Methodist College Belfast
Encyclopedia
Methodist College Belfast (MCB), styled locally as Methody, is a voluntary grammar school
in Belfast
, Northern Ireland
, one of eight Northern Irish schools represented on the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference
, and is a member of the Independent Schools Council
. Located at the foot of Malone Road
, in south Belfast, it possesses two preparatory departments (Downey House and Fullerton House), each with 280 pupils, aged 5 – 11. There is a Pre-school on the site of Downey House catering for children aged 3 and 4.
The College is generally regarded for its high academic standards, regularly sending students to Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and was ranked 2nd in Northern Ireland in "The Times" state school league tables 2009. It has also had considerable sporting success, especially in rugby, having won the Ulster Schools Cup
a record 32 times and the Medallion Shield
a record 34 times. Methodist College also has a strong reputation for music. Its choirs have won several awards, such as Songs of Praise
Choir of the Year, Sainsbury's Choir of the Year, and RTÉ
All-Island School Choir of the Year. The Chapel Choir has performed in Westminster Abbey
and the Carnegie Hall
as well as during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to the Republic of Ireland
. The College has also sent several Choral Scholars and Organ Scholars to Oxford and Cambridge colleges in recent years.
Past pupils of the school are known as Collegians, and the school has an extensive Past Pupil organisation in the form of 'The MCB Former Pupil Association', which has several branches across the world, meeting as far as Hong Kong
and Canada
as well as regular alumni reunions in London
and at Belfast Harlequins
. The College also has a past pupil sporting organisation in Belfast Harlequins.
. The idea of establishing a Methodist Grammar school
had been around since 1843 and in 1844 the Conference of the Methodist Church in Ireland approved the proposal to establish such a school in Belfast. Shortly after, a decision was taken to relocate the site of the school to Dublin. Funds for this school were raised in 1845 and it was opened the same year first as the Wesleyan Connexional School and later Wesley College
, named after Charles Wesley
, founder of Methodism
. The school is still operating to this day.
It was only in 1855 that the idea was raised of founding a school specifically for the education of sons of ministers like the Methodist Church in England had at Kingswood School
in Bath. Funds were again raised with significant amounts coming from America
and England
. The original site for the school was to be in Portadown
but the location was changed, first of all to Dublin. Land was acquired in Dublin but proceedings stalled. Several prominent Belfast Methodists began a campaign to have the school built in Belfast. The Methodist Conference allotted the remaining £2000 left from the purchase of the Dublin site to Belfast so long as they could raise £8000 extra with the added proviso that no building could take place until they had raised £10,000. A last attempt was made 1863 for the building to take place in Portadown but this failed. The necessary money had been raised by 1864 to satisfy the Conference’s stipulations but it was held that £10,000 would not be sufficient. Further fundraising missions were made to the United States and England in 1866. These were led by Robinson Scott, the Rev Robert Wallace and William McArthur
. Wallace would die on this mission in Cincinnati from Cholera
. However an additional £10,000 was raised. Several subsequent missions took place to fund building work.
The present site of the college, near Queen’s University Belfast on the Malone Road
, was purchased by James Carlisle and offered to the committee on the same terms. The site covered 15 acres all of which have been developed by the college to the present day. In addition to the school it was proposed that a strip on the North side be let for building and the rest used by the college. This would become College Gardens which is still owned by the college.
The school originally had a dual foundation as a school and a theological college and the school was designed with this in mind. The architects firm Joseph Fogerty & Son
of Dublin won with their bid to design the school. The foundation stone for the Main Building was laid in 1865, and in 1868 the College was ceremonially opened.
end of College Gardens which was the only college building designed by notable Belfast architect Charles Lanyon
. Also in this year, it was decided that no land would be let along the Lisburn Road.
Although originally conceived primarily as a school for the education of the children of Methodist Ministers, the school has been interdenominational from its inception.
During this time the college prepared some students for the examinations (including degree examinations) of the Royal University of Ireland
.
While day classes had been provided for girls for the early years, there was no provision for the daughters of ministers to board as the boys could. This was remedied by a gift from Sir William McArthur to found a Hall of Residence for girls. Building work on McArthur Hall began in 1886 and completed in 1891.
No further major building work would take place until the 20th century but there were modifications were made to existing buildings including the creation of science labs.
In an attempt to provide classroom space to a growing student population, the college purchased second hand American Hospital Huts which were erected across the school in 1921. Only one of these remains in the school and is situated between the Whitla Hall and the drama studio.
Around this time with the theological students gone and the Headmaster moved out of his rooms to College Gardens, the Main Building was remodelled to better accommodate boarders. Like other schools at the time, the boarders lived in “houses” but unlike other schools, rather than staying on the same house during their time there, they would move from house to house as they progressed through the school. The houses were Bedell House, Castlereagh House and Kelvin House and the boys would move up through them. They were named after three prominent Irishmen; Anglican clergyman William Bedell
, Statesman Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh
and scientist William Thomson, Lord Kelvin. There was also another house for day pupils named after Lord Wellington
.
In 1932 the college purchased Pirrie Park from Harland and Wolff
with the financial aid of WIlliam Fullerton and Hugh Turtle. It had already been partially developed by Harland and Wolff including the erection of a pavilion. The college began work to convert this pavilion into a Preparatory School. It was called Downey House and named after John Downey, a benefactor to the college.
Following a bequest by Sir William Whitla
, the college completed the construction of the Whitla Hall in 1935.
Further modification were made to the science rooms in 1936 to bring them up to required standards.
The college was thankfully unaffected by the Belfast Blitz
in April 1941. After the evening of the first raid the college offered the Whitla Hall as a refuge for people who had been left homeless and from the evening of the following day people began to arrive. Food and beds were provided for the men, women and children until the women and children could be evacuated to the country and the men who needed to work in the city were moved into hostels.
Until the end of the war and food rationing Pirrie Park was cultivated to grow crops along with raising hens and ducks.
One of the houses in College Gardens fell vacant and was converted into a second preparatory department in 1950. It became known as Fullerton House, named after William Fullerton who had been a governor, chair of the board and founder of Downey House. Extensions to this were made to the adjacent house in 1957. The existing preparatory department, Downey House, also received extension works in 1954. In 1959 a boathouse for rowing was built at Lockview Road in Stranmillis
whereas the college had relied on outside clubs.
Additional classrooms in what are now called K, L and M blocks were added as well as a lecture theatre (now the drama studio), specific rooms for Home Economics, other classrooms (F Block), a canteen and the middle gym throughout the early fifties and were opened by HRH the Duchess of Kent.
". While the Troubles touched nearly everyone in Northern Ireland, the school was thankfully materially unaffected.
The 1960s and 1970s were a period of intense building work for the college, particularly in the run up to the centenary in 1968. This included new labs, modern language classrooms (E block), a new music department and indoor swimming pool, further science labs (now P and N blocks) and a gym.
In 1968 the Chapel of Unity, Methody's first chapel on the college grounds, and a permanent memorial to the college’s centenary, was completed. The organ currently present in the Chapel was donated as a gift from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
.
The Worrall Centre, an area specifically for the 6th form (now AS and A Level) students, was completed in 1972. In 1975 Fullerton House was rehoused in its present position, facing the Lisburn Road and closing off the quad. The Sports Hall and art rooms were opened by Sir Roger Bannister
in 1995.
The Walton Building, which included new science labs and computer suites was also constructed in the early 1990s. This building was named after Methody alumnus Ernest Walton
, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics
for splitting the atom.
, was opened at Pirrie Park.
In 2008 it was announced that in 2010 the boarding departments in McArthur Hall and the Main Building would close, ending a 142 year history of boarding at Methody. The rooms will be converted into classrooms and offices.
The college has been vocal in its opposition to the Burns Report into Post Primary Education in Northern Ireland. The college is one of the schools calling for the continuation of academic selection in Northern Ireland.
Methody has a reputation for academic excellence, and was ranked 2nd in Northern Ireland in "The Times" state school league tables 2009.
In the 2011 A2 Levels, 19.1% of grades awarded were A*, and 55.0% awarded were A*-A, compared with the UK average of 8.2% and 27.0% respectively. In the 2011 AS Levels, 38.0% of grades awarded were A, and 77.2% awarded were A-C, compared with the UK average of 19.3% and 59.4% respectively.
In the 2011 GCSE examinations, 36.3% of grades awarded were A*, 68.6% awarded were A*-A, and 97.4% awarded were A*-C, compared with the UK average of 7.8%, 23.2%, and 69.8% respectively. Also in the 2011 GCSEs, 12 pupils achieved 11A*, 16 pupils achieved 10A* 1A, 1 pupil achieved 10A* 2A, 4 pupils achieved 10A*, 7 pupils achieved 9A* 2A, 2 pupils achieved 9A* 1A, and 1 pupil achieved 9A* 3A.
