Email:
(Mr Patsy Lee) .......principal@stpatscavan.com
or
(Web Master) ...........stpatrickscollege@eircom.net
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The 5th Year Art class recently visited Cavan Box
Ltd, where they discussed packaging design with Mr Anslem Lovett,
Managing Director. |
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Mr John O' Shea Appointed as New Deputy Principal
Mr John
O Shea was appointed Deputy principal on September 1st 2004.
A native of Co Wexford he has taught in St Patrick's College, Cavan since 1988.
He is a teacher of Maths, Business Studies, Economics, Business and Computers.
Mr
Patrick J Lee has been appointed as the new Principal of St Patrick's College
in succession to Fr Gerard Alwill who is retiring from the position.
Mr Lee has been a member of the College staff since 1967. He has taught a wide variety of subjects over the intervening years including Latin, PE, Art and English. He has been Deputy Principal since September 2000.
Patrick, better known as Patsy to his friends, is a native of Cavan town and he was a student of the College from 1958 until 1963. Having studied for his degree in Maynooth he started his teaching career in Willow Park, Dublin.
Over the years Patsy has shown a deep interest in and a deep commitment to St Patrick's College and to the welfare of its students. Apart from his excellent record as a teacher he trained students in athletics, he helped football coaches prepare teams for matches, he was in charge of the student tuck shop, he helped in the production of many musicals and he set up the student Radio Room, giving students experience of producing radio programmes and documentaries. He himself has produced and presented programmes on the local radio station, Northern Sound.
Mr Lee's appointment as Principal was confirmed by the Board of Management on Tuesday 18th May and was announced by Bishop Leo O'Reilly, patron and chief trustee of the College.
This is a very historic appointment as Mr Lee is the first lay principal in the 130 year history of the College. He says that he is very honoured to be appointed to this position and is deeply aware of the fine tradition of College Presidents who preceded him. During his time in St Patrick's he has worked under seven different College Presidents. He is very keen to promote the Catholic ethos of the school and wishes to further enhance the rich traditions of the College in sport, music etc. He looks forward to the introduction of new courses and, with the assistance of the Board of Management, the Parents' Association, the new Student Council and the College staff, will work towards the development of new school policies.
We wish Mr Lee every success and every blessing in his new position as Principal of St Patrick's College.
Fr
Gerard Alwill, President of the College, has confirmed that he intends to
retire from the College at the end of the current academic year.
Fr Alwill was a student of the College from 1965 to 1970. He was ordained in 1977 and he returned to St Patrick's as a member of the teaching staff in September 1978. Over the intervening years he has taught quite a number of subjects including Maths, Mechanical Drawing, Religion, Art and, in more recent years, Computer Studies. It was as Computer Studies teacher that he set up the College web site as well as the original Kilmore diocesan web site. Fr Gerard also worked in a variety of positions in the College including Sub-Dean, Dayboys' Dean and College Bursar.
In 1997 he was appointed President in succession to Fr John McTiernan. As President Fr Alwill took the decision to close the Boarding School and he established the Board of Management. He also initiated the first stages of the school building project with the appointment of a Design Team by the Department of Education. During the last year he facilitated the establishment of the Parents' Association.
Committee Members of the Parents' Association make a special
presentation to Fr Alwill
to mark his retirement from the staff of St Patrick's College
Fr Alwill is now completing his 26th year on the school staff. He says that after 26 years he feels that it is now time to move on and he is looking forward to the challenge of starting a new ministry in his life. As he leaves St Patrick's, Fr Alwill is bringing to an end a 130 year old tradition of priests holding the position of College President. His successor will be a lay person, the first lay Principal of St Patrick's College. The new Principal will probably be appointed towards the middle/end of May.
The Parents' Association held a very successful Table Quiz in the Hotel Kilmore on Thursday 22nd April.
The Quiz was very well attended and well supported with more than 40 tables occupied. It was a very successful and enjoyable evening. The proceeds of the evening go towards the equipping and furnishing of a new Materials Technology (Woodwork) Room.
Fr Alwill, the Principal, thanked the committee of the Parents' Association for organising the quiz and he also thanked all those who came along to support it.
Members of the Committee of the Parents' Association present Fr
Alwill with a cheque for €4,000, the proceeds of the table Quiz
Ten students from St Patrick's College travelled to Belfast on Thursday 27th May to be presented with their certificates of achievement for having participated in the KEY Programme.
The certificate winners with Fr Alwill (Principal), Ms Madden and
Ms Gornell (Teachers)
The presentation ceremony was held in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast, and it was attended by about 600 students from schools all over Ulster, from north and south of the border. To win their certificates the students had to participate in a number of special camps during the course of the school year where they learned the basics of setting up their own businesses as well as participating in various recreational pursuits with students from other schools.
On Friday 21st May students and staff took part in the national Telethon fundraising venture for People in Need.
All eyes on the ball as teachers set up another attack
The students paid €2 each to buy two free classes in order to watch a soccer match between a Student SRC team and a Staff team. In glorious weather the two teams battled away on the Senior Pitch and after Mr Monahan came very close to an opening goal for the teachers the students went on to score a goal before half time. In the second half the students scored another two goal before the teachers rallied and put in a strong finish, winning a penalty which they failed to convert. The full-time score was 3 - 0 in favour of the students.
Ciaran Kelly and Shane Garry contribute to Ms Gornall's
collection bucket
A total of €1176 was raised
We say a special word of thanks to the organisers, (Ms Gornall, Ms Madden & Mr O'Callaghan), to the teams, to the referee (Mr O'Shea) and, above all, to everyone who contributed to the collection.
Well done everbody!
Finbarr Corr, a past student of the College has published his memoirs in a book called "A kid from Legaginney".
As the title of the book suggests, Finbarr is a native of Legaginney, near Ballinagh, Co Cavan. He was a student of St Patrick's College from 1949 until 1954. In his book he recalls his youth in Legaginney, his years in St Pat's and his time in the seminary. He served as a priest for 28 years in America before leaving the ministry, marrying and becoming a therapist. His book takes us through his life journey from student to priesthood to therapist.
