What do we all – students and parents, staff and Jesuit Communityparticularly value about Clongowes? Without a shadow of doubt in our boarding school context, it is our ethos and spiritual life, and our clear sense of community. It is our high standards and expectations inside and outside of the classroom and dormitory, the quality of our broad and balanced educational provision, and the vast range of opportunities available to the students as a result. As we read Clongowes Life 2024, let us do so with a sense of gratitude for another successful and fruitful year in the life of the College.
Seeing young people mature and find direction is rewarding and immeasurable for all those of us who live and work here in the school. We drink from the fountain of eternal youth so to speak. We live and work with the future. Year-after-year, we are surrounded by young people, and they keep us young. To the teachers, prefects, our Jesuit Community and all the support staff who have worked so hard to guide and support the boys during the past academic year, I extend my grateful thanks.
Chris Lumb Headmaster
June 2024
This year’s Clongowes Life is filled with images from the school year 2023-24. The images capture the big occasions, the achievements of our students and the day to day moments that make Clongowes such a special and happy place for our students. Thank you to our staff who captured these moments and to OC Gerry O’Sullivan (GPFoto) for providing the
and
Rugby images.
UNION DAY
A fantastic Union Day this year as we celebrated the graduating class of Rhetoric 2024. The boys and their families gathered for Mass in the College Chapel before a beautiful lunch in the Refectory followed by the Awards Ceremony. Congratulations Rhetoric 24!
DESIGN BY CHARLIE
Well done Charlie Hussey (Syntax) who designed a beautiful lino print school Christmas card.
1. James Gilheany Aloysius Award Winner
2. Rían O’Kelly winner of the Ethos Award
3. Dermot Collins wins the Nardo Award
4. Leinster Interpro Representatives
CAMPUS NEWS COLLEGE
NEW HOUSE LEADERS
Development of leadership skills using the values of Ignatian leadership is a key component of Clongowes education. Ignatian leadership is marked by humility, hope, authenticity, a profound sense of purpose and discernment. There are ten Houses in Clongowes made up of students from all year groups and led by two Rhetoric House Leaders. The new House Leaders will play an important role in the coming year as they work in service of the school and their fellow students. They will also have some fun competing in House events like Sports Day and Book Character Dress Up Day!
HOUSE HOUSE LEADERS
SCHOOL CAPTAIN
Arrupe Conor Keogh & Tom Groome Lukas Felten
Claver James Elliot & Matthew Mooney
SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAINS
Collins Tobi Baruwa & Matthew Smyth Arthur Ashmore
Gonzaga Ruairi Hegarty & Oisin Lambe Eduard Giurca
Hopkins Ben D’Arcy & Dara Fitzpatrick
Kenny Luke Murtagh & Ross Adams
Kostka Darragh Donnelly & Dylan Kieran
Loyola Conor Moynihan & Harry Ward
Sullivan Max Doyle & Hugh O’Sullivan Sexton
Xavier Ross Doyle & Simon Kelly
NEW PORTRAITS IN THE SERPENTINE
The Serpentine Gallery is home to a wide variety of portraits of distinguished Old Clongownians. In a wonderful evening gathering of OCs with their friends and families, we added new entrants to the gallery:
Richard Bruton (OC 1970)
Sir Donnell Deeny (OC 1968)
James Bernard Fagan (OC 1891)
Colonel Justin MacCarthy (OC 1926)
Louis McRedmond (OC 1950)
Fergus O'Farrell (OC 1986)
Virgil Power (OC 1865)
James Skinner (OC 1940)
Sir Roger Therry (OC 1818)
ELEMENTS TOUR
January saw the Elements head north to Belfast for their annual tour. From zip wires, to ice skating, bowling, rugby, beat boxing and lots more the boys had a blast!
CHRISTMAS AT CLONGOWES
The festive celebrations at Clongowes are always very special. This year our TY art students got involved by painting the windows around the school with beautiful Christmas themed designs. Our annual Carol Service is always a favourite as well as our school Mass on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, followed by a whole school Christmas lunch prepared by the fantastic Refectory Team and served by House Leaders. Up in the dorms, the boys got creative with their decorations!
CAMPUS
COLLEGE
PETS TO WORK DAY
Our 4-legged friends are always welcome visitors to the classroom for our Bring Your Pets to Work Day!
CELEBRATIONS FOR BR. CHARLIE
There were lots of celebrations with Brother Charlie Connor this year as we marked his 90th birthday!
QUIZ WITH MOUNT SACKVILLE
A great inter-school quiz with the girls in Mount Sackville in April saw Victor Lamph and Joba Adeyemi’s team take first place.
ELEMENTS TABLE TENNIS
There is always lots of excitement and healthy competition at the Elements Table Tennis Championship in the dorms! Congratulations to the winner, Alejandro Losada.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Thank you Eoin Cunningham (Rhetoric) who stayed up late to capture the Northern Lights over the Castle in May.
THIRD LINE TUG OF WAR
The summer term tug of war competitions are always a lot of fun!
STAFF RETIREMENTS
A valued member of our Facilities Team, Donal put down his paint brush after almost 20 years.
A stalwart of our kitchen staff, we wished Ber well as she retired after 46 years.
SUNDAY OUTINGS FUN!
One of Clongowes’ longest serving staff members, Betty retired after 48 years with Clongowes’ Finance Team.
Lead Nurse, Mary Cross, took her well deserved retirement after 7 years as part as our Nursing Team.
This year our Sunday outings included trips to Jump Zone, Lough Key Forest Park, surfing in Strand Hill, Christmas shopping in Liffey Valley and kayaking in Bray.
Nurse Roisín’s care and expertise was the hallmark of her 3 years in Infirmary.
DONAL MURPHY
BER BYRNE
MARY CROSS
ROISÍN MONAHAN
BETTY MILEY
RUDIMENTS ON TOUR
The annual Rudiments tour is great fun! This year the boys went west to the Delphi Adventure Centre for an action packed experience.
CAMPUS NEWS COLLEGE LIFE
ELEMENTS AWARDS
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Zack O’Leary, Patrick Sheridan, Max Kinsella, John Kenny, Lochlainn Sweeney, Eli John Kiernan DILIGENCE
Alejandro Losada, Augustin Comte, Reuben McElwee, Luke Gilligan, Lochlann Gately, Will Gallagher
SPIRIT OF ELEMENTS
Luca Blessing
Emile Hennessy
John Goode
Luke McCullen
CREATIVITY IN ART
Davin Gaffney, Bobby Mulready, Rueben McElwee
CREATIVITY IN PERFORMANCE
Lochlainn Sweeney, Luke Sinnott
ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
Hugo Cooke, Thomas Purcell CHOIR
Zack O’Leary
TOP READERS
Harry Tierney, Eli-John Kiernan, Ethan Butt and Alejandro Losado
PIANO
JP Ogunjobi and Ryan Mahon
SPORTS AWARDS
RUGBY
Elements A Player Of The Year
Ryan Mahon
Elements B Player Of The Year
Lochlann Gately
Elements A Most Improved Player
Lucas Aveling
Elements B Most Improved Player
Tom Cotter
Elements P2 Player Of The Year
Nicolas Logodin
Elements P2 Most Improved Player
Tomas McKenna
BASKETBALL
Elements player of the year
Odhran Doyle
SWIMMING
Most Improved Swimmer of the Year
George Lawlor
ATHLETICS
Triangle Race Best Elements Result
Luke McCullen
SAILING
Sailor Of The Year
John Kenny
CRICKET
Minor Cricket Player of the Year
Boe Binham
Minor Cricket Most Improved Player
Lucas Aveling
CAMPUS
RUDIMENTS AWARDS
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Oluwajoba Adeyemi, Igor Mazur, Ferdinand Loos, Fionnan Boyle,Tom English, Daniel Maguire
Bronze, Fionnan Boyle, Victor Lampth, Liam Flugel, Ferdinand Loos
U16 4 x 300m relay
Bronze, Daniel Maguire, Tom English, Evan Barry, Alex Buechsel
Discus
Silver, Fintan Connolly
80m Hurdles
Gold, Victor Lamph
Shot Put
Bronze, Senan Walsh
Hammer
Bronze, Oran Gately
Mile
Bronze, Tom English
LEINSTERS
80m Hurdles
Gold, Victor Lamph
200m
Bronze, Victor Lamph
TENNIS
Third Line Doubles Winners
Marcelo Alvarez and Matias Gonzalez
Third Line Doubles Runners Up Christian Veal and Jack Scannell
CAMPUS NEWS COLLEGE LIFE
GRAMMAR AWARDS
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Andy Zheng, Ethan Poon, Edward McCarthy,Hugo McHugh, Dylan McGriele,Godswill Ukaga.
