ROSCREA ReviewNO. 96 - NEWSLETTER OF THE CISTERCIAN COLLEGE ROSCREA UNION Spring/Summer 2014

College President Brendan Feehan, Union President Simon Coyle and CCR Board ofManagement Chairman Frank Thompson pictured at the recent Business Lunch in

Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club.

In this issue...� Simon Coyle's year as Union

President;

� Message from new College President, Brendan Feehan;

� Reports on various Union events including Dublin Branch Business Lunches;

� Meeting one of CCR's oldest living pastmen;

� Reunions of classes of 1953, 1963, 1983, 1987 and 1988

� Farewell (but not goodbye) to Marcelline Cody;

� The sad passing of Gerry Maher;

� Other obituaries;

� News of Pastmen;

and lots more.

Roscrea Review 2

EDITORIAL

Welcome to the Spring 2014issue of the Roscrea Review.This academic year, nowdrawing to a close has seen onthe one hand the retirement ofCollege President MarcellineCody after years of sterlingservice to CCR and the arrival atthe helm last January of Mr.Brendan Feehan who wasformerly on the staff of St.Mary’s College, Rathmines. TheUnion owes an immense debt ofgratitude to Marcelline for hergreat support, her attendancewhich added immensely to verymany Union occasions and thesheer warmth of her welcomewhenever pastmen individuallyor in Reunion groups visited theCollege. Brendan knows he hasbig shoes to fill, but we haveevery confidence he will do so inthe months and years ahead.

Recently a Board ofManagement has been installed,

replacing the Board ofGovernors. As well asrepresentatives of parents andstaff, it is pleasing to note thatthree pastmen are members: itsChairman Frank Thompson(CCR 1963-’68), Tom Stokes(CCR 1962-’67) and BarryDevereux (CCR 1976-’80).Indeed Frank will have a dualrole for a year from May whenhe takes over the UnionPresidency from Simon Coyle.We wish them all every successin their various roles in the yearsahead.

October 2013 brought deepsadness to the entire CCR familywith the sudden passing of GerryMaher, pastman, CCR teacherand Deputy Principal, UnionPresident to whose family weextend our deepest and heartfeltsympathies. Gerry who retiredjust a few years ago was onholiday in New York where hisdaughter Ciara and her husbandSteve live and had the joy ofmeeting his new grandchild Catebefore succumbing to a massive

heart attack. That Gerry, so fullof life and joie de vivre shouldbe taken from us so suddenly isa stark reminder of just howtenuous a hold on life we allhave. Tributes to Gerry appearelsewhere in this Review. Ardheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

The President and Board ofManagement are very anxious todevelop even greater links withthe past student body. To thatend, Katherine Donovan hasrecently been appointed AlumniOfficer and is spending evenmore time than before on suchmatters. We thank Katherine forall the work she has done on ourbehalf over many years and wishher well in her “new” role.

As Simon Coyle’s year as UnionPresident draws to a close, wethank him for great year asPresident and wish FrankThompson every success as hetakes up the role.

pathanratty@gmail.com

Simon Coyle,UnionPresident2013 - 2014Simon Coyle FCA is a CharteredAccountant and Joint SeniorPartner in Mazars CharteredAccountants. He was part of theClass of 1967-’72. Following CCRhe took Articles with CoffeyGubbins which became part ofCraig Gardner/PriceWaterhouse. In 1980 he movedto Paris where he spent twoyears working throughoutFrance, Belgium and Spain. Onreturning to Ireland in 1982 he

joined the firm of ChapmanFlood. In 1998 the firm mergedwith Rawlinson Hunter Mazarsand was subsequently brandedMazars. The Firm employs 200in offices in Dublin and Galwayand is part of the internationalMazars Worldwide firm. Inaddition to his responsibilitiesas Senior Partner he heads thefirm’s Insolvency and FinancialAdvisory Services Division.

Simon married Caroline Sherry(no relation to the famous CCRSherrys) in 1985 and they havethree children Killian, Natalieand Owen. He is the brother ofMichael Coyle who served asUnion President in 2011-12.Both Simon and Michael havepreviously served as Chairmanof the Dublin Branch. He is a

member of Milltown Golf Cluband Lansdowne RFC both ofwhich have several CCRpastmen amongst theirmembership.

3 ROSCREA Review

Messagefrom UnionPresidentSimon CoyleWhat’s another year? JohnnyLogan sang plaintively in the1980 Eurovision Song Contest.On 12th May 2013 another yearwas the one I was just about toembark on having been investedat the Union AGM in the College.With, as I write, scarcely twomonths to go the year has flown,has been most enjoyable and arevelation. It is no wonder thatthe Presidential term of officewas reduced to one year. Notmany could withstand two yearsof the utter deference, respectand affection shown to me overthe past year. A truly humblingexperience.

Within a matter of weeks Iattended the 6th year graduationlunch in the College at which thesoon to be fellow past students ofthe College received their Unionties and were given a little insightinto the functioning and purposeof the Union. This function wasalso one of the last thatMarcelline Cody attended in hercapacity as outgoing President ofthe College. It would be remiss ofme not to recognise the greatwork that Marcelline undertookas College President during hertenure bringing as she did thatfemale touch to whattraditionally has been a verymale oriented environment.

Summer rolled on and I missed anumber of Branch Golf outingsincluding Dublin and theMidlands which were held withina week or so of one another at theend of August.

Union day at the College onSunday September 15th was

preceded on the Saturday by theAbbot’s Cup in Roscrea GolfClub. A remarkable round of Golfby Ronnie Culliton (8) yielded a47 point tally and a most popularwinner. Classes of 1963 and 1983held anniversary dinners in theCounty Arms in Birr that eveningboth of which were very wellattended and enjoyed by all. Asof Union Day itself it was arelatively quite affair as the boysin the College were on a week-end off. It is essential that werevert to a day which sees somesubstantive interface betweenthe Union/Past Students and thecurrent students at the College.Insurance issues have been citedas the reasons for thedisappearance of Past vs Presentsporting fixtures. These must beovercome or alternate low-riskactivity developed to take theirplace.

October saw the passing of myfriend and classmate of 1967-72Gerard P Maher (Gerry Ball tothose who knew himaffectionately). This was aconsiderable shock given itssudden and unexpected nature.The attendance at his funeralspoke volumes with regard to theaffection in which he was held.Conor Massey has agreed to pena short obituary to Gerryelsewhere in this edition of theReview. On a much happier notethe month also saw the class of1953 hold their 60th anniversaryof leaving the College over twodays. This was a remarkableevent in its organisation byMichael O’Carroll, its hosting bythe Monastery and its attendanceby 20 or so of those still on theright side of the grass. I waslucky and privileged to have beeninvited and to witness at firsthand the affection with which theattendees still held CCR and eachother after such a long period oftime. Subsequent to the event aDVD of some 100 photographstaken throughout the function

was forwarded to all theattendees as a memento of a greatweekend.

November saw the Dublin BranchDinner which again was a greatsuccess with over 110 inattendance including a couple ofdozen of those who left theCollege in the past five years.Dom Richard gave a veryimpressive presentation of theinvestment plans the Monasteryand Board of Management havefor the College over the comingyears. A spend programme of €4million to add to that which hasalready been spent to date shouldsee the finessing of the physicalinfrastructure of the College tothe highest of standards. Soimpressive was the presentationand so re-assuring of thecommitment of the Monastery tothe College that I took thepresentation to the NorthAmerica Branch Dinner in NewYork on 22nd November. Held inthe Private Dining room ofDelmonico’s Restaurant on West36th Street and very ablyhosted/organised by NiallRafferty this was a mostenjoyable event to which I wasable to bring my good lady-Caroline. Luminaries fromaround the US and indeedCanada were in attendance. JohnCoughlan (in the Ice Creamdistribution business) DesO’Brien (Publican andRestaurateur) and Charlie Scoope(Roscrea Enterprises!!) wereamongst the attendees whoregaled and entertained us thatevening. What a nice bunch ofinteresting fellows and great tosee the ladies out in force to hearold stories of the deprivationsand hardship of CCR student lifeall those years ago!!

On December 15th I had thepleasure of attending the AnnualCarol Service in the MonasteryChurch. The College Orchestraand School Choir were centre

Roscrea Review 4

stage for the event displayingoutstanding musical and vocaltalent to a packed attendance.

Together with a good number ofpastmen I attended the LeinsterSchools League Cup Final inDonnybrook on 18th December.The match was played underlights prior to which there was an“Early Bird” dinner in O’Connellson Morehampton Road. TomO’Connell (1967-’72) made surethat we were very well lookedafter and dispatched to the matchsuitably fortified. The match didnot go CCR’s way and in truthNewbridge were the better teamon the night and were to prove soagain when the two sides metafter Christmas in the LeinsterSenior Cup. There is always nextyear.

On 21st February, the eve of theEngland-Ireland RugbyInternational I travelled toLondon for the UK BranchDinner in the Royal Air ForceClub in Piccadilly. Fergal Keane(1967-’72) chairs the LondonBranch and I was delighted to seeFinbarr Bennett and his brotherAnthony amongst an attendanceof 30 or so stalwarts. A veryspecial mention must go toManus Moran (1941-’45) who isthe member through whom thefacilities and hospitality of theClub are extended. I wasdelighted also to see BrendanFeehan, the new CollegePresident took the time out totravel and represent the College.The function was a mixed oneand all the ladies present broughta wonderful colour andappropriate restraint to theoccasion.

March 7th saw the Dublin Branchhost another business lunchfollowing on the successfulinaugural event held in June2013. Dick Spring regaled us atthe first event with stories fromhis political career and theimportance of not working,

whilst Cathal O’Connell ofPaddywagon fame shared hisexperience of establishing andbuilding a business.

By the time you read this theSouth East Branch dinner of 3rdMay in the Ormonde Hotel,Kilkenny and the South WestBranch Dinner in Sunday’s WellTennis Club on 9th May will behistory. Rob O’Shea inringmaster for the former whilstGerry O’Meara is looking afterthe latter. The Kilkenny eventaffords the Union theopportunity to make a welldeserved presentation to retiredCollege President MarcellineCody. These events will becovered in detail in the next issueof the Review.

When all is said and done in ayear that has to all intents andpurposes gone in the blink of aneye what are the reflections withwhich I am left? There are many,not the least of which is the greataffection in which the College Isheld and all that it means to thegreat majority of pastmen. All ofthose that I have met are proudof their association with theCollege and with those withwhom they travelled through theCCR journey.

Given those sentiments it isimperative that the Union andCollege combine to provide a basis upon which contact /communication with andbetween pastmen is enhanced.The Union and College shouldcombine to bring furtherstructure and functionality tocommunications with pastmen. Ifthe Union is to maintain itssignificance to both its existingand prospective members it mustadapt its offering to compete withthe alternate social and businessnetworks that are available todayto all and sundry. The Uniondatabase is proprietorial to theUnion and its branches andshould be centrally maintained in

relevant and detailed formats.

The coaching and careerguidance experience that isavailable from within the paststudent body should deployed bythe College to the current studentbody. This would serve to markthe current student body with thesignificance and potential of theUnion. The implications of urbancentric development has servedto put a strain on the RegionalBranch network. We may need tolook at consolidation of certainbranches and we do need to lookat the reinvigoration of certainothers by passing on the baton ofleadership to younger pastmenwith renewed levels of energyand imagination. There is asymbiosis between the Collegeand the Union, the health of eachbeing somewhat dependent onthe other. A vitalised, wellconnected Union which is seenby past/present students, parentsand the parents of prospectivestudents at the College as such isa tremendous support to theCollege in attracting andmaintaining student numbers.

