Alumni Newsletter December 2015 by Belfast Royal Academy

Alumni Newsletter December 2015

We hope that you enjoy following the stories of Belfast Royal Academy alumni; your contributions and feedback are always welcomed. For more school news and to read The Owl Magazine, The Academy Newsletter and the Old Boys’ Association Newsletter, please visit ‘Our School’ section of the website at belfastroyalacademy.com

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ALUMNI NEWS REUNIONS Class of 1966 – Friday 8th April 2016 A 50th Anniversary Reunion of School leavers in 1966 will take place in Belfast Royal Academy on Friday 8th April 2016. The majority of these leavers entered School in Form I in 1959 and left in 1966. However, other people who were not precisely in this category will be very welcome to attend e.g. i) those who entered Form 1 in 1959 but left in a year other than 1966, and ii) those who entered School in a year other than 1959 but left in 1966. A number of people have already indicated their intention to attend the Reunion. Anyone who has not yet done so, and who would be interested in attending, is asked to contact Lindsay Bell at lindsayc2000@hotmail.com or myself at davidhaslett@hotmail.co.uk David Haslett (Pupil 1959 – 1966) Class of 2015 Christmas Reunion

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Class of 1973 Reunion It's hard to believe that 8 weeks have passed since 65 of us attended our school reunion on Friday 9th October at Fortwilliam Golf Club. We had planned a very informal evening in the hope that everyone would feel relaxed and just enjoy catching up with old friends and acquaintances. A light buffet supper was served and a photographer came along to take a group photo. Getting everyone together was the easy part, not knowing how the evening may turn out was the difficult bit. By all accounts it seems to have been enjoyed by most and that was because so many came along full of enthusiasm and keen to catch up with old friends. To those who were more hesitant, we hope in the end they had no regrets about coming. On the night some walked, some jumped into their cars, some took a flight, and some took several flights!!! We don’t want to name all the people who travelled from afar hence running the risk of leaving someone out - but undoubtedly, Tony Herbert who travelled from Australia deserves the medal for making such a supreme effort!!! It was fantastic that so many made a special effort by travelling from across the water and further. And thanks to the “locals” too for coming along and making it such an enjoyable evening!!

We have created a Facebook group page for our year called ‘Belfast Royal Academy 1973 Reunion’ – web address: https://www.facebook.com/groups/180528508958914/ - just request to become a member. Hopefully it might also prove a useful way for our year to keep in touch. There’s something very special about school reunions. We all seem to have the ability to pick up exactly where we left off and be genuinely interested in the joys and sadnesses we have all experienced. It doesn’t seem to matter whether you were close friends, or whether someone just vaguely remembers you, everyone shares that “school year bond”. That to me is truly special. Pamela Palmer (nee Worrall) Class of 1995 Reunion On Saturday 27th June 2015, the class of ’95 held their 20 year reunion. Around 60 former pupils gathered at the school for an ice cream reception, followed by a short talk by the Headmaster. Off we all went on a school tour and of course it seemed like only yesterday that we were walking the very same corridors going to class. ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

After reminiscing at the school we headed into Belfast to 21 Social for some more refreshments and an inter-house quiz, won by Cairns. The stories and memories kept flooding back late into the night. Looking forward to the 25th Reunion in 2020! A big thank-you to all who attended or sent their best wishes from other shores. Thanks must also go to Louis Campbell, who helped us greatly just like he did 20 years ago! Simon Houston Class of 1990 Reunion After a hugely successful reunion in 2010, a small (but perfectly formed) group decided to have an informal night in 21 Social in June 2015. Lots of laughs and reminiscing occurred over a lemonade or two and a little bit of dancing! Thanks to Stephen & Colin Brown for their hospitality in 21 Social. Roll on the 30th reunion in 2020! Kathryn Sturgess (nee Briggs) Class of 1980 Reunion A Class of 1980 reunion took place on Friday 19th June 2015 at the Radisson Blu Hotel. SHARED EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME The Shared Experience Programme is co-ordinated by Eddie McCamley, who is very grateful to former pupils who give so generously of their time to encourage ambition and aspiration among our pupils, by sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise in varied fields. Please contact Eddie at edward.mccamley@googlemail.com if you are interested in participating in the Shared Experience Programme. If you are interested in offering a Work Experience placement to a Lower Sixth pupil, please contact Mr Murphy in the School’s Careers Department at smurphy534@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk. Laura Jackson nee Francis (Pupil 1991 – 1998) Laura returned to the Academy on Friday 2nd October to lead a discussion on business achievement as part of the Academy’s Alumni ‘Shared Experience Programme’. She is currently working with the Audit Department of the business advisory firm, BDO.

