Review Summer2014_Layout17/25/148:53AMPage36 Roscrea Review

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Review Summer2014_Layout17/25/148:52AMPage presents them with their Union ties. It is ties. Union their with them presents Union and 6th Yearsto the departing the President welcomes the eventatwhich this year. college This 6th yearsatthe is for ceremony no graduation can be there that regretful particularly lockdown. Itis Piccadilly, thelastUnionevent before RAF Clubin reunion anddinneratthe London Branch’s to thewell-attended got since March. In be suspended FebruaryI has hadto Union events of calendar the CCRUnion.Inevitably, of the President I was honouredtobenominatedas this insidiouscondition. by visited of ournumberhavebeen some Joseph familybutI have nodoubtthat Saint College/Mount Cistercian wider the among any losses of virus. aware I amnot withthe God, afteramonth-longstruggle cousin, Iseult,isrightasrainagain,thank old year 93 through. My battle friends family membersor have seen Others ones. loved have lost Covid –19.Some by touched who havebeen or knownofpeople among theoldercohort,willhaveknown of us,particularly isolation formany.Most a timeoftragedy,stress,lossand It hasbeen relating tothepublichealthsector work necessary some complete another to resolved) and (thankfully family illness a with capital, onetodeal forays tothe of brief a couple countryside, with Galway East in the sequestered to havebeen lucky lockdown. I considermyself For the office whichcanhappenlater.. the usualhandoverofchain office on6thSeptemberbutwithout as PresidentPatKeanewillassume Cup andUnionAGM-mysuccessor decision topostponetheAbbot’s since. Alas,I’vehadtomakethe mid Mayandmuchhashappened Message from theUnionPresident this piecein originally wrote restrictions -I month ofCovid start ofthesixth nearing the We arenow and Friends, Dear Pastmen N o . 102 - N . ewsletter when facedwith seriouschallenges. and adaptable resourceful immensely Union –are European groupings, likethe – and in supra-national nation state the of form in the inventive. Andhumansocieties, and is resilient The humanspecies GDP. of rates over constantly-expanding preside merely tofacilitateeconomicgrowthor is not that theirrole have hadtorealise political elite and the governments me that in metells scientist in others.Thepolitical than countries in some and communities to theforeagain, albeit moresoin some have come charity andconcernforothers solidarity, ofgenerosity, Qualities passes. this thing when condition in better be can human race the of much and place can beabetter world the much of that and historyatuniversity.ButIdobelieve science political study to him Iintended I told when optimism” “reckless with me Liam late Maheroncecharged teacher, the English brilliant, memorable Year, our I am by naturean optimist. In my own6th the ecologyofourbeleagueredplanet. on pressures the human activityhaseased of and slowing reduction the that can see we as it, just of come has good some that the our links and strengthento friendships old rekindle to If Covid–19hashelped literally, fromeverycontinent. Donovan’s database) I got responses, pastmen inofKatherine March (courtesy andfriendshiptoall of encouragement Message” a “President’s out When Isent plays. and Shakespearean from operas So toohavefragmentsofprogrammes world. across the and transmitted uploaded have been photographs many others.Old of experience the has alsobeen I knowthat CCR friendsI hadn’t heard offoryears. And internet. I have hadcommunicationsfrom – andthe pandemic raised thankstothe measurably havebeen pastmen between contact of levels I knowthat positives. there havebeencompensatory Yet presentation fortheNewYear. and ceremony the re-schedule to hoped Alma Mater

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R os c rea emerge from emerge it. We bemoanthetemporary that willhavetobefacedaswe challenges economic the pandemic, orindeed, Covid pain ofthe sorrows andthe the losses, the understate is to this of None cocoa andsoon. of sugar, butter, – 4ounces commodities” “controlled their rationed were children had won,Irish Cork. Allies Even afterthe over flying Swastika the with streets the ended, therecouldbeNazijackbootson thewar thatwhen possibility with the her parentsandallofIreland had tolive mask under thebed.Forfourlongyears, with hergas sleep to going 80s, recalls of WorldWar II. My sister,nowinher hardship physical rationing andthe the uncertainty, War. the Later, endured they Civil and the Warthe ofIndependence of violence terror and the through came mouths. Ourgrandparents grass intheir half-chewed with roadside lying bythe dead bodies walking toschoolpastthe (she wasfromRosscarberry)recalled Famine inWestCork. the “GrandmaRoss” about grandmother her by told being of me have comethrough.Mymothertold we and before worse with deal to have had we historianinmeremindsthat And the your feetontheground.” keep …. but and yourhope courage your liberal translationmightbe“maintain a more Earth. Perhaps on the dwells body your Heavens but in the placed be spirit your Terris -let Sed Corpore Animo Coelis – Insideat principle relevant asaguiding more Roscrea was College of Cistercian motto the when atime Never wasthere example. and tourism,totakeasimple hospitality around upbusinesses who havebuilt people facing difficulties the to compared for themostpart, mere inconveniences, our holidayandtravelplans. But theyare, offriendsandfamilies, coming together the gatherings, our social of suspension U n io n Roscrea Union2019-’20 Conor Brady,President Summer 2020 Cistercian College Yours sincerely, activities associated with the end of sixth year. In a EDITORIAL normal year, Union President Conor Brady would be welcoming a few dozen new members into the Union and presenting them with their Union ties - hopefully Welcome to this special issue of there can be some alternative event when this can the Roscrea Review. It may be a be done as younger pastmen are the life blood of the cliché at this stage to say these are extraordinary times, Union. I am very happy that, facilitated by the very but what can be said is that on the one hand, none of busy College Principal Gerry Grealish, this Review us knew six months or so ago how 2020 would turn contains articles by the three House Captains from out for us, and equally none of us really knows what 2019-’20, Bill Burns, Jack Gilligan and Cian Quinn. life will be like in six months time.

The Annual Dublin Dinner scheduled for 20th March Our first thoughts go to pastmen and their families was at a very advanced state of planning when the who have suffered or been bereaved, either through Committee came to the inevitable conclusion that Covid-19, or through other conditions that perhaps it could not go ahead. Looking back at some of the weren’t treated as they might otherwise have been in emails circulating among the Committee, the hope the crazy days of Spring and early Summer 2020. It is was being expressed that it could be rescheduled for wonderful to think that through it all, we have been May, with the Dublin Golf to take place in June and very much in the prayers of the monastic community. the Business Lunch to follow in October...... well, We are proud too that “one of our own”, Dr. Ronan nobody knew how this would pan out. All we can say Glynn (CCR 1992-’98) has played an essential role is, keep an eye on the Union website www.ccrunion. in the battle against Covid-19, first as Deputy Chief org and the Dublin Branch Facebook page as Ireland Medical Officer and lately as Acting Chief Medical gets back to something vaguely like normal. Officer in Dr. Tony Holohan’s leave of absence. We wish him well as we do other CCR pastmen who may Instead of a keynote speaker, the Dublin Dinner was to be at the front line here in Ireland and around the have had a panel discussion led by Neville O’Donoghue world. (Class of 2006) director of www.benchwarmers.ie and including Union President Conor Brady (1966), Of concern too is the impact on staff and students Cormac Bourke (1994) who edits the Irish Independent of CCR - the pressures on the Leaving Cert Class of and Steven Miller (2002), editor of Laois Today. 2020 have been immense. The ongoing saga - would the Leaving Cert go ahead or not? Now the anxiety Many pastmen will have read and been inspired by the about the predicted grades which with the best will messages from the Monastery and from the Board of in the world, must put teachers under pressure, even Management - they are posted on the Union website, if it were only the pressure caused by concern as to and while things have moved on to some extent since whether one is doing justice to the students. It also they were written in mid to late March, they are means that students carry an additional concern as nonetheless still very relevant. they await “results” and offers of third level places.

