IntroductionThis essay will examine the influence that the Catholic Church had on a particular school; this school being St. Flannan's College in Ennis, Co. Clare. “Churches have been deeply involved in education and this has had a great influence on the nature of the educational models that have evolved. » Coolahan (1981) This essay will examine the influence of the Catholic Church on this school as well as the impacts and consequences on this school. school today because of this. We will first focus on Saint Flannan and his historical and religious journey. We will then look at the history of St. Flannan's College and the deep roots of the Catholic Church in the school's history to get a sense of its influence and why. Finally, we will then look at some issues that have resulted within the school due to the influence of the Catholic Church before and since the establishment of the school in 1881.Saint FlannanIn order to examine the influence of the Catholic Church on St. Flannan's College, we must first look at the relationship to religion and to Saint Flannan himself. Saint Flannan is the patron saint of the Diocese of Killaloe and is believed to be descended from the powerful O'Brien family. Saint Flannan was born in the 7th century and was the son of Turlough who was king of Thomond. Flannan is said to have entered Molua Monastery in Killaloe where he obtained work as a baker. Legend has it that Flannan was appointed abbot following a miracle that occurred one day; after cooking continuously for thirty-six hours, a light shone between the fingers of his left hand and illuminated the darkness in which he worked. This allowed him to accomplish his task. Flan...... middle of paper ...... structure. Dublin: Institute of Public AdministrationDepartment of Education and Skills, (2013) Whole-School Evaluation Management, Leadership and Learning [online], available: http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Inspection-Reports-Publications/ Whole -School-Evaluation-Reports-List/report6_61920N.pdf [accessed April 6, 2014]Eoghan Cormican (2013) Camogie chief savoring task [press release], September 24, 2013, available: http://www.irishobserver.com /archives/ 2013/0924/ireland/camogie-chief-relishing-task-244096.html [accessed April 4, 2014] Ireland. Department of Education and Science. (2007). Sé Sí: Gender in Irish Education. Dublin: Government Publications.St. Flannan's College (2012) St. Flannan's College - A Short History [online], available: http://www.stflananscollege.ie/index.php/content-college/a-short-history [accessed 4 April 2014]