DILIGENCE AWARDS
:Janji Chan, Harry Reams, Nathanaël Wiedemann-Goiran, Martin Naughton, Enrique Cerro Garcia , Luke Hynes
CREATIVITY IN ART
Janji Chan, Luke Hynes, Andy Zheng
CREATIVITY IN PERFORMANCE
Martin Naughton
ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
Finnian Browne, Joshua Grant
CHOIR
Pharell Evenor and Martin Naughton
BEBRAS CHALLENGE
Martin Naughton PIANO
Ethan Poon
SPORTS
RUGBY
Junior Rugby Coaches Player of the Year
Joshua Grant
JP1 - A Team Player of The Year
Fionn Doyle
JP1- A Team Most Improved Player
Alex Evans
JP1 - B Team Player of the Year
Cian Duro
JP1 - B Team Most Improved Player
Kye Lacey
JP2 - Player Of The Year 2024
Nathanaël Weidemann - Goiran
JP2 - Most Improved Player
Enrique Cerro García
KAYAKING
Paddler of the Year
Nathanaël Wiedemann- Goiran
ATHLETICS
House 1500m Cup
Cian Duro
Triangle Race Best Grammar Result
Cian Duro
SOUTH LEINSTERS
2000m Walk - Silver
Victor Chauvire
TENNIS
Lower Line Singles Runner Up
Pablo Casanova
Lower Line Doubles Winners
Diego Monjardin and Pablo Casanova
Lower Line Doubles Runners Up
Nathanaël Weidemann-Goiran, Syntax and Santiago Loureda, Grammar
CRICKET
Junior Player of the Year
Nicholas Hunter
Junior Most Improved Player of the Year
Teddy Crowley
CONTRIBUTION TO THE GAMES PROGRAMME
Andy Zheng
CAMPUS
POETRY AWARDS
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Tobi Baruwa, Lukas Felten, Will Fitzpatrick, Eduard Giurca, Rui Huang, Hugh O’Sullivan Sexton
DILIGENCE AWARDS
Gonzalo Orive Basterra, Frudi Chan, Sam Dalton, James Elliott , Tom Groome, Simon Kelly
CREATIVITY IN ART
Ryan Schacht
ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
James Jones, Oliver Browne
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING TIES
Tobi Baruwa, Frudi Chan, Samuel Dalton, Padraig Finnegan, Will Fitzpatrick, Eduard Giurca, Rui Huang, Max Jiang, Justin He, Simon Kelly, Kavi Mebuin, Conor Moynihan, Hugh O’Sullivan Sexton, Maurice Prendiville, Max Reva, Nemo Wang.
CHOIR
Ruairí Hegarty
GAISCE MEDALS
James Elliott, Toby Barwua and Max Reva
PIANO
Tobi Baruwa and Cian Comiskey
SPORT AWARDS
RUGBY
Leinster U17 Schools
Arthur Ashmore
Munster U17 Schools
Michael O’ Sullivan
S2 Captain
James Gilheany
Forward of the Year
Edward Giurca
Senior 3rds Back of the Year
Matthew Mooney
Senior 4ths - Back of the Year
Hugh O’ Sullivan Sexton
GAA
Higher Line GAA - Player of the year
Isaac Behan
SENIOR SOCCER
Senior Soccer Player of the Year
Ignacio Fernández Rossello
GOLF
Higher Line Match Play/ Player of the Year
Louis Goodman
Pierce Scratch Cup Winner
Louis Goodman
ATHLETICS
House 400m Cup
Luke O’Leary
House 800m Cup
Philip McCartan
Higher Line 100m Cup
Ross Adams
SOUTH LEINSTERS;
Senior 4x100m Relay - Gold
Marcus Sullivan, Ross Adams, Luke O’Leary, Patrick Moloney
400m - Gold
Luke O’Leary
800m - Silver
Philip McCartan
TENNIS
Higher Line Singles Winner Darragh Ahearne
Higher Line Singles Runner Up Gonzalo Orive Basterra
Higher Line Doubles Winners
Isaac Behan and Alex McGrath
Higher Line Doubles Runners Up Gonzalo Orive Basterra and Darragh Ahearne
CAMPUS NEWS COLLEGE LIFE
RHETORIC AWARDS
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Aodhán McGuinness, Mark Kelly, Weilun Sun,Christopher Keenan, Sam Dowling, Ewan Lui
DILIGENCE AWARDS
Gavin Keane,Tiernan Crowe, Marcus McElligot,Philip Casey,Ignacio Pasqaul Del Pobil, Dermot Collins
CREATIVITY IN ART
Daniel Schacht
ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
Ted O’Leary, Tiernan Crowe
SENIOR APPLIED MATHS COMPETITION MEDALS
Liam Simon Fellowes, Mark Kelly, and Eduard Giurca
CHOIR
Marcus McElligott and Ben McGuigan
THE ACADEMY
Dermot Collins, Mark Cox, Liam Simon Fellowes, James Gilheany, Marcus McElligott, and Jack Shannon
MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST
Donagh Callaghan, Patrick Connell, Mark Cox, Val Dowling, Donnacha Foley, Hugo Johnston, Matthew Kelly , Osian Killeen, Lexi O’Connor, Hugo O Leary, Matthew Ruddy, Jack Shannon and Luke Fitzgerald
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO MINISTRY OF THE EUCHARIST
Luke Fitzgerald, Ned Williams and Matt O’ Leary
SPORT AWARDS
RUGBY
SCT Captain
Conor Lysaght
S2 Captain
James Gilheany
Senior 3rds Captain
Oliver Connolly
Senior 4ths Captain
Osian Killeen
Senior 4ths Forward of the Year
Osian Killeen
SOCCER
Senior Soccer Captain
Cyril Boateng
CRICKET
Senior Cricket Player of the Year
Mike Hunter
Senior Cricket Most Improved Player
Eloi du Bourget
ATHLETICS
The Triangle Race and Contribution to Athletics
Christopher Keenan
National Relay and Contribution to Athletics
Kai Stark and Dermot Collins
SOUTH LEINSTERS; 1500m - Silver
Christopher Keenan
CROKE PARK TRIP
In April, Ms Meagher set off to Croke Park Stadium with a group of delighted Elements to support Kildare in the Leinster Championship Semi-Final.
RHETORIC 23 LEAVING CERT RESULTS
Great to have Rhetoric 2023 back to celebrate on Leaving Cert Results Day.
