The BelvedereSummer Edition 2017 | AMDG News A Word from the Headmaster

s I write the sun is shining, students have returned from Greece and Zambia with their teachers and the exams are Ain their final phase. It is a busy time and in a sense there is no “winding down” in Belvedere as the summer schools and Theatre head into a busy summer schedule. So, the Newsletter is a welcome opportunity to look back on a year of achievement, excitement, sadness and joy. I want to thank Joanne Ryan for the tremendous work done in ensuring the Newsletter is a wonderful snapshot of many, though not all of, the activities and experiences students have engaged in. I hope it conveys the energy and enthusiasm of all those engaged in the life of the College. None of this would be possible without the generosity of spirit of the College staff who are willing to give of their time and talent to ensure that education in the broadest sense engages our students and gives them an opportunity to discover their talents. Thanks also to the wonderful support of the parents and past pupils whose energy and generosity make sure that students have such wonderful opportunities. The Board of Management, chaired by Brian Owens, faced into a year with many challenges, including national industrial action, the development of the Masterplan, which will ensure our facilities will be outstanding, and the continued development of education in the College. The appointment process for two additional Deputies was demanding and the calibre of applicants was excellent. We welcome Lesley Byrne and Clodagh Culligan who will join Seamus Finegan as Deputies. I want to thank them, the Parent’s about the causes of such violence because fear and ignorance Association chaired by Loreto O’Byrne, the Past Pupils Union led by are the root of prejudice and bigotry. Our students face into a President Eugene Bent and the Ladies Committee chaired by Cecily world of amazing opportunity and they need to develop their Farrell. understanding of politics and international affairs. There is a need As a community we celebrated great achievements and small for moral leaders who have a profound sense of their responsibility ones too. We gathered together to mourn Ronan Beakey’s to strive for a fairer, more just society. That journey begins for death and we continue to keep his family in our thoughts and students by learning about their world. prayers. Sadly Fr. Derek SJ (RIP) died and he is greatly missed. Many of our students, particularly those just finished the Leaving We appreciate the continued support of the Jesuit Province Certificate, will set out on journeys this summer. We wish them and we welcome Fr. Paddy Greene SJ as the new Rector of the safe travel and look forward to all of our students returning safely College. Charles Jaryekonga will continue as a young Jesuit here in late August. Others will set out on journeys of the imagination in Belvedere and we say goodbye to Mateusz Basiejko who is as they read and discover the joy of the many worlds opened up by returning to Poland after two years of making a great contribution reading. Thankfully the choice of books for adolescents is superb, to the College. but some need their parents’ encouragement and support to read. At assemblies we stood in solidarity with the victims of Finally, may you have a wonderful summer and enjoy reading terrorism, which reminds us that we have an obligation to learn the Newsletter.

In this issue: News & Music & Faith & Belvedere Sports Achievements Drama Services Union

p2 p7 p10 p14 p17 News & Achievements Fr. Derek Cassidy SJ, RIP Irish By Gerry Foley

hen we gathered in St. Francis Debating W Xavier Church, in Gardiner Street, we gathered in sadness, but we wanted to celebrate and give thanks for Fr. Derek’s life with his family and with the Jesuit province. Each of us knew Derek in a different way and we all have memories of a man who could laugh at himself, the world and laugh and talk with people of very different ages and backgrounds. In mourning him we fondly remember stories that highlight his wit, his willingness to confront what he perceived was wrong, even if that led to a difficult experience for both himself and whoever thought he was going to hold back, simply because This year saw our Irish Debaters James of his vocation. You did not have to Kirwan, Niall MacCaffrey & Diarmaid guess Derek’s opinions and views. He Tuckey become Gael Linn Senior Irish could be subtle or when required, bold Debating Competition Leinster Champions and forthright when subtlety failed. and go on to represent Belvedere in Derek’s response to illness made you Comórtas Náisiúnta Díospóireacht an realise that we should never take being Phiarsaigh. alive and having health, for granted. The theology of salvation was not theoretical for him, it was a lived example. On the table in Derek’s office is “The Simpsons and Philosophy, The D’oh of Homer.” It’s noteworthy that Richard Belvedere Dawkins, “Brief Candle in the Dark” is also on the shelf, so Derek was catholic in his sources of inspiration. The connection the Buildings Committee, and Jesuit Boys take may not seem obvious, but one of Derek’s Identity Committee, he was passionate favourite episodes of the Simpsons, which in providing the right environment to he used in his homilies, is the one where nurture community, friendship and part in Bart, declaring he does not believe in learning. having a soul, sells it, only to regret it Derek’s publican background gave him when he discovers that life without soul the skills to be fully present to people, Lollipop Day is a life deprived. By using the Simpsons, to hear their story and enter into it with Derek highlighted the challenge of Jesuit them. That is why so many students hold Education, to place the person of Jesus at his memory dearly and fondly. He was the heart of what we do. there, fully present, not just physically, but So, amid all Derek’s jocularity, there lay in his un-divided attention to them. a sincerity, a belief that life was so much There was the prayer on his wall, and I better lived if the gentleness of humility think it captures a lot of his humour and and care of Jesus was our inspiration. honesty. One of Derek’s many achievements Dear God, so far today I’ve done alright, in Belvedere was to develop the role of I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t been greedy, Rector, which was a challenge given we grumpy, nasty, selfish or over indulgent. I’m are not residents in the school, but we are very thankful for that. But in a few minutes a community almost without boundaries. God, I’m going to get out of bed, and from His presence as a man who was reflective then on I’m probably going to need a lot and invited reflection, has had an impact more help. on so many people and on so many Derek was that help for a lot of us different levels. and while extending our sympathy and In February our students braved the His dry wit often brightened the condolences to his community and his wind and rain to take part in the annual moment and his genuine question asking family, I want to extend, on behalf of the Lollipop Day in aid of the Oesophageal “How are you...” was never followed by a Belvedere family, a sincere thank you. For Cancer Fund. Despite the inclement hurried moment, he gave generously of 16 years, we enjoyed Derek as chaplain, weather, the spirit and resourcefulness his time and gave people space so they teacher, Form Tutor, Rector and Board of the Belvedere boys was not dampened could take time out of their hurried day, member. You shared him with us and we in the least. We had some students even to stop, think, and enter that space where are forever grateful for that. His soul will creative enough to devise their own prayer leads us. That appreciation of continue his work with the students and social justice rap song. Starbucks even the moment lay at the heart of so many families and we gain strength from his took pity on a few drowned rats and memories of him. example as a Jesuit, a priest, a friend and a offered them a cup of hot chocolate to With his untiring work in Fundraising, companion. May he rest in peace. help them carry on.

2 News & Achievements Neven Maguire visits Belvedere in aid of Jigsaw

Poetry Trip to DCU Despite the bad weather, the Fifth Years made the most of their DCU campus tour back in March. Thanks to Johnny and all the reps for taking care of the students. It was lovely to meet past pupil, Conor The Home Economics Department were delighted to host An Evening with Gilligan (OB 2015), out there too! Neven Maguire in the O’Reilly Theatre this year. Many of our students had the opportunity to meet and learn from Neven while raising vital funds for Jigsaw. Students had been working hard in advance of this event and gifted Neven two hand-made cushions for his children Connor and Lucia. Jigsaw is providing vital support to young people in Ireland with their mental Library News health through a free one-to-one therapeutic approach and workshops within By Aileen Ivory, Librarian local communities. Chinese New Year of the topic, took the title in an unbelievably Sam Lynch McNabb and Eliott Gauvin Grennan. The year of the Rooster was one that we close senior final against fellow contenders Thanks so much to you all. couldn’t let get away without seeing it arrive Kevin Loftus (Runner Up), Dan Byrne, Conor with some style. Therefore, on February 3rd O’Neill and Peter Tumulty. We are so grateful Paddy Armstrong we decorated the Library to within an inch to Mr Stephen Carey and Ms Lesley Byrne for It was a privilege to welcome Paddy Armstrong of its life and tucked into delicious Chinese their contribution and support for this event and Alastair Logan in April. In 1974 Paddy duck pancakes prepared and served by our and especially to the legendary Quiz Hosting Armstrong, the author of Life after Life: A Home Economics department - naturally skills of Mr Carey. Guildford Four Memoir, was arrested and accompanied by lashings of White Rabbit charged, along with three others, with candy and fortune cookies. Chinese traditional planting the bombs that exploded in two calligraphy with Crystal and Penny was a Guildford pubs killing six and wounding almost huge hit and the Dragon Dancer and Chinese seventy. Thanks to forced confessions, he and drumming left us all wishing we could take his co-accused were found guilty of crimes off down O’Connell Street dancing to the they had not committed and given long life joyous beat of the Tanggu. Huge thanks to sentences. Paddy and Alastair spoke to senior Mr and Mrs Wang for organising this, it was a Spelling Bee history students about the struggle to prove massive treat. All money raised for this went Spelling Bee took place just their innocence and the ultimate acquittal to the Vincent de Paul and thanks to all who before the Easter holidays of the Guildford Four. Joined by writer and helped out on the day as well as our Student where we were joined by Journalist Mary Elaine Tynan, they spoke about organisers, Jonny, Boris, Adam, Derry and 14 other schools looking for the time leading up to the bombings, the time Cillian. From us to you, 新年快乐 and 谢谢! spelling glory. Our team on remand and prison life as well as life after of Ciaran McGrath (EK), Paddy’s release and answered in great detail Mastermind Oisin Keating MacDermott (RDF), Diarmuid the barrage of questions we all had for them. One of the highlights MacMurchadha (PA) and Conor O’Neill (PK) Paddy’s book is important, valuable and of this term was our were fantastic and all four managed to make it necessary to understand how far we’ve come first annual Mastermind through the first two tough rounds to spell in in relation to ‘The Troubles’ and our thanks Competition. At the Final, an amazing achievement. Although go to all of them for being such gracious and lunchtime in the library the title of Spelling Bee 2017 Champion went enlightening visitors. to Ryan Baker of Stratford College in Rathgar, we whittled Seventy Two candidates down Parents’ Book Club our own Conor O’Neill came third in a close to two ultimate champions. Congratulations After Christmas we formed two new book battle for second place. All of our team did to Max Kaye in Elements Loyola and James clubs for Belvedere parents. It’s been us proud, coming in the Top Ten against Kirwan in Rhetoric Finlay on taking the title enormous fun reading and chatting once a very strong competition. Again, none of of Junior and Senior Mastermind Champion month and hope to continue our book club this would have been possible without Laura respectively. Max’s encyclopaedic knowledge next year. We’ve been introduced to some MacNaughton, Gemma Reeves and Joanne of the Back to the Future trilogy secured his great books by our members and it’s been Ryan who contributed their time and lively win over fellow Junior contenders Alex Doran a wonderful experience to read away from energy to the event, our super Gappies, Lochie (Runner Up), Dylan Birthistle, Louis Killalea, usual comfort zones. Can’t wait to see what and Brendan and Student Helpers Eoghan Conall O’Briain, and Liam O’Keeffe. James next year’s reads have in store and if you are Clancy, Tim Kenny, Ross Flanagan, Sam Lynch chose The History of Mathematics as his interested in getting involved just let me know McNabb, Evan Bhulai Finegan, Ben Sheean, specialised subject and, despite the breadth by emailing me at [email protected] 3 News & Achievements