The Union therefore has a role toplay and I am delighted to seethat representation on the newSchool Board of Managementfeatures a number of pastmenand the parents of currentstudents at CCR.

In closing may I again take thisopportunity to thank you myfellow pastmen for the supportand camaraderie shown to methroughout the past year. Might Ialso express my very best wishesto my successor Mr FrankThompson (CCR 1963 – ‘68) whois also the Chair of the Board ofManagement and to DomRichard and the community andKatherine Donovan for theirsupport of the Union throughoutthe past year.

In the words of JohnShanahan – Bon Courage àTous.

5 ROSCREA Review

Dear CCR pastmen,

As I finish my second term as CollegePresident/Principal I am very pleased to beafforded the opportunity to address you, thepastmen, as you are very much part of ourfamily here in Cistercian College. The Collegeis appreciative of your hard work and theassistance you have given the College overthe past years and decades.

The advice of St. Benedict “The strong hassomething to strive for and the weak are notdiscouraged” is as true in Cistercian Collegetoday as it was at its foundation in 1905. I amvery honoured to be leading a College thathas such a proud and rich heritage and anexciting future. The College has the uniquedistinction of being the only school in theworld managed by Cistercian Monks – this isvery important to us, it defines who we are asa College community and how we interactand relate in this unique place of learning.

We are honoured to be studying, playing,praying and living in the environment we arefortunate to be situated – an 800 acrecampus in the shadow of an abbey andMonastic community that we draw so muchinspiration and faith from.

The College is going through an exciting timeof change and renewal, in the past sixmonths it has seen the Board of Governorsbeing replaced by a Board of Managementand the appointment of a new CollegePresident/Principal and DeputyPresident/Head of Boarding, Niall McVeigh. Asa College community we are determined to

further build and enhance the College’s iconicreputation as one of Ireland’s leadingeducational places of learning where thestudent is central to all we do; where thestudents’ care and experiences areparamount. The College is looking to thefuture with a renewed sense of confidenceand excitement; as an institution with aproud and rich heritage and tradition we willcontinue to guide and develop young menwho are confident and enriched by theCistercian experience.

Our development plans have the students’interests at the core – modern studentcentred living quarters, curricularinnovations, enhancement and furtherimprovement to the student areas making iteven a more student centred place oflearning. We are embarking on an ambitiousdevelopment project to upgrade ourinformation and communication technologyinfrastructure to meet the College’s needs inthe coming years; placing the use of ICTcentral to the learning and teachingexperiences of the young men in our care.Boarding school models and structures havechanged and altered radically in the lastdecade and at Cistercian College we aredetermined to be a leader in all aspects of theeducational field.

Our students continue to achieve at thehighest levels in the varied activities anddisciplines they engage in be that academics,music, sport, public speaking as well as amyriad of other facets of College life they are

exposed to. Asa College wevalue everystudent as anindividual andendeavour tomeet theirindividualneeds to allowthem taketheir trueplace asleaders in society. Cistercian College willcontinue to be a dynamic place, constantlyaltering and changing to meet the needs ofthis changing society.

The Past Pupils are very important to us; I amtaking this opportunity to extend the hand ofwelcome to you as pastmen. The College isgenuine and serious about the link andengagement we have with past pupils; wesee you as members of the Cistercian Collegefamily. We have begun the process ofenhancing our database so we can send amonthly newsletter informing you of all theactivities, changes and innovations that arehappening in the College over the comingmonths and years. In developing the AlumniOffice within the College we are committed tothe link with you the pastmen - this officewill have the sole objective of keeping achannel of communication open between usboth. I value your input and opinion. TheCollege is anxious to further develop the linkwith pastmen by drawing on their expertisein areas such as careers and advice to enableus to develop and enhance our evening andweekend programmes.

As the College moves forward, we arecommitted to maintaining the high academicstandards as well as aiming to ensureoffering each and every student has a uniqueand holistic experience, where they arevalued, cherished, respected and encouragedto be true to themselves and others with amature prospective, a global outlook and asense of unique identity.

Please feel free to contact me onpresident@ccr.ie

With kindest regards,

Brendan Feehan.

New College Presidenttakes the helmLast December, the Board of Governors announced the appointment of MrBrendan Feehan as President of Cistercian College Roscrea with effectfrom 1 January 2014. Originally from Ballyagran, Co. Limerick, Brendan FeehanM.A. H.Dip.Ed.taught Business Studies in St. Mary's College CSSp, Rathmines, Dublin, wherehe was actively involved in many areas of school life. At the time of hisappointment to the post he was Year Head of Fifth Year.Since his appointment, Brendan has attended several Union functions andimpressed those in attendace with his dynamism and vitality. Below is hisfirst address to the Union membership at large.

Roscrea Review 6

College News:

As referred to elsewhere in thisReview, the College now has aBoard of Management Board withFrank Thompson (CCR 1962-’68) asChairman.

Subsequent to the appointment ofMr. Brendan Feehan as CollegePresident, Mr. Niall McVeigh hasbeen appointed Deputy Presidentand Head of Boarding, and Mr.Gerry Grealish continues as Dean ofStudies. For more details seehttp://www.ccr.ie/index.php/school-life/senior-management-team

Appointment of AlumniOfficer:

In a step that will surely enhancethe services she renders to theUnion, Katherine Donovan has beenappointed Alumni Officer. TheUnion welcomes that appointmentand congratulates Katherine andwishes her continued success in thepost.

The College Website and theAlumni Ezine:

The College Website has beengreatly enhanced and it is now thego to place for news of what’shappening. There is a huge amountof information on the site and it isvery well designed and easy tonavigate. Indeed, for those of usseeking news of matches,@CCRoscrea on Twitter is thefastest source of real timeinformation!

Ezine for pastmen:

From late Summer / early Autumnthe College hopes to produce a bi-monthly ezine which will be sent toany past student who wishes. It willgive reasonably up to date CollegeNews and will feature news andinformation on prominent CCRpastmen. If you wish to receive this,please inform Katherine of youremail address atkatherine.donovan@ccr.ie

RTE Documentary on CCR:

Many of us heard the recent RTEdocumentary about CCR entitled“Live Where You Learn”. It wasbroadcast on 31st May and amongother things dealt with 5th and 6thclass boys who were spending aweekend sampling life as boarders.Also featured was the reunion of theClass of 1953 among whosenumbers was Michael O’Carroll whospent many years working for RTE.The consensus was that itrepresented good publicity for theCollege. Anyone who has not heardit can download it from the RTEwebsite, either by scrolling throughthe site or by directly clickingwww.rte.ie/radio1/podcast/podcast_documentaryonone.xml andscrolling down through their list ofdocumentaries.

U-20 Rugby World Cup

We were all delighted at theselection of three young pastmenfrom the Class of 2013, CiaranGaffney, Oisin Heffernan and RoryMoloney were selected for the IrishSquad for the U-20 World Cup inNew Zealand. Indeed Sean O’Brienfrom the same Class would havecaptained the side had he notsuffered an injury recently. Thosemen gave us great pleasure duringthe recent epic Cup runs, and it waswonderful to see them performingon a much bigger stage where theIrish Squad did so well to reach thesemi finals before losing to apowerful English team. Onwardsand upwards, guys!

UIS Golf:

The CCR Union team in the Unionof Irish Schools’ golf competition atMilltown G.C. on put up a fantasticperformance scoring 76 points, justa point fewer than winners, St.Mary's College. Castleknock alsoscored 76 points and as their secondcard was better they were runnersup. Our team was Hugh O'Neill(CCR 1964-’69), Liam Nicholl (CCR1965-’70), Greg Swift (CCR 1972-’75), the current holder of the MattHyland Cup, and Ronnie Culliton(CCR 1979-’84), the current holderof the Abbot's Cup. We noticed onthe Winners Shield that CCR werewinners of the trophy in 1943! Rollon next year!

Rugby Support Group Draw

Back in January, the Rugby SupportGroup held its now annual GrandSlam Draw. Many pastmenresponded to an email shot I sentout and it was nice to be handingover €2,000 on the night to theRSG on behalf of pastmen. For thethird successive year one of thetickets sold through the email shotcame up trumps – Aidan McNultywon 4th prize, a round of golf for 4in the K Club, and no one deservedit more than Aidan who has givendecades of continuous service to theUnion and College.

In case you don’t get an emailurging you to buy a book of ticketsfor next year’s draw, feel free tocontact me in time atpathanratty@gmail.com !Incidentally, this year’s other prizeswere 2 tickets, flights andaccommodation for the HeinekenCup Final in Cardiff, 2 tickets andaccommodation for Ireland v. Italy,and 2 tickets for Ireland v. Wales.Ironically, the top prize was won bya Welsh friend of Con Moloney(father of Rory and Colin) whoowns the Grand Hotel in Swansea –he hardly needed the flights! A pitythere was no Irish (or Welsh) teamin this year’s final!

7 ROSCREA Review

South WestBranch FunctionMaryboroughHotel, Cork19th April 2013

Despite this year’s long, drearywinter, the elements were kindfor the barbecue arranged for theSouth West Branch in theMaryborough House Hotel.Little did we know then what amarvellous summer was in storefor us! It was the last CCRUnion function Jim Keatingwould attend in his capacity asUnion President, and the firsttime at a South West BranchDinner for Jim’s wife Sandra.

Incoming Union President,Simon Coyle travelled downfrom Dublin and Union GeneralSecretary, Katherine Donovanand as our Patron Dom RichardPurcell were also welcomed tothe event. We were delighted towelcome local pastmen, JamesQuain, Kevin Morrissey and P.J.Hourican back to our Reunion.

The function commenced with atribute to Branch Member, SeanWalsh of Fermoy who diedearlier in the year. Despiteindifferent health in recenttimes, Sean was a regularattender at our gatherings,including the previous year’sevent in May 2012. A formerHead of Research in Teagasc,Sean had distinguished careersin both research and inacademia. His expertise was verymuch in demand internationally,Libya, Saudi Arabia, China,Holland, Portugal and Cambodia

being among the countrieswhere he conducted numerousassignments and projects.

As is usual for the event, theconversations and camaraderiecontinued into the small hours.While the amazing performanceof the SCT in the recent rugbysemi final against eventualwinners Blackrock College wason everyone’s minds, peoplewere still there to enjoythemselves and catch up on alldevelopments since the lastSouth West Dinner.

Jim Keating presented MargaretO’Shea with a bouquet of flowersto mark the branch’sappreciation of her support overthe years. Of course, Jim’s verysuccessful tenure of office washelped very much by the supporthe received from Sandra, so itwas appropriate that at Jim’slast Union event as President,incoming President, SimonCoyle, on behalf of the Unionpresented Sandra with abouquet of flowers.

Jim Keating addressing the gathering.

Roscrea Review 8

South West Branch Function continued

Cathal and Marion Bredin.

Dom Richard Purcell.

Pat and Margaret O'Shea.

Simon Coyle making a presentation to Sandra Keating.

Katherine Donovan.

Kevin Morrissey and Dom Richard Purcell .

Jim Keating presents Margaret O'Shea with a bou-quet of flowers.

Gerry O'Meara.

John Lynch and James Quain.

9 ROSCREA Review

The Matt Hyland / NoelWindle golf outing moved to anew venue in 2013,Edmondstown Golf Club, 2miles south of Rathfarnham.It was held on Friday 16thAugust – and while the daywasn’t like one of thescorchers we had in July, itwas still very pleasant. In factthe committee was concernedas the previous day was verywet - a rare thing in Summer2013 but apart from an earlyshower most golfers played inpleasant sunshine. Forty oneplayed golf and we werejoined by were joined byanother ten for a very goodmeal and pleasant “afters”.