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Andy Reid (Pupil 2010 – 2011) Andy is one of Northern Ireland’s up and coming sporting stars. He is currently racing the 2015 British Supersport Championship with Team Traction Control on a TTC Yamaha R6 and has been recently named Young Rider of the Year at the 2015 Adelaide Motorbike Awards. Following a recent accident which left him with a broken wrist, Andy returned to School to speak to our senior pupils about his sport, training and commitment…“I really enjoyed going back to see them all and it made me realise how much I enjoyed school, especially my art classes". Karyn Harty, nee Woods (Pupil 1985 - 1992) Karen visited School on Friday 6th November. She is a partner with McCann Fitzgerald, one of the most prestigious law firms in Ireland and spoke to a group of pupils about careers in the legal profession.

ALUMNI UPDATES Cambridge Bound – 2015 Leavers Three former pupils returned to School for one final visit before heading to Cambridge University, where they will begin the next phase of their educational journey:Ruairi Hurson, Economics (St. John’s College) Christopher Turnbull, Mathematics (Queens’ College) Sorcha Burke, Architecture (Emmanuel College). Sorcha is the third of three siblings to go to Cambridge University.

Helen Beggs Frigieri (Pupil 1968 – 1975) Helen is delighted to share with her fellow alumni her presentation of the British Empire Medal on Friday 20th November at an event at the residence of the British Ambassador to the Holy See which was attended by the Vatican Under Secretary for Relations with States, colleagues, friends and family. HM Ambassador Nigel Baker (pictured with Helen) said in his ambassadorial blog… “Last week, I presided over a small ceremony at my Residence to present, on behalf of The Queen, the British Empire Medal to my colleague at the embassy, Helen Beggs Frigieri. The medal was awarded for services to relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See. I was very pleased that Holy See officials also ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

attended alongside other guests and family members of the recipient, recognising the importance of the occasion. Helen’s award was for her dedication, professionalism and sheer hard work in the organisation of no less than six Royal visits to the Holy See in the last five years. As I noted in my speech at the ceremony, from a policy perspective, these were crucial visits that helped to provide the framework for the steady improvement and thickening of the bilateral relationship in recent years. The Royal relationship with the Holy See is important to our hosts. In particular, the visit of The Queen to the Vatican in April 2014 – only the fourth of her reign – demonstrated the significance of relations between the global British and Holy See networks at the start of a new Pontificate. The success of such visits does not happen by magic. They require months of planning, focus on detail, and readiness to respond to last minute emergencies. Helen’s qualities shone through during the preparation of each of the visits. She is in many ways just the sort of “unsung hero(ine)” for whom the honours system is best designed. I am delighted that she has been publicly honoured in this way.” Helen works as the Personal Assistant to HM Ambassador. She read Modern Languages at Queen's, married an Italian and has been living in Rome for 30 years. Frances Corkey Thompson (Pupil 1955 – 1962) Frances launched her most recent book, ‘Wild Gooseberries of Hailung’ in the Flax Gallery, Mossley Mill on Wednesday 16th September 2015. Other launches took place in London, and in Devon where she lives. Frances gained a BA in French and German from QUB. After a career teaching and lecturing in Tunisia, London and Devon, Frances was awarded a Poetry MA with Distinction by Exeter University. Her work has won prizes and her poetry has appeared in many publications. She has been a guest reader at University Conferences in the USA, Canada, Poland and Ireland, and regularly reads at Arts Centres and Festivals. Of her days at Belfast Royal Academy, Frances says, “After my rigorous primary school, BRA was suddenly unbelievably easy, and fun. Latin, French and German opened up the world. When I got to Form Two, Mr Mitchell read my essays aloud to the class with great emphasis and enthusiasm, making my characters live. I could write! In Form Four, Johnny Kane, whom we thought of as very old, paced the classroom reciting Gray's Elegy. I can still remember that whole long poem myself. Milton and Shakespeare entered my head and never left, as did the poetry of Villon and Verlaine and Goethe. Such is the power of good teachers.” ‘Wild Gooseberries of Hailung’ can be purchased from Indigo Dreams Publishing.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

