Maryborough in Portlaoise in County Laois, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)

St. Mary’s C.B.S.

— Portlaoise Heritage Trail / Slí Oidhreachta Port Laoise —

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

1. St. Mary’s C.B.S. Marker

Inscription. Brother Vincent Culkin, arrived in Maryborough in 1847 on the invitation of the parish priest, Very Rev. Nicholas O’Connor, to establish only the second Christian Brothers’ School in Leinster, outside Dublin. Fr O’Connor gave his house to the Brothers in 1853. An extension was built in 1907. The school was funded by the parents of the pupils attending classes here. It has provided a high standard of education here for the boys of the town and wider afield for over one hundred and fifty years. Among its many illustrious pupils was Colonel James Fitzmaurice, the aviator.

Erected by Laois Heritage Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 53° 2.14′ N, 7° 17.908′ W. Marker is in Portlaoise, Leinster, in County Laois. It is in Maryborough. It is on Church Street east of Railway Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 Church St, Portlaoise, Leinster, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

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in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Colonel James Fitzmaurice (a few steps from this marker); Fort of Maryborough (within shouting distance of this marker); Odlums’ Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); Cuidíonn siúinéir Sasanach leis an Dún a thógáil / An English Carpenter Helps to Build the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Cláirseoir ag seinm do thaoisigh na háite / A Harper Performs for the Local Chieftains (within shouting distance of this marker); Fitzmaurice Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Tá Cailín Óg ina Cónaí Taobh Amuigh den Dún / A Young Girl Lives Outside the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Eitilt (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portlaoise.

Also see . . . History (St. Mary's C.B.S., Portlaoise).

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

2. St. Mary’s C.B.S. Marker

The marker is located at the entrance to the building, now a preschool.

(Submitted on July 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

3. St. Mary’s C.B.S. Marker

A second plaque on the school recognizes famed aviator James Fitzmaurice, who attended the school.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.