< Let Us Remember ... < Sean Lucy (1945-1949)
Michael Senior (1959-1964)
Sean Lucy was born in Bombay in 1931, a child of the Raj, and died in Chicago on July 25th, 2001; he had moved there in the mid-eighties after relinquishing his chair of English at University College, Cork. His major publications were a book on T.S. Eliot, several anthologies, and a book of poems Unfinished Sequence & Other Poems which I had the honour of reviewing for the American Conference of Irish Studies. His early short stories in Irish Writing moved many readers.
Michael Senior was one of those people who always make you feel better when you meet them. To be in his company was to be stimulated and enthused. Intelligent, entertaining, he made you laugh and he laughed with you. In Glenstal he made friends easily. He also shone academically.
Sean Lucy was a large presence in Irish letters, both in Cork where he fostered the careers of Séan O Ríada and John Montague and in the American Mid-West where he lectured and contributed papers to conferences. I have vivid memories of SÈan, watching his distinction on Glenstal's rugby pitch, and being present at some of the halcyon occasions when he was a senior Irish academic. I got to know him in the U.S., where once we held a meeting of the Glenstal Upper Mid- West society in the bar of the Amtrack Station in Milwaukee (the other member present was Fergal Gallagher). He was impressive in his talks to the Irish community. I heard him at the Irish Cultural Center in Chicago and at the Black Shamrock in Milwaukee. What stands out is a recent talk he gave on the Famine; here was an extraordinary use of local knowledge and folklore: his account of Cork City and County in 1847 made it seem he was present at the harrowing scenes. He had the mind of a poet. I had pleasant meetings with him, in his house in Chicago with his wife Susan and as well attended venues in Illinois and Wisconsin. He was a storyteller and literary chronicler; we did not often get to singing which is harder to do in America. He talked imaginatively; I remember being with him in the backseat of a car on the Freeway when he elaborated on how different the sky above us looked from an Irish sky. A memorial Mass was said for him in the Mundelein chapel of Loyola University on September 29 by the Pastor of St. Timothy's Church, Chicago. Professor Patrick Casey, Professor Tom DillonRedshaw, Professor David Gardener amongst others gave eulogies; a resolution of the Chicago Common Council (signed by Mayor Daly) honouring him was read. I offer deep sympathy to his family. James Liddy (1947-1952) Visit the Glenstal websites:
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He left Glenstal in 1964 and spent a year, first at Ettal Abbey in Bavaria , then at the Sorbonne in Paris learning German and French. After a further year studying economics in University College Dublin, he was awarded a Prendergast Scholarship to Oxford. Michael took to Oxford like a duck to water, reading philosophy, politics and economics at Pembroke College, and becoming involved in a wide range of sporting and social activities. His enthusiasm for learning, his love of Oxford and a non-acquisitive nature which he maintained throughout life suggested that he might continue on an academic path. To the surprise of some he became a banker, joining Chase Manhattan Bank in 1970. He remained with them until 1988, rising to the rank of Vice-President and serving in New York, Dublin and London. He returned to Dublin for two years as General Manager of TSB but rejoined Chase in 1990 as Vice-President Corporate Finance in their London office. Always keen to come back to Ireland, he returned to Dublin in 1994, joining Pfizer International Bank Europe where he soon became Managing Director. There was nothing that Michael liked more than a challenge and his competitive spirit and zest for life were as apparent on the golf course as in the board room, on the tennis court too, at the snooker table, sailing on the high seas, or just messing about in boats on Lough Corrib. Throughout his life Michael's family was very much his anchor: his parents, Brendan and Freddie, his sisters, Marcella and Sunniva, and his brother, Frank. He was married to Elizabeth Ryan in 1974 and they had two children, Edgar who was in Glenstal from 1987 to 1993 , and Lizanne . Of both his children Michael was exceptionally and justifiably proud. Last May, when we were fixing a date for an annual lunch, which seven of us who were in Glenstal together have arranged for the last twenty-five years, Michael wasn't sure if he would be able to join us. He hadn't been well and was going into hospital for tests. When the tests disclosed that he had leukemia he was extraordinarily positive and resolute. He researched the illness fully, knew what the treatment entailed and was confident that all would be well. Sadly, it was not to be.
