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=Central Technical Institute, Clonmel= The Central Technical Institute (CTI) in Clonmel was originally founded as a Mechanics Institute in 1842. The CTI is currently run by Tipperary South VEC.

Origins
In 1814 a Mechanical Society was founded in Clonmel by Morgan Jones, William Dorney and some other mechanics. For his services to that society Morgan Jones was later presented with a silver cup in 1830.

In 1826 a letter was published in the Clonmel Advertiser suggesting a more ambitious project, the foundation of a Mechanics Institute. As the first Mechanics' Institutes had only been established in Scotland in 1821 and the first in England in 1823, it can be argued that this was a forward-looking suggestion since Ireland was not at that time a country with extensive industry.

In January 1842 an advertisment was placed in the Tipperary Free Press proposing the establishment of a Mechanics Institute. At a meeting two days later the benefits to the commercial life of the town of Clonmel were outlined. At that meeting John Hackett of the Tipperary Free Press proposed the setting up of the Mechanics Institute.

At that time mechanics was viewed as the new technology of the day, and the word 'mechanics' should here be understood to mean mechanical, engineering and practical scientific knowledge in response to the needs of the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution was still young and had not yet fully overtaken Ireland; however, it was felt that this Institute would be "of mutual benefit to both employer and worker".

Patrons of the new Institute included the then Lords Lismore and Glengal, MPs, clergymen of all denominations and other town dignitaries.

Later in 1845 a site was acquired from Edward Power by the trustees of the Mechanical Institute for an annual rent of £25.

Foundation
The first long-term residence of the Institute was on Anglesea Street in what is now known as Mulcahy House.

Construction on the front of that building began in April 1845 with the laying of the foundation stone by Charles Bianconi. The library and reading rooms were on the ground floor.

Considerable difficulty was experienced securing funds to complete the work. Ultimately, after some generous donations - including £1,000 from Mr Malcomson and £350 from the Lord Lieutenant out of the Famine Relief Fund - the building was completed in 1858.

Membership of the Institute was 301 in 1843.

The aims, rules and regulations were set out in 1845. The Institute sought to aid practical skill, to direct scientific knowledge and to inspire invention and improvement.

Development
In 1853 a Literary Society was founded within the Institute. This society introduced 'Penny Readings' and conducted discussions on the texts in the library.

In 1873 the Clonmel Mechanics Institute became the Clonmel Literary Institute before being handed over to the Corporation in 1899 after the Libraries Act was adopted.

In turn, after the adoption of the Agricultural and Technical Instruction Act, in 1901 a committee was formed by Clonmel Corporation to establish a scheme of Technical Instruction for the town. This scheme of education was continued after the independance of Ireland when the Irish Department of Education took over in 1924.

Campuses
There are three campuses in the modern CTI.
 * 1) Senior College PLC (1964, The Mall)
 * 2) Coláiste Chluain Meala (1982, Raheen Road)
 * 3) Gaelcholáiste Cheitinn (2004, The Mall)

=See also= http://www.tippsouthvec.ie/ =References=