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4 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER Spring 2013
The Class of ’62: Fifty Years On
www.myubique.com info@myubique.com
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e were a small class, 13 in number. It did not occur to any of us that 13 was an unlucky number. Being a small class we got to know each other pretty well and managed to put up with each other’s foibles, at least for the most part. The religious ethos of Glenstal was so influential that three of our number joined the Monastery soon after leaving school. Two did not last the pace, but Mark Hederman did and is now Father Patrick, Abbot of Glenstal. Although Leo McGrath found that the monastic life was not for him, his love of Glenstal was such that he returned as a lay teacher and has spent all of his life teaching at the school. Two of our number joined the Foreign Missions, Rufus Halley and Paul Bradley. Rufus spent over 20 years in the Philippines. He integrated with both Christian and Muslim communities in the southern island of Mindanao and was brutally murdered there in 2001. Paul died in 2006. John Hill practises as a Psychoanalysist in Zurich. Four of us went into Law, Harry Whelehan and James Nugent joining the Bar and myself and John Baily qualifying as Solicitors. The remainder went into the world of Business, Neil Fleischmann emigrating to Canada, Tom Anderson, Hubert Burke and David Dwyer sticking to the “old sod”. David Dwyer having retired from business now works as a Sacristan – that religious theme again! On the 20th October 2012, all but Neil Fleischmann and John Baily met up in the Dunraven Arms at Adare for a reunion dinner, some of us not having seen each other for 50 years. It was particularly noticeable that Father Phillip and Father Abbot both retained their good looks and hair; it must be something to do with the religious life! An excellent dinner, a glass of wine or three, and the recounting of tales of the past kept us up until the wee small hours. A walk around the beautiful grounds of Glenstal on a wonderfully sunny autumn day after Mass the following day, helped us recover from the excesses of the previous night. Hugh O’Donnell Edited by Andrew Nugent osb Layout & Print by INTYPE Ltd.
Fundraising Update
The Gathering at Glenstal
T A Job for Life! hen I was offered a job as a process chemist in Dunlops rubber factory in Cork in 1969, the general consensus was: “You lucky fellow, Dunlops, that’s a job for life”. Well, the Dunlop factory closed in 1983. So there I was, 38 years old, and my “job for life” gone.
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Fortunately my brother, George, then offered me a job as a Sales Representative in his shirt factory. A slight change in direction! By 1990 I thought I knew enough to set up my own company in the clothing trade, but seven years later I was on the verge of bankruptcy when fate again intervened. An ex-colleague from Dunlops, another George, offered me a job in a rubber factory in Kinsale. ... Wasn’t I lucky I had invited him to my wedding! That job lasted until 2006 when the factory was destroyed by fire. So out of work again but by this time I’m 61. ... However, another friend, not a George this time but Gus, came to my rescue, and I was offered a job as sacristan in a church in Cork. I’m now six years there. At last a job for life! Who knows? David Dwyer (1957-1962)
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I
left Glenstal in 1962. My schooling – for whatever reason – did not engender leanings towards a particular career, so I decided on the law, my father being a solicitor in Tralee. I went to UCD where I got a BCL in 1965 and qualified as a solicitor in 1967. Whilst in Dublin I stayed in Balnagowan, a Hall of Residence run by Benedictines The priest in charge was Dom Mathew Dillon. Social life in Dublin developed gradually from a few pints in Hartigans
on Saturday nights to (mostly unsuccessful) forays to the dances at the Olympic on the bicycle: Ballroom of Romance stuff! Not surprisingly, the bicycle has largely since disappeared as an instrument of courtship. Facing into the task of earning a living in 1967, I spent a year in Dublin in two solicitors offices to no great effect, Then I looked for a job down the country. Two offers arrived , one from Drogheda and one from Skibbereen. I took the latter, for no better reason than that some months previously, I had paid my first visit to Skibb. with Tralee rugby team and and a great night was had by all after the game. I reckon I had a sound grasp of work/life balance before that term became well known. Skibbereen is about ninety miles from Tralee. At this stage,I had advanced sufficiently in life to be the owner of a Riley Elf. It was always my intention to return to Tralee after the wild oats were sown and, to mix metaphors, there is a saying in my part of the world which includes the words never, own, and doorstep. I spent two happy years in Skibb. and in 1971 returned to Tralee where I have practised as a solicitor ever since. I got married in 1973 and am glad to say my wife Maire has put up with me since then. We have three children, all three are working in Dublin, two as solicitors with very little encouragement from me. I played a little rugby in my youth. I did a little amateur drama and musicals. I was also in the Tralee Lions Club for many years and before that, the Junior Chamber. Now in my less active years, I am a member of a choir. I am this year 45 years practising law. I have no plans to retire. I would not know what to do with myself and would drive my wife to seek divorce. So there you have it! John Baily (1957-1962)
he Gathering will take place on Saturday June 22nd. This will be a friendly encounter for All Old Boys, current students, staff, and their respective families. It will NOT be a fund raising event, just a lovely opportunity to catch up with old friends. We will start with Mass at noon. Then we embark on an afternoon of activities for all the family: sports, live music performances, tours, photographic displays, BBQ, and much more. Please register in advance at gathering@glenstal.com or call 061-621084, or write to Noelle O’Brien at Glenstal.
