Lottery's £600,000 to help conserve school's historic library collection

The grant, which was made possible by National Lottery players, will be used to create a new library space and conserve and catalogue its important collection of 6,000 books, pamphlets, manuscripts and periodicals.

Founded in 1833, St. Malachy’s College on Belfast’s Antrim Road is the oldest Catholic grammar school in Ulster and one of the oldest in Ireland. Its library was named after Monsignor James O’Laverty, a former student who was appointed Dean of the College in 1857.

The library contains 18th century diaries and letters written by Michael Collins and Padraig Pearse and has links to the United Irishmen.

Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “We are delighted to support this project which will refurbish the library, creating a space with enhanced facilities that will benefit not only the students of St Malachy’s College, but the wider community too.”

Principal Paul McBride said: “We at St Malachy’s College are delighted that HLF is supporting our O’Laverty Library project.

“This funding will ensure the preservation of this valuable collection from our heritage and will transform the library and associated facilities so that they may be enjoyed by our pupils, staff, the wider community and interested groups. ”