Mother M Joseph Carey
Contributors
Mother M Joseph Carey
People Buried Here
Description
Born Sarah Donaghy in 1865, she was the daughter of Michael Donaghy and Mary McManus.
Mother Gertrude Donaghy was the first Superior of the first teaching Presentation Sisters in Rutherglen. She was also the Mistress for Novices and a music teacher.
Mother Donaghy and the sisters lived in a small cottage opposite the church and opened the first school for primary and secondary students in March 1901.
It was announced in the local paper that the Reverend Mother would be pleased to give all information to parents, either Catholic or non-Catholic, in reference to the school and its teaching staff.
As well as promoting the basic subjects of English and Mathematics cultural activities were highly valued. The sisters provided lessons in music, dancing, art, speech-craft, drama, hand-crafts, languages and physical education
We are truly indebted to Mother Gertrude Donaghy and the early teaching Presentation Sisters for establishing a school, which has stood the test of time, where children experience a strong sense of faith and a love of learning.