In the 2010 A2 Levels, 21.1% of grades awarded were A*, and 52.5% awarded were A*-A, compared with the UK average of 8.1% and 27.0% respectively. In the 2010 AS Levels, 43.5% of grades awarded were A, and 82.6% awarded were A-C, compared with the UK average of 19.4% and 59.1% respectively.
In the 2010 GCSE examinations, 31.6% of grades awarded were A*, 65.2% awarded were A*-A, and 95.1% awarded were A*-C, compared with the UK average of 7.5%, 22.6%, and 69.1% respectively. Also in the 2010 GCSEs, 1 pupil achieved 12A*, 9 pupils achieved 11A*, 7 pupils achieved 10A* 1A, and 7 pupils achieved 9A* 2A.
A large number of Methody pupils have been successful in obtaining places at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. 16 pupils were awarded places in 2010, 15 in 2009, 13 in 2008, 14 in 2007, 8 in 2006, 23 in 2005, 21 in 2004, and 22 in 2003.
The University of Cambridge student newspaper, Varsity, has previously listed Methody as one of the University of Cambridge's top ten feeder state schools.
There are also several instrumental groups:
The choirs have won several competitions:
The Chapel Choir has led worship in Westminster Abbey
in August 2004, 2006, and 2008 when the Abbey Choir were on holiday, and have performed in several radio and television broadcasts, such as the BBC's Songs of Praise. The Chapel Choir was chosen as the only school choir from Europe to perform in the US Premiere of Karl Jenkins' "Gloria", in the Carnegie Hall
, on 17 January 2011. The Chapel Choir performed at a reception at the British Embassy during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth to the Republic of Ireland
in 2011.
Several members of the Girls' Choir sang at the official opening of the Millennium Dome in 1999 and in 2005 the Girls' Choir performed with the Vienna Boys' Choir
, in Vienna
, Austria
as part of the Fifth World Choral Festival.
This is a tradition which has been established over many years. When Henry Willis was Director of Music at Methody from 1957–66, large scale choral works were undertaken by the Senior School, which continued under William McCay. Dr Joe McKee OBE was Director of Music from 1991 to 2002, and he arranged for the Senior Chorus to sing in public performances outside the College. In the present day, with the Director of Music, Ruth McCartney MBE, the Senior Chorus learns one large-scale choral work each year, starting in September. The Senior Chorus performs on three occasions in the school year: Senior Prize Distribution, College Carols, and the Easter Concert. At the Senior Prize Distribution in October, they sing two movements from the choral work, as well as another popular tune. At the College Carols, in December, they sing two movements from the choral work, as well as a Christmas piece. The Easter Concert is the most important event in the Senior Chorus calendar; in the second half of the concert, they sing the entire choral work, followed by a popular tune. At Senior Prize Distribution and the College Carols, they are accompanied by the Senior Orchestra, and at the Easter Concert they are accompanied by the Easter Concert Orchestra, made up of some members of the Senior Orchestra along with other guests.
in recent years. The first half of the concert consists of performances by each of the College's music groups, and the second half of the concert features the Senior Chorus & Orchestra performing a large-scale choral piece, followed by a popular piece of music. The light-hearted Band Concert is held in the Whitla Hall of the College near the end of the Summer Term. In June, there is often a Summer Serenade held in a Church in Belfast. The musical calendar ends with Junior Prize Distribution, which features performances from the Junior Choir, Junior Orchestra and the Band.
32 times, more than any other school, and Medallion Shield
a record 34 times. The College owns its own rugby pitches at Pirrie Park.
In 2009, the 1st XV defeated Royal Belfast Academical Institution
in the final of the Schools Cup. The man of the match went to Michael Allen, for the second consecutive year, scoring two tries. The Medallion Shield
was recovered from the hands of R.B.A.I, when Methody beat Campbell College
in the final at Ravenhill
.
In October 2009, the 1st XV won the Blackrock Rugby Festival, organised by Blackrock College
to celebrate their 150 year anniversary.
since the 1890s. One of the earliest matches was when a Collegians
ladies' team beat the schoolgirls 4-0 in 1896.
The girls club celebrated its centenary in 1996 with a series of special matches. MCB possesses its own artificial turf pitch, located at Belfast Harlequins
on the Malone Road
.
In January 2007, boys 1st XI player Douglas Montgomery was selected to represent the school as part of a delegation from Belfast Harlequins
that met with President of the Republic of Ireland
, Mary McAleese
in Phoenix Park, Dublin. This meeting was to mark the club's cross community work.
Alan Green of BBC Radio 5 Live
was one of the most famous players, off the field, that the school ever produced. Full international players include Ian Kirk-Smith, Gregg Sterritt, Andrew McBride (for Scotland as a "forgotten exile"), Neil Dunlop and Norman Crawford. Many pupils have represented Ulster at Junior and under age levels, including Connor Montgomery representing Ulster under-16s at the IHA Interprovincial Tournament, Shawsbridge, 2008 and Ulster under-18s at the IHA Interprovincial Tournament, Newpark, 2010.
The most recent success for the boys 1st XI was the Burney Cup
win in 1999. The Cup was presented to the team by Ulster Branch president and ex-pupil Peter Wood. In the 1985-86 school year, the boys' 1st XI hockey squad won the Tasmania Trophy as Irish schools champions
, coached by schoolmasters Robert Kenny and Philip Marshall.
The girls have not won the Senior Schoolgirls Cup competition since 1988, when they beat Friends School Lisburn
by two goals to nil in the final. The school has the most wins in the history of the Cup, however most of the success came prior to World War II
.
Every year, Methody and their traditional rivals RBAI compete against each other in "The Race".
Model United Nations
Conference. They won the overall best delegation award representing the United Kingdom
. In 2005, a further delegation attended the North American Invitational Model United Nations
Conference, hosted by Georgetown University
in Washington DC. In March 2007 a team from MCB went to New York for the National High Schools Model United Nations. In March 2008, another MCB team attended GWCMUN at George Watson's College
, Edinburgh. The team was successful in attaining the best delegation in General Assembly award, as well as jointly winning the best overall delegation award with a team from Hampstead School
. A number of delegates also won individual awards.
(sponsored at that time by The Times newspaper) in 1995. In addition to the outright victory in the British Schools Chess Championship
in 1995, the College finished 3rd in 1970 and 1979, and 4th in 1986 and 1997. The British Schools Championship Plate Competition for runners-up of the zonal heats was won in 1994, the first year the Plate competition was held. Methody won the inaugural Irish Colleges Championship in 1976, the first of several wins. The Ulster Schools Division One title has been won on many occasions.
The most distinguished former member is International Master Brian Kelly
, who occupied Board 1 in the successful 1995 team. Kelly also won a Gold Medal at the Chess Olympiad in Moscow in 1994 playing at Board 5. Past pupils Brian Kerr, Tom Clarke, Angela Corry and Roger Beckett have also represented Ireland at Chess Olympiads.
The Ulster Chess Championship
has also been won by Methody alumni on 11 occasions, although only John Nicholson (1971,1973), Paul Hadden (1975), and Brian Kelly
(1994) won whilst still at school. Brian Kelly is the only Methody alumnus to have won the Irish Chess Championship
- in 1995 and 2007, Tom Clarke having come close, but losing on Tiebreak.
, as the college playing fields. The existing buildings were modernised and extended. It was founded by William Fullerton and named after John Downey.
Grammar school
A grammar school is one of several different types of school in the history of education in the United Kingdom and some other English-speaking countries, originally a school teaching classical languages but more recently an academically-oriented secondary school.The original purpose of mediaeval...
in Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, one of eight Northern Irish schools represented on the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference
Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference
The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference is an association of the headmasters or headmistressess of 243 leading day and boarding independent schools in the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies and the Republic of Ireland...
, and is a member of the Independent Schools Council
Independent Schools Council
The Independent Schools Council is a non-profit organisation that represents 1,234 schools in the United Kingdom's independent education sector...
. Located at the foot of Malone Road
Malone Road
The Malone Road is a radial road in Belfast, Northern Ireland, leading from the university quarter southwards to the affluent suburbs of Malone and Upper Malone, each a separate electoral ward...
, in south Belfast, it possesses two preparatory departments (Downey House and Fullerton House), each with 280 pupils, aged 5 – 11. There is a Pre-school on the site of Downey House catering for children aged 3 and 4.
The College is generally regarded for its high academic standards, regularly sending students to Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and was ranked 2nd in Northern Ireland in "The Times" state school league tables 2009. It has also had considerable sporting success, especially in rugby, having won the Ulster Schools Cup
Ulster Schools Cup
The Ulster Schools' Challenge Cup is an annual competition involving schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The Schools' Cup has the distinction of being the world's second-oldest rugby competition, having been competed for every year since 1876...
a record 32 times and the Medallion Shield
Medallion Shield
The Medallion Shield is an annual rugby union competition involving schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The competition is open to all schools within Ulster, but only schools from within Northern Ireland currently enter, with no entries from schools situated...
a record 34 times. Methodist College also has a strong reputation for music. Its choirs have won several awards, such as Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
Choir of the Year, Sainsbury's Choir of the Year, and RTÉ
RTE
RTÉ is the abbreviation for Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the public broadcasting service of the Republic of Ireland.RTE may also refer to:* Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 25th Prime Minister of Turkey...
