The ultra-Catholic Cork school you might not know exists

 Mater Dei Academy is an independent Catholic school which describes itself as being under the patronage of Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, writes Jennifer Horgan

The private and independent Mater Dei Academy based at the former Farranferris College in Cork

Nestled in the heart of the Northside, with a commanding view over the city, most Corkonians know Farranferris College as a landmark, a link with the city’s history as a city of spires and with the religious orders among whom young acolytes trained.

Since 2022, however, the college has been home to a new school, one with an ultra-Catholic ethos most people in Ireland, including students at our Catholic state schools, wouldn’t recognise.  Citing traditional Catholic values and funded by local donations, parent fees, and money from a staunchly conservative foundation in America, Mater Dei Academy is private and independent, with close to 50 students currently enrolled.  Founded in 2020, the school was located on Pope’s Quay before moving to its current premises at Farranferris which is leased by Northside Community Enterprises (NCE), a registered charity part-funded by Tusla, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.