Commitment to being Green

Totting up the results of the Peer Mentor Quiz! Congratulations to our hard working Green School’s Committee who secured a third Green Flag for Belvedere College SJ this year. Combined with regular talks on Waste Management and Pollution and the importance of keeping the environment around us, not just in school but everywhere we go, as pristine as possible, this is another successful year for the committee in raising our awareness of green issues. Our planet’s not just for Christmas, it’s for life! Belvedere’s Urban Farm wins prestigious Zayed Future Energy Prize

Belvedere College SJ won the Zayed Future Energy Prize in the on our curriculum. Explaining the effect of this project proposal, Global High Schools category, Europe region, at the annual Simon O’Donnell said, “The Zayed Future Energy Prize will engage awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, UAE in January. Now in its ninth our students at a deeper level with sustainability and renewable cycle, the UAE’s international prize recognises pioneers in the energy issues by providing the possibility of project implementation fields of renewable energy and sustainability. that would not be feasible without external support. This win gives Congratulating Belvedere on the achievement, Dr Nawal Al- our students the belief that they are part of the solution to the Hosany, Director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said: “We environmental problems that are shared with young people around are delighted to welcome Belvedere College to our growing the globe.” international community as the winner of the Europe region of the Global High Schools category. We were impressed by the vision shown within their project proposal and the legacy it will leave for future generations of students. Empowering young people is critical to delivering a sustainable future, and we hope this school will act as a benchmark for others in the region to think and act sustainably.” Belvedere was awarded the prize for its “grow-lab” concept, which produces food in an urban setting. Food will be produced using an aquaponics system that irrigates crops using harvested rainwater and pollinated by bees from on-site hives. The lab will be powered by a 6.24 kW (peak) off-grid photovoltaic system that will illuminate plants with high-efficiency horticultural-grade LED lighting, with students assuming responsibility for managing energy use. Winning the Zayed Future Energy Prize will have a positive impact

The Three Musketeers This year’s Dramatic Society production was The Three Musketeers, which played to packed audiences in the O’Reilly Theatre back in March.

4 News & Achievements

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Art Exhibition in the College.

The exhibition showcased over 70 pieces of work by students from 4th, 5th and 6th year. The exhibition ran from Monday 16th Jan – Wednesday 25th January and was a huge success. It showcased a wide variety of media and artistic processes including painting, printmaking, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, photography, silver jewellery, sculpture, origami and lots more. These students deserve great recognition for their hard work and achievements.

A cake for everything! Belvedere Play wins at Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards!

Last year’s First Year Play, Children of the Martina Leddy (who provided the wonderful Rising, took first place in its category set along with Seamus Fearon OB 1984). The (Best School Play) at the Bord Gáis Energy music for the play was coordinated by Daniel Student Theatre Awards this term at the Bisset (Grammar Kenney). Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. This was a huge Congratulations too to all those involved achievement for the team of teachers and in Lord of the Flies who also made it to pupils involved, as there were more than this year’s final, which was a wonderful 3,000 entries in the competition in total. achievement in itself. This show was directed Sincere congratulations and thanks go to and produced by Laura Freyne and Ciara Lesley Byrne, Fiachra Sheridan (who wrote Flynn, aided by Katie Ryan, with sets by the play), Ciara Crosbie, Fiona Gillespie and Martina Leddy and Seamus Fearon.

¡Comemos! Poetry students from all three Spanish classes enjoyed sampling some fabulous tapas in Salamanca We have had some lovely celebrations restaurant. this year in Belvedere including Seachtain The boys were able to put their Spanish na Gaeilge, Brother Eamon Davis turning to use interacting with native speakers. 87 years young and Dan Meagher’s 25 Un muy buen día para todos. Years of service. 5 News & Achievements Junior Debating 2016/2017

When people first join debating, I The All Ireland Mace finals were held on don’t think as teenagers that a lot of us our home turf this year, and although no recognise the mental hurdles that you have Belvedere speaker managed to get into to get past to actually be able to debate. the final, a number of individuals such However those mental hurdles and the as Robert Grendon, Tomás O’Ceallaigh style of thinking you are forced to employ, and Oisin Ward (2nd year) did very well. debates, who instils a belief in us that bring more confidence and ability than you Tomás O’Ceallaigh was the highest placed not many others can and also makes sure would expect. I know for me this wasn’t Belvedere speaker on Nationals Day, we don’t get lost on our way to debates, something I saw in debating before, but finishing in 12th place. Looking back Leon Langdon, a college student with after two years of procrastination, I allowed on what was a day of brilliant displays surprisingly good taste in clothes who myself to be coaxed into it by my form of rhetoric and debating, the only thing helped us practice maces and prepare tutor and Mr Hogan. After debating for one that could be said against the day was speeches. This was a painful and probably year in school, looking back you genuinely the poor orders of pizza, with a rather frustrating task previously fulfilled by Mark do see more improvements than you unnecessary amount of vegetarian pizzas. A. Kelly, to whom we are also grateful. expect. The thing that struck me most was The hosting of this Mace was also used as It was a great year filled with fun that it wasn’t just my self-confidence that an opportunity to show off the Senior Cup moments and great triumphs. As a third grew. But, how I spoke to people changed, Trophy. year entering the realm of Senior Debating, whether it be to one person or a group, The Loreto Beginners Mace concluded the showcases of second and first years debating gives you a way of thinking and a year of successful debating and the first have shown, Junior Debating in Belvedere is speaking that lets your ideas be listened and second year speakers all did extremely going strong and we will remain one of the to and how you can get ideas to stick with well. This was exemplified by three best schools for debating. people. Belvedere teams reaching the final, with Eóin Walsh, Grammar Xavier After that tear welling, dramatic the second year duo of Lorcan O’Brien and introduction, this is what we actually did Liam Keating winning the competition. during the year. There were two strands Although neither the All-Ireland Mace of competitions run throughout the year, Trophy or the Leinster Prepared Trophy was the Mace and Prepared competitions. brought back to Belvedere, the presence Throughout the first rounds multiple of Belvo speakers in every top 10 ranking teams did very well with the likes of Lorcan and seven or eight speakers constantly O’Brien and Oisin Ward representing occupying top 20’s out of over 400, acted second years all the way to the final as a deserved statement of Belvedere’s and semi-final respectively. Throughout prowess in Leinster debating. This is a these stages, all the Belvedere Teams did testament to the commitment and belief extremely well. Weeknights in UCD were put into us by Phil Hogan, the man with the all memorable and quite comedic with grey hair at the back of our ELEMENTS the charms of Tomás O’Ceallaigh and the humour of Oisin Ward and Cillian O’Neill. RUGBY PANEL 1 Robert Grendon, Darragh Schmidt, Oisin ELEMENTS Ward, Tomás O’Ceallaigh and Lorcan by Cameron Daly, Elements O’Brien all reached the semi-finals, RUGBY PANEL 2 Aylmer however after some brilliant speeches and It all began last year, August 2016 in Camp controversial judging, only one Belvedere by Cameron Daly, Elements Aylmer Belvo, the rugby Camp in Cabra. It was a Team reached the final. Tomás O’Ceallaigh great experience for all of us who were and Lorcan O’Brien represented the school When we started playing in August most new to rugby and for those who had played very well in the final however they came people didn’t know what a rugby ball looked before. It was also a great way to get to know second to a superbly talented Monkstown like never mind all the tactics and skills the new people and a good start to 1st year in team. coaches taught us. It was also a great way to Belvedere. get to know our class mates and team mates. School began and after a month we split up It started with our class team and a class into teams, training on Wednesday, Thursday tournament but pretty soon after that things and Saturdays. Everyone was a bit new to it ELEMENTS got serious and we separated into panels 1, at the start, but as we went on we started to RUGBY PANEL 3 2, 3 I was myself was on Panel 2. We started play like a team and not just individuals. training hard twice a week and had a match There were tough games throughout the by Sean Conroy, Elements on Saturday mornings. year against Marys, Blackrock and Michaels Scully There was a good mood on panel 2. It but we got great results against Mount wasn’t completely serious compared to panel Temple, CUS and Blackrock. Next year we aim I am so proud to be playing on panel 3 this 1 but in training we didn’t mess about. We to build on this. year. It has been a great achievement for me did as we were told and got better as the year Everyone worked hard no matter what and my team for we had had no experience went on. team they played on and always with the right playing rugby before coming to Belvedere. There we some good wins and some losses mind-set. I hope that next year we continue to Although we did not win every game we came too. We had some good wins against CBC build on this and those that are new to rugby, home with that feeling that we had done our Cork, Terenure and St. Marys. But whatever will keep on playing. best. We progressed over the year and had the score our coaches always seemed to find On behalf of everyone I would like to thank got better as a team and as individuals. I’d something that we could improve on. Mr Wood, Mr McKenna, Simon O’Donnell, like to thank Mr. Sheridan, Ms. Carrol-Moyles I would like to thank Mr. Wood, Mr. Mark Kaveh and all the past pupils who helped and Ms. Sheridan for their coaching over the McKenna, Mr. O’Donnell, Marc Kaveh and coach us throughout the year. We appreciate season as well as all of the past pupils who all the past pupils who have helped out them giving up their spare time – we are all gave up a lot of their time to help us improve. throughout the year. very grateful.

