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New Vice - Presidents of Union elected at AGM

Former Irish Universities and Leinster Interprovincial rugby player John Duffy (Class 1978) was elected Vice - President of the Rockwell College Union at the recent AGM held in the College. John graduated from University College Dublin with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and is a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in Dublin. He is also a former Honorary Treasurer of the Union.
Also elected Second Vice - President at the AGM was Robert Gallagher (Class 1979). A graduate of University College Dublin where he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and his "Colours" in rugby, Robert is Head of Allied Irish Bank Corporate Banking International division and based in the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin.

Doncha O' Conchúir - Enriched heritage of west Kerry Gaeltacht

Both the College and the Union were saddened to learn of the passing of former student of Rockwell College, Doncha O'Conchuir, a dedicated and inspirational teacher who made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural and economic development of his native Corca Dhuibhne.

An accomplished local historian, his major work, Corca Dhuibhne, I Aos Iorruis Tuaiscirt agus Ui Fhearba (1973), is an examination of the Dingle peninsula from the Neolithic age to the 16th century. Describing the Dingle peninsula as one of the areas richest in archaeological remains in Western Europe, he cited the Oratory at Gallaras and the Cross Stone of Riasc as evidence of the area's long tradition of craftsmanship.

He was born on January 23rd 1918 in Ballyferriter, Co Kerry, one of 5 children. His father Micheal was headmaster of Ballyferriter National School where Doncha received his early education. He then attended Rockwell College and subsequently did his teacher training in Waterford before completing his formal education at University College Cork in 1943, where he completed an MA degree in Celtic Studies.

After teaching in Durrow, Co Laois and the Model School, Marlborough Street in Dublin, Doncha became Principal of Ballyferriter National School where he taught until his retirement in 1983. He inspired a love of the language and heritage in his pupils, some of whom made their mark on the world of learning at home and abroad. Field trips with them in the locality formed the basis of his Corca Dhuibhne. His work with Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne focused on the historical and archaeological heritage of the Dingle peninsula, and took account of the wealth of flora and fauna in the area. He believed that heritage is the sum of our resources for living. His long standing commitment to local development and heritage was recognised when Gradam an Oireachtais was bestowed on him in 2001.

He was an active and independent thinker all his life, and took a strong position on global issues, particularly sustainable economics and development. He was a founder member and former vice-president of the Kerry Archaeological and History Society. With Roisin Ui Chuill he translated Across the Threshold of Hope, by Pope John Paul II, which was published in 2002 under the title Thar Tairseach an Dochais Isteach. His translation of Tim McGillicuddy's The Living Past was published as An Saol Beo

In retirement he compiled a genealogical record of his ancestors and their descendants, some of whom remained in Ireland and many who emigrated to America in the 1880's. A transatlantic collaborative work culminated in the O'Connor Chronicle 1780 - 2002, published in the US.
He is survived by his wife , Sile, sons Micheal. Aodan, Doncha, daughters Maire, Lile and Eadaoin and brothers Fr P.J O'Connor CSSp and Micheal.

Doncha O'Conchuir : born January 23rd 1918; died April 26th 2004.

 

ROCKWELL UNION ANNUAL RETREAT
Rockwell College, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

Photographs supplied by: Mr. Brendan Sutton

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ROCKWELL UNION PERSON OF THE YEAR 2003
Lieut. General Colm Mangan, (Class 1959), Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces.
Pictured here with then Union President, Mr. Brian Goff, at the Rockwell Union Dinner, on March 28th.

 

Other faces from the College, both past & present.

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