Summer Edition | 2016 THE BELVEDERE NEWS AMDG

IN THIS ISSUE A WORD FROM THE HEADMASTER

BELVEDERE BEAT (1-11)

FEATURES (12-15)

DEVELOPMENT (16)

Dear Reader, challenges and I hope all our students return refreshed and ready to engage fully in their As the Back to School ads appear, I hope you education. find time to browse through the Newsletter. UNION (17-19) It will bring fond memories to many who Naturally, this is an anxious time for students participated and supported so many activities awaiting their State exam results, particularly in the College, some of which are Rhetoric 2016. We are confident that they will highlighted here. Others will no doubt excel and achieve outstanding academic develop a better understanding of the range results. More importantly, they showed of opportunities there are for students to themselves to be an outstanding group of develop their talents and discover what it is young men who achieved so much during that gives them energy and inspiration. their time in the College. We wish them every Hopefully it will encourage all our students success in the next stage of their life. to leave their comfort zone and continue to PARENTS ASSOCIATION (20) grow and develop. Finally I want to thank the editorial team for the Newsletter; Joanne Ryan, Trevor Dunne 2016 was a memorable year in the College and Paula McDermott. Thanks also to all who for so many reasons and I want to thank all contributed to the activities and programmes who give so generously of their time, and who took the time to submit articles. I energy and talents to ensure that the hope you enjoy reading this production. students are provided with growth and development opportunities. The year ahead brings many of these opportunities and also Mr Gerry Foley, Headmaster BELVEDERE BEAT

2 BORD GAIS ENERGY NATIONAL STUDENT THEATRE AWARDS

STUDENT THEATRE AWARDS BELVEDERE COLLEGE DRAMA SOCIETY WINNER BEST CHOREOGRAPHY 2016

Back in August, the dramatic society Clodagh. Huge thanks must go to Clodagh As the cast took their seats in the theatre, announced that the 2015 Senior Musical for the original 45 minute rehearsal and the the winner of best choreography was (open to students from Grammar to Rhetoric) three hour workshop which followed in the announced – and lo and behold, it was would be Leonard Bernstein’s classic ‘West O’Reilly Theatre two weeks later – she Belvo! The three male leads - Donncha Side Story’. And so began three months of helped us massively in bringing West Side Tynan (Riff), Nicky Delamer (Bernardo) and intense rehearsals as dance moves were Story from the O’Reilly to the Bord Gáis! Ralph Moran (Tony) – took to the stage with perfected, song lyrics memorised, scenes Mr Stephen Carey on behalf of the cast to were run far too many times to count and Finally, the day had arrived – May 5 was accept the award and a raucous chant of noses were broken (sorry about that Nicky here and we were all ecstatic and buzzing “BELVO! BELVO!” followed from the seats! Delamer). with excitement to perform in one of Ireland’s national theatres. Unfortunately, we were not victorious in the Eventually, the show premiered at the end of “Best overall school musical” category – but November to a roaring reception – every- When we arrived, we were sent to our we were still delighted with our triumph! one involved loved being a part of the show changing rooms by Michaela, Belvedere’s After our arrival back to Belvedere, one final and it seemed the audience loved it as well personal assistant for the day, where we rousing rendition of the cast’s favourite – right from the dance-heavy ‘Prologue’ all were given our makeup and went through number – “Gee, Officer Krupke!” – followed the way through to the tragic finale. The some mango vocal warmups with Mr Dan in the foyer and, sadly, that was that for the show was over – or so we thought… Dunne. One last stage check followed with rollercoaster that was West Side Story 2015. Clodagh and then we were sent back up to In March, the nominations for the Bord Gáis our changing rooms for an anxious wait for Huge thanks must go to Mr Carey, Mr Dunne Energy Theatre’s Student Theatre Awards the show to begin! We were eventually Ms O’Donohoe, Ms Corcoran, and Ms Byrne were announced and our production was a called down as the third act was going for their help and support. A massive thanks nominee for best overall Secondary School onstage and set up behind the curtain. to our choreographer, Nicole – the “Best musical in Ireland and best musical choreography Finally, after eight long months of dedication Choreography” award would not have been in Ireland! Rehearsal arrangements were to West Side Story, the curtain lifted in the possible without her! hastily made, the “Senior Musical West Side Bord Gáis and we began our tightly-knitted Story” Facebook page was rebooted (as medley of dances and numbers from the Finally, thanks to all of the cast, stage crew, was Mr Carey’s legendary Whatsapp show – beginning with the “Tonight Quintet”, orchestra, lights crew, sound crew and group!) and the show was back on track! we moved swiftly into the “Rumble” before props crew for making West Side Story the Anita and Maria’s emotional “A Boy Like amazing show it was – all the nominations The first three days back after the Easter That” duet and the crushing “Finale” and and awards were for all of the teachers and holidays were spent rehearsing, with the “Somewhere”. The audience lapped it up students involved! third day back being a 45 minute session and the performance went spectacularly with one of the theatre staff from the Bord Gáis, well – but the best was yet to come! Charlie Mac Niece and Eoin Harrington. BELVEDERE BEAT

BELVEDERE COLLEGE DRAMATIC SOCIETY 3

CHILDREN OF THE RISING Then Kevin Barry, Belvedere legend. FROM PAGE TO STAGE The bullet in the cabinet outside the O’Reilly Theatre, collected on a street Most stories start with a blank page and somewhere around Dublin 1. Boom. a frustrated mind. This one was a little different. After being asked by Lesley Then the auditions. “Read this and Byrne to write a piece based in 1916 for pretend you’re Kevin Barry.” The talent, the first year play, initially to be set in the confidence and the skill of the multiple locations around Belvedere, a actors. The genius direction of Lesley moving story if you will, Joe Duffy’s Byrne. The creative craziness of Ciara book was mentioned to me by several people as a must read and a starting Crosbie. The musical magic by Daniel point for anything to do with the Easter Rising. Bisset and his team. Seamus and the set surgeons. Dennis, Conrad, Tadgh and Then the blank pages and the time Joseph on lights and sound. The pride, pressure. Tick. Tick. Tick. Four weeks to the joy, the forty dead children of 1916. create a story good enough for the The moving story. hallowed Belvedere stage. Tick. Tick. Three weeks, slightly less blank pages. Two weeks. Thick for taking this Project on. Fiachra Sheridan

FEIS MAITIÚ

Belvedere College ‘s drama students were • 1stPlace ‘Group Improvisation U 14’ in wonderful dramatic form at this year’s • 1st Place & Highly Recommended Storytelling Feis Maitiú competition in the Mill Theatre, • 1st Place ‘Brendan Kennelly Cup’ Dundrum, on the 2nd of May. Massive • 1st Place ‘Duologue under 14’ Congratulations must go to: Liam, Daniel, Boris , Mark, Ms Laura Freyne Liam O’Keeffe (RuX), Daniel Bisset (RuK), and Mr Gerry Foley are pictured in Belvedere Boris Yu (RuL), and Mark O’Neill (RuK) House with trophies aloft after their win. garnered a First Place in the Under 14 Congratulations to all involved. Group Improvisation as well as the following very impressive results: The Drama Club

SENIOR DRAMA - LORD OF THE FLIES BELVEDERE BEAT

4 BELVEDERE COLLEGE DEBATING SOCIETIES

ELEMENTS DEBATING

This year has been an immensely successful year for our first year debaters. Every debate has been a unique and interesting experience for everybody involved. At the start of the year students from each class got the chance to debate, Kenney, arguably the most successful of the six, but Scully not far behind. Back in April the debaters participated in the Loreto College Mace Competition. A mace debate is when the debaters only find out the topic, side and position 20 minutes before the debate itself begins. Although none of the first years qualified for the final, they still got overwhelmingly positive feedback from the judges on Back Row L-R: Chris Mahady, Fergus McCormack, Ralph, Moran . the day. We learnt a lot from the Front Row L-R: Mr Simon Murphy, Ms Aisling Corcoran, Ethan Campbell Foley, experience and we all felt we would Oisin Peppard, Ms Louise Curtin. come back better for it. . FRENCH DEBATING In May, four of our first year debaters, Niall Moclair (EK), Lorcan O’Brien (ES), A super-talented team of speakers won National Library, Kildare Street on March Edward McEntee (EL) and Stuart Murphy the All Ireland French Debating Trophy the 15th. The opposing team, St Cree (EX), took part in the annual First 2016. The team were Ethan Campbell Columba’s, were a very strong and equal Foley (RS), Christopher Mahady (RS), opponent. The motion was “Ireland is too versus Second Year debate and for the Ralph Moran (RL), Fergus McCormack (RF) attached to the past” and our Belvedere first time ever the first years were and Oisin Peppard (RS). team oppposed the motion. successful in beating the second years. Everybody who participated in debating The experience was fun but very challenging. The Alliance Francais hosted a reception Debating at this level put the team under afterwards. Walking in the footsteps of enjoyed the year. Thanks very much to immense pressure to be able to formulate other victories this year, the French everyone involved, hopefully our success our own French on the spot in front of a Debating team walked their Cup across will continue into second year. judging panel and external audience. It’s the bridge to Belvedere that night! A a real test of language skill. huge Thanks to Ms Curtin, Ms Corcoran, Conall Ó’Briain & Conor Twomey, and Simon Murphy for their unstinting A huge amount of behind-the-scenes support and encouragement in our Elements Kenney work brought the team to the final in the debating journey.

country invited to the National Finals who suffer - in Paris at this time, but also which were held in Portlaoise on worldwide - and the importance of education Saturday, 12th March. in combating prejudice. So we stood together on a cold November morning and After eight rounds, Belvedere College had offered a moment of silence to remember won the competition outright, a remarkable those who lost their lives and to hope achievement that afforded Belvedere not and pray that tolerance and humanity to require a sudden death round. The will win out. national perpetual trophy of glass was Liberté • Égalité • Fraternité delivered to Belvedere that evening. Deserved congratulations to Ralph, Sean and James on their success. Many thanks to Ms Sweeny for her encouragement, coordination and planning.