6 Sports Belvedere Back-To-Back Senior Cup Champions

First Round could have went either way but we’re really glad to Belvedere College S.J. began their defence of the have come away with the win today.” Leinster Senior Cup on Sunday 29th January with a 48 – 7 win against St. Andrew’s College, Semi-Final Booterstown at Donnybrook Stadium. Just one step away from a third consecutive final, The Black and White Army were out in force Belvedere College S.J. met Clongowes Wood and they were hoping this will be the start of a College in a highly anticipated all-Jesuit semi- long campaign to secure the Senior Cup’s spot final on Monday 6th March. Clongowes put up a in the courtyard window of Great Denmark Street real fight, but in the end our boys proved to be too once again. strong, winning the game 17 – 12. Fr. Derek Cassidy SJ told the boys at their Jersey Phil Werahiko said after the game “To be back in the Presentation to “trust the number on your back” and final for our third time, it’s something you never think that was evident as they worked together to stride into the about, you just take it year by year. Clongowes were very next round. good today, they were very smart.” Max Kearney celebrated their As reported by The42.ie after the game “this was a performance, win by thanking the coaches, “It’s always a pleasure to get to the and result, which sent out a clear signal of intent to those hoping to final, and we were happy to get the win today. I think it’s all down dethrone them.” to the coaches, this dominant era in Belvo, Phil has done a great Max Kearney, Captain, said “It was a great start to our campaign, job bringing in young players every year which is why we have the good to get first round nerves settled. My moment of the match experience this year.” was getting the first try of the tournament down, thanks to Mark Donnelly.” Final St. Patrick’s Day, RDS Arena, against Blackrock, a formidable Quarter-Final opponent. But the boys were well prepared for what was to be a Seeking to build upon their first win of the season, Belvedere College tremendous battle. S.J. met St. Michael’s College in extremely inclement conditions on The 42.ie reported, “It was a brutally physical encounter from start Sunday 12th February. It was a hard-fought quarter final match that to finish at the RDS with little to separate the two sides but, in the saw Belvedere win 29 – 18 and march towards repeating the success end, Peter Maher’s first half score was the difference as Belvo secured of their 2016 Leinster Senior Cup win. a 12th title.” Speaking after the game Phil Werahiko, Director of Rugby noted It ended 10 – 3 to Belvo, with Captain Kearney saying “I’m hugely “The team performed very well, in these conditions I think it was proud of my boys, there’s not a better group of lads to deserve that. tough on both sides but we stuck at it, we worked on being patient Out of the three years I’ve played senior Cup this is the most special, and we relied on our defence. St. Michael’s are a very skilled side.” just me and my friends working hard for each other. I’m so lucky With Max Kearney adding “It was tough alright, Michael’s really I get to go to a school where they invest so much in us and all the brought it to us. I’m glad we got the win in the end, my heart goes teachers care about us. We have such great coaches, so I’m glad we out to them, they really experienced bad bounce of the ball today, it can bring the cup back to the school again.” JCT Season 2016/17

Huge congratulations must also go to our Junior Cup team Semi-Final against Blackrock. We sadly lost 25 – 14 but who saw off Temple Carrig in a 31 – 0 stunning first round showed a huge amount of spirit which the boys will take and a hard-won 15 – 14 win over Clongowes to reach the into next season. 7 Sports

elvedere added to their tally of rugby silverware with two Double Rugby 7’s Victories Bexcellent tournament victories in the Umbrella 7’s held at Terenure College on Saturday 1st April. Victories in both the under 15’s and under 17’s meant a clean sweep for the College in both competitions. The manner in which the players in both teams was a credit to themselves and the College, especially as not one player had ever played the game of 7’s Rugby previously.

Lifesaving in Belvedere 2016/17 By Donnchadh Curran

ifesaving in Belvedere College SJ this year has been very successful. Under the tutelage of Brother Eamon LDavis, Belvedere has won over 25 medals in national competitions and students from all years have learned valuable skills and earned a variety of qualifications. In the All Ireland Speeds competition, Belvedere had eight competitors and every competitor won at least one medal. The Senior team (consisting of myself (RL), Fintan Curran (PL), Eoghan Kennedy McPartlan (SX) and James Evans (GA)) won gold in all four relays they took part in. In the All Ireland Schools competition, the College had great success. Winning four golds, one silver and one bronze, including Eoghan Kennedy McPartlan and James Evans finishing 1st and 2nd overall in the Junior competition and Fintan Curran finishing 3rd overall in the Senior competition. The Belvedere Gala (our annual house competition) saw lifesaving on a Monday and Wednesday in the school pool, a very high standard of competition. I was fortunate to and to learn CPR can go to the multipurpose room on a retain the Senior title, with Sean Dunne claiming the Junior Thursday at lunch and Friday after school. Lifesaving has been Championship. The individual events were won by a variety of easily one of the highlights in my time at Belvedere College students showing the highly competitive nature of lifesaving SJ and I would highly encourage anyone interested to come within the College. along. It is a wonderful skill to have and is a highly enjoyable Students hoping to learn lifesaving skills can go to activity to take part in. Water Polo at Tennis Orienteering Belvedere Champion

Belvedere have won The Leinster Schools Tennis Boys League, Junior Division 1 2017. Congratulations to all the players. Congratulations to our Senior Water Singles players were Cathal Butler, Polo team on making the Final of the Matthew Cleere and Hugh Butler. All-Ireland Championships 2017! Doubles players were Adam Beatty, Dan Well done to coaches Mr Costello Barry, Oscar Bates and Gavin L’Estrange. and Mr Egan and the squad Matthew Ben Bolger was a substitute. The final Hynes, Jack Crumlish, Henry Costello, was played in Templeogue Tennis Aidan McCullough (GX) representing Leo Costello, Bill Costello, Kieran Cope, Lawn Club against Gonzaga with a Belvedere College SJ and his club Dylan Egan, Lucas Ryan, Ruaidhrí Ó resounding result 5-0. Thank you to Ms 3Roc in the Irish Schools Orienteering Murchadha, Patrick Kelleher, Aaron Lyons for her work in getting the team Championships, coming First in the Stenson. to where they are. 2nd/3rd Year category.

8 Sports FAI Schools Soccer Success Final Score: Blackrock College 2 - Belvedere of half time, Belvedere took the lead through College 2, Belvedere won 4-3 on penalties Rory Clarke. This looked to surely tip the Many congratulations to the Belvedere balance in Belvedere’s favour but a great Senior Soccer Squad who captured the header at the far post from Blackrock was inaugural Joe Mc Grath Perpetual Cup. the equaliser in the second half and penalties A cracking match played on the front followed. lawn on a beautiful sunny day. Belvedere Belvedere took an early lead with Blackrock were underdogs heading into the final missing a couple. Drama followed, however, after losing a few weeks previous to the as Belvedere missed their chance to seal it same opposition. A quiet first half saw both and let Blackrock back in. However, after teams create a couple of chances. The game another Blackrock miss, Michael Mc Hugh sparked into life after the break. Blackrock stepped up to clinch the victory. had a man sent off for a second bookable It was a great day and a huge thank you offence. This galvanised the home side to Feidhlim Kelly, Mr Mc Kenna, the match however and they took the lead. Belvedere officials, supporters, our Principal Mr Foley probed but the outcome was looking bleak and finally to our gracious hosts, Blackrock until super striker Josh Scully nipped in for a College and their Principal Mr Alan Mc Ginty. 90th minute equaliser. Coach Feidhlim Kelly They provided a lovely reception after for gave a stirring speech as the boys headed players, coaches, fans and parents. This into extra time. A loud and vocal Belvedere brings to a close a fantastic season of soccer support willed the boys on and on the stroke in Belvedere. Well done all! Athletics by Ronan Duggan