After a few near misses, GregSwift with 40 points won theMatt Hyland trophy – he hadspent much of the previousyear “minding” it for hiserstwhile playing partner,2012 winner Fr. Peter Garveywho was hospitalised at thetime. Kay Garvey (Fr. Peter’ssister) won the Noel WindleCup with 38 points. FrankThompson on 39 points wasrunner up to Greg with DaveHernan close behind on 37points. Yvonne Malone a longtime supporter of this event,and 2012 Lay Captain ofEdmondstown was runner upto Kay on 33 points.

First prize in the Team eventwent to Brian Culliton’s team– he played with his sonDavid, and Tony Salmon andthey won with 85 points on acountback from FrankThompson, TonyMcCarthy(Captain ofEdmondstown) and PatHanratty.

Other prizes went to JohnThompson and ColleenO’Neill (Longest Drives) andAidan McNulty (Nearest thepin.)

Because of the very enjoyableday had by all rounded off bya wonderful meal, theCommittee has decided to goback to Edmondstown for thisyear’s event, on a more typicaldate – Friday 20th June 2014.

As always we are verygrateful to our sponsors.

Hackett Bookmakers

Commtech

Mazars

Michael McNulty & Son Accountants

O’Callaghan Hotels

Betdaq

Mason Hayes & Curran

Matheson

Kavanagh Fennell

Foresthill Financial Planning

Comans Wholesale Ltd.

Paddywagon Tours Ltd.

Graphprint

Gowan Group, Merrion Rd.

Joe HarfordDublin Branch Chairman Vincent Coyne with Edmondstown GC Captain,Tony McCarthy, Pat Hanratty and Frank Thompson.

Matt Hyland NoelWindle Golf 2013

Roscrea Review 10

Vincent Coyne presents the Ladies’ Runner Up Prizeto Yvonne Malone.

Vincent Coyne presents the Noel Windle Cup to KayGarvey.

Lean Hyland presents the Matt Hyland Cup to GregSwift.

Refreshed after a day in the sun: Aidan McNulty,Yvonne and James Malone.

Katherine Donovan gets a well deserved bouquet offlowers from the Chairman.

Matt Hyland / Noel WindleGolf continued

11 ROSCREA Review

Meeting one ofCCR’s oldestknown livingPast Pupils

This story started in May 2013while I was still Union Presidentand had recently sent a letter toall of the 3,300 past men askingif the details that we held on filefor them were correct. Over timethe returned questionnairesbegan arriving at my homeaddress. Out of curiosity I hadkept a note of the year that theyhad left the college - 1940s 1950sand 1960s. Yet no one from the1930s had returned until finally Ireceived one from a pastmannamed Denis O’Donovan, whohad attended the collegebetween 1936 and 1939, with abirth date of 1920, which wouldnow make him 93! I made amental note of this pastman andpondered the idea of meeting upwith him soon to perhaps recordhis recollections of his time inCCR.

I had subsequently forgotten allabout Denis due to the fact thatwe had around this time, starteda process of selling our houseand moving into Tullamore. Weeventually sold our house andmoved in September of 2013. InMarch of this year whilesearching through my CCR File,I happened to find the slip ofpaper that I had kept belongingto Denis. I contacted PatHanratty and told him about myplan of contacting Denis for apossible interview. Patimmediately thought it was agreat idea and suggested that itcould be used as a possible

feature for theupcoming RoscreaReview. So I wroteto Denis at hisaddress in Rathgaronly to receive aletter from him afew weeks later,mentioning thatthe new ownershad forwarded hispost to his newaddress inChigwell, in theU.K.Undaunted, I knewthat I would betravelling to London at Easter tosee our grandaughter and rangDenis to let him know of myplans. He readily agreed to meetme and, as I was thinking ofwriting an article for the Review,with his agreement I recordedour conversation at his house inChigwell, Essex, on 18th April.

Denis was born in Cork in 1920.His father worked in London asa Post Office Clerk around thesame time as Michael Collins butreturned from England in 1924to work as a civil servant inDublin. Denis went to the HighSchool in Rathgar for threeyears, and continued his studiesin Coláiste Mhuire in ParnellSquare until he was 16. His loveof the Irish language wasnurtured here.

Denis arrived in CCR inSeptember 1936 at the age of 16and left in June 1939. He wenton to tell me that he had hadwonderful memories of his timein the College. Fr. Ailbe wasPresident and liked by all of theboys. Father Gerard was verykind to the boys and even at thattime, was called the ‘Pan’, whileFr. Benignus had the nicknameof Wolfe Tone! Indeed, he

remembers the students havingnicknames. These weregenerally based on sportingfigures at the time, such as JoeLouis and Buddy Baer. His ownnickname was based on aWrestler of some prominence –he wonders did this mean thathe must also have been notbeautiful to look at! Thestudents were a great mixture ofcountry, country towns and cityboys. About 200 students wereboarding at the time.

He developed a love of the stageunder the guidance of MusicTeacher, Herr Rudolf Raesfeldt.He recalled playing DonAlhambra del Bolero in TheGondoliers, The Learned Judgein Trial by Jury and he sangThe Last Rose of Summer in oneof the annual ‘Cats’ Concerts’.

He remembered Herr Raesfeldtas being a great Music andDrama teacher, and a strictdisciplinarian. The students hadheard rumours that HerrRaesfeldt had been a U BoatCommander in the First WorldWar. At the time, none of themhad any inkling of the horrorsthat his country was starting tounleash on the world.

continued on page 12

Denis O’Donovan and Jim Keating.

Roscrea Review 12

Other memories Denis had of histime in CCR were of the newnessof the Pavilion (only opened in1930), of a Brother and a localworkman being killed in June1936 during the building of thespire in the Monastery Churchand that four monks and fourpupils died in the typhusepidemic in late 1933.

Among Denis's mementos of histime in CCR is the Guest HouseBook that was always available(for free) to any traveller visitingthe Guest House, which includeda poem he had written, in hisbeloved Irish Language. (Seebelow).

On his final day in the CollegeFr. Ailbe – as was his custom –‘paraded’ Denis and his friend,Aidan Quigley, into his office.Ailbe showed them a photo ofsome Army Cadets and someliterature concerning the Cadet

School at the Curragh, andrecommended the Army to bothof them as a career which shouldinterest them. As we now know,Aidan did in fact enter the Cadetschool and Air Corps,subsequently becoming one oftheir top pilots and later had adistinguished career with AerLingus on the North Atlanticroutes. Indeed Aidan was thepilot of the plane that broughtPope John Paul to Ireland in1979. But Denis went on to gethis Degree in UCD, spending alot of time in the UCD DramaticSociety, subsequently joining theArmy as a Volunteer during theEmergency.

Denis enjoyed his time in theArmy so much so, that he wenton to join the Cadet School andwas commissioned in 1941 andserved for 28 years, retiring asCommandant, having served twoterms of United Nations service

in the Congo in 1963, andCyprus in 1966. He then enteredthe Central Bank of Ireland in1968.

Denis had two sons, Ciaran andBrendan, & one daughter,Catherine, who died in 2013. Hiswife, Kay, passed away in 1999.One of his sons is Caretaker inthe High School, Rathgar.

When I was saying my goodbye,Denis said that his greatest joywas that a Past President of theUnion had taken the time tocome and visit someone asinconsequential (?) as him.

Footnote: I include herephotos I took of some ofDenis’s treasuredmemorabilia both fromRoscrea and the Army. JK

13 ROSCREA Review

HURLINGSUPPORTGROUPAnnual GolfOutingLike most events held in Irelandin July 2013, the HurlingSupport Group’s annual golfouting took place in Roscrea GCin glorious sunshine – a verywelcome change from 2012 andother recent years’ events.

Over 20 teams of four took partwith excellent scores beingposted. The winning team wasthat of Coláiste Phobal, Ros Cré,(Community College, Roscrea,which was formed in 1999 withthe amalgamation of SacredHeart Convent SecondarySchool, Roscrea VocationalSchool and the ChristianBrothers School) with anamazing score of 96 points.

Runners up were JohnnyMcDonnell’s team with 92points while in third place was ateam from Centenary Co-op. Thethen College PresidentMarcelline Cody’s team camefourth and Union President -Elect Frank Thompson’s teamtook fifth place.

This year’s event will take placeon Friday 4th July with ashotgun start at 3.0 p.m. Let’s

hope for weather like last year’sand a good turnout!

All patrons of the HSG eventwere deeply saddened by thetragic death in a motor accidentin January of Jim Nash’syoungest son Barry (CCR 2006-’12). Ar dheis Dé go raibh aanam dílis. We are heartened to know thatJim will be involved again inthe organization of this year’sevent.

The winning team from Coláiste Phobal, Ros Cré: John Haugh (DeputyPrincipal), Billy Conlan, Vera Smyth and Orla Egan.

Marcelline Cody’s team with their prizes. From left; HSG SecretaryAnn McIntyre, Josephine Hickey, Kathleen Moylan, Jim Nash,Marcelline and Mary Fitzgerald.

Frank Thompson accepting a prize fromHSG Chairman Jim Nash on behalf of histeam.

Roscrea Review 14

DublinDinner 2nd November

2013

The 2013 Dublin Dinner wasonce again held in theDavenport Hotel and wasattended by well over ahundred pastmen as well asguests from other Unions. Theguest speaker was former CCRteacher Brendán Ó Ruairc whoentertained us brilliantly withstories from his days’ teachingand from his post-retirementcareer as a racing commentatorand tipster.

The event again drew a veryencouraging blend of pastmenfrom every decade from the1940s through to the presentone with the classes of 2007and 2010 being particularlywell represented.

NB, as listed on the UnionCalendar this year’sDublin Dinner will be heldon the earlier date ofSaturday 18th October inthe Morrison Hotel, onLower Ormond Quay.

Dublin Branch Chairman Vincent Coyne and CCR Union President SimonCoyle with guests from other school unions: Gareth Halpin (St. Mary’sCollege), Peter Gray (Clongowes), Brian Kennedy (Gonzaga), Louise Scott(King’s Hospital), Brian Delahunty (Pres. Bray) and Kevin Broderick (St.Michael’s College).

From the class of ’68: Pat Keane, Jim Keating, Jim Ryan, Frank Thompson, Michael Coyle and Michael Haugh.

All smiles as members of the class of’84 reunite with their erstwhile Irish teacher. From left: Ronnie

Culliton, Aidan Bergin, Peter Logan, Breandán O’Ruairc, Mark Redmond(House Captain), Bryan McCoy and

John McGovern (SCT Captain).

Dom Richard, Tom Ambrose and a pensive Larry Branigan.

15 ROSCREA Review

Dublin Dinner continued

Dublin Branch Chairman VincentCoyne presents a bouquet of flowers toretired College President MarcellineCody.

Two former Chairman of CCR Boardof Governors: Conor O’Hara andDiarmuid Ó Murchú.

From the class of 2010: Damien Egan, Robert Durcan, MichaelMcCrohan, Emmet Ryan, Ross Farrell (House Captain), Lee Murray,Oisin Kilgallen, Brian Moylett and Tomas Hanley.

Members of the Class of 2007 with Union President-Elect FrankThompson: Back Row: Andrew Richardson, Eoghan Madigan, NevilleQuinn, John Verling, Martin Feeney. Front Row: Frank Thompson,Brian O'Donnell, Joe Moran and Matthew Quinlivan.

From the class of ’65: Jim Coffey, Aidan McNulty, FrankCullen and John Sherry.

Marcelline Cody with three B.Comm. graduates fromthe UCD class of 1973 – her husband Donncha and (left)Aidan O’Connell and (right) Gerry O’Meara, both fromthe CCR class of 1970.

