ROCKWELL COLLEGE UNION
10th LONDON RE-UNION DINNER
RADISSON EDWARDIAN MOUNTBATTEN HOTEL - FRIDAY, MARCH 14TH 2008
IRELAND V ENGLAND @
TWICKENHAM
SATURDAY 15TH MARCH KICK OFF 15.00 HOURS (3pm)
This elegant four star venue, hosted by Rockwell old boy Mike O’Connor, proved an outstanding choice for previous dinners, which were very well supported. There will be guests from the College and the Union in Ireland, and of course, ladies are very welcome!
Price: £50 (€70) inclusive of wine.
Dress: Lounge suits.
Pat Mulcahy
17 Milton Close,
Henley –on-Thames,
Oxon RG9 1UJ.
Pre-booking essential, please respond as soon as possible.
Phone: +44(0)1491 577990 Fax: +44 (0)1491 579512 Mobile: +44 (0)7711 235242
patrick@mulcahyfamilyplus.com
ROCKWELL COLLEGE UNION
PRE-MATCH LUNCH
PARIS - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 2008
IRELAND V FRANCE @
STADE DE FRANCE
KICK OF 17.00 HOURS (5pm) -
Lunch time to be confirmed but circa 12.30
For the 2008 game in Paris I are trying something a little different. A lunch instead of a Dinner
The reason is that I feel the many people travelling to the game are with family and friends and that a Dinner commitment infringes a little on other social commitments. A Lunch on the other hand is much less formal and leaves the evening free and is also an enjoyable way to pass those pre match hours with old friends and where family and business contacts etc will feel most welcome.
The restaurant will be chosen by that well know Rockwell gourmet Peter Lenihan, is sure to be excellent and accessible to the game. I will advise you of location when numbers are in. You will appreciate that we are running close to the date so I am asking PLEASE for a reply by return. Also, and I don’t like asking this, but on the last occasion of the dinner we did get let down by people cancelling at the last minute and indeed some just not showing. Therefore I am asking you to please send me a booking deposit of €40 for each person in your party. At the end of the meal we will do the final calculation and divide in the normal way but we do need the deposit please.
I hope you can attend and do please send this email to as many as you can as my email list is limited. Friends and family most welcome to this informal occasion.
Allez les Verts
Fergus Ahern - Taxinfo@iol.ie
Rockwell College Union Business Lunch 2007
The 2007 Rockwell College Union Business Lunch held on Friday 9th November at the Conrad Hotel attracted a great audience with guest speaker Willie Slattery (Class 1973) CEO of State Street delivering an excellent speech. Willie gave his views on the Irish economy and the role of the IFSC. State Street is Dublin’s largest fund management company and does the administration on US$600 billion worth of assets each week. The company employs 2,000 Irish workers.
The lunch ran very smoothly thanks to the efficient Conrad Hotel staff and concluded at 3pm. Further drinks and stories were enjoyed in Alfie Byrne’s bar.
There were a number of excellent raffle prizes this year which produced revenue of €2,975 a further increase on 2006.
This year’s lunch produced an overall profit of €7,192.13 and is one of the greatest ever single earners for a college event.
A special thanks goes to the sponsors Ulster Bank (Robert Gallagher) .
A further thanks also goes to Mark Smyth and his committee for organising another successful lunch.
Rockwell College Union Annual Golf Event 2007
Ladies and Gentlemen
Time to renew your acquaintance with old school friends and no better way to do so than by taking part in the Rockwell College Union Golf Outing.
Following last years very successful outing in Powerscourt, we are keeping with the winning formula.
The event will take place at Powerscourt Golf Club - Old Course, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow on Wednesday 10 October 2007. Tee times booked from 11.30 am to 1.30pm. For more information on the course please click here.
Each four ball costs €500 and will include golf and goodie bag, dinner with wine.
Teams do not have to consist of all Rockwellians, it is a great opportunity to invite some guests, support the past pupils union and enjoy the day. Tee times are filling up fast for this event so get your name in now.
Please email event co-ordinator Joe Barrett (joe@applegreen.ie) to confirm your place.
ANNUAL DINNER 2007
23rd February 2007
The Annual Dinner to the Rockwell Union was held in the Conrad Hotel on the 23rd February 2007. It was very strongly supported with 248 past pupils attending. Our guest of honour as Rockwell Person of the Year was Walter Swinburn. He was hugely popular and held the entire audience in the palm of his hand as he shared with us tales of his phenomenal riding career. We learnt of the significant support which Lester Piggott gave him in the formative stages of his career. Walter was most ably introduced by Paul McNaughton the recipient of the Rockwell Person of the Year in 2006.
The dinner was held on the weekend of the Ireland V England match at Croke Park. We were able to fundraise for the school and prizes included 4 tickets for the match. The highlight however was the Irish Jersey donated by Denis Leamy and signed by the current Irish team. We owe Denis great thanks for this unique prize.
The Principal of Rockwell College, Mr. Pat O’Sullivan spoke passionately on the rejuvenation of the College, the key role which past pupils have played in supporting this and the need for continued support.
The dinner is largely anchored around the feature years and we had large groups from many of these years. The organisation of the whole event was very successfully led by Yvonne Kennedy who ensured that class champions contacted their class mates on a frequent basis. My thanks to all those who made the calls and in particular to Yvonne without whom the night would not happen.
The fun, excitement and renewal of friendships were captured on film and attached are some memories for those who attended.