Leinster Schools Track and Field Championships Belvedere athletes performed incredibly well at the Leinsters this year. The Minor, Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams combined to win the best overall Boys Schools trophies. We had many outstanding performances this week with the throws providing the bulk of the medals. In the minor category Morgan Brennan won the Discus while Darragh Doran finished second in the same event. Ewan Smith and Michael Carmody were third in the Javelin and the 60m Hurdles respectively. In the Junior Category Scott Meaney missed out by 1cm on a triple jump title, finishing second. Sean Harte and Theo Dempsey were second and third respectively in the Javelin. Dylan O’Grady and Sean Harte were both third in the Pole Vault and the Discus respectively. Daniel Stone was an unlucky 5th place in the U16 mile. He was battled hard for the win and unfortunately this quest for victory left him struggling in the home straight where he was in third with a stride to go only be pipped not only for third but fourth as well in a photo finish. At Intermediate level Fionn McGrane and Eoghan Conway were second and third in the Triple Jump while Hugh Flood rounded out the medallists with a second place finish in the hammer throw. In the Senior Category we qualified a fantastic seven athletes to the All-Ireland Schools in Tullamore. Jake Robinson and Evan Mitchell went 1-2 in the Boys Hammer. Sean Thompson also managed second in the Triple Jump and Eoin O’Dwyer qualified for his first All-Ireland with a third place finish in the 5000m. O’Dwyer battled well to edge some top athletes. Brian Fay managed to finish 1st in the 2000m Steeplechase as well as second in the 1500m. A slew of fourths were in order for Conor Byrne (Javelin), Ben Quinn (400mh), Odhran O’Brien (Discus), and Jonathan Bell (Shot Putt). pipped by 4 points to finish 4th team. The Senior race saw our own Leinster Schools Cross Country Brian Fay finish an excellent 4th securing his individual place at the Santry Demense was the venue for the Leinster Schools Cross All Ireland Championships in March. What a great year he is having. Country. A very tough course was used this year and the standard He was a little disappointed as mock exam commitments had left of competition was higher than previous years. In the intermediate him drained for the race. Eoin O’Dwyer finished a very unlucky 16th, race in particular the standard was exceptional. Our boys were one place outside All Ireland Qualification. Ciaran Heelan and Conor superb but today our competitors were also. Our Junior Team O Neil also ran strongly. These are the fine margins at this level. We experienced their first Leinster Championships and Ruairi Walsh were only a few places away from an outstanding Inter and Senior had an outstanding run finishing 28th. Our two Intermediate teams achievement. The boys were very disappointed which goes to show qualified for today’s race. Ben Guiden, Michael Murphy and Daniel the level of expectation they and the coaches have of themselves. Stone finished 17th, 19th and 21st. Barney Kelly, Cathal Butler, They can be content in the knowledge that the three schools in Stephen Fay and John Fanning were close behind. Having three front of them are favourites for the first three places at national finishers in the top 25 would normally be a safe bet but we were just level. An impressive display from our boys. 9 Music & Drama

Joining the Choir through the My Six Years in eyes of an Elements Student by Fionn Hargaden (EX) the Choir, by Josh n amalgam of boys Balfe (OB 2017) A was hanging around in the Junior Building’s Without a doubt, joining the choir was one of the best decisions I made foyer. Some had brought during my six years in the College. I still remember to this day, my first sweets, and most of the others voice placement with the wonderfully quirky Ruaidhrí Ó Dálaigh and the were trying to convince them ever so sweet Frances Stoker-Phelan. To say I wasn’t intimidated would to share them. A small group be a lie, but I was determined to push myself outside of my comfort were playing their phones in the corner. It was a few minutes after zone from the word ‘go’. I stood in what is now the Headmaster’s office, home time, and these were the guys who’d come to choir. Mostly as I sang scales and my two future conductors took notes. I left the those whose confidence in their voice overruled their embarrassment room, my nerves calming, after I was placed in the Alto section of the about singing, although a couple had been made come by their choir. I still find amusement in the fact that, throughout all of the years parents. Most of them had no idea what to expect. of competitions and performances I took part in with the choir, the Fran walked into the Lecture theatre. Frances Stoker-Phelan isn’t like voice placement was the most nervous I had been. very many other choir teachers. While your stereotypical instructor Soon after I joined the choir, we were invited to sing “O Fortuna” in was grumpy-looking and perpetually screeching about not going flat the National Concert Hall. As a 13 year old with a passion for music, or partaking of the mysterious swooping, the best way to describe the prospect of singing in the Concert Hall was exciting beyond Fran is infectiously, unrelentingly positive. After a brief introduction belief. Despite having limited time to learn the music, the choir pulled about who she was and what the choir was, Fran cut to the chase. together to make the performance a success. Having never read sheet ‘Now, you’re all going to join in a little activity, okay?’ She pointed music before, this task was particularly challenging for me, as well as towards the middle clump of seats. ‘So, you guys are going to be other younger members of the choir. However, the older members singing this:’ she cleared her throat, and began singing, “Mango supported us and were always willing to answer any questions we had. mango mango, mango, mango mango mango //clap clap//‘. The It was during these rehearsals that I discovered the true atmosphere of entire theatre exploded into laughter. Fran didn’t seem to mind. After the College choir. The choir was a family of its own within the College a couple of minutes she’d arranged a song of sorts; the middle row community. The music we sang gave students, old and young, an with their mangoes, the left row supporting with kiwis, and the right opportunity to come together, not only to perform and compete, but to row with a cheery descant based around bananas. At first it was a connect and build strong friendships. mess, with false starts and the occasional burst of giggling, but after The Carol Service each Christmas allows the choir to share the a couple of minutes Fran had managed to arrange it into actual music, connection they form with the wider College community. Staff, family with melody, and more importantly, enthusiasm. And when it comes members and others flock to have a seat at this truly magical event. teenage boys, enthusiasm about anything other than sports and girls During my first year I had no idea what to expect, but from then on, it was like gold dust. was one of my favourite times of the year to sing with the choir. The Junior Choir boys met every Friday after school, and on Throughout my years in the choir, we have performed a massive Thursday mornings at eight. And the practice paid off. array of pieces, varying from gospel to barbershop and everything in We performed at the Christmas mass. The audience loved it. Earlier between. This year the full choir sang Donald Patriquin’s “J’entends le that week the US Ambassador requested us for his Christmas party. Moulin”, an intense yet extremely fun piece to sing, perfectly contrasted We performed through serious competitions and just for fun. with the soft “Northern lights” by Ola Gjeilo. The full choir placed We shared happy times and terribly sad times and through it all, we second in the Wesley Feis and received a very high marking in the Feis began to really bond together. Ceoil competition. The glory however went to the fabulous Junior Choir, As well as the junior choir, we participated in the Full Choir and who with their unwavering energy and enthusiasm managed to take 1st the senior choir, led by Ruaidhrí O’Dalaigh, a likeable, eager and prize in both of their competitions under the nurturing wing of Frances exceedingly energetic man. Stoker-Phelan. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and Then it was time for the Junior Choir to compete at the Wesley to encourage all of those in the Junior Choir to keep singing! You are the Choir Contest. All our skill would be put to the test. All the practices future of music in the College and I can already tell that you will leave would either pay off or all come to an anti-climax. A win would mean Belvedere as amazing and accomplished musicians. the glory, and another trophy in our cabinet. A loss would mean us One performance in particular will stick with me. The Senior Choir going home empty-handed with our tails between our legs. had advanced to the winner’s competition of the Feis Ceoil singing We won! “Sold”, a barbershop arrangement of a 90’s country song by John That most certainly wasn’t our only victory. At Feis Ceoil, an even Michael Montgomery. Knowing we had some very tough competition, bigger contest, the Junior choir reeled in another victory, defeating we vowed to give it our all and to deliver the best performance we could many other schools famous for their singing prowess. give. I can assure you that is exactly what we did. The entire Senior At the Musical Evening, we weren’t the only ones performing. We Choir clicked, as we sang for enjoyment, without worrying about where got to hear the Wind Band, the Jazz Band, the Trad Group, and, of we would place in the competition. Every chord zinged, as we charmed course, the soloists. All of the above were unbelievably good. At the the audience with our key changes and an utterly amazing tag. We had end of the night, we got a standing ovation. given the performance of our lives. When we released that final chord, All in all, the choir has been an amazing experience, and even it was clear that the exhilarating energy the choir had put in had been though the rehearsals could be a slog, in the end they always were caught by the entire auditorium. A tsunami of applause and cheers worth it. And, although a lot of us started off only going because erupted as we stood on stage in awe of what we ourselves had done. of parent’s orders or because of the brownies - yes, Fran sometimes We may not have won that competition, but we poured everything into bakes us brownies - I think by the end of the year we were all really that performance and we left more than happy. and truly enjoying it, and are looking forward to next year already. I urge anyone with any interest in music whatsoever to join the choir, no matter what year you are in. You can join As winner of the Youth Choir Two-Part competition at ESB Feis Ceoil 2017, with little to no experience and I can assure you that you the Belvedere Junior Choir have been invited to perform at one of the Young will emerge with excellent musical knowledge as well as Platform Series concerts in the National Concert Hall this autumn. unforgettable memories. It has been my absolute pleasure to The concert will take place on Monday 11th September, in the John Field have been a part of the growing musical talent in the school. Room of the National Concert Hall at 8pm. I wish the very best of luck to the choir in the future, I know it will only get better. 10 Music & Drama