After a display of exemplary courage and typical good humour, he died suddenly on 17th September. He was only 53. Since Michael's death the world has laughed a little less. His many, many friends are going to miss him.
The Glenstal Newsletter
WINTER 2001/2002
Fr Rufus Halley (1956-1962)
Michael W. Carrigan (1958-1964)
Mark Dillon (1980-1986) Henry David Thoreau said, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.” Today we know that Mark listened to that different drummer, that he stepped out to music we did not hear. We know that and we are sad, not for Mark who has, we know, found his peace, but for those he has left behind. Mark was a smashing fellow: we will miss him very much. My memories of Mark go back to our schooldays together in Glenstal. It was there I first got to know his off-beat sense of humour, his charm and his wit. It was there that we, his friends, began to value the unique person that he was. Mark was very brilliant, qualifying both as an engineer and as an accountant. He was not the salesman-of-the-year type. He was quiet and shy but utterly and completely charming in his gentle way. He had an open mind about everything and a marvellous sense of curiosity and a deep interest in finding out the where's and why's of things. That made him wonderful company. Mark had a wonderful vocabulary and a passion for new and strange words. He would, I think, have been a wonderful writer. Even the most brilliant writer would find it hard to put words on our thoughts today. What words are there for this heartache? What sentences could bring understanding to this tragedy? How do you describe a sun that will never rise again, a dawn that will never break Could anyone write anything that would bring comfort to those who grieve for Mark? Perhaps not, but maybe instead we should be giving thanks for his successes in life. If that seems a strange word to choose today, I say it because of the way Bessie Anderson Stanley described a successful person, “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, loved much.” I can think of no better epitaph for my friend Mark. His sorrow it is over His suffering will now cease His darkness will now brighten He has found with God his peace. Creagh Downing (1980-1986) Crowley Print tel 353 61 455 225
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f beauty will save the world, evil will attempt to destroy it. Rufus, in his heroic way was committed to creating a more beautiful world, but in the process fell an innocent victim of ubiquitous evil, as did Christ and the prophets. The killers of Fr Rufus in his 57th year, on August the 28th, 2001, are assassins of truth, beauty and liberty. From my first encounter with Rufus in Ring College, and all through Glenstal and the Columban Fathers Seminary in Dalgan Park, Navan, to my visit with him in Mindanao and up to his death he displayed an indomitable spirit and generous heart which gave hope, dignity and respect to those he met along the way, especially the young, the poor and his adopted Muslim neighbours. Rufus was long ago aware of the risk he ran, but never succumbed to either fear or malice. He was, as a classmate aptly labelled him, “Nathaniel, a man without guile.” His daily bread always consisted of long stretches of prayer and meditation. He was an ascetic by disposition exuding joy and hope despite his own sorrows and pain, which he kept under wraps. He displayed a kamikaze quality from his early days on the Glenstal rugby fields. In fact he excelled at every sport and undertaking he put his hand to. As a missionary and priest he had little in common with yesterdays obsolete model or today's trendy one. His simple and often idiosyncratic dress code, together with the gaunt hand-rolled cigarettes he used relish, warned you of a single minded man who cared nothing for fashion. He lived and worked with humble Muslim families selling in their stores and repairing their bikes... a kind of hidden life, which enabled him to enter into their world of values and relationships. He studied the Qur’an, Arabic language and several other languages so as help unlock, reveal and reconcile the dreams and hopes
of conflicting neighbouring religions and cultures. He had a gift for languages being more a practitioner than an academic. He bonded intimately with the common man and, let me add for all misogynists, with women too! Rufus was challenged not only by the Gospel but also by his late father, Maxi, whom he greatly admired and forever tried to please, as well as by his mother, Imelda whom he loved beyond measure. He gave pride of place to his brothers and sister. I don't believe he ever lost a friend, he merely added to his list, at the top of which were many Muslims. One of these, a devout Muslim school principal and niece of the Mayor, gave a beautiful eulogy at his funeral. She referred to Rufus as the alongan, meaning the sun since... “ he shone on everyone he met and gave light to those who came in contact with him.” Those who knew Rufus thought of him affectionately as a sort of saint exhibiting the traits of a modern Curé d’Ars - quirks and all! Now with blood shed, we would say it more seriously. His tragic death is everyone's loss. The seeds of compassion and evangelization scattered by Rufus in God's name will continue to bear fruit and bloom. In the words of the poet: “ ...If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ nor no man ever loved.” Fr. Paul F. Bradley (1957-1962)
