Sr Veronica Cullinan
Sr Veronica Cullinan was born in Ennis, County Clare, and educated in England where she lived with her grandparents before joining the Limerick Sisters of Mercy.
Bishop O’Dwyer appointed her as Vice-Principal to the College in 1898 as an assistant to Sr Paul Quinlan.
As vice-principal, she was given the task of planning timetables and the programme of studies. In addition, she taught literature, grammar, theory of music and an optional course in psychology.
In 1923, Sr. Veronica succeeded Sr Paul Quinlan as principal (President). A natural organiser, developer and improver Sr Veronica was the guiding influence in the College during the difficult years of the 1920s and ‘30s and the ‘Emergency’ years of the ‘40s.
Following her retirement in 1945, Sr Veronica returned to St Mary’s Convent, which she had left in 1898 to work with Mary Immaculate College and she remained there until her death on 5 May 1961.
Passing on the Torch - a History of Mary Immaculate College 1898-1998 (Published 1998), pg 32.