Martin Sieff (Pupil 1960’s) During the recent Sixth Form trip to Washington D.C., we were thrilled to be able to meet up with former pupil, Martin Sieff (Class of 1969), who lives and works in the area. Using his considerable knowledge and skills in foreign policy, we invited him to join us on the Sunday of our trip as we visited the monuments and memorials along the National Mall and Tidal Basin in D.C. It was great to meet him and even, with the passage of time, his Northern Irish accent could be heard. During the day we visited the Washington Monument, the World War Two Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and, Martin's favourite, the Jefferson Memorial. At each one, Martin spoke to the students, giving us a little bit of history about it and why it matters that the person or event is commemorated. Martin pointed out the difference in architecture between the World War Two Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial and why one was much less popular when it was unveiled and he gave us a brief history of the Presidents' time in office and some of their achievements. Martin was extremely gracious with his time and took time throughout the day's walk to speak with the students, offering them advice on how to get into journalism and telling tales of his time at the Academy. We were really grateful for the opportunity to meet with him and we're looking forward to our next trip back! Ms T Barnett, Politics and History Teacher Martin Sieff is Chief News Analyst for United Press International, and its former Managing Editor, International Affairs. He has received three Pulitzer Prize nominations for international reporting. He was also Soviet & Eastern European Affairs Correspondent and Chief Foreign Correspondent for The Washington Times. He has reported from 65 countries and covered more than 10 wars and conflicts. He has an MA from Oxford University. He has been a regular contributor to The American Conservative, National Review Online, The Globalist, Salon.Com and The Daily Beast. He has appeared as an International Affairs expert on Fox News, CNN, NPR and the BBC. Iain Henderson’s Rugby World Cup (Pupil 2003 – 2010) We often note Iain’s achievements in the Alumni Newsletter however it would be remiss of us to not take this opportunity to celebrate his achievement as a member of the Ireland World Cup Squad 2015. Iain Henderson’s schooling took place in Belfast Royal Academy; first as a pupil of Ben Madigan Preparatory School between 1996 and 2003 and then in the grammar school from 2003 until 2010.It was while at school that he first discovered his talent for rugby football, ultimately becoming a member of the First XV and playing in the team which reached the final of the Ulster Schools’ Cup in 2010. While at school, his abilities were quickly recognised and, on leaving, he was invited to become a member of the Ulster Academy, from which he was quickly to graduate to the full Ulster squad. He continued to make rapid progress and was selected to represent Ireland in 2012. Only 23, he was picked as a member of Joe Schmidt’s World Cup squad in 2015. He was widely praised for his performances during the World Cup, emerging perhaps, as Ireland’s best player. He has been

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

tipped by no less an authority than Willie John McBride as a likely selection for the British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand in 2017. Jim Carolan (History Teacher and rugby fan) Professor Stephen Brown (Pupil 1960’s / 70’s) Professor Stephen Brown, FMed Sci, Director of the Medical Research Council Mammalian Genetics Unit, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on 30th April 2015 for his work in mouse genetics. Founded in 1661, this is the world’s oldest, and one of the most prestigious scientific societies. Stephen left the Academy to study Natural Sciences at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. His subsequent scientific career led to recognition as one the great authorities on the understanding of the function of novel genes involved in human disease, particularly in the area of deafness. Professor Brown now joins the ranks of approximately 1,600 Fellows and Foreign Members of the Royal Society which include such well known names as Richard Dawkins and Stephen Hawking. Paul Seawright (Pupil 1970’s / 80’s) Kim Mawhinney, nee Campbell (Pupil 1979 – 1986) Paul Seawright is currently Professor of Photography at the University of Ulster. A new exhibition by Paul has opened at the Ulster Museum and will run until 3rd April 2016. Entitled ‘Things Left Unsaid’, the work explores contemporary conflict and its portrayal by US television news studios. His work is internationally acclaimed, and he was chosen by the Imperial War Museum to be the official artist for the war in Afghanistan. His work has been exhibited worldwide and appears in numerous private collections. Paul is seen here with Kim Mawhinney, the Museum’s curator of art. OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION (OBA) On Saturday 28th November, the Old Boys’ Dinner took place in the Wellington Park Hotel. The President, Mr Tony Cole, welcomed Old Boys and their guests to what is the premier function of the Association. Thank you to Dinner Secretary, Iain Knox, for his organisation. Regular lunches, hosted mainly in Golf Clubs in the Greater Belfast area, are co-ordinated by Robin Reid. A Christmas lunch will be held on Monday 21st December in Knock Golf Club. Old Boys who wish to attend should contact Robin through the Hon. Secretary.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