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
n glorious October autumn sunshine a number of old boys gathered in Glenstal for the annual general meeting of the Society. Following mass offered by Fr. John O'Callaghan (1968-1974), the most recently ordained monk those present in the words of Dom. Mark Tierney (19381943) having come for “the singing stayed for the food”. The annual general meeting of the society was held in the magnificent new abbey library. Peter Crerar (1969-1973) accounted for his tenure in office as President. Unanimously praised for the work he had done for the past two years, Peter passed the ball to me. I compliment
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Peter for all that he did for the Glenstal Society. I am delighted that he has agreed to continue to organise the society's golf outings into the future. I thank Fr. Mark Tierney for his trojan work while he was secretary of the society. His workload does not permit him to continue in that capacity. Fr Abbot nominated Fr. Andrew Nugent to be the secretary of the society into the future. I look forward very much to working with Fr Andrew on behalf of you all. He guided me through my senior years in the school and I have no doubt will do the same during my term as president of the society. I wish to start a consultation process with you the members of the society and the community in Glenstal as to how the society should develop and focus its strengths and talents into the future. Perhaps we might consider establishing branches of the society in Munster, Leinster, Connaught - Ulster and overseas? Any views you have would be greatly appreciated and will be given due consideration. The society should become more proactive in marshalling the considerable talents of its members for the benefit of those less privileged in society. Should we perhaps consider creating a scholarship fund in the society for students? Let me have your suggestions and ideas. The old boys dinner will be held on the eve of the Ireland -v- Italy rugby international in Dublin on Friday 22nd March, 2002. If it is a success we might make it a permanent fixture. I know you would all like to travel to Rome for the dinner in 2003! Another date for your diary is the A.G.M. which will be in Glenstal on Sunday 20th October, 2002. D.V. Those of you who have not visited Glenstal for some time will be pleasantly surprised at the developments that have taken place in the abbey and in the school. The new guest-house is well worth staying in. The monks are most hospitable and love to have visitors in general, and old boys in particular, come to stay with them. Why not rediscover the very special benedictine spirit that continues to thrive and develop in the very special atmosphere created by the monks at Glenstal Abbey. I wish you all health, happiness and fulfilment in your lives at this time of year. Patrick O’Connor (1964-1970) PRESIDENT
Class of 1981:
Coming Events
Twenty Year Reunion
T
March 22nd, 2002 UNITED SERVICES CLUB Stephen's Green, Dublin.
A.G.M. AT GLENSTAL
(Lunch bookings with President or Secretary).
<
R . I . P. Let us remember those who have died recently Séan Lucy Rufus Halley Michael Senior Eddie Cotter Mark Dillon Richard Teevan Barney Nagle Nicholas Keane
(1949) (1962) (1964) (1948) (1986) (1951) (1959) (1959)
Finance We begin the current Financial Year (20012002) with a credit balance of £23, 371.77 (¤29,214.71). This money will be used to finance the new edition of Ubique and two Newsletters during the year, for the Hardship Fund, and for the annual subsidy to the Glenstal foundation at Ewu-Ishan, Nigeria. During a lively discussion at the A.G.M. the view was expressed that, although the situation has improved since the times when we were actually in debt, comparatively few members are contributing either to the Society or to the Hardship Fund. It was felt that we should be in a position to double the subsidy to Nigeria (currently £1,000) and to give more realistic help to members in need. It was suggested that the projected charge of ¤10 for Ubique was too small, some even wanting to double that figure. Well, unless more people send something....!
Herbal tea anyone?