Here’s hoping for a new dawn when we can return to In mid-March, the Leaving Cert class of 2020, though some kind of normality in terms of Union events. In they didn’t it know then, had their second level particular, good health to all, keep safe and every good education abruptly terminated. Although, of course wish to the extra special Class of 2020! through Zoom and other technological marvels their teachers kept in touch, often making heroic efforts at teaching online, the reality is that there must be a great Pat Hanratty, CCR 1962-’67 void in the hearts of those leaving without the usual [email protected]

Roscrea Review 2 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review CONOR BRADY UNION PRESIDENT 2019-’20 As soon as he could, Conor made his wake. Conor was never known for his way onto the crew of the Vexillum - I interest in sport at school, but despite think he was on the team in 4th year being obviously convulsed with grief, when it was normally edited by 5th he greeted us at the door with the years. He was editor of “Campus” words “and Roscrea beat Blackrock!” during his days at UCD and even had at least one article in the Irish Times Conor is currently doing a three year when still an undergraduate. Months stint as chair of TLAC, the State’s after he qualified I met him outside top level appointments commission Lansdowne Road. Ireland were which selects the people for the most playing South Africa - I was with the senior posts in the civil service and Anti-Apartheid protestors outside: he other State bodies. Besides that, he was reporting on the event. We ran is co-founder with his son, Neil of into a CCR pastman, John McHugh CalibermediaAI, a startup company who was among the Gardaí on duty, building an algorithm to give early - Conor interviewed him, and I moved warning of toxic or defamatory on. content. He is also Deputy Chair of Midlands Radio 3, covering Laois, Conor was always fascinated by Offaly, Westmeath and parts of the Gardaí. His father who died surrounding counties and is a director My earliest memory of Conor shortly before Conor went to CCR of the Institute for International Brady is of himself, the late was a superintendent in Tullamore. and European Affairs, Dublin and Oliver Murphy, Joe Hayes, Liam He wrote a book on the Gardaí, Brussels. Kelly, Bill Stuart and a few more Guardians of the Peace as long ago trying to persuade Fr. Patrick to as 1974, and after his early retirement Though obviously an extremely busy let us produce a magazine for after a stellar career in journalism, man, Conor has totally absorbed and about first and second years. it was no surprise that he became a himself in the Union Presidency. We were obviously pushing an GSOC Commissioner from 2005 to There have been fewer functions to open door and a few issues of 2011. attend, but long before the Covid-19 The Junior Journal appeared - if crisis, Conor established a Working anyone has a copy of one of them And then he started writing detective Group consisting of Sean O’Sullivan, they are utterly quaint artefacts novels, with the character Supt. Joe Jim Keating, Gerald McCarthy, Barry from the early 60s! Swallow ever present. Not to mention McCann & John O’Brien with the his many roles in academic life, in the remit to review the role, purpose I was on the fringe of this group and peace process etc - see Wikipedia for and function of the Union to face I remember one afternoon when a details! the future with renewed clarity. The few of us got together and were set Working Group had been requested the task by Conor to write something. Through all his years, Conor has to formulate a preliminary report I remember feeling so inadequate kept contact with the College and the for delivery to Central Committee - words just wouldn’t come. Part of Monastery, often staying at the guest before Easter 2020, but although me envied the other guys, especially house with his wife Ann. Conor and interrupted, their work will, we trust, Conor, who seemed to have no bother I shared the experience of our wives’ yield long term fruit. As his term of coming up with ideas. And that’s battles with cancer. Things went up office draws to a close, despite the why he went into journalism and I and down over a period of years but impact Covid-19 has had on all Union went elsewhere! I must add, here, Bridget died in 2009 and Ann in 2015. activity, we can look back on Conor’s that since the day in 2001 that I Ann was reposing in the family home as an outstanding Presidency. took up the mantle of Editor of RR, in Monkstown the very day Roscrea no one has given me more help and famously beat Blackrock in 2015 We salute you Conor - encouragement than Conor. and Jim Keating, Frank Thompson go maire tú an chéid! and I drove from Donnybrook to the

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 3 ROSCREA Review House Captains’ Memories When the Sixth Years of 2019-’20 were in first year they saw CCR winning the Leinster Cup for the first time ever. Almost two years later they went home for the Mid-Term Break having just heard that CCR was to close; they lived through the Save CCR campaign and finished their time in school prematurely in March this year due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Bill Burns, Jack Gilligan and Cian Quinn, the House Captain during the year just ended give us a flavour of their memories.

Newbridge. We went on to beat I just don’t believe can be replicated Bill Burns Castleknock comprehensively in the anywhere else, school or otherwise. semi final, but unfortunately fell at the It’s a place that not only prepares you A final hurdle to Gonzaga. for exams, but for life in general. The people you meet, the experiences you Tumultuous Summer was always my favourite have, the craic, the atmosphere, the Period time of the year at school, and it camaraderie are simply unparalleled. is disappointing that I never got a Being away from home is a catalyst chance to experience swimming in the for growth. You become more My time in CCR was arguably the river or playing tag in the sun during independent, more confident, more most tumultuous in the school’s the amazing weather we had in May of mature. You’re in an environment that history. This made for some incredible this year. promotes growth of both mind and highs and devastating lows. character. I’d like to thank all the teachers and When I was in first year the school members of staff who have been in I have had the unique experience won the Leinster Senior Cup for the the school during my time there for of being a student in CCR during first time ever. The energy and buzz everything they have done for me arguably the most important time in around the school during the cup run and for the great group of fellow CCR the college’s history. I was in 1st year was infectious and when the team got students with whom I was privileged when the school defied the odds and across the line on St. Patrick’s day to share my years there! won its first ever Leinster Senior Cup in there was an outpouring of joy. Bill Burns, House Captain 2019-’20. a memorable campaign that included the iconic maul over Blackrock’s I remember the day they told us the tryline with the clock deep into red to school was going to close very vividly. I Jack Gilligan Knock the Rock for the first time in the was in third year and had just finished Senior Cup and of course a special St. my Junior Cert ‘mocks’ and we were Patrick’s Day in the RDS. I was then gathered in the Centenary Room. My Roscrea in third year, more specifically just Going home that day no one knew Experience finishing my Junior Cert Business what to do. Luckily, the ‘Save CCR’ Mock when we were brought down campaign came together over the next to the Centenary Room and told that few weeks and through tremendous the school was closing. I remember work from parents, teachers, pastmen Being born and raised in Dublin, many looking around the room and seeing and others, came the announcement miles away from any fields, tractors, or 6th years, who were like grown men that the school would be staying open cows, I remember arriving in Roscrea to me, with tears in their eyes at the under a new Board of Management. for my first day feeling as though I was thought of Cistercian College, Roscrea The relief and happiness when that moving to a new world. I remember being no more. was announced was similar to that of being quite shy and nervous and the Cup win. petrified of making eye contact with What followed this was nothing short anyone in an older year, although I’m of a miracle. The establishment of In my last two years I was fortunate sure they were all nice guys. the Save CCR action group single enough to play on the SCT and that handedly brought the entire Roscrea has given me some great memories. Despite the fact that it may have community, consisting of staff and We won the plate two years in a row taken me a few weeks to get settled students, past and present and did which offered some small consolation in, I soon realised what Roscrea was exactly what they set out to do: they after disappointing Cup campaigns. about. Yes, Roscrea is a school where saved CCR. That day in the Rec Hall This year we had a remarkable journey you learn from books in a classroom where the Abbot confirmed that in the League, starting out terribly and study for exams in the future, but CCR had indeed been saved not only but managing to pull it together to it’s so much more than that. Roscrea stopped the school from closing, but win an away quarter final against is a community, a brotherhood that began the modernisation of the school, League favourites and Cup finalists a Roscrea Renaissance if you will. The

Roscrea Review 4 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review House Captains’ Memories (CONTINUED)

enrolling of 5 day boarders and day time in school is different, we aren’t occasions. It seems like only yesterday boarders along with the traditional 7 just leaving school, we’re leaving Mr. Fitzgerald was telling us “the day boarders sparked a new era for home. Since the cancellation of our Junior Certificate is only eighteen the college, which now includes a new exams I’ve experienced a variety months away!” However staff alone crest and new school blazers. of emotions, ranging from joy to didn’t mould me into the person I sadness. However when I travelled to am today. From the day I walked While I have seen the school change Roscrea to pick up my belongings, I into Roscrea, the student body has drastically in my 6 years, including was overwhelmed with gratitude. been an ever-present set of brothers. how it has moved away from some of As a small first year I, as most others the traditions that were there when I Over the past six years Roscrea has are, was terrified of those senior to was in Junior House, the atmosphere evolved from the school my brother me, however their constant support and the togetherness hasn’t changed and Dad attended, to the nirvana and guidance was essential in my a bit. At the end of the day, the which I was lucky enough to call enjoyment of life in CCR. I would like building is a building, the crest is a home. As I left the two perched eagles to thank all the students, both older crest but Roscrea is a community and in my rear-view mirror last Thursday, and younger, for all they have done a brotherhood made up of confident it struck me that going to CCR was the throughout the last six years to ensure and proud young men. It has shaped best decision of my life. Every small the spirit of Roscrea was intact. It can’t me to be the man I am today, it has experience over the past six years has be denied that CCR is nothing without given me the best group of lads I sculpted the person I am today. My the people involved. I would like to could have asked for, and has given time in Roscrea has been more than extend my gratitude toward the staff, me experiences that I will remember eventful. From a sports point of view, parents and students, both past and forever and will help me as I go we had beaten Blackrock, reached two present, which have made my time in forward in life. Senior Cup finals, winning the cup CCR so fruitful. once and won a hurling All-Ireland Now, technically as a past pupil, I have (folklore Mr. Quigley will inform As I said, it’s the people who make to admit that I will miss the school - students of for generations to come), Roscrea so special and I’ve had the the craic in class, the games of tag all in my first two years. By third year privilege of having a year of fantastic rugby, the UL concerts, football in the school had been announced to lads to share my time in Roscrea the sportshall, spending the whole of close, the Save CCR action group was with. From the first day to our last, lunch and tea chatting around a table formed, and the decision to close the we have created memories which will in the ref, and all the other stuff we got school was reversed, propelling CCR last a lifetime. I cannot express how up to during our time in CCR. But, as into a new era. I would like to extend grateful I am to have spent the last six I said, I can now look forward to what my gratitude to all those who helped years growing up with these men. The lies ahead knowing that CCR has given save the school, the boys in my year memories we have created, lessons me everything I need to succeed. and I will be eternally grateful to you. we have learned and friendships we By Transition Year the reformation of have made will last a lifetime. While Jack Gilligan, Second House Captain Roscrea had begun and is ongoing to I cannot quantify how much I got out 2019-’20. this day. of my time in CCR, none of it parallels the friendships I have made with these Roscrea has supplied me with every men. opportunity imaginable. From education to sport, music to public Going to Cistercian College is the Cian Quinn speaking, it can’t be denied that greatest decision of my life. I am Cistercian College gives the strong so grateful to my parents for the My something to strive for while not sacrifice they made to send me there. Thanks to discouraging the weak. The growth It has truly done wonders for me and Everybody I have seen in myself personally, I cannot thank them enough. While I academically and socially would will miss CCR it is time for a new set of not have been possible without the students to create the memories, learn guidance of the staff and students the lessons and make the friendships For the past few weeks my classmates of Roscrea. I cannot express how just like we did. and I have been inundated with the grateful I am to the staff of Cistercian same question “how does it feel to College. Every housemaster, teacher, Cian Quinn, Third House Captain be finished”. While all Leaving Cert coach, cleaning lady and anyone else 2019-’20. students have had this question thrust who worked in the school has gone upon them, the abrupt ending of our above and beyond for me on countless

