Our Story
1980-1990
Building Our Roots & Early Glory Years
The Foundation of Davitt College in Castlebar
Davitt College opened its doors in late 1982 with 445 students under the auspices of the Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim VEC (now MSLETB). This foundational era laid the groundwork for academic and practical education, establishing core values of mutual respect and community integration.
From our inaugural musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1983 to landmark All-Ireland triumphs in basketball, GAA, and science, this era forged the vibrant school spirit and traditions that continue to define us.
Opening 1982
Initial student enrolment upon opening doors.
Theatrical Roots
Launching iconic musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar.
All-Ireland Glories
Securing national titles in basketball and science.
Rapid Growth
Reaching a record enrolment of 788 students by 1990.
Navigate the 1980s
Select an academic year below to explore individual milestones, historical photos, theatrical productions, and sporting triumphs.
School Doors Open & Cross Country
Davitt College officially opened in late 1982 with 445 students. Early athletic success saw the school win best overall school in cross country.
Canteen Opening
The school canteen was officially opened by Tina Joyce, establishing a facility for students and staff.
Jesus Christ Superstar (May 1983)
Inaugural school musical. Produced & Directed by Conor Maguire, Musical Director Kevin McNicholas.
View Musical Story
Enrolment Reaches 516
School enrolment expanded to 516 students.
First TY Trip Abroad
Transition Year students embarked on the school's very first international trip abroad.
West Side Story Staged
Produced & Directed by Conor Maguire, Musical Director Kevin McNicholas.
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Senior Boys GAA County Winners
Senior Boys GAA County Final Winners.
Girls Basketball All-Ireland Champions
Girls Basketball Senior All-Ireland Champions.
All-Ireland Economics Competition Winners
1985 winners of the All-Ireland Business and Finance Economics competition. Pictured are: D. Keane, S. Flannelly, E. Caulfield, P. Devaney, E. Aherne, P. King and Mr. McGowan.
'War Clouds' Staged
Original show War Clouds created by Kevin McNicholas & Michael Brett.
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Retaining County Title vs Crossmolina
Senior Boys GAA retain the county title vs Crossmolina.
'Oliver!' Musical Staged
The school staged a memorable production of the classic musical Oliver!, produced by Michael Brett with musical direction by Kevin McNicholas.
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Under-16 Gaelic Football Champions
The Under-16 boys football team claimed the County Championship title following a strong and disciplined campaign.
Under-15 Gaelic Football Champions
The Under-15 boys Gaelic squad completed a stellar year for the school's underage grades by capturing the County Championship.
Under-14 Gaelic Football Champions
The Under-14 boys Gaelic team secured the County Championship title with impressive performances throughout the tournament.
Senior Soccer Connacht Champions
The senior boys soccer team captured the provincial crown, winning the Connacht Championship in a brilliant campaign.
Aer Lingus Young Scientists 1st Prize
David Clarke, Joseph Moran and Kieran Higgins won 1st prize in their category at the Aer Lingus Young Scientists Competition in the RDS for their project: "A biological and Physiochemical Assessment of the water quality of Castlebar river". Teacher: Mr. Nicholas O'Kelly.
Principal Transition & 'Féile Na Scoileanna'
Joe Langan departed to become acting CEO of County Mayo VEC, replaced as acting principal by Patsy Noone. Five new teachers joined (Ignatius Goggins, Colm Thornton, Maria McMahon, Joe Kennedy, Siobhan O'Malley). Prefabs were added for an enrolment of 653. Staged music festival Féile Na Scoileanna (Brett & McNicholas).
2FM Brainbusters & Irish Life Awards
A team under English Teacher Brendan Munnelly won the first "Brainbusters Radio Quiz" on 2FM (Damien Barrett, Denise Lally, Ger Heneghan, Geraldine Walsh, Malcolm Quigley, Pat Murray), winning €2,500 for the school and a sports bike each. Irish Life Business Awareness Award Junior Section won by student Michael Quinn under business teacher Michael McLoughlin.
'Grease' Staged (Feb 1988)
Staged in February 1988 by Michael Brett and MD Kevin McNicholas; due to massive crowds it ran for 8 sell-out performances. Stars Alison Ruane (Sandy) and Seamus Quinn (Danny) led a stellar cast that won the "Connaught Telegraph Award".
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First Prize at Aer Lingus Young Scientists Exhibition
Kieran Higgins, David Clarke, and Joseph Moran won first prize in their category for their project "A Biological and Physiochemical Assessment of the Water Quality of Castlebar River", mentored by teacher Nicholas O'Kelly.
Cleaner Community Campaign Award
Kieran Higgins, David Clarke, and Joe Moran accepted a Commendation Certificate for the best Youth Project "Caring for the Environment" in the Cleaner Community Campaign, presented by Minister of State Denis Lyons.
'Southern Boys' Staged (Feb 1989)
American Civil War musical compiled and produced by Michael Brett, featuring Seamus Lunn, Philip O'Reilly, Alan King, Margaret Mitchell and Alison Ruane.
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Students' Bank, Golf Champions & Science
Students established a bank (Fiona Horkan manager, Marie Flanagan assistant, Fiona Padden & Nuala Solan auditors, Linda McDonald & Sharon Feeney PROs). David Staunton was "Highly Commended" at Young Scientists, and the golf team defeated St. Gerald's for the Abbey Life title.
Record Enrolment (788) & First TY Programme
Enrolment reached 788, including a new Senior Certificate course and 2 secretarial classes. Introduced the first Transition Year programme with coordinator Michael Brett, featuring school tours to Paris (led by Joseph McGowan, Brendan Munnelly, Tommy O'Malley), debating with Liam Egan, and new teachers Mary Quinn, Joan Walsh, Fiona Keane and Deirdre Campbell.
Revamped 'War Clouds' Production
Transition Year students staged a revamped War Clouds starring Adrienne Carroll, Michael Devanney, Jane Flannelly, John King, Cliodhna Roughneen, Richard Heneghan, Sean Mulroy and a large cast.
Building Our Roots in Castlebar
Davitt College opened its doors in late 1982 with 445 students under the Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim VEC. This foundational era laid the groundwork for academic and practical education, establishing core values of mutual respect, a thriving musical theatre tradition with shows like Jesus Christ Superstar and West Side Story, and early athletic triumphs across cross country, basketball, and GAA.
Milestone Highlights
- School opening in 1982 with an initial enrolment of 445 students.
- Inaugural musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar in May 1983.
- Girls Basketball Senior All-Ireland Championship victory and multiple county GAA titles.
“Try your best, it's the best you can do.
Journey Through the 1990–2000 Era
Uncover landmark campus extensions, iconic stage performances, cross-border exchanges, and legendary sporting victories that shaped this vibrant chapter of Davitt College history.
View 1990–2000 Archive →