Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. The old Norman walls which protected the city in the Middle Ages are still mostly standing. Part of these walls run through our school, and we also have a fully intact tower on the grounds - the Semi-Lunar Tower. Waterford City Council's website gives an historic look at the City Walls. You can see a picture of the Semi-Lunar Tower (and even download it to your PC!) by visiting our downloads page. You can see a map of the old city walls below:

The walls were built by King John in 1215, who also gave Waterford its first mayor and corporation. The walls were used to defend the city against intruders and attacks. Behind the old city walls is the garden and Brothers' fishpond. When the De La Salle Brothers came to Waterford this garden was part of the Widger family's home trade business. They had stables there and also at Mayor's Walk, Manor Street, and Newgate Street. Indeed, the famous horse “Wild Man from Borneo”, winner of the Aintree Grand National of 1895, may well have been stabled behind our school. Markings and traces of where the stables stood can still be seen on the Semi-Lunar Tower and also on the walls. Some of the rings for tethering the horses are still embedded in the walls.

In 1887, on the invitation of Dr. Phelan, the De La Salle Brothers came to Waterford to open a National School. The first Principal was Brother Patrick McSweeney. The members of the first staff were all under 20. Mr. George Nolan commenced the building of St. Stephen's Senior School in 1897 and it was completed by 1898. The total cost of the school was £5,885. In 1907, the Brothers purchased a derelict property from St. Stephen's Senior School north to Patrick Street. On this celebrated site was built the handsome Junior School and the De La Salle Brothers' Monastery - at a cost of £4,500 - and completed in 1908.

The school celebrated its centenary in 1987, and continues to be a thriving centre of excellence, and was one of the last schools in Ireland to be run by the De La Salle Brothers. The final Brother in charge, Br. Martin, retired in June 2010, and leaves behind a lasting legacy of care for others, by setting example for everyone to follow. Over 450 pupils currently attend the school, which is also the home of the De La Salle Cub Scouts.

Originally written by Tony Colfer (edited and updated 2011).