Michael's Schooling
St Josephs School for the Blind
Following the loss of his sight at a young age, Michael moved to Dublin where he attended St Josephs School for the Blind (pictured to the right) in Drumcondra, Dublin.
There he learned to deal with his visual impairment, enjoyed an active program of learning and extra curricular activities and took up what some would consider to be surprising hobbies for a blind child at the time, including running, cycling (tandem) and swimming. Most important for Michael was learning braille which enabled him to read, write and even to compose music.
St Josephs was to have an important influence on Michaels future musical career. Music became an increasingly important part of his life throughout his school years and he was to go on to create his first band with six others from the school.
The school, which continues to play a key role in supporting the visually impaired in Ireland, has a long and interesting history. St Josephs stands on the site of the former Drumcondra Castle built over five hundred years ago. It took its present form in 1882 and in 1859 it was passed to St. Joseph’s Asylum for the Blind. In 1884 it became a school for blind boys run by the Carmelites and in the 1950's it's management was assumed by the Rosminian Order.
St Josephs continues to provide invaluable education and learning to today's visually impaired in Ireland.