A
Letter from Abbot Christopher 2001 began for us as the Year of the Library, when Richard Hurley's beautiful building gave a permanent home, at last, to our book collection. We can now host visiting scholars and general readers, as well as occasional seminar groups in the impressive Round Room. The library was officially opened only in June, in conjunction with the launch of The Glenstal Book of Prayer. Since then, 2001 has continued as the Year of the Prayer Book. Fr Peter's teasing challenge to Fr Simon, who has taken on the work of the Bursar’s Office, has become part of our folklore. Four printings, in as many months seem not to have satisfied an eager market, with the happy consequence that this collaborative effort by six of the brethren has touched many who needed to be touched. This has also been a year of growth and achievement in both monastery and school. The Class of 2001 celebrated the best examination results for many years. Meanwhile, Br Matthew Corkery (1986) made Simple Vows and Br John O'Callaghan (1974) and Br Joseph McGilloway were ordained to the diaconate, in Oxford and Rome, respectively. Br John has since been ordained to priesthood, here, in the abbey. These lines are being written, under a fan, in our Nigerian monastery at Ewu-Ishan, where this impressive community numbers thirty young men. Fr David and I are out here, following up on various adjustments which Abbot President Celestine and Fr Simon had proposed, in the course of their visit here during the summer. The achievements here are very remarkable, particularly in the building of a splendid clinic for homeopathic medicine, which has been partly funded by the family of Abbot Augustine, who died here, two years ago. The community, left largely to its own devices and without any permanent European presence, is making its mark in Nigeria as a place of hospitality and healing. In case this letter should be processed and printed before the end of the year, I take this opportunity to wish you every blessing for Christmas. Abbot Christopher.
The morning was devoted to the ascent of Galtee (beag!) followed by a viewing of the Ireland/New Zealand match in a local hostelry where black was a colour celebrated in every respect. The gathering was formally initiated in the bar of the well-appointed Dundrum House and an excellent turnout of over 25 spent an hour or two reminiscing before being summoned to a first-class meal in the main dining room dedicated to the exclusive presence of the group. A very convivial atmosphere prevailed, briefly interrupted by a typically succinct and inclusive speech of welcome from Michael Cosgrave, and an equally succinct and accurate riposte from Captain Bernartd Markey echoing the appreciation of the assembled to co-organisers Cossy and Walter Beatty. Official monastic presence was supplied by Fr Simon for pre-dinner drinks, Fr Abbot Christopher for post-dinner drinks, and Br Timothy for everything! Walter and Michael deserve great credit for organising this their second group reunion. Some of the class group could not attend; some few eluded contact despite sustained and extensive efforts by the organisers. Anyone from this year group who was not contacted by Walter or Michael, please make contact with one or the other - or Fr Andrew - with your up-to-date contact references. Future gatherings are assured. The excellent turnout proves the case that such reunions are well worth the effort required in their organisation. Again, congratulations to Michael Cosgrave and Walter Beatty for their initiative and expertise in creating a very successful and enjoyable week-end Timothy McGrath O.S.B.
NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM GLENSTAL BOOKSHOP:
Class of 1991: Ten Year Reunion Jan Leyden and Marcus, alias Max, McMahon were the convenors for this onedecade-up get-together. A three-line whip produced 18 out of 26 class members at liberty, which was deemed a good turnout. The rest, presumably, have yet to make their fortunes.
he 1981 Battalion celebrated the their 20th anniversary of surrender on 17th of November at the Dundrum House Hotel, Co. Tipperary.
OLD BOYS DINNER
Please book with President :Pat O'Connor, The Old House, Market Street, Swinford, Co. Mayo. Tel. 094-51414. Email: law@poconsol.ie (No bookings, please, to Secretary Andrew O.S.B. as he will be away for 6 weeks before the event). October 20 th , 2002
The Glenstal Book of
2001 has been the year of the Glenstal book of Prayer, which was officially launched during the dedication ceremony to open the new monastery library. The Prayer Book was a real community effort, involving a year's intensive labour by a committee of monks (and Noirin Ni Rian representing a lay and feminine perspective!). We were convinced from the start that the time was ripe to produce such a book: many monks can testify to the desire of lay people to share in some way in our liturgical tradition in their daily lives, and to have a handy resource for their personal prayers. The main part of the book contains short offices of morning and evening prayer, derived from the monastic Lauds and Vespers. It is very simple: but with its invocations to greet the morning and hymn of light to bring in the evening, it confers a special “prayer-quality” on the beginning and end of the day. Short “prayer-stops” based on the monastic offices of the third, sixth and ninth hours encourage a brief pause for prayer in the course of one's work; and the hauntingly beautiful last office of the day - Compline - helps to ease the soul into the land of dreams.