The Annual Musical Evening – a Student’s Perspective By 7:05pm on Saturday 6th May, the followed by “Seven Bridges Road” conducted Ms. Louise Curtin, played the buoyant and audience were snugly packed within by Rhetoric student Sean Casey. He was heartening “Cumberland Cross”, which their seats in the O’Reilly Theatre as the sure to make an impression on the members earned them first place in the Post-Primary Chamber Choir began to line up. Our of the Junior Choir with the spectacular schools category of the Wesley Interschools’ esteemed conductor – the one and only performance! Music Festival. Their uplifting performance Ruaidhrí Ó Dalaigh – gave the singers The Senior Chamber Orchestra, tutored was followed by selections from Pirates their music from his trusty pitch-pipe a by Ms. Louise Curtin, began playing their of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, with mere few feet from the astronomically repertoire, which included “Falling Slowly” Rhetoric student Aodhán Buggy playing on large audience. Everyone’s hard work was from the film Once, celebrating its tenth the cello and, combined with the thunderous finally about to pay off. year anniversary, followed by an elated sound of the trombones, the intense The tempestuous applause was followed performance with a piece from the “Marcello atmosphere created was, to say the least, by the introduction of the Symphonic Band, Oboe Concerto”. Rhetoric student Ben enthralling! conducted by Wind Band co-ordinator Mr. Gannon’s incredible performance was the Our final round of soloists came on to Daniel Dunne. Their stellar performance of perfect end to the first half of the Musical perform. Daniel Wigglesworth sang his “Earthdance” and “Clark County Celebration” Evening! cover of Bon Iver’s indie folk masterpiece was sensational to say the least. The College “Holocene” and afterwards Oisín Keating Choir came soon afterwards with their MacDermot performed “The Bee”. From the performance of “J’entends le Moulin”. moment he began playing, the 300 pairs of The evening’s first round of accomplished, eyes couldn’t keep track of his fingers flailing talented soloists began to make their up and down the fingerboard of his violin! appearances on stage; Fergal O’Byrne’s The last solo act was Ruairí Nicholl and Seán rendition of “Etude in C# Minor” by Chopin Casey playing “Fisherman’s Blues”. The on piano had once again given me hope that dynamic duo evidently had everyone in high it was possible to achieve what appeared spirits! physically impossible. Eoin Harrington’s Following another exemplary performance performance of “Life on Mars”, accompanied After a brief interval, the Trad Band, by the choir, the Jazz Band were up. With by the chamber orchestra, was a heart- orchestrated by Mr. David O’Hanlon and their victory at the Wesley Interschools’ warming tribute to the late David Bowie, Ms. Aisling Lonergan, played a proud Music Festival still fresh in their memory, and the hard work and raw talent that Daniel assortment of dance tunes, followed by they arranged their repertoire consisting Roddy displayed with his intricate guitar Lennon-McCartney’s “Here Comes the of Billy Timmons’ “Moanin” and “Love” by playing on his rendition of Cuban composer Sun”. It wasn’t long until the majority of the Nat King Cole, the latter of which was sung Leo Brouwer’s “Danza Caracteristica” was audience were entranced by their pieces, by Francois Mullan. You could just hear absolutely worthy of his acclaim from the tapping their feet along with the beat of the members of the audience swooning in the audience. various jigs and reels being played! background! They finished with “Cut to the The Belvedere College Junior Choir, It was the Belvedere College Chamber Chase”, nothing short of a jazz relic – with conducted by Fran Stoker-Phelan, was on Choir’s time to shine afterwards; they sang audience members on the edge of their centre-stage, ready to perform. Their three the Low Voice Irish Ballad “Ceann Dubh seats, enrooted grins on all their faces, pieces – “Oh No John”, “Give Us Hope”, and Dilis”, followed by a throwback to the last tapping their foot to what would then be The Jungle Book’s “I Wanna Be Like You” – year’s Senior Musical – “Tonight” from West everyone’s ringtone for the next month and had not only deserved them the McCarry Side Story. The crowd were serenaded by a half! Cup at Feis Ceoil but the booming applause the passionate vocals of both contrasting The coveted Choir medal winner was then that had soon followed for the enthusiastic pieces; considering the audience’s response, announced. This year Josh Balfe was the singers! they assuredly managed to strike a chord lucky student whose well deserved efforts The second round of soloists were on, with with them! towards the choir had earned him the title; Tadhg O’Connell playing Haydn’s “Allegro Yet another round of soloists made their with acknowledgment to all members of Moderato from Sonata No.47”. Rhetoric way onstage, with David Boylan playing staff, and the girls from Mount Sackville. students Philip Jebb and Aodhán Buggy Gershwin’s “Prelude No. 1”. Eoghan Doddy The Orchestra sat while the Choir stood to played U2’s classic “With or Without You”, followed him on with his performance of play the finale. Conducted by Mr. Dunne, with stirring, captivating performances all “Capricho Arab” by Francisco Arab. At the evening ended with “Excerpts from La La round. Elements student Adam Caulfield last performed Grammar student Daniel Land”. The combined talents of the Choir, sang “Stay” by Rihanna. Jaws dropped as Bisset, singing “My New Philosophy” from Jazz Band, and Orchestra made both the his pure soprano timbre echoed throughout the Broadway Musical You’re a Good audience and performers savour the final the theatre, from members of staff to the Man, Charlie Brown. Their exuberant performance of the night. The crowd stood cameraman recording the night! performances kept the audience riveted all up for a standing ovation as Mr. Dunne had The College’s Senior Choir then sung throughout! us bow again … and again… and again… the barbershop ballad “If I Had My Way”, The College Orchestra, conducted by Ishan Banik, Syntax Loyola

11 Music & Drama The Lion, the Witch Lyon Exchange and the Wardrobe

he French exchange took place in February T of this year when a group of students travelled to Lyon. On arrival, the students were met by their exchange host families and given some time to settle in. On the first Monday we When the posters looked, especially were welcomed at the school by an introduction finally went up on those in furry animal in French and a French breakfast. We then had a the wall looking for costumes. When I tour of the beautiful school. We had our first French cast members for this saw Dylan Jones in class with our Irish teachers. We ate our first lunch year’s First Year Play, I his Witch’s Army in a French school and then we were off to discover for one was delighted costume, I literally beautiful Lyon, the Basilica de Fourvière and the old at the choice of play, didn’t recognise him! town. because I had read most Thanks to the incredibly The next day, despite bad weather, we visited of C S Lewis’ masterpieces, professional makeup the market. We tasted some specialities from Lyon, including ‘The Lion, the Witch and costume we were ALL the capital of gastronomy, at the indoor market and the Wardrobe’. I had also seen pretty unrecognisable, however we “les Halles de Lyon”: cheese, bugnes (some type of Disney’s vivid and magical movie of the will remember the sight of E45 cream pastries), macarons and pralines! book so I had a great image of what the everywhere and all our collars turning On the third school day, after our French lesson, show could look like and was really hoping orange overnight, pretty much forever! we walked to the Musée de la Confluence, which to be involved. It was a magical experience living in looks a bit like a spaceship from Star Wars. It was When all the parts were finally cast, I the world of Narnia for three nights and built where the two rivers meet: Rhône and Saone. remember asking everyone coming in the we were terribly sad to say goodbye to it This museum is a science centre and anthropology gate if they had a part and who was going on the last one. After 60 pizzas though, museum. We then had a picnic at the Confluence to be who? When we got our scripts, expertly delivered by Ivan, Conor and shopping centre with a bit of free time to spend everyone was interested to read it and Ms Crosbie, we were ready to roll for with our “correspondants”. most people just wanted to dive into a the final time and eagerly waiting in the We had a chance to have a private visit scene and get acting straight away. Once wings for the call “ Front house READY”, a chocolatier “La Toque Blanche” in the the girls arrived, the cast was complete and “Curtains”…….and back to the winter neighbourhood of La Croix-Rousse. We also did we were ready to get to work. wonderland of Narnia for the last time. a scavenger hunt in the heart of Lyon where we As Easter approached, the tension rose A very special thanks to Ms Crosbie and continued our discovery of Lyon and its history in and you could tell who had a long holiday Ms McDonagh, who made it all possible the museum Gadagne in the old Lyon. ahead learning lines. Once we came back from their vision for the stage set, makeup The next day was another day of History in it was show week. The show now really and costumes, to their calming presence the Centre for the History of the Resistance and looked like a show and for the most part and professionalism. A very big thanks also Deportation. Located on the former site of a French everyone knew the play inside out. to the stage crew, lights, sound and props military health school, it chronicles the French When the day of the dress rehearsal crew who made the show look so amazing. Resistance and Jewish deportation in World War came around, we were very excited to be It was a great experience to be part of the II. The school was occupied by the Germans in off school and getting our costumes later show and I’m really looking forward to the spring of 1943, and used by Lyon’s Gestapo that day. It was brilliant looking at how more drama next year. chief, Klaus Barbie, to torture resistance members, magical and mythical our fellow cast-mates By Daniel Fitzgerald (Elements Scully) including Jean Moulin. We were kindly invited to join different classes at the Lycée Saint-Marc with our “correspondants”: #Sleepout16 some of us went to History class, Spanish, English, French and others. In the afternoon, we have fun at the Omescape Game: players work as a team to Another fantastic achievement explore, find clues, and solve puzzles and mysteries by the Sleepout teams this year to beat the clock. Great fun! We said goodbye to our host families in Lyon raising a staggering €219,004 and went on to have two intense days in Paris: we to support Focus Ireland, Peter saw the Eiffel Tower by night, Montmartre, boat McVerry Trust and Home Again. tour on La Seine…Paris is an amazing place! Au revoir la France. We are going home with fantastic memories. 12 Stephen Gibbons Stephen Gibbons retires after 24 years service at Belvedere

A tribute from Seamus Finegan

Those of you who know Steve well will know that he is very much Steve’s role over the years as Form Tutor and Year Head set at home in any company and right from the moment he arrived in the standard for any of us to follow – Steve never gave up on any Belvedere in 1993 he fitted in immediately. student in his care; it’s not an exaggeration to say he devoted Steve began his teaching career in Good Counsel New Ross, himself to these roles and those students, pushing himself and then on to St Kevin’s in Ballygall Road, Finglas and then to CBS them to achieve the very best. Portarlington before he came to Belvedere and for the past It would be wrong of me not to mention Steve’s greatest passion 24 years he has been teaching Maths, Physics, Science and and his greatest joy – his family. Anna, Tom, Mark and Brian – you occasionally CSPE to the highest standard. His approach was can be immensely proud of Steve, just as proud as he is of you; always collaborative long before we even heard of that term – he you need to know that when we say Steve will be greatly missed has always put himself in the students’ shoes and worked with around this place that it’s not just a platitude thrown around on them, not just for them, always understanding, firm and fair – even occasions like this. The College owes a huge debt to you, Steve when admonishing a student. – there has been occasion when life in this place tested you but No tribute to this man would be complete without reference to you always conducted yourself with great dignity and integrity his outstanding contribution as a coach and mentor to dozens of and, I hope you know that you have always had the support of rugby teams in the College - Steve’s involvement with four Senior your many, many, friends who never for a minute ever saw you as Cup-winning teams is probably unparalleled in the history of the anything other than a thorough gentleman, a person of substance College and he is held in the highest regard by all those he coached and someone to be greatly admired. down through the years. God bless you and thank you for everything.