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 5 ROSCREA Review Report of the Working Group on the future of the Union

to ensure that our younger pastmens’ concerns are heard and addressed; b. Establishment of a Union Mentorship Programme, intended to provide support and guidance to young pastmen as soon as they leave the College. The Working Group and the Central Committee recognise that these recommendations cannot be implemented overnight and, in order to begin the work required, the Working Group agreed to extend their work to map out the necessary next steps to be taken, with Conor Brady agreeing to take up a role within the Working Group upon the completion of his year as President. It was emphasised that this work cannot be achieved by the Union alone, and a close partnership between all stakeholders, including the Members of the Working Group with the Union Union, Pastmen, College, Staff and parents, will be required President and Treasurer at the Central Committee to bring all these ideas to fruition and to realise their full meeting on 23rd July 2020: Left to right: Sean potential in the years to come. O’Sullivan (Chairman), Pat Keane, Gerald Notwithstanding this timeline, and while the Working Group McCarthy, Jim Keating and Conor Brady. continues to formalise the necessary changes for the other areas, the Central Committee has approved the immediate On foot of a proposal by Union President Conor Brady, establishment of both the Young Pastmens’ Committee and in January 2020 the Central Committee approved the the Mentorship Programme, to kick-start the rejuvenation establishment of a Working Group to review the structure of the Union and engage with younger pastmen, who are and operation of the Union and to recommend any changes the lifeblood of its future. On this basis, the Working Group it considered would improve the Union into the future. is engaging with the relevant stakeholders with a view to getting these up and running as soon as reasonably possible The Working Group, comprised of Gerald McCarthy, Jim and certainly before the end of 2020. Keating, John O’Brien, Barry McCann and Sean O’Sullivan (Chair), held a consultation period during which it accepted The Union and Central Committee would like to thank the submissions and comments from pastmen and thereafter members of the Working Group for their continuing efforts held a number of meetings to discuss these in the context of in respect of this project and want to repeat their support the future of the Union. The Working Group presented its for its ongoing work. The Working Group wishes to thank Report to the Central Committee at its meeting in the College the Union and Central Committee for the opportunity to on Thursday 23rd July, where The Central Committee complete the work they have started and look forward to accepted and endorsed the Working Group’s Report and working with them into the future. the recommendations therein. These recommendations included: Any pastmen, staff members, parents or other parties who wish to engage with the Working Group in relation to 1. Adopting Vision and Missions Statements to guide the any of its proposals, in particular in relation to the Young Union into the future; Pastmens’ Committee and the Mentorship Programme, are 2. An overhaul of the management and operation of the encouraged to contact the Chairman, Sean O’Sullivan, at Union, by the establishment of an “Executive Committee” [email protected] or on 087 945 1295. or similar, which would be responsible for the Union’s activities and implementation of the Vision and Mission Statements; 3. A reconsideration of the Central Committee and Branch structure of the Union and whether this is the best way to serve pastmen; 4. Establishment of a worldwide database of pastmen, to ensure a reliable personal and professional network with effective connection and communication throughout; 5. Adoption of communication protocols, to centralise and manage all communications with pastmen and minimise “email fatigue”; 6. Engagement with younger pastmen through, in the first Working Group members John O’Brien and Barry instance, the following: McCann who were unable to attend the meeting a. Establishment of a Young Pastmens’ Committee, on 23rd July.

Roscrea Review 6 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review North American Branch Dinner 2019

This year’s North American Dinner Liam thanked those present and other Those of us who travelled to New took place in Delmonico’s Kitchen pastmen for their great support during York for the Dinner and who watched in Midtown Manhattan on 22nd the great challenge CCR faced these in horror the scenes on television November last. A great effort at past few years. Conor welcomed all, coming from that city this Spring, promoting the Dinner by Roger Healy including members of his own family can only imagine the trauma our and Conor Brady on either side of the who made the trip and complimented fellow pastmen and their families Atlantic saw a substantial increase in the North American Branch for its have suffered. Yes we’ve all had our the attendance. From the outset the continued dynamism and vibrancy. difficulties, but what New Yorkers atmosphere was warm and convivial. suffered seems to have been ona We were welcomed with aplomb Afterwards most of us went across the different scale. I can promise that as by Des O’Brien, a lovely meal was road to the bar, where drinks were (to soon as it’s deemed safe to fly to New provided and we were entertained the embarrassment of the rest of us) York and there’s a New York Dinner by speeches from Liam Spooner on on the house, i.e. courtesy of the ever whether in 2020, 2021 or 2022, I’ll be behalf of the College and Conor Brady generous Des. there - there are few cities I love more on behalf of the Union. than The Big Apple, and nowhere do travelling CCR Union members get a warmer reception!

Des O’Brien making everyone Colman Ryan and Paddy Boland, welcome. both from the Class of ‘61. Doctors both, obviously extolling Cathy, Patsy, Rory and Roger the virtues of red wine! Healy with the Union President.

Union President Conor Brady addressing the gathering. Manus McGuire and Ger Ryan. Leitrim’s finest, Dermot Cryan and John McManus with Pat Hanratty.

Liam Spooner speaking on behalf Cathy Healy and Glen Adams. of the College. Ken Forde and his good friend Patrick Dolan. Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 7 ROSCREA Review CCR Parents’ Association A Parents’ Association Smyth the Management and Staff, as well as many members in CCR is not something of the Parents Association, and a large group of students. older pastmen would Mr. Paddy Smyth and Dom Malachy guided us on the be familiar with, but walk of the grounds, the orchard and part of the farm. Fr. today they are part and Lawrence gave a very insightful tour of the Library, which parcel of the educational added a very special element to the afternoon and was landscape. CCR was lucky enjoyed by all. in recent years to have had a very dynamic Parents’ The AGM of the Parents’ Association was held in November, Association, chaired by with a very constructive meeting and full agenda. The date Inez Heenan, one of the was also confirmed for the Gala Ball 2020 – Leap Year many whose tireless efforts have led to the new Night, 29th February. lease of life for the college we love so well. Our next function was on 6th December - the Tree- Inez is Principal of Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan, Planting Ceremony and Presentation to Dom Malachy Nenagh. She and her husband Niall also manage Thompson in acknowledgement of his Ordination. The Fucshia Lane Farm self catering accommodation significance of the young oak tree being planted near the near Terryglass and the shores of Lough Derg location of the longstanding great old oak was likened which was featured in the Irish Times last April. to the ‘new generation’ Cistercian College, and Dom Her son, Manus has just finished in CCR, and she Malachy was congratulated on his tremendous work in agreed to share her memories of an eventful year at leading the Monastic Community, supporting the College, the College and Monastery from the perspective of and maintaining strong links between all on the campus. the Parents’ Association. In blessing the tree, Dom Malachy acknowledged its symbolism, and the importance of our responsibility to It was with a tinge of sadness that I chaired the final meeting protect the environment and reduce the destruction of our of the Parents’ Association Committee for the 2019-’20 wonderful world. school year on 19th May last. It was my last as a parent of a 6th Year student at Cistercian College. It didn’t help And so to February 29th - the highlight of the year for the that the meeting couldn’t be held in the hallowed halls of PAC and Ball Committee, with the Gala Ball 2020, and a the College, but on the now all too-frequently used Zoom super night was had by all at the County Arms Hotel. With portal. Once the meeting got started, however, it was the all Cistercian College parties in attendance, it was a real usual atmosphere of banter and positivity that prevailed, success, and a fitting way to celebrate another great year for with an excellent attendance, and management represented CCR! It was a night of friendship and conviviality, where the by Mr. Gerry Grealish. fun and revelry went on until early morning!