Roscrea Review 16

Inaugural Dublin BranchBusiness Lunch14 June 2013

After much planning, detailed research and significantdiscussion, the Dublin Branch of the Union held its inauguralbusiness lunch on 14 June 2013 in Fitzwilliam Lawn TennisClub. An impressive attendance of 60 past men heard DickSpring (CCR 1963-’68) former Tanaiste and now ExecutiveVice Chairman of FEXCO discuss the merits of buildingrelationships, followed by a typically robust round ofquestions and answers.

The business lunch concept had been a much discussedidea, reflective of a desire to tap into the deep well of thepast pupil relationships. The Committee sought the supportof a core group of past men, ably assisted by Unionpresident Simon Coyle who gave the idea his enthusiasticsupport.

Many venues were considered but following a meeting withFitzwilliam, arranged by Aidan McNulty (whose daughter isthe resident professional), the Appian Way club was theunanimous choice. The lunch was attractively priced at just€25, each attendee received a personalized name tag,Dublin branch business cards were printed and distributedand after the event a full list of contact details wascirculated to all attendees.

As in all well run organisations, a post mortem wasconducted afterwards to identify the things which workedand which could have been improved upon. The view of thecommittee was that the event should become a permanentfixture in the Dublin branch event calendar.

2nd Lunch - 7 March 2014Following the success of the inaugural business lunch in2013, the Dublin Branch again put its shoulder to the wheelto arrange a second such event in March 2014. Publicisingthe event was certainly assisted by the billing of CathalO’Connell from the class of 1986 and the founder and CEO ofPaddy Wagon Tours as guest speaker.

Taking on board the advice received from the 2013 event, alist of all attendees and their business contact details wascirculated in advance. The event was once againprofessionally hosted by the Fitzwillam Lawn Tennis clubwho produced an excellent lunch. The quality of the foodwas commented upon by many of those who attended. TheDublin Branch was particularly delighted to welcome newCollege President Brendan Feehan to his first ever Unionevent. Proceedings were opened by Brendan who spokeenthusiastically of plans for the future of the College.

Cathal proved to be an entertaining and engaging speakerwho impressed his audience with tales of building andexpanding a business in the cut-throat tourist sector.Ignoring the naysayers and with an eye for a publicityopportunity, Cathal’s business has grown from just two(unreliable) buses to one which now caries 90,000customers a year across Ireland. Not one to rest on hislaurels, he has his eyes firmly set on expanding overseas.The rumour is that Trafalgar Square is his next stop! Wewish him well.

Barry Connolly (2005) with his fa-ther, Hurling legend Joe.

Aidan McNulty (1965) and his sonDeclan (1992).

Michael McNamara (1970) and hisson Troy (2005).

Guest Speaker Cathal O’Connell(1986) in full flow!

Michael MacNamara (1970),Brendan Phelan (1979) and DavidMcDonagh (1980).

Conor Brady (1966), FrankThompson (1968) and Jim Coffey(1965).

Conor Massey (1959), KieranFitzgerald (1979) and John Sherry(1965).

Pat Keane and Jim Keating (both1968) with Mark Mulcahy (1997).

17 ROSCREA Review

Dublin Dinner continuedDublin Branch Business Lunches continued

Guest Speaker Dick Spring (1968)with Frank Cullen (1965).

Union President Simon Coyle(1972), Conor Brady (1966) andSean McCann (1968).

Ronan Whitty (1999) withDavid Hernan (1989).

The Chairman calls the gathering toorder.

Dick Spring speaking to a captiveaudience.

Tadhg Campion (1971) and BrendanHyland (1969).

Networking? David Lucey (1989)and Ronan Whitty (1999).

Declan Martin (1971), Colm Bergin(2006) and Greg Swift (1975).

Brendan Phelan (1979), Ray Hernan(1982) and Justin Phelan (1979).

David Lucey, Eoghan Comerfordand Sinbad Wilmot, all from theclass of 1989.

Dom Richard with three from the classof 1985, Don Harrington, Donal Taaffeand Manus Agnew.

Barry Connolly (2005), FergalLawlor (2003) and Gareth Dolan(2004).

Roscrea Review 18

REUNION

LeavingCert Classof 1953

Sixty years could be areasonable lifetime – twoaverage generations. It is hardto believe that the Class of ’53never had a reunion. Themembers were scattered tomany parts of the world, mostwith thoughts and reflections oftheir days as students at CCR;only a few years after the Hitlerwar, when Ireland wasstaggering to its feet, whenemigration was a natural thing

and few jobs were available athome. But they never gottogether as a group since June1953.

It was over a glass of wine, in thesunshine of Andalusia, in 2013,that a plot was hatched betweentwo class members – Fr. SeanO’Toole and Michael O’Carroll -to strike out and have a reunion.The project was encouraged byanother student from 1953 –Abbot Emeritus Dom KevinDaly, the Guest Master at MountSaint Joseph’s Abbey. TheAbbot, Dom Richard Purcell,gave the project his approval;the date was set for October 19,2013, and so the troika set aboutmaking the lists, checking themtwice and, if possible, findingsome lost members.

In 1953 there was no automaticmembership of the Past Pupil’sUnion. Some graduates went on

to university, others joinedmonasteries or seminars, otherswent to work in Ireland, andmany emigrated. Through thegood offices of the PPU, throughKatherine O’Donovan, theDevelopment Officer at CCR,and Google, we were able totrace over ninety per cent of theClass of 1953. Sadly 24 classmembers had, by October 19,gone to God, including somehigh profile students such asGus Martin, Liam Maloney,Gerry Culliton, Noel Maloney,Dan Kennefick, Des Dockery,Noel McCarthy and LiamMcDevitt.

We failed to make contact withsix – John Charles Efford, DonalMoran, Joe McElligott, NoelMcElroy, Jim O’Regan andBarry O’Sullivan. Both Pat Coxand John Chapman wereinterested in the project, butwere not well enough to travel to

GROUP PHOTO TAKEN AFTER MASS IN THE COLLEGE CHAPEL.Front row: Fr. Sean O’Toole, Billy Furey, Ned Ryan, Brian O’Boyle, Dom Richard Purcell.

Middle Row: Dom Kevin (Martin) Daly, Gerry Moroney, Dr. Joe Daly, Bill Lalor, Brian Banaghan, Dr. RichardFogarty.

Back Row: Pat Rafferty, Tom Condon,, Owen Fox, Tom Maher, Michael O’Carroll. (Inset bottom right: BillyHayes and Tim Riordan who attended on the Sunday.)

19 ROSCREA Review

Class of 1953 Reunion continued

Roscrea. Otherwise, there wasmuch enthusiasm from at homeand abroad, some indicatingthat they would attend, otherssaying they would love to butbecause of family or personalcircumstances, they could not.On the day itself, Cyril Maguire,Tom Hastings and Billy Slattery,had to withdraw because ofillness.

So, on Saturday October 19th,2013, fifteen hardy soulsassembled at the Guest Housecirca 3 o’clock. Most had not metduring those sixty eventfulyears. Bill Lalor travelled fromMississippi, USA; GerryMaroney flew in fromSaskathon, Canada; BrianO’Boyle came from Essex in theUK, while Tipperary wasrepresented by Pat Rafferty.Billy Hayes and Tim Reardonhad a prior engagement, so theychecked in from Tipperary, forbreakfast on the Sundaymorning.

Others in attendance were TomCondon, Dr. Joe Daly, Dr.Richard Fogarty, Owen Fox,Brian Banaghan, Tom Maher,Ned Ryan and Billy Furey. Masswas celebrated by the Abbot inthe College Chapel at fouro’clock, and concelebrated byDom Kevin and Fr. SeanO’Toole, both from the class of‘53. The College Choir sang atthe mass after the lists of thedead, the sick and those to beremembered, were read byMichael O’Carroll. AbbotRichard’s homily was inspiring,telling of the modern CCR, theobjectives, its philosophy, thechallenges and plans for thefuture.

After Mass the officialphotographs were executed and

the guests were taken on a tourof the College’s modern facilitiesby some senior students, all ofwhom told of their love for theiralma mater, the food, the studyfacilities, the sport activities andtheir admiration for the teachingstaff. The Gym, Swimming Pooland Sports Hall facilities wereimpressive, as were the state ofthe playing pitches. But gonewas Fr Austin’s museum, as aresult of health and safety

regulations. Ireland is stillrearing some strange rule-makers!

There followed a reception inthe lounge of the Guest House,where a DVD was showndepicting the ’50s at CCR, aswell as more modern aspects.Thanks to Tom Hastings andBilly Hayes for some excellentphotographs. Each personattending got a copy of the DVD

Dom Kevin Daly and Dr. RichardFogarty.

Michael O’Carroll reads the listsfrom the Class of ’53 to be remem-bered – the dead, the ill, those in at-tendance and those we were unableto contact.

Ned Ryan, Fr. Sean O’Toole andBrian Banaghan in the old BilliardRoom, now the Centenary Room. Tom Maher and Michael O’Carroll.

Pat Rafferty at those veryfamiliar stairs!

Tom Condon and Fr. Sean O’Toole.

Roscrea Review 20

Class of 1953 Reunion continued

and a copy was sent to everyperson still alive on the listfrom1953. The DVD with musicwas put together by Charles D.Byrne, formerly of RTE TV. Itwas well received by those at thereception which includedCistercian monk Fr FlannanHogan, the house Captain, from1952, and the Leinster and All-Ireland shot-putt championfrom that same year. Alsopresent was Dom Peter Garvey,the former College Presidentand Abbot of Moone Abbey, Co.Kildare.

Dinner followed, which had asits guests of honour AbbotPurcell and Simon Coyle, thePresident of the Past Pupil’sUnion. It was a lavish affair,thanks to Chef Marc Loughnaneand his staff. I am glad to reportthat all the students from 1953behaved themselves admirable.No tuck boxes and no abuse ofbutter! After dinner the partyretired to the lounge where thememorable day was completedwith a variety of night-caps,courtesy of the Guest Master.Pat Mulhall’s message fromCanberra, Australia was passedaround, and commented upon.Thanks Pat!

Sunday morning and the partyreassembled for breakfast in thedining room, to be joined byBilly Hayes and Tim Reardon.More chat, more memoriesjogged, and although BrianBanaghan was supposed toreturn to his home in Nenagh onSaturday night, he stayed talkingso late that the security gateswere all locked by the time hetried to leave. He found acomfortable bed and, as was hisright, he paraded to breakfastlike the rest. There is no betterway to start a day than with anIrish breakfast.

The reunion ended with Mass inthe monastery church at 10.30 -another nostalgic occasion withbeautiful Gregorian chant fromthe joint College-Monasterychoir. Our thanks to theCistercian Community formaking so many elderly menhappy! It was estimated that theoldest in attendance was 79 andthe youngest 75. Since thatweekend we were pleased to get

many messages of appreciation;because it was organised in thefirst place and also because therewas great chat, many storiesabout fellow students, the manymonks and teachers that lookedafter us so long ago. It was reallya magic weekend. The craic wasmighty!

Michael O’Carroll

Ned Ryan and Owen Fox.

Billy Furey, Tom Maher, Michael O’Carroll and Gerry Moroney.

Brian O’Boyle and Fr. Peter Garvey. An inspiring homily from DomRichard.

Joe Daly and Bill Lalor.

