Medallion Rathmines 1867

[slewi4]

I was doing more renovation work on my house today, and found a medallion wedged between 2 boards in a window sill. It is silver in colour, about 3.5cm in diameter, and 2mm thick. On one side it reads "Collegiate Institute; Revd Roger North AM; T.C.D; Principal; Rathmines", on the other side it reads "Midsummer Examinations; C. Donald Cook; 1867". I'm guessing that it was awarded for academic achievement.
The house is in Australia, and although there was some European settlement in the region in 1867, the first school (or educational institution of any kind) in the state was not established until the following year. So the medallion is not local in its origin. I believe that the house was built about 1890.
A google search has shown that there is a Rathmines College in Dublin. I've emailed them, and await their reply.
Does anyone here know where the medalion is from or what it was for? or who Revd North or C Donald Cook might be?
Sandra

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[Ruskie]

I can't help, but what an exciting find! I'm in Queensland, and I know my State Archives have records to enable you to trace the history of your house. Are you able to do the same? Fascinating stuff! Best of luck!

[Arranroots]

I don't know whether Rathmines had the same system, but a lot of Scottish schools/ academies award a "dux" medal to the "leader" or highest academic achiever in their year.  My father has one that is similar to this, although it does have the word Dux on it.

I hope you get some useful information from the Academy, they certainly seem to be the right people to ask.

kind regards, Arranroots 

[If Only]

Hi Slewi4,

I wonder could the letters T.C.D. be connected with Trinity College, Dublin?

Joe

[stanmapstone]

Hi Slewi4,

I wonder could the letters T.C.D. be connected with Trinity College, Dublin?

Joe

TCD is Trinity College Dublin, and AM means Master of Arts. In the 'English Journal or Education, 1859' there is a reference to the Rev. R. North, Educational Institute, Rathmines.
Stan

[slewi4]

Thanks Stan,
I've just emailed their alumni office. I wonder how often they get questions about students from 140yrs ago 
Sandra