All-Island School Choir of the Year. The Chapel Choir has performed in Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
and the Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
as well as during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to the Republic of Ireland
Queen Elizabeth II's visit to the Republic of Ireland
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh made a state visit to the Republic of Ireland from 17 May to 20 May 2011, at the invitation of the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese....
. The College has also sent several Choral Scholars and Organ Scholars to Oxford and Cambridge colleges in recent years.
Past pupils of the school are known as Collegians, and the school has an extensive Past Pupil organisation in the form of 'The MCB Former Pupil Association', which has several branches across the world, meeting as far as Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
as well as regular alumni reunions in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and at Belfast Harlequins
Belfast Harlequins
Belfast Harlequins is a multi-sports club located off the Malone Road in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. The club name provides the overall umbrella for rugby union, men's and ladies' hockey and squash...
. The College also has a past pupil sporting organisation in Belfast Harlequins.
Foundation
Methodist College Belfast was founded in 1868 by the Methodist Church in IrelandMethodist Church in Ireland
The Methodist Church in Ireland is a Wesleyan Methodist church that operates across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on an all Ireland basis, It is the 4th largest Christian denomination in both jurisdictions and on the island as a whole...
. The idea of establishing a Methodist Grammar school
Grammar school
A grammar school is one of several different types of school in the history of education in the United Kingdom and some other English-speaking countries, originally a school teaching classical languages but more recently an academically-oriented secondary school.The original purpose of mediaeval...
had been around since 1843 and in 1844 the Conference of the Methodist Church in Ireland approved the proposal to establish such a school in Belfast. Shortly after, a decision was taken to relocate the site of the school to Dublin. Funds for this school were raised in 1845 and it was opened the same year first as the Wesleyan Connexional School and later Wesley College
Wesley College, Dublin
This article is about Wesley College in Dublin, Ireland. See Wesley College for articles on other institutions named "Wesley College"....
, named after Charles Wesley
Charles Wesley
Charles Wesley was an English leader of the Methodist movement, son of Anglican clergyman and poet Samuel Wesley, the younger brother of Anglican clergyman John Wesley and Anglican clergyman Samuel Wesley , and father of musician Samuel Wesley, and grandfather of musician Samuel Sebastian Wesley...
, founder of Methodism
Methodism
Methodism is a movement of Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations, claiming a total of approximately seventy million adherents worldwide. The movement traces its roots to John Wesley's evangelistic revival movement within Anglicanism. His younger brother...
. The school is still operating to this day.
It was only in 1855 that the idea was raised of founding a school specifically for the education of sons of ministers like the Methodist Church in England had at Kingswood School
Kingswood School
Kingswood School, referred to as 'Kingswood', is an independent day and boarding school located in Bath, Somerset, England. The school is coeducational and educates some 950 children aged 3 to 18. It is notable for being founded by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, in 1748...
in Bath. Funds were again raised with significant amounts coming from America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. The original site for the school was to be in Portadown
Portadown
Portadown is a town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The town sits on the River Bann in the north of the county, about 23 miles south-west of Belfast...
but the location was changed, first of all to Dublin. Land was acquired in Dublin but proceedings stalled. Several prominent Belfast Methodists began a campaign to have the school built in Belfast. The Methodist Conference allotted the remaining £2000 left from the purchase of the Dublin site to Belfast so long as they could raise £8000 extra with the added proviso that no building could take place until they had raised £10,000. A last attempt was made 1863 for the building to take place in Portadown but this failed. The necessary money had been raised by 1864 to satisfy the Conference’s stipulations but it was held that £10,000 would not be sufficient. Further fundraising missions were made to the United States and England in 1866. These were led by Robinson Scott, the Rev Robert Wallace and William McArthur
William McArthur (1816-1887)
Sir William McArthur was an Irish businessman and Lord Mayor of London, and a Liberal Party politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1868 to 1885....
. Wallace would die on this mission in Cincinnati from Cholera
Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission occurs primarily by drinking or eating water or food that has been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person or the feces...
. However an additional £10,000 was raised. Several subsequent missions took place to fund building work.
The present site of the college, near Queen’s University Belfast on the Malone Road
Malone Road
The Malone Road is a radial road in Belfast, Northern Ireland, leading from the university quarter southwards to the affluent suburbs of Malone and Upper Malone, each a separate electoral ward...
, was purchased by James Carlisle and offered to the committee on the same terms. The site covered 15 acres all of which have been developed by the college to the present day. In addition to the school it was proposed that a strip on the North side be let for building and the rest used by the college. This would become College Gardens which is still owned by the college.
The school originally had a dual foundation as a school and a theological college and the school was designed with this in mind. The architects firm Joseph Fogerty & Son
Joseph Fogerty & Son
Joseph Fogerty & Son was an Irish architectural firm active from the 1870s until 1887 in Limerick active throughout the west of Ireland. It was composed of Joseph Fogerty Sr. and his son Robert Fogerty.-Works:...
of Dublin won with their bid to design the school. The foundation stone for the Main Building was laid in 1865, and in 1868 the College was ceremonially opened.
Early years
From the outset, the school catered for boarders and day pupils with accommodation on site. Although the school was originally founded as an all boys institution, girls were very quickly included when in 1869 “ladies classes” were started. However, as they were strictly segregated from male pupils this put significant pressure on space. In the years that followed, wings were added to the main building. In 1877 a porter's lodge was built at the Lisburn RoadLisburn Road
The Lisburn Road is a main arterial road linking Belfast and Lisburn, in Northern Ireland.The Lisburn Road is now an extension of the "Golden Mile" with many shops, boutiques, wine bars, restaurants and coffee houses. The road runs almost parallel to the Malone Road, the two being joined by many...
end of College Gardens which was the only college building designed by notable Belfast architect Charles Lanyon
Charles Lanyon
Sir Charles Lanyon DL, JP was an English architect of the 19th century. His work is most closely associated with Belfast, Northern Ireland.-Biography:Lanyon was born in Eastbourne, Sussex in 1813...
. Also in this year, it was decided that no land would be let along the Lisburn Road.
Although originally conceived primarily as a school for the education of the children of Methodist Ministers, the school has been interdenominational from its inception.
During this time the college prepared some students for the examinations (including degree examinations) of the Royal University of Ireland
Royal University of Ireland
The Royal University of Ireland was founded in accordance with the University Education Act 1879 as an examining and degree-awarding university based on the model of the University of London. A Royal Charter was issued on April 27, 1880 and examinations were opened to candidates irrespective of...
.
While day classes had been provided for girls for the early years, there was no provision for the daughters of ministers to board as the boys could. This was remedied by a gift from Sir William McArthur to found a Hall of Residence for girls. Building work on McArthur Hall began in 1886 and completed in 1891.
No further major building work would take place until the 20th century but there were modifications were made to existing buildings including the creation of science labs.
Edwardian period
In 1901 it was decided that the provision for science in the school was insufficient and a dedicated science block was constructed which included two lecture rooms and now comprises H-Block. Further specialised rooms were built in 1919 including more labs, art rooms and classrooms.In an attempt to provide classroom space to a growing student population, the college purchased second hand American Hospital Huts which were erected across the school in 1921. Only one of these remains in the school and is situated between the Whitla Hall and the drama studio.
Around this time with the theological students gone and the Headmaster moved out of his rooms to College Gardens, the Main Building was remodelled to better accommodate boarders. Like other schools at the time, the boarders lived in “houses” but unlike other schools, rather than staying on the same house during their time there, they would move from house to house as they progressed through the school. The houses were Bedell House, Castlereagh House and Kelvin House and the boys would move up through them. They were named after three prominent Irishmen; Anglican clergyman William Bedell
William Bedell
William Bedell was an Anglican churchman.-Early life:He was born at Black Notley in Essex, and educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was a pupil of William Perkins. He became a fellow of Emmanuel in 1593, and took orders...
, Statesman Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh
Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh
Robert Stewart, 2nd Marquess of Londonderry, KG, GCH, PC, PC , usually known as Lord CastlereaghThe name Castlereagh derives from the baronies of Castlereagh and Ards, in which the manors of Newtownards and Comber were located...
and scientist William Thomson, Lord Kelvin. There was also another house for day pupils named after Lord Wellington
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, KG, GCB, GCH, PC, FRS , was an Irish-born British soldier and statesman, and one of the leading military and political figures of the 19th century...
.
