4 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER Autumn 2008
GERARD STAFFORD (1968 – 1974) Gerry died suddenly at home in Wexford in mid July 2008, aged just 52. It is difficult to avoid eulogizing someone like Gerry. Try as one might, no recollections of badness come to mind! He was certainly a model pupil in school, right from the start: bright, eager, dependable, diligent; and not much sign of “the devil within”. It is possible he was once caught red-handed in a major dorm raid, but the cause must have been just and the odds overwhelmingly against his side. Otherwise he would not have been interested. All this is not to say he was a swat or a goody goody, because he was neither. True, he did work hard at the books, but he played hard too, serving his time on the muddy field, until he found his niche at tennis. There he excelled with Borglike determination, despite a rather lumbering physique. He ably represented the school on the senior team at a time of intense competition. But he was up for any challenge: he even agreed to take on the title role of “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme”(as which Br. Patrick had mischieviously cast him), and went on to greater heights as the not-so-dead old man in Synge’s “The Shadow of the Glen”. But it was as a scholar of literature that he excelled. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the classic
PIANO Thanks to the generosity of the Old Boys on the 75th anniversary of the School, we are taking delivery of a new grand piano. It is a black Kawai, model RX2, just under six feet long, and three and a half years old. It has a keyboard range up to top c and a full complement of three pedals (sustaining, una corda and sostenuto). It has been supplied by Kleiser of Limerick. It will be an excellent practice piano for boys, especially for more advanced piano students who need a good grand piano and do not currently have one. It will be available for boys’ performances. It can be used for concerts by professional musicians, both in solo performances, instrumental and vocal recitals, and chamber music. Its value is not limited to the School and it can be used for monastic events (e.g. at the Easter Retreat). Cyprian Love O.S.B.
novelists and poets and was always keen to share his discoveries. He had himself a grand old-fashioned style of writing. He had produced his own magazine at the age of 12 which was “published” locally, and he later wrote a very moving short story concerning a boating tragedy in Clew Bay, which was published. He would no doubt have developed this talent to great heights, but he preferred more difficult challenges: not content with a good Leaving Certificate he pursued a number of ‘A’ Levels and finally took off after a brace of ‘S’ Levels when the rest of the class had escaped for the final school holidays. He then opted to study Economics at TCD (with a special interest in econometrics, if you don’t mind). It was while at college that out of the blue he suffered a major breakdown in his mental health, which led to many long spells in hospital and dogged his progress thereafter. True to form, Gerry came back to complete his primary degree, but because of recurrent illness could not continue with further academic study nor pursue a vigorous career. He suffered chronic depression and was consequently weighed down by medication. He accepted this fate with uncomplaining stoicism, but he did not succumb to it. Instead, he turned his attentions to living a spiritual life and to helping others in need. In his quiet and persevering way he helped and comfort-
GOLF: 2008 lenstal Old Boys Golfing calendar has been very full in 2008. It began with the annual UIS (Union of Irish Schools) competition held in Milltown in April of this year. The competition is in foursomes format against other schools. Glenstal has won this a few years ago and has been striving manfully to repeat this great glory. The team performed very well, and came a respectable 7th of some 30 schools competing.
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In June the annual match between Glenstal Old Boys and Clongowes was held in Portmarnock GC. The trophy (presented by Past president Pat O’Connor) had been lost to Clongowes in 2007. The match was played in glorious conditions and good spirits on the old links with the team of G Bradley, PF O’Reilly, P. Crerar and M. Hutch just pinching a closely fought contest on the last green. The trophy is reposing in the safe hands of the Golf Society’s secretary Peter Crerar until next year! The annual Old Boys outing was held on the 17th of July in the Castle Golf Club.
ed all he came in contact with. If you want proof just ask around. Those many people are his monument. Happily, in his thirties Gerry found Marion and married her. She and indeed her family opened up a new world for him. He travelled widely with Marion and resumed collecting books to add to his very substantial library. He even discovered an interest in racehorses. Well, at a class reunion, late in the evening he once cajoled a number of his friends to invest in one of his finds: a young gelding he subtly called the Legionary (from his long association with the Legion of Mary) with “untold potential as a steeplechaser”– except for an unshakeable refusal to jump! It must also be recorded that the venture was, in fact, to secretly help a friend in need, and he reimbursed the investors in full! His death came as a grievous blow to Marion, her family, his brother Philip and his friends. It was a wake-up call to his classmates, too! But despite the intense sadness of the event, those who came to bid farewell to him as he lay at his home in Kerlogue will affirm that there was no air of gloom and doom about the house but a wonderful air of peace and calm. He had fought the good fight, and had not been defeated. Though lovers be lost love shall not; And death shall have no dominion. Michael A. Counihan (1974)
www.myubique.com info@myubique.com
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS “That is why your parents have chosen this school. That is why, for over 75 years, generations of parents have chosen this school. Because they believed it to be a place of the most delicate engraving and the most accomplished engraving. A place where your lives will surely come to blossom in the way which God intended” President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, addressing students in Glenstal, May 12th 2008.
