St. Patrick’s College and Maynooth University – text by Paul Croghan
• What is now described as the Maynooth University and St. Patricks College had a common history between 1795 and 1997.
• It was founded in 1795 on the Duke of Leinster lands around Stoyte House.
• Originally St. Patrick’s was established to train catholic clerical students who would otherwise have to be trained abroad.
• It was funded by the UK Parliament and the payment of the “Maynooth Grant” was often a controversial issue in the 19th Century.
• In 1966 St. Patrick’s admitted lay students.
• 1997 Universities Act resulted in the transfer of some faculties to Maynooth University. St. Patrick’s College specialises in the study of Theology and Philosophy with other subjects.