SIX decades of education, friendship and cherished memories will be celebrated this Saturday as Loreto Community School in Milford welcomes generations of former students, staff and friends back through its doors for a very special occasion.
The school will mark three significant milestones in its history: 60 years since it first opened, 30 years since it became a Community School, and 20 years in its current building.
Principal Margaret O’Connor, who herself attended Loreto as a student and has served on the school staff for many years, said the anniversary is an opportunity to look back with gratitude while also looking forward with hope.
Fun times like these will be recalled at the Loreto Milford reunion.
“Buildings change and places change, but the heart of a school is found in its people and in the relationships that are formed there,” she said. “The memories we carry are often connected not just to the classrooms and corridors, but to the people we walked alongside in them.
“We are very conscious that we stand on the shoulders of the Loreto Sisters who, 60 years ago, had the vision to establish a school here in Milford. Their commitment helped to open up opportunities for generations of young people, and their values continue to influence the school community today.
“This anniversary is about remembering, reconnecting and celebrating. It is about giving thanks for all those who have contributed to the story of our school and looking with hope towards the next chapter.”
History
Saturday promises to be an afternoon of celebration, reflection and reunion, as the school community comes together to honour a remarkable journey that began with just 41 students and seven teaching nuns in September 1966.
The story of Loreto Milford began on 14 September 1966, when the Loreto Sisters opened Loreto College, a fee-paying secondary school for girls. With both boarders and day pupils, the school quickly established itself as a place where academic excellence, personal development and a strong Catholic ethos went hand in hand.
The introduction of free secondary education in Ireland in 1967 brought new opportunities and a growing demand for places. In 1969, Loreto College made history by becoming the first Loreto Convent school in Ireland to welcome both boys and girls, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.
The school has welcomed generations of young people from Milford and the surrounding communities of Rosguill, Fanad, Kilmacrennan, Rathmullan and Ramelton. For many families, Loreto became much more than a school: a place of lifelong friendships, shared experiences and treasured memories.
The first class of 14 pupils in 1966. Loreto Milford was an all-girls school until 1969.
Loreto Milford has always been a school where talents are nurtured, friendships are formed and memories are made. For generations of students, staff and audiences, the school musicals hold a particularly special place in their hearts. The school’s debating teams and sporting achievements have also brought immense pride to the Loreto community over the decades, reflecting a tradition of determination, teamwork and school spirit that continues to thrive today.
Another defining moment came in 1996, when Loreto College became a Community School following the transfer of its buildings and grounds to the Department of Education and Skills. The Loreto Sisters remained involved as trustees, ensuring that the school’s founding values and traditions continued to shape its future.
As part of the transition, a new school name was required. Following consultation with students, staff and the wider community, one thing became abundantly clear: the name Loreto was far too precious to leave behind. And so, Loreto Community School was born, carrying forward a name that had already become synonymous with education, opportunity and community in Milford.
A further milestone was reached in 2006 with the completion of the school’s new building. While the move marked the beginning of a modern era, the spirit of the old Loreto travelled with its students and staff into their new surroundings. Twenty years on, that same spirit remains as strong as ever.
Students wearing the old uniform in the 1980s.
Present day
The 202526 achievements are a fitting tribute to the generations who have gone before. Loreto’s senior debating team enjoyed an outstanding run in the All-Ireland ACCS competition, narrowly missing out on a place in the final. On the pitch, the Under-16 boys proudly echoed the achievements of their 1976 predecessors by winning the FAI All-Ireland Schoolboys.
The recent production of Footloose brought the school gym to life, selling out five nights and proving that the enthusiasm, talent and community support that made those early productions so special are alive and well.
Saturday’s event will begin with a prayer service at 2pm, followed by refreshments and tours of the school, offering former students and staff the opportunity to revisit familiar surroundings, explore the modern facilities and reconnect with old friends. A particular highlight will be a nostalgic journey through the school’s archives, with close to 800 photographs on display. These images will offer a wonderful glimpse into six decades of Loreto life, capturing familiar faces, memorable occasions and moments that helped shape the school into what it is today.
For some, the photographs may bring back memories of their first day at Loreto, a favourite teacher, a school tour or a hard-fought sporting victory. For others, they may rekindle memories of friendships, laughter in the corridors or the thrill of taking to the stage in a school musical.
Loreto Community School warmly invites all former students and staff, their families and the wider community to join in the celebrations. Many former Loreto Sisters, Staff Members and students have confirmed their intention to attend.
Once part of Loreto, always part of its story.