NATIONAL IRISH APPLIED PARIS 1 MINUTE SILENCE MATHS COMPETITION On November 13th 2015 IS claimed Ralph Moran, Rhetoric Loyola, Sean Courtney, responsibility for a series of attacks on the Rhetoric Xavier and James Kirwan, city of Paris. We felt that it was necessary Poetry Finlay secured the National Irish to show our solidarity with and support Applied Maths competition 2016 for Belvedere with a superb display. for this iconic city; a city only just coming to terms with the Charlie Hebdo attacks Over 100 teams from around the country the previous January. The address by the took part in the Regional rounds on Thursday headmaster, Mr Foley, stressed not only 3rd March with the 12 best teams in the the importance of solidarity with those BELVEDERE BEAT

CANSAT - LUKE SEWELL, ROBERT TEELING, JACK SHANNON, MARK FARRELL & KEVIN QUINN 5

The Belvedere CanSat team recently got main circuit board, designing the can, 6:00 trying to get everything ready for to the All-Ireland CanSat final in Birr and PR and outreach, among other things. the final. We redid our can design, Castle. This is a big achievement for us as made a backup can and we also wrote there were five regions with up to eight We first attended the launch in DIT on up a document. This document held all schools in each region, and the Belvedere October 1st. Here we met an astronaut, of our work over the past few months. It team was one of only two from Leinster to Greg Johnson, and it was also our first was sent in to be judged before we left for Birr. get through to the All-Irelands. date for the competition. We spent the next few months designing, building, We arrived in Birr on Thursday the 14th, CanSat is a competition run by the Euro- testing, and meeting different people. where we got a talk from a researcher pean Space agency about designing and The date for the Leinster Final was the in ESA. The next day we went on to Birr building a working scale model of a satellite 9th of March, which proved to be a bad Castle. This was where our can was inside the dimensions of a drinks can. This day for us as the wind exceeded 40 km/h launched. We launched both of our cans satellite has to come complete with at times. The wind necessitated a launch from a rocket made by Irish Rocketry. pressure sensors, thermometers, a working from a kite at 80m, rather than a quad- Our satellites worked perfectly and we radio transmitter and more, and it is then copter as planned. This strong wind collected data and presented. Unfortunately, put into a rocket and dropped from an caused a lot of problems for all teams, Confey College, the other Leinster altitude of 100 metres. It transmits data as but especially us as we lost our battery finalists, got the win and will now be going it falls, and this data is analysed and and half of our can when the wind pulled to Portugal for the European finals. presented to a panel of judges. the cover off. We received no data on the day, but we used some data we collected We really enjoyed the project and it The Belvedere CanSat team was formed earlier and sample data and managed to was well worth it as we learned many in October, consisting of five members, get through the final, along with Confey skills, such as soldering and PR. We also Luke Sewell, Robert Teeling, Jack Shannon, College from Kildare. got to meet and talk to a lot of interesting Mark Farrell and Kevin Quinn. The team people. The competition is open every was organised with the help of Stephen The National final was set to be in Birr year for teams of six people, from 14-18 Gibbons and Patricia O’Byrne, a mentor Castle on the 15th of April. The next years of age. This is the furthest a Belvedere from DIT. We organised our roles, such month was spent doing a lot of work, team has ever gotten and hopefully in as making parachutes, soldering the sometimes staying in school till long past the future we will go further.

In 2014 two young student enthusiasts, Ralph Moran and Glenn Brannelly took the step of starting off the Belvedere Coding Club.

This year it had a bumper number of student participants. Unlike other coding clubs being set up, this was one with a difference. It was run by students, for students. Groups of 10-12 students have stayed on each Friday after school to be part of the Coding Club.

During its two years it has covered web design, java programming and most IMTA SENIOR MATHS COMPETITION recently Apple IOS development.

Congratulations to Rhetoric students It is recognised by Apple as the only Ralph Moran (RL), Sean Courtney (RX), coding club that is teaching Apple Watch Killian Dunne (RL) and Cormac Harmon development nationwide. Ralph and (RA) who came second in the regional Glenn are now in talks with Apple Educa- IMTA maths competition and went on to tional Department regarding the future represent the College at national level in of the Coding Club concept and how it March 2016. may act as a flagship for other clubs. BELVEDERE BEAT

6 NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY

BELVEDERE College SPELLING BEE 2016

The Spelling Bee 2016 was a very good - where our team scored two top ten but fun day. Thanks are also due to the day at the office for our Belvedere team. places coming 6th and 4th, the title for talents of Ms Sally Anne Ireland who was The Library was buzzing (!) on the 14th of The Ultimate Spelling Champ was fought the lynchpin of the day, acting as January and our four super-spellers Louis out between the last two standing - a ‘Pronouncer’ with great aplomb, and O’Carroll (6S), James Kirwan (5F), student from Loreto Beaufort and another Eoghan Clancy (1L) and Daniel Bissett Diarmuid MacMurchadha (4A) and from Loreto Foxrock. The penultimate (2K) in ‘dictionary corner’ for keeping the Cormac Docherty (2F) were outstanding word was “Psychosomatic,” and having scores and giving context and definitions against opposition from 14 other participating gotten it correct, Maria Graham from to anyone that required them and to schools – Alexandra College, Castleknock Loreto Beaufort, went on to win the title in Kevin Owens (3S) for taking some super College, Clongowes, Colaiste Iosagain, electrifying fashion. A worthy winner. photographs. Colaiste Eoin, Gonzaga, Loreto Beaufort, Anyone who can calmly spell “Deoxyribo- Loreto Foxrock, Muckross, Kings Hospital, nucleic” deserves to be! Additional thanks are also due to the St Michael’s, St Mary’s, Sandford Park – and great Belvo supporters who provided a 56 total contestants. Congratulations to all our Belvedere fantastic atmosphere in the library and contestants and to all the visiting opponents brought a smile to any dejected speller’s In a very tense final round – the knockout for making it an extremely competitive face – we couldn’t have done it without you!

LIBRARY SNAPSHOT CREATIVE WRITING CHINESE NEW YEAR

The first year is over in the new library After the hugely successful workshops The year of the Monkey was one that we and it’s been a hive of activity - chess tournament hosted by Oisin McGann and Nicola couldn’t let get away without seeing it in with Mount Sackville, our first Inter-School Pierce, we were delighted to welcome with some style. Therefore, on February Spelling Bee and Chinese New Year have three more wonderful authors, Dermot 8th we decorated the Library to within an brightened up our library days. We hope Bolger, David Butler and Tomas Morris, inch of its life and kicked off the New Year to introduce lots more new events next who all gave their time to the Poetry and with fortune cookies and White Rabbit Rhetoric creative writing groups. They candy, Chinese lessons given by our Fifth year as well as building on the ones we’ve ran an incredibly entertaining as well as Year Chinese students along with two of already started and our World Cinema practical workshop and the creative our Second Year native speakers and Club and Quiz League will be kicking it all output from each of these was bordering traditional calligraphy with Juen and Crystal. off in September. Thanks to everyone for on the phenomenal. We look forward to their support in making the Library such a inviting these incredibly generous writers Money raised for this went to the Vincent vibrant environment and we’re looking forward to visit Belvedere again and introducing de Paul and thanks to all who helped out to all that the New Year has to offer! more to the creative writers in Belvedere. on the day! BELVEDERE BEAT

MODEL UN CONFERENCE 7

MODEL UN CONFERENCE 2016 - WESLEY COLLEGE - BEN RYAN, SYNTAX KENNEY

Earlier this year I and a group of other and ensure your resolution gets passed, together and worked in their teams on fourth year students were asked to take so doing research was a vital part of the a specific resolution. We were given part in a ‘Model UN’ conference taking experience for us. We were completely clues throughout the two days on the place in Wesley College. This was a immersed in the political, social and type of issue we were dealing with that brand new venture for the school and we economical aspects of Afghanistan… culminated in the final resolution. Working were enthusiastic about trying something something I never expected to have to do in a team allowed us to pull together all our new. As seasoned debaters the group during my time in school! knowledge and create a great resolution was up for the challenge however we while also having an enjoyable time doing it. weren’t exactly sure what to expect. We The day soon came and the seven of us soon discovered what exactly a Model suited up and made our way to Wesley We came away from the MUN with a UN is and began our prep for the conference. College, where the two day event was ‘Commended’ and ‘Highly Commended being held. We were completely taken Delegate’ Certificate but the most important A Model UN (MUN) is when a group of aback by the whole event and how big of thing was we attained a sense of how the school students work together in teams to a deal it was. Schools came from all over UN works. represent a specific country and debate Ireland and even from as far as England on issues relevant in the world today from and Scotland to take part in the event. On We now have the ability to work as a the viewpoint of that country. It is carried the first day we were given time to gather team and overall had a great time essentially out in a way that simulates how the real support for our resolutions. This crucial arguing in a controlled manner with UN works and consists of several part of the experience required us to get other people. A huge thank you to Mr. committees dealing with a broad range other delegates to support our stance on Hogan and Ms. Ivory whose work and of different topics. Each delegation must issues and to create alliances between effort made us prepared for the conference select a member to represent their countries that would be deemed ques- and allowed us to make the most of it. nation in each committee and the tionable in the real world! We then split Well done to our fearless leader Liam delegates then discuss the issues by creat- into our different committees and spent Schmidt, who managed to make us into a ing carefully constructed documents known the remainder of the two days discussing as resolutions to highlight how they would issues relevant to each committee. I was functioning team ready for the conference implement change. Following some involved in the DISECH committee also! Overall the experience was extremely debate on the resolution a vote is held to (Disarmament and International Technology worthwhile and I look forward to attending see if it will pass and be put into practice. Committee) and became our resident more Model UN conferences in the future. expert on all things technological in Belvedere was given the nation of Afghanistan. Other committees included Belvedere College MUN Team 2015: Afghanistan to represent during the Politics, Environment and Health and conference. While we were initially covered a wide variety of topics from Liam Schmidt - Political Committee unsure about this we set out to do abortion to oil spills. My personal favourite Chris Hutchinson - History Committee detailed research into the different was ‘The question of Drone Attacks’ which Dan Byrne - Human Rights Committee aspects of our country and soon we were allowed us to explore new technology and Cathal McGuinness - Africa Committee thoroughly committed to representing consider how it could affect us in the future. Eoin Harrington: Health and Youth Committee Afghanistan. By using facts and statistics Ben Ryan - (Commended Delegate) to back up your arguments, you could Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the Disarmament & International Technology convince the other delegates of the MUN conference was the General Assembly. Conrad Oppermann - (Highly Commended severity of the issues being discussed This was where every delegate gathered Delegate) - Economic and Social Committee BELVEDERE BEAT