In 1932 the college purchased Pirrie Park from Harland and Wolff
Harland and Wolff
Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries is a Northern Irish heavy industrial company, specialising in shipbuilding and offshore construction, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland....
with the financial aid of WIlliam Fullerton and Hugh Turtle. It had already been partially developed by Harland and Wolff including the erection of a pavilion. The college began work to convert this pavilion into a Preparatory School. It was called Downey House and named after John Downey, a benefactor to the college.
Following a bequest by Sir William Whitla
William Whitla
Sir William Whitla was an Irish physician and politician.-Early life:Born at The Diamond, Monaghan, County Monaghan, Ireland, the fourth son of Robert Whitla, a woollen draper and pawnbroker, and his wife, Anne, daughter of Alexander Williams of Dublin...
, the college completed the construction of the Whitla Hall in 1935.
Further modification were made to the science rooms in 1936 to bring them up to required standards.
World War Two
Due to governmental restrictions no significant building work took place in the college during the Second World War which included maintenance. As a result many buildings deteriorated including the huts which were still being used as classrooms. In addition, MacArthur Hall was rented to the Government for war use. 16 members of staff and over 1000 former pupils joined the reserve forces including the Territorial Army and RNVSR and saw active service. 101 men lost their lives in the war. Unlike other city based schools, the governors at Methody decided against relocating outside of the city. Adaptations were to the college to provide additional protection to the school. The Main Building's Victorian basements were reinforced and campbeds and bunks installed. Fire escapes were added and a fire engine bought.The college was thankfully unaffected by the Belfast Blitz
Belfast Blitz
The Belfast Blitz was an event that occurred on the night of Easter Tuesday, 15 April 1941 during World War II. Two hundred bombers of the German Air Force attacked the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. Nearly one thousand people died as a result of the bombing and 1,500 were injured. In terms...
in April 1941. After the evening of the first raid the college offered the Whitla Hall as a refuge for people who had been left homeless and from the evening of the following day people began to arrive. Food and beds were provided for the men, women and children until the women and children could be evacuated to the country and the men who needed to work in the city were moved into hostels.
Until the end of the war and food rationing Pirrie Park was cultivated to grow crops along with raising hens and ducks.
Post-war Methody
With the passing of the 1947 Education Act, all children over the age of 11 had to be enrolled in secondary education and created the grammar school system as understood today with the selection taking place after the age of 11. This resulted in a large increase in the number of applications to institutions like Methody and the number of pupils increased significantly.One of the houses in College Gardens fell vacant and was converted into a second preparatory department in 1950. It became known as Fullerton House, named after William Fullerton who had been a governor, chair of the board and founder of Downey House. Extensions to this were made to the adjacent house in 1957. The existing preparatory department, Downey House, also received extension works in 1954. In 1959 a boathouse for rowing was built at Lockview Road in Stranmillis
Stranmillis
Stranmillis is an area in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is also an electoral ward for Belfast City Council, part of the Laganbank district electoral area. As part of the Queen's Quarter, it is the location for prominent attractions such as the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens and is popular...
whereas the college had relied on outside clubs.
Additional classrooms in what are now called K, L and M blocks were added as well as a lecture theatre (now the drama studio), specific rooms for Home Economics, other classrooms (F Block), a canteen and the middle gym throughout the early fifties and were opened by HRH the Duchess of Kent.
Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent
Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, née Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark was a member of the British Royal Family; the wife of Prince George, Duke of Kent, the fourth son of King George V of the United Kingdom and Mary of Teck....
Later 20th century
The later 20th century was a very turbulent time in Northern Irish history and became known as "the TroublesThe Troubles
The Troubles was a period of ethno-political conflict in Northern Ireland which spilled over at various times into England, the Republic of Ireland, and mainland Europe. The duration of the Troubles is conventionally dated from the late 1960s and considered by many to have ended with the Belfast...
". While the Troubles touched nearly everyone in Northern Ireland, the school was thankfully materially unaffected.
The 1960s and 1970s were a period of intense building work for the college, particularly in the run up to the centenary in 1968. This included new labs, modern language classrooms (E block), a new music department and indoor swimming pool, further science labs (now P and N blocks) and a gym.
In 1968 the Chapel of Unity, Methody's first chapel on the college grounds, and a permanent memorial to the college’s centenary, was completed. The organ currently present in the Chapel was donated as a gift from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
Corpus Christi College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. It is notable as the only college founded by Cambridge townspeople: it was established in 1352 by the Guilds of Corpus Christi and the Blessed Virgin Mary...
.
The Worrall Centre, an area specifically for the 6th form (now AS and A Level) students, was completed in 1972. In 1975 Fullerton House was rehoused in its present position, facing the Lisburn Road and closing off the quad. The Sports Hall and art rooms were opened by Sir Roger Bannister
Roger Bannister
Sir Roger Gilbert Bannister, CBE is an English former athlete best known for running the first recorded mile in less than 4 minutes...
in 1995.
The Walton Building, which included new science labs and computer suites was also constructed in the early 1990s. This building was named after Methody alumnus Ernest Walton
Ernest Walton
Ernest Thomas Sinton Walton was an Irish physicist and Nobel laureate for his work with John Cockcroft with "atom-smashing" experiments done at Cambridge University in the early 1930s, and so became the first person in history to artificially split the atom, thus ushering the nuclear age...
, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics
Nobel Prize in Physics
The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded once a year by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895 and awarded since 1901; the others are the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Nobel Prize in Literature, Nobel Peace Prize, and...
for splitting the atom.
The new millennium
In 2005 the boathouse the college had been using was judged to be below standard and a new one was constructed on the same site. Further developments were made to sporting facilities when the David Wells Pavilion, named after the College’s Director of RugbyRugby football
Rugby football is a style of football named after Rugby School in the United Kingdom. It is seen most prominently in two current sports, rugby league and rugby union.-History:...
, was opened at Pirrie Park.
In 2008 it was announced that in 2010 the boarding departments in McArthur Hall and the Main Building would close, ending a 142 year history of boarding at Methody. The rooms will be converted into classrooms and offices.
The college has been vocal in its opposition to the Burns Report into Post Primary Education in Northern Ireland. The college is one of the schools calling for the continuation of academic selection in Northern Ireland.
The School Song
Latin words by Professor R.M. Henry; Music by F.H. Sawyer| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| 1. (Solo) Omnes condiscipulos confidenter oro, celebrent Collegium carmine canoro; optimum pulcherrimum ludum qui habemus, hilari, laetissimo cantu celebremus. 2. (Omnes) Situs in monticulo callide delectus, omnibus rivalibus Invide conspectus, omnibus fautoribus solitus amari, prohibet scientiae lumen occultari. 3. (Omnes) Floreat Ultonia, floreant Hiberni; floreat Collegium nominis aeterni. Dumque cum laboribus vitae concertamus, semper in memoria ludum habeamus. |
1. (Solo) Confidently now I beg scholars here before us, celebrate our College with tuneful praise and chorus; best and fairest M.C.B. honours still await thee: now with joyful mirth and song let us celebrate thee. 2. (All) Pile of beauty, fitly placed on a site commanding, thou, on whom thy rivals gaze envious of thy standing, whom thy sons regard with love, fealty and affiance, thou dost radiate afar culture, art and science. 3. (All) Let our Ulster flourish well, all the Irish flourish; flourish our most famous school which the arts doth nourish. While we fight together the toils of life that claim us, let us ever keep in mind Methody the famous. |
List of head teachers
- Rev. William ArthurWilliam Arthur (minister)William Arthur was a Wesleyan Methodist minister and author.-Biography:Born at Newport, in the county Mayo, eight miles from Castlebar, Arthur was educated at Horton College, and at the age of twenty was sent to Goobbee, in Southern India, where he was engaged for several years in missionary work...
(1867–1871). - Dr Henry R. Parker (1879–1890). He left to become joint Headmaster of Campbell College.
- Henry McIntosh (1890–1912).
- Ernest Isaac Lewis (1912–1917). Chemistry scholar and educationalist who devised the 'Bridge' course to introduce senior public school pupils to industry.
- John W. Henderson (1917–1943).
- John Falconer (1943–1948).
- Rev Albert Ball (1948–1960).
- Dr Stanley Worrall (1961–1974). The Worrall Sixth Form Centre was built in the modernist architectural style and was named in his honour. A vorticist mural was painted on one interior wall of the centre's "recRecreationRecreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be "fun"...
floor". Worrall left to pursue his interest in the ecumenical movement. - Dr James Kincade CBE (1974–1988). He retired in 1988. Kincade also served as the Chairman and National Governor, Broadcasting Council for Northern Ireland.
- Wilfred Mulryne OBE (1988–2005). Wilfred Mulryne was a Church of Ireland lay preacher and a former pupil. A Classics graduate of St Catharine's College, CambridgeSt Catharine's College, CambridgeSt. Catharine’s College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1473, the college is often referred to informally by the nickname "Catz".-History:...