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he 75th Anniversary Committee met for the first time in October 2007 to plan how best to mark the 75th Jubilee of the foundation of a school at Glenstal. Seven months later, almost one thousand people had attended the various events organised to celebrate this auspicious event in the history of the school. Greater numbers would have attended if space had been available. These events were attended by current students, current staff, former staff members, Old Boys, parents of current and past students, as well as Friends of Glenstal – all testifying to their continued support for the distinctive culture of the monastic school at Glenstal.
JUST PUBLISHED (in Ireland & U.K.) Andrew Nugent, SOUL MURDER (U.S. Sept. 2009)
It was appropriate that in this Jubilee Year so many people would be reconnected with the school and resolutely affirm their support for its work. The Ireland of today is substantially different to that of 1932. Nevertheless, the Benedictine educational tradition has provided over the last 75 years for the continued development of students as individuals and for the formation of their characters within a close-knit family environment amid unrivalled surroundings. For 75 years this investment in young people at Glenstal has helped nourish a value system that has served the students themselves, their families and the wider community. In an increasingly secular world, where Christian culture is being progressively replaced by materialism, the presence of the Abbey’s large monastic community and its continued support for the school as a significant work of the monastery has offered an experience and education in Christian life to all who live, work and even visit the school.
Edited by Andrew Nugent osb Layout & Print by INTYPE Ltd.
Attendance by so many at the Jubilee celebrations served as a resounding affirmation of support to the monastic
It was well attended by 30 old boys covering a span of 60 years from the forties to the naughties! The competition was fiercely contested, with the winning score only separated on the last six holes. Well done to Walter Halley (H’Cap 9) our 2008 winner who pipped Mark Timmons (H Cap 2). The day was well supported by various sponsers including:Henry Andersons Baccus Wines, Ronnie Cosgrave, Legs, Paul Harvey, Des Fulham (hard luck Des!) and not forgetting the current Vice Captain of Rathsallagh Johnnie Mullan. The Golf outing will be played on a Friday in 2009 to ensure maximum attendance and will definitely be confirmed on the Old Boys website. Apologies for the lack of information on the site this year. Peter Crerar, Golf Society Secretary.
President McAleese's visit to Glenstal Abbey School in May last. In this photo she is being introduced by Headmaster, Br. Denis to future School Captain, Paul Comerford. community for its continued commitment to post-primary education in Ireland, as well as a mark of appreciation to them for allowing the school be such an important part of the monastery’s life. In conclusion, we look to the challenges ahead with confidence. We have a small but highly-committed and dedicated team of staff. Our enrolment numbers are very strong. We have an ambitious building programme planned. Our Scholarship Award scheme goes from
strength to strength, thanks in large measure to the generosity of our Old Boys. I leave you with the final words from our President, Mary McAleese: “May the next 75 years be blessed, whatever they bring. The last 75 years have been truly wonderful and of the next 75 years we can say with some comfort and confidence, that the best is yet to come” Miriam McElligott, Chairperson, 75th Anniversary Committee
Glenstal Society AGM 2008 he AGM was held on Sunday May 4th 2008, which was Ascension Day. After Mass, with Chief Celebrant Fr. Luke Macnamara (1988) – but without the boys who were on leave – we assembled in the Monastery Library for our meeting. There were 24 participants, the elder statesman being Billy Hederman (1945), and the new blood being represented by Allen Nicholson (2001). Abbot Christopher attended, and also Abbot Celestine, briefly back from his mission station in Kylemore. The attendance was smallish because, the same evening, there was to be a festive dinner in a marquee to celebrate the Seventy-Five
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Years of the School – and not everyone thought it wise to burn the candle at both ends. Noel O’Gorman, in his President’s Report, made special mention of the London Dinner, which was held in November in the Army and Navy Club, a very pleasant and enjoyable occasion. He also commented appreciatively upon the differnt events to mark the 75th Anniversary of the School, and on the initiatives for the less fortunate represented by the Scholarship Fund and Fr. John’s projected visit to Tanzania with some of the boys. Continued overleaf.