The AGM of the Old Boys’ Society This years AGM will be incorporated into The Gathering and will assemble in the Monastery Library at 1p.m. (GOBS only, of course!) Having held some elections, passed (hopefully) the accounts, and disposed of AOB, we will be in time for a nice BBQ. Part of the work of the AGM this year will be to establish a reasonable and regular supply of funds for the purposes of the Society. The needs are many. Apart from regular newsletters, new editions of Ubique every few years, there are always serious calls on our benevolent fund for members down on their luck. We don’t charge for anything – except Old Boys Ties. If it were not for the generosity of a few dozen Old Boys, who have committed themselves to Banker’s Orders, or who do make periodic subscriptions, we would be – and soon will be – seriously broke.
GOLF OUTING FOR 2013 VENUE:
CASTLE GOLF CLUB, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 DATE: Thursday September 19th TEE OFF: 14.00 - 15.00 FORMAT: 3 Ball Stablefor Those unable to participate in the Day’s Events are welcome to join us for Dinner. Further details will follow. Peter J. Crear : Gearoid Bradley
THANK YOU to all who have contributed so generously to the School Development Fund. The present phase of this ambitous project will cost €6.00m. The Glenstal Community have contributed €1m as a sign of their commitment to the school. The school itself has contributed €0.5m. So far we have fund raised €1.6m. So this will leave €2.9m to be raised by fund raising or by borrowing. If you would like to make a donation, please e-mail development@glenstal.com or write to Noelle O’Brien at Glenstal.
Events 2013 April 19th Old Boys Dinner, The travellers Club, Pall Mall, London. April 21st Concert featuring fiddler Martin Hayes and singer Iarla Ó Lionáird. June 22nd The Gathering/AGM. September 19th Golf Outing. October 18th Glenstal Ball, Shelbourne Hotel. For details of these events, please contact: development@glenstal.com or 061-621084
The Class of ’92 get Lahinched
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n the Heineken cup weekend of the 12th & 13th October, the class of ’92 met for our twenty year reunion. In organising our get together, I managed to track down our whole year and was amazed at the eagerness, determination and regret (for those who could not travel) in making our reunion. Lahinch is a beautiful place in which to walk, surf, and enjoy a round of golf or afternoon pint. We had a glorious couple of days catching up in this lovely place. On Saturday evening, twenty six of us met Fr. Andrew, Fr. Simon and Leo McGrath (our school Senior, Inter and Junior Housemasters) in Egans Bar, Liscannor.
From there we skipped down the road to Vaughans Bar and Restaurant for a delicious meal. Memories of gang warfare (Lads v Rats), illegal BBQ’s, smoking & getting chased behind the cinema gym, sneaking bottles of spirits from home and of course visiting the local pubs on Rugby trips brought us back 20 years. Yet it was the memory of Leo’s legendary quote from our second year “Ye wont piss on my car” as he barged through the bushes into Baldey’s hut @ 4.00a.m. to catch us on a BBQ that had us all in hysterics. Some say our year was one of the wildest years to leave Glenstal. Continued overleaf
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2 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER Spring 2013
The Class of ’92 Continued Yet Fr. Andrew’s wise insight: that through the tragedy of losing Peter Cunningham and Conor Carrigan’s Mum in that car crash in fifth year; our year has a bond of friendship and togetherness that is unbreakable and quite unique. With Dominic Morrogh and Chris Crofts both seriously unwell, it is a privilege to know that we will all visit and encourage them towards recovery.