8 GREEN SCHOOLS COMMITTEE

CYCLING SAFETY CAMPAIGN The winners of our First Prize went to Niall maintain a bike and keep it in good condition. Moclair (EK) and second place went to Other activities included a film in the library about environmental issues and As always we’ve been beavering away on Ben O’ Brien (EA). small appliance recycling in the yard. the Green Schools committee for this year. The culmination of our hard work was our In order to encourage everyone in the Day of Action. The main focus of the day greater Belvedere community, boys who The huge success of the Action day was the was on Cycle Safety. Some of the activities cycled to school wearing a helmet were unveiling of a cycle rack sculpture designed included a competition to design a poster rewarded with a prize and all cyclists by Sean Smith of Grammar. He was present or write a poem or a rap to encourage received a sheet containing tips on how along with his parents. Mr. Ally Menary of An cyclists to wear helmets and a poster to cycle safely. Taisce was also in attendance. Headmaster, exhibition in the library illustrating the Mr. Foley did the unveiling honours and this dangers of not wearing a helmet. Prizes All of the Elements classes also attended bike rack is now available for use by visitors for the competition were kindly donated Bicycle workshops run by Halfords. Again to the college who arrive by bike and is by Mr. Ally Menury from An Taisce. the emphasis here was on safety and how to situated at the entrance to the car park.

Mr Seamus Finegan presents Niall Moclair and Ben O’Brien with their prizes from An Taisce after winning the ‘Wear a Helmet Safety Campaign’ - Mr Gerry Foley unveils the new Visitors Bicycle Rack, designed by Seán Smith.

THE VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY - BELVEDERE

VDP has been in the school since 1917 – almost 100 years! There is a great tradition in the school of social action and the present boys are carrying on this tradi- tion. Even though times have changed for the better, the boys still meet and chat with over 70 people experiencing home- lessness each Wednesday on the Soup Run.

Most of the activities we take part in during the year are geared towards the elderly. The Christmas Party is one exam- ple. The day included a lovely Mass where the boys played some wonderful making sure everyone was looked after and music. Over 100 people sat down for a enjoying themselves. full Christmas dinner, including the boys How do we fund these activities? Every (once they had finished serving!). Great Friday each class has a collection for the chat was had with the guests over dinner VDP. This year the boys hosted a “Take and the singing and dancing afterwards Me Out” fundraiser which raised over was out of this world! It really was a 2000. The boys also held two soccer wonderful occasion for everyone involved. € mini-marathons and it must be said the standard was better than the League of At Christmas we also delivered 70 Ireland, or even the Premier League! We hampers and at the children’s party we have a bumper collection at Christmas and had three boys dressed as Santa with depend on those donations every year. toys for over 100 children, most of whom would not receive any toys otherwise. Fifty boys have been involved this year, with 13 going up for President, which is a Our trip to Kilkenny in May was another very good sign. The VDP group meets terrific day for our VIPs, we had 42 old every Friday and the Soup Run takes folks and seven boys. After dinner, which place every Wednesday. Why not get was delicious, we had the usual singing involved and discover that the greatest joy and dancing. The boys were just super in life is giving! BELVEDERE BEAT

SPORT IN BELVEDERE 9

Belvedere College won Life Style Sports School of the Year for 2016 at the Leinster Rugby awards ceremony on the 7th May. Congratulations to all involved.

ALL-IRELAND SCHOOLS in the discus. Evan Mitchell was sixth in a CROSS COUNTRY TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS very competitive hammer. BELVEDERE WIN BRONZE IN ALL Tullamore was the venue once again as Finally our Seniors were very strong with a Belvedere College fought to regain the lot of experience. Tom De Jongh battled IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIPS College of Science Trophy. 2015 was the tough competition to win silver in the shot first time since 1999 that we had not been and followed that with a bronze in the The Belvedere Junior Team finished in 3rd crowned the Best Overall Boys School in Ireland. discus. Barry Heneghan pole-vaulted a place in the All-Ireland's School Cross-Country We had given ourselves a chance to regain our personal best to take bronze. Luke Championships in Sligo racecourse. The title. We competed in five junior events, three Bellintani jumped into fourth place in an bronze medal winning team are: inter events and eight senior events. incredibly competitive long jump. Sean Thompson finished fourth against the Barney Kelly, Daniel Stone, John Cleary, For their first outing the juniors were superb. deepest triple jump field ever. Two more Cathal Butler, Gavin Farrell, James Evans, Hugh Flood was the only medal winner on the near misses for Jake McNicholl in the Ope Abuiru & Denis Smith. day, finishing a fantastic second in the hammer and Michael Kelleher in the Hammer Throw. Ben O’Brien was an impressive 3000m Walk. Eoin Sweeney placed an This is the first set of medals won by the sixth in the high jump. Fionn McGrane was impressive fifth in the hammer. school since 1997 (we would possibly have seventh in the Triple Jump while Eoin Conway won the seniors in 2001 only for foot and was ninth. Scott Meaney was an excellent It was hugely successful day in Tullamore mouth) and only the second set ever won in seventh in the Pole Vault. at the All Ireland Track and Field Championships the All-Ireland School Cross-Country. and regained the Senior College of In the Intermediate Johnny Bell pulled a Science Cup scoring a massive 43 points. A great achievement! Huge congratulations bronze out of the bag in the shot putt and to all the runners who competed throughout then followed that with a fourth place spot The Sports Department the season. Onwards and upwards!

BELVEDERE BEAT

10 LEINSTER SCHOOLS RUGBY SENIOR CUP WINNERS 2016

In pretty much perfect playing conditions, and several knock-ons, coupled with their McKeown showing extraordinary grit and the rematch between Belvedere College struggle to breach the Belvedere defence, determination to cross at the corner just and Cistercian College Roscrea, had a very meant that there were few chances for over a minute in. The mole hill had become different outcome to the final of 2015. Belvedere Roscrea to score in the first-half. Our a mountain and Roscrea lacked too much took the disappointment of last year and defence was on fire and played with real penetration and never really looked like channelled it into clinching their 11th Leinster intensity and physicality in the tackle and at getting back in the game. With Paraic Schools Senior Cup with a score of 31-7. the breakdown. Daniel McCaffrey, skipper Cagney and David Hawkshaw combining Brian Egan and outstanding flanker Max sweetly at half back a flowing move in the It was our Belvedere team who took the Kearney leading the way. 46th minute sent Peter Maher - as effective lead very early on when full-back Hugh on the left as McKeown is on the right - O’Sullivan outwitted the Roscrea defence to Belvedere’s forwards continued their good racing in at the Simonscourt corner for try touch down under the posts. Credit must run of play which saw them get the second number four and a near unassailable also go to prop Daniel McCaffrey who made try of the game. Flanker Max Kearney dived 24-point lead. some good territory in the build-up. Conor to the base of the posts to provide another Jennings converted and we had an early early setback for the Roscrea men. Connor The exceptional Belvo adventure didn’t 7-0 lead. Jennings converted again and saw Belvo finish there. Hugh O’Sullivan took the initiative lead by 14 points, with control of the game and his invention resulted in the supporting Roscrea responded well and with no fewer firmly in our sights. McKeown sprinting in under the posts for than 10 cup winners from last year back on Jennings to widen the gap to 31 points. board again including six in the pack, the It was vital Roscrea scored next but much Co. Offaly school was never going to let the like the opening phase it was Belvo hitting *Thanks to the The Journal, 42.ie, Balls.ie and title go lightly. However, some poor handling overdrive with the poacher supreme in James Independent.ie for their coverage of the match. BELVEDERE BEAT