Autumn 2008 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER 3
2 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER Autumn 2008
GLENSTAL SOCIETY AGM 2008 Fr. Andrew, presenting his financial report, commented that expenditure had exceeded income by €9,000 during the year. He explained that we usually take a dip when we produce a new edition of Ubique – this time it cost nearly €15,000 for printing and posting. Our basic situation is sound. The President mentioned that we would like to contribute a sum of €1,000 to the forthcoming Rugby Tour to Australia which is being led by four brave parents.
There was a spirited response from Br. Anthony (1963) who said that it would help the environment if all these people stayed at home. It was immediately proposed to increase the g rant to €1,500. Fr. Luke reported on the progress of the Scholarship Project. By now, we have three scholarship students in the school. These are all thriving. We envisage having four by September, and soon, at least one in every year. There is enthus iastic support for this venture among Old Boys, and also among the lay staff who contribute generously.
Into AFRICA
Friends Together.
I
n July ’08 four Senior boys from Glenstal went to Tanzania to spend the month with their African peers. It was the result of a link recently established between Glenstal and the Benedictine schools of Hanga Abbey. The boys 1 taught English in the mornings, computer skills in the afternoons and otherwise joined in social life and sports. This adventure started in November ’07 when, at an information session organised by Fr John, past pupil Peadar Brehony (’07) inspired the four students to take up the challenge of travelling to a remote part of his own country, at Songea near Lake Nyassa, and to leave the young people there better off after their visit. It is a very poor region – no running or water or electricity in the village; food is a rather monotenous supply of rice and eggs, and accommodation is spartan. But the welcome received was magnanimous, though mostly expressed in Swahili. The Glenstal boys had been trained beforehand in the rudimentary greetings and, 1
with good will on all sides, communication could normally be assured. Donnchadh was billeted to teach English in the Primary School, Tom and Shane to do likewise in the Secondary School and James in the seminary. Class plans had been composed before arrival with the help of Mrs Gallagher, TEFL specialist and mother of Michael (3rd Year). In the afternoons the program changed – to teaching computer skills. Back in January a connection had been made with Camara, a computer refurbishing company in Dublin, who had come in on the project. They supplied the schools of Hanga Abbey with 100 refurbished computers, as well as some volunteers to help teach computer skills. The Glenstal boys joined in the work, first teaching local teachers how to log on, make and save files, and even use Powerpoint and Excel. Then they turned to the young people; alot of individual tuition was given despite constraints on time, electrical power, and the local management style. In the evening football
Donnchadh Casey; Tom Doyle; James de Boisanger; Shane Murphy
Br. Denis, in his report from the school, said that there was a good spirit pervading all activities, academic, sporting, cultural, and spiritual. We seem, at last, to be in a position to launch a major scheme to bring our buildings into the 21st century. He promised that we would be hearing more about this!
Glenstal Rugby Squad Winners in Australia
After the ritual photograph – and out of consideration for the school kitchen, which was totally preoccupied with preparing the banquet in the marquee that evening – we adjourned to Croker’s restaurant in Murroe where we had an excellent lunch.
games were frequent and most challenging. Towards the end of the month a short safari was organised in Ruaha National Park. A pride of thirteen lions feeding on a fresh kill was encountered as well as some charging elephants, zebras, impala, deer, giraffes etc. Before departure we also dipped into the Indian Ocean for a quick swim and visited the historic town of Bagamayo, last stop for slaves being shipped to Zanzibar in the 19th century. This trip called for altruism, resilience, and a responsable attitude throughout. Only seventeen years old, the boys were daily challenged to teach groups of at least twenty people who were sometimes older than themselves. They often worked on a par with adults but they won the esteem of all. The group also delivered valuable printers and other technology to the schools, from funds raised earlier in the year in Ireland. All in all it was an excellent ‘advance party’ for what will hopefully become a long-standing friendship between the young people of Glenstal and Hanga Abbey Schools. Fr. John O'Callaghan O.S.B.
