal of CBC Cork at the time of the crash. Donal Lenihan, a past pupil and former Irish rugby international, recalled that, once the news had broken, Br. O'Reilly summoned his class to pray for those affected.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Former Munster Rugby player and New Zealand 'All Blacks' international, Jason Holland, has served as a member of the school's rugby coaching team.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2024, former Munster Rugby out-half, Jonny Holland, was appointed as the school's rugby performance director.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2023, the Irish Independent stated that the facilities at the school's Lansdowne Sports Complex "are widely regarded as among the best in the country".<ref name=":2" />

Other sports

The school also participates in other sports, including soccer (association football) and GAA (Gaelic football and hurling).

CBC won the Junior Cup for soccer in 2003 and 2008 (with former professional soccer player, David Meyler, playing with the school during this period).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The school later won its first FAI Schools Munster Championship in 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

A CBC team reached the final of the Dr. Harty Cup (hurling) in 2019, doing so for the first time in 101 years.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The school contributed a total 16 players and 2 coaches to Cork GAA's All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship bid in 2021, including Robbie Cotter, Padraig Power, Jack Cahalane, Eoin Downey, Robert Downey, Robbie O'Flynn, Shane Barrett, Billy Hennessy and James O'Flynn.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The school won the 1984 Golfing Union of Ireland's Irish Inter-School's Golf Championship.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

As of 2023, the "Head of Sport" at the school was Donal O'Mahony.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Extracurricular activities

In addition to rugby and GAA, the school also participates in debating,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> charitable activities and basketball.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Through several fundraising efforts, including the annual Christmas appeal, CBC also supports charities including SHARE, Saint Vincent de Paul, HOPE, Trócaire and Concern.Template:Citation needed Among the school's charitable activities is the "Zambia Immersion Project", which involves students travelling to Zambia to observe and assist with development work.<ref name="indo2019"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Notable alumni

• Peter Barry, Minister for Foreign Affairs (1982–1987), Tánaiste (1987)<ref name="alumni1">Template:Cite news</ref>
• J. Kevin Boland, RC prelate bishop of Savannah<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• Raymond Boland, Catholic Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama, USA<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• Liam Burke, TD and Lord Mayor of Cork<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Paul Anthony Burke, Irish and Munster Rugby player<ref name=":13" />
• Rory Burke, Munster Rugby player<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Francis Browne, Irish Jesuit<ref name=":12" />
• Mark Cagney, TV and radio broadcaster<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Hugh Coveney, Minister for the Marine (1994–1995), Minister for Defence (1994–1995)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• George Crosbie, Senator and newspaper proprietor<ref name=":12" />
• Aloys Fleischmann, composer, professor of music<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• James Christopher Flynn, Nationalist MP<ref name=":12" />
• Sean French, IRA volunteer, TD, and Lord Mayor of Cork<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Capt. Maurice F. Healy, barrister and author<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Darragh Hurley, Munster Rugby player<ref name="joeie">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Stephen Barnabus Kelleher, mathematician<ref name=":12" />
• Mick Lane, former Lions and Irish rugby international<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Donal Lenihan, former Ireland rugby union captain<ref name="alumni1"/>
• William Linehan, Writer, British diplomat and colonial administrator<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Vincent McNamara, Irish rugby international.<ref name=":5" />
• David Meyler, Irish international footballer<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Dara Murphy, Minister of State (2014–2017)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• Frank Murphy, former Munster rugby player and Leicester Tigers, current Connacht Rugby player<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref>

• Noel Murphy (Sr.), Irish Rugby Union international, Munster Rugby and British and Irish Lions team memberTemplate:Citation needed
• Noel Murphy (Jr.), Irish Rugby Union international, Munster Rugby and British and Irish Lions team member<ref name="alumni1"/>
• Jerome Murphy-O'Connor, Irish Dominican priest and biblical scholar<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Donncha O'Callaghan, Irish Rugby Union international, Munster Rugby and British and Irish Lions team member<ref name="callaghan"/><ref name="alumni1"/>
• Frank O'Connor, author and translator<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Barry O'Donnell, Irish surgeon and professor<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Gregory O'Donoghue, poet<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Tomás O'Leary, Irish Rugby Union international and Munster Rugby and British and Irish Lions team member<ref name="oleary">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="joeie"/>

• Sir Andrew Ryan, British diplomat and colonial administrator<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Patrick Finbar Ryan, Archbishop of Port of Spain, and member of Second Vatican Council
• Denis Vincent Twomey, Professor of Moral Theology<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Chris Walley, actor and recipient of Olivier Award
• Duncan Williams, Munster Rugby player<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
• James Coughlan, Munster Rugby and Section Paloise player<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

External links

• Official site - CBC Cork