While much of the business of the meeting was about Mr Gerry Grealish and Ms Catherine Smyth headed the planning for the 2020-’21 school year, it was also important Teaching Staff group; Mr & Mrs Gary and Carol Halpin, the to review what had been achieved over the past year, and it Boarding Staff; Ronnie Culliton, the Board of Management; was apparent that the future looks very bright for CCR. Conor Brady, the Past Pupils Union; Fergal Cox, the Finance Committee; Liam Spooner, the Fundraising We kicked off in August supporting the Western Branch Committee; Catherine Canty, BOM Parents’ Rep, Nurse of the CCR Union’s annual Day at the Races, with a large Anne Harrington and Tyrone Elliott, the Health and Sports number of parents in attendance, and all enjoying again, a Depts. great day out with superb hospitality shown by John and Anne Sherry of Lydon House Catering. The first picture Conor Brady and Mary Mernagh were special guests, shows Ronnie and Sharon Culliton resplendent for the and Conor delivered a very relevant, entertaining and occasion! memorable After Dinner speech, while Conor and Barry Then came the inaugural Welcome Walk held on 15th Loughnane and all the staff at The County Arms Hotel September, primarily to welcome the new students and treated everyone to superb hospitality. With tremendous their families to the College, while also including the wider support in sponsorship, and generosity at the raffle, the Cistercian College family, with Dom Malachy leading the Recreational Hall at CCR will be getting a super facelift! Monastic Community, Conor Brady the Past Pupils, Ronnie Huge thanks are due to my fellow members of the Ball Culliton the Board of Management members, Ms.Catherine Committee for their hard work and commitment!

Roscrea Review 8 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review CCR Parents’ Association The PAC had been planning to support Mr. Paddy Smyth, Niall and I, parents of Manus, a 6th Year student, have Fr. Aodhán, and all in Transition Year with the Opening found our years at CCR to have been an outstanding of the Prayer Path, on the College grounds, which was to experience, and a journey which we have enjoyed have been held on 1st May. This wasn’t to be, however, immensely and felt privileged to have been part of. From and therefore, we have planned to acknowledge this super the first stayover Introductory Weekend for Manus, we all project, at the Welcome Walk 2020, in September, when knew that Cistercian College was a special place, and Dom you are all welcome to attend. Keep an eye on the College Richard’s philosophical words still ring in my ears. Manus Eagle for the date! (Editor’s note - despite the pandemic, has had a boarding school education that parents would the Prayer Path was completed in June 2020, and featured dream of for their sons, in a school where there is a passion on the lunchtime news on Thursday 25th June.) in all who educate and care for the boys. For this, we are exremely appreciative, and thank all at CCR. We now move Having completed three years as Chair of the PAC, I would to becoming members of the ‘Past Families’ group, and like to thank all those who have worked with me each year, look forward to our continued relationship with Cistercian supporting fellow parents, the College Management, and College. all the CCR community, and especially Martin Mullen, Honorary Secretary.

Ronnie and Sharon Culliton at Fr. Laurence showing some of The PAC Committee and the Gala Galway Races, August 2019. the treasures of the monastery Ball Committees, 29th February library. 2020.

On the Welcome Walk, 15th Parents Association Committee At the Ball! September 2019 2019-’20.

On the Welcome Walk, 15th Tree planting on 6th December At the Ball! September 2019 in honour of Dom Malachy’s ordination the previous June.

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 9 ROSCREA Review London Branch Dinner 2020

On 22nd February last (22/02/2020!) a total of 33 Union President Conor Brady replied, Ronnie Culliton CCR pastmen and friends gathered at the RAF Club, gave an update on progress in the College and then Piccadilly for the London Branch Dinner, traditionally the usual raffle was held. The top prize of 2 tickets to held on the eve of the England v Ireland Rugby match the match were drawn out by Fr Aodhan and surprise in Twickenham. Memories of 2018 when Ireland surprise the name on the winning ticket was Marion won the grand slam on St. Patrick’s Day were to Keane, Fergal’s wife. Of course Marion very graciously the fore, especially as the Senior team was heading did not want to go, so one of the tickets was given to for a possible Triple Crown and the Under 20s had the Union Treasurer - Pat Keane. (Fergal’s brother!) A destroyed England the night before. well deserved treat for someone who works so hard on behalf of the Union - Ed. Guests included Fr. Aodhan from the Monastery, Union President Conor Brady and Mary Mernagh, Union General Secretary Katherine Donovan and Chairman of the Board of Managent, Ronnie Culliton.

Fergal Keane, the London Branch Chairman welcomed all and thanked them for making the trip. These included many stalwart regulars and also some younger pastmen attending for the first time. He reminded those present that CCR had an enormous influence on us all - it was where we played, made our mistakes and grew up. It was where we cemented who we were and what we would become and it was where we made lifelong friendships. In summary CCR is engrained in our soul and body. Ronnie Culliton dwarfing Union President Conor Brady, London Branch Chairman Fergal Keane He also quoted greetings from Retired Air Vice and Fr. Aodhan O.C.S.O. Marshall Dr. Manus Moran and his wife Maureen who were unable to attend.

Some of the happy group who gathered at the RAF Club in Piccadilly in February, unaware that it would be the last gathering of Union members before the Covid-19 Crisis.

Roscrea Review 10 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review OBITUARIES Recently, a number of illustrious pastmen have gone to their eternal reward, some during the Covid-19 pandemic, their parting causing added grief to their families due to their not being able to give them a “proper Irish funeral.” Our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved, and my thanks to those who wrote or helped me with the tributes below.

Brendan “Buddy” Bracken CCR joined Irish Life, and eventually he headed John Cahill (CCR 1951-’56) (1959-’64) passed away peacefully on 12th up their Public Relations Department. Many tributes have been paid in the December 2019 at his home in Dalkey, Co local press to this renowned Community Dublin surrounded by his wife Bernadine, After 17 very successful years in Irish Life Champion who sadly died at his home and his three children. He was 72 and had he decided to set up his own company, on 13th March 2020 after a long illness, been ill for some time. Bracken PR in 1991. Typical of his flair for lovingly cared for by his wife Ita and his good PR, he launched his company with the sons Mark and Shane. Brendan was born in Rosmuc in the heart publication of an article in Business and of the Connemara Gaeltacht, but his family Finance entitled “Privatising Myself!” While at CCR, even though his family farm later moved to Dublin. He had an illustrious He built up an enviable client list which was just a few miles away, he enjoyed full family background. His grandfather was included CIE, Astellas Pharmaceuticals, time boarding and playing for the College J.K. Bracken, one of the co-founders of the Waterford Institute of Technology, Institute Junior and Senior Hurling Teams under GAA, and an uncle was Brendan Bracken, of Banking and Bank of Scotland (Ireland). coach/trainer, the late Mr. Rody Ryan. He later Viscount Bracken, advisor to Sir was also an avid supporter of Tipperary Winston Churchill. He was Minister of Brendan had a love of the countryside and Hurlers. Information from 1941 to 1945 and a highly was a regular visitor with his family and successful business person who founded friends to Shillelagh in County Wicklow. He never lost touch with the College and the current version of the Financial Times, Occasionally he played golf there, but soon Monastery and helped in the organisation and other major financial titles based in he discovered the joys of hillwalking was of our class of ‘56 Reunions - the 25th, 40th, Bracken House, London. Lord Bracken is more to his liking, and got involved with 50th, 55th and 60th. All roaring successes! perhaps best remembered for his trenchant the Trekkers Club in Glenageary, a club he opposition to the Bank of England’s plan was very active with until his illness. He John, in his own unassuming way was a to cooperate with Adolf Hitler, prior to the occasionally contributed to the Irish Times kind and gentle, generous giant - a man hostilities. on the subject of trekking. gifted with many talents, with a unique and likeable personality, full of humour, a dry It was perhaps not surprising that Brendan Those who knew Brendan in CCR will always wit and a good judge of character! was sent to CCR, as his older brother Fr remember him as an avid reader, never Kevin, was a Cistercian monk in Bethlehem to be found without a book in his hand. He married Ita 54 years ago in 1966 and as a Abbey, Portglenone in County Antrim. Throughout his life he had an insatiable team made a great success of their married Brendan made numerous lifelong friends appetite for literature, and a love for the life. He was a very successful farmer and during his time in CCR, many of whom kept theatre. Both Bernadine and Brendan an astute businessman having set up an Oil in touch over the years attending reunions, particularly enjoyed the Dublin Theatre Distribution Company serviceing the North rugby matches, celebrations in the College, Festival and were regular attendees. Tipp. Region. and he was always available to give media advice to the College management. All his children inherited his love of literature. John was an active President of the Roscrea Claire is a professor in Schenectady, New Lions Club supporting their campaigns on CCR left an indelible mark on Brendan, York where she lectures on Irish literature community issues and community projects. and his love of literature and theatre and culture. Ali is a journalist who has Likewise, as Chairman of the North was nurtured during his time there. He written for the Irish Times, and is now Tipperary LEADER Programme for many excelled at English under the guidance of an investigative journalist with the Irish years up to his death he actively supported Gus Martin, later Professor of Anglo-Irish Daily Mail, and Sam is an English teacher all aspects of Rural Development, Rural Literature at UCD, and Dermot Tuohy in Korea. He was a beloved Grandpa (‘Pa’) Tourism and Alternative Enterprise director of the then annual Christmas plays. to Oscar and Lily who adored him for his Development in the local community. John Brendan took part in A Midsummer’s Night playfulness, sense of fun and regular games was a committed member of he Roscrea Dream and Hamlet with the late Leslie of ‘monster chase’! Lions Club since its charter in 1968. He was Faughnan as Hamlet. We were fortunate an officer on numerous times and served as to have, as Abbot, Dom Eugene Boylan, an Brendan was a warm and compassionate President on three occasions. inspiring philosopher who helped to develop person who gave generously of his time to Brendan’s enquiring mind as a young man. others. His nickname Buddy best described John was also a very keen golfer, with a After College Brendan started his career in his kindness to his wide circle of friends. single figure handicap and served both the National Bank, now Bank of Ireland, and Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. as Captain and President of Roscrea Golf then joined the IDA’s press office. Later he Joe Harford, (CCR 1959-’64.)

