In 2023–4, the Ulster Historical Foundation worked with St Malachy’s College in Belfast to produce a book and exhibition on the part played by former pupils of the school in the First World War. This project began because of a notebook found in the College archive. The President of the College just after the Great War, Fr James Clenaghan, had recorded the deaths of several former students who had enlisted.
Year 13 pupils undertake an Enrichment Programme during the first two terms of each academic year. A course was devised to have the students conduct research into those who may have taken part in the First World War and to write up short biographical notes. This included consulting the school registers, corresponding with any descendants of the alumni, obtaining family histories and photographs.
With financial aid from the College’s Board of Governors and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, assistance was sought from Dr William Roulston of the Ulster Historical Foundation to bring the stories to a wider audience. The book – St Malachy’s College and the Great War – and exhibition were launched at the school on the evening of 18 April 2024.