Telescope presented to Fr Michael Lyons returns to South Mayo School

The hundreds of students who passed through St Colman’s College in Claremorris in former times had a special place in their hearts for Fr Michael Lyons. The Galway native was an iconic figure in the history of the college and brought joy and sunshine to his science classes. John Hegarty, formerly from Ballinasmalla, Claremorris, a past pupil of St Colman’s, and renowned physicist and academic, who served as the 43rd Provost of Trinity College Dublin from 2001 to 2011, credited Fr Lyons as being his chief inspiration in relation to his career part of scientific pursuits.

Fr Michael Lyons joined the staff of St Colman’s College in 1946, one year after the College was founded in 1945 by Fr John Colleran. Fr Lyons taught Physics and Science in the College until 1972 when he was appointed Principal. During his tenure as Principal, he introduced many new subjects, especially practical subjects, to the school curriculum as well as overseeing many infrastructural developments. He remained in that role until 1981 when he took up an appointment as Parish Priest of Lackagh, Co Galway, remaining there until 1993 when he was appointed curate in Kilbannon.

Fr Lyons remained in that post until June 2003. He died in 2009 and, following Mass in St Benin’s Church in Kilbannon, was interred in the grounds of Lackagh Church. On his impending departure from the College in 1981, the students and members of the Past Pupils Union presented him with a beautiful Tasco Telescope. This was to acknowledge his phenomenal interest in Astronomy and his enduring fondness for the wonders and glory of the night sky. Last week, Bridie Acton, who was Fr Lyons’ housekeeper during his time in Kilbannon, presented the telescope back to the College. It was accepted by Michael Conerney on behalf of the Science Department.

Bridie said Fr Lyons treasured the telescope and used it on numerous occasions to observe the night skies after he left the college for pastoral duties in the Tuam Archdiocese.

She said that it was fitting that the telescope should now go back to the College from whence it came so that present day students could begin to use it and enjoy it as much as Fr Lyons did over the years.

Fond memories of Fr Michael and his kindness and dedication to St Colman’s College were shared in a special way at the gathering attended by a large number of retired staff, as well as the present-day science teachers from the College.

Roy Hession, Principal, extended special thanks to Bridie Action and also to Noel Higgins (Claremorris and Tuam), a past-pupil of the College, and a loyal friend of Fr Lyons, for many years who played a central role in organising the event. He said Fr Lyons had made a huge contribution to St Colman’s College and his legacy would continue to shine bright in the hearts and minds of students and others who may use the telescope in the times ahead.

Pictured on the occasion of Fr Lyons’ telescope being returned to St Colman’s College are Bridie Acton, along with Michael Conerney from the Science Department of the College. Also pictured are Deputy Principal Suzanne Lohan and Principal Roy Hession. Pic: Michael Donnelly

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