On
Friday 7th May Finbarr visited the College to mark the occasion of the Golden
Jubilee of his class. He presented the President, Fr Gerard Alwill with
a copy of his book and, in return, Fr Alwill presented him with a copy of
the late Fr Gallogly's History of St Patrick's College. Fr Gallogly
and Finbarr were classmates in St Pat's. On the next day, Saturday,
he signed copies of his book at the Crannog Book Shop in Cavan. Pictured
left, we see Finbarr in the book shop with a copy of his newly published book
and a copy of the history of St Patrick's College.
His book has won much acclaim from the critics. Frank McCourt, the author of Angela's Ashes describes it as "warm and leavened with the gentle breezes of kindness, humour and compassion". He goes on: "We don't often get the inside story of a priest's life, though I think we need to know now, more than ever, that there are men and women of the cloth doing God's work. So here it is, a memoir of a man doing just that, a man with a great heart and a writing style that draws you in as if you were sitting by his fireside, listening. Listening and being moved."
In Ireland copies of A Kid from Legaginney are available from the Crannóg Book Shop (Cavan) and Eason's (Dublin). In the USA copies may be ordered through the Barnes and Noble web site.
The choirs of St Patrick's College and Alexandra College Dublin presented a marvellous evening of music and song in the new Conference Centre, St Patrick's College, on Saturday night, 8th May.
The
Conference Centre was absolutely packed for the performance which included
works such as Zadok the Priest, Dvorak's Mass in D, Panis Angelicus, The Anvil
Chorus, O Fortuna and, the climax of the evening, the main theme from Riverdance.
Apart from the massed choirs, many students presented solo performances and
there were presentations from the College Jazz Band and the Traditional Irish
Group.
John Farrelly (Right) on clarinet. P J Kennedy (Left) on flute
Declan McGoldrick playing 1st Movement, Bach's Violin Concerto in
A Minor
The large attendance thoroughly enjoyed the evening's music and showed its appreciation by giving a prolonged standing ovation at the end of the concert.
College President, Fr Alwill, speaking after the concert, congratulated Ciaran Tackney and Evelyn Hearns on the wonderful performance and thanked them for their commitment and hard work. He also welcomed Marian Healy, the Principal of Alexandra College. This was the second year that the two colleges had collaborated in this way and, given it's marvellous success, he suggested that it might become an annual event with concerts in Cavan and Dublin. He also reminded the audience that the Conference Room was, in it's earlier days, the Student Refectory and, during the 1950's and 1960's, was the venue for many of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas presented by the students of that time.
Finally, Liam Maguire, on behalf of the choristers and musicians of the College, made a surprise special presentation to Fr Alwill on the occasion of his retirement from the College.
On Wednesday 24th March a group of secondary school principals and agricultural school principals from Holland visited St Patrick's College. The visit was arranged through Mr Michael Swords from the Teagasc Agricultural College, Ballyhaise.
The visitors were welcomed to the College by the President, Fr Gerard Alwill, Mr Patsy Lee (Deputy Principal) and Mr Edward O'Callaghan (teacher of Agricultural Science). In welcoming them, Fr Alwill outlined briefly the history of the College and the development of secondary education in Ireland.
The visitors from Holland in the Demonstration Room after the
presentation from Declan McGovern and Peadar Harten.
Also in the picture is Mr O'Callaghan.
The group then went to the Demonstration Room where Mr O'Callaghan and two students, Declan McGovern and Peadar Harten spoke to visitors about Agricultural Science in the College and about the projects they do as part of their course. The visitors were very impressed by the two students and their contribution.
After
their marvellous success in the Ulster Schools Championships, the students
representing St Patrick's College have scored notable success in the All-Ireland
Secondary Schools Swimming Championships held in Galway in early February.
The team from the College consisted of Peter Cullivan, Conor McClarry, Michael
Coyle, Robert Maloney-Derham and Conor Hayden.
Robert was first reserve finalist in his individual events of 100 m backstroke and 200 m Medley. But the highlight of the team's achievements was their success in the relay events. They won the bronze medal in the Under-14 200 m Medley in a time of 2.13.47. In the final of the Freestyle Relay , won by St Colman's, Claremorris, in a schools record time, the St Pat's lads took the silver medal position in a magnificent time of 1.58.48.
Congratulations and well done to the team on a very fine achievement.
Congratulations
to past student Paul Brady was has recently become world champion in handball.
Paul, who comes from Mullahoran, won the title when he defeated David Chapman in the largest prize money event in the history pro-handball, Handball's Ultimate Showdown Final. The scores were 11-13, 11-6, 12-10, 11-6.
Paul was down 4-8 in the third game and it looked as if Chapman was going to take control of the game but he fought back to take the game 12-10. Chapman again took a 6-2 lead in the fourth game but Brady scored 6 points without reply and went on to win 11-6.
Paul in action in the final.
David congratulates Paul. Paul is presented with the cheque
After the match Paul was presented with a cheque for $50,000.
The following report on the match comes from the Pro-Handball Web Site:
An anticipated hush fell over the capacity crowd. With a loud crack, the ball rolled out from the front wall and came to rest near the backcourt. The gallery responded with an eruption of applause. And that ended the first rally in the largest prize money event in pro handball history – Handball’s Ultimate Showdown Final. Paul Brady never looked back, and shook off a first game setback to top David Chapman for handball’s biggest payday (11-13), 11-6, 12-10, 11-6.
It
was Brady who delivered that first blow, taking the serve from Chapman and
setting the tone with that rally-ending rollout. Chapman, who is virtually
unbeatable when playing in the final, gave all the credit to his opponent,
“Paul just played exceptional handball all weekend. He is a class player and
deserves all the credit for winning.”
Brady had mutual respect for his opponent, “(Chapman) is just the toughest
player I’ve ever played. He’s great. Probably the greatest ever…without a
doubt, the best ever. It’s not to often that you beat him. You just have to
earn every point against him.”