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 11 ROSCREA Review Club. He had the distinction of winning the behond the reach of his peers and along in New York City, Fairbanks, Oakville, Hilo Abbot’s Cup twice. with Cyril Ferris and Harry Hunt (both and, finally, in Calgary. In Canada, Noel also sadly passed away) published The built a canoe that he loved to paddle along In summary, John was a wonderful friend Weed, a Roscrea version of Mad Magazine, the Bow River. As Noel travelled, he brought to those who knew him well and will never that issued monthly, new editions being music (singing, banjo, guitar, mandolin and be forgotten. He will be sadly missed by his eagerly awaited to see who or what would be the pennywhistle) with him, playing in pubs grieving wife Ita, his sons Mark and Shane, skewered next. in Alaska and across Canada. daughter-in-law Áine, grandchildren, neighbours and many friends, including His years in U.C.D were equally rewarding. Noel returned to Ireland and worked for those of us from the Class of ‘56. A long remembered and successful editor of several years as a woodworking secondary St. Stephen, the college literary magazine, school teacher. Residing in his native Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. he launched such poets as Michael Hartnett. Castlebar, he was an avid deep-sea diver, Pat O’Shea (CCR 1951-’66) At this point in his life he was also a reviewer going as far as the Mediterranean and Red of poetry for Studies the Irish quarterly Seas. He loved a challenge and during 2013 review. – 2014, he had the adventure of a lifetime in Kevin Canavan (CCR 1964-’69) Africa. Noel signed on with VSO Ireland, died on 15th July 2020 was a native of After leaving College Leslie spent a an aid organization involved in economic Ballymahon, Co. Longford, to whose local number of years as Editor of the RTE development in rural Uganda. Noel applied GAA team he gave lifelong commitment as a Guide. He subsequently migrated to the his skills and experience to assist with the player at all grades, as coach and an official. Irish Management institute where he youth development programs. He loved He also played at various grades for Co. became editor of Management but soon Uganda and its people. Longford. He studied Agricultural Science saw that his future lay in consultancy. He Noel had a kind heart and a gentle soul. at UCD after which he lectured in both with worked for many major corporations & He leaves behind many friends and family. Multyfarnham and Ballyhaise Agricultural institutions throughout his life culminating He will be greatly missed by his daughters Colleges and is fondly remembered by as I. T. Editor of the Business Post. Nessa and Olenka Forde, his grandaughter graduates of both. Roisin Forde, his brother Ken (CCR 1961- Leslie played rugby as hooker on the Junior ’66), his nieces, cousins and his many As well as Gaelic Football, Kevin was also and Senior teams and was a fanatical rugby friends including those in the CCR Class of heavily involved in Rugby. He captaned supporter. Though born and reared in 1965-’70. He attended the 40 year reunion Athlone RFC in 1978/’79 and played in five Dublin, like many Roscrea pastmen he was of his class in 2010 and the Dublin Dinner Connacht Senior Cup Finals in the 1970s, a great Munster supporter, much to the in 2012. and was on the winning side in 1976 and the chagrin of his four adult children. He 1977 with the club winning a League and was married to the great love of his life for Cup double in 1977. He played for Connacht fifty three years. Ita, his friend and stalwart James Mackey (CCR 1949-’51) against both Leinster and Munster in 1975. supporter, minded him through his final died on 25th January 2020. An outstanding He later was a regular attender at functions struggles with Motor Neurone disease. student, he was ordained in 1959 and in Bucccaneers RFC. Together they travelled to many of the seemed destined to become professor of His nickname ‘Basher’ dates to his Roscrea Opera houses of Europe in search of Theology at Maynooth but like many clergy days due to his bravery and commitment definitive performances of Grand Opera and in the late 1960s he sought a dispensation in the tackle. That belied his warm and these were the subject matter of many great and left the priesthood. He was married in gentle nature. To his wife Sheelagh and his nights in Enniscrone. Grá mór. 1973 to Noelle Quinlan. daughters Michelle, Denise and Niamh we extend our deepest sympathy. Leslie is survived by his wife Ita, his sons He had an extraordinary academic career in Críonán, Conor and Barra, and his daughter Queen’s University, Belfast, the University Sinéad. of San Francisco and for decades at the Leslie Faughnan (CCR 1957-’62) University of Edinburgh. He wrote 14 died on 20th December 2019 after a long Michael Keohane (CCR 1956-’61). books, and organised many conferences battle with illness. and presented TV programmes for ITV and Channel 4. His appointment as the first Leslie arrived in the front hall in Roscrea Noel Forde (CCR 1965-’70) Roman Catholic to the chair of theology with the sense of entitlement of a scholarship died on 17th July 2020 in Mayo University since the University of Edinburgh was boy, and the air of somebody who wished Hospital. After leaving CCR where he played founded in the 16th century caused some to be remembered. He is perhaps best on the Senior and Junior Rugby teams, controversy in the Church of Scotland, but remembered for his shock of white hair, the Noel studied furniture design at Sheridan such were his ecumenical sympathies and result of a dog bite as a child and his stellar College in Oakville, Ontario graduating his brilliance as a teacher and author that performance as Hamlet in 1960. (Editor’s with a Bachelors of Craft and Design. Noel that soon died down. note - the photos of Leslie in Hamlet were had a passion and an eye for design and in the showcases outside the Study Halls in craftsmanship. He was internationally Jim remained a practising catholic all his my time in CCR and we were in absolute recognised and granted numerous life. Indeed when Pope John Paul II visited awe of a 5th Year student being able to awards. The President of Ireland and the New College in Edinburgh in 1982 and all remember all the lines in Hamlet!) Crafts Council of Ireland recognised him the teaching staff shook hands with the as one of the leading Furniture Designer/ Pope, Jim and Noelle knelt down to kiss the According to classmate Kerry Kehoe, (no Makers working in Ireland. pope’s ring. academic slouch himself), Leslie was the most sophisticated of their class in literary Noel lived and worked all over the world. He Jim retained his love for Roscrea - he was taste, reading and analysing books way spent many years in North America, residing prominent at the Centenary celebrations