21 ROSCREA Review

A Return toEducationBrian Maher(CCR 1972 - ’77)

CCR past student (1972-’77) andAbbeyleix man Brian Maher hasrecently graduated from DublinInstitute of Technology with anMSc in Spatial Planning (TownPlanning). Brian completed the2½ year part time programmewith a 2:1 degree and graduated ata ceremony in St PatricksCathedral. Brian has worked in thearchitectural profession for over30 years in Ireland and the UK andhas extensive experience ofplanning in Ireland having beeninvolved in master planning onmany medium and large scalecommercial and housing projects.Due to the construction downturnBrian like many other constructionprofessionals was forced toconsider diversifying and chose toupskill to become a professionalplanner as an addition to hisarchitectural skills at 51 years ofage. Having completed the IrishPlanning Institute accreditedprogramme at DIT’s School ofEnvironment and Planning, Brianis now offering his experience as aplanning consultant in Abbeyleix.

Brian’s thesis was on the subject ofcommunity participation with theIrish planning system and lookedat 4 case study towns includingCashel Co. Tipperary, ClonakiltyCo. Cork, Dingle Co. Kerry and hishome town of Abbeyleix. Theresearch looked at howcommunities engage with thedevelopment plan-making processand the effectiveness or otherwiseof this engagement. Brian visitedand met with planners,administrators, electedrepresentatives, communityrepresentatives, Chambers ofCommerce amongst others toestablish what was actually

happening on the ground ratherthan what the plans and policiessaid about the towns. The studyfocussed on the successes andfailures in each of the case studytowns and advises on best practicefor community engagement withthe planning system. This studycan offer insights to other townsand communities as to how theymight engage positively withplanning for the future of theirtowns.

Brian is highly involved with thecommunity in Abbeyleix asChairman of the AbbeyleixBusiness & Community Forum(ABC) as well as being a director ofthe Abbeyleix Heritage Company.He is a member of LaoisEnvironmental Action Forum(LEAF) as well as being theenvironmental representative onthe Laois County Council Planning,Development and EnvironmentStrategic Policy Committee. Brianis married to Abbeyleix womanAnn Robinson and has 2 teenagesons Robert and Drew. Brian andhis family have lived for the past 10years in Abbeyleix after almost 20years living and working inLondon.

Brian is very keen to dispel themyth that you are ever too old toreturn to education and to advocatethe concept of lifelong learning.The class of which Brian graduatedincluded two people in their 30’s,two in their 50’s and a man whowas a retired professional man witha previousdoctorate in arelateddiscipline. Thefact is when youdecide to returnto study as amature studentit is usually tostudy a subjectthat you willhave aparticularpassion for,rather than toapproach thestudy area

as a meal ticket. Some of hisclassmates from CCR might find itfunny that a “dosser” who avoidedstudy with such diligence has nowembraced study as a positiveparadigm. The term “better latethan never” applies.

Brian found the 2 ½ year part-time programme passed veryquickly and involved a lot ofreading around the subject butmost interestingly gave access to alot of local authority planningdepartments as well as otherresearch bodies. The collegiatespirit that exists within theprofession was a revelationcompared with the secretive natureof other construction professions.The information sharing andcollaborative engagement was veryengaging and the active graduatealumni network is also veryrefreshing. Brian likens this tobecoming part of a new family.

Drew, Brian, Robert and Annie Maher at Brian’sgraduation at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Roscrea Review 22

REUNION

Class of1983

A stalwart group of just over 20comrades met in earlySeptember 2013. Some earlybirds played golf in Roscrea inthe afternoon – despite ourincreased experience levels, theAbbot’s Cup continues to eludeus as a group. The class of ’63invited us to join them for aMass at which deceased paststudents, including Joe Hardyfrom our year, wereremembered. There was areception in the Senior Refwhere we met up with Mr.Shanahan, Fr. Peter and DomColmcille all looking hearty andin good spirits.

It was then onto Birr where themain gathering took place at theCounty Arms Hotel. CormacRyan with his press experienceacted as unofficialphotographer. In fact he seemedto be the only one able toproduce a few photos from thenight! Past class members camefrom all four corners of thecountry - Daithí O’Connor upfrom the Kingdom, John Walshfrom Leitrim, Michael O’Garaup from Wexford and a largecontingent from the Pale andsurrounding counties includingLiam Dwan, Fergus O’Reganand David Shiels. Some peoplewere more local with ConorTaaffe living very close to thecollege and John Dunne andColm O’Toole also based in themidlands. David O’Brien andJames Gleeson came uptogether from South Tipp. JohnRoche came over from Munich.

Halfway throughthe meal VinnyBrowne and JohnHand arrivedhaving been in thedepths of Co.Carlow at a bookevent. Guest ofhonour for thenight wasBreandán O’Ruaircwho delivered aspeech in Englishand Irish. He spokeof the bondbetween teachersand students andthe interest whichteachers have in keeping intouch with and hearing abouttheir former students. The Abbotand President of the Paststudents union also gavespeeches. Joe O’Shea paidtribute to Fr. Peter who was alsoinvited but was unable to comeand wished him well.

There were then numerousspeeches with Paul Kinironsacting as anchorman. MichaelMcGovern spoke about life inthe dormitories. Colm O’Toolegave his perspective as a teacherhimself now. Anecdotes and

banter were exchanged. Themajority repaired back to thebar and the conversation keptgoing through the night and,even after after a substantialbreakfast, some newperspectives were still beingadded.

Unfortunately there were somewho intended to come but wereunable to make it for a variety ofreasons including EoinMcCarthy who helped a lot withorganizing the reunion. We wishall the best and look forward tothe next one.

Class of 1983: Back row (some faces obscured): Morgan Keane, MichaelMcGovern, David Sheils, Liam Dwan, Michael O'Gara, Paul Kinirons,Daithí O'Connor, John Walsh, David O'Brien, Conor Taaffe, John Dunne.Middle row: James Gleeson, Breandán Ó Ruairc, Dom Richard, ColmO’Toole, Vinnie Browne, John Hand, Joe O'SheaFront row: Pat O'Donnell, Fergus O'Regan, John Roche, Cormac Ryan.

Fr. Peter, Colm O'Toole, Dom Colmcille, Breandán Ó Ruairc and Peter Daly.

23 ROSCREA Review

REUNION

Class of1963It has happened! The Class of ’63has passed the half-century! I amreminded of lines composed by apre-Famine Kerry poet: Tríshaoghail ‘siad is eol dom do chualafós - / Saoghal éadtrom, aerach im’buachaill óg / Saoghal léanmhar,céasta, ag beathú scuaine óig / á’san saoghal déidheannach soim’aonar, ag siubhal na ród’ (‘Threelives I have known: as a little boy /A life of lightsome, carefree joy / Asecond life toilsome, bringing upbroods / And this last life - trudgingalone the roads.’)

As on previous occasions thedriving force behind our reunionhas been Anthony Bardon, assistedby his brother James, PaddyCunneen, Ger Lyne and TomGrennan. A total of some twentyeight attendees have signed up forthe event – a respectable number.Fortunately, Ger Lyne has beenspared a trudge all the way to ourreunion: Joe Doyle, veteran ofMontrose, agrees to give him a liftto the College, where we arrive onthe afternoon of Saturday 14September. Eighteen of ourclassmates have already beenassembled since the previousevening for dinner and golf thefollowing morning. Our formerhouse captain, Tom Grennan, isamong them . Already he hascollected John Monks, flying infrom the neighbouring island, andLiam Burke, from our own capital.As Tom observes, our hotel - aneighteenth-century pile with 21st-century interior - standscomfortable and inviting.

The gathering on the Fridayevening consists of some dedicatedgolfers and others wanting toextend the reunion. Gathering inthe lounge they are presented withphoto id’s taken from the 1963 classphoto – fifty years on there are a

few changes to be remarked on!Dinner runs late into the night.Next morning the golfers and theculturally-minded go their separateways – the latter to Birr Castle andthe gardens and great telescope ofthe third Earl of Rosse. Thatafternoon people begin to assembleat the College from around 3 p.m.Prominent is the dashing MickSweeney, in his open-toppedMorgan, who arrives under enviouseyes. Liam Burke, indefatigablethespian, manages to cadge a liftwith Mick back to the hotel – anexperience, one imagines, toremember.

To the surprise of all concerned,however, we find on arrival thegreat front doors of the Collegeclosed against us! Impregnable - asa medieval castle! However, shortlybefore 5 pm, Bernie, the householdmanager, throws open the maindoor and the reunion is officiallyunder way. It commences with Massin the College Oratory which wasalso attended by the 1983 pastmen.The celebrant was the Lord Abbot,Dom Richard, assisted by formerAbbot, Fr Kevin. Dom Richarddelivers an appropriate homily. Acandle ceremony, in memory ofdeceased classmates, preceded the

Mass; Anthony Bardon providingthe musical accompanimentthroughout. After mass a memorialtree, an evergreen cotoneasterpendula, is planted by TomGrennan, ably assisted by WillieStaunton, dairy farmer and fatherof Jeremy and William, twoillustrious rugby players. Maireannan craobh ar an bhfál, ach nimaireann an lámh do chur! Longmay the tree outlive us!

It strikes some people that theoccasion is more laid back thanusual – due, perhaps, to retirementand attendant lack of pressure. Ofthose attending, pride of place goesto a youthful, ebullient and (darewe say) prosperous Jim Keating,who has travelled all the way fromCanada. (Our Jim Keating, not lastyear’s Union President of the samename!) A close contender is JohnMulligan, who has come from theneighbouring island. Spaceprecludes us from listing all theother attendees, but perhaps wemay be allowed single out oldfriends such as James T. Quainfrom Cork, that decent man FrankCanavan from Tuam , and TeddyForde, who shared train journeyswith Ger Lyne at holiday time fromBallybrophy to Killarney. Also in

Back row: John Monks, Tom Mulherin, Gordon Ballantyne, MichaelO’Neill, Des Houlihan, Frank Canavan, Jim Keating, William Staunton,John White.

Middle row: James Quain, John Mulligan, Pat Ryan, Peter Ahearn, LiamBurke, Philip McGovern, Michael Sweeney, William Conway, DanielSheedy, Joe Doyle.

Roscrea Review 24

attendance was Fr. Peter Ahearne,our only remaining cleric from theclass of ’63. He didn’t have too far tocome, he is P.P. of nearby Lisronaghparish in Tipperary.

The obligatory photo call is held atthe traditional venue before themain door. Viewing it a week laterbrings home to me how ruthless isthe ageing process, and the meaningof the belief among ancient classicalwriters that those whom the Godslove die young. I also note that anindividual (who shall be nameless)has arrogated to himself the spaceimmediately to the Lord Abbot’sright. What hubris! Whatpresumption! Our House Captain,however, with characteristicmodesty and dignity, places himselfon the Lord Abbot’s left. Friend, sitthee higher at table!

There follows a pleasant receptionin the College. Among thosepresent, spruce and hale and hearty,is John Shanahan, one of our lastsurviving teachers. Seeing himtransports me back to his 5A/6AFrench classes, where he so ablyexpounded not only the niceties ofFrench grammar and vocabulary,but a magical novel by the Bretonauthor, Pierre Loti, entitledPecheur d’Islande - a powerful storyof love, loss and the sea. I remindhim and he remembers. DomColmcille, Dean of Studies in ourday and former Abbot was also inattendance. He too brought backmemories of those far off days.

Afterwards we take ourselves to theCounty Arms Hotel in Birr forfurther refreshments and dinner. Atleast one of us, who shall again benameless, is by now, so to speak,refreshed to distraction! But then,to quote W.B. Yeats: ‘Why shouldnot old men be mad?’