Spring 2013 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER 3
Anne O’Reilly 19 Dec. 2012
With the bill split we ventured back to Lahinch, where we continued our celebrations in Flannerys Bar and the local nightclub until about breakfast! A great couple of days were had and we have promised to continue with Lahinch as our venue every ten years! Many thanks class of ’92 for making such a memorable weekend! Robert Keeling
Paul Harvey (1957-1962) had the pleasure of knowing Paul for over fifty years and he was a wonderful friend. He was also a great supporter of Glenstal Old Boys Society events. He died suddenly on 30th November 2012.
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Paul was one of four brothers, Ivan (†), Philip and Geoffrey, who all attended Glenstal from the middle 50s to the early 70s. They were good rugby players and Paul captained the under 17 team. He went into the wine business after leaving Glenstal and was working with Diagio when he retired in 2005. He had great knowledge of the industry and was admired all over the country. On his retirement, he got involved in the Family business in Windyridge Garden Centre with his two sons, Paul and Justin and was very proud of the progress and success of the business. Paul had a great gift for looking after others and gave his time willingly, not that he felt he had to do it, but because believed everyone should be included. He was never the loudest in the room but always had time for everybody and took pride in other peoples achievements. Paul was a wonderful husband and father and his sudden passing away has left a large gap in the lives of his wife Marie, daughter Edel, sons Paul and Justin and a large number of people. David Martin (1956-1963)
T
he words we have heard from the Book of Wisdom echo much of what one might want to say of Anne – or Matron, as she was known to generations of boys and staff. For forty years, hers was the heart-beat of the school. Arriving in 1952, into the cheerful austerity of the Matthaean régime, she readily identified and generously fulfilled the maternal role which became hers, until her retirement, in 1992, a role which she exercised particularly to the boys, but also to the many girls who helped her to keep the domestic side of the school functioning. Indeed, she filled that role for numbers of the monks, too. Abbot Patrick, who would be standing here, but for unavoidable obligations in Maredsous, told me that, even on a recent visit to Anne, she remarked, ‘I don’t like your haircut; it doesn’t suit you’. So unaffected was the immediacy of her interest and her concern in everything that had to do with this place, to which she had devoted her life. Virtuous in this life she has been, as anyone who knew her can attest, teaching by example, in this school of the Lord’s service, the ways of integrity, truth, and selfless generosity. While she had no hesitation in correcting a boy who over-stepped the mark, striking the fear of God into many– whether boy or house staff - she was effortlessly hospitable to boys, staff, and parents alike, in season, and after hours in Matron’s Room. Put to the test, as she was, in ways that were, by turns, dramatic and comic – the more so for being sometimes unintentionally hilarious herself: the cache of her sayings is a treasured element in our folklore – the vast majority of her time and effort was taken up with running the house. But there was a brief, but precious, episode when she was involved in classroom work, teach-
ing cookery in the Home Economics course. It entailed a kind of recognition which was precious to her. Anne’s life was one of devotion, to God, to family, to her professional work in this place and to her myriad friends. Indeed, we must say of her what St Benedict says of the faithful confrère: her heart was enlarged so that she ran with unspeakable sweetness of love in the way of God’s commandments. Retirement from the school meant the pursuit of new interests, starting with Bible study and prayer, which involved her in a serious journey of exploration and deepening of her Christian faith, along with many other activities which brought her into a new and deeper contact with the people and activities of the locality. At the same time, she delighted in the continued possibility of hospitality in the Back Lodge which she had refurbished and furnished to receive all comers. These were idyllic days for her. But when she had to give them up, she quickly adapted to the very different life of the nursing home at Milbrae Lodge, where the warmth and kindness of the staff compensated for the inevitable loss of independence. Many of you here could entertain us with a catalogue of reminiscences; but that is not our primary purpose today. We are here as representatives of the Church on earth, to plead Anne’s cause before the Court of Heaven, in pursuance of that “hope which is not deceptive, because the love of God has ben poured into our hearts”, as it was poured into Anne’s heart. It is our task to attest that she was, indeed, a woman of great faith and great hope, which enabled her to live a life of unmeasured kindnesses. Of the several beatitudes which might be applied to her, I think that the most apt is that of the pure of heart. While she was necessarily discreet, although being privy to many secrets, she was utterly loyal, utterly without guile, in matters which touched friendship and her relationship with God. She needed and wielded considerable guile of a different kind, in order to fight her corner, in this world of men. But in all else, hers was an open and generous heart, which embraced all ages and conditions of people. And so let us pray that, along with the pure of heart, she may thrill with delight in the vision of God. May her gentle soul rest in peace! Abbot Christopher Dillon at the Funeral Mass
The New Academic Block n early December 2012 L&M Keating rumbled up the drive and cordoned off the car-park to mark the start of an ambitious project to build a 3 storey building on the site of the former carpentry club/art room/laundry for completion in August 2013. An architect friend (and an Old Boy) emailed me to remark “I presume you mean August 2014”. The scene is set.