SPORTS DEPARTMENT 11

LIFE-SAVINGLIFE-SAVING 2nd in the Seniors and won gold in the rope WATERPOLO IN BELVEDERE throw. Eoghan Kennedy won gold in the With Ireland surroundedsurrounded by by water water everyone everyone rope throw and was 2nd overall. James Two Belvedere Waterpolo teams competed should havehave aa basicbasic knowledgeknowledge ofof what what to to Evans won gold in the swim and carry and at the national junior and senior competitions do in an an emergency, emergency, which which is is why why Life Life was 3rd overall. In the all-Ireland championship this year at the NAC on 16th March and in Saving is so so important. important. Life Life Saving Saving is is on on Eoghan and James tied for 1st place and The Falls Road Sports Centre in Belfast on every Monday Monday & andWednesday Wednesday after school. after Adam Powell and Donnchadh Curran were 24th February respectively. school.After care After and care C.P.R. and is on C.P.R. every is Friday on every after 4th in the Senior event. The team members were made up from Fridayschool after& on school Tuesday and & on Thursday Tuesday during and Clontarf, St Vincent’s and North Dublin Thursdaylunch. during lunch. The Belvedere championship was held in May and it is generally the most popular Water Polo Clubs. The older older boys boys teach teach the the younger younger boys, boys, competition of the year. The junior players were Henry Costello, even some 2nd years are startingstarting toto teachteach - Mathew Hynes, Patrick Kelleher, Ciaran -imagine imagine leaving leaving school school a qualified qualified Life Life Winners were: Cope, Dylan Egan, Jack Crumlish, Aaron Saver & and teacher teacher of life ofsaving! life saving!The teachers The Stenson, Sam Hartshorn and Leo Costello. teachershave struck have up struck a great up rapporta great rapportwith the Senior 1st - Adam Powell with the younger boys the atmosphere in Senior 2nd - Conor Kenny younger boys the atmosphere in the club is The senior players were Henry Costello, the club is something we have worked on Senior 3rd - Donnchadh Curran something we have worked on for years Lucas Ryan, Mathew Hynes, Patrick Kelleher, for years which has really paid off. which has really paid off. Michael Kelleher, Ruairi O Murchu, Robert Junior 1st - Eoghan Kennedy Hynes, Ciaran Cope, Dylan Egan, Jack In the new exams you have to do Life Minor 1st - James Evans In the new exams you have to do Life Crumlish and Leo Costello. Support One,One, whichwhich involvesinvolves giving giving CPR CPR on on a Resusci mannequin, and also basic First a Resusci mannequin, and also basic First We often let our hair down after a tough The team was managed by Willie Costello Aid before you do any exams. In the higher Aid before you do any exams. In the higher competition or at the end of a term with with Brian Nolan of Clontarf Swimming awards you havehave toto givegive resuscitation resuscitation on on a a surf board races, rope throw races and Club being the coach. The logistics were juniorjunior && babybaby mannequin.mannequin. human chain races, its great fun and yet assisted by Joan Hynes and Paul Egan. could save a life if needed. The Leinster Schools Life-Saving ChampionshipsChampionships In both events the teams were beaten in were held inin February.February. ConorConor KennyKenny waswas Brother Eamonn Davis S J very tight competitive games at semi-final stage. In the junior competition the winner of that game won the whole event. Furthermore, Belvedere progressed further than Blackrock College, who had beaten Belvedere in both events last year at the semi-finals… progress is being made!

The boys had two great days out and had done three practice session in the preceding weeks. It is hoped that water polo will feature more at the school in the future and that additional session and challenge games can be played throughout the academic year. The teams did extremely well considering the short run-in and in light of the fact that all of the other teams play together at their own The Cooke Cup 2016 - Elements V Rudiments campus all year round. FEATURES

12 STRONG HEARTS STIR – BELVEDERE COLLEGE EXHIBITION 1916-2016

FOR STRONG HEARTS STIR EXHIBITION

Main Image - Cathal Mcguinne, Syntax. Top Right - Joshua Maher, Elements. Middle - Matthew Fitzsimons, Syntax. Bottom- Luke Flanagan, Elements.

STRONG HEARTS STIR

This project was planned to showcase the 4. A special element of the exhibition beautifully renovated Belvedere House by profiled what life was like in Belvedere hosting an exhibition on the College’s House at the time, this was curated by connections to the Easter Rising 1916 Damian Burke, Archivist for the Jesuits. through the Jesuits and past pupils of Belvedere College. 5. A series of lectures, organised by Kevin Reynolds - Head of Radio Drama at RTE, The exhibition comprised the following involved a Q&A on the Friday evening content: chaired by John Bowman with panellists John Bruton, Prof. Ronan Fanning and 1. Large display boards profiling the 26 Liam Maloney. The lectures on Saturday past pupils directly involved in the Easter 30th April were given by Joe Duffy, Dr. Rising either on the British side or the Catriona Crowe, Gene Kerrigan, Dr. Barry rebels. These included narrative depicting Kennerk, Honor O’Brolchain and all their lives and photographs. expertly chaired by Keelin Shanley and Sean Rocks from RTE. 2. Narrative profiles on relatives of past pupils that were involved in 1916, e.g. Dr. 6. The First Year Play was “Children of the Garret FitzGerald’s father was based in Rising” by Fiachra Sheridan; a play based the GPO during Easter week. on the Joe Duffy book and featuring a 3. An exhibition by the current pupils character named Kevin Barry. The play had depicting their interpretation of what 1916 three performances all to a packed house. means to them, this included sculptures, paintings, drawings, video clips, photos A special thanks to all those on the and other items telling the story of Easter organising committee; Fr. Derek Rising. There were over 50 exhibits from Cassidy, Gerry Foley, Seamus Finnegan, the pupils. Thanks to Stuart Wheeler and Fr. Daly, Aileen Ivory, Liam Maloney, Marguarite Redmond for their help with Laura McNaughton, Kevin Reynolds, the students’ projects. Damian Burke and Eugene Bent. FEATURES

CARDINALS’ SEAN MURPHY EXEMPLIFIES THE BENEFITS OF A JESUIT EDUCATION 13

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WHEELING, W.Va. – Even though there is a 3,473 mile-distance and the width of the Atlantic Ocean, the Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) campus has provided Sean Murphy of the men’s soccer team a rather familiar feeling the past four years. A feeling coming from his Jesuit education continuance combined with his playing opportunity on the pitch.

The Cardinal men’s soccer senior from Dublin, Ireland, came to WJU after attending a Jesuit high school. Murphy attended Belvedere College in Dublin where he learned invaluable life lessons and received a superior education. James Regan, the WJU head men’s soccer coach and academic coordinator, made contact with Murphy in hopes that he would become a member of his team.

Coach Regan was familiar with the journey Murphy would be embarking on. Regan, who was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, continues to look for student-athletes who would like to earn a college degree in the United States. “Sean has had tremendous academic into the Mountain East Conference “We have a history of players from Ireland here success just like I knew he would. I know playoffs where we defeated a ranked at WJU. I have always looked for opportunities when I have the opportunity to recruit a Notre Dame College team to reach the in Ireland, not just in soccer but for all sports. I student-athlete from a Jesuit high school finals,” the senior captain stated. continue to send messages and letters to that I am talking with a good human Jesuit schools in hope to further a being, a person for others,” Regan stated. “We faced Charleston, who beat us 5-0 earlier student’s education,” Regan stated. “Sean is a great example of what a Jesuit in the season, and we lost 1-0. It showed me education exemplifies.” “I have really how much we grew as a team.” The other “The fact that my high school was a Jesuit liked getting to explore and take different moment came this season when WJU shut out school did indeed play a factor in my decision classes here at WJU,” Murphy said. “I am No. 1 ranked University of Charleston, to come to WJU,” Murphy expressed. “I knew I now, as a senior, more focused in on major wanted to continue my education in the same classes, but it was a great experience.” 2-0, in Wheeling. vein. Soccer has and will continue to be my number one love, so the opportunity to play Sean has been a member of the WJU Murphy describes this as amazing and hard to the game I love at such a high level of Student Government Association, where forget. “To be able to defeat the No. 1 team in competition was too good to pass up.” he serves as an Academic Affairs Repre- front of an amazing home crowd, it was such a sentative. “I would definitely call being a great feeling. The fans stormed the field, it was Growing up, Sean played in youth soccer member of Student Government an eye just awesome.” leagues all over Ireland, a game he began opener, it has taught me a lot.” playing when was four years old. His father, Sean has a high level of respect for his coach, Colm, coached his youth team, and his parents’ On the field, Murphy has been a crucial and credits him for many sport and life related level of support is where his love for the game part of the Cardinal defense over the last lessons throughout his WJU tenure. “Coach originates. “My parents really spearheaded my four seasons. Sean played and started in effort to play soccer at the next level. I cannot eight matches as a freshman and played Regan has taught me many things that I am thank them enough for the life-long support and in 17 matches as both a sophomore and thankful for. Most notably, no matter what the the love of the game that they instilled in me.” junior. Now, as a senior, Murphy is one of odds are or what you come up against, if you two team captains. In his career, Sean has have a plan and you work hard enough, you Sean also wanted to continue his Jesuit scored two goals and tallied three assists. can overcome even the most daunting opposition. education and explore life in the United States. “The praise I have for Sean could not be Patience is key and being able to adapt to “I believe that to establish a foothold in a higher,” Coach Regan expressed, “He has situations that are not ideal is a vital part of the place with such a wide-range of opportunities been a four-year player who may not get game and also in life,” Murphy added. has definitely been an amazing experience,” the recognition and credit he deserves Murphy added. because he is a defender, but he is The value of Murphy’s Jesuit connection has tremendously important to our team. He has helped shape him both in the classroom and In the classroom, Murphy has become a been an extremely consistent player for us.” regular on the Wheeling Jesuit University on the field, and will continue to direct him Dean’s List by recording semester grade When asked about his most memorable WJU along his life-long journey. point averages of 3.5 or higher and holds moments, Murphy had to pick two because a 3.46 cumulative GPA. He is pursuing a they were equally important to him. “My *Article courtesy of Wheeling Jesuit University major in business, while focusing on junior year, my team and I made a late run http://athletics.wju.edu/news/2015/10/22/MSO marketing and management. in the second-half of the season to make it C_1022153320.aspx?path=msoc FEATURES