SUPER SUNDAY
The first Sunday in September for Elements was action packed as they got to know the school and new friends.
GUEST SPEAKERS
The Parents’ Association organised interesting and informative speakers for the boys and their parents this year. Barbara Brennan gave a talk on Nurturing Mental Wellbeing, Nicola Brindley spoke about the dangers of vaping and Sabrina Mills delivered her session on understanding, preventing and responding to bullying.
CAMPUS NEWS ACADEMIC LIFE
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
We were delighted to have artist, Menar Mervat Al Shouha working with senior cycle art students. Manar was granted Arts in Education Residency supported by Kildare County Council and Kildare County Council Arts Service. The residency concluded with an exhibition of students’ work.
FRENCH COOKING LESSONS
COMMENDATIONS FOR ELEMENTS
At the end of Term 1, Elements students were awarded Certificates of Commendation to acknowledge their positive contribution to daily school life.
DOWN ON THE FARM
We are lucky to have the Clongowes Farm on site for our agricultural science students to put their learning into practice!
GAEILGE 24
Lá lan le spraoi ag labhairt as Gaeilge! A fun filled day speaking Irish!
Learning how to make crêpes as part of Mr Gibbon’s French Class.
CAMPUS
MATHS AWARD FOR ZACK
Zack O’Leary (Elements) won an Irish Maths Teachers Association trophy. From 14,500 students across 233 schools, Zack was one of 63 students that achieved over 84%.
ISTA SENIOR FINALISTS
Mr O’Hara’s Senior Team of Mark Kelly, Dermot Collins and Daniel Schacht reached the ISTA Senior Science Quiz Final in November which was held in Trinity College, Dublin.
ISTA JUNIOR WINNERS
Our Junior Science teams took 1st & 2nd out of 29 teams in the ISTA Regional Science Quiz.
JACK’S GLOBAL WIN
Rhetoric student Jack Shannon’s SciFest project took the national title at the SciFest finals in November and secured his entry to the Regeneron ISEF in Los Angeles in May, representing Ireland. Jack placed first in the Environmental Engineering category and won the prestigious EUCYS award, which secured him a place at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Poland in September.
Jack’s project was titled Ireland’s Carbon Sinks, analysed how remote
sensing techniques could be used for monitoring peatland restoration. Jack studied the Clara Bog Nature Reserve in Co Offaly and Keelbanada Bog to identify ways in which precise data on progress and degradation could be gathered, which will enhance restoration planning and management.
The win for Jack is very well deserved and comes on the back of years of tireless work with his science teacher Ms Nolan.
CAMPUS NEWS ACADEMIC
YOUNG ECONOMISTS TAKE GOLD
We had great success at the Young Economist of the Year award with 2 Gold Medals at the University of Limerick!
Darragh Ahearne, Ben D’Arcy and Dara Fitzpatrick (Poetry) were awarded Gold for their group project that looked at the economic benefits of social media.
Our second gold medalist was Nemo Wang who examined ‘The Liquidity Trap and How to Escape from Recession’. Well done to the boys for their work and our thanks to Ms Browne who guided and mentored the students to their success!
MODEL UN
Boys were delighted to take part in the Model UN in February. Clongowes were chosen to represent Sudan, and over the course of the weekend Fahed Kabalaoui, Max Sweetman, Jack Reams, Patrick Twomey, Edison Cheung and Ethan Dockery, debated, proposed, objected and sought clarification on resolutions, hoping to make them into the General Assembly.
LEARNING AT THE ZOO
Elements loved their day out at Dublin Zoo learning about biodiversity and wildlife management!
MATHS MODELLING
The Clongowes Maths Modelling Programme prepares students for real-life mathematical application. It helps develop students’ mathematical and applied maths skills ahead of the Leaving Cert, and encourages creative thinking, teamwork and problem solving.
This year’s Maths Modelling programme came to a close in May and the boys presented their projects to staff and students in the University of Limerick. This unique programme brings students together to work in teams to build mathematical models for a number of challenges. This year the themes of the challenges were; designing emergency exits from a stadium, modelling a line-out for a rugby team and developing stable matching algorithms.
CAMPUS
SCIFEST AT CLONGOWES
SCIFEST OVERALL WINNER
Eli John Kiernan Does the height of a bowler affect how they bowl in relation to bowling style and the number of wickets taken per innings?
STUDENTS CHOICE AWARD - CAPTAIN’S PRIZE
Zack O’ Leary How educated are we on the health benefits of fermentation?
SCIFEST OVERALL RUNNER UP
Davin Gaffney Does the cost or packaging claim of a battery affect how good it is?
SCIFEST OVERALL RUNNER UP
Henry McHugh Is the eye the window to the brain?
EIRGRID AWARD - WHITE ROSETTE
Luke Ryan Do blade designs impact the performance of wind turbines?
SCIENTIFIC CREATIVITY AWARD- GOLD ROSETTE
Michael Kehoe What would dodo meat taste like?
YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST AWARD - GREEN ROSETTE
Aran O’ Donnell Microplastics - What are they and are they a problem?
POSITIVE HEALTH PROMOTION AWARD - GREEN ROSETTE
Patrick Sheridan Investigating the effects of vaping on the human body
COMMENDED
Lochlainn Sweeney Will a soil’s pH affect the rate of decay of buried materials
Odhran Doyle How can I reduce food waste in my family?
Reuben McElwee Can we improve our optimal intelligence?
Naoise Ó Dálaigh Does sleeping affect singing voice?
Max Kinsella How does light pollution affect the growth of plants?
Hugo Cooke Investigating the melting point of chocolate
Nikolai Williams Does the material of a music pipe affect how loud music travels through it?
Callum Mooney Biohacking Sleep and Recovery
John Kenny Do video games affect the human brain
Tom Cotter What are the physiological and psychological impacts of sport?
CAMPUS NEWS ACADEMIC LIFE
SCIFEST REGIONAL FINAL
Great success at DCU where the boys competed in the regional finals of SciFest.
DCU Life Sciences Award Patrick Sheridan and Naoise Ó’Dálaigh
DCU Physical Sciences Award Aran O’Donnell
DCU Physical Sciences Award Zack O’Leary
DCU Technology Award Davin Gaffney
Dawn Meats Ag Science Award Max Kinsella
SciFest Maths in Science Award Eli John Kiernan
ZOOBOTS
Lots of imagination at play when Grammar students made Zoobots as part of their Junior Cycle science classes. The challenge was to design a robot that could move using a zoo but using only a paper cup, a motor and arts and crafts materials.
PRINT WORKSHOP
It was wonderful to have fine artist Andrzej Mazur with us for workshops with Rudiments art students. The boys experimented with mono printing, honed their lino cutting and printing skills and made beautiful copper plate etchings and prints.
THE ACADEMY
The Clongowes Academy is made up of Poetry and Rhetoric students who research and present on topics of particular interest to them. This year, there was another eclectic and interesting range of Academy papers presented in the Castle to the students, staff and members of the Jesuit Community who assembled. The Academy is a great way for the boys to hone their presentation and research skills as well as how to respond ‘on their feet’ to questions from the audience. Well done to all involved!
LIAM SIMON FELLOWES
Psychedelic Revolution – New Frontier for Mental Health
DERMOT COLLINS
The Decline of the American Health System
MARK COX
Cyprus: History of a Divided Nation
MARCUS MCELLIGOTT
Devastating Diseases in the Animal Kingdom
JAMES GILHEANEY
Bloody Sunday 1920 – Croke Park
CONOR KEOGH
Bohemian Grove: Does a Secret Society Control the USA ?
SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE
A busy Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish language week) at Clongowes with lots of activities from quizzes to competitions and even a jersey day that the staff got involved in too!
JACK SHANNON
Aircraft: Cold War Procurement Politics
TOBI BARUWA
Frontrunners: The Combat v Conventional – Break of Barriers
HUGH O’SULLIVAN SEXTON
Fifes to Fleadhs: The Evolution of Irish Trad. Music
LUKAS FELTEN
H.H.Holmes – Doctor turned Serial Killer
MAX REVA
The End of Space + Time: Cosmos is not what it seems
TOM GROOME
The Power of Music: How Song can Stir the Masses
BOOK CHARACTER DRESS UP DAY
Book character dress up day is always great fun! Coordinated by our School Librarian, Ms O’Loughlin, this year’s dress up day was a great success.
CHESS
Our thanks to the students of Loreto College, Swords for hosting us for a friendly chess tournament in April.
CHOIR AT THE GAIETY
Members of the choir had a great time at the Gaiety Theatre to see Madagascar the Musical.
CAMPUS
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The annual Christmas Concert was a wonderful display of the musical talent in the school. The concert featured the orchestral and Trad musicians, piano soloists and all of our very talented choirs.
CORK FLEADH
Congratulations Naoise Ó’Dálaigh who took 2nd place at the Cork Fleadh, Amhráin Ghaeilge Fir (12-15 years).
FEIS SHLIGIGH
A fantastic win for the very talented James Lee who took home the Louis Doherty Cup for this piano repertoire.
EARTH DAY 2024
Elements out and about cleaning up on Earth Day.
CAMPUS
CULTURAL
BOOK TREE
The annual book tree in the James Joyce library takes a lot of work! Well done to Nikolai Williams, Tom O’Brien, Daniel Nikookam and Charlie McGriele for helping out.
COSY IN THE LIBRARY
Our James Joyce Library is the perfect place to get cosy with a good book.
CORK INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL
The boys of the Schola came a very close 2nd place at their first appearance at Cork International Choral Festival. Credit: The Irish Independent.
GREEN SCHOOLS FIELD TRIP
Our Green Schools team spent a fantastic day with Lumcloon Energy where they got to visit an energy storage site in Co Offaly, the Mount Lucas Wind Farm and the Flexgen gas fired generator in Co. Westmeath.
CAMPUS NEWS CULTURAL
CLASS ACT DRAMA
The Rudiments Performance class had a great time at the Class Act Drama Competition in the Moat Theatre, Naas in March. Their hilarious comedy show ‘The Janitor’ went over very well with the audience and the judges who nominated them for several awards. Well done to the cast and director, Mr Kelly.
PAUL DEEGAN CUP
Great win for Dermot Collins who won the Paul Deegan Cup for u19 male voice at the Feis Ceoil.
NAVAN CHORAL FESTIVAL
Great result for Freddie Farrington who came 2nd in the U16 solo singing competition at the Navan Choral Festival in May.
NIALL DE BURCA
The boys were mesmerised by storyteller Niall de Burca who visited the school in October.
PUBLIC SPEAKING HONOURS
Well done Marcus McElligott who got 1st class honours in his public speaking certificate.
TRAD AT THE BRAZEN HEAD
The trad group hit the road into Dublin to perform in the historic Brazen Head pub much to the delight of its patrons. The trad group also took part in in their annual Trad for Trócaire fundraiser.
GREEN SCHOOLS WATER AWARDS
Great success at the Water Awards in May as Andy Zheng took home the winning prize for Best Poster in the East and Midlands Regional Category. Additionally, Max Waldron Lynch, Ifeanyi Emmanuel, Oran Gately and Gongyan Jiang took home the National award for Best Video.
PAST V PRESENT DEBATE
Pitching past and present students, the motion for this year’s debate was: “This house believes that the power of Corporates threatens to sideline world politics.”
The OCs took the Daniel O’Connell Cup this year with great performances from both sides. Patrick Connell awarded best speaker, Tiernan Crowe was highly commended and Tom Cotter (Elements) won the prize for best contribution from the floor
GOVERNMENT
Marcus McElligott
Patrick Connell
Umar Rafique Tiernan Crowe
OPPOSITION
Peter Stapleton OC14
Roderick Maguire OC95
Cormac Little OC88
William White OC88
TRÓCAIRE DOCUMENTARY AWARD
An amazing achievement for Jorge Perez Garcia, Fahed Kabalaoui, Luke Duggan McGettigan and Ryan Wong who won The Trócaire ‘The Right to Focus 2024’ Human Rights Documentary Competition in May for their film ‘The Core of Reality’
CAMPUS
SUSTAINABLE GOALS WORKSHOP
Grammar boys had a really interesting workshop with ‘Developmental Perspectives’ to learn about the UN targets to deliver a more sustainable, inclusive and equal world for all.
WESLEY INTERSCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Great success for the boys at the Wesley Festival!
SOLO SINGING U14 CLASSICAL
1st Place / Power Cup: Zack O’Leary
SOLO SINGING U14 POPULAR
Highly Commended: Zack O’Leary
SOLO SINGING U16 CLASSICAL
First Class Honours: David Lannen
PIANO SOLO U16
Highly Commended: James Lee
BOYS CHOIR
First Class Honours / Joint 3rd: Clongowes Chamber Choir
CAMPUS NEWS PASTORAL LIFE
AFRICAN IMMERSION EXPERIENCE
In March, a group of Poetry boys and staff travelled to Africa to work with the Malealea Trust in Lesotho. The group worked in service of the local community, undertaking projects that will benefit and enrich the lives of those living there. The boys raised money in advance of travelling which the group donated to the local community. Well done to all who took part in this fantastic initiative that no doubt will stay with you for the rest of your lives.
BRIGID 1500
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
Well done to the boys who travelled with the Dublin Diocese to Lourdes to help sick and injured pilgrims.
BISHOP MCGUCKIAN
Celebrating the installation of The Most Reverend Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Down and Connor and formerly of Clongowes Wood College.
In February the boys took part in a world record attempt to join 4,000 other students from Kildare in forming a human St Brigid’s Cross on the Curragh. The event was part of a range of activities celebrating the 1500th anniversary of Kildare’s patron saint.
JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE FUN DAY
How wonderful to welcome refugee families to Clongowes to spend a day with our TY students for friendship and fun! The families enjoyed the inflatable obstacle course, penalty shoot out, races, face painting and a delicious lunch.
CLIMATE ACTION WEEK
Among the activities during Action Week were, the opening of our new greenhouse, a Laudato Si Mass, tree planting, the presentation to Mr Lumb of our Water Flag and the school wide distribution of reusable water bottles to help reduce single use plastics at Clongowes.
CHRISTIAN UNITY WEEK
Boys visiting the nearby All Angels Anglican Church during Christian Unity Week.
CAMPUS NEWS PASTORAL LIFE
SCHOLA AT MULLINGAR CATHEDRAL
Members of the Schola were thrilled to be invited to perform at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar.
PEACE AMBASSADORS
As part of the Pause for Peace movement, four TY boys trained as Peace Ambassadors.
AMBER FLAG WALK
An early start as boys walked in aid of Pieta House and positive mental health as part of our Amber Flag Day activities.