Click here to view photographs from this event >>
CAREERS DECISION MEETING
On Wednesday evening March 7th, Pat O’Sullivan (Head Master) Fr Jack Meade and Fr Pat Downes welcomed those who had travelled to the College to support the Careers Discussion evening that had been organised between the College and the Past Pupils Union.
The format of the discussions meant that students were given some information and advice in relation to interview preparations while also having the opportunity to attend discussions on a variety of careers ranging from Financial Services; Dentistry; Medicine; Information Technology; Human Resources; Education; Engineering and Pharmacy to Recruitment, the Defence Forces and starting your own business. Two students (Conor McKeown and JP O’Donovan) from the Leaving Certificate class of ’06 came along and gave a very informative discussion on making the transition from Rockwell College to life as University students studying for Law degrees in UCD and UCC.
Pat O’Sullivan acknowledged the commitment and enthusiasm of all who had made the effort to travel to the College and give students a real insight into their respective careers while taking time to reflect on their career experience and answer students questions.
The Past Pupils Union would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Monica Kennedy, Jack O’Reilly, Ivor Harahan, Noel Ryan, Conor McKeown, JP O’Donovan, Richard Foley, Donal Blackwell, Gerry Rockingham, Jim Holmes and Liam Flynn in supporting this event.
OPENING OF NEW FACILITIES
22ND OCTOBER 2006
Our college is really pleased to be officially opening its brand new facilities including an all weather pitch, teaching facilities and offices.
The President of the College, Father Billy Cleary CSSP extends an invitation to past pupils to join the congregation, the teachers, the parents and pupils at the official opening on Sunday 22nd October. The details of the day are as follows :
The programme:
12noon - Mass (with new Provincial, Fr. Brian Starken, and First Assistant, Fr. Peter Conaty : both Past Pupils)
1.00pm - Lunch
2.00pm - Viewing of new facilities on top floor
2.30pm - Blessing of new hockey pitch
3.00pm - Hockey Match (Past V Present)
(game followed by refreshments).
Please email Father Billy at : billycleary@eircom.net if you are attending.
2006 Annual Golf Outing
The 2006 autumn Rockwell Union Golf outing was a great success. The course at Powerscourt was in excellent condition after a week of rain. We played in bright sunshine and the scores reflected a summer of practice. 36 players teed off between 2.00pm and 3.20pm and all had finished by 8.30pm as the sun was going down. At dinner in the clubhouse the following prizes were awarded :
| First Prize |
Michael Butler |
40 pts |
| Second Prize |
Willie Moran |
35 pts on last 6 |
| |
|
|
| Longest Drive |
Joe Barrett |
|
| Nearest the Pin |
Diarmuid Bolger |
(Joe Barrett's Guest) |
| |
|
|
| Visitor's First Prize |
Pat Caslin |
40 pts (Robert Gallagher's Guest) |
| Visitor's Second Prize |
Pat Ryan |
33 pts (James Meagher's Guest) |
Congratulations to all the winners. We intend to build on the success of the event and at the dinner announced that a summer outing will take place at the same location in May 2007. All team captains said they would play in the next outing.
The organisers Joe Barrett and Gerry Rockingham deserve all our thanks.
2006 Annual Retreat Report
The Rockwell Annual Retreat was held in the College on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. This was my first year attending the Retreat and I found the atmosphere to be very relaxing. For those of you who have not attended the Retreat in the past, I would strongly recommend it.
The schedule consisted of the traditional events in the College Chapel together with some talks in the library. Fr John Littleton, the guest speaker, spoke in the library on Friday morning and afternoon. He was an outstanding speaker and the topics he covered were thought provoking.
The schedule also includes plenty of free time. We were blessed with beautiful spring weather, which allowed time for numerous walks around the lake and down the back avenue. The College Community looked after us very well and as per usual the quality of the food served was of the highest quality.
A special word of thanks to Risteard O’Colmain and also to College Community.
John Duffy
Union President
2006 London Dinner Report
The ninth London Rockwell Reunion Dinner was held on 17th March at the Mountbatten Hotel, Covent Garden. Attendance was down on previous years, mainly due to alternative Patrick’s Day celebrations and the Cheltenham Festival, but a good time was had by all 41 attendees. A minute’s silence was held before the dinner in memory of Mike Brosnan (1979), who died suddenly at the age of 46, just a month previously. He and his parents had a long history of supporting the reunion.
Guests of honour were the President of Rockwell, Father Billy Cleary and the President of the Union, John Duffy accompanied by his wife, Nikki. Also present were Fathers Lehane and Redmond and President elect of the Union in 2008, Jim Holmes.
The toast to Rockwell was proposed by John Duffy, who in his speech highlighted the Union’s role in fundraising for the College, particularly in the light of the major development work planned for the future. The response, by Father Billy Cleary covered developments at the College and brought the assembled company up to date with the latest news and sports results which are always well received by the “exiles”. Interestingly, the oldest attendee, Tom Cahill, left in 1950 and the youngest, Justin Lynch, left in 1999. As ever, a broad age range of old students was represented, including just one female, Janet Frawley (1991).
One guest, Kevin Cahill (1962) generously donated a private tour of the House of Lords which was auctioned to the winning bidder, Anthony Broderick (1978). The evening ended with a rousing rendition of the College anthem.