, he taught at the Methodist College, before becoming Headmaster of the Royal School, ArmaghThe Royal School, ArmaghThe Royal School, Armagh is a co-educational voluntary grammar school in the city of Armagh, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. It was one of a number of free schools created by King James I of England in 1608 to provide an education to the sons of local merchants and farmers during the plantation...
in 1979. In 1998 Mulryne was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Education by the University of UlsterUniversity of UlsterThe University of Ulster is a multi-campus, co-educational university located in Northern Ireland. It is the largest single university in Ireland, discounting the federal National University of Ireland...
. Shortly after his retirement in 2005, he was awarded the Allianz Award for Services to Education in Ireland, along with a Distinction Award from the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education. He now sits on the Governing Bodies' Association (GBA) for schools. - Cecilia GallowayCecilia GallowayCecilia Galloway has been a headmistress, both in England and Northern Ireland. Born in 1955, she studied chemistry at Leeds University. Later gaining an MSc degree at Reading University, she was accepted as a Fellow by the Royal Society of Chemistry and given Chartered Chemist status...
(2005–2006). Former headmistress of the Royal Latin SchoolRoyal Latin SchoolThe Royal Latin School is a co-educational grammar school in Buckingham, England. In September 2011 the school became an Academy.. It takes children from the age of 11 through to the age of 18 and has over 1260 pupils, including a sixth form of 390 pupils. It maintains a staff of over 160...
in BuckinghamshireBuckinghamshireBuckinghamshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan home county in South East England. The county town is Aylesbury, the largest town in the ceremonial county is Milton Keynes and largest town in the non-metropolitan county is High Wycombe....
, succeeded Wilfred Mulryne at Christmas 2005. She was the first headmistress in the school's history. In 2006 Galloway's management style was criticised. Staff claimed that she had increased their workloads, comparing her to Alan SugarAlan SugarAlan Michael Sugar, Baron Sugar is a British entrepreneur, media personality and political advisor. From humble origins in the East End of London, Sugar now has an estimated fortune of £770m , and was ranked 89th in the Sunday Times Rich List 2011...
. She denied the claims, stating that her style was "democratic, transparent and straight-talking". On 20 October 2006, Galloway announced that she was resigning from Methody, citing personal problems, such as "problems with buying and selling property and the management of her husband's business interests". She officially left her post on 31 October 2006. - Maureen P. White (Acting) (2006–2007). Following Mrs Galloway's departure, Mrs White assumed the acting headship. She had joined the College as a modern languages teacher, and was Senior Vice-Principal before taking the role of Acting Principal.
- Scott Naismith (2007-). Appointed by the Board of Governors in March 2007, formerly of Regent House, NewtownardsRegent House Grammar SchoolRegent House Grammar School is a co-ed voluntary grammar school situated in Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland. It comprises two parts: the preparatory department, known as "the Prep" and the main school itself...
. He assumed office in the summer of 2007.
Academic achievement
The College is a grammar school, and therefore admits pupils using academic selection.Methody has a reputation for academic excellence, and was ranked 2nd in Northern Ireland in "The Times" state school league tables 2009.
Public examination results
Methody's performance in public examinations is consistently far above both the Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom average.In the 2011 A2 Levels, 19.1% of grades awarded were A*, and 55.0% awarded were A*-A, compared with the UK average of 8.2% and 27.0% respectively. In the 2011 AS Levels, 38.0% of grades awarded were A, and 77.2% awarded were A-C, compared with the UK average of 19.3% and 59.4% respectively.
In the 2011 GCSE examinations, 36.3% of grades awarded were A*, 68.6% awarded were A*-A, and 97.4% awarded were A*-C, compared with the UK average of 7.8%, 23.2%, and 69.8% respectively. Also in the 2011 GCSEs, 12 pupils achieved 11A*, 16 pupils achieved 10A* 1A, 1 pupil achieved 10A* 2A, 4 pupils achieved 10A*, 7 pupils achieved 9A* 2A, 2 pupils achieved 9A* 1A, and 1 pupil achieved 9A* 3A.
In the 2010 A2 Levels, 21.1% of grades awarded were A*, and 52.5% awarded were A*-A, compared with the UK average of 8.1% and 27.0% respectively. In the 2010 AS Levels, 43.5% of grades awarded were A, and 82.6% awarded were A-C, compared with the UK average of 19.4% and 59.1% respectively.
In the 2010 GCSE examinations, 31.6% of grades awarded were A*, 65.2% awarded were A*-A, and 95.1% awarded were A*-C, compared with the UK average of 7.5%, 22.6%, and 69.1% respectively. Also in the 2010 GCSEs, 1 pupil achieved 12A*, 9 pupils achieved 11A*, 7 pupils achieved 10A* 1A, and 7 pupils achieved 9A* 2A.
University places
The vast majority of Methodist College students go on to attend university.A large number of Methody pupils have been successful in obtaining places at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. 16 pupils were awarded places in 2010, 15 in 2009, 13 in 2008, 14 in 2007, 8 in 2006, 23 in 2005, 21 in 2004, and 22 in 2003.
The University of Cambridge student newspaper, Varsity, has previously listed Methody as one of the University of Cambridge's top ten feeder state schools.
Choirs and instrumental groups
There are 4 choirs in the College:- Junior Choir
- Senior Choir
- Girls' Choir
- Chapel Choir
There are also several instrumental groups:
- Junior Orchestra
- Senior Orchestra
- The Band
- Jazz Band
- Irish Traditional Group
- Recorder Group
The choirs have won several competitions:
| Year | Competition | Choir |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | UTV UTV UTV is a television channel based in the UK region of Northern Ireland. The channel is the Channel 3 or Independent Television licensee for Northern Ireland and is operated by UTV Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of UTV Media.- Terrestrial :* Analogue: Normally tuned to 3 * Freeview : 3... School Choir of the Year |
Girls' Choir |
| 1998 | UTV School Choir of the Year | Girls' Choir |
| 1998 | Sainsbury's Choir of the Year | Girls' Choir |
| 2002 | UTV School Choir of the Year | Girls' Choir |
| 2002 | Sainsbury's Choir of the Year | Girls' Choir |
| 2004 | Songs of Praise Choir of the Year | Chapel Choir |
| 2004 | UTV School Choir of the Year | Chapel Choir |
| 2005 | BBC Radio Three Children's Choir of the Year | Junior Choir |
| 2009 | RTÉ All-Island School Choir of the Year | Chapel Choir |
The Chapel Choir has led worship in Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
in August 2004, 2006, and 2008 when the Abbey Choir were on holiday, and have performed in several radio and television broadcasts, such as the BBC's Songs of Praise. The Chapel Choir was chosen as the only school choir from Europe to perform in the US Premiere of Karl Jenkins' "Gloria", in the Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
, on 17 January 2011. The Chapel Choir performed at a reception at the British Embassy during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth to the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
in 2011.
Several members of the Girls' Choir sang at the official opening of the Millennium Dome in 1999 and in 2005 the Girls' Choir performed with the Vienna Boys' Choir
Vienna Boys' Choir
The Vienna Boys' Choir is a choir of trebles and altos based in Vienna. It is one of the best known boys' choirs in the world. The boys are selected mainly from Austria, but also from many other countries....
, in Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
, Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
as part of the Fifth World Choral Festival.
Senior Chorus
The Senior Chorus consists of every pupil from Fourth Form to Upper Sixth; they perform choral works at some events throughout the year.This is a tradition which has been established over many years. When Henry Willis was Director of Music at Methody from 1957–66, large scale choral works were undertaken by the Senior School, which continued under William McCay. Dr Joe McKee OBE was Director of Music from 1991 to 2002, and he arranged for the Senior Chorus to sing in public performances outside the College. In the present day, with the Director of Music, Ruth McCartney MBE, the Senior Chorus learns one large-scale choral work each year, starting in September. The Senior Chorus performs on three occasions in the school year: Senior Prize Distribution, College Carols, and the Easter Concert. At the Senior Prize Distribution in October, they sing two movements from the choral work, as well as another popular tune. At the College Carols, in December, they sing two movements from the choral work, as well as a Christmas piece. The Easter Concert is the most important event in the Senior Chorus calendar; in the second half of the concert, they sing the entire choral work, followed by a popular tune. At Senior Prize Distribution and the College Carols, they are accompanied by the Senior Orchestra, and at the Easter Concert they are accompanied by the Easter Concert Orchestra, made up of some members of the Senior Orchestra along with other guests.
