In 1859, the Community of Christian Brothers first arrived in Omagh following a request from the Bishop of Derry. A field of 2 acres and 12 perches in size was purchased at the rear of the Catholic Church in Brook Street for £300
Our History
~ Founded in 1861 ~
1859
Christian Brothers arrive in Omagh; land purchased and foundations laid for school and parochial house.
1861
14 January: School opens with 121 boys; placed under the patronage of St Columba
1903
First major school extension completed, including new classrooms and a science laboratory.
1910s–1920s
School navigates political upheaval and financial difficulty; comes under NI Ministry of Education in 1927.
1930–1932
Innovative steel-frame school building constructed to meet rising enrolment.
1940s–1950s
Significant expansion continues; electricity installed, new classrooms added, Past Pupils’ Union founded (1957).
1961–1968
Centenary celebrations mark 100 years; Grammar School relocates to new Kevlin Road site and officially opens.
1970s
Rapid growth and overcrowding; first MacRory Cup success in 1974.
1987–1994
Major extension approved and completed; school fully refurbished with modern facilities.
1993
First lay-person to become principal – Mr Roddy Tierney
2000–2007
Opening of Coolnagard Sports Complex; major sporting success including Hogan Cup victory (2007).
2023
Hogan Cup winners 2023
2024
Hogan history as school clinches back-to-back All-Ireland titles in Croke Park
Present Day
A school community of over 950 pupils, that is inspired by faith and committed to excellence