And every one of Brady’s points were well-earned and hard fought. Brady talked about his situation against Chapman, “I know that I’m not going to have it easy in any game, and no lead is safe. Even when I started to pull away a bit, I knew I had to stay mentally focused.” Brady displayed nerves of steel to prove his mettle down 8-4 in the third game. He was able to tie the score at 8-8 until Chapman scored two quick points to serve at 10-8. When asked about his mindset at that point in the match Brady responded, “I just kept believing I was going to win. I kept thinking, ‘No matter what happens, I’m going to win. I’m going to win.’”
When asked about the win and what this tournament has done for handball, Brady summed it up with one word, “Unbelievable…it’s just unbelievable.” The crowd was surprised with the outcome since most handball fans can recall the date and time they last saw Chapman lose in a final. As one fan proclaimed, “That was by far, the most exciting handball I have ever seen!”
Even Brady seemed stunned that he was able to finally beat one of the game’s most prolific players. “I felt relief more than anything, but it was a shock. Honestly, just to beat David and to get past all the best players here is an honor.”
Paul Brady travels the long journey from Ireland to play Pro Handball in America; one of the most difficult parts of his personal journey came to an end on Sunday when he defeated the game’s top player in the Ultimate Showdown Final. Perhaps now those trips from Ireland might not seem as long.
This is a marvellous achievement for Paul and we heartily congratulate him him.
Handballer of the Year Award
As a result of this success Paul was awarded the
GAA-Vodaphone All-Stars
Handballer of the Year Award.
At a special ceremony in the Westin Hotel,
Dublin, Paul (right of picture) was presented with the award by GAA President, Mr Sean O'Cheallaigh.
Pictured with Paul at the award ceremony is Fr John Gilhooly.
Fr John was Paul's coach and mentor during his time in St Patrick's College.
We
congratulate Fifth Year student Padraig O'Reilly on being selected to play
on the Irish Under-18 Compromise Rules Team to play Australia at Easter.
Padraig, who plays his football with Ballinagh, was a member of last year's successful Rannafast team. He has also played with Cavan county teams at various levels including U-16, minor and U-21. Last year he was selected to play for Ireland in the U-17 International test against Australia. He will join the Irish team as they head off to play three games against Australia during the Easter holidays. They will play three games in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
Before he left for Australia Padraic was given a number of special presentations by students and staff on the last day of term before the Easter holidays.
Padraic's fellow students in Fifth Year congratulate him and wish
him success in Australia
Head Prefect, Fergal Slowey, made a presentation on behalf of his fellow students in Fifth Year.
Football coach and teacher, Mr J J Reilly made a presentation on behalf of the teaching staff of the College. He complimented Padraic on his commitment and his dedication to the game, stating that Padraic has an outstanding sporting future, whether it be in Ireland or Australia.
College President, Fr Gerard Alwill also made a presentation on behalf of the school.
Padraic's father, Declan, was guest of honour for the special occasion.
Mr JJ Reilly, Fr Alwill, Padraic, Declan O'Reilly (Padraic's
father), Sean McKiernan, Fergal Slowey and Mr Patsy Lee.
We wish Padraig and the rest of the Irish team every success in the test series.
This year's Junior Tour travelled to Spain.
During the February mid-term break a group of forty students visited many of the fine attractions in Barcelona such as La Sagrada Familia, the Aquarium, the Novcamp Stadium and the Olympic Swimming Pool. But the high point of the tour, in more senses than one, was the visit to the hilltop town of Monsterrat with it's famous monastery.
The Junior Tour visits Monserrat near Barcelona in Spain.
Alan
O'Riordan, a Fifth Year student in the College, has been selected to play
for the Irish Under-18 schoolboys soccer team.
He recently played in the Ireland .v. Scotland game in Dundalk which resulted in a 1 - 1 draw.
In the coming weeks the Irish lads will play three more games, away to Wales and England and at home to New Zealand.
Alan was a member of the College soccer team that reached last year's schools Cup Final. He is a regular on the Shelbourne Under-17 and Under-21 teams.
The College Assembly was packed out on Friday last, 5th March, for the Battle of the Bands.
Organised by Mr Tackney, the school Music teacher, the Battle of the Bands was a competition for student bands. Four bands took part in the competition and the members of the audience voted for the winner. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Stevie Dee. Stevie is a past student of the College, better known in those days as as Steven Brady.
The four bands were The Do-Littles, Overdrive, The Screamin' Leads and The Flyin' Fish Monkeys. Most of the musicians and singers were College students, though some came from the neighbouring schools.
The Flyin Fish Monkeys
Christopher O'Reilly, Damien Smith, Adam Gibbons, Tommy Payralbe and Darren
Prunty
The Flyin' Fish Monkeys were voted the top band and took the Euro 300 prize.
The guest artists for the evening were The Significant Seven, three of whose members are past students; Daire O'Reilly on Sax, Cormac McCann on piano and Paul McCann, Bass.
Congratulations
to Darren O'Reilly and Patrick Brady who recently won the Ulster Colleges
Under-17 Doubles Championship in handball. We also congratulate their
trainer, Fr John Gilhooly.
In the final they defeated St Mary's College, Belfast, 21 - 13 and 21 - 06.
The St Pat's lads now go into the All-Ireland championships, the finals of which will be held on Sunday 7th March. We wish them all the best in the finals.
Enrolment Day for intending First Year students took place on Saturday, 13th March.
Intending First Years and their parents/guardians were invited to attend the College and to receive information about the school, its courses, its activities and its facilities.
Traditionally, Enrolment Day was combined with Open Day when prospective students and their families had an opportunity to tour the school, to visit the various subject rooms and to view the displays of student work and projects.
This year, however, due to the on-going building works, the tour could not take place.
Enrolment took place in the new Conference Room, the Refectory as it was formerly called. The new students had an opportunity to enrol, to view some student projects from the Art and Woodwork classes and to speak to staff and students about school life, subjects etc.