13 Faith & Services Belvedere welcomes new Rector, Fr. Paddy Greene S.J. Belvedere College SJ is delighted to announce that the Provincial has appointed a new Rector, Fr. Paddy Greene SJ. He has rich experience as he assumes the task. He taught Irish and English in Coláiste Iognáid while also serving as Spiritual Father and subsequently as Career Guidance Teacher. He became Headmaster in 1980. In 1988 he went to work on the Provincial’s staff and, two years later, took up the position of co- ordinator of a new training course (later an M.A. course) in school chaplaincy and pastoral care in Mater Dei Institute of Education in Dublin. For the last ten years Paddy has worked with JUST (Jesuit University Support and Training) in Ballymun, which helps people from an Elements educationally deprived area to gain access to university and graduate with degrees. Fr. Greene SJ was introduced to Staff and Grandparents Day students on Friday 19th May and his first event was to celebrate Mass at Rhetoric Graduation on Sunday 21st May. The College Paddy McIntyre and his Grandparents at Paddy’s desk. From left Harry McGennis, Peggy McGennis, Paddy McIntyre, Mary McIntyre, Tony McIntyre. really appreciates the support On Wed 10th May we welcomed the grandparents of Elements students to visit the College. of the Province and There were tours, tea and cake, liturgy and a fantastic performance by the Junior Choir. understand that their resources in terms of Jesuit personnel are limited and their continued provision of The inaugural Belvedere College Zambia a Rector is greatly Immersion programme is ready to begin. appreciated.

rom Thursday Mar 30th to April 1st, 20 students and 4 The Belvedere students will support local children with English, teachers went on retreat to Sli an Chroi, a St Patrick’s Maths and cultural exchange through games, music and dance. The FMissionary Society retreat centre in Kiltegan Co Wicklow, to emphasis is on the exchange of our human story - we learn from prepare for the Zambia programme which takes place from June one another and enrich one another. 3rd to 18th. An added element of the Belvedere programme is that, through The group will immerse themselves into the Taonga culture and fundraising by the 20 Belvedere students, we will donate enough life in the rural village of Chikuni, a mission run by the Jesuits of the funds for the Jesuits to invest in permanent school buildings to Zambia / Malawi Province. The specific focus is to support school replace the current mud huts used for classrooms. children in a radio school - a rural outstation where an educational All in all it’s a great example of living out the Jesuit characteristics curriculum is broadcast over a radio for a few hours each day. This of connecting faith and social justice in a very real and practical allows children access education in remote areas and balance that way. with normal household chores that might ordinarily prevent them This inaugural programme is intended to be the first of many from travelling long distances to the nearest government run visits to Zambia by Belvedere students. school. Education is promoted strongly as a pathway out of poverty A report on the programme will feature in the Winter edition of but often the barriers to getting an education are huge. The radio The Belvedere News. We wish the programme every blessing. schools have overcome these barriers, and due to regular contact AMDG. with school, the rural children are in many cases outperforming the Padraig Swan, national results for state examinations. A real success measure. Director of Faith and Service Programmes, Belvedere College SJ. 14 Faith & Services Pastoral Team visit Beatification of Fr John Sullivan SJ Loyola Institute at Trinity College

aturday 13th May marked a significant day for the Irish Church, and especially the S Irish Jesuit Province. An Irish Jesuit, Fr John Sullivan SJ was beatified by the Church, i.e. VDP is 100 in Belvedere – became Blessed John Sullivan. It was the first beatification ceremony ever to take place in Ireland. There was a special mass in Gardiner St Church at 11am with overflow streaming to Save The Date adjacent venues, one of which was our own O’Reilly Theatre. Blockpull 2017

This year we are celebrating 100 years of the Belvedere College St Aloysius Conference of St Vincent De Paul. Some small celebrations took place during last term but we would like to invite you to Save the Date, Sunday October 22nd 2017 for a special Mass in St Francis Xavier Church, Gardiner St. at 3pm, followed by refreshments. All are welcome, especially past VDP members.

huge congratulations must thanks to the students, teachers and go to the 55 students, staff parents of Belvedere for undertaking A and volunteers who recently this extraordinary journey from Dublin completed another successful Blockpull to Galway to raise funds for St. Francis Charity Walk from Dublin to Galway. Hospice. We are delighted to be included The event is in aid of three charities; again in this year’s Block Pull. Through Temple Street, St. Francis Hospice and their Trojan efforts on behalf of the the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The hospice, the students will create much boys braved every type of weather needed funds to ensure that patients and on their journey, and even picked up families will experience compassionate a few celebrity supporters along the caring at a deep physical, spiritual and way including WWE wrestler Sheamus emotional level when they are in most and RTE sports commentator Marty need of support in their lives”. Morrissey. The final amount raised will be Fintan Fagan, CEO, St. Francis Hospice reported in the Winter 2017 edition of said “I would like to convey our deepest the Belvedere News. 15 Theatre News

Theatre News

t’s been another fantastic year This year Belvedere House also hosted O’Reilly with the Irish premiere of for the arts community here the Institute of International and European Handel’s Radamisto brought to the stage I in Belvedere College SJ; from Affairs for a talk from Ambassador Walter by Northern Ireland Opera and the Irish visiting artists to our own home-grown Stevens who is the Permanent Chair of Chamber Orchestra conducted by David talent, 2017 has seen some exceptional the EU’s Political and Security Committee. Brophy. This beautifully designed opera performances. Then we were delighted to welcome back received huge standing ovations. The year began with several O’Reilly the annual Bloomsday Interview, when When The International Literature Theatre shows winning major awards with Geoff Dyer, author of four novels and seven Festival announced their 2017 programme Swan Lake/Loch na Eala being named books of non-fiction, was interviewed by it was very exciting to see Belvedere Best Production in the Irish Times Irish journalist Mark O’Connell. College featured heavily. Well known Theatre Awards, and Betroffenheit winning In the O’Reilly, January saw a great start figures such as John Boyne, author of The an Olivier Award for Best New Dance to 2017 with everything from opera to Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, up-and-coming Production. These shows were also critic Shakespeare on the stage. Wide Open Irish author Sally Rooney and Israeli author Judith Mackrell,’s number 1 and 2 picks Opera rehearsed their award winning Dorit Rabinyan were just a few of the for the Best Dance shows of 2016. Finally show The Last Hotel in the O’Reilly before literary celebrities who came to Belvedere the much respected theatre critic Lynn taking the show to Luxemburg. Then the for the Festival. Gardner included Swan Lake/Loch na hEala theatre became home to an undersea fairy- TV personality, comedian and author in her top theatre choices of the year with tale with a new in-development musical Ruby Wax brought both laughter and a photo of the production featured in the called The Sea Brothers having its first insight to the O’Reilly with her fantastic Guardian with the O’Reilly Theatre given public performance on the O’Reilly stage. show Frazzled. During the evening Ruby prominent credit with the photograph. Next we welcomed the C Company with spoke about using mindfulness to deal Meanwhile, No.3 continues to grow as a their production of King Lear, which was with the everyday stresses of life, and major creative hub for Dublin City Centre. featured in the Saturday Independent and also held a Q&A and signed copies of her This year we had well-known theatre on Pat Kenny’s Newstalk radio show. book. The Festival ended with the O’Reilly companies such as Fishamble: The New In February we greeted the Trinity SVDP welcoming Pulitzer-prize winning author Play Company, Druid Theatre Company, for their annual panto, which this year was Elizabeth Strout to speak about her novels the Scene & Heard Festival and the Gate their original show The Book of Spells, Olive Kitteridge and My Name is Lucy Theatre rehearse plays in the building. which brought the world of Harry Potter to Barton. We were delighted to have these We also welcomed a new member to the the theatre while also raising money for a inspiring authors come to Belvedere. No.3 creative family, with award winning great cause. We have many exciting events coming photographer Anthony Woods opening In April we were delighted to have up for you in the next school year. The up a studio in the building. Anthony has on stage the acclaimed Opera Theatre O’Reilly continues to be the home in shot advertising campaigns for companies Company with the Handel opera Acis Dublin for opera lovers with visits from such as Samsung, Aer Lingus, Bus Eireann & Galatea which had a one-night only, Opera Collective Ireland, Wide Open and Dulux Paint. As well as taking celebrity sold-out performance. The beautiful Opera and Opera Theatre Company all portraits for John Hurt, Ralph Fiennes, Handel score was performed by the Irish lined-up for the autumn. We also have Grainne Seoige, Aidan Gillen and Michael Baroque Orchestra and the opera garnered exciting events coming from the Dublin Gambon amongst many others. rave reviews. We finished April with the Fringe Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival Belvedere House has also had a busy Elements Play, which this year was CS and Culture Night. Not to mention the and eclectic year. It was the home to Lewis’ magical The Lion, The Witch and great entertainment the Drama and everything from the Chinese New Year The Wardrobe. The wintery wonderland of Music Departments will be bringing from Festival, to the classical music group the Narnia was brought to life on the O’Reilly our own amazingly talented Belvedere Piatti Quartet, to serving as the setting stage by the talented cast and Drama students. for an exciting new jazz music video from Department team. We hope to see you next year to share singer/songwriter Edel Meade. May saw more opera come to the the love of the arts in Belvedere.