I
At the start of 2012 Abbot Patrick established the Building Development Committee - the brief was to deliver a new Academic Block comprising 3 science labs, 15 classrooms, offices and administration, as well as the refurbishment and refit of a large part of the New Wing in time for the 2013/14 academic year. 40 something meetings later ground was broken. It is an understatement to say that this is not a challenging project. Apart from the time-scale, the location and topography of the site, throw in the need to maintain access to the Sportshall and the x-factor of working amidst a live school environment in conjunction with the usual issues which crop up in any major construction project - it is not for the faint hearted. Things got off to an auspicious start when a lorry accidentally pulled down one of the front gate pillars (expertly restored within a few weeks) and a dropped hammer burst the water main. These hiccups aside, great progress is being made; arguably the most difficult phase of “getting out of the ground” was completed in mid-February where in the space
Let Us Remember Harry Ball (1937-1944), Father of John George Harris (1945-1950) David Gallagher (1952-1958) Paul Harvey (1957-1962) Brother of Ivan (†), Philip, Geoffrey Sheelagh Harbison, Mother of Peter (1956) Denis Johnston, Father of David, Shane, Gerry & Mark, Grandfather of Ryan and Rory Peter Pearson, Father of Mark, David, Stephen, Roger, Peter & Chris Sheila Mary Morehead, Wife of Thomas (1940) Anne O’Reilly (Matron 1953-1992) John Leahy, Father of Arnold, David, Eoin, Shane Anne O’Brien, Wife of Donogh (1965) Mary Dillon-Leetch, Grandmother of William and Geoffrey Robert Kearns, Father of Robert and Graham Thomas Barrett, Grandfather of Niall and Peter Mary de Vere White, Mother of Ralph & John, Grandmother of Timothy & Matthew Charles Aliaga-Kelly, Father of William Máire Kennedy, Mother of Hugh (†) and Michael Nuala O’Toole, Mother of John, Fergus (†), and Eddie. Grandmother of Peter Lavelle
of 8 hours, a procession of concrete mixers and a gigantic telescopic concrete pump the ground floor slab almost magically appeared. Since then all the activity has been in the steelworks, shuttering and pouring of an array of concrete columns which will form the structural shell of the building. As I write they are preparing for the pouring of the entire ground floor (280 cubic metres of concrete), after this the columns will then be extended up to the first floor, floor poured, more columns and then finally the roof. By late April the structure will be mostly complete. The installation of the wholly glazed western wall (facing the Graveyard and Ladies’ Garden) and internal fitout will follow. The coordination of all the various sub-contractors during this phase is going to be crucial to the timely completion. The refurbishment of the New Wing cannot commence until June when the boys are gone home at which point there will be just 10 weeks until the new academic year. This project arguably represents the most significant development not only in terms of cost but also scale that the school has undertaken since the building of the New Wing under Fr Matthew “The Bear” Dillon’s watch. There is an air of excitement and amazement amongst the staff and students – this is for real. Ironically we are looking forward to the start of the next academic year, but before then there will be interesting times! For more photos - http://glenstal.blogspot.ie
Wedding Bells ANDREW NUGENT (1997) & CATHY CRUESS CALLAGHAN ANDREW LEGGE (1994) & SERENA BRABAZON DENIS COGHLAN (1996) & YVONNE BOLAND
Golf 2012 On one of the best days (July 20th) of the summer this year, at the Castle Golf Club, we had 16 golfers for golf and dinner. Mark Timmins off 2, who has supported this event every year, was a very popular winner with 36 points, finishing off his round majestically with two birdies, followed home by Barney McArdle and Gearoid Bradley. Henry Anderson acted as MC for prize giving and entertained us all royally, with President Henry Blake in attendance. Special thanks to our sponsors and suppliers of prizes in particular Henry Anderson of Bacchus Wines, John Mullan, Paul Harvey (so sadly deceased soon after), Brian Kiernan, and Paul Van Cauwelaert.