Roscrea Review 12 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review of CCR in 2005 and he attended the Class residing at beautiful Rosses Point, until his Fr. Frank Whyte (CCR 1957-’62) died of 1951’s 60th anniversary reunion in recent death. He is survived by Vivien, and in Capetown, South Africa on 22nd March 2011. Having spent his first three years children Emily, Joe and Jenny. 2020. of secondary school in CBS, Dungarvan and the last two in CCR he kept a life long Apart from his prowess as a hurler, rugby Born on 9th May 1944, the second of interest in the fortunes of Waterford hurlers player and medical doctor, he was most 4 children of the late Jack & Mairead and the Irish Rugby team. renowned as a unique & distinguished book Whyte of Rush, Co.Dublin, he came to collector, an aspect of his life so eminently CCR in September 1957 and will always recorded in his fascinating biography, the be remembered by those who knew him Brian Monks (CCR 1954-’59) died 2011 Currach Press publication “Adventures as a thoughtful, quiet spoken, humble in Canada on 12th September 2019. He of a Book Collector”. man with an infectious smile and a deep was one of four brothers from Rush, Co. understanding and empathy for others. Dublin who attended CCR. He was a keen Tom Garvey (CCR 1956-’61) rugby player and golfer. After qualifying as In Roscrea Frank was a good student and a doctor, he emigrated to Toronto in 1968 an excellent athlete having played Rugby on where he met his wife, Helen, an Australian Fr. Denis Ryan PE, formerly Fr. Cataldus the Junior Cup Team and on the Senior Cup nurse. They married in 1970 and moved ocso (in the 1960s), died on 3rd January Team for the subsequent 3 years. Despite West to British Columbia. According to an 2020 aged 85. He joined the Monastery in “the Ban” he also played on a reintroduced obituary in the Vancouver Sun, Brian was 1956 and was ordained in 1961. Gaelic Football Team which cost him an an exceptional family physician, known for opportunity to play schoolboy rugby for his kindness and compassion and for the In CCR he was spiritual director of the Leinster. He also represented CCR in respectful and diligent care he gave to his Legion of Mary praesidium and in Spring Athletics and won Leinster medals in the patients. He worked in his general practice 1962 he initiated the Roscrea Review, and 440 & 880 yards events. Frank was one of until 2014 and then with the elderly in a in 1965 gave the future editor of the Irish the House Captains in 1961-’62. His brother Care Home. Immediately following his Times his first paid journalistic assignment Michael, also an outstanding athlete also retirement, early in 2019, he was diagnosed - the penning of a report for the Review on attended CCR from 1961 to 1966. with an aggressive brain tumour. He is the highlights of the academic year. When survived by his wife Helen, three sons and Dom Colmcille was elected abbot in early On leaving Roscrea in 1962 Frank went to brothers Raymond (CCR 1948-’53), Donal 1964 he briefly replaced him as Dean of UCD while studying for the priesthood, (CCR 1951-’56) and John (CCR 1958-’63). Studies in the college, before Fr. Emmanuel originally in Clonliffe College for a year took over that role. and subsequently in All Hallows College, Dublin. He was ordained as a priest for the Pat Murphy, (CCR 1976–’81) died on After 10 years in the Monastery and a spell South African Missions, where, except for 4th March 2019, peacefully at home after a studying at the Gregorian University in infrequent holidays at home in Ireland, he long battle with cancer. Pat was a solicitor Rome, he chose to commit his priesthood carried out his Ministry, mainly amongst and worked in London, Belfast, Toronto and to the pastoral way and joined the Dublin the poor and underprivileged in the black Dublin. He was a truly wonderful person Archdiocese in 1970. He served as a Curate townships of Cape Town, South Africa. and will be greatly missed by all who knew in Rathfarnham, Larkhill and Donnybrook (With a name like “Whyte” what else would him, especially his loving wife Barbara and before being appointed PP in St Jude’s, one expect?) adoring children, Katie and Luke. Willington, Templeogue in 1996 where he Barry Devereux (CCR 1976-’80). served till his retirement. Frank was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and, despite very painful surgery on at least According to Conor Brady, a lifelong 6 occasions during the past 4 years, it spread Philip Murray (CCR 1954-’59), originally friend, he was a brilliant man and generous and he died in hospital in March. from Mitchell St, Nenagh was, originally beyond belief. In the Dublin Archdiocese from Mitchell St, Nenagh was, along with he was noted for his excellent management Notwithstanding the Covid pandemic, his older brother Seamus (CCR 1954- of diocesan funds and for his perfectly- Frank was given a really well deserved send ’57), a formidable presence on the hurling crafted homilies. He was much in demand off Mass, which was attended by no less field! After Leaving Cert, he first went to for retreats and pilgrimages where his than 3 bishops, in Nazareth House Chapel, the Columban Missionaries at Dalgan Park, leadership skills and his deep spirituality Cape Town. His great friend from their All Navan, later moving on to study science were always evident. Hallows days, Fr. Dick O’Riordan, gave at UCD. After graduating he spent some the eulogy, and the whole ceremony was years teaching Maths & Physics, including His health deteriorated in recent years and livestreamed on the web. a short time during 1966, at CCR. He then he was cared for at Newtownpark Nursing returned to university, studying medicine at Home, Blackrock in Dublin. Frank was deservedly a much loved Pastor, UCG (now NUIG). During those years in a true Christian and a great example to Galway he was at his peak as a rugby player, There were several pastmen (mostly from others. He always put the welfare and care and in 1970 captained the UCG team that the 1960s) at his funeral Mass in St. Jude’s of his parishioners before himself (and won the Connacht Senior Cup - a team that Willington, Templeogue on 6th January, indeed his painting!!) and this surely will be included the great Irish lock Mick Molloy, Feast of the Epiphany. his enduring legacy. and fellow CCR men John Cunningham and Fergal O’Gara (both CCR 1962-’67). After Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Frank really was a very special person who graduating he worked in Sydney for 4 years, will be greatly missed by all of us who were returning to Ireland with his Australian privileged to have known him. wife, Vivien Kennedy. A year in Nenagh Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. was followed by a move to practice in Sligo, Kevin McNiff (CCR 1957-’62)

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 13 ROSCREA Review Business Lunch Fitzwilliam LTC 18TH OCTOBER 2019

It’s hard to credit that the last fully fledged Union John spoke eloquently of the company’s philosophy and function in Ireland (apart from a few lads joining for how it has grown over the years. Indeed early this year pints on the Saturday before Christmas in Kennedys’ of a major deal with Lidl has seen major expansion into Westland Row!) took place way back in October 2019. the “own brand” market. The company’s Mission is to Since then, the Dublin Dinner, the South West Dinner, combine the taste, tradition and heritage of the past and the Dublin Golf and CCR at Galway Races have all been provide quality and innovative food products today and cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time of into the future, and to be recognised as the best supplier writing, there is no certainty that the Abbot’s Cup or any of branded and own label premium cooked meats, pork reunions scheduled for the Autumn will take place. and breakfast products in Ireland and the UK markets. All that is to be achieved through Care, Commitment So it’s great to look back on what was a thoroughly and Trust thereby building a profitable and sustainable enjoyable and inspiring Business Lunch, the sixth in our food business to the benefit of all stakeholders. series in Fitzwilliam LTC Club, where the guest speaker was John O’Brien (CCR 1992-’98), Managing Director Where at the beginning it was just Brady Family Ham, of O’Brien Foods, the company started by his father Bill now there are several brands, including the Home Bird (CCR 1963-’68). range which, perhaps surprisingly was the first brand in cooked sliced meats to use Irish chicken or turkey. John traced the history of the firm from 2000 when Bill and his wife Patricia bought Brady Family Ham With the commitment to supporting the Irish producer from Ossie and Mary Brady when the latter decided to and to sustainability, expect O’Brien Fine Foods with retire from the business. The transformation of a small, John as MD and a ‘semi retired’ Bill as Chairman to grow relatively unknown family business with 18 employees even further in the years ahead! into one with one of the most recognised brand names on the delicounter of Irish supermarkets is one of the major John’s presentation was loudly acclaimed by young and recent success stories in the Irish agrifood industry. older pastmen and guests. All in all, a great occasion!

Brian Cullinan, John Connolly, David O’Meara and John Byrne. Tiarnan McCloskey and John McKeon.

Michael McNamara and Johnny Dolan.

Brothers Mark and Paddy James Duggan and Guest O’Byrne and Graham Ross. Speaker John O’Brien.

Roscrea Review 14 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review Tony O’Grady, Pat Gleeson and John O’Brien, Fergal Cox and David Walsh, John Verling, Paul Murphy. Ronnie Culliton. Andrew Richardson and Mahendar Saama

Barry Connolly, Declan McNulty John O’Brien speaking words of Gerry Moloney and Joe Hoban. and Fergal Cox. wisdom.

Dublin Branch Chairman Seán In vacant or in pensive mood...... Frank Cullen, Jim Glennon, Jim O’Sullivan getting the ball O’Connor and Bill O’Brien, father rolling. of the Guest Speaker.

Union President Conor Brady John Verling, Alan Ralph, David Son and father - saying a few words. Walsh, John Connolly and Brian John and Bill O’Brien. Cullinan.