16 Development From The Development Office Over the course of the past year we have seen the This has also been a significant year in terms of furthering extraordinary accomplishments by our students matched, in our ambition to re-engage and connect with a broader base of many respects, by the continued generosity of the Belvedere past pupils – particularly those who now live abroad. We were community. fortunate to have the opportunity to host and attend events in We are delighted to announce that we have reached over New York, Boston, London and of course several here in Dublin. €5,000,000 pledged since the launch of the Campaign in October The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and in response 2013. This is a tremendous achievement, made possible by the to this, we are delighted to be working with Belvedere Union to commitment of parents, past parents, past pupils – both here in provide more opportunities for OBs to return to the College for Ireland and abroad – and of friends of the College. On behalf of reunions, tours of the campus and both large scale and smaller the College and its many constituents, we would like to extend a events on-site at the College. We look forward to announcing wholehearted ‘thank you’ to everyone who has donated to date the first of these events in the very near future and hope that and helped us to reach this important milestone. many more of you will take the opportunity to come back to the We were also honoured to host so many of our donors at College and experience for yourself how much has changed and our annual Social Diversity Programme luncheon, and at our developed since you left. inaugural Donor Reception in Belvedere House, where over As the current school year draws to a close, we would like to 150 campaign donors attended what was a wonderful musical take this opportunity to thank all of you – whether you gave of performance by Belvedere’s own Chamber Orchestra and Jazz your time, your skills and expertise, or made a donation – we are Band on a beautiful evening in May. very grateful for your support.

Total Pledged To Date Campaign Donors Largest Gift Average Pledged Gift Six-Figure Gifts €5,275,000 268 €725,000 €21,100 9

Ladies Committee Treasurer Joan Kelly presenting cheque €10,600 to Trish O’Brien, Ladies Committee member and Vice-President Belvedere Youth Club. Also in the photograph are Paul Brady General Manager, Brendan O’Leary Chairman and Dwayne O’Brien volunteer Belvedere Youth Club.

From the Ladies Committee On behalf of the members of Belvedere College S.J. Ladies Committee I would like to thank all who supported our events during the year. We had a very successful Festive Coffee Morning in December with an excellent demonstration of festive canapés by Catherine Allen followed by a beautiful creative floral demonstration given by Nuala Treacy. Br. Eamon Davis S.J. gave those present an insight into the wonderful work of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The event raised €3,500 for SVP. The Ladies Lunch took place in The Shelbourne Hotel on 31st March. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by a fantastic fashion show presented by Shamon, Castleknock and Surround, Howth with garments modelled by mums of Belvedere students. Dwayne O’Brien and Paul Brady from Belvedere Youth Club joined us and Dwayne commanded the attention of all in the room with his own personal story of how being a member of BYC influenced his life so positively. Thanks to the generosity of so many a cheque for €10,600 was presented to Belvedere Youth Club. On my own behalf I would like to say a special thank you to the members of the Committee and especially this year’s officers Mary Barry and Joan Kelly for their commitment, hard work and effort that ensured a successful year. I wish incoming President Martina Murray the very best for the year ahead. Cecily Farrell President Belvedere College S.J. Ladies Committee 17 Belvedere Union

PRESIDENT’S REPORT BELVEDERE COLLEGE PAST PUPILS’ UNION

he Past Pupils Union has been very busy and I’d like to give a flavour of some of the Union’s activities over the past year since Twe held the AGM in September 2016. The first event of the year is always the Union Dinner. Traditionally held on the first Friday in November, it is the start of the season of Past Pupil Dinners and over the last five years it has been held in the Round Room at the Mansion House. Last year we had over 350 past pupils attend the event with Brian Dillon, President Elect, acting as MC and doing his best to get everyone seated on time! One of the roles of President is to announce the recipient of the Social Justice Award and it was with great pleasure that we chose Stephen Cluskey OB 2003 as the 2016 Recipient and we were honoured to have such a worthy recipient in Stephen. You could hear a pin drop amongst the 350 people in the Mansion House on that night, when Stephen eloquently outlined how the Belvedere Community wrapped itself around him, when he speech that reflected on the great foundation he received in Great suffered the accident that left him paralysed as a young man. Stephen Denmark Street. Many thanks to Brian and the team and best wishes to went on to do great work on behalf of people with disabilities and is a Tom Wright who is taking over from Brian in September. And our Golf very worthy recipient of the award. society is very active with three outings over the spring and summer. At Christmas time, the Union supports the exceptional work of the The Belvedere Youth Club will be one hundred years old in 2018 it current Rhetoric, Poetry and recent past pupils in the Annual Sleep does marvellous work in the North Inner City. The Union has helped the Out. Adam Ronayne, CJ Barry and Eoin Kilkenny and the Junior Union Youth Club, through the committee headed by Darragh Lynch, with the have all done excellent work with this event, the Soup Runs throughout development of a 5 year strategic plan. The Union also funded a full the inner city and through raising funds for Pieta House with the Panda review of the organisation’s governance and structures to ensure the Cup. club survives well beyond its one hundred year celebrations in 2018. The Business Forum goes from strength to strength and had a very As President I am very honoured to attend certain school events successful 2016/2017 season with four breakfast briefings all very well during the year including the Graduation Ball in January, the Careers attended by the Alumni. Brian Dillon chaired the Forum and over the night, the school Musical and the Graduation Ceremonies in May. year we had the benefit of tremendous speakers in Ray Nolan, XSellco, Meeting and hearing these fine young men speak about their time in Damien O Donohue, IKON, Pete Smyth, Broadlake and Larry Murrin, Belvedere, makes one realise how valuable the Jesuit education is to Dawn Foods. these ‘Men for Others’, as they step into the next stage of their life. It’s Our 4th Annual Business Lunch was held on Friday 12th May in Fire been an honour to meet them all and I would like to thank Gerry Foley, Restaurant. This event saw over 200 attendees, mixing past pupils with Seamus Finnegan, Yvonne O’Brien and all the team in the College for their business guests. Ollie Loomes, CEO, Diageo gave an inspiring their help and support throughout the year.

Clongowes after a valiant display in the first round of the SCT. OB Updates n Clontarf FC were runners up in the AIL and n Social Justice Award winner Stephen Cluskey in 2012 was recently awarded Irish University several OBs featured including Matt D’arcy (OB 2003) has made several impressive Sailor of the year. (OB 2009) and Conor Jennings (OB 2016). television and radio appearances including n Jack McCaffrey (OB 2012) is back with the Malahide RFC attained senior club status the Late Late Show in May. Dublin Senior Football team and may come winning the Leinster League and had several n John Saunders (OB 1976) won the prestigious up against Cillian O’Sullivan (OB 2012) who is OBs on board including Chris O’Brien (OB Irish American of the Year award. starring for Meath. 2009), Hugo Nolan (OB 2009), Marcus n Ian Dempsey (OB 1979) was inducted into the n John Kennedy (OB 2002) was the captain McAllister (OB 2004), and Dave Mongan (OB Radio Hall of Fame. at OBRFC for 2016-17 season supported by 2006) and were coached by Ray Monaghan n Fr John Dardis SJ (OB 1974) has been many other OBs including Jonathan Slattery (OB 1994). n appointed to the Jesuit General Council. (OB 2007), Tom de Jongh (OB 2016), Connor Paddy Hayes (OB 1963) is the successful n Sean Óg Boylan (OB 2010) enjoys continued Owende (OB 2011) and Michael Oyuga (OB author of Queen of Spies, The Biography of success singing and won the Feis Ceol O’Mara 2010). James McCarthy (OB 1976) is the Daphne Park, Britain’s Cold War Spymaster. n Memorial Cup 2017. incoming president at OBRFC. Hugh Gallagher (OB 1996) of Northbridge n Alan Coleman (OB 1992) was shortlisted for n Ian Keatley (OB 2005) was selected for the Wealth Management published Straight Talk the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award and Ireland v Scotland 6 Nations squad and David on Financial Planning. n while he did not win he recently sold Brite Bill Shanahan (OB 2011) was selected for the John Bowman (OB 1960) recently published to Israeli group Amdocs. Ulster rugby team. an anthology of Ireland’s history from 1916 n Donal O’Flynn (OB 1999) continues to be a n Donal Crotty (OB 1999) who was school to 2016. n leader and innovator in the energy sector captain in 1998 is now captain at Ashbourne A book written by Paddy McEvoy (OB 1956) with involvement in companies such as RFC, winners of the All Ireland Junior Rugby raised over €40,000 in much needed funds for OpenHydro, which he founded. Cup. Another OB Peter O’Donnell (OB 2000) the Belvedere Youth Club. n n Sam Dennigan (OB 2004) of Strong Roots coached the winning team and he is also the Kevin O’Byrne (OB 1983) was recently Food was awarded an Entrepreneur of the Irish Women’s Rugby Coach. Rob Forbes (OB appointed as the CFO of Sainsbury’s in the UK. n Year Award. 1994) was the rugby coach of St. Fintan’s Gary Hoban (OB 2001) is building a reputation n Scott Flanigan (OB 2011) an Olympic sailor School who were narrowly defeated by for quality work at his Hoban design architect 18 Belvedere Union Belvedere Junior Union y way of background the Belvedere College Junior Union (“BJU”) is an arm Bof the Belvedere College Union and represents anyone who has left Belvedere in the last 10 years. The beginning of the year for the BJU coincides with the Annual Union Dinner which was hosted in the Round Room, Mansion House on 4th November 2016. This year almost 100 BJU members were in attendance. All 10 years were represented which contributed to one of the largest ever attendances from the junior years. Once the tuxedos were put away it was down to business and the hard work of the BJU began. A new I would particularly like to thank all initiative, The Belvedere Past Pupils Soup the members of the Union Committee Run, spearheaded by committee members for their involvement and commitment Conor Stone and Eoghan O’Connor was to the activities of the Union over started. The first outing took place in the past months and to thank the February 2017 where over 30 Belvederians in aid of Pieta House. The great weather, Past Pupils, for their engagement descended from Great Denmark Street and combined with food from Derek Keatley’s with the many and varied events and worked quietly around the streets of Inner Taco Mess, music played by Oisin O’Connell, activities organised and arranged by City Dublin, aiding the homeless with food, visits from Dublin’s Q102 and the Red Bull the Committee. It’s always good to tea and a friendly chat. We hope to run Wings team made it a fantastic fun family hear from past pupils and I would ask more of these outings over the summer and towards the end of the year so please get in day out. A special mention must go to all that you please provide all constructive touch if this is something which you may be the ladies who helped cater for the day and comments and suggestions to me via interested in. especially Noel and Paula McHugh who our Union Secretary Ciara Banks at 8th April 2017 marked the flagship event made a great effort to make it down on the [email protected]. for the BJU ‘The Panda Cup’ which is a tag day. Your presence was greatly appreciated. rugby tournament that first started back Finally, the BJU are delighted to announce Enjoy the Summer. in 2011. Well in excess of 200 participants that the Panda Cup raised €2,335. Sincere took to the Cabra sports grounds to battle it thanks to all who gave their support. Eugene Bent, President, Belvedere out for the ‘John McHugh Memorial Trophy’ Adam Ronayne, Chairman College Past Pupils Union

