Tuesday, December 19, 2023

45th Reunion



Another landmark year was passed in recent weeks when the Rhetoric 1978 reunited in Clongowes for a tour,  mass and dinner which started in the Boys Chapel with Michael Shei

The gathering coincided with the 50th anniversary of the 1973 boys who went on to enjoy hospitality in the Castle and dinner to mark their special occasion.  


The day started with a tour of the school moving from the former theatre, now the James Joyce Libray, through what was the top open dorm for Third Line in our day, now kitted out with comfy seats, pool tables and table soccer. 


Many of the old  single cubes now joined so as to facilitate 2 or 3 boys into a more. Communal atmosphere. Then the new sports facilities with pool, gym and weights room firming part of a new workd to us old boys, as is the all weather pitch stood where once we would have scaled walls to raid the orchard


The name of playing field behind the gym commemorates one of schools great teachers of our tuner, Vinny Murray. A kind man of great teaching ability in realms of economics and PE and who went on to m scale great heights  as a rugby coach. Notwithstanding his Westmeath roots in soccer and GAA 


In a mass celebrated by the evergreen ‘Mocky‘ we were joined by formerThird Line prefect in 1973, John O’Keeffe SJ and a headmaster in his day, Liam O’Connell SJ.  as well as former Deputy Headmaster Martin Nugent.


The photographs in the Serpentine Gallery recorded the presence too of others teachers of our time Brendan Cullen, Margaret Doyle, Patrick Finan and Hugon Simm. 


With no room available in Castle Wogan Brown for the young 78ers we relocated to the Westgrove Hotel in Clane for pre and post prandials and a superb dinner.  


Yet again these Reunions prove that the joint time together in Clongowes still retains unique bonds even forty five years laterwhen the Rhetoric 1978 reunited in Clongowes for a tour,  mass and dinner which started in the Boys Chapel with Michael Sheil


The gathering coincided with the 50th anniversary of the 1973 boys who went on to enjoy hospitality in the Castle and dinner to mark their special occasion.  

The day started with a tour of the school moving from the former theatre, now the James Joyce Libray, through what was the top open dorm for Third Line in our day, now kitted out with comfy seats, pool tables and table soccer. 

Many of the old  single cubes now joined so as to facilitate 2 or 3 boys into a more. Communal atmosphere. Then the new sports facilities with pool, gym and weights room firming part of a new workd to us old boys, as is the all weather pitch stood where once we would have scaled walls to raid the orchard

The name of playing field behind the gym commemorates one of schools great teachers of our tuner, Vinny Murray. A kind man of great teaching ability in realms of economics and PE and who went on to m scale great heights  as a rugby coach. Notwithstanding his Westmeath roots in soccer and GAA 

In a mass celebrated by the evergreen ‘Mocky‘ we were joined by formerThird Line prefect in 1973, John O’Keeffe SJ and a headmaster in his day, Liam O’Connell SJ.  as well as former Deputy Headmaster Martin Nugent.

The photographs in the Serpentine Gallery recorded the presence too of others teachers of our time Brendan Cullen, Margaret Doyle, Patrick Finan and Hugon Simm. 

With no room available in Castle Wogan Brown for the young 78ers we relocated to the Westgrove Hotel in Clane for pre and post prandials and a superb dinner.  

Yet again these Reunions prove that the joint time together in Clongowes still retains unique bonds even forty five years later

Portraits of Clongowes

Portraits of Clongowes  

A podcast series on alumni who went to Clongowes and their recollections of those days looking back now as adults. In seeking balance some of the expected names are absent.


Yet everyone who has shared their story reflects on the formative influence being a boarder in CWC has had throughout their life, careers and lasting friendships. 


The unique commonality of each story is striking and developed unknowingly at the time in the school. A man for others is a common theme for many.


The series is devised and created by Rossa McDermott, an alumni from 1978. The podcasts are recorded and produced at Dublin South Podcast Studio,in Dundrum


A third series is recording in January 2024 with an array of contributors already committed including Patrick Coveney. 


In Series 2 a number of former headmasters and teachers have spoken, as has the first parent to contribute, Liz O’Kane. 


In addition, Bidemi Afolabi an impressive Alberto Hurtado scholarship student now running his own business, who shared his story in Series 2.


“It was a real trip down memory lane. Amazing how much you still remember” Richard Bruton


“Seems a long time ago now…. and overall I enjoyed it very much “ 

John Oxx 


“I thought I had sneaked in at the back late noticed  for a Leonard Moloney year meeting.. when I was asked how my day had gone at Cheltenham? Of course that day I had a winner and had been on TV …. Undeniable evidence!”

Patrick Mullins 


Portraits of Clongowes is available on all podcast platforms