Pádraic Ó Máille, Katherine Tiarnan McCloskey, John Aidan McNulty, Jim Glennon and Donovan and Pat Keane. McKeon, Ali Browne and Sean Sexton. Andrew Richardson. Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 15 ROSCREA Review News of Pastmen

Tony Bardon (CCR 1958-’63) is a 2002, and five years later obtained his medical degree at the singer/songwriter living in Dublin. He University of Aberdeen. His Linkedin page lists dozens of has been writing songs for over 40 years publications and several awards. He was appointed Deputy and following his retirement from his day Chief Medical Officer in 2018. All in the CCR family wish him job as an Accountant he is now devoting well in the days ahead, as he helps steer the country through most of his time to pursuing his passion the next phase of the Covid-19 crisis. He and all who work for music. Over the past few years he at the front line are wonderful role models for all. Ronan’s has been actively involved in a number three brothers, Aodhan (1998-2003), Conor (1996-2002) and of projects with songwriting groups in Darragh (2001-’07) are all CCR pastmen. Ireland and across Europe and he visits European Countries on a regular basis. Tim O’Brien (CCR 1978-’83) He writes on a wide range of topics from was up to recently the Manager of the National Yacht Club, political parodies to spirituality and he Dún Laoghaire which celebrates its 150th anniversary this is currently working on a CD based on year. Tim, however is moving on to pastures new - he takes up a the poetry of WB Yeats. For a bit of fun, post of General Manager in Elm Park Golf Club. Interestingly, just Google ‘Tony Bardon, the Oldest the Dublin Branch Committee were working closely with Tim Swinger’! in the planning of the Dublin Dinner which was due to be held on 20th March, but was postponed due to Covid-19. He now Cormac Izuchukwu hopes to welcome CCR pastmen and their friends to Elm Park (CCR 2015-’18) for the Dublin Golf outing in June 2021. Pastmen who went to the Northside of Dublin to watch CCR play Wesley in Alan Ralph (CCR 2002-’05) the first round of the Cup two years ago has recently been appointed Third Secretary in Ireland’s were wondering who the flying Centre Embassy in Saudi Arabia which has accreditation for Oman, whom the supporters called “Izzy” had Bahrain, Yemen and Iraq, so he is happy to hear from any CCR come from. Cormac only joined CCR pastmen in Saudi Arabia or any of those countries and they after his Junior Cert so the 20 month can contact him on his personal email: alanralph10@gmail. rule prevented him from playing until com. Among his previous roles are: Group Leader with the he reached sixth year. After a spell in International Fund for Ireland and as a Programme Leader Scotland with Kelso, Cormac has joined with EIL Intercultural Learning. the Ulster Academy and was the subject of a lengthy feature in the Irish Times on 19th June. https://www.irishtimes. com/sport/rugby/cormac-izuchukwu- ready-to-take-a-giant-step-with- CCR WEDDING BELLS ulster-1.4282637. He now plays in the second row, and when Rugby returns, IN ROYAL MEATH we will watch his progress with interest. A very happy event took place 1955-’60) are pastmen. About Cormac’s father is Nigerian and his on Friday May 17 2019 in fourteen CCR classmates mother Caitriona is a cousin of Offaly Bellinter House, Navan in the of Ken attended including All Ireland Hurling winning brothers verdant Boyne Valley (near Declan Brennan of Loughrea Joe, Billy and Johnny Dooley. the ancient Cistercian abbey of who flew from Australia. The Bective), when Ken Bredin afternoon formalities were Ronan Glynn (CCR 1992-’98) (CCR 1984-’89) of Oranmore refreshingly informal, and the has become a very public figure, first married Maria O’Connor lively attendance of families as Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and, of Castledermot. Ken comes and friends partied well into since Dr. Tony Holohan went on leave, from a CCR family, his brother the small hours until the dawn as Acting Chief Medical Officer at the Sean (CCR 1983-’88) was light was filtering through the best man. His father Hugh trees by the river Boyne. A right Department of Health. He first studied and uncle Cathal (both CCR royal occasion! Physiotherapy at UCD, qualifying in

Roscrea Review 16 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review REUNIONS! CLASS OF 1969 REUNION 14TH SEPTEMBER 2019

Standing: Brendan Hyland, David O’Connell, Eamon McGowan, Barry Bennett, Dermot Ward, Vincent O’Sullivan, Michael Sherry, Frank Ryan, Peter O’Donnell. Seated: Aidan Twomey, Hugh O’Neill, Harry McGowan, Alan Grace, John Lawlor. CLASS OF 1984 REUNION 7TH SEPTEMBER 2019

Starting on the left and going around the table: David Burke (Sean’s son), Shane Monaghan, Paul Shanahan (hand on chin), Peter Logan, James Murphy, Paul Hackett, John McGovern, Brian Scott, Terry Doyle, James Brennan, David Burke (Eyrecourt), Stephen Liffey, Brendan Smith, Colm Roche, Brian Walsh, Mark Redmond, Brian McCarthy, Bill O’Donnell, Lorcán O’Brien, Donal Keane, Robbie Hernan, Ronnie Culliton, Bernard McHale, Brian O’Regan, Donagh Cronin, Tom Coman.

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 17 ROSCREA Review CLASS OF 1989 REUNION 14TH SEPTEMBER 2019

Back row: Sinbad Wilmot, Dave Hernan, Johnnie Cosgrove, Justin Owens, Alan Landers, Union President Feargal Keane, James Phelan, Rob O’Shea, Ronan Cahir, Mark Slattery, Karl Deering. Front row: Dave Lucey, Paul Murphy, Johnathan Daly, Barry Murphy, Mark Roche, Ken Bredin. CLASS OF 1994 REUNION 14TH SEPTEMBER 2019

Going left to right in a clockwise direction: John Dowling, Karl Monahan, Sean Littleton, Shane O’Rourke, Gary Morrison, John Horgan, Shay Kennedy, Gavin Cobbe, Peter Loughnane, Paul Graham, Des Whelan, William Cahir, Donal McGrath, Ivan Williams, Des Cox, Philip O’Meara, Chris Ryan, Henry Sheils, Graham Ross, Gareth Doorley, Arthur Spring

Roscrea Review 18 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review CLASS OF 1999 REUNION SEPTEMBER 2019

Standing at back: Peter Corcoran, Johnny Murphy, Pat Walsh, Mike Fleming, Phillip Byrne, William O’Keeffe, Eoin McGrath, Sean Ormond, Pat McCarthy, David O’Keeffe, Shane Connellan, Sarkis Salleh-Matte, Dan Cavanagh. Sitting: Gordon Ross, Mark Fitzpatrick, Sean Byrne, John Phelan, Dermot O’Loughlin, Daragh O’ Brien.

ABBOT’S CUP, REUNIONS AND UNION AGM 2020

The Abbot’s Cup Golf, and the reunions of the Classes of 1970 and 2000 were scheduled to take place on the weekend of 5th/6th September. The Class of 1995 had also begun planning their silver jubilee reunion but took an early decision not to go ahead with it. Looking at the situation back in July, there seemed reasonable grounds for optimism that these events might be able to take place, but the postponement of Phase 4 of the re-opening of the country cast doubts over that, and in early August the organisers of the reunions of the Class of 1970 and 2000 were in fact been postponed sine die. On 10th August Union President Conor Brady decided it would not be feasible to hold the Abbot’s Cup or Union AGM on the dates intended.

For up to date information, contact: Katherine Donovan 0505 - 31203 or [email protected] (Golf and AGM), Gerry O’Meara 087 - 917 0849 or [email protected] (Class of 1970), Barry McCann 087 - 415 6201 or [email protected] (Class of 2000)

Updates will also be posted on the Union website: www.ccrunion.org We are in this together!

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 19 ROSCREA Review An Cosán Caol - The Prayer Path

The Transition Year Coordinator and Staff were wondering how they could ask fanatical rugby/ hurling/gym young men in TY to do heavy manual work by way of a project. The project they had in mind was to restore an over-grown path in the monks’ forestry, from the statue of Our Lady to the statue of Christ at his Baptism next to the waterfall. This was to be a concrete show of our motto, “One Campus, One Vision”, in action. This project would be the start of further forest trails on the monastic land, part of Green Campus Eco-Tourism.

Path there are prayer stations with rustic seating made out of a tree from that grove of trees.

Despite Covid-19, the Prayer Path has been finished and has been widely acclaimed for its beauty and simplicity and has already achieved an impressive foot-fall every day. Great credit is due to the TY students and the TY Co-ordintaor Mr. Paddy Smyth for bringing the project to completion.

The project would require carrying hardcore stone Last year Cistercian College first year students erected up a steep slope in buckets and barrow the rest of the an out-door Stations of the Cross and repeated the way. Then the same had to be done with a finishing same this year. grit. They would not work on their own, both monk and housemaster would work side by side with them I am proud to have been a hands-on partner with sharing in that same hard labour. the students in this project and look forward to some exciting projects with TY in 2021 and 2022. However, it was not all about the hard slog. This was Fr. Aodhán Mt. St. Joseph Abbey. an opportunity to teach the same lads, welding, pipe bending, block laying and horticulture. Away from the The finished project was featured on the RTE stuffy classroom, they would listen to the dawn chorus News on 25th June - see https://www.rte.ie/ of the birds. They would see the red squirrels leaping news/2020/0624/1149463-cistercian-school- from tree to tree. project/

The students entered into the project with great heart and generosity of time. Where funding was necessary, they filled out sponsorship cards and brought their families on board with both cash and kind. Parents rowed in to offer railway sleepers, hardcore and grit and much else that was need, such as beech hedging.

The final result is a Prayer Path, starting at Our Lady’s Statue, given to the monks by the Christian Brothers when leaving Roscrea, and finishing at the statue of Christ at His Baptism, given to the monks by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart when they left Roscrea. Along the

Roscrea Review 20 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review Third Annual Dom Peter Garvey Lecture

This year’s Dom Peter Garvey lecture was given by great Cistercian tradition of welcoming guests the Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, which comes from Chapter 53 of the Rule of Saint Dr. Diarmuid Martin on 4th March 2020. The Benedict which states that: lecture was kindly facilitated by Joseph Merrick, former Chaplain in CCR and now Private Secretary All guests who present themselves are to be to Archbishop Martin. welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35).

