The country’s largest Catholic college is set to build a new library and learning resource centre to accommodate its increasing student numbers, set to reach 5,000 by 2020.

Programme will see an additional 3,600 students added to the already expanding population at MIC, with anticipated student numbers of 7,000 by the year 2020.

Canon Paul McAleenan studied for the priesthood in St Patrick's College Thurles. Cardinal Nichols will preside at episcopal ordination on 25 January.

Since 2008, 340 religion teachers have graduated from St Patrick's College which up to 1992 served as a seminary for the training of priests.

Incorporation of St Patrick's College by Mary Immaculate College will establish one of the biggest teacher-training colleges outside Dublin.