Musical events
The College holds several public musical events throughout the year. Senior Prize Distribution is held in October, in the Queen's University Belfast Sir William Whitla Hall and features performances from the Girls' Choir, Senior Choir, Senior Chorus, Senior Orchestra, Jazz Band, and the Band. The Autumn Concert then follows, normally held in a church or cathedral in Belfast, which features performances various musical groups. In December, a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is held in the Chapel of Unity. This features several Christmas carols sung by the Chapel Choir, interspersed with Bible readings by pupils and staff. On the last day of the Winter term, College Carols is held in Fisherwick Presbyterian Church. The Easter Concert is the biggest musical event in the school year, and has been held in the main auditorium of the Waterfront HallWaterfront Hall
The Waterfront Hall is a multi-purpose facility, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, designed by local architects' firm Robinson McIlwaine. Practice partner Peter McGukin was the project architect....
in recent years. The first half of the concert consists of performances by each of the College's music groups, and the second half of the concert features the Senior Chorus & Orchestra performing a large-scale choral piece, followed by a popular piece of music. The light-hearted Band Concert is held in the Whitla Hall of the College near the end of the Summer Term. In June, there is often a Summer Serenade held in a Church in Belfast. The musical calendar ends with Junior Prize Distribution, which features performances from the Junior Choir, Junior Orchestra and the Band.
Rugby Club
The College 1st XV have won the Ulster Schools CupUlster Schools Cup
The Ulster Schools' Challenge Cup is an annual competition involving schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The Schools' Cup has the distinction of being the world's second-oldest rugby competition, having been competed for every year since 1876...
32 times, more than any other school, and Medallion Shield
Medallion Shield
The Medallion Shield is an annual rugby union competition involving schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The competition is open to all schools within Ulster, but only schools from within Northern Ireland currently enter, with no entries from schools situated...
a record 34 times. The College owns its own rugby pitches at Pirrie Park.
In 2009, the 1st XV defeated Royal Belfast Academical Institution
Royal Belfast Academical Institution
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, is a Grammar School in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Locally referred to as Inst, the school educates boys from ages 11–18...
in the final of the Schools Cup. The man of the match went to Michael Allen, for the second consecutive year, scoring two tries. The Medallion Shield
Medallion Shield
The Medallion Shield is an annual rugby union competition involving schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The competition is open to all schools within Ulster, but only schools from within Northern Ireland currently enter, with no entries from schools situated...
was recovered from the hands of R.B.A.I, when Methody beat Campbell College
Campbell College
Campbell College is a Voluntary Grammar school in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The College educates boys from ages 11–18. It is one of the eight Northern Irish schools represented on the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and is a member of the Independent Schools Council.The school occupies...
in the final at Ravenhill
Ravenhill Stadium
Ravenhill Stadium is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is used by Ulster Rugby. It has a normal capacity of 12,300 and is owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union.-History:The grounds were opened in the 1923/24 season...
.
In October 2009, the 1st XV won the Blackrock Rugby Festival, organised by Blackrock College
Blackrock College
Blackrock College is a Catholic voluntary secondary school for boys aged 14–18, located in Williamstown, Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland. The College was founded by French missionaries in 1860, to act as a school and civil service training centre. Set in of grounds, it has an illustrious...
to celebrate their 150 year anniversary.
Hockey Club
The school has played hockeyField hockey
Field Hockey, or Hockey, is a team sport in which a team of players attempts to score goals by hitting, pushing or flicking a ball into an opposing team's goal using sticks...
since the 1890s. One of the earliest matches was when a Collegians
Belfast Harlequins
Belfast Harlequins is a multi-sports club located off the Malone Road in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. The club name provides the overall umbrella for rugby union, men's and ladies' hockey and squash...
ladies' team beat the schoolgirls 4-0 in 1896.
The girls club celebrated its centenary in 1996 with a series of special matches. MCB possesses its own artificial turf pitch, located at Belfast Harlequins
Belfast Harlequins
Belfast Harlequins is a multi-sports club located off the Malone Road in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. The club name provides the overall umbrella for rugby union, men's and ladies' hockey and squash...
on the Malone Road
Malone Road
The Malone Road is a radial road in Belfast, Northern Ireland, leading from the university quarter southwards to the affluent suburbs of Malone and Upper Malone, each a separate electoral ward...
.
In January 2007, boys 1st XI player Douglas Montgomery was selected to represent the school as part of a delegation from Belfast Harlequins
Belfast Harlequins
Belfast Harlequins is a multi-sports club located off the Malone Road in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. The club name provides the overall umbrella for rugby union, men's and ladies' hockey and squash...
that met with President of the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
, Mary McAleese
Mary McAleese
Mary Patricia McAleese served as the eighth President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. She was the second female president and was first elected in 1997 succeeding Mary Robinson, making McAleese the world's first woman to succeed another as president. She was re-elected unopposed for a second term in...
in Phoenix Park, Dublin. This meeting was to mark the club's cross community work.
Alan Green of BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live is the BBC's national radio service that specialises in live BBC News, phone-ins, and sports commentaries...
was one of the most famous players, off the field, that the school ever produced. Full international players include Ian Kirk-Smith, Gregg Sterritt, Andrew McBride (for Scotland as a "forgotten exile"), Neil Dunlop and Norman Crawford. Many pupils have represented Ulster at Junior and under age levels, including Connor Montgomery representing Ulster under-16s at the IHA Interprovincial Tournament, Shawsbridge, 2008 and Ulster under-18s at the IHA Interprovincial Tournament, Newpark, 2010.
The most recent success for the boys 1st XI was the Burney Cup
Burney Cup
The Burney Cup is an annual competition involving the strongest schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association...
win in 1999. The Cup was presented to the team by Ulster Branch president and ex-pupil Peter Wood. In the 1985-86 school year, the boys' 1st XI hockey squad won the Tasmania Trophy as Irish schools champions
All Ireland Schools (Boys) Hockey Championship
The All Ireland Schools Hockey Championship is an annual competition involving the strongest schools affiliated to the Irish Hockey Association. The competition is held in the Autumn term of each school year...
, coached by schoolmasters Robert Kenny and Philip Marshall.
The girls have not won the Senior Schoolgirls Cup competition since 1988, when they beat Friends School Lisburn
Friends School Lisburn
Friends' School, Lisburn is a Quaker voluntary grammar school in the city of Lisburn, Northern Ireland founded in 1774.-History:Founded in 1774 on the basis of a bequest from John Handcock, a Quaker linen trader, when twenty acres were purchased at Prospect Hill from the Earl of Hertford. In 1774...
by two goals to nil in the final. The school has the most wins in the history of the Cup, however most of the success came prior to World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Rowing Club
The College has won many recent rowing regattas and Heads of the River competitions. In June 2008, the MCB J16 8 won the Craig Cup, a major rowing competition.Every year, Methody and their traditional rivals RBAI compete against each other in "The Race".
Model United Nations
There is a Model United Nations Society within the College. The college has won prizes at the Bath International Schools Model United Nations Conference , Model United Nations at Cheadle Hulme and George Watsons College Model United Nations. In 2003, a delegation of students went to Yale University, New Haven, to attend the YaleYale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
Model United Nations
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda....
Conference. They won the overall best delegation award representing the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. In 2005, a further delegation attended the North American Invitational Model United Nations
North American Invitational Model United Nations
The North American Invitational Model United Nations, or NAIMUN, is one of the oldest Model UN simulations for high school students in North America. Since 1963, the conference has been a forum in which a dynamic range of young students come from around the world to seek, through discussion,...
Conference, hosted by Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
in Washington DC. In March 2007 a team from MCB went to New York for the National High Schools Model United Nations. In March 2008, another MCB team attended GWCMUN at George Watson's College
George Watson's College
George Watson's College, known informally as Watson's, is a co-educational independent day school in Scotland, situated on Colinton Road, in the Merchiston area of Edinburgh. It was first established as a hospital school in 1741, became a day school in 1871 and was merged with its sister school...
, Edinburgh. The team was successful in attaining the best delegation in General Assembly award, as well as jointly winning the best overall delegation award with a team from Hampstead School
Hampstead School
Hampstead School is a large multi-ethnic comprehensive school in the London borough of Camden. The school building is one of the oldest in the borough...
. A number of delegates also won individual awards.
Chess Club
Methodist College Chess Club was set up by Brian Thorpe and Arthur Willans in 1960. After Brian Thorpe's retirement in 1994, Dr Graham Murphy took over and presided over victory in both the Irish Colleges Chess Championship and the British Schools Chess ChampionshipBritish Schools Chess Championship
The British Schools Chess Championship is an annual competition for school chess teams that has been in existence continuously from 1958. The tournament is administered by the English Chess Federation and is open to all schools from the United Kingdom...
(sponsored at that time by The Times newspaper) in 1995. In addition to the outright victory in the British Schools Chess Championship
British Schools Chess Championship
The British Schools Chess Championship is an annual competition for school chess teams that has been in existence continuously from 1958. The tournament is administered by the English Chess Federation and is open to all schools from the United Kingdom...
in 1995, the College finished 3rd in 1970 and 1979, and 4th in 1986 and 1997. The British Schools Championship Plate Competition for runners-up of the zonal heats was won in 1994, the first year the Plate competition was held. Methody won the inaugural Irish Colleges Championship in 1976, the first of several wins. The Ulster Schools Division One title has been won on many occasions.