The third annual London Dinner, organised by the Old Boys’ Association, will be held on Friday 19th February 2016 at the RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London. Last year, over 90 former pupils attended the London Dinner which was also held in the RAF Club. Judging from the success of the previous two dinners, we anticipate that there will be an increased demand for places for the 2016 Dinner and former pupils are advised to book their places early, in order to avoid disappointment. Information about this event and enquiries about joining the Old Boys’ Association can be obtained by contacting me at doc_malone2004@yahoo.co.uk Dr L Campbell, Hon. Secretary OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION (OGA) We trust you are all well and looking forward to the festive season ahead. The Old Girls’ Committee has been busy behind the scenes planning our AGM and a number of events for 2016. We would love to see as many of you as possible at the AGM on 8th December, 7pm, Venue Ben Madigan Prep School. We hope to make some important decisions regarding our committee, application to register as a charity, growing our membership, as well as finalising how our current funds can support the School. All former girls of the School are very welcome we truly value everyone’s contribution. The Wine Tasting event will now be held on the 4th March 2016. We shall email you all the details once final arrangements have been confirmed. It is shaping up to be a great night with Gap Wines confirmed to host, and pupil Scott McAuley providing live music. We are keen to widen our Committee and would be grateful to anyone who could offer any time or support for the forthcoming year. Please email formergirlsBRA@gmail.com if you are able to lend a hand in any way at all. As the OGA continues to grow from strength to strength, we would love to hear your news and successes, along with any ideas and feedback. Please contact us via email or social media, where you can send us a message or catch up with old school friends and events. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has given up their free time to support us in 2015; it hasn’t gone unnoticed. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Kind regards, Caroline, Nikki, Heather, Johanna and Rebecca (OG Committee)

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ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

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SCHOOL ARCHIVES It is hoped that by the end of the school year important records central to the history of the Academy will be available in digital form. Many of our old registers and other hand written documents are in danger of deterioration as a consequence of the passage of time and Belfast’s famously damp climate. The photograph shows Sandra Ardis (nee Martin, Pupil 1970s), and now a volunteer with The North of Ireland Family History Society, presenting to the Headmaster copies of the newly transcribed registers. These are also available in digital form. As the manuscripts are safely stored in the temperature controlled conditions provided by the Public Records Office, the digital copies will be available to those involved in school projects, historical research or family history. It will soon be possible to interrogate the computerised record to find out, not only the names of former pupils and their time at the school, but also to construct a social profile of the Academy at different periods of its history. The Academy is greatly indebted to Sandra for her invaluable work in helping to preserve for future generations so much of the School’s archival material. In tandem with this important work with the registers, there is an ongoing programme to make a photographic copy of the entire series of The Owl magazines. This will ensure the security of that essential source of School, and indeed social history, which first appeared in 1924. For further information on the School archives, contact me at edward.mccamley@googlemail.com. Eddie McCamley The Alumni Office is always glad to hear your school stories, help you with research and re-connect you with memories and old friends, so please do not hesitate to get in touch. Most of us will have, perhaps tucked away in our attic, photographs from yesteryear; reassured to know that they are there, but perhaps not often retrieved to enjoy and share our memories. My late father, Patrick Lyle Kerns (known as Lyle, or also possibly as ‘PL’ in School), was a pupil of Belfast Royal Academy from 1953 – 1958 and I was delighted to recently come across his old B.R.A photos, not only the obligatory ‘first day of big school’ photo (note that shorts were part of the grammar school uniform back then), but particularly his photo albums from the School trip to Paris in April 1957. Luckily he had noted a number of names of his school friends and teachers on the back of his photos (although sometimes he just recorded nicknames such as ‘Jaffy’, ‘Mack’ and ‘Weepy’!) and I was able to share these photos with a number of them through their contact details held in the Alumni Database. It was lovely to receive their replies ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