In proposing the toast to the Collegeand Community Des Houlihan (thatbest of Clare gentlemen) delivers acharacteristically eloquent, urbaneand witty speech. I am particularlytaken by his neat turning of thetables on the metropolitansophisticates among our former

classmates in favour of thosederiving from more rustic roots. Herecalls that: ‘A small group camefrom Dublin – from places likeSkerries and Rush. We wonderedhad they no schools to go to upthere? However, if you listenedcarefully you could understandwhat they were saying!’ He addsthat, at a later stage, they beganspeaking ‘normally’! He recalls theloneliness of small boys deprived oftheir mothers and remembers withaffection ‘the three wonderful nuns’(in particular ‘the tall Sister Rita’)nurses and surrogate mothers all.He quotes the erudite Dom EugeneBoylan’s reassuring words: ‘I cannotbelieve but that all of you will go toheaven’.

The lessons in table etiquette of theCollege President, Fr Declan, areremembered with affection,including his recipe for the deftconsumption of peas from a knifesmeared with honey (his ruggedmanner and exterior belied both amischievous sense of humour and akind heart). He recalls Fr Éanna(still with us) and Fathers Andrew,Benedict, Edmund and Gerard. (Iam reminded of the latter oncetelling me, touchingly, close to theend of my time in College, that themonastic vocation grew heavier –not lighter – with age). And hepresents a portrait of the marvellousGus Martin, representative of a newera, brilliant English teacher andraconteur and later, in Dublin, bestof companions to all past studentsof the College – cruelly cut down inhis intellectual prime. At this timeMount St Joseph had a communityof some 100 monks. What changeswe have seen! In reply DomRichard congratulates us on ourlongevity, he being a mere striplingof some forty odd years. He spoke ofthe mission of the College as beingprimarily to mould the character ofthe students to the best of the abilityof the staff. He referred to thedifficulties in this economicdownturn. But the future looksbright for a school that has as itsnext project the provision of en

suite facilities for the 6th yearstudents!

Then Simon Coyle, President of theCollege Union, addresses us. Hecompliments us on our affection forthe College after the lapse of fiftyyears and goes on to provide uswith an update on Union affairs.Noting that our gathering is anindividual class initiativeunconnected with the Union, heexpresses the view that the lattershould make a greater effort toconnect with past students such asourselves. Standing in thebackground as Simon speaks, wenote a former Union President,friend and near-contemporary,Aidan McNulty, as well as PatHanratty, editor of the RoscreaReview and recent Union President.

Another late night spentreminiscing but next morning,bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to aman, we attend the annual Mass fordeceased past pupils, especiallythose who had died during the year.Intimations of mortality! After theMass some of the group head forthe Guest House where they meetwith Fr. Éanna, with morereminiscences of school life in thelate ‘50s and early ‘60s.

Finally, to return to the after dinnerspeeches: James Bardon delivers abrief but arresting oration. Henotes that memory is fallible andreminiscence, in consequence,selective. He concludes by quotingthe wise words of an officiatingpriest at a wedding which herecently attended: ‘May you haveenough adversities to make youstrong, enough failures to make youhumble, enough success to keepyou motivated, enough challengesto keep you young, enough sorrowto keep you human and enoughblessings to keep you joyous andhappy!’

For all of us, that seems anappropriate note on which to end.

Ger Lyne and Tom Grennan

Class of 1963 Reunion continued

25 ROSCREA Review

The Passingof GerryMaherThe CCR diaspora received an almighty shock lastOctober with the sudden death of Gerry Maher.Gerry was in CCR from 1967 to 1972, the son of LiamMaher and from 1977 he was a member of staffhimself. Only last year, the Roscrea Reviewcontained a tribute to him to mark his retirementfrom teaching. Many tributes have been paid to himsince his death

It seems appropriate to include in this issue a warmpersonal tribute from his great friend and fellowformer Union President Conor Massey and twomessages from pupils he inspired: Harvey O’Brien(CCR 1983-’88) Lecturer in Film Studies in UCD andDoug Greally (CCR 1983-’86) a Radiologist withMountain Medical Physician Specialists in Utah.Along with these I felt we should publish thebeautiful email I received from his daughter Fionasome days after Gerry’s funeral.

The passing of Gerry Maher last year was the mostshocking occurrence in recent Roscrea memory. Justwhen smiling freely again he was snatched from us.His family, naturally are the ones whom the swordpierced deepest, but the rest of us have felt thewound too. A man’s dying is more the survivors’affair than his own and hardly has a death affectedus so profoundly.

He had been such a large part of CCR during hislifetime and memories of him abound. He was aRenaissance man, urbane, literary and eloquent.Talking and eloquence are not the same: to speak

and to speak well are two different things. Gerry didthe latter and gave us so much pleasure in ourlistening to him. Behind the bon viveur lived unhomme serieux with trenchant and, I generallyconsidered, enlightened views on life andeducation. His awareness of tradition cannot bequestioned and it is a great pity that naturalconservatism that is, in many cases a fellow-traveller of tradition, could not accommodate thetouch of the Bohemian in his soul.

I have always considered teaching to be the noblestprofession and Gerry represented perfectly themany-faceted attributes of the good teacher.Always present in the background was his drollsense of humour. One day in class, he asked howmany contributed workwise at home. Amongstthose who raised their hands was my late son,Zebedee, a lone Dub among many sons of the soil.“No, no Zeb”, Gerry said to him, “putting your dirtyplate in the dishwasher doesn’t count!”

John Donne wrote that any man’s death diminishedhim because he was involved in mankind. Gerry’sdeath diminished us because he himself was soimplicit in mankind. He rejoiced in social intercourseand was always ready to contribute, to participateand empathise. He didn’t skulk or sulk. He spoke hismind, he wore his honour like a shield and letdetractors pass him like an idle wind. He was themaster of the mot juste.

We are poorer for his passing. He is now with his oldfriend Noel Windle – another true Roscrea man. Ihope they are raising beakers full of the warm southtogether to the old days when we all had suchhappy times together at all kinds of CCR relatedevents!

Conor Massey

Text of an email I received from Fiona Maher, shortly afterGerry’s funeral:

Hi Pat,

I just wanted to write you a note of thanks that I hope you could pass onto all the past pupils for me. Now that everything has settled a bit, Iwanted to thank the PPU for the overwhelming level and support andrespect they showed at Dad’s funeral last week. CCR was a huge part ofhis life for so many years, from our Grandad teaching there, to growingand learning there as a teen, to returning to teach there until hisretirement. 'CCR standards' was a great expression in our housegrowing up!! As it was such a big part of his life, I know Dad would havebeen incredibly touched and proud of everything you all did last week,from the sheer volume of past pupils who attended, the beautiful guardof honour, and his old friends escorting him on his final journey, and itmeant a massive amount to me and my whole family, so I just wanted tosay thank you to you all. It is something that we will never forget.

Best, Fiona Maher

Gerry Maher introduced Media Studies to CCR duringmy time there. I was part of the second ever class inthe subject in 1986. It was an extra-curricularactivity during evening study, and involved theclose reading of newspapers, together with thestudy of television (including the general electionthat year) and film. When I left Roscrea, I firststudied journalism, and having had that experienceof being aware of patterns of power andrepresentational processes in the media informed bycapacity to engage both at third level as a studentand professionally as a writer. I went on to studyCommunications at DCU, and as Gerry would haveknown, because I told him, I dedicated by BA thesisto him and acknowledged his inspiration for mywork. I met him several times again over the yearswhen I came back to speak to the TY students, andso forth, and he knew that I had continued where heleft off. I now hold a PhD and teach Film Studies atUCD. My road continues on directly from GerryMaher's teaching (and from his father's tutelage inpublic speaking, which I now do professionallyevery day), and I feel privileged to have been therecipient of his (and his father's) guidance on myfirst steps.

Harvey O’Brien

There is no doubt that Gerry Maher was one of thegreatest teachers that Cistercian College Roscreaever had. He embodied a lot of what that greatschool stands for. His wit and intelligence will bemissed. My personal favourite memory of Gerry willbe his response when he heard I had somehowmanaged to get into Medical school, saying " Iwouldn't want him looking after me". The ironybeing that he died in the USA , and it would havebeen an honour to look after him. May he rest inpeace, along with all the good memories, including"5 treatments", hanging off the blackboard recitingKeats, and catching us smoking on the golf course.

Doug Greally, posted on Facebook

Roscrea Review 26

LondonDinner 21 Feb. 2014The London Branch held theirbi-annual dinner on the 21st Feb2014.There was a great turn outfor the occasion and it was niceto see some new faces this yearas well as the regular loyalsupporters.All present enjoyed good food,wine and conversation in theRAF Club London. The LondonBranch would like to thank theCollege President and the UnionPresident for attending andbringing everyone up to date

Some of the men who attended the London Dinner: Pat O’Grady, John O’Shea, Shane O’Donoghue, GerardO’Meara, Dermot Hurley, Brian Flynn (London Committee), Gerard Fergal Keane (London Branch Chairman),College President Mr. Brendan Feehan, Tim O’Dwyer, Donald Gallivan (London Committee), Anthony Bennett,Jim Keating, Finbarr Bennett, Union President Simon Coyle, Paul Hernon, Manus Moran, Michael Grace, JohnYurky, Noel Gallivan, and Michael McNamara.

with all the College and Unionnews. One of the staunchestsupporters of the event over theyears, John McNamara hadhoped to attend, but was too ill.Sadly, as mentioned elsewherein this Review, John passed

Simon, Brendan and Fergal.

away suddenly on the 7th June.London Branch members wish toextend their sympathies to hiswife Andrée, daughter Laura andall his family. It is hoped to hold an annualdinner from 2015 onwards.

Fr. Flannan Hogan (CCR 1947-’52) died in the monastery on 3rd July 2014, having suffered a massive stroke the previous weekend.  Mount St Joseph hadbeen his home since 1947 when the young Tony Hogan came to the College as a First Year student from Cloughjordan, the eldest of three brothers.  A brightstudent and keen hurler, he shone in athletics and in 1952 was the All-Ireland discus and shot putt champion.  A popular student too, he was elected housecaptain in his final year in the College and was one of four college students to enter the monastery that year on 15 August. On entering the monastery Tony was given the name of the patron of the diocese of Killaloe, St Flannan.  He made first profession in October 1954, solemnprofession three years later and was ordained to the priesthood on 21 September 1959.  Soon after he was assigned to the College as a Dean of Discipline inaddition to his responsibilities as teacher of History, French and Latin.  Fr Flannan was also gamesmaster for a period during those years.  In the wake of Vatican II when it became possible for monks to attend universities in Ireland Fr Flannan went to St Patrick’s College, Maynooth where hestudied for a B.A. and H.Dip.Ed., followed by a M.A. focusing on Irish Cistercian history in the medieval period.  On his return to Mount St. Joseph he resumedhis teaching duties in the College until the late 1980s when he was appointed librarian in the monastery, a position he held until 2000.  A hidden but significant contribution that Fr Flannan made to Mt St Joseph for over 35 years was as confessor in the Public Church, a service that was greatlyappreciated by those who came to the monastery for confession.  In the confessional he was always gentle, approachable and affirming in bestowing God’sgrace and forgiveness.His sudden illness came as a shock to us in the monastery, to Fr Flannan’s family and to his many friends and contacts.  He received great care in themonastery infirmary where he died peacefully, surrounded by some of his monastic brothers and family.  May he rest in peace.

27 ROSCREA Review

Abbot’sCup 2013The 2013 Abbot’s Cup was played inbeautiful September sunshine onSaturday 14th September. I was in athreeball with classmate JohnCunningham and Michael Brody,both of whom had great moments.John, in fact won the Front Nineprize, but as we worked our waythrough the back nine, MichaelBrody’s game was getting better andbetter, and going into the clubhousehe would have been forgiven forthinking that with a super score of42 points he might have repeatedhis 2006 victory. Little did he knowat the time, that he would not evenbe runner up - Tom Callanan on acountback had that honour.