14 TOMI REICHENTAL - CONCENTRATION CAMP SURVIVOR - TY INTERVIEW

TOMI REICHENTAL

“In the last couple of years I realised that, as A: My name is Tomi, I was born in Slovakia, A: That’s the thing I couldn’t understand, one of the last witnesses, I must speak out.” I’m Jewish and I’m a Holocaust survivor. I first of all I wasn’t prepared for it; my am now retired and I took on a duty to parents deliberately didn’t tell me Tomi Reichental visited Belvedere on the inform the young people of Ireland about anything, I was only a little six-year-old 3rd of March to speak to TY and senior the Holocaust and that’s what I’ve done boy and the innocence was incredible. If history students and staff. Tomi, from for the past ten years. I’ve spoken to you look at 6 year olds today, the amount Bratislava in Slovakia, lost thirty five members nearly 10000 students in Ireland but I of stuff they are aware of is amazing. I of his family in the Holocaust. It was a also travel all over the world spreading know from my grandchildren how much true honour to listen as he shared his experi- my message. I retired twelve years ago more aware they are of current events ences with us of living under the race laws, and I thought I would be relaxing somewhere even though they are only kids and they the arrest of his family and his imprisonment sunny but I am now busier than ever! know what is happening all around the as a nine year-old child at the notorious world. When we were kids, we didn’t Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Q: Could you give us a brief overview of know anything beyond our village, so the your journey towards Bergen-Belsen? innocence was indescribable. The first His story is as relevant today as it ever time someone shouted at you, calling A: When the troubles started in Slovakia was and reminds us of the dangers of you’re a ‘dirty Jew’ is unforgettable and it was in 1939 and I was only four years racism and intolerance, equally prevalent naturally I was very frightened. They old but at the time I wouldn’t have known in 2016 as it was in 1945. We must never would spit at me and throw stones and I much about the troubles and it wasn’t forget the lessons of the Holocaust and would come home crying to my aunt “I until 1941 I began to realise what was hopefully we can understand the value don’t want to go to school” because I was going on, when the first racial laws were and importance of Tomi’s words and use being abused on the way, but it wasn’t an introduced in Slovakia. I was six years old them to make good and ethical choices option, I needed to go. As a kid I didn’t at the time and I had just started school. I as we steer a path through life. initially attended a school in my local know any of the reasons of why they were town however, once the Jewish Codex doing this apart from the fact I was Tomi sat down with two of our TY was introduced, I was kicked out. That Jewish. At the Jewish School they told us students, Ben Ryan and Mark Daly, after was really the first time I realised I was very little and told us to avoid the trouble, his talk and their interview makes very different to the other kids and that some but even if they had told us, we wouldn’t interesting reading. people didn’t like me. It was a traumatic have understood. How could they explain experience when I was moved from the that sort of thing to us, we had done Tomi is one of the few remaining survivors village I grew up in, even though I only nothing wrong but we were being of the Holocaust and has taken it upon- moved a thirty-minute drive away in punished. himself to share his experience with that time, like here in Ireland, you were young people. He was forced to flee his very attached to your town. To move Q: You had to face some horrific conditions home as a child and spent a lot of his away was a strange experience and it on your way to Bergen- Belsen from Slovakia, childhood in the concentration camp, was the first time that my parents had to could you describe that for us? Bergen-Belsen. We asked Tomi what this stay in the village while I was forced to experience was like, how he coped afterwards stay with my aunt. It was quite difficult A: Well it’s extremely hard to imagine, we and his message on the troubles in the and only then did I discover all this hatred. lived in a village, had a lovely life, running world today and this was his response: around in the summer, sledding in the Q: What was that like as a child, to be so winter, this was my paradise and there Q: Why don’t we start with a brief intro- innocent and feel this hatred towards were no worries. Then suddenly you are duction about you Tomi. you? Did you understand it at the time? forced into a life with none of the things FEATURES

TOMI REICHENTAL - CONCENTRATION CAMP SURVIVOR - TY INTERVIEW CONTD. 15 we take for granted and it’s indescribable. unbelievable circumstances but you were break down in tears, it had that much of an To be locked in this place with no privacy, still kids so you would still play like all kids do. effect on me. Before one of my early talks with all sorts of people crammed together, they showed footage and pictures from the it was a moment I will never forget. We A: Yes we still played all those games but camp and some of the bodies being blessed went from a civilised life to being treated unlike other kids, our hearts weren’t in it. The and I broke down crying, as this was the first like animals. After the first few days you enjoyment you get from it really wasn’t time my grandmother had been honoured keep getting up and being hopeful but there, for me anyway. The only reason I since she died in the camp and I was reliving soon you start to think ‘who cares played was because we were told to play, to it through these images. With time however anymore’. run around to keep warm as it was freezing I got used to this. in those camps. The adults in the camps Q: At the time, did you know there were wouldn’t play but they still needed to keep Q. You mentioned you’ve been here in people responsible for this and did you themselves occupied, so they talked about Ireland for quite a while, why did you choose resent them for what they had done to you? recipes. Food… while we were all starving. I Ireland, was there any particular reason? remember my mother and my aunt arguing A: Well the only thing I knew, there are a lot over whose recipes were better and it kept A. No, I didn’t choose Ireland at all! In fact of things I don’t remember, but the only them going. We were constantly thinking when I came to Ireland, I thought it was thing I knew was the information I was told about food as we had so little. England. I didn’t know! You know at the time, by my mother and my older brother. I we’re talking about 1959, Ireland wasn’t well became very sad as a child. I couldn’t play Q: Speaking of food, could you describe to known, it only became very famous when like a child or smile like a child and I did us the sort of things you were fed? the troubles started. Before, even with 1916, things because I was told to do them, and we didn’t know anything about it but then I’ll this was my life. In the camp when we A: The food was the same every time. It never forget the day when I arrived here. At arrived, in our group, the oldest girl was 15 started off with two slices of bread in the the time you didn’t have internet, so every and she began to organise us. I was nine,my morning with black coffee, which was really week I used to write a letter to my mother brother was thirteen so she would organise black water and then for lunch we had and father. I lived in England for about 3 sing-songs for us. Hebrew songs, imagine! turnips. The type they would feed to pigs. months so I had a booklet of English stamps. Under the noses of the guards we would They would chop them into cubes and So when I wrote a letter and I went to the learn these songs in defiance of the occasionally there would be some potatoes GPO to post the letter, this lady suddenly Germans. That’s sort of thing about the and this was boiled in water and served to sees me. She sees the stamp of the queen Jews in those camps, you couldn’t resist us. In the evening again we had two slices of and she says “Sir, this is Ireland not physically but we stuck to our lives as bread, coffee and sometimes a small square Jewish people. My brother for example had England!!” At the time you know, the Irish of margarine. In each hut they had someone didn’t really like the English, It was like an his birthday in December. In December 1944 in charge of the food distribution and in our my brother was thirteen year old, and in the offence what I did and then I realised this is hut it was my aunt. This reminds me of an a different country! It’s an interesting story Jewish religion at thirteen you go from a interesting story. I was giving a lecture once child into adulthood. This meant if my father how I came to Ireland, it is one in a million. I at a seminar and during the tea break they had a cousin who was working in London, died, God forbid, he could take over in told me to skip the queue for the tea she worked for this very rich man and his charge of the family. So we celebrated his because I was the guest and suddenly at company manufactured zips. He wanted to bar mitzvah in the concentration camp. We that moment I thought of my time in the open a factory here in Ireland and he put out didn’t have any food there, but this woman camp, where you would always want to be an ad in the Irish papers that he needed a saved some bread and margarine and at the end of the queue because the heavy, manager to set it up. However, he couldn’t stacked the two to make a sort of cake for solid food was at the bottom of the barrel. get anybody as nobody knew how to make him, giving up her own food to make it. In My aunt was always making sure I went to zips so he put it out in England as well. Still the middle they put a candle and this was the back of the queue, and that was the food nobody came forward and my cousin by his birthday cake. We all sang songs and every single day, it never changed. I think we sheer coincidence sees this ad, goes to her celebrated with this cake and that was the ate something like 300-600 calories a day boss who she would never usually talk to resistance, that we stuck to our way of life so you really felt so hungry all the time. You and says “You have competition in Ireland right under the noses of the guards regardless were waiting for the food to come, you eat it there is another zip manufacturer” He of the risks. and you were still hungry. replies “ That was my ad in the paper, I am Q: One of the things that stood out to us was Q: You seem very open and able to talk the competition!” My cousin knew I had when you mentioned how you played hide- about the experience; did you ever struggle finished my studies in Germany and that I and-seek around the piles of dead bodies. to share your experience considering how was going to return to Israel. She said “I That is just such a horrific image we can difficult it must have been? have a cousin who has just finished his hardly imagine. What was that like to be so diploma he might be interested.” So I get this close to all those horrific images on a A: I must tell you, I didn’t speak about it for letter from this gentleman and there is an day-to-day basis? nearly fifty five years. My wife died thirteen airline ticket to London in it. He wrote in years ago and all she knew was that I was a German and he said “Look come to London I A: You didn’t even notice it, it was a normal Holocaust survivor in Bergen-Belsen, so she have a proposition for you if you can make a thing. Just like kids play cowboys and died not knowing what really happened to business with me, good, if not you have a Indians, we played Germans and Jews, me. I only started writing once she passed holiday on my account.” I was 24 years old, fighting against each other and in our away and once I started writing, news- what an opportunity, I’ll see London! At the games the Germans always lost. How ironic papers and TV stations came to me about time it was not like today where you just buy that under German control we would play my experience. My own employees in my a ticket and you fly to London, it was these games and the Jews won every time. business didn’t even know about it. It was complicated. So I went to London for two extremely difficult initially to talk about it, days and he said “I want you to set up a Q: It’s incredible to think you were in these when I started to speak about it I would factory for me, I will send you to Italy where

