News Page 1999 - 2001.

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stpatscavan@eircom.net

.....Death of Caretaker

There was deep sense of sadness and loss in St Patrick's College at the news of the death of our former caretaker Mr Paddy O'Reilly.

Paddy died on Wednesday, 17th October, after a long illness.  He had retired from his position in the College at the end of the summer.

Paddy was appointed as caretaker in 1989.  Throughout his twelve years in the position Paddy was always a conscientious worker who was held in great esteem by both staff and students alike.  He was totally committed to his work in the College and, even though ill for almost a year, he continually looked forward to the day when he might resume his duties in St Patrick's.  Paddy is pictured here on the occasion of a special presentation to mark his retirement.  The presentation was made by Fr Alwill and Mrs Mary Fitzpatrick on behalf of all members of the College staff.

At the funeral Mass his parish priest, Fr Ray Brady, spoke of the tremendous courage with which Paddy had faced his illness, especially his deep calm and resignation during the last few weeks of his life.  The College Choir sang at the funeral Mass, which was attended by a large number of College staff and students as well as by a large circle of friends and neighbours. 

We extend our deepest sympathy to his sister Molly.

May he rest in peace.

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.....Design Team Appointed

In March 2001 the Planning & Building Unit of the Department of Education & Science informed the College President, Fr Alwill, that he could advertise for architectural services in relation to the provision of new accommodation/conversion works in the College.

As a result of the closure of the Boarding School there are many vacant rooms and dormitories.  It's now over fifteen years since the last major building project at the College when St Augustine's Wing was opened.  The officials of the Department have agreed that College facilities now need another major upgrade and they plan to convert some of the old boarding accommodation as well as construct new buildings.  The new plans will entail, among other things, the provision of larger classrooms, a new language lab and a new library and the construction of a new sports hall.

The Department officials estimated that the project would be a large undertaking and, as a result, advertisements for architectural services had to be placed in the EU Official Journal and the Irish national newspapers. 

Todd Architects were appointed to the project in early July.  The remainder of the Design Team was appointed before the end of July.  The team has already held a number of meetings in the College with a view to moving on to Stage 1 of the project.  

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.....Past Pupil Elected in Australia

Ronan Lee, a past pupil who left the College in 1989, has been successful in recent elections in Australia.  Ronan was elected at the Queensland State election as the Member of Parliament for the Brisbane based electorate of Indooroopilly.  Ronan, pictured here with his wife Naomi, stood as a candidate for the Labour Party.

Ronan's early secondary education was in St Patrick's College before his family moved to Australia in 1989.  He is a native of Ballyjamesduff and his father Sean is also a past pupil of St Patrick's College.

We congratulate Ronan on his success and wish him all the best in his new career.

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.....The Boarding School Closes

The end of this year's Leaving and Junior Cert examinations marked the end of the Boarding School at St Patrick's College.

A tradition of boarding which started in 1874 has now passed into history.   The original decision to close the Boarding School was made over two years ago and, as a result, the boarding school has gradually wound down.  Since September last the College catered at different times for between 13 and 18 boarding students.  During the latter days of the state examinations this number had dwindled to two or three.

Much regret has been expressed at the closure, especially by past students of the College.  Many of them look back with affection to the days they spent in the College.

There are plans to convert the boarders' rooms into new classrooms, libraries etc. but these plans will have to meet with the approval of the Department of Education and Science.  The Old Wing of the College will be converted into a diocesan resource centre providing special facilities for retreats, conferences etc.

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.....Past Pupil Directory Goes On Line

Following suggestions from some past students we have decided to set up a Directory of Past Pupils.  The aim of the directory is to allow past students get in touch with each other again.  The directory contains names, dates of departure from the College, current locations and, of course, email addresses.

We wish to thank all those who have sent in details.  The list is still quite small but we look forward to hearing from more past students and adding their details over the coming months

You may view the directory and, if you are a past pupil, you may have your own details included by visiting the Directory Page now.

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.....Past Pupils in the Media.

Two past students of the College, John McEntee and Myles Dungan, are  making a big impact in the world of journalism and radio/tv news.

John (photo left) has a regular slot on SKY News, the satellite TV news channel. Every Saturday morning he joins up with the SKY News team to give a review of the day's newspapers.  He attended St Patrick's College from 1965 until 1970. He started his journalistic career with The Anglo Celt, the local newspaper for Cavan. He then moved on to The Irish Press and later went to London, where he worked for a number of the national newspapers before taking up his current posting with The Express.

Myles Dungan (photo right) completed his Leaving Certificate in St Patrick's College in 1971.   As a student in the College Myles showed a natural talent for music and acting, taking part in the musicals Oklahoma and Oliver.  For many years he presented RTE's evening radio news programme Five Seven Live, as well as presenting some tv sports programmes on golf, American football and various documentaries etc.  He currently presents a daily arts programme, Rattlebag, on RTE Radio 1.

Email: stpatscavan@eircom.net

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