Let Us Remember Tom McCarron (1955) Gerard Stafford (1974) Don O’Connor (1942) Garry McMahon, Father of Gearóid & Rossa Kathleen McCarthy, Mother of Maree Michael MacNamara, Father of James Edelgard Harbison, Wife of Peter, Mother of John & Maurice Lady Irène Dillon, Mother of Michael & Patrick Fausta Ryan, Mother of Mark & Dominic (†) Nurse Brídín Tierney (1953-58: 1963-65) Ethna Mehigan, Mother of Declan & Brian. Eddie McGraw, Teacher (41-45, 49-59)
The Glenstal team congratulate New South Wales Countries after the final which resulted in Glenstal coming out as overall winners of the Gold Coast Carnival, a first for any Irish team in Australia.
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n the 24th of June, 2008, Glenstals Australian Tour party left Dublin Airport bound for Sydney for what would be an unforgettable 3 weeks of sun, sand and rugby. The squad was captained by Cathal Hughes, outgoing senior captain. After a brief one night stay in Sydney, we left for Central Coast for the Tours first game. Looking forward to a good, competitive game of rugby, we were slightly disappointed when we strolled to a comfortable 38-0 victory over Central Coast Grammar School. Next on the fixture list was St. Augustines College in Manly. After 2 days spent lazing on the world famous Manly beach, our stay in the Northern Beaches concluded with a closely contested encounter against St. Augustines College. Unfortunately, we lost the game by 19 points to 17, however we were glad of the opportunity to play against one of Sydneys most promising rugby playing schools. 4 nights holidays in Cairns soon followed. This turned out to be one of the highlights of the Tour for many of the party. Cairns, with its energy, youth and friendly locals, was certainly a city which left a large impression on us, and one which many of us will surely return to in the not so distant future. The Tour concluded with 9 nights stay in Surfers Paradise on Australias Gold Coast. We were to play in the Gold Coast Rugby Carnival, an annual exhibition of schools rugby involving over 50 teams from 6 different countries. After comfortable
Tom McCarron (1951 1955) Tom was of substantial build but reassuringly amiable in expression and manner. Indeed, he perhaps disappointed Fr. Peter’s hopes for him as a rugby forward. But then, in the 1950’s at least, a proportion of Glenstal boys seemed to experience difficulty finding the dynamic balance between polteness and pugnacity. Generally, Tom did what was necessary in school life, remaining cheerful and tolerant. He was very much one of that group of Dubliners who managed to appear permanantly surprised at finding themselves living in a quite remote rural school - setting others and himself clustered for comfort around the gramaphone in the playroom, observing the passing scene while listening to Doris Day, Frankie Lane, et alii.
and heated victories over The Southport School and Brisbane Anglican School, and a memorable comeback against Brisbane Grammar, we had qualified for the semi-final of the tournament. Here we faced Scotts College, a member of the GPS, Sydneys most elite group of rugby playing schools. Expecting a tough encounter, we experienced just that and won the game by a 9 point margin. Later that day, we faced New South Wales Countries development squad. This team consisted of the best club players across New South Wales. However, with the prospect of finally winning some silverware after a long, arduous season, we were not phased. The game was a close encounter, with neither team conceding anything in defence. The game ended in a 6 all draw, and in the spirit of the tournament, the trophy was awarded to both teams. We returned to Dublin on the 15th of July, Champions of the Gold Coast and undefeated on our path to doing so. The Australian Tour of 2008 was certainly a memorable one, and one that will survive long into the future in the minds of everyone who participated in it. Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to especially thank Pat OConnor, the Tour Leader and the Glenstal Old Boys for their generosity in making this Tour a possibility and a success. Duncan Casey (6th Year)
A pleasant companion, able to handle the various challenges that came our way in class or elsewhere with easy competence and a measure of grace. Tom’s father died in May ’54, so he spent his last year of school at C.B.S. Monkstown, where he had the distinction of playing full-back at Lansdowne Road in the Leinster Schools Cup Final in 1955. He was also a pretty good cricketer. Golf was his great passion in later life. He was Captain at Killiney and also at Portmarnock where he was extremely proud to have been made an honorary member for the past ten years, After school Tom went on to become a successful auctioneer, rising to be a director of Hamilton Osborne King. Michael Millerick (1949-56)
Wedding Bells Charlie Blacque (1995) & Denise O’Donoghue. Rossa McMahon (1998) & Oonagh Dwyer. Robbie McMahon (1994) & Deirdre Flanagan. Paul Twohig (1995) & Kate Hyde. Tom O’Reilly (1996) & Stephanie Nirvelle. Louis Walsh (1996) & Lilian Burke.