FEATURES

16 TOMI REICHENTAL - CONCENTRATION CAMP SURVIVOR - TY INTERVIEW CONTD.

I buy all the machinery they will tell you how anything because suddenly they became A. In a way there are similarities but of to work this machine. In Dublin I will give you human. We had what they call ‘Harrods’ in course you can’t compare the Holocaust to a big room and you set up the machine, London. The women had all the clothes sent anything else. At the time nobody wanted to employ people and run the factory. I will sign by from the collection and we called it the take the Jews. Nobody at the time in 1939, you up for 3 years and after 3 years if you Harrods of Bergen-Belsen. They picked up for example many German Jews wanted to want to leave you may or you can stay.” the fancy clothes and everything and the come here to Ireland, they wanted to bring That’s how I came to Ireland. I met a Jewish British were looking saying “What are they their industries and the Irish government girl here we fell in love, we got married and doing?” But they just wanted to be human completely closed the door. It’s a chapter for the rest is history. beings. There was a big story about this the Irish where they didn’t behave in a very lipstick, that it was such an important thing. nice way. I was interviewed recently and I Q. What did it feel like when you were said that Ireland should advocate and show liberated by the British soldiers, what was Q. Have you ever gone back to Bergen-Belsen that they will take people. In ‘39 they closed that like and what was the feeling was it a or thought about going back? the doors for the Jews but now it’s a repeat. feeling of jubilation? These people should be allowed to live and they are looking for sanctuary in Europe. A. There wasn’t jubilation that’s the thing; no A. I’ve been there several times now; the first The important thing is not only to take them one danced, nothing like that because 90% time I went was in 2005. There was a little in, but you take them in and should not to of the inmates were mortally sick. In actual hut there but there was nothing to symbolise put them in some estate where nobody fact, after the liberation, still around 12,000 this camp being there. It was the most wants to live and try forget about them. That people died in Bergen-Belsen because they famous camp to be liberated, as it was the is not the solution because if you do that, in were just too sick, they couldn’t save them. first film that the western world saw. After years to come, you will have a big problem. Belsen was in the middle of a forest so some sixty years they decided to build this education If we don’t integrate them into the society of the women who were able to broke some centre and at the opening I got an invitation and ensure their rights are upheld, we will branches and they threw the branches, like as a survivor. There were about two have trouble in the future. you throw flowers, welcoming the army. But thousand people there but they invited it was all very subdued, people were smiling, about 100 survivors. This is sixty/seventy Q. As a final question then, is there one thing but no jubilation or shouting. They just didn’t years later; we were there as kids, but now you’d say that you hope people would take have the strength. In that moment we knew we were all old people, so you couldn’t away from your experience? that was it, that all this suffering was coming recognise anybody. They asked each one of to an end. But most of the people were all us questions and I actually met one person A. The message is when I’m talking, remember sick. The British army at the time said when that was in our hut, hut number 207. That’s the refugees and welcome them and if you they liberated Bergen-Belsen “The people how I first went back, I had never wished to see somebody bullying somebody; stop here are animals they are not human go back and any time there was a them. The message is racism or discrimination beings.” They didn’t think they’d be able to documentary on television I would just is not right. The Irish people are very cure them. It just happened so quickly that change channel. I couldn’t even look at it charitable people and we’ve got to get people suddenly did turn into human was so upsetting for me. But there was a used to the idea that people have different beings. For example, they asked people to moment when I decided to do this and that’s views and beliefs and we have to tolerate send blankets and things. They made how I got involved and now they can’t stop these things. My other message is Ireland is collections and they sent a big consignment me. Then we started filming the first bit of “I the most beautiful country and I can’t understand of lipstick. When it arrived the commander was a boy in Belsen.” that people are complaining all the time! of Bergen-Belsen said “The people are mad, When it’s hot they say it’s too hot, when it’s sending them lipstick? They need food and Q. Do you see any similarities between raining they complain it’s too cold and I think blankets and clothes.’’ But, what they discovered the refugee crisis and what happened in the place is a paradise and people shouldn’t was the women appreciated this more than World War 2? complain so much!

FEATURES

TRIBUTE TO MR GERRY DELANY - CONOR DOHERTY 17

MR GERRY DELANY we grew a special bond from here. I looked the Interactive White Board and subsequently forward to attending my Accounting classes supported the introduction of the iPad in because I knew it was going to be testing the classroom. Gerry was and is a lifelong Teacher of Accounting, Business Studies but fun. Mr Delany knew how to get the learner in the truest sense of the word and and Mathematics - 1977-2016 best out of everyone in the class… it is in the eyes of so many of his colleagues he teachers like himself that I will remember is the epitome of a truly GREAT TEACHER. Gerry arrived to Belvedere in 1977 to when I leave the College. Having a bond begin what was a magnificent career with a teacher, in a subject I struggle in, Gerry’s unique dry sense of mischief spanning 39 years. During that time he taught Commerce, Business Studies, means a lot. Mr Delany is a gentleman and brought much appreciated levity to the Accounting and Mathematics. Marcus I cannot thank him enough for his help.” staffroom over the years, where no one Young (Accounting 2015/16) comments was safe from his jokes. Gerry is seen as a that Mr Delany fills the classroom with a Gerry’s colleagues see him from a slightly good friend and loyal colleague. A great atmosphere; he never denied the different perspective: he is professional, member of staff commented on his student extra help and went that extra quietly effective, thorough, organised, and wisdom as he gave much sound advice mile – it was a privilege being taught by attentive to the needs of his students. The when it was needed, though he never him and he will never be forgotten. bell attached to his briefcase was a classic forced his opinions on anyone. He is brave, Stephen Hanratty (Accounting 2015/16) Delany manoeuvre, using good humour as fearless and courageous. He spoke out on comments that the past year with Mr a gentle way of announcing that class had the staff’s behalf on many occasions, Delany has been something else. “As my begun, and he was in control! regardless of the consequences for teacher of Accounting he knew himself himself. We will miss him enormously for that it was not quite my forte. He began to While Gerry likes tradition (clinging onto that gift alone. He is truly a man for others. give me extra help on a Tuesday morning the infamous Banda machine), he is also before school, out of pure generosity. I feel innovative – he was one of the first to embrace Conor Doherty

Put it in Writing

For further information, please call the Development O ce at 8586633 . BELVEDERE CAMPAIGN / DEVELOPMENT OFFICE REPORT

18 HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE

Dear All, the setting of education as a priority by CAMPAIGN UPDATE past parents, past pupils and corporate As another year comes to an end, I would partners, which gave us the College that like to extend my sincerest thanks and our current students enjoy today. gratitude to all who have supported the Campaign over the past few years. Given the scope of our plans, to ensure success we need the participation, With over €3.9 million pledged to date by encouragement and financial support of parents, past pupils and corporate the entire Belvederian family. It is my hope partners, we have been able to complete that you will be able to join us in achieving our and break ground on a number of excit- goals for the future of Belvedere. 3.9 MILLION PLEDGED ing developments and improvements Total Pledged To Date (2013-2016) within the School. Not only have we been Again, I would like to thank those of you enhancing the campus facilities, but we who have supported the Campaign either have begun to increase the number of through the giving of your time, or Enabling: New Study Hall, Library & boys accepted into the Social Diversity through your financial support. I am Home Economics Classroom; 4G Pitch Programme (SDP). excited to share our continued progress In Distillery Road & First Phase of Cabra with you in the subsequent section and Pavillion Redevelopment We are reaching a crucial point in the look forward to speaking with you again Campaign, as we must continue the in the autumn. momentum that has been building over the past three years. As you are aware, With best wishes, the school fees and Irish government do not cover capital improvements around campus or the SDP. It is the generosity and Mr. Gerry Foley, Headmaster

€ 875,000 PROJECT UPDATE to the pitches. We hope to break ground Pledged Since in the next few months. October 2015 There have been exciting improvements at the College thanks to the generosity of We have also commissioned a full site all our donors. review to develop a master plan for Belvedere College S.J. including No.3 Great We are delighted to announce that Denmark Street. This will take into construction of the new all-weather pitch account the condition of the current at our Distillery Road sports ground is premises, the development opportunities complete! The pavilion is currently being that may present, and most importantly refurbished and a plan is also being devel- the future requirements of the College. oped for the re-layout of the Track and 208 Field practice facilities. We will update on all projects and plans in the Winter Newsletter. Number of Plans for a new pavilion in Cabra are Campaign Donors underway, with significant improvements The Campaign & Development Office.

€ 18,600 Average Pledged Gift To Campaign

€ 500,000 Largest Gift BELVEDERE COLLEGE UNION

BELVEDERE COLLEGE PAST PUPILS’ UNION 19

Mr. John O’Reilly addresses Rhetoric 2016 during their recent Graduation Ceremony

PRESIDENT’S REPORT BELVEDERE strength and had a very successful 2015/2016 This year saw a once off exhibition, talks, COLLEGE PAST PUPILS’ UNION season with five breakfast briefings all and play to commemorate the events very well attended by the Alumni. Eugene around Easter 1916 and to identify past Dear All, Bent in his article, outlines the various pupils that fought on both sides of the speakers and also gives a report on the conflict and to show what life was like in Welcome to the Newsletter and an 3rd Annual Business Lunch held on Friday Belvedere House at that time. The update on the Belvedere Union activities. 13th May in Fire Restaurant. This event project was known as Strong Hearts Stir – It has been a busy year for the Union saw over 200 attendees, mixing past Belvedere College Exhibition 1916-2016 since we held the AGM in September pupils with their business guests. Many and was held on Friday 29th and Saturday 2015. The first event of the year is always thanks to Eugene and the team and best 30th of April in the College. the Union Dinner. Traditionally held on wishes to Brian Dillon who is taking over from the first Friday in November, it is the start Eugene in September. As President I am very honoured to attend of the season of Past Pupil Dinners and certain school events during the year over the last four years it has been held in The Belvedere Youth Club will be a including the Graduation Ball in January, the Round Room at the Mansion House. hundred years old in 2018. In Gerry the school Musical and the Graduation Walsh’s excellent book celebrating the Last year we had over 350 past pupils ceremonies in May. Meeting and hearing first 90 years of the club, the club’s attend the event with Eugene Bent, these young men speak about their time President, PJ McAllister, describes how the President Elect, acting as MC and doing in Belvedere, makes one realise how nature of the problems in inner city his best to get everyone seated on time! valuable the Jesuit education is to these Dublin has not changed in 90 years and One of the roles of President is to ‘Men for Others’, as they step into the that the continued success depends on announce the recipient of the Justice next stage of their life. Award and it was with great pleasure that our ability to fund projects, deliver on I chose Tim Sheehy OB 1961 as the 2015 plans and apply best practice. The Union Frank Hayes, Hon. Secretary of Old recipient. Tim’s work both within the is helping the Youth Club through a Strategy Belvedere Rugby Football Club Union and with other charities over the Committee headed by Darragh Lynch, to (OBRFC) gives his insight to the past 54 years is beyond exceptional and review the organisation governance and successes and challenges for the as he was a founder of the award 25 structures to ensure the club survives rugby club over the past season. years ago, a fitting recipient this year. well beyond its one hundred year Sadly, Tim passed away just one month later celebrations in 2018. on 13th December, he will be greatly missed. Finally, I would like to thank all the Alumni News is a new initiative this year members of the Committee for their At Christmas time, the Union supports the and the idea is to highlight some of the involvement and commitment to the exceptional work of the current Rhetoric, achievements of our Past Pupils in the activities of the Union over the past Poetry and recent past pupils in the Annual careers they have chosen. Through the months and I thank you, the Past Sleep Out and Soup Run. Niall Kirrane and efforts of Brian Dillon, Senior Vice-President, Pupils, for your engagement with the the Junior Union have done excellent work he has captured some fascinating details many and varied events and activities this year including commemorating their on a number of our Alumni. As he says in his organised and arranged by the dear friend John McHugh, who passed introduction “it is interesting to hear the Committee. Please provide all constructive away last year, by dedicating this year’s progress made by former classmates and comment and suggestion to me by email Panda Cup to his memory and raising other past pupils in different areas or via the Union Secretary Ciara Banks at €6,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation’s business, academics, sport, professions and [email protected]. Family Screening Clinic. the arts”. Do take time to read through his interesting collection of who’s doing what The Business Forum goes from strength to on the online edition of The Belvedere News. John O’Reilly, President, BCPPU BELVEDERE COLLEGE UNION