The most distinguished former member is International Master Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly (chess player)
Brian Kelly is an international chess player.Although born in England, he moved to Limerick, Republic of Ireland when he was 2 years old, and later to Belfast, Northern Ireland when he was 12. Both his parents are however Irish...
, who occupied Board 1 in the successful 1995 team. Kelly also won a Gold Medal at the Chess Olympiad in Moscow in 1994 playing at Board 5. Past pupils Brian Kerr, Tom Clarke, Angela Corry and Roger Beckett have also represented Ireland at Chess Olympiads.
The Ulster Chess Championship
Ulster Chess Championship
The Ulster Chess Championship is an annual chess tournament organised by the Ulster Chess Union which has been held since 1892. It is currently open to all players who qualify as having been born in any of the 9 counties of Ulster. Nearly all Championships since 1982 have been played in Belfast...
has also been won by Methody alumni on 11 occasions, although only John Nicholson (1971,1973), Paul Hadden (1975), and Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly (chess player)
Brian Kelly is an international chess player.Although born in England, he moved to Limerick, Republic of Ireland when he was 2 years old, and later to Belfast, Northern Ireland when he was 12. Both his parents are however Irish...
(1994) won whilst still at school. Brian Kelly is the only Methody alumnus to have won the Irish Chess Championship
Irish Chess Championship
The Irish Chess Championship is the national Championship of Ireland as run by the Irish Chess Union , the governing body for the sport and a member of FIDE since 1933. Below are the list of winners for the Men's and Women's titles. Note that women are currently admitted to the Men's tournament....
- in 1995 and 2007, Tom Clarke having come close, but losing on Tiebreak.
Fullerton House
There has been a preparatory department in the main buildings of the college since it opened in 1868. The present building was opened in 1975 at the Lisburn Road end of the Methodist College campus. The first position however, was in the vestibule of 11 College Gardens, Belfast.Downey House
Downey House was opened in 1933 following the purchase of Pirrie Park from Harland and WolffHarland and Wolff
Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries is a Northern Irish heavy industrial company, specialising in shipbuilding and offshore construction, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland....
, as the college playing fields. The existing buildings were modernised and extended. It was founded by William Fullerton and named after John Downey.
In film and fiction
- The 2008 film, City of Ember, used the School and in particular the Whitla Hall as a filming location.
- In the BBC's modern adaption of Cinderella, McArthur Hall was used as a filming location.
- In the 2008 film, Miss ConceptionMiss ConceptionMiss Conception is a 2008 comedy film directed by Eric Styles and starring Heather Graham. Graham plays a woman who learns she has only one month left to conceive a child...
, McArthur Hall is used as the setting for a nunnery. - The 2011 novel, PopularGareth Russell (author)Gareth Russell is a British author, best known for writing the novel Popular. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he attended Down High Grammar School from the age of eleven to eighteen. He later studied Modern History at the University of Oxford, attending St. Peter's College from 2005 to 2008...
is set in a fictional co-educational Belfast grammar school which is situated at the top of the Malone RoadMalone RoadThe Malone Road is a radial road in Belfast, Northern Ireland, leading from the university quarter southwards to the affluent suburbs of Malone and Upper Malone, each a separate electoral ward...
.
Notable Collegians
| Name | Birth | Death | Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Macneile Dixon William Macneile Dixon William Macneile Dixon was a British author and academic.Dixon was born in India, the only son of the Reverend William Dixon. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin, where he was twice Vice-Chancellor's Prizeman in English verse, Downes' Prizeman, and Elrington Prizeman, and graduated First-Class,... |
1886 | 1946 | Author and academic |
| Seán Lester Seán Lester Seán Lester was an Irish diplomat and the last Secretary General of the League of Nations, from 31 August 1940 to 18 April 1946.-Early life:... |
1888 | 1959 | Irish Diplomat and the last Secretary General of the League of Nations League of Nations The League of Nations was an intergovernmental organization founded as a result of the Paris Peace Conference that ended the First World War. It was the first permanent international organization whose principal mission was to maintain world peace... , member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood Irish Republican Brotherhood The Irish Republican Brotherhood was a secret oath-bound fraternal organisation dedicated to the establishment of an "independent democratic republic" in Ireland during the second half of the 19th century and the start of the 20th century... |
| Ernest Walton Ernest Walton Ernest Thomas Sinton Walton was an Irish physicist and Nobel laureate for his work with John Cockcroft with "atom-smashing" experiments done at Cambridge University in the early 1930s, and so became the first person in history to artificially split the atom, thus ushering the nuclear age... |
1903 | 1995 | Scientist, winner of Nobel Prize in Physics, renowned for splitting the atom |
| John Hewitt John Hewitt John Harold Hewitt , who was born in Belfast, Ireland, was the most significant Irish poet to emerge before the 1960s generation of poets that included Seamus Heaney, Derek Mahon and Michael Longley. He was appointed the first writer-in-residence at Queen's University Belfast in 1976... |
1908 | 1987 | Poet and socialist |
| John Herivel John Herivel John W. Herivel was a British science historian and former World War II codebreaker at Bletchley Park.As a codebreaker concerned with Cryptanalysis of the Enigma, Herivel is remembered chiefly for the discovery of what was soon dubbed the Herivel tip or Herivelismus... |
1918 | 2011 | Scientist and World War Two codebreaker at Bletchley Park Bletchley Park Bletchley Park is an estate located in the town of Bletchley, in Buckinghamshire, England, which currently houses the National Museum of Computing... |
| Robert Greacen Robert Greacen Robert Greacen was an Irish poet and member of Aosdána. Born in Derry, Ireland, on 24 October 1920, he was educated at Methodist College Belfast and Trinity College Dublin... |
1920 | 2008 | Dramatist, poet |
| Sir Cecil Walker Cecil Walker Sir Alfred Cecil Walker was an Ulster Unionist Member of Parliament for North Belfast from 1983 to 2001.Walker was born in Belfast. His father was a police constable. He was educated at Everton elementary school, Model Boys' school and Belfast Methodist College. He worked for the Belfast timber... |
1924 | 2007 | Politician, Ulster Unionist Party Ulster Unionist Party The Ulster Unionist Party – sometimes referred to as the Official Unionist Party or, in a historic sense, simply the Unionist Party – is the more moderate of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland... MP for North Belfast (1983–2001) |
| James Ellis James Ellis (actor) James Ellis is an actor from Northern Ireland with a television career of more than 45 years. He went to school at Methodist College Belfast and later studied at both Queen's University Belfast and the Bristol Old Vic.... |
1931 | Actor | |
| Martin Smyth Martin Smyth Reverend William Martin Smyth is a Northern Irish unionist politician, and was Ulster Unionist Party Member of Parliament for Belfast South from 1982-2005... |
1931 | Politician, Ulster Unionist Party Ulster Unionist Party The Ulster Unionist Party – sometimes referred to as the Official Unionist Party or, in a historic sense, simply the Unionist Party – is the more moderate of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland... MP for South Belfast (1985–2005) |
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| Bertha McDougall Bertha McDougall Bertha McDougall, OBE is the interim Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of the Troubles. She was appointed in October 2005 by Peter Hain to look at key areas relating to services for victims, funding arrangements in relation to services and grants paid to victims and survivors groups and... OBE |
Interim Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of the Troubles Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of the Troubles The Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of the Troubles was a Northern Ireland political appointee responsible for coordinating the delivery and coordination of services for victims and survivors of the political violence of the Troubles.... |
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| Roy Beggs Roy Beggs John Robert Beggs, commonly known as Roy Beggs, is a Northern Ireland politician.Beggs was educated at Ballyclare High School, followed by Stranmillis College, to study teacher training... |
1936 | Politician, Ulster Unionist Party MP for East Antrim (1983–2005) | |
| Robin, Baron Eames of Armagh Robin Eames Robin Henry Alexander Eames, Baron Eames OM was the Anglican Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh from 1986 to 2006.-Education:... |
1937 | Church of Ireland Church of Ireland The Church of Ireland is an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion. The church operates in all parts of Ireland and is the second largest religious body on the island after the Roman Catholic Church... Archbishop of Armagh Archbishop of Armagh The Archbishop of Armagh is the title of the presiding ecclesiastical figure of each of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland in the region around Armagh in Northern Ireland... (1986–2006), Bishop of Down and Dromore Bishop of Down and Dromore The Bishop of Down and Dromore is the Ordinary of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Down and Dromore in the Province of Armagh. The diocese is situated in the north east of Ireland, which includes all of County Down, about half of the city of Belfast, and some parts of County Armagh east of the... (1980–1986), Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Bishop of Derry and Raphoe The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe is the Church of Ireland Ordinary of the united Diocese of Derry and Raphoe in the Province of Armagh.The united diocese has two Episcopal sees, one at St Columb's Cathedral, Derry in Northern Ireland, and the other at the Cathedral Church of St. Eunan, Raphoe in the... OM Om Om is a sacred syllable of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.OM and similar may also refer to:-Music:* Om , a stoner metal band* Om , a 1965 album* OM , a 2006 album* Om... |