The weekend finished on a highly successful note with Ireland’s dramatic win over England; but there was a very sad footnote: Conor Crowley (1965), a regular visitor to the London Reunion died suddenly of a heart attack, while returning from the match. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and we extend deepest sympathy to his family.
As this is a biennial event, the next dinner will be in 2008. Our thanks to Mike O’Connor of the Radisson Edwardian Hotel Group and to members of the Union who helped with arrangements for the event.
Pat Mulcahy
Organiser, London Rockwell Dinner
4 April 2006
2006 Annual Dinner Report
The highlight event of the Union calendar was held on 10 March 2006 in the Conrad Hotel. The event again was a great success with a capacity turnout. There was an excellent attendance from the 2004 and 2005 class years. The Union subsidised the price of tickets for those up to 5 years out of Rockwell. The feature years also had a very strong turnout.
The Vice President of the Union Robert Gallagher successfully performed the role of Master of Ceremonies. An excellent PowerPoint presentation, which was prepared by David Foley from the Class of 2005, ran throughout the Dinner.
Dolmen Stockbrokers through Ronan Reid from the Class of 1983 very generously sponsored the dinner. The President of the Union, John Duffy, sincerely thanked Ronan and Dolmen for their support of the event.
The Rockwell Person of the Year was awarded to Paul McNaughton (Class 1970). Fr Aidan Lehane made an excellent introductory speech highlighting the outstanding sporting and business achievements of Paul’s career. Paul made an excellent response and noted his very fond memories of his time in Rockwell. The President of the Union presented a piece of Crystal, kindly sponsored by Dublin Crystal, to Paul.
The President of the Union also presented a cheque for €50,000 on behalf of the Union to the President of the College Fr Billy Cleary for the College Development Project. The President noted that the total amount donated by the Union to the College over the past 3 years totals €185,000. Fr Cleary made an excellent response highlighting the various aspects of the Development Project and its importance to the future prosperity of Rockwell.
The Master of Ceremonies announced the relaunch of the Union Annual Golf Outing to be held in Powerscourt Golf Club on 7 September 2006. On the night, 60 out of the 80 tee times were sold.
The raffle raised over €4,600 on the night and the proceeds will be redistributed to College. A special thanks to the Dinner Committee and in particular Yvonne Kennedy for all their work and effort in making the night a success.
Dolmen Stockbrokers announced as Annual Dinner sponsors for 2006
The president of the Union, John Duffy, is delighted to announce that Dolmen Stockbrokers will sponsor the highlight event of the Union calendar, the Annual Dinner.
Dolmen Securities Limited is one of Ireland’s leading Stock-broking and Investment Banking companies. Headed by Ronan Reid, Rockwell class of 1983, Dolmen has always been a good supporter of both the College and Past Pupils Union. Whether you are looking for stock-broking or investment advice, fundraising, or selling your business, Dolmen will be able to provide comprehensive, professional advice at competitive rates.
On the behalf the Rockwell Union the president sincerely thanks Ronan Reid and Dolmen for their support |
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3-Year Out Informal Reunion
On Friday February 3rd, the past pupils who have left Rockwell in the past three years held an informal reunion in Kilkenny. The event was generously sponsored by the Union. Attendance was strongest from the class of 2004 but there was also some representation of 2003 and 2005. In all, a crowd of about 30 turned up, a number sure to grow in future years.
We arrived in Kilkenny from all over and made our way to the venue, Kytler’s Inn. Finger food was generously provided by the proprietors and it wasn’t long before the night was in full swing. With free entry to Nero’s nightclub provided, this was the next port of call and it can safely be said that a great night was had by all! The evening was capped off with a minibus waiting at the end of the night to whisk those who wished back to Clonmel.
The event was a big success, and plans are underway to make it an annual get-together. Special thanks are due to J.D. Flynn for his organisation of the food, prizes etc. and of course, it couldn’t have been possible without the support of the Union committee.
Click here to view photographs of this event >>
Paris Dinner 2006
After many months of planning by Fergus Aherne, Francis Christiani and Joe Cummiskey, the Paris Reunion Dinner took place on Friday 10 February 2006, the eve of the Ireland v France rugby interantional. In total, 25 Rockwellians and guests from various countries within Europe attended.
The evening started with a private reception at City Hall hosted by the Mayor of Paris. In his speech Mayor Taittinger welcomed the guests from Rockwell. Fr Aidan Lehane responded in French on behalf of the College highlighting the strong historical links between Rockwell, the Holy Ghost Order and France (an English translation of Fr Lehane’s speech is attached). The President of the Union, John Duffy, presented pieces of Dublin Crystal to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
After the reception, the Rockwell party adjourned to a nearby restaurant, Au Petit Riche, where all enjoyed an excellent evening. On the Saturday morning prior to the International match, Francis Christiani and his wife, Ann Marie hosted a reception at their home where the Rockwellians present where treated to the best of French cuisine, champagnes and wines. Francis also arranged transport to the international match.
On Sunday morning a Mass was held at the Mother House of the Holy Ghost Order.
Many thanks to Fergus Aherne, Francis Christiani and Joe Cummiskey for their work in organising the weekend, and in particular a special thank you to Francis and Ann Marie for their wonderful hospitality.
Click here to view photographs from this event >>
40 Year Out Reunion Leaving Cert Class 1965
After being the first class to have a 10, 20, 25, & 30 years out reunions, it followed that our 40 years out would be a major success.
On Friday 30th September, 10 of the class gathered in Dundrum House for golf. After which they all dined in style in the company of President McAleese.