and to read their memories of this trip. Inspired by my find, I ventured into the School ‘dungeons’ under the Crombie building and was rewarded with the discovery of various old publications including his original roll book (which resembles a prop from Harry Potter!) and The Owl magazine for his School years. I have been glad to add this personal touch to the School archives, and to share a small number of his photos in this Alumni Newsletter. Andrea Kerns, B.R.A Alumni Office THE ACADEMY NEWSLETTER

THE OWL MAGAZINE

‘The Owl’ is published each December and ‘The Academy Newsletter’ each June. Both publications are available on the School website under ‘Our School’. The Owl is a full colour magazine which can be purchased from the School Office for £5.00. It can also be posted out. The charge is currently £8.50 per year for United Kingdom addresses, other charges apply to ROI, Europe and overseas. If you would like to receive a postal copy of The Owl, please contact the Alumni Office.

ACADEMY SPORTS CLUB

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

CURRENT SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL OPEN EVENINGS Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th January 2016 6.45 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.; Headmaster’s Talks, 7.00 p.m. & 8.00 p.m. Prospective pupils, including Sixth Formers, and their parents are invited to tour the School, meet staff and pupils, view the facilities and experience the wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer at Belfast Royal Academy.

SPRING CONCERT INVITATION Belfast Royal Academy is delighted to invite all former pupils and friends of the School to the Annual Spring Concert. Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast city centre Thursday 10th March 2016 7.30 p.m. £10 adults £8 students Highlights will include a performance of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ in the second half of the Concert performed by members of the Senior Choir and Sixth Form Chorus. Of last year’s concert, Mr Dickson, Headmaster, said “The Annual Spring Concert in a packed out Ulster Hall was exceptional. The excellent standard of performance, the number of pupils Involved, the good humour and sense of energy made it a very special occasion. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event. Congratulations to Mary, Nicola and Gavin, and to Vivienne and Catherine. I felt both humbled and proud.” Tickets are available in advance from the Ulster Hall box office / telephone 028 9033 4455 and on the evening. SCHOOL PRODUCTION OF ‘HAIRSPRAY’ The Academy's smash-hit production of Hairspray ran from Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th November, with a matinee for local P7 pupils held on Tuesday 17th November. Mr Dickson, Headmaster, said, “Congratulations to Miss Tinman and to all involved in Hairspray – I don’t think I have heard so many great singing performances in one production before. Funny and accomplished, it is really excellent!”

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PRIZE DAY The Annual Prize Day was held in the Spires Centre on Friday 23rd October. Former pupil Kate Hoey MP was the Guest of Honour.

CCEA TOP ACHIEVING CANDIDATES Congratulations to Chloe Dawson, who was placed joint 1st in Northern Ireland in GCSE History – a tremendous achievement! Chloe scored full marks in the subject, and achieved 11 A* grades at GCSE overall. Congratulations also go to Taylor McCombe who attained full marks in CCEA AS Geography and Juanita O’Kane for full marks in CCEA AS Art and Design.

BEN MADIGAN NEWS The Ben Madigan Open Day will be held on Saturday 5th December at 10.00 a.m. Prospective pupils and their parents would be made most welcome. We have had a very busy term so far and have raised £3,000 for MacMillan Cancer and Christian Aid. A Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy Sale were very well supported by parents and pupils. During the last few months we have embarked upon a programme of improvements to the school, the most important of which is the complete refurbishment of the Library. We are creating a new computer suite in what was the Music Room and our Library should be “up and running” by the end of January 2016. I am very grateful to the team of parents who are working very hard to create a truly stimulating reading environment. All former pupils are warmly welcomed to have a guided tour of their former haunts and can book one by phoning 028 9077 1139. Timothy Wilson, Principal

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

BRIAN MCLAUGHLIN – Rugby Consultant and 1st XV Coach The School is delighted to have secured the services of Brian McLaughlin as Rugby Consultant and 1st XV coach. Brian was the former Head Coach of Ulster, coaching the side that reached the Heineken European Cup final in 2012. He was also the Irish National skills coach for three years, winning two Triple Crowns in 2006 and 2007. He has coached schoolboy rugby since 1982, reaching ten Schools’ Cup finals and winning five. We look forward to exciting times ahead for rugby in the Academy.