Autumn 2008 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER 3
2 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER Autumn 2008
GLENSTAL SOCIETY AGM 2008 Fr. Andrew, presenting his financial report, commented that expenditure had exceeded income by €9,000 during the year. He explained that we usually take a dip when we produce a new edition of Ubique – this time it cost nearly €15,000 for printing and posting. Our basic situation is sound. The President mentioned that we would like to contribute a sum of €1,000 to the forthcoming Rugby Tour to Australia which is being led by four brave parents.
There was a spirited response from Br. Anthony (1963) who said that it would help the environment if all these people stayed at home. It was immediately proposed to increase the g rant to €1,500. Fr. Luke reported on the progress of the Scholarship Project. By now, we have three scholarship students in the school. These are all thriving. We envisage having four by September, and soon, at least one in every year. There is enthus iastic support for this venture among Old Boys, and also among the lay staff who contribute generously.
Into AFRICA
Friends Together.
I
n July ’08 four Senior boys from Glenstal went to Tanzania to spend the month with their African peers. It was the result of a link recently established between Glenstal and the Benedictine schools of Hanga Abbey. The boys 1 taught English in the mornings, computer skills in the afternoons and otherwise joined in social life and sports. This adventure started in November ’07 when, at an information session organised by Fr John, past pupil Peadar Brehony (’07) inspired the four students to take up the challenge of travelling to a remote part of his own country, at Songea near Lake Nyassa, and to leave the young people there better off after their visit. It is a very poor region – no running or water or electricity in the village; food is a rather monotenous supply of rice and eggs, and accommodation is spartan. But the welcome received was magnanimous, though mostly expressed in Swahili. The Glenstal boys had been trained beforehand in the rudimentary greetings and, 1
with good will on all sides, communication could normally be assured. Donnchadh was billeted to teach English in the Primary School, Tom and Shane to do likewise in the Secondary School and James in the seminary. Class plans had been composed before arrival with the help of Mrs Gallagher, TEFL specialist and mother of Michael (3rd Year). In the afternoons the program changed – to teaching computer skills. Back in January a connection had been made with Camara, a computer refurbishing company in Dublin, who had come in on the project. They supplied the schools of Hanga Abbey with 100 refurbished computers, as well as some volunteers to help teach computer skills. The Glenstal boys joined in the work, first teaching local teachers how to log on, make and save files, and even use Powerpoint and Excel. Then they turned to the young people; alot of individual tuition was given despite constraints on time, electrical power, and the local management style. In the evening football
Donnchadh Casey; Tom Doyle; James de Boisanger; Shane Murphy
Br. Denis, in his report from the school, said that there was a good spirit pervading all activities, academic, sporting, cultural, and spiritual. We seem, at last, to be in a position to launch a major scheme to bring our buildings into the 21st century. He promised that we would be hearing more about this!
Glenstal Rugby Squad Winners in Australia
After the ritual photograph – and out of consideration for the school kitchen, which was totally preoccupied with preparing the banquet in the marquee that evening – we adjourned to Croker’s restaurant in Murroe where we had an excellent lunch.
games were frequent and most challenging. Towards the end of the month a short safari was organised in Ruaha National Park. A pride of thirteen lions feeding on a fresh kill was encountered as well as some charging elephants, zebras, impala, deer, giraffes etc. Before departure we also dipped into the Indian Ocean for a quick swim and visited the historic town of Bagamayo, last stop for slaves being shipped to Zanzibar in the 19th century. This trip called for altruism, resilience, and a responsable attitude throughout. Only seventeen years old, the boys were daily challenged to teach groups of at least twenty people who were sometimes older than themselves. They often worked on a par with adults but they won the esteem of all. The group also delivered valuable printers and other technology to the schools, from funds raised earlier in the year in Ireland. All in all it was an excellent ‘advance party’ for what will hopefully become a long-standing friendship between the young people of Glenstal and Hanga Abbey Schools. Fr. John O'Callaghan O.S.B.
Let Us Remember Tom McCarron (1955) Gerard Stafford (1974) Don O’Connor (1942) Garry McMahon, Father of Gearóid & Rossa Kathleen McCarthy, Mother of Maree Michael MacNamara, Father of James Edelgard Harbison, Wife of Peter, Mother of John & Maurice Lady Irène Dillon, Mother of Michael & Patrick Fausta Ryan, Mother of Mark & Dominic (†) Nurse Brídín Tierney (1953-58: 1963-65) Ethna Mehigan, Mother of Declan & Brian. Eddie McGraw, Teacher (41-45, 49-59)
The Glenstal team congratulate New South Wales Countries after the final which resulted in Glenstal coming out as overall winners of the Gold Coast Carnival, a first for any Irish team in Australia.
