Finances force All Hallows to close

The Dublin college whose auction of Jackie Kennedy letters, with a potential €3m value, had to be shelved this week has blamed funding and enrolment limits on a sudden decision to close.

All Hallows College said it plans a phased wind-down in an effort to allow students finish their courses, a decision that was welcomed by the Department of Education last night. It has 450 students on accredited degree courses, mostly in theology, philosophy and English literature and more than 70 staff, but is also believed to have around 1,000 students on continuing education courses.

A college statement said it had a growing financial deficit over many years and reserves had reached an unsustainable level, despite an extensive fund-raising programme.