It was a very successful day and 106 new pupils enrolled for next year.
There are still some vacancies so anyone considering enrolling a son into First Year or into any other year-group up the house should contact the College at (049) 436 1888.
Please visit our special
Declan
McGoldrick, a Third Year student, has won a place on the cross-border orchestra
of Ireland. This orchestra consists of eighty young people for the border
counties. They have already performed in many prestigious venues in
Ireland but they are currently touring California.
Declan had to make a rushed departure from his Mock-Junior Cert exams in order to fly out with the orchestra on 13th February. Their schedule is very busy with intensive rehearsals for eight concerts and visits to Disneyland and San Francisco. They return to Ireland February 23rd.
Declan is actively involved in musical activities within the College having featured as a soloist for concerto movements with guest orchestras on several occasions. He is also involved on the jazz band, the traditional Irish group and in the choir. Declan, who is also a member of the Cavan County Youth Orchestra, is tutored in violin by Ms Sue Donohoe.
The College Quiz Team has got off to a good start in the TCH All-Ireland Schools Quiz.
The team consists of Malacy McKeever, David O'Reilly, Michael Hayes, Andrew Norry, Thomas Broe and Niall Galligan.
They succeeded in winning their way through the first two rounds of the competition recording victories over Ardee Community School and St Mary's, Dundalk.
The team has now made further progress, defeating St Macartan's, Monaghan, to reach the last 16 teams in the competition and then defeating Newry, thus reaching the quarter-finals of the competition. They next play St Joseph's, Galway for a semi-final place.
We wish them every success as the competition progresses.
The recent spell of good weather has really brightened up College life during this first term.
It has given a great opportunity to the football coaches and teams in both Gaelic and soccer to get in lots of training and practice.
And, as is clear from the above photograph of the walks at the back of the College, there is a marvellous display of autumnal colours around the grounds. Rarely have the College grounds looked so well at this time of year.
Leaving
Cert student Philip Noone, who recently won through to the final heats of
RTE's "You're a Star" has bowed out of the competition.
In the first round heat from Longford recently broadcast on RTE TV Philip
took second place with 11,000 votes, only 40 votes behind the eventual
winner on the evening.
Philip, pictured right from the TV programme, got great support from Louis Walsh who was very impressed with the young Cavan lad's talent, saying "This kid has got something. I've got a feeling about him". Philip sang "Cannonball" by Damien Rice. Throughout the programme he look confident and relaxed.
On January 18 Philip appeared in the first of the national heats, which was broadcast live on RTE. Again, he was successful and won through to the next heat, one of eleven finalists. However, the second national heat on Sunday, January 25th, did not go so well for the young Cavan lad and he failed to gain enough popular support to emulate his previous successes. He and another contestant were eliminated from the competition.
It was remarkable experience for Philip and, regardless of the outcome, for all of us who know him Philip is still very much a star! Well done Philip!
The Board of Management of the College has recently given the go-ahead for the establishmentg of a Parents' association.
The Association held its inaugural meeting on Thursday 9th October. About 70 parents attended this first meeting. Fr Alwill, school Principal, welcomed them and thanked them for coming. Fr Alwill stated that the Association would add a new dimension to parental involvement in the life of the school and he said that he looked forward to working with the new committee of the association.
A committee of ten members was selected and officers were appointed. Mr Rory Hayden was elected Chairperson of the Association.
Renovations to the College Chapel have recently got under way.
These renovations are part of the on-going renovations that are being carried out in the Old Wing of the College.
The main work on the College Chapel is concentrated on the roof of the Chapel. The old slates have been carefully removed and the roof will then be insulated. The slates will be cleaned and then put back onto the roof.
It is expected that this work will take about three to four weeks.
This will be the last major work to be carried out.
In
the meantime, renovations to the top floor of the Old Wing have been completed
and it is now in full use as part of the Cavan College of Further Studies.
Work on the first floor is almost complete. The main concentration of the work is now on the Ground Floor. The photograph shows the current state of the Red Tiled Corridor as the work continues.
All the windows have been removed and taken away for repair. By and large they are in good condition and will be refitted with improved insulation. All rooms and offices will be fitted with new wiring and with new heating.
Steel supporting beams have been placed into the ceiling of the old student refectory. The refectory itself will become a conference centre.
It is hoped that all renovation works will be completed by 19th December.
The death has taken place of Sr Rosarii Haughton, a former member of the College teaching staff for 25 years.
Sr
Rosarii was a member of the Sisters of Mercy and had taught in Ballinamore
before she came to St Patrick's College. She taught Irish, Geography
and Religion. She was a hard-working and dedicated teacher who won the
respect of staff and students alike. Above all, many students will remember
her care and concern for them outside of the classroom.
Sr Rosarii, pictured right welcoming Archbishop Brady to the College in 1997, was very involved in the helping with the College musicals and over the years she built up a huge costume collection for the shows. She also led a number of school tours to England and to the continent. She worked hard in helping prepare for the various special Masses in the College, and many boarding students will especially remember her decorations in the College Chapel for the Christmas Mass. When necessary she was always willing to work as nurse in the College infirmary. When she retired from teaching and from the College in June 1997 she joined the Mercy Sisters in Mullingar where she was deeply involved in parish ministry.
Sr Rosarii, a native of Rathnew, Co Wicklow, died after a long illness on Friday, 24th January 2003.
We, the staff and students of St Patrick's College, offer our sincere sympathy to her brothers and sisters, to her nephews and nieces and to her colleagues in the Sisters of Mercy.
May she rest in peace.
Corn na nÓg Team into Quarter-Finals
The Corn na nÓg team has qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition
after coming through a very competitive group in the league section with
opponents such as Abbey CBS, St Michael's Enniskillen and St Patrick's Maghera.
While they lost the opening match against Omagh CBS they bounced back with an impressive win over Abbey CBS. Finishing strongly in their third match they registered a deserved victory over St Michael's Enniskillen. In a rip-roaring encounter against St Patrick's Maghera the Cavan lads raced into an early lead only to be hauled back by the Derry team. A last minute point by Niall Smith earned the Cavan team a well deserved draw.