20 BELVEDERE BUSINESS FORUM

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS AND helped no doubt by being the mother of CONTACTS WITH THE BELVEDERE Brian Egan, the winning SCT Captain. In BUSINESS FORUM May, our final talk of the current year was with Nick Ashmore, CEO, Strategic “Get insights, build your business and Banking Corporation of Ireland. grow your contacts with the Belvedere Business Forum” This year the Business Forum went on tour when a number of the Breakfast The Belvedere Business Forum is here to events were hosted by various companies help Belvederians generate business for in Dublin and our thanks go to our each other and since the first Business friends in Arthur Cox, William Fry, Forum was held in October 2011, we Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Mason BUSINESS FORUM COMMITTEE have had a wide range of events including Hayes and Curran and PwC for their Eugene Bent: networking sessions, Budget briefings, hospitality. [email protected] entrepreneurial success stories, exporting, digital marketing, data analytics, the All the events provided a forum for OBs to workings of the IFSC, the Strategic network and do business with each other. BrianDillon: Banking Corporation and how winning Old friendships have been renewed and [email protected] teams operate. The Forum has provided new business has been developed. a platform for all Old Belvederians in business to get to know one another, to In addition to the Business Forum Morning Brian Terry: help each other and to do business with Events, a very successful Business Lunch [email protected] one another. To date 28 events have was held in Fire Restaurant in May, with over 200 Belvederians and their guests been held with over 1,000 attendees Martin McMahon: and the Forum goes from strength to attending. John Saunders OB 1976, [email protected] strength. President and CEO of Fleishman Hillard, based in St. Louis, was the guest speaker In the 2015-2016 year we kicked off with and he gave a very entertaining and Kevin Lynch: an insightful talk from Dr John Fitzgerald. insightful talk on an OB leading a global [email protected] In a wide ranging presentation, Dr communications company with 85 offices Fitzgerald, from TCD, ESRI and the in 30 countries. David Soffe: Central Bank, outlined the issues facing [email protected] the Irish economy and how to best As the Forum goes into its sixth year, manage the economic recovery. In membership is growing, the events are November, William and David Keeling well attended and we’re always looking CJ Barry: looked at how a family business has for new members to join. [email protected] grown through diversification and branding. The New Year saw Dermot Many thanks to all our speakers, our hard Griffin, CEO, National Lottery on the working committee and all those companies Daniel Desmond: complexity of ensuring the success of that have provided their generous hospitality [email protected] this national brand. in hosting these events. We look forward to seeing you all in September and if you UNION SECETARY We were delighted to have Fiona have any questions or feedback in relation to Ciara Banks Muldoon, CEO, FBD plc who gave a witty the Forum or any other queries, please [email protected] and insightful talk on Winning Teams, contact any member of the Committee. Tel: 01 858 6605

OLD BELVEDERE RUGBY heavy recruitment for Old Belvedere at Future Plans Junior Rugby and Under 20s level. The Old Belvedere has recognised the need Senior XV U20s Seconds XV won their Leinster to strengthen the appeal of the Club so The Senior XV continues to play in the League. that we can continue to successfully top Division of the All Ireland League. compete with the best, at all levels. A They registered a significant achievement Women’s Rugby number of initiatives were therefore in reaching the final of the Leinster The first XV successfully defended their taken by Management in recent months. League Cup (the former Leinster Senior AIL title to win their third consecutive All Members’ Information evenings were Cup) where they were narrowly beaten Ireland League title, a truly remarkable by a strong UCD side. In the league held and, out of these, Strategic Plans campaign, the team led by Jonathan achievement. covering 2016-2019 have been drawn up. Slattery, and including six other former pupils, secured a 6th place finish in the Mini Rugby One of the issues identified was that, Division 1A table. Their season was a strong one with c. 500 whilst the Club benefits from a great U13 players registered and turning out every location and three grass pitches, some of Junior & U20s Rugby. Sunday in Anglesea Road, ably supported by our facilities were no longer fit for 2015/2016 was a year of consolidation and 120 volunteer coaches and parents. purpose. Consequently, in order of priority, BELVEDERE COLLEGE UNION

OBRFC 21 a phased redevelopment of Dressing The President and Club members were Rooms, Shower & Toilet facilities, Medical pleased to welcome Headmaster, Gerry Foley, together with the parents and Room and one 4G pitch has been friends of Belvedere College, to lunch in decided upon. the Club prior to the Leinster School’s Senior Cup final in the RDS. The team In Phase One, the Club intends to refurbish provided the extended Belvedere family and modernise our changing facilities. with a magnificent win against Cistercian College, Roscrea. Heartiest congratulations This phase is estimated to cost c. to all involved in achieving this great win. €600,000. Fundraising has already commenced and it is now expected The Club values very much the close that construction will commence this ties it maintains with the College and the Union and looks forward to summer, with completion by the end of continuing to consolidate these links 2016. A video of the proposed development into the future. may be viewed by accessing the Club Website @www.oldbelvedere.ie Frank Hayes, Honorary Secretary

BELVEDERE YOUTH CLUB - PAUL BRADY, DIRECTOR

The BYC is experiencing a challenging and interesting time. From an operational point of view the BYC is continuing to deliver the full range of activities and programmes to its members in the North Inner City. Every afternoon and evening, during the school term, the doors are open for the usual mix of sport, arts and crafts, computer projects and a range of other programmes designed to increase every child’s confidence to reach their potential. During the summer there is another opportunity to visit the holiday house in Wexford.

This work has been facilitated by the club for almost a hundred years, and as the club reaches its centenary in 2018, it is solutions so that the club will still be in a There is already one company who is amazing to remember the fun, support position to provide its vital services for providing such support and it is providing and effort that has been ever present in another 100 years. the template for other companies to the local community all that time. develop a long term relationship with the club. The BYC will shortly publish a strategy for However, since the club started things the next five years that will map out the 3. To reach out to the wider Belvedere haven’t stood still and the current development of its youth services. This community. We are hoping that individuals challenge is to meet the professional will include an ambitious funding plan and will contribute on a regular basis over the standards of youth services that is a strategy to enable volunteers to participate five years of the strategy and form a required by ever changing and evolving fully in the activities of the BYC. network of support to provide the BYC government standards within the volunteering with volunteers for its programmes and spirit and history of the Belvedere Youth Club. There are three strands to the strategy: with other resources that the BYC will need from time to time. 1. To maintain and develop the various This challenge presents itself in two sources of government funding that the Through these three strands we hope to particular ways. Firstly, there is club receives. Some of these funding develop ongoing strong relationships additional funding required to support a streams are under pressure and others are with the BYC that will form the basis of a professional youth worker team that will changing, but the BYC has an unparalleled long term expansion in terms of the drive an ambitious programme of youth track record is delivering services into the quality and quantity of the services services that will continue to be cutting heart of the community. That is the only provided by the BYC. edge. And secondly, to support the youth long term antidote to the crime and addiction worker team with a cohort of skilled and issues which have such a shocking impact Preparations for the centenary have enthusiastic volunteers that will enable on the North Inner City. We feel that the already begun and everyone associated the services provided by the club to reach ongoing partnership with various government with the BYC is looking forward to the as many young people as possible in the agencies will be key in supporting the adventure of the next 100 years. We local community. staff of the BYC. would like to thank everyone who has given so much support to the BYC over The Belvedere Union was approached by 2. To attract corporate funding. We will be the years from the College, the Union the BYC to help and assist in meeting these targeting organisations in the locality to and the local community and we look challenges. Currently, the Union and the support the club financially, and also in forward to continuing support up to and BYC are working together on a number of addition, we will be asking the staff of the beyond the celebrations of the first 100 fronts to develop sustainable long term organisation to volunteer in the club. years of the BYC. BELVEDERE COLLEGE UNION

22 BELVEDERE COLLEGE PAST PUPILS’ UNION ALUMNI NEWS

Mr. John O’Reilly addresses Rhetoric 2016 during their recent Graduation Ceremony