practice in London. Hugh Brennan (OB 1995) of DCU Students Union for the coming year. n Noël E Purcell, (OB 1909) was a former at Renaissance Re, Conor Foley (OB 1995) n Jack Chambers (OB 2009) is flying the flag for rugby international and was President of at Norton Rose, James Mintern (OB 2011) Belvedere at Dail Eireann. the Leinster Branch, IRFU, in 1943. He was at Credit Suisse are all enjoying working in n Tom Kinsella (OB 1987) is Head of the educated in Belvedere and Clongowes. He London. AIB Marketing team who were awarded was the only Irish international rugby player n Mark O’Meara (OB 1989) of Danu Partners Marketing Team of the Year in Ireland. to win an Olympic gold medal – as part of has hosted the Irish Jesuit Schools London n Garret Grogan (OB 1993) was appointed Britain’s water polo team in 1920. In 1924 he Lunch at their Smith & Wollenskys restaurant. Head of BOI Global Equities. represented the Irish Free State in the Paris n Several OB have been very generous with n Stephen Groarke (OB 1993) was appointed Olympics, the first man in the history of the their time in supporting the Belvedere Head of Risk at PTSB. Olympic Games to represent two countries. Business Forum with Damien O’Donohoe n The recent sad passing of Cardinal Desmond In or about 2012 his children Rosemary and (OB 1999) of Ikon Talent, Pete Smyth (OB Connell (OB 1943), former Archbishop of Noël J presented Belvedere with their father’s 1993) from Broadlake and Ollie Loomes (OB Dublin, and former past President of the Olympic Gold Medal along with participation 1987) of Diageo all speaking at events this Belvedere College Union was noted. His medals for the 1920 and 1924 Olympics, year. Business Forum events were kindly eminence Desmond Connell was the 71st along with pictures, medals and caps relating hosted by Alan Breen (OB 1995) at Cantor President of the Belvedere College Union to to the Olympics, Irish Rugby Football Union, Fitzgerald, Aidan Walsh (OB 1974) at PWC, 1999-2000, he is pre-deceased by his brothers Leinster Rugby, the Irish Amateur Swimming Tim McDowell (OB 1996) at Beauchamps, Dan (OB 1942), James (OB 1947) and his Association, Irish and Leinster Polo and the David Soffe (OB 2006) at McCann Fitzgerald nephew Fr. Roy (OB 1977). He is survived Tailteann games. The collection was put on and a triumvirate of OBs at Walkers, Andrew by his nephews, John (OB 1971) the current display in the College during the academic Traynor (OB 1998), Brendan O’Brien (OB Head of the French department at Belvedere year 2012/13. 1998) and David McGovern (OB 1997). College SJ, Dennis (OB 1974) and Mark (OB n Seamus Woulfe SC (OB 1980) appointment to n Michael Beary (OB 1987) has returned from 1983). the office of Attorney General. the US and has been appointed as head of n The life of Terry Wogan (OB 1956) was Amazon in Ireland. celebrated at a memorial service held at If you have anything to add please let n Brendan Murphy (OB 1988) is chairing the Westminster Abbey which was packed to Union secretary Ciara Banks at belvedereunion@ Teneo Group here in Ireland. capacity and which was broadcast live on the belvederecollege.ie know. n Niall Behan (OB 2013) was elected President BBC.

19 Parent’s Association Parent’s Association – a note from the Chair

As another academic year draws to a close it’s hard to believe just how quickly Farm programme, The Belvedere Newsletter, the last nine months have flown! Awards, (School ties & medals) the Student Council, St. Vincent de Paul and the SDP. The subject of our second Parent’s Association and generously gave of his time and expertise None of this work would be possible without a talk, which was held on 13th February, was showing that he remains a ‘Man for Others’. hard working Committee and we are very lucky ‘Making Good Decisions - The Ignation Way’. The presentation allowed for a Q&A session and to have a great Committee this year which has The talk was presented by Piaras Jackson SJ, luckily we had arranged for a late closing in the built on the success and hard work of previous Director of Manresa Jesuit Centre of car park as the questions were coming thick and committees: my sincere thanks and appreciation Spirituality and editor of Sacred Space fast from the audience right up to closing time! to all. In addition to a hard working Committee www.sacredspace.ie the daily prayer site. Piaras Other projects which the PA has funded and none of our work would be possible without the outlined how the Spiritual Exercises of Saint terrific support of the Administration and Security Ignatius of Loyola offer a lot of practical and wise assisted with during the year include but are not limited to: staff in the College. You all respond so efficiently insight on decision making that may be of help to and with such great patience to our numerous us as adults and as parents. For example, Piaras n An Evening with Neven Maguire which was requests to book rooms, organise meetings, suggested that as a parent we: held in the O’Reilly Theatre on the 15th March. supply sandwiches, teas, coffees etc. I would n Take time to recognise your own decision- This was a live cookery demonstration and all like to extend our very grateful thanks to Breda, making pattern. funds were raised for Jigsaw – The National Denise, Yvonne and Vassy. n Centre for Youth Mental Health. Watch out for opportunities to engage your n Please remember that we on the Parent’s adolescent, letting them know about your real 5th Year Mock Interviews on 4th April when we joined forces with 40 pairs of experienced Association Committee are YOUR representatives life and experience. so if you would like to contact me or any of the n parents to act as ‘interviewers’ for the Mock Pray for the grace of remaining patient! relevant Class Representatives our contact details Adolescents may not always be in control of Interview evening for 5th year pupils. n Management of the Lost & Found property are available on the College website. their moods. n n Handle your child’s dreams gently, helping Collating the photographs for the 2017 On behalf of all the Belvedere Parents I would also Rhetoric graduation like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Gerry them to recognise the values that are n emerging for them. Assisting with the post Senior Cup Final Foley, Mr Seamus Finegan and all of the College hospitality Community for their wonderful care and support If you are interested in receiving some for our boys. I would particularly like to wish a more information and insights from Piaras’ We wish to thank the many parents who have responded so positively to our requests for very warm welcome to our new Rector Fr. Paddy presentation on Jesuit wisdom in decision-making Greene SJ. please feel free to email me. volunteers on various occasions throughout the year. If you are in a position to offer your Finally, I would ask you to remember Fr. Derek The third and final talk of the year ‘An Evening assistance from time to time for various activities Cassidy SJ, who passed away on 30th March, in with David Coleman’ took place on 29th we would love to hear from you. Please forward your prayers. We and our sons are so much richer March in the O’Reilly Theatre. This event was in your contact details to any of the committee for having had Fr. Derek in our lives. We will never support of the Belvedere College Social Diversity members detailed below. see his like again. May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Programme and the main theme of the evening Dé go raibh a anam. was ‘building strong relationships with your On your behalf and following excellent teenagers’. David, a clinical psychologist, presentations and submissions we have provided Loreto O’Byrne, Chairperson broadcaster, author and OB 1989 very kindly sponsorship and made donations to the Urban - Belvedere College Parent’s Association

Belvedere College Parent’s Association Committee 2016/17 Editor: Joanne Ryan Elements Claire McWalter With Support From: Elements Treasurer David Crimmins [email protected] Aileen Ivory Rudiments Mark Bryans Design & Print: Rudiments Secretary Bernice Rocca [email protected] Outburstdesign.ie Grammar Joe Tunney Photography: Grammar Ann Purtill-Kalk Kindly contributed by Seamus Fearon, Fionán O’Connell, Kevin Owens and Syntax Eithne O’Connor various staff and students Syntax Fiona Owens A sincere thank you from the Newsletter Team to Poetry Geraldine O’Neill all who submitted articles and photography for this Poetry Cathal O Domhnaill Summer Edition of the newsletter. If you have any feedback, or would like to update your Rhetoric Chairperson Loreto O’Byrne [email protected] details or include an article in our next edition please Rhetoric Assistant Chairperson Catherine Ronayne contact Joanne Ryan in the Development Office on Board Representative (2016-2019) Donal Birthistle [email protected] 01-8586633 or email [email protected]. The Belvedere News is also available to read online at Board Representative (2016-2019) Margaret Flanagan [email protected] www.belvederecollege.ie.