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2 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER Spring 2013
The Class of ’92 Continued Yet Fr. Andrew’s wise insight: that through the tragedy of losing Peter Cunningham and Conor Carrigan’s Mum in that car crash in fifth year; our year has a bond of friendship and togetherness that is unbreakable and quite unique. With Dominic Morrogh and Chris Crofts both seriously unwell, it is a privilege to know that we will all visit and encourage them towards recovery.
Spring 2013 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER 3
Anne O’Reilly 19 Dec. 2012
With the bill split we ventured back to Lahinch, where we continued our celebrations in Flannerys Bar and the local nightclub until about breakfast! A great couple of days were had and we have promised to continue with Lahinch as our venue every ten years! Many thanks class of ’92 for making such a memorable weekend! Robert Keeling
Paul Harvey (1957-1962) had the pleasure of knowing Paul for over fifty years and he was a wonderful friend. He was also a great supporter of Glenstal Old Boys Society events. He died suddenly on 30th November 2012.
I
Paul was one of four brothers, Ivan (†), Philip and Geoffrey, who all attended Glenstal from the middle 50s to the early 70s. They were good rugby players and Paul captained the under 17 team. He went into the wine business after leaving Glenstal and was working with Diagio when he retired in 2005. He had great knowledge of the industry and was admired all over the country. On his retirement, he got involved in the Family business in Windyridge Garden Centre with his two sons, Paul and Justin and was very proud of the progress and success of the business. Paul had a great gift for looking after others and gave his time willingly, not that he felt he had to do it, but because believed everyone should be included. He was never the loudest in the room but always had time for everybody and took pride in other peoples achievements. Paul was a wonderful husband and father and his sudden passing away has left a large gap in the lives of his wife Marie, daughter Edel, sons Paul and Justin and a large number of people. David Martin (1956-1963)
T
he words we have heard from the Book of Wisdom echo much of what one might want to say of Anne – or Matron, as she was known to generations of boys and staff. For forty years, hers was the heart-beat of the school. Arriving in 1952, into the cheerful austerity of the Matthaean régime, she readily identified and generously fulfilled the maternal role which became hers, until her retirement, in 1992, a role which she exercised particularly to the boys, but also to the many girls who helped her to keep the domestic side of the school functioning. Indeed, she filled that role for numbers of the monks, too. Abbot Patrick, who would be standing here, but for unavoidable obligations in Maredsous, told me that, even on a recent visit to Anne, she remarked, ‘I don’t like your haircut; it doesn’t suit you’. So unaffected was the immediacy of her interest and her concern in everything that had to do with this place, to which she had devoted her life. Virtuous in this life she has been, as anyone who knew her can attest, teaching by example, in this school of the Lord’s service, the ways of integrity, truth, and selfless generosity. While she had no hesitation in correcting a boy who over-stepped the mark, striking the fear of God into many– whether boy or house staff - she was effortlessly hospitable to boys, staff, and parents alike, in season, and after hours in Matron’s Room. Put to the test, as she was, in ways that were, by turns, dramatic and comic – the more so for being sometimes unintentionally hilarious herself: the cache of her sayings is a treasured element in our folklore – the vast majority of her time and effort was taken up with running the house. But there was a brief, but precious, episode when she was involved in classroom work, teach-
ing cookery in the Home Economics course. It entailed a kind of recognition which was precious to her. Anne’s life was one of devotion, to God, to family, to her professional work in this place and to her myriad friends. Indeed, we must say of her what St Benedict says of the faithful confrère: her heart was enlarged so that she ran with unspeakable sweetness of love in the way of God’s commandments. Retirement from the school meant the pursuit of new interests, starting with Bible study and prayer, which involved her in a serious journey of exploration and deepening of her Christian faith, along with many other activities which brought her into a new and deeper contact with the people and activities of the locality. At the same time, she delighted in the continued possibility of hospitality in the Back Lodge which she had refurbished and furnished to receive all comers. These were idyllic days for her. But when she had to give them up, she quickly adapted to the very different life of the nursing home at Milbrae Lodge, where the warmth and kindness of the staff compensated for the inevitable loss of independence. Many of you here could entertain us with a catalogue of reminiscences; but that is not our primary purpose today. We are here as representatives of the Church on earth, to plead Anne’s cause before the Court of Heaven, in pursuance of that “hope which is not deceptive, because the love of God has ben poured into our hearts”, as it was poured into Anne’s heart. It is our task to attest that she was, indeed, a woman of great faith and great hope, which enabled her to live a life of unmeasured kindnesses. Of the several beatitudes which might be applied to her, I think that the most apt is that of the pure of heart. While she was necessarily discreet, although being privy to many secrets, she was utterly loyal, utterly without guile, in matters which touched friendship and her relationship with God. She needed and wielded considerable guile of a different kind, in order to fight her corner, in this world of men. But in all else, hers was an open and generous heart, which embraced all ages and conditions of people. And so let us pray that, along with the pure of heart, she may thrill with delight in the vision of God. May her gentle soul rest in peace! Abbot Christopher Dillon at the Funeral Mass
The New Academic Block n early December 2012 L&M Keating rumbled up the drive and cordoned off the car-park to mark the start of an ambitious project to build a 3 storey building on the site of the former carpentry club/art room/laundry for completion in August 2013. An architect friend (and an Old Boy) emailed me to remark “I presume you mean August 2014”. The scene is set.