On Saturday we had afternoon tea in Rockwell, after which we returned to Dundrum House for some pre dinner drinks. Then like old times it was onto the bus and back to the College for dinner in the ref.
44 of the class made it back to Rockwell for the week end, 2 from South Africa, 2 from the U.S.A., 1 from Prague and 1 from Aruba(an ~> Independent State off the coast of Venezuela.) Fr. Jack Meade, Fr. Noel Redmond and Fr. Brendan Hally joined us, unfortunately Fr. Aiden Lehane was in hospital.
Apologies were received from 10 of the class and regretfully 4 of our class have passed away. It is planned to have a 45 years out reunion lest fate decides some of us may not be around for our 50th reunion
View Photographs of this event >>
Rockwell Mock Interviews Report 2005
The Rockwell Union Mock Interviews took place in the college on Thursday 24th November 2005. The Union brought along a panel of 10 individuals from various professional backgrounds to impart interview technique and general career guidance to approximately 100 final year students. It was of particular note this year that the students interviewed were very well prepared, enthusiastic and extremely courteous and confident.
The advice and guidance of these interviews in the final year student’s Rockwellian education continues to be of tremendous importance and has a very significant bearing on the student’s future career choice. In this regard the Union is deeply indebted to those who travelled to the college and gave so generously of their time – Jim Holmes, Dr. Colman Walsh, Captain Feargal Ryan, Monica Kennedy, Nichola Beresford, Richard Foley, Adrian Dunne, Breda Regan, Clodagh Beresford and Professor Neill Hunt.
As always, the Union wishes to thank Fr. Cleary, Mr. O’Sullivan and Mrs. Smyth for their wonderful reception, hospitality and assistance on the evening.
Written by Clodagh Beresford
2005 Business Lunch
The Business Lunch was held on Friday 18 November in a new venue, The Conrad Hotel, following the closure of the Shelbourne Hotel.
The Guest Speaker was Mr. Séamus Mulligan (Class 1977), Chairman and CEO of Azur Pharma Limited and previously of Elan Corporation, who gave an excellent and very interesting speech.
The Business Lunch was generously sponsored by Ulster Bank through Robert Gallagher and the Union would like to express its thanks to Ulster Bank and Robert for their support.
A total of just fewer than 90 people attended the lunch with a great show from the 2004 and 2005 class years.
The President of the Union, John Duffy, presented a cheque for €50,000 to the President of the College, Fr Billy Cleary, towards the College Development Fund. A raffle held at the lunch raised just over €1,800 and the proceeds will be donated to the development project.
A special thanks to Mark Smyth and his committee for organising another successful Business Lunch.
2005 Business Lunch Photographs
Rockwell Class 1985 20-year Reunion - Seamus Maher Memorial Golf Trophy
Commentary by Adrian Madden
In a serious commitment to increasing recognition of this prestigious Golf Trophy, the Class of 1985 have decided to publish the details of their 5th annual golf outing, in memory of 1985 Student of the Year – Seamus Maher. Seamus passed away in 2000 after a tragic accident and it was at his funeral when we decided to hold this fabulous event as a fitting tribute.
The competition took place on the manicured fairways and pristine greens (and also in the trees, rough and bunkers) of Slieve Na Mon. With the course playing so well the competition was expected to be fierce (some of the invective issued...) and the scoring, extremely low. Handicaps were questionable – Mark Boyle having won the trophy twice was still allegedly playing off 15 so we deducted 2 points from him before we even teed off. He took exception to this given he had arranged all the prizes and cheap booze (courtesy of Guinness!).
This year the annual event had all the drama of another famous competition, The Augusta National (an annual race for 1-legged blind mules). Allegations of doping against a number of competitors were proven unfounded (although if drug testing had taken place in Rockwell some 20 years ago there may have been grounds for expulsion!). Ray Walsh was asked, on a number of occasions, to visit his own pharmacy for some “uppers” but he kept talking about the great margins made on viagra – he should have been playing with JJ and Frank (see below).
Competitors came from North, South, East and West. Some arrived with a questionable number of items for golf (hip flasks, duty free cartons of cigs, etc) but as the rulebook had been mislaid infringements could not be confirmed. We were expecting Johnny Waters to arrive selling carpets but unfortunately, John had to pull out last minute for family reasons (rumour has it that Irish Ferries wouldn’t leave the Hi-ace & caravan on the boat).
In a competition of this stature some competitors will stoop to any level to win. JJ Fitzgerald seemed to know every nook and cranny, yardage and dogleg on the course. It was a unanimous decision that he was obviously practising on the course several weeks before the competition. Indeed he kept a lot of us entertained half way through, when some of us met up at a bottleneck, as he tried to justify why Solicitors were charging their exuberant conveyance fees. The only person supporting his argument was Frank Brennan – probably because his stock-broking fees are as bad.
Adrian Madden amazed all (including himself); his sportsmanship is an example to all. Adrian had been at the official opening of the Radisson Hotel, Cork on Thursday night then had to be at his company’s annual sales conference for Friday. So having obtained some 6 hours sleep in 48 hours the fact that he was standing on the first tee, unaided, was a remarkable achievement. Even more surprising was Simon Farrell deciding to walk around the course with us – giving up his chauffeur driven buggy and body guards supplied by the Pierse Construction dynasty (he just married Jed’s daughter, Michelle).