Their quarter-final game will be played on Saturday 31st January. We wish them and their trainer Mr JJ O'Reilly continued success in the competition.
The College Senior Team defeated in North Leinster League
The Ulster Council
of the GAA has granted permission for St Patrick's to play in the North Leinster
League this year instead of the McRory Cup in Ulster. This experiment was
granted for a two year period. It is hoped that the Cavan team will enjoy
more success by virtue of the fact that they will be playing against teams
who will not have an age advantage over them.
The campaign began on a high note with a fine win over Marist College, Athlone. However, the team then went down by seven points to St Mel's, Longford. The fact that seven regular members of the team were absent due to illness was a major factor in the outcome of that game. However, the team recovered in the next match and came out winners over Moyne Community School. Then came the game against Moate College, resulting in another victory for the Cavan team. The St Pat's boys then avenged the earlier defeat against St Mels, Longford, when they defeated them in a play-off by 3 - 6 to 1 - 7.
The victory in the play-off meant that St Patrick's Cavan would have to face St Patrick's Navan, one of the best teams in Leinster. The Cavan boys got off to a bad start conceding 4 - 4 in the first half. In a spirited second-half performance they restricted the Navan team to two more points. However they failed to convert their own chances so Navan were the eventual winners, 4 - 6 to 1 - 7. This defeat brought an end to the Cavan team's interest in they year's North Leinster League but they then had the Leinster Championship to look forward to.
The first match of the Championship, however, brought disappointment as the Cavan side went down by four points to Newbridge in a torrid game played in absolutely atrocious weather conditions. It was a game that the Cavan lads could have and should have won but they were unable to take the many chances that came their way. This defeat brought to an end the Senior team's competitive games for this year.
This year's Rannafast team was unable to emulate the success of last year, going out of the competition on when they were defeated by St Patrick's, Armagh.
The campaign got off to a bad start with defeats to Omagh CBS and to St Patrick's, Armagh. The game against Armagh was particularly disappointing. The Cavan side were leading by six points with only three minutes to go, only to lose the match by a single point. The team then rallied to record a fine victory over St Coleman's, Newry.
As a result of the win over Newry, St Pat's had to take part in a play-off against Armagh in order to decide who would go into the quarter-finals of the competition. The game on Friday last was a major disappointment for the Cavan lads as they were defeated by a five point margin. As a result, their participation in this year's competition has come to an abrupt end.
The fast was in aid of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. The cheque was recently present to Mr P J Dunne from the Cavan branch of the Society
Brian Clarke, Stephen Rudden, Mr P J Dunne, William Courtney,
Darragh Doonan, Jimmy Costello and Ms Anne Marie Madden
Three senior students from the College represented St Patrick's College in the Ulster Schools Competition held recently at Portadown Golf Club.
A total of 27 schools from all over the province took part in the competition.
St Patrick's was represented by Bobby Brady, Frank Crowe and Eoin McGrath who scored 78, 84 and 73 respectively. This was good enough to win third place in the competition. However the Pat's boys missed out on qualification for the All-Ireland by just 3 shots. The overall winner on the day was Banbridge.
We congratulate Bobby, Eoin and Frank on a great acheivement.
John O'Reilly, captain of last year's victorious Rannafast Team, was one of 23 team captains to be presented with a special award on Friday, 10th October.
The presentation ceremony, sponsored by BT, was held in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. The awards were presented to the captains of the winning teams in 23 Ulster GAA schools competitions in both hurling and football. Also present were the parents of the captains, the team coaches and the school principals.
Compere for the evening was TV sports reporter Jerome Quinn and the guest speaker was Phillip Jordan, a member of the Tyrone All-Ireland winning team. There was also a special presentation to the mothers of the winning captains.
John O'Reilly (Father), Jerome Quinn, John O'Reilly (Rannafast
Captain), Ray Cullivan (Coach) and Noleen O'Reilly (Mother)
Work on the renovation of the Old Wing has continued throughout the summer.
The renovations are part of the overall plan to turn the Old Wing of the College into a Diocesan Pastoral and Resource Centre. The top floor of the wing will accommodate the Cavan College of Further Studies while the ground and first floors will provide offices, meeting rooms etc for the new Pastoral Centre.
The building has been totally rewired. The old heating system has been replaced by a totally new system. Every window in the wing was removed, treated and, if required, repaired before being re-installed with draught-proofing etc. The "Top T" has been turned into classrooms and lecture rooms for the CCFS while the "Middle T" has been converted into residential accommodation for the person in charge of the Pastoral Centre.
The Student Refectory: To become a Conference Room
As a result of all this work the College Office, the Guidance Office and the President's Office have had to relocated in porta-cabin accommodation at the back of the Old Wing. The plans also include the conversion of the student refectory into a conference centre. As a result, students now use the Study Hall as a dining room. The installation of two new boilers has resulted in the construction of two new chimney stacks at the rear of the College. It is also planned to re-roof the College Chapel.
The view of the back of the Old Wing, showing the temporary offices and the new boiler chimney stacks.
It is hoped that these renovations will be complete by early 2004.
Renovation works have begun in the Old Wing of the College.
After a span of 129 years we say goodbye to the rooms on "Top T" and on "Middle T".
Removing the rubble as the rooms on Top T are demolished
The
renovation works result from the decision to close the Boarding School in
2000 and to convert the Old Wing into a Resource Centre for the Diocese
of Kilmore. The plans include the conversion of much of the top floor
into classrooms and offices for the Cavan College of Further Studies.
And so we say goodbye to the rooms along that part of the corridor known
to boarders as the "Top T".
The photo on the left shows what the "Top T" looked like before work began and the photo on the right shows what it now looks like after the demolition of the rooms and the corridor. The shadowy stairs to the right of the photo are the old stairs to the attic.