EXPLORING IN NATURE FOR POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
CONFIRMATION AT CLONGOWES
In May we welcomed Bishop Nulty for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR
FR WILLIE DOYLE
To celebrate the anniversary of Fr Willie Doyle SJ we were joined by Fr Paschal Hanrahan, Head Chaplain of the Irish Defence Forces who celebrated Sunday Mass at the school
FAST FASHION
The Green Schools team hosted Dr Ciara Murphy from The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice to discuss fast fashion industry and its contribution to carbon emissions and human rights violations.
RUDIMENTS RETREAT
Rudiments travelled to Ovoca Manor in Co Wicklow for their annual retreat. The day was filled with fun activities outdoors, such as climbing, archery, team building and a workshop including discussions and reflections.
CAMPUS NEWS PASTORAL LIFE
ELEMENTS RETREAT
In April, Elements took part in their first of many spiritual retreats in Clongowes travelling to the beautiful Glendalough. The theme of the retreat, “Finding God in All Things”, especially in nature and in friendship.
TY RETREAT
TY students had a wonderful walking tour of Dublin churches for their annual retreat.
RHETORIC RETREAT
A beautiful spot for reflection - Glencomeragh House, Co Tipperary.
GRAMMAR RETREAT
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Well done to the boys who took part in the MAGIS Student Leadership Summit in October.
The theme of the Grammar Retreat was ‘Walking with the Marginalised’. The boys visited Messenger Publications , Irish Jesuits International, Gardiner St Parish, Jesuit Refugee Service, Peter McVerry Trust and Boston College.
ALIVE OUTSIDE
A
THE CLONGOWES RUN
fantastic day at Alive Outside, Co Wicklow for the TYs in term 1!
Ready, steady, go! The Clongowes Duck Push Run organised by the TYs was a huge success!
24 HOUR SWIM
In November, the TYs took on the challenge of swimming for 24 hours straight in the Clongowes pool - all in aid of the Duck Push for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
ON THE SLOPES
The ski trip to Italy was one of the highlights of the year!
DUCK PUSH
Out and about pushing the Duck for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
NEW YORK EXCHANGE
A group of TYs got the chance to be part of our exchange programme with Fordham Prep, New York!
SPANISH EXCHANGE
This year we expanded our language exchange programme to include Spain. Great to welcome boys from El Armelar in Valencia.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIP
The year started with a fun trip to Co Wexford for outdoor pursuits!
SCUBA DIVING
TYs did their open water diving test for their PADI licences in beautiful Killary Fjord.
FORMULA 1
Great fun to have some F1 simulators to play with during the year!
IGNATIAN CAMINO PILGRIMAGE
Our annual trip to locations of significance to St Ignatius is one of the highlights of TY. The boys travel on foot though spectacular scenery before going to Barcelona for some much needed R & R!
CAMPUS NEWS TRANSITION YEAR
TRANSITION YEAR AWARDS
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Michael O’Dowd Memorial Cup
James Lee
McCarthy Medal for Science
James Lee
Medal for English Essay
James Maguire
Medal for Lower Line Debate
James Maguire
Peter’s Problem Prize
Ethan Yeung & Max Sweetman
Tullabeg Award for Enterprise & Initiative
Fahed Kabalaoui
GAISCE AWARDS
Edison Cheung, Hugo Chiu, Jack Coghlan, Adam Coffey, Matthew Colton, Ethan Dockery, Luke Duggan McGettigan, Logan Fox, Michael Guiney, Bernard Ibirogba, Alex Hayes, Eddie Jones, Patrick Jones, Fahed Kabalaoui, Rian Kehoe, Peter Kenny, John Leahy, James Lee, Eason Lui, James Maguire, Alex McKenna, Jorge Perez Garcia, Jack Reams, Marcus Ryan, Jacob Stockrieter, Max Sweetman, Connor Trichardt, Patrick Twomey, Tom Walsh & Ethan Yeung
CREATIVITY IN ART
Charlie Hussey
CREATIVITY IN MUSIC
James Lee
ENDEAVOUR MEDALS
Sebastian Hamilton & Sean Mangan
MATHS MODELLING
Tim Boyle, Edison Cheung, Michael Guiney, Alex Mc Kenna, Ethan Yeung, Ryan Wong
SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS
Leinster U17s Representative
Turlough Devitt
Connacht U18s Representative
Tom Walsh
Ulster U17s Representative
Ollie Worth
Munster U17 schools Representative
Mikey O’Sullivan
Gaelic Football
Freddie Mc Guigan
Sailing
Max Sweetman & Peter Kenny
SPORTS AWARDS
House High Jump
Tim Boyle
Lower Line 100m
Tim Boyle
Lower Line Triangle Syntax
Logan Fox
Senior Basketball Player of the Year
Leonard Linker
Tennis - Lower Line Singles League
Winner
Leonard Linker
TY Rugby Player of the Year
Richard Hyland
TY Rugby most improved Fahed Kabalaoui
JP1 Man of Steel Award
Jorge Perez Garcia
Lower Line Golfer of the Year
DJ Howley
Lower Line GAA Player of the Year
Bernard Ibirogba
Munster U17 Schools
Michael O’ Sullivan
GROWTH IN LEADERSHIP AWARD
DJ Howley
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN INDEPENDENT LEARNING AWARD
Edison Cheung
TY AWARDS
Brian A McCulloch, Edison Cheung, Ethan Dockery, Luke Duggan McGettigan, DJ Howley, Richard Hyland, Fahed
Kabalaoui, James Lee, James Maguire, Jorge Perez Garcia, Marcus Ryan, Max Sweetman & Thomas Walsh,
TY GRADUATION
CAMPUS NEWS SPORTING LIFE
ATHLETICS
At Clongowes athletics play an important role in our sports programme and there is a busy programme where students can engage in a variety of track and field events. The boys regularly participate in numerous competitions, in events ranging from relays to individual disciplines. This year the boys’ dedication has led to remarkable achievements, including standout performances like Victor Lamph’s national gold medal victory in the 80m hurdles.
Mr Carlos, Athletics Coach
BASKETBALL
It was a active year for basketball in Clongowes with a busy schedule of training and games!
EQUESTRIAN
Ted O’Leary, Rhetoric, represented Ireland at the European Eventing Championships in Italy in September.
SUCCESS FOR CHRIS
In March, school Vice Captain Chris Keenan, came first place in the Leinster Junior Indoor 1500m in a PB time of 3:59:47 setting a new Championship Record. The win came soon after a 5th place run in the Armagh International 3 km road race.
Congratulations Josh Williamson, Poetry, who won his first race aboard Housemartin in Clonmel in October.
CAMPUS NEWS SPORTING LIFE
ELEMENTS CRICKET
A great win in the league final for Elements cricketers!
IRELAND U18S
Max Doyle and Calum McDonald were selected to play for the Ireland Schools v Wales in March. Max went on to represent Ireland U18 schools in Parma, Italy.
KAYAKING
Great to spend time on the river during summer term.
CRIBBEN CUP
INTERPRO RUGBY
Congratulations Max Doyle, Dermot Collins, Ross Adams and Simon Kelly who won the Interpro Cup with Leinster U18s in September. Mikey O’Sullivan and Arthur Ashmore played for Munster U17s and Leinster U17s respectively.
Always great to welcome Clane GAA to play for the Francis Cribbin Cup!
SPORTS DAY
The Annual Sports Day in September was, as usual, great fun! Competing in their Houses, the boys took part in a range of events. Congratulations to Arrupe House who won the Aloysius Bowl.