Michael McCormack had a brilliant back 9 and would have taken that prize were it not for the fact that the panel of judges felt he was more deserving of the prize for "Sexiest Legs" and 3rd overall – we’ll say nothing about Mick’s fingers then…………….
Our star wing forward, from the 1985 SCT, Patrick O’Gorman (Foxy) took a while to accept that the ball is not meant to be oval. Once this hurdle was overcome, Foxy produced some extremely consistent hitting to take 4th prize. Sean Finnerty took 2nd place, Mick with 3rd but 1st place and the Waterford cut glass trophy going to Kevin Bolger – bitch (or Lady Bracknell as most of us know him by).
After 4 hours of horror on the course the non-golfers, Alan Goulding and Conor Slattery, joined us at the 19th hole and after several bevies we jumped on to the hired bus to Rockwell and were greeted by Fr Patrick Downes and Fr Jack Meade. Good ole Hugo also popped his chin in and promised not to poison us, as the catering was now outsourced. Fr Knight also joined us for a drink and after dinner Fr Jack presented the prizes. We all took a walk around the main hall and corridors for a final reminiscing session. After this rather sobering affair it was back on the bus and a quick one at Ollies for ole times sake. Eventually making our way to Fethard for another refreshment break we hit the big lights of Killenaul – where the Ardagh House were brave enough to accommodate us for the night – thanks Mick, beyond the call of duty. The event passed off peacefully no doubt due to the absence of Commane, who fairplay to him, texted us on the morning to ascertain when the 20 year reunion was.
Thanks to all who took part and to the many who sent their apologies. Our next outing will be either - weekend 23rd September or 30th September 2006 at Mount Wosley Golf & Hotel Complex, Co Carlow.
Previous Winners of the event include:-
| Name |
Venue |
Year |
| Mark Boyle |
Oranmore, Galway |
2001 |
| Michael McCormack |
Williamstown, Waterford |
2002 |
| Simon Farrell |
Gorran, Kilkenny |
2003 |
| Mark Boyle |
Glasson, Athlone |
2004 |
This coming reunion will see a raffle being introduced which will take place after the meal. Ticket price to be decided and "the mystery prize for two" will be sponsored by, The Coach House Pub & Off Licence, Gorey.
The event has attracted 15 – 20 people every year and we continue to strive to get numbers passed the 20 mark. With the Union kindly letting us advertise this event let’s hope we can achieve this next year. Rock on.
Annual Retreat 2005 - 24 Hours in Rockwell
If winter comes can spring be far behind?
This was my fourth year at The Rockwell Retreat
and as I write this I am beginning to look forward to next years
retreat.
For me the Retreat marks the end of winter and
the beginning of spring and summer. Although this has many parallels,
some religious, some climatic the thing I am reminded of most is
the time at Rockwell when the clocks changed and we had an hour
break in the evening study. An optimistic time of year with the
feeling that the summer holidays were coming closer
As ever the atmosphere at the Retreat was relaxed
and there was a great feeling of community with the college and
its environs. Lots of time to walk, talk and most importantly contemplate.
For those of you living in a world of the Internet (and you must
be if you are reading this) e-mail, spam, mobile phones and pagers
you will be delighted to know that Rockwell has the worst mobile
coverage I have encountered and the feeling of getting away from
it all is all the more enhanced.
This year the speaker was… Fr. Eamonn
Mulcahy
I have gone to numerous lectures, seminars and
motivational courses (I don’t have the energy for any more
of these) and I can honestly state that Fr. Eamonn Mulcahy was the
best speaker I have encountered. He spoke without notes for an hour
in the Library. Direct, warm, witty and thought provoking the hour
passed quickly by. His topics were wide ranging and provoking. I
think we all would have liked more time to talk with him but it
seems he flies all over the world for the Holy Ghost Order. I think
if the College were to charge €1000 euro and did a bit of spin
we would have packed the place out.
Something that struck me this year was how many
repeat visitors come. It’s not a case of the usual suspects
(or serial offenders?) but also all of the people who have come
for the first time in recent years continually return. The success
of any business is based on getting repeat customers. On this basis
the Retreat will be around for many years to come.
Continued thanks are due to The Community at the
College, Risteard O’Colmain and Jim Peters
Report by: Mr. Barry Sheehan
A break by the Lake - 2004 - 24 Hours in Rockwell
The Rockwell Retreat 2004 was held on Holy Thursday
and Good Friday last.
This was my third year of attending the Retreat,
which has been organised for many years by Risteard O'Colmain.
For those of us who's memory of the College is
of cold showers and bad food, the Retreat can come as quite a shock.
Accommodation is of the highest standard with most of us staying
in the refurbished Saint Joseph's. Think upmarket B+B and you won't
be far off. It can seem odd to be sleeping in Rockwell with there
being one to a room rather than the usual sixty odd students snoring
away.
The schedule is relaxed and consists of some talks
in the library as well as the traditional events in the Church.
In truth there is a lot of time for peaceful contemplation and for
numerous walks around the lake and down the back avenue. The long
hall seems as long as ever. It's also empty as the students are
away for Easter. I find the emptiness somewhat eerie. The only other
time I have seen it empty was when I got kicked out of physics class
and you felt like a sitting duck waiting for one of the Deans to
walk by (though I would hide in the phone booth and pretend someone
had called from Jamaica).
Fr. Joseph D'Ambrosio spoke in
the library on Thursday night. The talk was of a serious nature
as he described some shocking events in Africa that he had witnessed.