This is all that remains of the two rooms on "Top T" that
overlooked the front of the College
Phase 2 of the project will be the conversion of the first floor into offices and meetings rooms for the new resource Centre. The corridor known as "Middle T" will be converted into a residential apartment for the person in charge of the Centre.
The project will have to move very quickly because work on the first phase, the top floor, has to be completed before September so that it will be ready for the resumption of the new term in the College of Further Studies. As well as general refurbishment, the renovations include the installation of a new heating system and the rewiring the whole wing.
Two former students of the College were tragically killed in a freak road accident in the early hours of Monday, 28th July.
The boys, both from the Ballyhaise/Redhills area, were killed when the car in which they were travelling left the road and hit a tree near Gannon's Cross on the Butlersbridge-Cloverhill road. The accident was not discovered until later on Monday morning.
Shane Mooney was 18 and would have completed his Leaving Cert studies in June 2003. Bernard Gilsenan was 16 and was in third year when he left the College. They were first-cousins.
Their deaths came as a terrible shock to all who knew them. Huge crowds attended the removals and the funerals. The funeral Mass was celebrated by their local priest, Fr Pat McHugh, and both boys were buried in adjoining plots in Killoughter cemetery.
The staff and students of St Patrick's College extend their deepest sympathy to the families of both boys.
May they rest in peace.
Two students of the College, brothers Hugh and Paul Fitzpatrick, from Ballyhaise, have recently won medals at national athletics competitions. Both lads specialise in the walking events.
Both
students represented the College in the All-Ireland Schools Finals in Tullamore
on 31st May last. Paul, pictured left, won the silver medal in his event,
the 1200 m walk for Junior Boys. His brother Hugh came 5th in the 2000
m walk for Intermediate Boys.
Hugh (right of picture) was then chosen to represent Ulster Schools in the Tailteann Games which took place in Tullamore on 21st June. He came third in the 3K walk, winning the bronze medal. He took up the sport just over two years ago and is now in regular training.
Both boys thoroughly enjoy the sport and have ambitions to participate in further national competitions, whenever the opportunities arise. We congratulate them on their recent successes and we wish them the best of luck in future competitions.
After the Mass a number of awards were presented to the students.
The Felim McCabe Memorial Award
Dessie Scanlon, winner of the Felim McCabe Memorial award, is
pictured here with Felim's parents, Gorretti and Felix.
Mr & Mrs McCabe presented the award in memory of their son Felim, a member of
this class who died during Second Year.
Student of the Year Merit Awards
Pictured here are the four winners of the Student of the Year
Merit Awards, sponsored by Cavan Credit Union.
William Fitzpatrick, David Quinn, Erick Johnson (Treasurer, Cavan Credit
Union), Darren Lynch, Francis Murray and Mr Patsy Lee (Deputy Principal)
The College Soccer Team was defeated in the final of the Schools Senior Cup Final when it when it went down to a 1 - 4 scoreline against Blackrock College, Dublin at Belfield on Wednesday, April 9th, 2003.
Irish Cup Finalists
Back Row: Alan O'Riordan, Francis Graham, Charles Halligan,
Gearóid Collins, Micheál Lyng, Darren Lynch
Front Row: Brian Greenan, Khalid Hussain, David Quinn (Capt), Enda McCormack,
Ciarán Lynch
(Photo: The Anglo-Celt)
The St Patrick's College lads had the best possible start when Micheál Lyng scored the opening goal after 10 minutes. His shot from 25 yards was unstoppable, into the left corner of the net. The first half was a dogged and dour affair but sprang to life in the last few moments of the half. The Cavan team missed a a golden opportunity to go 2 - 0 up before the break when they kicked wide in front of an open goal. Then, within a minute, Kelly scored for Blackrock, leaving the teams level at the break.
Gearóid Collins is closely guarded by the Blackrock defence
During the first 15 minutes of the second half the St Pat's lads totally dominated play and were unlucky not to score again as shots from Killian Phair and Gearóid Collins were narrowly off target. With 15 minutes to go, Blackrock scored again, from McDermott. As the Cavan lads made greater efforts to find an equaliser they became more exposed at the back and Blackrock's Vaughan scored a third. It was in injury time that Blacrock again broke through the Cavan defence and McDermott scored goal number 4.
Alan O'Riordan with Killian Phair to his left tries to set up
an attack on the Blackrock goal.
For the Cavan lads it was a sad end to a fine game and to an excellent campaign. Many felt that this was a game that they could have won and all were agreed that the 4 - 1 score-line certainly was not a fair reflection of their performance on the day. Naturally, team members and coaches were deeply disappointed with the outcome. However, we commend them for a marvellous achievement in reaching the final. They did the College proud.
Mr Alan McGinty, Principal of Blackrock College, speaking to the St Patrick's lads after the game told them that he and his Blackrock supporters were very worried at the beginning of the second half. He commended the Cavan lads on their footballing skills and and on the positive attitude that they brought into the game.
Over 400 students from the College attended the match. Their enthusiastic support contributed to making this a memorable and colourful occasion for all. While a victory would have made the day extra special, the occasion will be memorable for all who attended.
The College U-17 soccer team had a historic win on Tuesday evening, 18th March, when they won the FAI Ulster Senior Cup. This is the first time that a College soccer team has won a trophy.
In recent times Co Donegal teams have dominated this competition. The fact that St Pat's were playing yet another Co Donegal team, Colaiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon, in the final did not daunt the Cavan lads. Ballyshannon opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a goal scored from a header from a free kick. Ten minutes later Gearóid Collins scored Cavan's first goal from a corner. Just before half-time St Pat's struck again when Micheál Lyng scored from play to give Cavan a 2 - 1 lead going in at the break. Then, 15 minutes into the second half, Enda McCormick scored from play and Cavan led 3 - 1. St Pat's continued to pile on the pressure and produced many more chances only to be thwarted by some excellent saves from the Ballyshannon goalie. At the final whistle St Patrick's College had a well deserved 3 -1 victory and team captain, David Quinn, was presented with the Ulster Senior Cup.