SPORTING NEWS Swimming The Academy swim team took part in the Ulster Grammar Schools’ Swimming Championships on Saturday 28th November, and produced some excellent performances and results. They picked up 43 medals in total, won the Intermediate Girls’ and Intermediate Boys’ cups, and the overall Ulster Girls’ title. Cricket Belfast Royal Academy won the Ulster Bank Schools Cup for the first time with a thrilling comeback victory against Campbell College. Francis Collins was the hero, batting through the innings for 73 not out, hitting the winning run with just three balls to spare. At 56 for six it looked a most unlikely outcome, but anything Campbell could do, on the day B.R.A. did it better. It was at times, a tetchy final – hardly surprising as the aggregate record for the two schools in past cup finals was played three, lost three – with the umpires frequently having to speak with the respective captains in an old-style schoolmasterly fashion. There was even a “was it a four or not a four” question in the nervous closing stages with Jonathan Kennedy going all the way to the boundary to get a neutral opinion on whether the ball had crossed the rope. But, in the end, cricket won the day.

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Athletics Congratulations to Form V pupil, Jack Agnew, who recently represented G.B. on the athletics track at the 2015 Paralympic School Games, held in Natal, Brazil. Over 3 days, Jack produced some outstanding performances, which saw him clinch 3 Gold medals for the team.

Waterpolo Sam Brown and Maeve Gallagher were selected to play on the Irish U17 Girls’ Waterpolo team. In September, they travelled to Denmark to play in the North Sea Cup against Scotland, Wales and Denmark. The Irish team won the competition, ensuring that Sam and Maeve returned home with Gold medals.

Golf Form II pupils Tom McKibbon and Keaton Hamill-Morrison enjoyed a tremendously successful summer of golf. Tom won the Under-12 World Junior Championships by 1 stroke at Pinehurst, North Carolina. His victory came just over a month after finishing eighth in the prestigious Press Thornton Future Masters Golf Tournament, held at Dothan Country Club, Alabama. Tom has already caught the attention of Northern Ireland major championship winners Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy. Not be outdone by Tom’s exploits, Keaton also had a stellar season. First off was the Las Vegas World Championship, where he finished 7th place out of 60. He then travelled to Pinehurst in North Carolina to play the US Kids Golf World Event and subsequently got picked to play for an international team in a Ryder Cup-style event called the Van Horn Cup. Keaton shot the lowest score of the tournament – 69. In recognition of this he received the Garth Morrison Low Medal. The following week he played at East Cork Golf Club where he came 1st out of 47 in the Munster 13′s section. Finally, on the 26th August after playing matches over the summer Keaton reached the final of the Rory McIlroy Cup at Holywood Golf Club and after a tough final he won the match on the 18th hole to lift the cup, a near replica of the claret jug. Keaton’s current handicap is around 4.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015

KEEPING IN TOUCH

The aim of the Alumni Office is to engage with our past pupils and to help you to remain connected to the School and to your former classmates. We can also help to put you back in touch with old school friends and to assist with the organisation of reunions, visits to the School and other events. Andrea Kerns is your main point of contact in the Alumni Office. We love to hear about what our past pupils are doing after they leave Belfast Royal Academy and your contribution, feedback and suggestions to this Newsletter are always welcomed. If you have a story or piece of news that you think others would be interested in, please email us with an accompanying photo. The Alumni Newsletter is published 3 times a year in December, March and June. We appreciate your help to ensure that your contact details are up to date and to actively encourage friends, colleagues, siblings and other family members who were pupils at Belfast Royal Academy to join the alumni family. All alumni data is held securely in the School in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Belfast Royal Academy.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and all our best wishes for 2016!

Alumni Office Belfast Royal Academy 3 – 17 Cliftonville Road BELFAST BT14 6JL 028 9074 0423 akerns246@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2015