I
At the start of 2012 Abbot Patrick established the Building Development Committee - the brief was to deliver a new Academic Block comprising 3 science labs, 15 classrooms, offices and administration, as well as the refurbishment and refit of a large part of the New Wing in time for the 2013/14 academic year. 40 something meetings later ground was broken. It is an understatement to say that this is not a challenging project. Apart from the time-scale, the location and topography of the site, throw in the need to maintain access to the Sportshall and the x-factor of working amidst a live school environment in conjunction with the usual issues which crop up in any major construction project - it is not for the faint hearted. Things got off to an auspicious start when a lorry accidentally pulled down one of the front gate pillars (expertly restored within a few weeks) and a dropped hammer burst the water main. These hiccups aside, great progress is being made; arguably the most difficult phase of “getting out of the ground” was completed in mid-February where in the space
Let Us Remember Harry Ball (1937-1944), Father of John George Harris (1945-1950) David Gallagher (1952-1958) Paul Harvey (1957-1962) Brother of Ivan (†), Philip, Geoffrey Sheelagh Harbison, Mother of Peter (1956) Denis Johnston, Father of David, Shane, Gerry & Mark, Grandfather of Ryan and Rory Peter Pearson, Father of Mark, David, Stephen, Roger, Peter & Chris Sheila Mary Morehead, Wife of Thomas (1940) Anne O’Reilly (Matron 1953-1992) John Leahy, Father of Arnold, David, Eoin, Shane Anne O’Brien, Wife of Donogh (1965) Mary Dillon-Leetch, Grandmother of William and Geoffrey Robert Kearns, Father of Robert and Graham Thomas Barrett, Grandfather of Niall and Peter Mary de Vere White, Mother of Ralph & John, Grandmother of Timothy & Matthew Charles Aliaga-Kelly, Father of William Máire Kennedy, Mother of Hugh (†) and Michael Nuala O’Toole, Mother of John, Fergus (†), and Eddie. Grandmother of Peter Lavelle
of 8 hours, a procession of concrete mixers and a gigantic telescopic concrete pump the ground floor slab almost magically appeared. Since then all the activity has been in the steelworks, shuttering and pouring of an array of concrete columns which will form the structural shell of the building. As I write they are preparing for the pouring of the entire ground floor (280 cubic metres of concrete), after this the columns will then be extended up to the first floor, floor poured, more columns and then finally the roof. By late April the structure will be mostly complete. The installation of the wholly glazed western wall (facing the Graveyard and Ladies’ Garden) and internal fitout will follow. The coordination of all the various sub-contractors during this phase is going to be crucial to the timely completion. The refurbishment of the New Wing cannot commence until June when the boys are gone home at which point there will be just 10 weeks until the new academic year. This project arguably represents the most significant development not only in terms of cost but also scale that the school has undertaken since the building of the New Wing under Fr Matthew “The Bear” Dillon’s watch. There is an air of excitement and amazement amongst the staff and students – this is for real. Ironically we are looking forward to the start of the next academic year, but before then there will be interesting times! For more photos - http://glenstal.blogspot.ie
Wedding Bells ANDREW NUGENT (1997) & CATHY CRUESS CALLAGHAN ANDREW LEGGE (1994) & SERENA BRABAZON DENIS COGHLAN (1996) & YVONNE BOLAND
Golf 2012 On one of the best days (July 20th) of the summer this year, at the Castle Golf Club, we had 16 golfers for golf and dinner. Mark Timmins off 2, who has supported this event every year, was a very popular winner with 36 points, finishing off his round majestically with two birdies, followed home by Barney McArdle and Gearoid Bradley. Henry Anderson acted as MC for prize giving and entertained us all royally, with President Henry Blake in attendance. Special thanks to our sponsors and suppliers of prizes in particular Henry Anderson of Bacchus Wines, John Mullan, Paul Harvey (so sadly deceased soon after), Brian Kiernan, and Paul Van Cauwelaert.