David Quinn (Captain) is presented with the Cup
The match was played under lights in Finn Park, Ballybofey, Co Donegal.
(Our thanks to Pat Lee of P&A Video for the pictures)
The Senior Tour took place during the February mid-term break, from Sunday 16th February until Friday 21st.
This year the students traveled to Italy, taking in the glory of Rome, the wonder of Pompeii and the beauty of Sorrento and Capri.
While in Rome the students, pictured above in St Peter's Square, visited the usual Roman highlights; the Coliseum, the Forum and St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican. They thoroughly enjoyed their stay in the Eternal City.
Four members of the College Staff accompanied them: Ms Gornall, Ms Madden, Ms Clancy and Fr Gilhooly.
Fr
Leaden, Fr Gus to his friends, was a member of the staff from 1956 until
1971. He was an excellent teacher and among the subjects he taught
were Latin, Greek and Maths.
Fr Gus was born in 1929 in Drumlonan, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. He studied at St Patrick's College before going to study for the priesthood in Maynooth. He was ordained on 20th June 1954. Before joining the College staff in 1956 he served in Birmingham and in Coronae, Arva.
After he left St Patrick's College in 1971 he was appointed curate in Kinlough, Co Leitrim. In 1985 he was appointed P.P. to the parish of Lurgan. In 1987 he was appointed P.P. to Killinagh & Glangevlin. Ill-health, however, forced him to retire to a nursing home in Sligo within a year or two of this appointment.
Fr Gus died on 12th June 2003. His funeral Mass was held in St Patrick's Church, Killinagh, on Monday 16th June. He was interred in the local cemetery.
We extend our sincere sympathy to his sisters Una and Bernadette and to his brother Brendan.
May he rest in peace
Four
students have recently won medals at the Irish School Judo Championships held
in Dublin.
In all, the boys won four medals, one gold, one silver and two bronze. In the U45 section Michael Conaty too the silver and Mark Leddy took the bronze. Jason Smith took gold in the U55 section and Joseph Moore took the bronze.
The team was coached by Adrian Boyle. Adrian is a past pupil of St Patrick's College.
Pictured here we are Mark Leddy, Jason Smith, Fr Alwill (President), Adrian Boyle (Coach), Joseph Moore and Michael Conaty.
Mr
Cormac Dunne, a past student of the College, was recently appointed a judge
to the District Court.
Mr Dunne, pictured right, sat his Leaving Cert examination in 1972. He studied law and in recent years he had built up a large and successful solicitor business in Cavan town. Mr Dunne is also President of the Past Pupils Union. He is a brother of Mr Raymond Dunne, Careers Officer in St Patrick's College.
Judge Dunne was sworn in at a special ceremony at the Four Courts in Dublin in August last.
We, the staff and students of St Patrick's College, offer our congratulations and our best wishes to Judge Dunne as he takes up his new office.
The victorious Rannafast team celebrates after the match.
Included in the photo are Ray Cullivan, team coach, and his assistants Fr
Gilhooly and JJ Reilly.
On Saturday 26th October 2002 the Rannafast team won the final of the competition with a fine victory over St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon. This is the first time that a College team has won a major Colleges Football competition since 1978/79.
This St Pat's side had already defeated Abbey CBS and St Coleman's Newry on their way to the final. The game began quite well for the Cavan team. They quickly settled down and took control of the game. By half time they had established a two point lead but, they were unlucky not to have scored at least one of two excellent goal opportunities. The half time score: Cavan 0 - 6, Dungannon 0 - 4.
The second half opened well for St Patrick's when they widened the gap by another two points. However, Dungannon rallied strongly and gradually picked off their points. With five minutes to go they had pulled level with the Cavan lads and a minute later took the lead. Cavan replied with a further point to bring the score to 9 points all at the full-time whistle.
Captain John O'Reilly holds the Cup as team members celebrate
a great victory
Two ten-minute periods of extra time were played. During the first of the extra periods a member of the Dungannon team was sent off for a harsh tackle on Ali Pickett. Ali, however, pointed the resulting free and Cavan had the single point advantage at the end of the period. Dungannon drew level early in the second period. But the Cavan lads refused to give in. Though many of them were suffering the effects of tiredness and cramps, they fought their way back, scoring another point before the final whistle blew. St Patrick's College, Cavan 0 -11, St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon, 0 - 10.
This was a tough and hard encounter but, once again, all members of the team showed great commitment and great heart. In his speech after being presented with the cup, John O'Reilly commended the team for their dedication and hard work. He paid a special word of tribute to team coach, Ray Cullivan. He also thanked other members of the College Staff for their help and support; JJ Reilly, Fr Gilhooly and Mary Reilly. The Dungannon coach told the Cavan team that they had defeated the two favourites for the competition and that they fully deserved the honour of bringing the Rannafast Cup back to Cavan.
We warmly congratulate each and every member of the team and, of course, team coach Ray Cullivan.
On Thursday morning, 19th December, a recording of the College Choir singing Christmas carols was broadcast on Lyric FM, the national classical music radio station.
The recording was made in the College Chapel on Wednesday of the previous week.
Choirmaster, Mr Ciaran Tackney, also gave a live interview for the programme.
Christmas Carol Concert
On Friday, 13th December, the College choir also participated in a Christmas
Carol Concert
in the Cathedral of Sts Patrick and Felim, Cavan. The choir was joined by
the Cathedral Choir, Loreto College Choir and the Cavan Singers. The
occasion provided a feast of Christmas music performed to a very high standard
and thoroughly enjoyed by the huge audience. Among the soloists were 1st
Year student Declan King (Once in Royal David's City) and 6th Year
student Cian Brady (Amid the Winter's Snow)
The concert was in aid of Cavan Cancer Unit
Brendan
Rehill, a Fourth Year student, obtained the highest mark in the country in
Technical Graphics in the Junior Certificate examination of 2002.