That is why every Cistercian monastery has a Guest House.

He spoke of our care for the marginalised and the poor and spoke about how direct provision should be ended. He spoke about how we should welcome people who seek refuge in our country and asked us to reflect on how our welcome to the world’s poorest and most frightened lives up to Chapter 53 of the Rule of St Benedict. Dr. Martin addressing the assembled gathering. He remembered Father Peter fondly - it was he who Dr Martin addressed the large gathering of monks, celebrated the Mass and gave the Abbatial Blessing members of the Garvey family, past pupils, staff, when Fr. Peter was installed as Abbot of Bolton former staff, pupils and parents and, taking his Abbey in 2006. He wondered out loud how will our cue from the Rule of St. Benedict challenged those time be remembered in 30 or 50 years’ time. present in a number of ways. He referred to the

Pictured with Dr. Martin are Andrew Cody (CCR 1977-’82), Pincipal Mr. Gerry Grealish, Dom Malachy, Fr. Vladimir, Nurse Ann Harrington and Seamus Hennessy, Housemaster and Director of Admissions.

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 21 ROSCREA Review Reflections of a Cocooning CCR Pastman

Even in the darker days of cocooning, the EAGLE And coming back to the Prayer Path and the Cistercians, it internet publication reminds me that the the ancient pilgrim paths of France, continues to arrive and referred to as the French Ways or French Caminos which enlighten our screens as cross south westerly through France to the Pyrenees, to link to College events including with the Camino of Santiago de Compostela, were associated the construction of the with the monks of Cluny (predecessors of the Cistercians of Prayer Path. In view of Cîteaux) in the eleventh century. These routes still exist and the Corona Pandemic are still followed often through hidden parts of France, like arrival, the timing of the UNESCO heritage town of Vézelay. this construction was excellent. This town is in the historical Burgundy region, in the northcentral part of the country, and is where one of these The May 2020 edition of the EAGLE confirmed that the routes begins.The wine buffs may be familiar with the local College neighbours from Riverstown and other areas Bourgogne Vézelay. The history buffs will know that the bordering the Little Brosna river appreciate it, as they town was the site of the launching of the Second Crusade relieve by walking there the tedium of self confinement, by Bernard of Clairvaux, the great Cistercian, in 1146. Of known variously as quarantine, lockdown, self isolation, course the wine buffs and the history buffs may be one and or cocooning. The path may prompt the students and the same persons! One also recalls that viticulture has deep the neighbours to engage in what is currently known as monastic roots (no pun intended) in France. To the present Mindfulness. When I first encountered this term I wondered day the Cistercians of the Îles de Lérins, a Mediterranean if it was the same as Meditation. cluster of four islands, a short boat ride from Cannes, are leading winemakers. Lo and behold during the first weekend of May 2020, I see these terms being used interchangeably in, of all places that The pilgrimage routes are signposted by scallop shells, very secular organ the Financial Times. At least it was a over ancient church doors in near forgotten parts of this change from reading about the price of Brent Crude or West beguiling country. History has it that these shells were used Texas oil. And in the same way the term Mindfulness was by thirsty medieval pilgrims to scoop up drinking water used, on the same weekend on radio by columnist Michael from natural sources. A step backwards from the point of Harding, and by singer/musician Sharon Corr, interviewed view of the Green Agenda was taken when plastic water by the Sunday Independent from her lockdown in Madrid. bottled were invented. The FT tells us that many employers are paying for staff to take Meditation training with the objective of reducing Perhaps one of these paths could be followed again by stress especially in this lockdown era, and we are told of the some of the college students or younger (fitter!) pastmen. existence of Meditation apps variously named Headspace It’s a long way from Vézelay to Compostela. But some and Calm. have travelled by bicycle, or even by horseback like the adventurer/explorer Tim Severin, who followed the path I wonder if this is the same activity we used to see the of the First Crusade from Belgium to Jerusalem some nine Cistercians engaged in, when we trooped across to the centuries later, in 1987. Whether on foot or otherwise, the Monastery from the College on Sunday mornings all those students and/or pastmen (or a combined group) could years ago? It would appear that the current Mindfulness traverse the countryside of France, up into the Pyrenees and activity may be a secular, non-theocentric form of northern Spain, in the spirit of Tim Severin, with a sense of Meditation or could it be a theocentric activity like the historical connectivity with the old monks of Cluny, Cîteaux, equivalent practice in Buddhism, Islam, or Christianity? It and Clairvaux. While doing so they might even engage in would appear that the Mindfulness referred to by the FT, a bit of Meditation or Mindfulness. Hopefully they could designed to ease office stress is at a more superficial level do so without having to avail of the aforementioned apps, than that practised by the monks of Mt St Joseph Abbey, Headspace or Calm. which may have been closer to the of mysticism of Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), the ascetic German-Dutch monk. Cathal Bredin (CCR 1955-’60)

Roscrea Review 22 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review Dublin Branch Notes The Next Union President Despite the restrictions Pat Keane (CCR 1963-’68) of the pandemic, and the will take over the Union forced cancellation of both Presidency on 6th September 2020. He will be the fourth the Annual Dinner and the member of the Class of 1963- annual golf outing to Elm ’68 to hold the office - the Park in the first half of 2020, others being Michael Coyle, the Dublin Branch Committee Jim Keating and Frank remain optimistic for the Thompson. Pat was a member of the college junior and Branch’s events in 2020-’21. senior rugby teams.

Following the Branch Committee’s virtual meeting on After leaving CCR Pat attended UCD where he did a 15th June, Chairman Sean O’Sullivan said ‘We really are B.Comm degree. During his 3 years in UCD he was a looking forward to reengaging with our members as soon member UCD Boat Club, wining local Regattas and All Ireland Titles. Pat represented Ireland in 1971 in the pairs as possible and to emphasise that, particularly in these event at the Annual Home Nations Regatta, which was more difficult times, having a reliable network to lean held that year at Castle Semple, Renfrewshire, Scotland. on, such as we are lucky enough to have as Roscreamen, On leaving UCD, Pat signed Articles with Coopers & will be invaluable. It is our role to promote this and to Lybrand in October 1971 and qualified as a Chartered encourage participation in our events so as to sustain Accountant in 1974. He started his Accountancy & and maintain that network so as to provide support to Tax practice, in his home town of Trim, Co. Meath in pastmen.” January 1975. Due to the growing importance of tax Pat subsequently became a member of the Irish Tax Institute. With this in mind the Dublin Branch is maintaining Pat was elected Treasurer at our 2014 union AGM. Since its current date of 16th October for its annual Business then he has worked to improve our union’s finances by Lunch in the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, in the hope encouraging pastmen to donate to our union. Donations received are just sufficient to cover the cost of one Roscrea that by then restrictions will have been sufficiently eased Review per annum. Postage is a major and rising cost, to allow such a gathering. hence the need to minimise it. Thank You Lists of donors are posted quarterly on our Union website. The Dublin Branch will also be hosting a virtual AGM www.ccrunion.org later in the summer, to appoint officers and members He has also spearheaded the continuous updating of and elect a Chairman, details for which will be circulated our Union’s website so that it is a comprehensive and in advance. The Branch encourages all members to get up to date source of information on all Union matters. involved with the Committee and, where possible, to An ongoing project of his is the archiving of issues of the Roscrea Review from its beginnings in the 1960s to the make themselves available for election to the Committee, present day. This project has slowed due to Covid-19. so as to drive innovation and renewal in its membership. An S.O.S. for copies of the following Reviews which are absent from the Union’s archives: The Branch Committee encourages you to check your - Issues: 11 to 20 inclusive, and nos. 23,24,27,73,82. emails regularly and to visit their website at https:// Anyone who can supply (even loan) any of the above www.ccrunion-dublin.ie/ issues please let us know.

Sean O’Sullivan (CCR 1998-2004) Pat has agreed to continue his duties of Treasurer during his year as President. Dublin Branch Chairman. Pat can be contacted at: [email protected]

Roscrea Review www.ccrunion.org www.ccrunion.org 23 ROSCREA Review Pictured at the statue of Our Lady at the start of An Cosán Caol, are Dom Malachy Thompson and Dr. Diarmuid Martin, and from left, Mr. Joseph Merrick, private secretary to Archbishop Martin and former chaplain in CCR, Transition Year students Jack McGrath, Lorcan Mullen and Simon O’Keeffe, College Principal Mr. Gerry Grealish, Housemaster Mr. Paddy Smith and Fr. Aodhan McDunphy ocso.

CLASS OF 67 GROUP IN DROPPING WELL 30TH JAN 2020

A group of members of the Class of 67 planned a get together in the Dropping Well pub in Milltown, Dublin for late January 2020, blissfully unaware that it would be the last such gathering for a long time. In the photo from left to right: Ted Joyce, John Kane, Austin Vaughan, Paul Fogarty, Seán Costelloe, Pat Hanratty and Hugh Garahy.

Roscrea Review 24 www.ccrunion.org ROSCREA Review