The papers of Coláiste Iognáid (St Ignatius’ College) and the Jesuit community offer an insight into the social, cultural and religious life of Galway. There are documents on the history of the Jesuits in Galway, property details such as deeds, leases and plans of property at Sea Road, Renmore, Sherwood Fields and Nuttall’s Garden, and correspondence with various Bishops of Galway and Jesuit Provincials. These documents illustrate major events in Jesuit community life: the return of the Jesuits and the establishment of a residence and school; building developments, ‘Attacked by Beetle: work to save church roof’ (1939); 1963 centenary celebrations and the erection of St Ignatius as a parish (1971). House histories, minister’s journals, visitations, and consults illuminate the ordinary life of members of the Jesuit community in Galway, ‘we have been hit hard again by the “Flu” (25 February 1919).

Roll books, school diaries, college calendars and school publications, such as ‘Turas na Sóisear’, which detail bicycle outings in the Galway area, with hand-drawn maps and route schedule (1940-1947). The arts and sports at Coláiste Iognáid are documented through photographs, scrapbooks and programmes of plays (The Rising of the Moon by Lady Gregory, 1941, for example), debates, theatre and musicals performances, rowing, rugby and GAA. The administration of the Jesuit school, community and Jesuit-run church provides information on: the role of Irish in the school; staffing; past pupils; Penny Dinners; sodalities; altar notices and masses. Financial papers, which consist of church and college accounts, bequests and intentions, also exemplify church activity and functions.

Parties:
Rev. Eugene Browne SJ, Milltown Park, Rev. John Hughes SJ, St Ignatius College, Galway.

Property:
Land between the Sea Road and Shell Lane in Galway adjacent to Ely Place.

Terms & Conditions:
Browne assigns unto John Hughes et al ground containing 11 perches being a portion of the premises comprised in and demised by a lease of 10 October 1845 to hold for the residue of the unexpired term of 99 years. Assigns two plots of land at the premises demised by a lease of 29 April 1853 to hold for the unexpired residue of 99 years. Assigns a plot of land demised by the lease of 20 May 1853 for the residue of the unexpired term.

Other:
Signed and witnessed.

Draft of a letter from [ ], Belfast, to the Trustees of the Galway Congregational Church agreeing to purchase the premises formerly occupied as a Congregational Church. Outlines terms and conditions.

Handwritten documents relating to the history of the Jesuits in Galway. Includes: copy of history of the Jesuit Church in Galway (20 August 1861) signed by Fr Rush[e], Prior; history of the College and Residence St Ignatius, Galway 1859 - 1863 by [Fr Rochford SJ] (In Latin); history of the College and Residence St. Ignatius, 1863 – 1865 (In Latin); annual letters 1865 - 1868 (In Latin).

Photocopies of newspaper clippings from the ‘Galway Advertiser’ which comments on the 450th anniversary of the founding of the Jesuit Order. Gives a brief history of the Jesuits in Galway. Includes a photograph of a Past Pupils Union annual dinner c. 1948.

Volumes of handwritten notes by Fr James Rabbitte SJ charting the history of the Jesuits in Galway: ‘The fragments gathered in this book deal with the Society in Galway. 1: From the time Fr Holywood was appointed Superior of the Irish Mission in 1598 down to the Suppression of the Soc[iety]. 2: From the coming of Fr Haly as Superior of a Residence and School to Galway in 1859.’ Includes inserts of hand drawn maps of Galway; local history notes; photographs and newspaper clippings; Fr Rabbitte traces the history of the Jesuits in Galway through the use of primary material which are quoted and his knowledge of Jesuit history. Details Superiors of the College and Residence in Galway; Directors of the Confra[ternity] of the Sacred Heart; list of priests educated at St Ignatius College, Galway. Early photograph of St Ignatius Church, Galway and St Ignatius College Athletic Sports at Merlin Park.

Photograph of the sacristy at St Ignatius Church, Galway. Items in the room include clock, chairs, prie-dieu and images of St. Joseph and Jesus. On reverse, pasted note from 'The Clongownian' [1919].

Photograph of the streetscape of Sea Road, Galway with the exterior of Columban Hall in the foreground and the steeple of St Ignatius Church in the background.

Black and white photographs of the exterior and interior of St Ignatius Church, Galway. Includes:

• the altar by W. Dowler, Presentation Road, Galway;
• interior by the Connacht Tribune;
• copies of a photograph of exterior by Robert French;
• postcards of exterior by 'Yann', Galway c.[1965];
• interior by R. Simmons, Galway - on reverse indicates that the old stations of the Cross went to Hatch Street, Dublin, the pulpit is inside altar rails, the old lights and statues of the Sacred Heart and St Joseph.

Colour photographs of St Ignatius Church, Galway - side altar, confessional boxes, flooring, tiles and Fr [1960].

Plan depicting St Ignatius College and Church, Sea Road, Galway.