ATHLETES OF THE DAY
Elements Owen Farrell
Rudiments Tom English
Grammar Dylan Morrissey
Syntax Dara Cronin
Poetry Marcus O’Sullivan
Rhetoric Christopher Keenan
SPORTS DAY
CAMPUS
JUNIOR CUP RUGBY
As the curtain came down on the 2023-2024 rugby season , Clongowes Wood College Junior Rugby Team reflected on a season filled with spirited performances, growth, and camaraderie.
First and foremost, heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Ben Brady and Hugh Keaney, who served as vice-captains this season. Ben’s dynamic attacking style ignited the back line, while Hugh’s unwavering commitment and formidable ball-carrying skills set the tone for our team. Special recognition is also reserved for Joshua Grant, our team captain, whose leadership on and off the field exemplified the highest standards of rugby professionalism and maturity.
The season comprised 20 fixtures for the A team, showcasing a 50% win ratio and a season points difference of +26. Despite facing formidable opponents, 6 of the team’s 10 losses were within a 7-point margin, underscoring the team’s competitiveness and resilience.
The season commenced with a promising start, despite a narrow loss to Kilkenny College.. Encounters against St. Michael’s and Blackrock College showcased the team’s prowess, even in defeat. Victories against Methodist College Belfast and Gonzaga underscored the team’s progress and development.
In preparation for the renowned Leinster Junior Cup campaign, the team embarked on a post-Christmas training camp in Limerick. This immersive experience included rigorous training sessions, cultural enrichment, and team-building activities. Matches against Castletroy and Ard Scoil Rís provided valuable insights and competitive
challenges, and players had a fantastic opportunity to use the outstanding training facilities at the University of Limerick.
The Leinster Junior Cup campaign did not go to plan, and a spirited effort against St. Mary’s in the first round ended in defeat. However, the team rallied admirably in the Plate competition, comfortably beating St. Gerard’s, but ultimately culminating in a hard-fought semifinal loss, 21-22, against league winners Newbridge College.
As the season concluded, it’s essential to acknowledge the contributions of veterans Dylan Morrissey, Hugh Keaney, Fionn Doyle, Charlie Ryan, Hugo Chiu, Bernard Ibirogba, and Joshua Grant. Their dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on the team. Additionally, congratulations are extended to Rudiments students Shaun Priede, Tom English, Daniel Maguire, and Senan Walsh for their consistent performances, indicating promising talent from younger cohorts.
A special mention goes to Jorge Perez Garcia, whose remarkable work ethic and skill as an international student from Spain enriched the team’s dynamic. His presence will be sorely missed in a purple and white jersey as he returns home at the end of the academic year.
As the curtain fell on the Junior rugby season, we looked to the future with optimism. The season’s achievements underscore the bright prospects for Clongowes rugby, as players vie for positions in the senior ranks. The lessons learned and bonds forged this season will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future success and camaraderie on and off the pitch.
Mr Dawson, Head Coach, Junior Panel 1
SENIOR RUGBY
All roads led to Donnybrook on Sunday 28th January for the opening tie of the Leinster Schools Senior Cup. A bumper crowd turned out in Energia Park for Clongowes against Belvedere College SJ. Clongowes started the better with Hugo O’Leary dotting down from a lineout maul followed by further pressure and a penalty kick from Callum McDonald to make it 10-0. Belvedere responded with a maul try of their own leaving the score 10-5 at the break.
In the second half, Clongowes came fast out of the blocks again with a searing break from Callum McDonald leading to a Luke Murtagh score and re-establishment of a 10 point buffer. Undeterred, Belvedere responded quickly with a converted try before a long range Ross Doyle penalty pushed the scoreboard again for Clongowes. The decisive score would come in the corner from those in black and white, with the Belvedere kicker landing a touchline conversion to put his team ahead.
Belvedere made good use of the wind at their backs to maintain territory while protecting their slender advantage. Yet, Clongowes did not stop competing, creating a couple of late linebreaks but unable to convert the pressure into points. A 1 point defeat proved a bitter pill to swallow having seemed in control for much of the game.
Only 3 days later, the opponents were Belvedere again, in the first match of the Premier Division of the Senior Seconds League. Dreadful conditions prevailed on the VMP and the writing seemed to be on the wall when Belvedere, playing with the wind in the 2nd half,scored to make it 12-8 with only a few minutes remaining.
The competitive spirit so synonymous with
Clongowes led to Belvedere ball being pinched at the breakdown to garner some much needed field position. There followed a remarkable demonstration of skill and resilience as Clongowes recycled the wet ball through a multitude of phases to power over for a try with the last play of the game. 2 games, both with a 1 point margin of victory, served to show how well matched the Senior Panels of the 2 schools were.
The Senior 1sts were now entered in the Fr. Hampson Cup, otherwise known as the Senior Plate. A good win over St Fintan’s High School in Suttonians Rugby Club on the Wednesday after the mid-term break setup a repeat of our early season fixture with Newbridge College on the VMP. In a pulsating game, where the momentum swung back and forth, Clongowes reversed their early season defeat, winning 34-19. In particular, three 1st phase set piece tries made for a pleasing performance for players and coaches. A word of thanks to Mr John O’Donoghue, whose energy throughout the season helped create such a solid attacking platform at set piece.
The Senior League team returned to action in Kenilworth Square against St Mary’s College. An ill-disciplined performance ultimately gave St Marys too many entry points to the game and a 24-20 loss was the result. The final league game would see another trip into Dublin 6, this time against Terenure College. Conditions again proved miserable and a 14 point half time buffer would not be enough, despite spirited defence from Clongowes in the second half.
This marked the end of a very competitive season for the Senior Seconds and one which will be remembered for the resilience
on display in the dying minutes of several fixtures. Thanks to Mr Ed Binham and Oscar O’Brien (OC’23) for their preparation of and commitment to the Senior Seconds throughout the season. Thanks also to Mr Tom Brady, our Athletic Development coach, and Mr Kieran Hurrell, our Director of Rugby, for their contributions towards the success of the whole Panel throughout the season.
The final of the Fr. Hampson Cup was played in Old Belvedere RFC, once again, in miserable conditions. Clongowes took an early lead but St Gerard’s School were ultimately smarter in their management of the conditions on the day. A 14-10 loss was a disappointing way to finish for all involved.
The ebbs and flows of any season on Senor Panel 1 makes for an exercise in building character. The defeat in the 1st round of the Cup and final of the Plate continue to wrankle and yet, the Panel can look back on the progress made, well demonstrated by the turnaround in results over Newbridge and Christian Brothers College, Cork. The Panel can also take pride in their development at an individual level, well signalled by the representation of Callum McDonald and Max Doyle for Irish Schools.
The disappointment of results in some of the competitive fixtures will undoubtedly fuel the fire of those who will return for another journey in purple and white. Meanwhile, those in Rhetoric can cherish the memories of their efforts on the pitch, particularly the resilience demonstrated in the face of challenges along the way.
Mr Wright, Head Coach Senior Panel 1
THIRD LINE SOCCER LEAGUE
LOWER LINE SOCCER LEAGUE
Cpt. Dara Cronin lifts the cup for ‘Team France’!
HURLING
Great to have Sallins GAA join us for a spirited game!
A beautiful evening for the Third Line Soccer Leagues
A great win for ‘Team Atlético Madrid’ and their Captain Eze Nwike and his Vice Captain Alejandro Losado!
Senior Soccer Team
SAILING
Students set sail to the Irish National Sailing School as part of our summer sports programme! Sailing made a return to the Summer Sports Programme in Clongowes this year.
In competitive sailing, Max Sweetman (Syntax) came first at the Irish Sailing Youth Championships earning his place on the 420 Irish International team who will compete in Greece this summer.