O
n the 24th of June, 2008, Glenstals Australian Tour party left Dublin Airport bound for Sydney for what would be an unforgettable 3 weeks of sun, sand and rugby. The squad was captained by Cathal Hughes, outgoing senior captain. After a brief one night stay in Sydney, we left for Central Coast for the Tours first game. Looking forward to a good, competitive game of rugby, we were slightly disappointed when we strolled to a comfortable 38-0 victory over Central Coast Grammar School. Next on the fixture list was St. Augustines College in Manly. After 2 days spent lazing on the world famous Manly beach, our stay in the Northern Beaches concluded with a closely contested encounter against St. Augustines College. Unfortunately, we lost the game by 19 points to 17, however we were glad of the opportunity to play against one of Sydneys most promising rugby playing schools. 4 nights holidays in Cairns soon followed. This turned out to be one of the highlights of the Tour for many of the party. Cairns, with its energy, youth and friendly locals, was certainly a city which left a large impression on us, and one which many of us will surely return to in the not so distant future. The Tour concluded with 9 nights stay in Surfers Paradise on Australias Gold Coast. We were to play in the Gold Coast Rugby Carnival, an annual exhibition of schools rugby involving over 50 teams from 6 different countries. After comfortable
Tom McCarron (1951 1955) Tom was of substantial build but reassuringly amiable in expression and manner. Indeed, he perhaps disappointed Fr. Peter’s hopes for him as a rugby forward. But then, in the 1950’s at least, a proportion of Glenstal boys seemed to experience difficulty finding the dynamic balance between polteness and pugnacity. Generally, Tom did what was necessary in school life, remaining cheerful and tolerant. He was very much one of that group of Dubliners who managed to appear permanantly surprised at finding themselves living in a quite remote rural school - setting others and himself clustered for comfort around the gramaphone in the playroom, observing the passing scene while listening to Doris Day, Frankie Lane, et alii.
and heated victories over The Southport School and Brisbane Anglican School, and a memorable comeback against Brisbane Grammar, we had qualified for the semi-final of the tournament. Here we faced Scotts College, a member of the GPS, Sydneys most elite group of rugby playing schools. Expecting a tough encounter, we experienced just that and won the game by a 9 point margin. Later that day, we faced New South Wales Countries development squad. This team consisted of the best club players across New South Wales. However, with the prospect of finally winning some silverware after a long, arduous season, we were not phased. The game was a close encounter, with neither team conceding anything in defence. The game ended in a 6 all draw, and in the spirit of the tournament, the trophy was awarded to both teams. We returned to Dublin on the 15th of July, Champions of the Gold Coast and undefeated on our path to doing so. The Australian Tour of 2008 was certainly a memorable one, and one that will survive long into the future in the minds of everyone who participated in it. Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to especially thank Pat OConnor, the Tour Leader and the Glenstal Old Boys for their generosity in making this Tour a possibility and a success. Duncan Casey (6th Year)
A pleasant companion, able to handle the various challenges that came our way in class or elsewhere with easy competence and a measure of grace. Tom’s father died in May ’54, so he spent his last year of school at C.B.S. Monkstown, where he had the distinction of playing full-back at Lansdowne Road in the Leinster Schools Cup Final in 1955. He was also a pretty good cricketer. Golf was his great passion in later life. He was Captain at Killiney and also at Portmarnock where he was extremely proud to have been made an honorary member for the past ten years, After school Tom went on to become a successful auctioneer, rising to be a director of Hamilton Osborne King. Michael Millerick (1949-56)
Wedding Bells Charlie Blacque (1995) & Denise O’Donoghue. Rossa McMahon (1998) & Oonagh Dwyer. Robbie McMahon (1994) & Deirdre Flanagan. Paul Twohig (1995) & Kate Hyde. Tom O’Reilly (1996) & Stephanie Nirvelle. Louis Walsh (1996) & Lilian Burke.