He spoke of what it was like to be a Priest and what it meant to
him. I liked his tale of the shepherd being asked why there was
no door on the stable where the sheep were gathered and he responded
by saying that there was no need as it was his job to be the door.
Sister Hilary Lyons spoke of
her time growing up in Mayo, becoming a Medical Doctor and moving
to Sierra Leone. A natural raconteur she spoke of issues of the
Church, Africa and ageing. Sister Hilary is one of those people
with numerous insights who you could listen to all day. She had
an obvious love of Africa and she has written a book on her life
there. Indeed for those of us who though her talk was too short
it was interesting that she was on Carrie Crowley's radio program
on Sunday Morning. Her nephew Tommy manages the Dublin football
team but having listened to her I reckon she would do a better job.
The Retreat has a serious purpose but there is
a lightness of emphasis on the proceedings. You are made to feel
extremely welcome and you could not be better fed or watered. The
sense of shared community is very strong and there is no pressure
to be anything but yourself. Large companies send staff off on expensive
courses to have a mental tune up. All you have to do is call in.
I hope to see you at next year's retreat.
Report by: Mr. Barry Sheehan
Class of 1964 celebrates 40 years out at the
Annual Union Dinner
The class of '64 who were in their Leaving Certificate
year during Rockwell's Centenery celebrations in 1964, got together
to celebrate 40 years out at the Annual Dinner in the Shelbourne
Hotel, Dublin recently. Brendan Sutton & Frank
Madden organised the reunion which was well attended, Fr.
Aidan Lehane C.S.Sp. (Dean of Discipline) Fr. Jack
Meade C.S.Sp. (Prefect) Fr Jim Hurley C.S.Sp.
and Sean O'Donnell (teachers) joined the lads for
a photograph. The entertainment for the night was provided by Mick
Toohey, Harry Crosbie and Jim
Headon.
Record Attendance at Union London Dinner
In the splendid setting of the Mountbatten Hotel
in Covent Garden, past pupils of the College gathered for the Union
London Dinner on the eve of the Ireland and England Rugby International.
Close on 70 past pupils attended and they were met by the President
of the Union Patrick Curran (Class 1975) and Fr.
Sean Broderick C.S.Sp., President of the College. There
was a notable increase in attendance from recent past pupils of
the College and amongst these were Thomas Kearney, Conleth
Ryan, Justin Lynch & John Brennan (All Class
1995), Michael Slattery , Darac O'Neill and Elaine
Mulcahy (Class 1990), Janet Frawley (Class 1991) , Parail Cliffe
& John Heaphy (Class 1987), Galen Moloney (Class 1989),
Paul Rattigan & Tom Flynn (Class 1980)
and Anthony Heaphy (Class 1985) . The Class
of 1965 were also out in force . Also present were past
Presidents of the Union Hilary Healy (Class 1965)
and Joe Cummisky (Class 1964) together with Past
President of the College Fr. Aidan Lehane C.S.Sp.
and Fr. Noel Redmond C.S.Sp..
At the end of a long and enjoyable evening, a recent past pupil
was overheard to say that he can't wait for the next London Dinner
in 2006!
The President of the Union thanked past pupil Mike O'Conner
for his assistance in securing the venue for the Union London Dinner
and Patrick Mulcahy (Class 1969) for the work undertaken
in organising this excellent Union Dinner... made even more enjoyable
with the result from Twickenham the following day!
Union Annual Dinner sponsored by First Active
Confirming the growing interest and increasing
popularity amongst past pupils of the College in the Union and its
Functions , the President of the Union Patrick Curran (Class
1975) has confirmed that one of Irelands leading Financial
Institutions First Active Plc, part of the Royal
Bank of Scotland Group, has agreed to sponsor the 2004
Annual Dinner. Announcing the Corporate Sponsorship , the President
commented that the Annual Dinner is the highlight of the Union calendar
and brings together past pupils from throughout the country and
abroad for this annual reunion.
The Union also announce the recipient of the Past Pupil
of the Year Award at the Dinner and this year's recipient
will follow in a distinguished line of past pupils who have received
this award including John L.Murray SC, Senator
Maurice Manning, former Irish Triple Crown winner Bertie
O'Hanlon, Gerry Danaher SC, Charles
V Whelan and last years recipient Lt Gen. Colm
Mangan, recently retired former Chief of Staff of the Irish
Defence Forces.
The President thanked First Active Plc for their
support and commented that he was sure the association between the
past pupils of Rockwell College and the Bank would be mutually beneficial
to both parties going forward.
This year's Dinner is being held in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin,
on Friday 26th March at 7 pm, the eve of the Ireland and Scotland
rugby match in Dublin and another large attendance is anticipated.Tickets
are priced at EUR 70 pp or EUR 40 pp for recent past pupils who
have left the College in the past 5 years. Further details are available
on the Booking Form or from Yvonne Kennedy (Class 1990)
087-8112 158, Evan Lonergan (Class 1996) 086-8303
381, Angela Kelly (Class 1990) 01-8583 800
, Denis Finn (Class 1991) 086-8205 353 and Sheila
Ryan (Class 2002) 087-9911 438
This event has already taken place.
Annual Mass for deceased past pupils during
the year.