Peter Kenny (Syntax), John Kenny (Elements) and Emile Hennessy (Elements) travelled to Bantry Bay Sailing Club for the Irish Schools Team Racing Association National Championships taking a respectable 5th place with their teammates.
SWIMMING
A busy year for our swim team including training, competing against other schools and hosting our annual gala in Clongowes! Joshua Rose topped the medal count this year by winning 3 gold medals at the Blackrock College Gala.
CAMPUS NEWS SPORTING LIFE
GOLF
Our golf programme got a major boost this year with the addition of a Trackman golf simulator to our golf facilities. Coupled with our on-site golf course, the boys can play all year round!
Louis Goodman and Mark Fitzgerald were named co-captains of the Senior Golf Teams and Michael McCormick was chosen as the Junior Captain. Both our Senior and Junior Golf squads got out and about to play a number of golf fixtures this summer term as well as hosting teams on the Clongowes golf course.
JCT CAPTAIN AND VICE CAPTAINS
Junior Cup Team Captain Joshua Grant, Vice Captains Ben Brady and Hugh Keaney with Mr O’Donoghue, Mr McGovern, Mr Lumb, Mr Dawson, Mr Amerlynck and Mr Hurrell.
THIRD LINE RUGBY LEAGUES
The annual Third Line rugby league is always competitive but great fun! Congratulations to the winning team captained by Michael McCormick.
SCT CAPTAIN AND VICE CAPTAINS
Senior Cup Team Captain Conor Lysaght, Vice Captain Dermot Collins with Mr O’Donoghue, Mr Lumb, Mr Wright, Mr Binham and Mr Hurrell.
TENNIS
END OF SEASON REVIEW
It was a busy season for our tennis players this year! Under the stewardship of expert coach Padraig Kilcoyne, the support of Mr Leon and the enthusiasm of Mr Dawson, Coach in Charge, this year saw huge numbers of boys playing tennis in-house and in competition.
The senior tennis team, captained by Gonzalo Orive Basterra, took part in the highly competitive Div 2 competition and were unfortunate to be narrowly beaten in their group games.
The Juniors, under the leadership of Matthew Brennan, had a commendable season, securing victories against CUS and Temple Carrig.
It was an outstanding season for the minors, captained by Jack Scannell. They convincingly won all their group games, which propelled them into the semi-finals. The team’s excellent form continued as they dominated Blackrock College with a 5-0 victory. In the thrilling final against St. Andrews, tied on 2 matches each, it all came down to the 5th match which the team narrowly lost.
IN-HOUSE LINE LEAGUES
The following students distinguished themselves by winning their respective sections:
Third Line Singles: Tom Cotter
Third Line Doubles: Marcelo Alverez Macias and Matias Gonzalez Luna
Lower Line Singles: Leonard Linker
Lower Line Doubles: Diego Monjardin and Pablo Casanova
Higher Line Singles: Darragh Ahearne
Higher Line Doubles: Isaac Behan and Alexander McGrath
CLONGOWES FOUNDATION
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Clongowes Foundation works with and supports the College in its mission to provide students with the highest standards of Jesuit education. Since 2004, the Foundation and the College, together, have overseen a significant enhancement of the school’s infrastructure; additionally, the establishment of the Alberto Hurtado Bursary Programme in 2007 has widened access to a Clongowes education.
The Foundation team deeply appreciates the support and generosity of all our donorscurrent and past parents, alumni, the Jesuit Community, Province, and friends of the College.
The Foundation team - Joe Rooney, Chair of Fundraising (OC’79 and past parent), Antoinette Kelly, Director of Development, and Emma Robinson, Development Officer, work closely with our donor base to continue Clongowes Foundation’s legacy of success and engage our community with the College’s future plans. The Foundation is supported by Denise Nichol, Director of Finance and Administration, and Clare Daly, Finance.
GRADUATES TELL US THEIR STORY OF THE ALBERTO HURTADO BURSARY PROGRAMME (AHP)
It is 17 years since the Alberto Hurtado Bursary programme was launched at Clongowes. Lives have been transformed in that time with more than seventy students taking the opportunity to fulfil their potential by completing their secondary school education at Clongowes. The programme aims to provide up seven bursary places each academic year to boys who might otherwise not fulfil their potential because of socio-economic disadvantage. Unlike scholarship programmes, students for the Bursary programme are not selected on academic, sporting, or musical abilities, but rather on their general suitability, family ambition and potential to thrive in a seven-day boarding environment.
This year we welcomed some graduates of the Programme, Michael Medeiros OC’18, Michael Quinn OC’20 and Ryan Thompson OC’23 back to Clongowes to tell us their story of joining the Programme and how it has given them the opportunity to transform their lives. You can watch the video on the Clongowes Foundation section of the Clongowes website.
The Foundation is committed to the funding of the AHP with the long-term objective to make the AHP self-funding. Thanks to generous donors – parents & past pupils who contribute on an annual basis and other donors who choose to support the Alberto Hurtado Endowment Fund the future is bright for this programme and the boys who take this opportunity.
‘The experience I had over the six years, the lessons I learned and the ethos that was instilled into me is what changed everything in my life’ Michael Medeiros OC’18.
FOUNDATION TEAM: (L-R), Clare Daly, Finance, Antoinette Kelly, Director of Development, Joe Rooney, Chair of Fundraising, Denise Nichol, Director of Finance and Administration and Emma Robinson, Development Officer.
CLONGOWES FOUNDATION
MASS OF THANKSGIVING & THE ‘PIETA’ BY FRANCES
The role of giving has always been of immense importance in the story of Clongowes, allowing the school to develop and meet the ever-changing needs of each generation of students.
A celebration of those who have given to Clongowes past and present took place on Sunday 10th December at Clongowes as part of our annual Mass of Thanksgiving for Benefactors. The generosity of Benefactors ensures the school can flourish and continue to excel in its mission to educate men of competence, conscience, and compassion.
Following the Mass of Thanksgiving the newly restored and rehung ‘Pieta’ painting by Frances Kelly ARHA 1908-2002 was available for viewing in its new home above the main Reception in the Castle.
The ‘Pieta’ was commissioned for Clongowes by the Gilmartin family in 1939 and was given in memory of Dr John
P Gilmartin OC’27 with the following dedication.
‘In memory of John Patrick Gilmartin, who died on 10th May 1934, aged 25 years, his mother and family have made this gift to Clongowes. He was devoted to his home, to this school, to his country and the Faith; death robbed him only of the rewards the world gives.’
Frances Kelly specialised in still life works and her work was part of the painting event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics. Throughout her short career Kelly received excellent reviews, with most critics commending her freshness and delicacy. In 1935 she married Frederick Boland OC’21. Frederick became Irish Ambassador in London in 1950 and in 1956 he became Ireland’s first permanent representative at the UN in New York. His picture now hangs in the Serpentine Gallery.
FR PETER KENNEY DAY 2024
On June 12th, 2024, Fr Rector Michael Sheil and the College welcomed the French Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr. Vincent Guérend to Clongowes, for our annual Fr. Peter Kenney Day event.
This celebration, held each year to commemorate the College’s founding in 1814, invites all OCs who graduated more than 40 years ago to return for a special gathering. On this occasion we honoured six Old Clongownians who have been awarded the Légion d’Honneur and celebrated the strong historic and present-day connections between Clongowes and France. As Fr Sheil remarked on the day ‘the celebration of the Legionnaires reminds us that we continue to stand on the shoulders of Giants such as these six OCs - Patrick James Smyth OC1939, Comte Henri Russell OC1852, William Lombard Murphy OC 1892, Conor Maguire 1907, Count Gerald O’Kelly 1907 and Henri Place OC 1940’.