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4 GLENSTAL NEWSLETTER Spring 2013
The Class of ’62: Fifty Years On
www.myubique.com info@myubique.com
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e were a small class, 13 in number. It did not occur to any of us that 13 was an unlucky number. Being a small class we got to know each other pretty well and managed to put up with each other’s foibles, at least for the most part. The religious ethos of Glenstal was so influential that three of our number joined the Monastery soon after leaving school. Two did not last the pace, but Mark Hederman did and is now Father Patrick, Abbot of Glenstal. Although Leo McGrath found that the monastic life was not for him, his love of Glenstal was such that he returned as a lay teacher and has spent all of his life teaching at the school. Two of our number joined the Foreign Missions, Rufus Halley and Paul Bradley. Rufus spent over 20 years in the Philippines. He integrated with both Christian and Muslim communities in the southern island of Mindanao and was brutally murdered there in 2001. Paul died in 2006. John Hill practises as a Psychoanalysist in Zurich. Four of us went into Law, Harry Whelehan and James Nugent joining the Bar and myself and John Baily qualifying as Solicitors. The remainder went into the world of Business, Neil Fleischmann emigrating to Canada, Tom Anderson, Hubert Burke and David Dwyer sticking to the “old sod”. David Dwyer having retired from business now works as a Sacristan – that religious theme again! On the 20th October 2012, all but Neil Fleischmann and John Baily met up in the Dunraven Arms at Adare for a reunion dinner, some of us not having seen each other for 50 years. It was particularly noticeable that Father Phillip and Father Abbot both retained their good looks and hair; it must be something to do with the religious life! An excellent dinner, a glass of wine or three, and the recounting of tales of the past kept us up until the wee small hours. A walk around the beautiful grounds of Glenstal on a wonderfully sunny autumn day after Mass the following day, helped us recover from the excesses of the previous night. Hugh O’Donnell Edited by Andrew Nugent osb Layout & Print by INTYPE Ltd.
Fundraising Update
The Gathering at Glenstal
T A Job for Life! hen I was offered a job as a process chemist in Dunlops rubber factory in Cork in 1969, the general consensus was: “You lucky fellow, Dunlops, that’s a job for life”. Well, the Dunlop factory closed in 1983. So there I was, 38 years old, and my “job for life” gone.
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Fortunately my brother, George, then offered me a job as a Sales Representative in his shirt factory. A slight change in direction! By 1990 I thought I knew enough to set up my own company in the clothing trade, but seven years later I was on the verge of bankruptcy when fate again intervened. An ex-colleague from Dunlops, another George, offered me a job in a rubber factory in Kinsale. ... Wasn’t I lucky I had invited him to my wedding! That job lasted until 2006 when the factory was destroyed by fire. So out of work again but by this time I’m 61. ... However, another friend, not a George this time but Gus, came to my rescue, and I was offered a job as sacristan in a church in Cork. I’m now six years there. At last a job for life! Who knows? David Dwyer (1957-1962)
*****
I
left Glenstal in 1962. My schooling – for whatever reason – did not engender leanings towards a particular career, so I decided on the law, my father being a solicitor in Tralee. I went to UCD where I got a BCL in 1965 and qualified as a solicitor in 1967. Whilst in Dublin I stayed in Balnagowan, a Hall of Residence run by Benedictines The priest in charge was Dom Mathew Dillon. Social life in Dublin developed gradually from a few pints in Hartigans
on Saturday nights to (mostly unsuccessful) forays to the dances at the Olympic on the bicycle: Ballroom of Romance stuff! Not surprisingly, the bicycle has largely since disappeared as an instrument of courtship. Facing into the task of earning a living in 1967, I spent a year in Dublin in two solicitors offices to no great effect, Then I looked for a job down the country. Two offers arrived , one from Drogheda and one from Skibbereen. I took the latter, for no better reason than that some months previously, I had paid my first visit to Skibb. with Tralee rugby team and and a great night was had by all after the game. I reckon I had a sound grasp of work/life balance before that term became well known. Skibbereen is about ninety miles from Tralee. At this stage,I had advanced sufficiently in life to be the owner of a Riley Elf. It