St Benildus College

Infobox Irish school
name = St. Benildus College
irish_name = Coláiste Naomh Benildus



motto = Secundum Verbum Tuum
_la. According to Thy Word
established = 1966
location = Kilmacud, Dublin 14, Ireland
students = 710
keyprole = Principal
keypname = Seán Mulvihill
free_label = Religious order
free = De La Salle
homepage = [http://www.stbenilduscollege.com www.stbenilduscollege.com]

St. Benildus College is a Catholic boys' secondary school located in Kilmacud, Dublin, Ireland. It was established in 1966 when free secondary education was introduced in Ireland. As of 2005, 710 students were recorded as being current pupils at the school. Prospective students must pass an entrance test. It is located on the Upper Kilmacud Road. Most of the school's students live in the surrounding areas such as Kilmacud, Dundrum, Goatstown, Stillorgan, Moreen Estate, and Balally.

The school is located in an area of south Dublin which was largely comprised of farmland until the 1950s and 1960s, when the area became built up with housing estates. The Luas green line is adjacent to the school, and the Kilmacud stop is at the back of the school.

Academics

The school has a relatively good academic record, and a higher than average percentage of its students go on to study at third level. The Irish Independent said Benildus had "the best education money can't buy".Fact|date=April 2008

Sports

Students are encouraged to participate in sports including football, hurling, soccer, chess, badminton, and athletics. The school has had much success in all of these sports, winning both Provincial and All Ireland honours in many.Fact|date=April 2008 There is a healthy rivalry between Benildus and local school Coláiste Eoin. Benildus' hurling and gaelic players come from local clubs, such as Kilmacud Crokes, Naomh Olaf, Ballinteer St Johns, and the Stars of Erin.

The school also runs a gym out of the school sports hall. It is open to members of the public on payment of an annual membership fee. Benildus students pay a reduced rate.

Further evidence of the college as a major sporting power is that they competed the Dublin Senior A football final in 2007 and 2008, narrowly losing to close rivals Coláiste Eoin and Portmarnock respectively.Fact|date=May 2008

Famous alumni

* David Gillick; twice European indoor athletics gold medalist.
* David Kitt; singer-songwriter.
* Diarmaid Ferriter; historian and author.
* Maurice Pratt; successful businessman.
* Padraic McMahon; of Irish band The Thrills.
* Ray Cosgrove; Dublin GAA footballer and former All-Star.
* Richard Sadlier; former Ireland international soccer player.
* Eamonn Cleary; Irish Entrepreneur of the Year 2007.
* Niall Breslin ; Lead singer and song writer of the suckish Irish band The Blizzards.

Famous teachers

* Aidan Fennelly; Laois footballer.
* Austin O'Malley; Mayo footballer.
* Cormac McAnallen; Tyrone football captain.

External links

* [http://www.stbenilduscollege.com Official website]