Round of the day (of the century?)was that of Ronnie Culliton whohad a spectacular 47 points, off ahandicap of 8. Wouldn’t his latefather Gerry be proud of him! Tocap it all Ronnie’s wife Sharon hadthe best ladies’ round with 33points. With son Lucas in first year,we can expect the Cullitons to becompeting in Roscrea GC inSeptember for years to come!

A winner all right! Dom Richard Purcell presents the Abbot’s Cup to adelighted Ronnie Culliton.

Johnny Dolan presents the prizefor the best back nine (21 points)to his classmate from 1972, UnionPresident Simon Coyle.

Another one for the Class of ’72 asJohn O’Meara collects the prize forbest gross score (41 pts) outside theTop 3.

Sharon Culltion receiving theLadies’ Prize from Union PresidentSimon Coyle.

One for the grandchildren!Sharon and Ronnie Culliton on aday to remember for both ofthem.

A very happy Michael Brody accepting 3rd Prize from UnionPresident Simon Coyle.

Roscrea Review 28

NEWS OF PASTMEN...NEWS OF PASTMEN..There is a fair bit of newsabout pastmen sprinkledthroughout this Review,but anyone looking formore, especially aboutpeople’s careers need onlyopen the CCR Alumni pageon Linkedin, where thereare hundreds of CCRpastmen.

Three members of the DublinBranch Committee hadsignificant events recently.

� David Hernan (CCR1983-’89) and his wife Sue hada baby boy, Jesse, provisionallyenrolled for CCR for September2026. David is NationalAccount Manager for Bulmers.

� Emmet Thompson (CCR1995-2001) married MarieJago in June 2014. Emmet,having qualified from medicinein 2007, is currently finishing aPhD in Tissue Engineering andRegenerative Medicine andlectures in clinical anatomy tothe undergraduate medicalstudents at the Royal College ofSurgeons in Ireland.

� Fergal Cox (CCR 1987-’92)got engaged to Hazel O’Dowd,a Primary School Teacher fromMoate. They plan to marry nextFebruary with the reception inGlasson golf Club, owned byTom Reid whose son Frank wasa year ahead of Fergal in CCR.

Busy times ahead for Fergalwho left the ‘safety’ ofRabobank to set up Three RockCapital last year.

� Wayne Noonan (CCR2003-’09) graduated fromGriffith College, Limerick witha B.A. (Hons.) in Business.

� Austin Murphy (CCR2001-’04) captained Clara toglory in the fiercely competitiveKilkenny Senior Hurling Clubscene where they won a Leagueand Championship double in2013. Conor Phelan (CCR1996-2002) also starred forClara in that win – despitehaving given up the game onmedical advice some yearsearlier having been diagnosedwith a rare heart condition. Foran emotional interview whichshows what winning a countyfinal means to any GAAmember listen to this Youtubeclip.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4xYAtnCnjs.

� Liam Breen (CCR 1994-’98) from Pallasgreen, Co.Limerick married Sarah Brodyfrom Port Laoise in August2013. Liam is one of sixbrothers who attended CCRbetween 1989 and 2004. Sarahis a daughter of Michael Brody(CCR 1963-’68) and a brotherof David (CCR 1995-2001).Liam is an engineer and Sarahis a dentist.

� Liam’s brother JohnBreen (CCR 1989-’94),married Helen Wycherley fromRosscarbery, Co. Cork inOctober 2013. John is also anengineer and Helen is anaccountant.

� David and ColinMernagh (CCR 1985-’90 and1988-’93 nowadays are deeplyinvolved in the family business– Killiane Castle CountryHouse and Farm, Drinagh, Co.Wexford. It is a working farmof 230 acres with 70 cows aswell as a luxurious guest houseideally situated close to bothWexford and Rosslare.

� Both Conor Brady (CCR1962-’66) and Pete Hogan(1963 –’68) whose books werementioned in previous RoscreaReviews have been busy again.

Conor followed up his firstdetective novel set in the 1880swith The Eloquence of theDead a fascinating adventurefrom the same period.

Pete’s latest volume The Artiston the Island, An AchillJournal was published inDecember 2013. In it hedescribes how he spent awinter as the only inhabitant ofAchillbeg Island off the Mayocoast with illustrations.

29 ROSCREA Review

TheRetirement of MarcellineCody

This time last year the CCR worldwas stunned to hear that MarcellineCody had taken early retirementfrom her post as President of theCollege. Though in fact only on thestaff since September 2000, shemade an enormous impact in hertime there. A native of Dublin shejoined the College as an Irish andGeography teacher havingpreviously worked in Ferbane, Co.Offaly and quickly developed areputation as an excellent teacherwho worked very hard to prepare allof her students to achieve their bestin these subjects. She supported the full Collegecurriculum and attended everyCollege event. She helped promote alove of Irish culture through herwork with Irish debating and herinterest in GAA and indeed allsports. Her own love of sport ledher to work in managing the golfand tennis teams, two sports thatshe plays herself.In the year of the College Centenaryshe was instrumental in organisingthe Concert held in the MonasteryChurch in which Mícháel OSúílleabháin from the Music Dept inthe University of Limerick and hisorchestra performed. In 2006 she became the first femalePrincipal of the College and duringthis time she quickly organised toget ICT funding from the Dept andset about equipping all classroomswith data projectors andlaptops. The three Sciencelaboratories and preparation roomwere upgraded to include modernbenches, storage facilities, and newflooring and seating. Successful applications were madeto the Allocations section of theDES and this led to two newappointments on the teaching staff,a Resource teacher and an EAL

teacher (English as an AdditionalLanguage.)In 2010 Marcelline achieved

another first when she wasappointed College President andbecame the College’s answer toMary Robinson. In her time asPresident she used her warmth toensure that all were made welcometo the College - new, present andpast students, and parents and allgreeted with a smile.Her maternal nature ensured thather duty of care was evidenteveryday in her interactions withthe students, and this was soimportant in the context of a sevenday boarding school being a homeaway from home.When students received theirLeaving cert results and left heroffice for the last time her finalwords to each student were always“Mind yourself.” Her commitment to and rapportwith the Union was legendary, andwhile she will be sorely missed,from the Union point of view it isquite evident that she is NOT goingaway anytime soon. All in the Union wish her a long andhappy retirement. At the recent very successful SouthEast Branch Dinner in Kilkenny, apresentation was made toMarcelline. At that Dinner, EileenKelly delivered a wonderful tributeto Marcelline which we now print infull.

A CCR parent’stribute toMarcelline CodyEileen Kelly – at the South EastBranch Dinner 3rd May 2014.

When Pat O’Shea asked me to say afew words on behalf of the parentsof the boys I was genuinelydelighted. My delight wanedslightly when Pat went on to tell methat I would be speaking in thecompany of Abbot Richard, Fr.Peter and Union President, Simon.So tonight my words will be fewbut very sincere and heartfelt.

I speak as the mother of a boy whowas in the College duringMarcelline’s time, but I also speakas the wife of a past pupil. Myhusband Kevin* and his brothersEdward and Jim are all paststudents of CCR, and so it is fair tosay that I can never remembermaking the decision to send Shaneto school in Roscrea – it wassomething that was alwaysunderstood between Kevin andmyself, and indeed Shane!

I’m sure all of you mothers in theroom will relate to the feelings ofconcern, trepidation and yes, evena little sadness as we took ouroldest child and only boy, withcarefully packed suitcase to theCollege on that August evening in2006. Shane, bursting withexcitement, and me trying to holdback the tears; Kevin trying to keepit all together for everybody, whilsthe himself was having flashbacksto thirty years earlier!

Whilst Marcelline was not CollegePresident at the time, she wasPrincipal of the School and herapproach and many talents whichwere evidenced on that eveningremained a constant throughoutthe next six years. She instilled inus such confidence in our decisionand showed us such kindness thatevening – memories whichremained with us throughout ourjourney home and indeedthroughout Shane’s journeythrough school.

Marcelline was always present! Idon’t think we ever visited theCollege without meeting her – she

Roscrea Review 30

Marcelline Cody tribute continued

came forward all the time and wealways felt that she was genuinelypleased to see us. She waspersonable and approachable, andmade an effort from that first nightto know all the boys and indeed alltheir parents. We rarely had to askto see her – she was always there!Whether it was the annual visit tothe Opera, regular Rugby matches,Parent-Teacher Meetings, theChristmas Carol Service, or ofcourse the very occasional phonecall or visit when we had a concernor a problem, Marcelline wasalways there – on the front line –and our issues were sorted,efficiently and with her abundanceof common sense andunderstanding.

She was welcoming, interested,enthusiastic, very helpful and wealways felt that she genuinely likedand wanted the very best for everyboy in her care! It also has to besaid that I never failed to be in aweof her energy when I opened theRoscrea Review and saw herpicture on nearly every pageattending Dinners, Concerts,Debated and Golf outings all overthe country – and always in adifferent outfit!

So, there are my thoughts andmemories of Marcelline: those of amother / a parent. Of course theultimate tests are the thoughts ofthe boys! The ultimate compliment– and so, to conclude: when Imentioned to Shane during theweek that I had been asked to saythese few words he took a secondand replied: “Sure that will be easy,Mum; you’ll have plenty of goodthings to say about Mrs. Cody!!”

And so it gives me great pleasure towish Marcelline and Donncha andtheir family every good wish andhealth and happiness for the future.

Eileen’s husband is KevinKelly (CCR 1975-’80) and theirson Shane was House Captainin 2011-’12.

South East Branch Chairman Rob O’Shea and Marcelline Cody.

Eileen Kelly gets a well deserved bouquet of flowers from the Chairmanafter giving an excellent tribute speech honouring Marcelline Cody’sretirement.

Rob O’Shea presents Caroline Coyle with a floral arrangement.

31 ROSCREA Review

Marcelline Cody tribute continued

Caitríona and Liam O’Shea

Charlie Scroope (centre) who only spent a year (1947-’48) in CCR but who regularly travels from Toronto toattend the New York Dinner just happened to be at afamily wedding at the time of the SE Dinner and camealong with his cousins Peter (left) and Paul Scroope.Charlie’s packaging and container firm is aptly calledRoscrea Enterprises!

The Godfather of theSouth East Branch, Pat O’Shea.

Union President SimonCoyle addressing thegathering.

Dom Richard says a fewwords.

All smiles from Ronnie Culliton, Liam O’Sheaand Con Moloney.

Paul O’Shea presnts a raffle prize to HelenComerford.

Fergal Cox with Con Moloney,father of Rory (CCR 2007-’13)who recently starred with theIreland U-20 Rugby World Cupteam.

Dom Peter and Ed Hearne (CCR 1997-2002)

Two sporting legends: NedByrne (CCR 1959-’64) andJoe Connolly former CCRparent. Ned is the only manto have won an All-IrelandHurling medal (Kilkenny vCork, 1972) and gone on tobe capped at Rugby forIreland. Joe’s speech aftercaptaining Galway to theirfirst All-Ireland in 57 yearsin 1980 is regarded as thebest such speech ever.

Roscrea Review 32

Class of1987ReunionThe CCR class of '87 held theirsilver jubilee reunion a year orso late in the rarified environs ofDoheny & Nesbitts on Saturday,16th November 2013.

Organised by Des Berry, whowent to great rounds in hisefforts to get peopletogether, the reunion took placeamidst the backdrop of theAutumn test encounterbetween Ireland and Argentinaat the Aviva Stadium.