The date was November 17th, 2001. Nearly all of the group made it to Glenstal by midday, in time for the Community Mass, which was offered by Abbot Christopher for David Kieran of happy memory, our one deceased comrade. After that, lunch in the school refectory - like old times - and a scramble for places to watch Ireland V The All Blacks. In the evening: the banquet, at Waterman's Lodge, Killaloe, where most of the party were staying in state and comfort. Distinguished guests were Anne O'Reilly, our never-to-be-forgotten Matron, Fr. Andrew, long-suffering Housemaster, and Leo McGrath, who saw us in and out of the school. A truly delicious meal was served in an elegant private dining-room, with a choice to satisfy all but the fastest-food palates. Conversation was predictably sublime, reaching crescendos in the speeches, of which there were at least half a dozen before David Egan, remembering suddenly that he was Captain, had to give one as well. Having rubbed his hands together for several seconds, like Lady Macbeth having a wash, he suggested that we were having such fun, we should have another dinner after five years. Fr. Andrew took this personally and protested that he could easily survive another decade. It was noted that (only?) three members of the class have married, though several others are promised/threatened/advisable in the near future. Warm thanks to Marcus and Jan - and Marcus Senior, and Sarah (Mrs. Jan - who really did most of the work!)
The other sections of the book contain familiar prayers, ritual prayers for special occasions and a handy Calendar of Saints. There is also a very short seasonal section for those who wish to connect to the Church's year. A special feature of the book has been its beauty, both in its general format and in the two splendid icons which Andrew Nugent O.S.B. adorn it: on the cover that of Saint Nicholas of Myra, and within, that of UBIQUE Christ the compassionate Saviour.
The Glenstal Book of Prayer
Glenstal Abbey: A Historical Guide, by Mark Tierney - 4th edition, 2001.
The Haunted Inkwell: Art and Our Future, by Mark Patrick Hederman
Gash Gold Vermilion (Memories of Glenstal 1932-1982)
The response to the book suggests that religion is far from dying in this country, but that our expanding, educated society is crying out for a spirituality that embodies order, tradition and beauty without trapping it in a straitjacket of complicated rules and regulations. The book is one response to such a need: it is a small monastic service to the Church.
Glenstal Remembered (1982-2002).
Gregory Collins O.S.B.
We have had some problems but the new edition of UBIQUE will be published shortly.
Happy Christmas to You All !!!
RUGBY
R
ugby is blooming in the school. Two under 13; two under 14; two under 15; and under 16 and a Senior Squad are presently playing. Over 120 boys have represented Glenstal on the Rugby field so far this year.
Junior Rugby
The Glenstal Junior Squad won the Final of the Junior Development League for the first time. this is a particularly strong squad having already beaten Christians, Rockwell and Pres. Watch out for them in the Junior Cup as they will be a very hard team to beat.
Senior Rugby
Not to be outdone, the Senior Squad beat Ard Scoil Rís in the Final of the Senior Development League. This is the fifth year in a row that we have been in the Final and the second time we have won it. It is the first time we have done the double, winning both Senior and Junior Leagues. The Senior Squad have not lost a Mungret Cup game since 1996 and their record is very impressive. More info on the Rugby Web Page which is maintained by the boys themselves and can be located through the Glenstal Homepage.
Australian Rugby Tour
In 2002 we are taking a Senior and Development Squad to Australia. This will be the fifth foreign Tour and the third to Australia. The boys are busy fundraising for the Tour and they are also raising funds for Milford Hospice. No boy is precluded from the Tour on financial grounds and the Tour raises funds for those boys whose parents cannot afford to send them. Information on the Tour can be had on the Rugby Webpage and any offers of financial help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Contact Br. Denis on denis@glenstal.org.
Presentation to Fr. Mark At the AGM of the Society on October 21st, 2001, the outgoing President, Peter Crerar made a presentation of a beautiful Tipperary crystal clock and table set to Fr. Mark in appreciation of his invaluable work as Secretary of the Society over the last eleven years.