KELLY
Clongowes Foundation thanks all donors for their support. For information on developments at Clongowes and how you can support please contact Antoinette Kelly 045 838215 / antoinettekelly@ clongowes.net
NEWS OF THE PAST CLONGOWES UNION
Since the 2023 AGM held on 28 May 2023, it has been a busy year for the Union. President of the Union, Peter O’Meara (OC’88), with the support of President Elect Shane Dowling, the Union Committee, and the School, continued the momentum generated by recent Presidents and Committees.
In his address to the AGM on 28 May 2023, Peter set out that his Presidential aims were, with the help of the Committee, to extend the influence of the Union beyond the Pale, to continue the work done by his predecessors in increasing the profile of the Union and to build on the increased membership and involvement in the Union by past pupils. It is fair to say that by any yardstick, those aims were achieved.
A number of Union events took place during the year which helped with the achievement of those aims.
On Friday 10 November 2023, at The Conrad Hotel, Earlsfort terrace, c.180 people attended the Clongowes Lunch. The guest speaker was Fran Cotton, famous as an English Rugby Captain, British and Irish Lion, Manager of the Lions and successful businessman with his brand Cotton Traders, who was interviewed by Hugh Cahill. Fran regaled the attendees with interesting tales and takes on rugby, business and life in general.
A little over a week later, on Saturday 18 November 2023, the Union London Dinner was held at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge. A very enjoyable evening was had by all and
it was particularly encouraging to see a very broad range of UK based Old Clongownians represented, ranging from the early 1950’s to 2023 represented at the event. Barely had the Christmas festivities concluded when, on Friday 9 February 2024, c.250 people attended the Union Dinner at the RDS, Ballsbridge. As ever, a number of other PPU Presidents attended and feedback from attendees was very positive with significant funds also being raised for
On 22 March 2024, and in keeping with the President’s aim to extend the influence of the Union beyond the Pale, the second annual Clongowes Ball was held at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co. Limerick. This increasingly popular event was well attended, and it was particularly welcome to see a large
CUBA. Jack Kavanagh (OC’11) was a very popular recipient of the Alumnus of the Year award on the night.
Tom Lane and Peter O’Meara
London Reunion
number of the current school parent group in attendance.
Though not strictly a Union event, the annual Clongowes Retreat took place as usual in the school on Holy Thursday evening and Good Friday with Fr. Kevin Casey SJ the Retreat Director this year. John Sheehan took over as facilitator from Pyers O’Connor-Nash and the President presented Pyers with a token of the appreciation of all for his efforts over the years. All who attended found it to be an enriching and thought-provoking event.
A word too on the Union Golf Society. The resurgence of the Golf Society continues with sterling work done by the Society Officers, namely Willie McDonald and Padraig Whelan, in organising a number of hugely successful and sold-out outings throughout the year. Much work was done throughout the year on increasing paid-up membership of the Union and on refining the OC years contact database. That is a work in progress and will remain a major focus of the Committee in the coming year.
As always, a successful and productive year for the Union would have been impossible without the very helpful and welcome input and assistance from the school and the Jesuit community in the Castle. The Union Committee is deeply indebted to, and greatly appreciative of, both the headmaster Mr Lumb and Fr. Sheil SJ to that end. Lastly, the administrative work by Vicki Cahill is very much appreciated.
The Committee thanks Peter O’ Meara for his work as President and wishes Shane Dowling every success during his tenure.
Alumnus of the Year Jack Kavanagh
London Reunion
Peter O’Meara and Fran Cotton
The Union Dinner
NEWS OF THE PAST CLASS NOTES
PATRICK BROPHY
Patrick Brophy left Ireland this year to spend time playing rugby with the Oxford Club in New Zealand.
FIACHRA LAMBE
Fiachra joined the LIFT Youth Board Support Group. LIFT is a social enterprise initiative aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland.
BOBBY SHEEHAN
OC Bobby Sheehan 1st XV Captain for UCD, played against Bath in a mid season friendly at hooker for Leinster Rugby.
DANIEL MAGENNIS
Congratulations to Daniel Magennis who has been selected to represent Ireland at the AFL Trans-Atlantic Cup in Toronto this summer.
DYLAN DONNELLAN
Dylan Donnellan made his debut for Leinster in November.
MONKSTOWN RFC
Strong OC representation on the Monkstown side that won the All Ireland league Junior Round Robin and have been promoted to AIL Div 2C.
Tadhg Beirne
Daniel Magennis
Fiachra Lambe
Patrick Brophy
ORAN O’KELLY
Oran O’Kelly OC’12 took on the Dakar 2024 - the first Irish competitor in 15 years. An amazing achievement of physical, technical and mental prowess.
TADHG BEIRNE
Congratulations to Tadhg Beirne OC on captaining Munster this season.
JAMES WYSE
Cambridge University player James Wyse celebrates the Varsity Match win with OCs Toby Griffin and Ibai Juntilla.
CONROY CUP
Lots of OC representatives lined out for UCD, Trinity Rugby and University of Galway in the
DAN SHEEHAN
Well done to Dan Sheehan on his first captaincy with Leinster Rugby against Dragons RFC in November.
SAM WATSON
Congratulations OC’ 01 Sam Watson winner of the CCI4* at the Millstreet International in June.
Tadgh Beirne
James Wyse
Sam Watson
Dan Sheehan
Conroy Cup.
RHETORIC 93 REUNION
Great to welcome OCs ‘93 back for their reunion!
FRASER MCMULLEN CUP
OCs Tom Murtagh and Max Duggan holding the Fraser McMullen Cup after their win with UCD rugby.
Dylan Donnellan, Bobby Sheehan, Jordan Coghlan and Diarmuid McCormack
IRELAND CLUB XV
Dylan Donnellan, Bobby Sheehan, Jordan Coghlan and Diarmuid McCormack after the Ireland Club XV win in Portugal in March.
SEAN SEXTON IRISH UNIS
Well done Sean Sexton who lined out for the Irish Universities against Irish U20s in the Mardyke Arena in UCC.
Sexton
OLD BELVEDERE JP FLANAGAN TROPHY
Lots of OC representation on the Old Belvedere side that won the JP Flanagan Cup.
Sean
MU BARNHALL V MALONE
MU Barnhall Captain Cathal Duff with Sean Sexton and Mark Galvin with former Director of Rugby Daryl Maxwell (Malone RFC) post AIL Div 2A match.
ED BYRNE 100 CAPS
Congratulations to Ed Byrne who reached 100 caps for Leinster in March. Best of luck to Ed as he moves to Cardiff Rugby.
Ed Byrne
Tadgh Byrne and Dan Sheehan
RUGBY WORLD CUP
OCs Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan had great Rugby World Cup campaigns for Irish rugby.
CLONGOWES SOCKS V BENETTON
Ed Byrne and Will Connors don their Clongowes socks for a Leinster v Benetton game.
Ed Byrne and Will Connors
WANDSWORTH GAELS
Congratulations to Oscar O’Suilleabhain, Conor Gilsenan and Cillian Bourke on winning the All Britain GAA Football Championship with Wandsworth Gaels.
SEAN HALLISSEY JOINT 1ST LATIN
Sean Hallissey was recognised by the Classical Association of Ireland for his joint 1st place Latin 2023 Leaving Cert Exam
Oscar O’Suilleabhain, Conor Gilsenan and Cillian Bourke