The Annual Mass for deceased past students and
staff took place on Sunday 30th November at St Mary's College,
Rathmines concelebrated by Fr Sean Broderick and
Fr Aidan Lehane. The Mass was attended by c.60
which included the Rockwell Choir under the guidance
of Fr Peter Raferty who by their beautiful singing
helped to make it a very moving cermony. A list of those who passed
away during the last year can be viewed here. Our thanks to our
hosts St Mary's College, Fr Broderick, Fr Lehane, Fr Raferty, the
Rockwell Choir and Risteard O'Colmain (1941) who
organised the event.
Click here to view the list
of those for whom this mass was offered. PDF
2004 Union Business Lunch
Annual Business Lunch – Another
Sell Out.
The 2004 Business Lunch proved to be another success
with 96 attendees, another record attendance.
It took place in the Shelbourne Hotel on Friday
26th November 2004 and was further enhanced by an excellent speaker
in Mr. Brody Sweeney (Class 1979), Managing Director
of O’Brien’s Irish Sandwich Bars. Brody attended Rockwell
College in 1979.
This was the first year where we had a full table
of past pupils from the years of 2003/2004. They enjoyed it immensely
and look forward to being more involved for next years lunch.
The event was sponsored by AIB Corporate Banking
in the amount of €2,500. The raffle produced €1,765.
Congratulations to Mark Smyth
and his committee for running such a successful function.
Business Lunch.....The Best Yet! (2003)
Over ninety people attended this year's Rockwell
College Union Business Lunch at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on
Friday, 28th November. This was a record turn out for the event
and many attending expressed the opinion that it was the best yet.
The Lunch was sponsored by AIB Corporate Banking and in the President's
address, Patrick Curran expressed gratitude to
Robert Gallagher (Class 1979), Head of Corporate Banking
International at AIB for his support.
The President also expressed appreciation to
Mark Smyth (Class 1990) and his team from the Governing
Body who organised such a successful event. The team members pulled
out all the stops to make the event a sell out. The guest speaker
was Dr. Gerard McMahon (Class of 1975), whose specialist
area is human resources and industrial relations. Gerry gave an
insightful and entertaining talk on the art of making a good presentation.
His audience certainly took a lot from his address. The President
presented Gerry with Dublin Crystal in appreciation
for his address.
Fr. Sean Broderick represented
the College together with Principal, Pat O'Sullivan. It was also
good to see Fathers Lehane, Casey and Redmond attending. Fr. Redmond
drew the raffle prizes which were sponsored by Austie Crowe
of Dundrum House Hotel, by Aidan Deegan (Class
1978) of Scruffy Murphy's and by the Shelbourne
Hotel. Michael Quaid (Class 1975) won the main
prize in the raffle and it was a pure coincidence that he was sitting
beside Fr. Redmond at lunch!
Union arrange Mock - Interviews for
Students in the College
Reflecting the excellent working relationship
between the Union and the College, a group of 12 past pupils attended
in Rockwell last November to meet with the present Leaving Certificate
Students. The focus was on interview techniques to assist the students
prepare for real life situations beyond the school gates. Over 70
students took part in the exercise, meeting on a one - to - one
basis, with the past pupils.
Prior to the meeting, Clodagh Beresford (Class 1992)
had prepared a summary handout on "Tips for Successful Interviews"
and this was distributed to all the students prior to the interviews
on the day. Each student also had to prepare a Curriculum Vitae
prior to the interview and this was discussed with them at the interviews.
A number of the interviews were conducted based on specific requests
from students interested in pursuing careers in Engineering, Medicine,
Teaching, The Defence Forces, Banking, Law, Business & IT and
the past pupils attending represented these professions.
The reaction from the students to the Mock - Interviews was extremely
positive. The President of the Union commented that the Mock Interviews
afford the Union the opportunity to inter - face with both the College
and the Students, with mutual benefit to all parties, and acknowledged
the excellent work undertaken by Jim Holmes (Class 1976),
Chairman and the Mock - Interviews Committee of the Union.
AIB Corporate Banking sponsor Union Business
Lunch
The Union Business Lunch will this year be sponsored
by AIB Corporate Banking. Confirming the sponsorship, President
of the Union Patrick Curran stated that he is delighted
that one of Irelands leading Financial Institutions has lent its
support to the Business Lunch, one of the Unions most successful
functions and which is being held in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin
on Friday the 28th November next. The function, whose aim is to
bring past pupils from the business world together takes the format
of a lunch and a presentation from a prominent past pupil of the
College who has excelled in their chosen career. Previous past pupil
Speakers have included Harry Crosbie (Entrepreneur and Owner
of The Point Depot), Bernie Cahill (Chairman, Aer
Lingus), Ronan Reid (Joint Managing Director Dolmen
Stockbrokers), Joe Moran (Chairman, IWP International)
and Tom Murphy (Past President Society Irish Motor Industry).
This years Speaker is Dr. Gerard McMahon (Class 1975),
a renowned national expert in the area of Industrial Relations and
Human Resource Management.
The President thanked the Bank for their support
and commented that it was appropriate that AIB Corporate Banking,
one of Irelands leading Financial Institutions, was supporting Rockwell
College, one of Irelands leading Educational Institutions and its
past pupils through the Union and he was certain the association
would be mutually beneficial to all parties.
Munster
Dinner a Big Success
Held
in Limerick this year, the Union Munster Dinner proved a huge success
with 60 past pupils attending at the Greenhills Hotel in mid October.
Following the re-introduction of the Munster Dinner by the Union
last year with a Dinner held in Cork, numbers attending doubled
this year. Welcome guests included the President of the College
Fr. Sean Broderick C.S.Sp., former President Fr.