was always my intention to return to Tralee after the wild oats were sown and, to mix metaphors, there is a saying in my part of the world which includes the words never, own, and doorstep. I spent two happy years in Skibb. and in 1971 returned to Tralee where I have practised as a solicitor ever since. I got married in 1973 and am glad to say my wife Maire has put up with me since then. We have three children, all three are working in Dublin, two as solicitors with very little encouragement from me. I played a little rugby in my youth. I did a little amateur drama and musicals. I was also in the Tralee Lions Club for many years and before that, the Junior Chamber. Now in my less active years, I am a member of a choir. I am this year 45 years practising law. I have no plans to retire. I would not know what to do with myself and would drive my wife to seek divorce. So there you have it! John Baily (1957-1962)
he Gathering will take place on Saturday June 22nd. This will be a friendly encounter for All Old Boys, current students, staff, and their respective families. It will NOT be a fund raising event, just a lovely opportunity to catch up with old friends. We will start with Mass at noon. Then we embark on an afternoon of activities for all the family: sports, live music performances, tours, photographic displays, BBQ, and much more. Please register in advance at gathering@glenstal.com or call 061-621084, or write to Noelle O’Brien at Glenstal.
The AGM of the Old Boys’ Society This years AGM will be incorporated into The Gathering and will assemble in the Monastery Library at 1p.m. (GOBS only, of course!) Having held some elections, passed (hopefully) the accounts, and disposed of AOB, we will be in time for a nice BBQ. Part of the work of the AGM this year will be to establish a reasonable and regular supply of funds for the purposes of the Society. The needs are many. Apart from regular newsletters, new editions of Ubique every few years, there are always serious calls on our benevolent fund for members down on their luck. We don’t charge for anything – except Old Boys Ties. If it were not for the generosity of a few dozen Old Boys, who have committed themselves to Banker’s Orders, or who do make periodic subscriptions, we would be – and soon will be – seriously broke.
GOLF OUTING FOR 2013 VENUE:
CASTLE GOLF CLUB, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 DATE: Thursday September 19th TEE OFF: 14.00 - 15.00 FORMAT: 3 Ball Stablefor Those unable to participate in the Day’s Events are welcome to join us for Dinner. Further details will follow. Peter J. Crear : Gearoid Bradley
THANK YOU to all who have contributed so generously to the School Development Fund. The present phase of this ambitous project will cost €6.00m. The Glenstal Community have contributed €1m as a sign of their commitment to the school. The school itself has contributed €0.5m. So far we have fund raised €1.6m. So this will leave €2.9m to be raised by fund raising or by borrowing. If you would like to make a donation, please e-mail development@glenstal.com or write to Noelle O’Brien at Glenstal.
Events 2013 April 19th Old Boys Dinner, The travellers Club, Pall Mall, London. April 21st Concert featuring fiddler Martin Hayes and singer Iarla Ó Lionáird. June 22nd The Gathering/AGM. September 19th Golf Outing. October 18th Glenstal Ball, Shelbourne Hotel. For details of these events, please contact: development@glenstal.com or 061-621084
The Class of ’92 get Lahinched
O
n the Heineken cup weekend of the 12th & 13th October, the class of ’92 met for our twenty year reunion. In organising our get together, I managed to track down our whole year and was amazed at the eagerness, determination and regret (for those who could not travel) in making our reunion. Lahinch is a beautiful place in which to walk, surf, and enjoy a round of golf or afternoon pint. We had a glorious couple of days catching up in this lovely place. On Saturday evening, twenty six of us met Fr. Andrew, Fr. Simon and Leo McGrath (our school Senior, Inter and Junior Housemasters) in Egans Bar, Liscannor.
From there we skipped down the road to Vaughans Bar and Restaurant for a delicious meal. Memories of gang warfare (Lads v Rats), illegal BBQ’s, smoking & getting chased behind the cinema gym, sneaking bottles of spirits from home and of course visiting the local pubs on Rugby trips brought us back 20 years. Yet it was the memory of Leo’s legendary quote from our second year “Ye wont piss on my car” as he barged through the bushes into Baldey’s hut @ 4.00a.m. to catch us on a BBQ that had us all in hysterics. Some say our year was one of the wildest years to leave Glenstal. Continued overleaf