A few hardy souls commencedproceedings in O'Donoghues onFriday night, and were joined onSaturday by an excellentturnout, which included thelikes of Philip O'Shea from CostaRica, and Jamie Haughey fromMarbella.

Making their return to the foldfor the first time also wereKieran Dunne, Barra Faughnanand Dominic Reid.

The years fell away as the daytook on a life of its own, andfriendships and schoolanecdotes were recalled in fondfashion.

Rounding it off, some morebrave souls were to be found inthe early hours in The SugarClub, where an 80's musicalrepertoire brought back somemore school memories, and wetSunday afternoons in the videoroom watching the likes of ZZTop and Van Halen on MTVUSA.

Anthony Delahunty, Michael Monahan and Paul Foley.

Steve Crehan and Jim McCormack.

Michael O'Grady, Eddie Kiernan and Pat Somers.

33 ROSCREA Review

Class of1988Reunion

The CCR Class of '88 held areunion in the Shelbourne Hotelon the 28th of September 2013.The General Manager of theShelbourne, Stephen Hanley,was a member of the class andwas on hand for the night, towelcome his old classmates.

A good turnout of pastmen weretreated to an excellent meal, andamidst the historic walls of theShelbourne, many of thehistories of the class of '88 wererecalled in what was a veryenjoyable night.

Fergal Slevin, David Kruse, Paul McGrath and Eddy Russell.

Simon Kelliher, Pat Somers andDave Hernan.

Tom Duggan, John Hackett and VinnyO’Hara.

Colm Power and Eoin Rafferty.

John Cleary, Pat Somers and Frank Harrington.

Gerry Grace, Shane Slatteryand Niall Doogue.

Roscrea Review 34

CCR - 1946

The following short piecewas sent to the Editor somemonths ago – it paints apicture of a CCR, indeed anIreland most of us wouldn’trecognise!

In an age when 2000 healthyyoung Irish people line up toperform Riverdance, it is not easyto visualise the years of nearstarvation in Ireland, 1940 –1946. All major foods werestrictly rationed: flour, tea, sugarand butter could only be obtainedin small amounts and withcoupons. Imported fruit likeoranges and bananas wereunknown.

Then 1946 arrived and with it allthe hope of a new day dawning,and the promise of better timesahead. CCR was no exception tothis euphoria of hope, even if itdid fare better than most othercolleges in the lean years. To hiseternal credit, the CollegePresident, Fr. Ailbe combined hisevery effort with the monasterybakery and slaughterhouse andsaw to it that no student everwent to bed hungry.

Strict wartime rationing was stillin force to the end of 1946, anddespite having a flourmill on theproperty, flour was severelyrationed. Bro. Patrick in thebakery also had trouble gettingcoke to fire the kiln. Wheneverbread was in short supply, wereceived a great fat ring ofGerman sausage for supper. Nowonder CCR won the LeinsterSenior Hurling Cup in 1946!Vincent Cowen (Fr. Andrew) wasa member of that team and wrotea song about it. The refrain went:

We’re some of the Roscrea boys,We went to Rathdowney andmade our nameAnd taught St. Kieran’s to playthe game;And when O’Connell’s saw us,they said we did deserve,Six medals a head and morebrown bread for each of theRoscrea boys!

While good food played its partin winning that Cup, thedominant factor was the superbtraining of Fr. Joseph, in myopinion the most versatile sportsmaster ever to grace CCR. As JimPower (CCR 1921-’26) he was amember of the team that won theLeinster Senior Gaelic FootballCup in 1924. In 1941 he trainedthe Senior Rugby team that drewthe Leinster Cup Final withNewbridge College, but lost thereplay. In 1946 not only did hetrain the Leinster Senior HurlingChampions, but also the CollegeAthletics team which that year(as in many other years backthen) won the College of ScienceCup for best team in Ireland.

The fearsome and dreaded TBwhich resulted from poorwartime food cast a dark shadowover Ireland. Sanatoria all roundthe country were overflowingwith thousands of patients. Thatshadow did not lift in 1946 – itwas only with the advent ofstreptomycin in the late 1950sthat TB was eradicated. When 26monks left Roscrea to foundTarrawarra Abbey in Australia,we had to have an X-Ray to showwe were TB free!

Of that 26, eight were CCRpastmen, only three of whom, Fr.Carthage O’Dea, Fr. Sean O’Tooleand myself are still living. Thephoto shows our group of fourarriving in Tarrawara – from left,

Fr. Hugh McAllister, Br. GabrielCurtis (brother of Fr. Emmanuelin CCR), myself and Fr. RobertSheeran. Hugh, Robert and Iattended CCR. I was just a novicewhen we set out for Australia. Weall travelled by P & O liners (whata wonderful experience!) Jumbojets were very much a thing of thefuture!

A word to present day CCRstudents and pastmen of morerecent times – we older pastmenare grateful to you for your aimsand achievements, academic,sporting etc. We thank you forkeeping a great tradition alive.

Beannacht agus sláinte!

Eoin (Max) PalmerCCR 1946 – ’52.Southern Star Abbey, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Editor’s note – the abovementioned Fr. Joseph retired to amore sedate life in theMonastery. He was related to anaunt of mine by marriage, andon several occasions I and otherswere the beneficiaries of thehospitality of the Guest Housethanks to him!

Tarrawarra 1955.

35 ROSCREA Review

John McNamara (CCR 1962-’67) (Johnny Mac)

Died on 7th June 2014 after ashort illness. A native of Athlone,he was a quantity surveyor byprofession, and had worked inLondon for many years. While hewas in CCR he was an excellentscrum half and played withdistinction on both Junior andSenior Rugby teams. He wascapped several times for Connachtschools and subsequently playedfor Bective Rangers.

His father Jackie (1960-’61) andbrother Michael (2004-’05) wereboth Union Presidents. Hisbrother Jim (1973-’78) alsoattended CCR.

We offer our heartfelt sympathy tohis wife Andree, daughter Laura,mother Eleanor, brothers Michaeland Jim and sisters Ann, Deirdreand Eleanor.

John was buried in Teddington,London on 19th June. A MemorialMass was held in Rathgar ParishChurch on 26th June with DomRichard as celebrant. A largenumber of CCR pastmen attendedas well as members of BectiveRFC, and the sailing communityboth in Dublin and Athlone. Intrue CCR style, most of thoseattending moved on from thechurch to nearby Comans for light(and not so light) refreshmentsand a lot of reminiscing.

- OBITUARIES -Barry Nash (CCR 2007 – ’12)

We were all deeply shocked andsaddened at the tragic death ofBarry Nash in a car accident nearRoscrea on Sunday 26th Januarylast. A native of Scariff, Co. Clare,Barry was a wonderful young manfull of life, in his second year atUCD. He was a keen sportsman –like any young Clare man he loved

Hurling, but his special love wasHandball. He was a role model foryoung and old who imbibed thevalues of Cistercian Collegethroughout his everyday life.Union members join with thecommunity of Cistercian Collegeand the wider community ofMount Saint Joseph Abbey extendour heartfelt sympathies to theNash family.

George Geraghty(CCR 1952-’57)

Died on 4th February 2014. Whilein CCR he excelled in Athletics atthe High Jump and Hurdles. In1962 he played on theRoscommon team that reachedthe All-Ireland Football Finallosing to Kerry on a score of 1-12to 1-6.

Dr. Aidan O’Carroll (Aodán ÓCearbhaill) (CCR Class of1970)

Died on 11th August 2013 after along battle with cancer. A native ofRoscrea, he was Head of School,Culinary Arts and FoodTechnology at Dublin Institute ofTechnology. He had hoped to

make it to the Class of 1970’s 40year reunion in 2010 but wasunable to attend, although he didsend his best wishes to hisclassmates.

John Gilmartin (CCR 1963-’64),A native of Borrisoleigh diedsuddenly on 5th May 2014. JimKeating remembers him as one ofhis very first friends in his class inCCR. He was a great hurler andJim remembers being verydisappointed that John didn’treturn after his first year.

Jarlath Morris (CCR 1958-’61) Jarlath was born in DunLaoghaire. His father was in theUlster Bank, and Jarlath travelledto CCR from both Tramore andArva. After graduating withhonours in horticulture from UCDhe joined Erin Foods (Irish SugarCo.) in Carlow and Thurles. In 1968 he came in contact with FrJames McDyer in Glencolumcille,and joined the ailing vegetablecanning co-op in Meenaneary inCounty Donegal. They wereunable to source enoughvegetables locally and Jarlathinspired the idea to change thebusiness to fish processing inKillybegs. The Co-op expanded frommackerel and herring to crab andthe enterprise built up to 200 jobsat Earagail Eisc (Errigal Seafoods)in Killybegs and Kilcar. Followingcutbacks in the ‘90s, Jarlath semiretired, but became a consultantto Bord Iaschaigh Mhara. In 2012 he was appointedSecretary of the Irish FishExporters Association. He diedafter a short illness on 29th May2013 and his funeral atMeenaneary near his adoptedCarrick was attended by hundredsof the workers with whom he washeld in very high regard.

www.graphprint.ie

Roscrea Review 36

Pat O’Shea, Marcelline and Donncha Cody at the recent SE Dinner in Kilkenny. When speaking afterthe Dinner she politely “complained” that while Brendan Feehan had already been presented with aUnion tie (at the recent Business Lunch), she had been coming to Union functions for years and was

never offered one. With that, Pat O’Shea took the unprecedented step of taking his tie off andsymbolically presenting it to her!

Union Calendar 2014-’15

SOUTH EAST BRANCH DINNER; Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny Sat. 3rd May 8 p.m.

SOUTH WEST BRANCH DINNER; Sunday’s Well Tennis Club, Mardyke, Cork

UNION AGM, College Boardroom, Sun. 25th May, 12 noon.

MATT HYLAND / NOEL WINDLE GOLFEdmondstown Golf Club - Friday 20th JuneContact Vincent Coyne, 086 343 7196 or Pat Hanrattty 087 273 1904Email:ccrppu.dublin@gmail.com Email:pathanratty@gmail.com

HURLING SUPPORT GROUP GOLF - Friday 4th JulyContact Ann McIntyre, 087 2688052

MIDLANDS GOLF OUTING - Friday 29th August, New Forest G.C. TyrellspassContact Jim Keating 086 817 7597 or Ronan Egan 087 989 4899Email: jaskeating@gmail.com Email: eganstoneworks@eircom.net

ABBOT'S CUP GOLF AND UNION WEEKEND 13th -14th SeptemberContact Katherine Donovan 0505 31203

CLASS OF 1989-’94 REUNION - County Arms, Birr and Roscrea, 12th - 14th SeptemberContact Des Cox 01-428 2638, 086-8062102 Email: des.cox@olchc.ie

CLASS OF 1979-’84 REUNION - Radisson Hotel, Galway, 18th OctoberContact Bernard McHale Email: bernardmchale@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1949-’54 REUNION - Abbey Guest House 13th - 14th September, Contact Gerry Breen Email: jgerardbreen1@eircom.net or Brian Flynn Email: b.flynn48@btinternet.com

DUBLIN DINNER - Saturday 18tH October, Morrison Hotel, Dublin 1 Contact Vincent Coyne, 086 343 7196 or Dave Hernan 087 410 5446Email:ccrppu.dublin@gmail.com

NORTH AMERICAN DINNER - Friday 21st November (tbc)Contact Niall Rafferty Email: niall@rafferty.co

LONDON BRANCH DINNER 2015 (tba)Contact Fergal Keane 00 44 7973412323 Email: gfk@gfkaccountants.co.uk

For other events, check the Union website www.ccrunion.org for up to date details.