Glenstal parents and former pupils press for closure alternatives

Our over-riding priority is to explore whether there is a viable way to keep Glenstal open for all current pupils to complete their education, concerned parents wrote to the abbot of Glenstal Abbey after the Co Limerick Benedictine school announced its planned closure by August 2028, irishtimes.com reported.

Decline in Demand and Rising Costs Drive the August 2028 Closure Decision

The private boarding school, operating for almost a century, pointed to declining demand for boarding education and rising operating costs behind the shutdown. The decision affects nearly 200 pupils and follows recent major refurbishment works that upgraded dormitories, modernised junior and senior dining areas, upgraded gym facilities, and restored castle walls. School authorities scheduled a series of meetings with parents on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the unfolding situation.

Parents and Former Pupils Press for Sustainable Alternatives

In their letter to Abbot Columba McCann, parents pointed to the precedent set by Cistercian College Roscrea in Co Offaly. When that boarding school faced closure in 2017, parent involvement successfully averted the shutdown. Glenstal parents asked the abbey whether external investment, an independent trust, or an alternative operator had been explored.

Separately, members of the Glenstal Old Boys Society circulated a letter on Monday that received more than 200 signatures. The former pupils expressed shared sadness over the decision while offering to help keep the institution operational. They suggested establishing a small expert committee to examine the school’s detailed financial position and urgently explore sustainable alternatives. A letter from the abbot to the society acknowledged that the school would need support from former pupils to complete exam cycles for 2027 and 2028.

Phased Timeline for Student Departures

Sixth-year students finish their secondary education next year. Current first, third, and fourth-year students are scheduled to finish in June 2027, requiring them to find alternative schools to complete their studies. Second-year pupils will finish their junior cycle in 2028, while fifth-year students will complete their Leaving Certificate that same year, marking the final academic cohort before the planned August 2028 closure.