The Quiet Disappearance of Carlow College: A Loss Beyond Measure
There’s something profoundly unsettling about the closure of an institution like Carlow College. Founded in 1782, it’s not just one of Ireland’s oldest third-level institutions; it’s a cornerstone of education in the southeast. Yet, as I reflect on the recent rally to save it, I can’t help but feel this is more than just a local issue. It’s a symptom of a larger, more troubling trend in how we value—or undervalue—certain forms of education.
What Carlow College Represents
Carlow College isn’t just a building or a set of courses. As Dr. Sarah Otten, a lecturer and SIPTU shop steward, aptly put it, it’s the people, the ethos, and the unique educational space it provides. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how Carlow College has carved out a niche for itself in a region where access to higher education is already limited. It’s not just about degrees; it’s about offering a second chance to those who might not fit the traditional mold—adult learners, students with family responsibilities, or those who didn’t thrive in secondary school.
What many people don’t realize is that institutions like Carlow College are lifelines for communities. They provide pathways into fields like social care, psychology, and the humanities—areas where Ireland is facing critical shortages. If you take a step back and think about it, closing Carlow College isn’t just a loss for the 600 students or 87 staff members; it’s a loss for the nation. We’re not just losing jobs or courses; we’re losing a model of education that prioritizes accessibility, critical thinking, and community.
The Human Cost
One thing that immediately stands out is the emotional toll this closure is taking. Former students like Phoebe McNaught spoke of anger—anger that something so special could be allowed to disappear. Her words resonated with me because they highlight a deeper issue: the disconnect between those who make these decisions and those who live with the consequences. In my opinion, this isn’t just about budgets or efficiency; it’s about the value we place on the arts, humanities, and the kind of education that nurtures curiosity and critical thinking.
Adam Clarke’s testimonial also struck a chord. He argued that in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and misinformation, institutions like Carlow College are more important than ever. They teach us to question, to analyze, and to think independently—skills that no algorithm can replicate. What this really suggests is that the closure of Carlow College isn’t just a loss for the past; it’s a missed opportunity for the future.
The Broader Implications
This raises a deeper question: What does it say about our priorities as a society when we allow such institutions to fade away? From my perspective, it’s part of a broader shift toward a more utilitarian view of education—one that prioritizes STEM fields and job-ready graduates over the humanities and social sciences. While I’m not arguing against the importance of STEM, I do think we’re making a grave mistake by undervaluing disciplines that shape well-rounded, thoughtful citizens.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the proposed merger with South East Technological University (SETU). On the surface, it seems like a logical step, but I can’t shake the feeling that something will be lost in translation. Carlow College’s liberal arts ethos is fundamentally different from that of a technological university. Merging the two risks diluting what makes Carlow College unique.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the rally and the passionate pleas from staff and students, I’m left with a sense of urgency. This isn’t just about saving a college; it’s about preserving a way of thinking, a way of educating, and a way of being. Personally, I think the Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless, needs to engage with the Carlow College community—not just out of obligation, but because Ireland needs what Carlow College offers.
If we allow Carlow College to close, we’re not just losing an institution; we’re losing a philosophy of education that values curiosity, community, and critical thinking. And that, in my opinion, is a loss we can’t afford.
Final Thoughts
As I write this, I’m reminded of something Dr. Otten said: “Carlow College is not just a building, it is the people who make it.” Those words have stayed with me because they capture the essence of what’s at stake. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the human stories, the opportunities, and the potential that will be lost if Carlow College disappears.
What this situation really suggests is that we need to rethink how we value education. It’s not just about producing graduates; it’s about nurturing thinkers, creators, and citizens who can navigate an increasingly complex world. If Carlow College closes, we’ll all be poorer for it—not just in the southeast, but as a nation. And that, to me, is the greatest loss of all.