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| Sir Desmond Rea | Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Northern Ireland Policing Board The Northern Ireland Policing Board is the police authority for Northern Ireland, charged with supervising the activities of the Police Service of Northern Ireland... |
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| Alan Green | 1952 | Broadcaster, BBS Football commentator | |
| Sammy Wilson Sammy Wilson Samuel Wilson is a politician from Northern Ireland who is a Member of Parliament and a Member of the Legislative Assembly for East Antrim. He served as Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1986 – 1987; and again from June 2000 to June 2001. He was the first person from the Democratic Unionist Party ... |
1953 | Northern Ireland Minister for Finance (2009-), Minister of the Environment (2008–2009), Democratic Unionist Party Democratic Unionist Party The Democratic Unionist Party is the larger of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland. Founded by Ian Paisley and currently led by Peter Robinson, it is currently the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the fourth-largest party in the House of Commons of the... MP for East Antrim (2005-), DUP Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly Northern Ireland Assembly The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive... for East Antrim (2003-) and East Belfast (1998–2003) |
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| Alister McGrath Alister McGrath Alister Edgar McGrath is an Anglican priest, theologian, and Christian apologist, currently Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Education at Kings College London and Head of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture... |
1953 | Theologian | |
| Julian Simmons Julian Simmons Julian Lynus Simmons is a Northern Irish television presenter, best known as a continuity announcer on UTV, mainly covering weekend evenings.-Present role:... |
Local celebrity and UTV UTV UTV is a television channel based in the UK region of Northern Ireland. The channel is the Channel 3 or Independent Television licensee for Northern Ireland and is operated by UTV Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of UTV Media.- Terrestrial :* Analogue: Normally tuned to 3 * Freeview : 3... continuity announcer |
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| Chris Barrie Chris Barrie Chris Barrie is a British actor. He first achieved success as a vocal impressionist, notably in the ITV sketch show Spitting Image... |
1960 | Actor and Comedian | |
| Michelle McIlveen Michelle McIlveen Michelle McIlveen, MLA is a politician from Northern Ireland. She was elected in 2007 to the Northern Ireland Assembly as a Democratic Unionist Party member for Strangford.... |
Politician and Democratic Unionist Party Democratic Unionist Party The Democratic Unionist Party is the larger of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland. Founded by Ian Paisley and currently led by Peter Robinson, it is currently the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the fourth-largest party in the House of Commons of the... MP for Strangford Strangford Strangford is a small village at the mouth of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 475 people at the 2001 Census.On the other side of the lough is Portaferry and there is a ferry service between the two villages... (2007-) |
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| Barry Douglas Barry Douglas Barry Douglas OBE is a classical pianist and conductor. He studied piano, cello, clarinet and organ while growing up in Belfast. He first studied in Belfast while attending Methodist College Belfast and, at 16, had lessons with Felicitas LeWinter, a pupil of Emil von Sauer and grand-pupil of... |
1960 | Concert Pianist | |
| Glenn Patterson Glenn Patterson Glenn Patterson, born in Belfast in 1961, is a novelist.He attended Methodist College Belfast. He graduated from the University of East Anglia where he studied Creative Writing under Malcolm Bradbury... |
1961 | Author and novelist | |
| Andy White Andy White (singer-songwriter) Andy White is an Irish singer/songwriter and poet, born in Belfast. He started writing poetry and music from a young age, penning a poem called "Riots" aged nine. He attended Methodist College Belfast. He studied English Literature at Robinson College, Cambridge University, graduating in 1984... |
1962 | Musician and songwriter | |
| Caron Keating Caron Keating Caron Louisa Keating was a Northern Irish television presenter on British and Northern Irish television.-Early life and education:... |
1962 | 2004 | Television presenter |
| Mark Hunter Mark Hunter Mark Hunter may refer to:* Mark Hunter , former Australian rules footballer with Footscray* Mark Hunter , retired NHL ice hockey player and London Knights GM... |
1962 | Founder of Axon Consulting and IT Entrepreneur | |
| Peter McDonald | 1962 | Critic, author and university lecturer | |
| Tim Phillips Tim Phillips (political strategist) Tim Phillips , born July 13, 1964, is the current president of Americans for Prosperity.- Personal life :Phillips grew up in Spartanburg, SC. After briefly attending Liberty University in the fall, 1983, he went to Washington DC as part of a school sponsored internship with the Department of... |
1964 | Political strategist and author | |
| Rt Hon Ian Paisley Jr | 1966 | Politician, Junior Minister in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is a devolved Northern Ireland government department in the Northern Ireland Executive with overall responsibility for the running of the Executive... of Northern Ireland, Democratic Unionist Party Democratic Unionist Party The Democratic Unionist Party is the larger of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland. Founded by Ian Paisley and currently led by Peter Robinson, it is currently the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the fourth-largest party in the House of Commons of the... MP for North Antrim (2010-) and Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly Northern Ireland Assembly The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive... for North Antrim (1998–2010) |
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| David Perry | 1967 | Computer entrepreneur and creator of Earthworm Jim Earthworm Jim Earthworm Jim is a run and gun platform video game starring an earthworm named Jim in a robotic suit who battles evil. Created by Doug TenNapel and designed by David Perry, the game was developed by Shiny Entertainment and Playmates Interactive Entertainment, released by Sega for the Mega... |
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| Paul Loughran Paul Loughran Paul Loughran is a Northern Irish actor. He was educated at Methodist College Belfast. He is best known for portraying Butch Dingle in ITV Soap Opera Emmerdale in which his character died in a bus crash with friend Pete Collins. After that he appeared in many other Soaps such as Heartbeat... |
1969 | Actor | |
| Carl Dinnen | 1971 | Channel 4 Channel 4 Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel... news broadcaster and journalist |
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| Niall Malone Niall Malone Niall Gareth Malone is a former rugby union footballer who played for Leicester and Ireland.-References:... |
1971 | Ireland Ireland national rugby union team The Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions The Ireland national rugby union... and Leicester Tigers Leicester Tigers Leicester Tigers is an English rugby union club that plays in the Aviva Premiership.Leicester are the most successful English club since the introduction of league rugby in 1987, a record 9 times English champions - 3 more than either Bath or Wasps, the last of which was in 2010... rugby player |
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| Stephen Watson | 1972 | BBC BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff... sports presenter |
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| Jeremy Davidson Jeremy Davidson Jeremy Davidson is a rugby union lock who played club rugby for Dungannon RFC, Ulster, London Irish and Castres Olympique. At international level he represented Ireland with 32 caps and also represented the British and Irish Lions... |
1974 | Ireland Ireland national rugby union team The Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions The Ireland national rugby union... , British and Irish Lions British and Irish Lions The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales... , Ulster Ulster Rugby Ulster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup... and London Irish London Irish London Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top... Rugby Player |
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| Niall Stanage Niall Stanage Niall Stanage is a journalist from Belfast, Northern Ireland.Stanage was born in 1974[3] and attended Carryduff Primary School and Methodist College Belfast, in Northern Ireland. He went on to read English at St Edmund Hall, Oxford University... |
1974 | Journalist | |
| Phil Murphy Phil Murphy Phil Murphy is an Irish Canadian rugby union footballer who plays at No 8.He previously played for London Irish and French side Perpignan.... |
1976 | Canada Canada national rugby union team The Canada national rugby union team represents Canada in international rugby union. They are governed by Rugby Canada, and play in red and black. Canada is classified by the International Rugby Board as a tier two rugby nation. There are ten tier one nations, and seven tier two nations, the... and London Irish London Irish London Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top... rugby player |
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| Myolie Wu Myolie Wu Myolie Wu Hang-yee is a Hong Kong actress for the Hong Kong TVB television station and a singer under contracts with Neway Star-Career:... |
1979 | Actress and singer in Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour... |
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| Jenny McDonough Jenny McDonough Jenny McDonough is a field hockey forward from Ireland, who made her international debut for Ireland Women's National Team in 2001 against England. She plays club hockey for the Belfast Harlequins. McDonough is employed in Sports Promotions... |
1981 | International hockey player | |
| Jamie Dornan | 1982 | Model and actor | |
| Paul Marshall | 1985 | Ulster Ulster Rugby Ulster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup... rugby player |
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| Gary Wilson Gary Wilson Gary Wilson is the name of:* Gary Wilson , American experimental musician best known for his 1977 album, You Think You Really Know Me* Gary Wilson , Canadian politician... |
1986 | Ulster and Ireland International Cricket Player | |