I Introduction
Introduction For many years the Serpentine corridor at Clongowes has been used to hang portrait photographs of distinguished Clongownians. Additions (and sometimes subtractions) were made in no very systematic way, and the collection had a rather Edwardian character. Nevertheless, it was a very familiar part of the school, well remembered by generations of Clongowes students. In 2003-4, as part of a general scheme of improvement, the Serpentine was rebuilt and its display potential greatly improved. In preparation for the Clongowes bicentenary in 2014, it was decided to re-hang the Serpentine, standardising to some extent the criteria for inclusion, and identifying suitable new candidates to modernise the collection and make it more representative. A small committee, reporting to the headmaster, Father Leonard Maloney SJ, was formed in 2012. It comprised the rector, Father Michael Sheil SJ, himself an old Clongownian (1949-56), with two other old Clongownians, David K’Eogh (1961-5), an architect, and Harman Murtagh (1957-62), a historian, together with Margaret Doyle, the college archivist. Through many meetings over two years the committee formulated a policy for inclusion, researched and selected candidates who met their criteria, and procured suitable portrait photographs. It was agreed that only those who were deceased or retired would be included, except perhaps in the most exceptional circumstances. Inclusion would be automatic for cabinet ministers, bishops, the most senior judges and university heads. A candidate’s chances were greatly strengthened by his inclusion in the Dictionary of Irish Biography or the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, authoritative publications, which are a major source for many of the biographical notes in this publication. After that, the selection was made on the basis of distinction in any field, a colourful career and inclusivity. Republicans hang beside VCs; archbishops beside writers; judges beside businessmen; physicians beside diplomats; architects beside politicians; scientists beside social activists; scholars beside aviators.
Clongownians of Distinction
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