4 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER Autumn 2008
GERARD STAFFORD (1968 – 1974) Gerry died suddenly at home in Wexford in mid July 2008, aged just 52. It is difficult to avoid eulogizing someone like Gerry. Try as one might, no recollections of badness come to mind! He was certainly a model pupil in school, right from the start: bright, eager, dependable, diligent; and not much sign of “the devil within”. It is possible he was once caught red-handed in a major dorm raid, but the cause must have been just and the odds overwhelmingly against his side. Otherwise he would not have been interested. All this is not to say he was a swat or a goody goody, because he was neither. True, he did work hard at the books, but he played hard too, serving his time on the muddy field, until he found his niche at tennis. There he excelled with Borglike determination, despite a rather lumbering physique. He ably represented the school on the senior team at a time of intense competition. But he was up for any challenge: he even agreed to take on the title role of “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme”(as which Br. Patrick had mischieviously cast him), and went on to greater heights as the not-so-dead old man in Synge’s “The Shadow of the Glen”. But it was as a scholar of literature that he excelled. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the classic
PIANO Thanks to the generosity of the Old Boys on the 75th anniversary of the School, we are taking delivery of a new grand piano. It is a black Kawai, model RX2, just under six feet long, and three and a half years old. It has a keyboard range up to top c and a full complement of three pedals (sustaining, una corda and sostenuto). It has been supplied by Kleiser of Limerick. It will be an excellent practice piano for boys, especially for more advanced piano students who need a good grand piano and do not currently have one. It will be available for boys’ performances. It can be used for concerts by professional musicians, both in solo performances, instrumental and vocal recitals, and chamber music. Its value is not limited to the School and it can be used for monastic events (e.g. at the Easter Retreat). Cyprian Love O.S.B.
novelists and poets and was always keen to share his discoveries. He had himself a grand old-fashioned style of writing. He had produced his own magazine at the age of 12 which was “published” locally, and he later wrote a very moving short story concerning a boating tragedy in Clew Bay, which was published. He would no doubt have developed this talent to great heights, but he preferred more difficult challenges: not content with a good Leaving Certificate he pursued a number of ‘A’ Levels and finally took off after a brace of ‘S’ Levels when the rest of the class had escaped for the final school holidays. He then opted to study Economics at TCD (with a special interest in econometrics, if you don’t mind). It was while at college that out of the blue he suffered a major breakdown in his mental health, which led to many long spells in hospital and dogged his progress thereafter. True to form, Gerry came back to complete his primary degree, but because of recurrent illness could not continue with further academic study nor pursue a vigorous career. He suffered chronic depression and was consequently weighed down by medication. He accepted this fate with uncomplaining stoicism, but he did not succumb to it. Instead, he turned his attentions to living a spiritual life and to helping others in need. In his quiet and persevering way he helped and comfort-
GOLF: 2008 lenstal Old Boys Golfing calendar has been very full in 2008. It began with the annual UIS (Union of Irish Schools) competition held in Milltown in April of this year. The competition is in foursomes format against other schools. Glenstal has won this a few years ago and has been striving manfully to repeat this great glory. The team performed very well, and came a respectable 7th of some 30 schools competing.
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In June the annual match between Glenstal Old Boys and Clongowes was held in Portmarnock GC. The trophy (presented by Past president Pat O’Connor) had been lost to Clongowes in 2007. The match was played in glorious conditions and good spirits on the old links with the team of G Bradley, PF O’Reilly, P. Crerar and M. Hutch just pinching a closely fought contest on the last green. The trophy is reposing in the safe hands of the Golf Society’s secretary Peter Crerar until next year! The annual Old Boys outing was held on the 17th of July in the Castle Golf Club.
ed all he came in contact with. If you want proof just ask around. Those many people are his monument. Happily, in his thirties Gerry found Marion and married her. She and indeed her family opened up a new world for him. He travelled widely with Marion and resumed collecting books to add to his very substantial library. He even discovered an interest in racehorses. Well, at a class reunion, late in the evening he once cajoled a number of his friends to invest in one of his finds: a young gelding he subtly called the Legionary (from his long association with the Legion of Mary) with “untold potential as a steeplechaser”– except for an unshakeable refusal to jump! It must also be recorded that the venture was, in fact, to secretly help a friend in need, and he reimbursed the investors in full! His death came as a grievous blow to Marion, her family, his brother Philip and his friends. It was a wake-up call to his classmates, too! But despite the intense sadness of the event, those who came to bid farewell to him as he lay at his home in Kerlogue will affirm that there was no air of gloom and doom about the house but a wonderful air of peace and calm. He had fought the good fight, and had not been defeated. Though lovers be lost love shall not; And death shall have no dominion. Michael A. Counihan (1974)
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CELEBRATING 75 YEARS “That is why your parents have chosen this school. That is why, for over 75 years, generations of parents have chosen this school. Because they believed it to be a place of the most delicate engraving and the most accomplished engraving. A place where your lives will surely come to blossom in the way which God intended” President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, addressing students in Glenstal, May 12th 2008.
