Have you ever wondered how St Louis Grammar School was established in Ballymena in 1924? How Kintullagh House became a convent and the first all girls Catholic school in the area?
Now is your opportunity to find out!
You can explore the history of Kintullagh House and St Louis Ballymena through the pages of a new hardback, commemorative book specially commissioned to mark the school’s Centenary.
‘Our First Century at Kintullagh’ provides a unique insight into the school’s development, from the arrival of the four founding Sisters of St Louis in 1924, to its position today as one of the top Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland.
Written by Derval Fitzsimons, a former pupil and renowned writer and broadcaster, the book also examines the history of Kintullagh House in Ballymena.
Author of the new book Derval Fitzsimons, on her first day at St Louis Grammar School, and today.
Derval reflected:
“Kintullagh House has been at the heart of Ballymena for over 150 years. The original 35 acre estate had been owned by the Right Honourable John Young, Chairman and founder of the Braidwater Spinning Company, whose family seat was Galgorm Castle.
“Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, the mansion, which in 1924 became the Convent house, was built as a wedding gift for his son William and his bride, and cousin, Margaret Gihon, who was of French extraction.
“In honour of her heritage the fleur-de-lys was incorporated into many of the home’s embellishments - a touch appreciated by the nuns whose order was also French in origin. Kintullagh House continues to inspire our pupils today as part of the Centre for Creative and Expressive Arts at the school”.
Some famous faces, former students at St Louis Grammar School, including (clockwise): Declan Lawn, screenwriter and director; Olivia Nash as ‘Ma’ from Give My Head Peace; and Michael O’Neill, football manager.
Full of photographs and illustrations from the last 100 years and with additional contributions from past pupils and members of staff through the decades, the book is a must-have for everyone associated with St Louis and those with a wider interest in the history of Ballymena.
Published at the beginning of November the book will be a perfect Christmas gift for those families and friends who have experienced the very special St Louis values system and the school’s family centred approach to education.
A fond farewell
At Louis Grammar School upper sixth students from the 90s.
For a short time you also have the opportunity to add your own name to the book. By becoming a subscriber you will have your name or your family’s name included in the book, a testimony and record of the countless families and individuals the school has impacted over the last century.
Copies of the book are now available to order at www.friendsofstlouisballymena.com
Young students of the formerly named ‘St Louis High School, Kintullagh’ in 1931.
About Derval
Derval Fitzsimons began her journalistic career while still a student at St Louis, writing for the Ballymena Guardian. She worked as a reporter at the Belfast News Letter and Downtown Radio before going to ITN in London. She was Editor of Independent Radio News and Head of Home News for ITV. She is retired and lives in South West Montana with her American husband.