Aidan Lehane C.S.Sp. & Fr. Noel Redmond C.S.Sp.
and attendees included former Irish Internationals Michael
Fitzgibbon (Class 1982) and Jack Clarke (Class
1986) and recent Past President of the Munster Branch of
the IRFU, Brendan O'Dowd (Class 1958). The President
of the Union Patrick Curran expressed the Union's
appreciation to Gay Mangan (Class 1959) and Owen
Ryan (Class 1959) for organising such a successful Dinner
and commented that the Union Munster Dinner is now back on the Union
Calendar and judging by the numbers attending, is here to stay.
Rockwell
College Class of 1973 Reunion
On the weekend of Friday and Saturday the 26th & 27th September
2003 the Class of '73 came together at Dundrum House Hotel, Cashel,
Co. Tipperary.
Despite the greying hair, receding hairlines and
expanding waistlines, it proved possible to identify most of those
attending notwithstanding the fact that one past pupil was overheard
on the phone to his better half stating that everybody attending
were so fat and bald that they hadn't recognised him. David
Higgins was heard to remark that he could not believe that
it was 30 years since we had left Rockwell given the fact that only
5 years had elapsed since the 25 year re-union. While those who
attended were not all mortgaged, married and middle-aged they were
all middle-aged.
The official "Re-Union" was arranged
for the Saturday. However, about 25 brave and somewhat foolhardy
souls arrived on the Friday, played golf and then had a very enjoyable
impromptu dinner, thereby setting the scene for the weekend.
The Committee is to be commended for attempting
to cater for all the vagaries of those attending which included
Bruno's request that he have "a room with a view".
On Saturday afternoon 11 teams took part in a
3-ball scramble on the hotel golf course. The term "scramble"
was an apt term and correctly described much of the activity on
the golf course but after much craic and very little skill the winning
team emerged as that of Michael Gordon and those
well known golfers Willie Slattery and Michael
McInerney. Both Fr. Redmond and Fr.
Lehane played with Fr. Lehane being again the only player
to carry his own clubs. Many thanks to Eamon Taylor
of Taylor's of Mount Merrion [email: info@blackrockcrystal.ie]
for again sponsoring the golf prizes.
Throughout the day more old classmates arrived in one's and two's
and the organisers were delighted with the final turnout of 74 odd
past pupils and we do mean odd. We were also delighted at the turnout
of the guests who included Fr. Noel Redmond (Dean of Discipline
in our time) who again received a standing ovation after his speech
(as he again told us we were all great lads). He also made the point
that he had just got through a meal during which the past pupils
spent the time telling him how awful it was in Rockwell in their
time and accordingly Fr. Redmond posed the question if it was so
awful what the hell were they all doing back there for the Re-Union?.
Very entertaining speeches were also delivered by Fr. Aidan Lehane
(President in our time), Fr. Brendan Hally (Headmaster
in our time) and Fr. Sean Broderick (current President
of Rockwell). Other guests attending were former teachers Fr.
Eddie Flynn, Mr. Joe Irwin, Mr.
Séamus Leahy, Mr. Gerry Flynn,
Mr. Seamus King, Mr. David Power,
Mr. Douglas Butler and Mr. Dave Morris.
Mr. Leahy said it was nice to see some long vanished faces again
and to feel so many of the "old forgotten far off things and
battles long ago" returning to memory again.
We were also delighted to have as our guest Mr.
Patrick Curran in his capacity as President of the Rockwell
College Union. Notwithstanding the fact that he was a guest he unfortunately
got stuck with paying for the wine at his table. You would have
thought after spending as long as Patrick did in Rockwell he would
have had more sense but there you go !
The hotel really put on a very good spread and
the meal itself was excellent.
Fr. Redmond remembered the five deceased members
of the class in prayer before the meal commenced.
Aidan Molloy made another emotional
"impromptu" speech and continues to claim that he won
the Victor Ludorum in his day despite the fact that we are all well
aware that it was Paul Kenny.
Many old versions of happenings in the school
were recounted as were many newer versions of the same old tales
(applying the premise of Mark Twain to the effect that when he was
younger he could remember anything whether it had happened or not).
After the meal all retired to the bar where friendships
were renewed and a great night had by all. As silence was never
encountered at any time during the evening it was accordingly possible
then to establish that the BS never stopped.
Special thanks to the 12 people who travelled
from abroad. The long distance award in this category going to Tom
Quinlan who again came from Hawaii. Special thanks also
to Mary Ann McCarthy who was the only past pupil
attending of the fairer sex.
The consensus was that the Re-Unions are getting
better as we are getting older which maybe because we are imbibing
less due to the ravages of time and consequently remembering more.
All and all it was a remarkable weekend enjoyed
by everyone which offered those attending a brief sojourn from the
vicissitudes of life and a very enjoyable journey back to a time
when life was uncomplicated and we had the world at our feet.
63
students and 10 adults of the teaching staff took part in the Class
of 1973 Reunion, organised by Michael McInerney, which was held
at the Dundrum House Hotel. Afterward, Aidan Molloy, Robert
Fyffe, Eamon Taylor and David O' Connor (all Class of 1973)
visited the college to examine the Cups in the Parlour to establish
whether or not Aidan Molloy won the Victor Ludorum in 1973 and not
Paul Kenny. Aidan reckons he found it, the others are not so sure!
Click
here to view information on this event
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