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he 75th Anniversary Committee met for the first time in October 2007 to plan how best to mark the 75th Jubilee of the foundation of a school at Glenstal. Seven months later, almost one thousand people had attended the various events organised to celebrate this auspicious event in the history of the school. Greater numbers would have attended if space had been available. These events were attended by current students, current staff, former staff members, Old Boys, parents of current and past students, as well as Friends of Glenstal – all testifying to their continued support for the distinctive culture of the monastic school at Glenstal.
JUST PUBLISHED (in Ireland & U.K.) Andrew Nugent, SOUL MURDER (U.S. Sept. 2009)
It was appropriate that in this Jubilee Year so many people would be reconnected with the school and resolutely affirm their support for its work. The Ireland of today is substantially different to that of 1932. Nevertheless, the Benedictine educational tradition has provided over the last 75 years for the continued development of students as individuals and for the formation of their characters within a close-knit family environment amid unrivalled surroundings. For 75 years this investment in young people at Glenstal has helped nourish a value system that has served the students themselves, their families and the wider community. In an increasingly secular world, where Christian culture is being progressively replaced by materialism, the presence of the Abbey’s large monastic community and its continued support for the school as a significant work of the monastery has offered an experience and education in Christian life to all who live, work and even visit the school.
Edited by Andrew Nugent osb Layout & Print by INTYPE Ltd.
Attendance by so many at the Jubilee celebrations served as a resounding affirmation of support to the monastic
It was well attended by 30 old boys covering a span of 60 years from the forties to the naughties! The competition was fiercely contested, with the winning score only separated on the last six holes. Well done to Walter Halley (H’Cap 9) our 2008 winner who pipped Mark Timmons (H Cap 2). The day was well supported by various sponsers including:Henry Andersons Baccus Wines, Ronnie Cosgrave, Legs, Paul Harvey, Des Fulham (hard luck Des!) and not forgetting the current Vice Captain of Rathsallagh Johnnie Mullan. The Golf outing will be played on a Friday in 2009 to ensure maximum attendance and will definitely be confirmed on the Old Boys website. Apologies for the lack of information on the site this year. Peter Crerar, Golf Society Secretary.
President McAleese's visit to Glenstal Abbey School in May last. In this photo she is being introduced by Headmaster, Br. Denis to future School Captain, Paul Comerford. community for its continued commitment to post-primary education in Ireland, as well as a mark of appreciation to them for allowing the school be such an important part of the monastery’s life. In conclusion, we look to the challenges ahead with confidence. We have a small but highly-committed and dedicated team of staff. Our enrolment numbers are very strong. We have an ambitious building programme planned. Our Scholarship Award scheme goes from
strength to strength, thanks in large measure to the generosity of our Old Boys. I leave you with the final words from our President, Mary McAleese: “May the next 75 years be blessed, whatever they bring. The last 75 years have been truly wonderful and of the next 75 years we can say with some comfort and confidence, that the best is yet to come” Miriam McElligott, Chairperson, 75th Anniversary Committee
Glenstal Society AGM 2008 he AGM was held on Sunday May 4th 2008, which was Ascension Day. After Mass, with Chief Celebrant Fr. Luke Macnamara (1988) – but without the boys who were on leave – we assembled in the Monastery Library for our meeting. There were 24 participants, the elder statesman being Billy Hederman (1945), and the new blood being represented by Allen Nicholson (2001). Abbot Christopher attended, and also Abbot Celestine, briefly back from his mission station in Kylemore. The attendance was smallish because, the same evening, there was to be a festive dinner in a marquee to celebrate the Seventy-Five
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Years of the School – and not everyone thought it wise to burn the candle at both ends. Noel O’Gorman, in his President’s Report, made special mention of the London Dinner, which was held in November in the Army and Navy Club, a very pleasant and enjoyable occasion. He also commented appreciatively upon the differnt events to mark the 75th Anniversary of the School, and on the initiatives for the less fortunate represented by the Scholarship Fund and Fr. John’s projected visit to Tanzania with some of the boys. Continued overleaf.