A Brief History

 

The Marist Brothers opened their first school in Athlone in 1884. For over 115 years, they continued to provide quality education for boys, through both their national school and secondary school in Athlone.

They originally operated out of the premises in St. Mary's Square. Due to the need to expand and enhance the facilities, the current secondary school in Retreat Road was built in 1972. The Marist Brothers residence is still located in St. Mary's Square. 

In 2000, the Marist Boys Primary School on Grace Park Road amalgamated with the Bower Girls Primary School in Lower Retreat and Fair Green National School to form the new St. Mary's School, which operates from the premises in Fair Green and Grace Park Rd.

The year 2002 brought about another change in the operations of the Marist Brothers in Athlone. The Marist Order set about establishing a Board of Management to operate the school, and for the first time in its history, a lay principal was appointed. This first board of management served until October 2004, when a new board was formed. The new board held their first meeting on Monday, November 15th, 2004.