As a result of this marvelous achievement Brendan was presented with a special award at the Annual Conference of the TechnoTeacher Association in Letterkenny on 22nd November. The TechnoTeacher Association represents teachers in the area of design, graphics, materials technology etc. The presentation was made by the Minister of State for the Environment, Mr Pat "The Cope" Gallagher. Our picture shows Brendan receiving his award from the Minister of State.
Brendan, a native of Crosskeys, is a son of Eileen and Tom Rehill.
We congratulate Brendan on his success and we extend our congratulations to his TG teacher, Mr Eddie Duffy, and to his family.
Khalid
Hussain, a Sudanese student, is the first non-national to win a Rannafast
medal representing St Patrick's College.
Khalid, whose parents are Sudanese, was born in Saudi Arabia and came to Ireland when he was four yours of age. He took up Gaelic football while in primary school in Drogheda and played underage football for the local Wolfe Tones team. Later, when his family moved to Wexford, he played with his primary school team. He admits that he even tried his hand at hurling during PE classes.
Four years ago Khalid came to Cavan and enrolled in St Patrick's College. He took up the Gaelic football again and played on the college Broc team. This year he played a leading role on the victorious Rannafast team, playing solidly on the half-back line.
Khalid is also a keen soccer player. While in Wexford he was a member of his local club and won an U-13 schoolboys league medal. He also plays on the St Patrick's College soccer team.
Mr Frank Cogan, the recently appointed Irish Ambassador to Italy, made a special visit to St Patrick's College on Friday, 8th March. Mr Cogan, a past student of St Patrick's College, was accompanied by his wife Pauline.
A native of Carnaross, Co Meath, Mr Cogan was a boarding student from 1959 until 1964.
During
his visit Mr Cogan addressed the students, explaining to them the role of
an ambassador and giving them the opportunity to ask questions. He also
spoke to them about his student days in the College and was full of praise
for the education that he received in St Patrick's. The students gave
him and his wife a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Head Prefect, Donal
Thomas, on behalf of the students, made a presentation to the new ambassador.
Later, Mr Cogan and his wife Pauline, were guests of honour at a special reception in the Library. Attending this function was a large group of his classmates from the Class of 1964 as well as a number of teachers who were in the college at that time. In welcoming Mr Cogan, Fr Alwill congratulated him on his appointment to the unique and prestigious post of Irish Ambassador to Italy. Fr Alwill said that all associated with the College will take some pride from the fact that a son of St Patrick's has achieved such a distinguished position. He wished Mr and Mrs Cogan every happiness and every blessing during their time in Rome.
In reply, Mr Cogan expressed his delight that so many of his classmates were able to attend the reception. He again recalled his student days and paid a special tribute to the College and to all the teachers who taught him. He also spoke of some of his experiences in the diplomatic corps to date, especially during his ambassadorship to Iran where we was involved in negotiations for the release of Lebanon hostage, Brian Keenan. He said that he was delighted to avail of the opportunity to return his alma mater, to speak to the students and to meet up again with all his friends.
Among the former teachers who returned for the occasion were former bishop Most Rev Francis McKiernan, Fr Jim Carroll, Fr Gus Leaden, Fr Felim McGovern, Fr Benny Maguire, Mr Tommy McTiernan, Fr Colm Hurley and Mr Jim McDonnell.
Darragh
Connolly, a past student of the College, was ordained to the priesthood
on Sunday 23rd June.
Darragh, who did his Leaving Cert in 1995, was ordained for the Diocese of Kilmore by Bishop Leo O'Reilly. Pictured to the left we see Fr Darragh with Canon Jim Carroll, the retired parish priests of Killeshandra and a former member of the College staff from 1946 until 1974.
A native of Killeshandra, Darragh was ordained in his local church, St Bridget's Church, Killeshandra. He is the son of Brian and Mary Connolly of Aughnacor, Killeshandra. His two younger brothers are currently students on the College.
On Sunday 9th June Loughlainn Carolan was ordained in Knockbride. Loughlainn was a student in St Aiden's Comprehensive School in Cootehill. During the months of September and October (2001) he, as a deacon, worked in St Patrick's College, teaching and assisting the College Chaplain, Fr Gilhooly. Pictured right we see Fr Darragh, Bishop O'Reilly and Fr Loughlainn.
The staff and students of St Patrick's congratulate Frs Connolly and Carolan on their ordinations and wish them every blessing and every happiness in their ministries.
A television crew from RTE's Nationwide programme recently visited the College.
The
Nationwide producer, Tom Kelly, had heard about the changes going on
in the College was interested in making a programme on them. The programme
will look at the history of the College, first as a major seminary, then as
a minor seminary, and now as a Catholic secondary school. He is interested
in how, at a time when the number of priests teaching in the college has been
greatly reduced, the school is still managing to maintain its Catholic ethos
and how it is adjusting to the new educational demands of the 21st century.
The crew spent the full day in the college. Among those interviewed were Fr Alwill, Ms Karen Gornall (Religion teacher) and Kevin Donohoe (Leaving Cert Student). The crew also visited Armagh to record and interview with Archbishop Sean Brady, himself a past student and a former teacher.
Later Michael Ryan, presenter of Nationwide, (pictured here with Fr Alwill) visited the College to film an introduction for the piece.
The item was broadcast on the Nationwide program on 13th May on RTE 1.
Mr
P J Rudden, a past student of St Patrick's, was recently awarded the inaugural
UCD EGA "Distinguished Graduate" Award.
P J, originally from Laragh, was a boarding student of the College from 1966 until 1971. He is currently a Director of MC O'Sullivan & Co Ltd, the largest Irish firm of consulting engineers. P J has led the team that devised five of the seven Regional Waste Management Plans for the various regions of the country. He currently advises 25 local authorities on the implementation of waste management plans. He is also consultant for E 380 million gas pipeline from Dublin to Galway.
P J won the award for his leading role in the development and implementation of waste management strategies.
We extend our warmest congratulations to P J.
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.
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.
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 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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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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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: stpatrickscollege@eircom.net
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