ALUMNI NEWS 2016 James McCarthy, CEO at Nissan Ireland In a year that saw the sad passing of are steering their respective businesses Terry Wogan, Henry Kelly continues to Once students leave the College they in the right direction as new cars sales host regular radio shows on the BBC while pursue a wide variety of careers in continue to increase. Oliver Loomes is Anton Savage and David Moore keep Ireland and further afield. It is interesting now country head in Ireland for Diageo. another OB, Ian Dempsey, company on to hear the progress made by former Simon McKeever is CEO of the Irish the airwaves here in Ireland on Today FM. classmates and other past pupils in Exporters Association. Gary Palmer is John Bowman chaired many debates different areas or business, academics, CEO at the Irish Debt Securities Association. during the recent Dáil elections when sport, professions and the Arts. The Union several OBs were in the news. Richard are happy to provide brief updates that OB Kevin Cardiff, a former General Secretary Bruton was re-elected as a TD representing come to our intention through various at the Department of Finance has Fine Gael in Dublin Bay North and Jack recently published a book “Inside publications and social media in our Chambers is a newly elected TD representing regular newsletter and we have included Ireland’s Financial Crisis” recapping Fianna Fáil in Dublin West. Former Mayor a summary of these from the past year. events of 2008-2009. His book recalls the of Fingal Cian O’ Callaghan missed out on tireless efforts of another OB, the late election to the Dáil as a Social Democratic OB Jack Reynor continues to be cast in Brian Lenihan, at the time. party candidate in Dublin Bay North. Prof great movie roles and his latest offering Anthony Staines ran for election in the “Sing Street” is showing at cinemas Journalist Jack Horgan-Jones’ articles Senate elections on the TCD panel. Oisin nationwide. Transformers 5 is in production. are always informative in the Sunday Coughlan OB 1989 Director of Friends of Business Post. the Earth and also contested the Senate Sean Óg Boylan continues to excel as a election on the TCD panel. pianist and baritone. An increasing number of Belvedere College graduates are securing places at Recent presenters at the Belvedere Fr Donal Doyle SJ and OB 1949 was leading universities worldwide. OB 1988 Business Forum breakfast briefing presented with the Distinguished Service graduates Michael Mullany and Glenn include Paul O’Riordan country head of Abroad Award on the 3rd December 2015 Cunningham, who attended Stanford and Oracle. David Guest, independent banking by President Higgins in Áras an Harvard respectively, are continuing their director and William and David Keeling Uachtaráin. He is the first person from successful careers in the United States. who continue to grow the family’s fruit Japan to receive the award. Some years Michael is a partner at Icon Ventures in business. ago Fr Doyle received an award from the San Francisco and Glenn is a director at Justin Leonard is also continuing a long Emperor of Japan for his efforts to MIT Sloan School of Management. OB and family tradition in the fruit business. promote Japan Ireland relations. This Oxford graduate Ronan O’Sullivan is year he also celebrated 50 years since chairman at the London office of law firm Mark O'Meara, Graham Sheridan, Jack his ordination as a Jesuit priest in 1965, Paul Hastings. Kellet, John Treacy and Colm Donlon having commenced his training in 1951. were a few of the OB who attended a Brothers Adrian Hill and Arnold Hill Desmond Connell continues his pastoral lunch for past pupils of Jesuit schools in work as Archbishop of Dublin following on continue to be at the cutting edge in their London in May. from previous OBs who held the position respective medical fields. - Edward Joseph Byrne (1921-1940) and RECENT APPOINTMENTS Dermot Ryan (1971-1984). The sad passing of OB Supreme Court John Saunders OB 1976 has been Judge Adrian Hardiman was mourned by appointed as president and CEO of Peter Ryan is the Irish Consulate in Hong Kong. all of his judicial colleagues including Fleishman Hillard and was the keynote another OB, John Hedigan, who is a speaker at the Belvedere Business OBs Steve Tormey, CEO at Toyota Ireland and Judge at the High Court. Forum Lunch. BELVEDERE COLLEGE UNION

BELVEDERE COLLEGE PAST PUPILS’ UNION ALUMNI NEWS 23

Mr. John O’Reilly addresses Rhetoric 2016 during their recent Graduation Ceremony

Paraic Cosgrave was recently appointed SPORTS OBs are well represented on the Leinster Global Head of Sales at BNP Paribas Cillian O’Sullivan has recovered from two rugby coaching front with Robert Forbes Securities Services. years out of inter-county football with (OB 1994) currently coaching the Leinster serious injury to regain his place on an Ladies Rugby team. Andrew Kenny who Cathal Barry has recently been appointed improving Meath GAA team. Perhaps he coached the successful schools team in news editor at the Irish Catholic. will face up against another OB, multi-award 2005 is currently lending his expertise to winning Dublin wingback Jack McCaffrey St Michaels SCT and Peter O’Donnell is Alan Flanagan OB 1992 is Managing who has taken over in the half back line coaching the St Columba’s SCT and also Director of Global Private Equity and Real Ashbourne RFC where Donal Crotty ( OB Estate at BNY Mellon. from recently retired Ger Brennan. 1998) is one of the his leading players. David Monaghan OB 1991 is Head of James McGee continues to impress on Advertising at News UK & Ireland. the world tennis stage. He is currently OBRFC secured their All Ireland Ulster ranked at 218 in the world and narrowly Bank League Division 1 A status for next Declan Doorly is CFO at Topaz. missed qualification for final rounds of season and will be delighted to welcome the Australian Open recently. James any of the Rhetoric boys to the club for Barry Flannery OB 1987 is CFO at SMBC. Cluskey who achieved a career-high the 2016-17 season. The connection world ranking of 145 and represented between OBRFC remains strong with Sam Dennigan founded the Strong Roots Ireland in the Davis Cup on several occasions Stuart Leopold the incumbent president Food company. has recently announced his retirement at OBRFC. The following players are on from professional tennis. We wish him the senior squad. Gavin McAllister is PR and Sponsorship well during his retirement from tennis and Manager at Three Ireland. every success in his future career. • Jonathan Slattery (Captain – OB ’07) • Michael Oyuga (OB ’10) Tommy Kinsella OB 1987 is Head of Com- munication at AIB Former Irish cricketer Peter O’Reilly’s • Connor Owende (OB ’12) columns in the Sunday Times are a great • Karl Miller (OB ’07) Stephen Groarke is now Head of Risk at read during the rugby season. Sports • Cathal O’Flynn (OB ’08) journalist and commentator Dave Permanent TSB. • Brian Coyle (OB ’09) McIntyre is always good to listen to on • Killian Foley (OB ’10) Ian Quigley is Head of Legal at Vodafone either Newstalk or TV3. Qatar. • Andy Larkin (OB ’11) Former Belvedere College teacher and • Kevin Barden (OB ’04) John O’Connell-Head of Savings and SCT coach Stephen Aboud was recruited • John Kennedy (OB ’02) Investments at KBC Bank. from the IRFU by the newly appointed • Andy Dunne (Assistant Coach - OB ’98) Italian rugby coach, Conor O’Shea, to join • Andy Kenny (2nd XV Coach) Berchmans Gannon has recently been his team in Italy. Another former SCT appointed as Commodore of the Howth coach Wayne Mitchell is heading up the Yacht Club. There is an ever expanding Belvedere IRFU’s search for exiled talent in the UK. College SJ Alumni group on LinkedIn Ronan Griffin has recently being Barry Cunningham is Digital Marketing and which currently has over 1,200 members. appointed as Chairman of the Ward Customer Relationship manager at the IRFU. Please join the group and do send any Union Hunt. Alumni news to Ciara Banks at On the rugby pitch Ian Keatley, Cian Healy, [email protected] Ian and Colm McGuiness’ Roganstown James Hart and the retiring James Downey Golf Club near Swords has recently have all continued to perform well at the expanded. highest professional levels. Brian Dillon, Senior Vice-President

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

24 AN OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES OF THE PA COMMITTEE - OCTOBER 2015 TO JUNE 2016

The Parents Association (PA) term got off with the bumper raffle draw, the PA were with other Parent volunteers assisted to a very busy start in October ’15, with delighted to be able to present a cheque Teachers and other College co-ordinators the election of the new committee and in the amount of €5,000 to Mr Paul Brady with events and activities within the College election of officers. I was delighted to of the Inner City Youth Club who over the term, as and when requested. accept the nomination of Chair of the PA subsequently sent the parents a lovely committee for the current term. The first letter of gratitude. A very special thanks The Lost Property activity and handling task at hand was to decide on the topics to our committee member Karen O’Kelly, continues to require huge work and for the PA talks, i.e. those we felt would be for all her time and effort and without effort, which is operated by PA committee of most interest to parents and then to whom, this event would never have members each year. identify and invite relevant speakers to happened. Thanks and credit also due present same. I am glad to report that to the Home Economics Dept. team, As the current school term comes to a three very successful talks were held Divinia Lyons and Susan McNamara for a close, so too does the business of the PA throughout the term. The first was on putting on a great show. And to all those committee and in accordance with the PA the subject of “Drug Awareness”, Belvedere students who volunteered and Constitution policy. Some of the current presented by Eoghan Keogh. He was were tireless on the night selling loads of PA members including myself, will bow accompanied by a member of the Garda raffle tickets!!!! A big thank you once out now after serving our two year term Siochana Drugs Unit, who brought along again to all our sponsors of the wonderful on the committee to make room for other a display of commonly used and available raffle prizes. Which undoubtedly helped parent/members as elected at the AGM drugs...! This proved to be a most with the raffle ticket sales! to get involved. informative and engaging presentation. PA Funding this term consisted of the For my part, it has been a hugely gratifying The second talk was on the subject of usual contributions and also some new two years and especially this current Mental Health Awareness and we were funding requests and initiatives were term as Chairperson. I want to take this delighted to have Mr Tony Bates, Director presented and sanctioned, including the opportunity to thank all the current PA of the Headstrong organisation, to come purchase of College Blazers (for official committee members namely, Annalie along and give a talk on “Young people in travel and photo calls), Achievement Sexton (Hon Sec), Sheera Harmon (Hon search of Mental Health”, again, this Awards (ties, plaques), plus a new Awards Treas), Karen O’Kelly, Val Jennings, proved to be a popular topic for parents initiative for “Outstanding Contribution & Catherine Ronayne, Eithne O Connor, Ger and was well attended. Engagement” were introduced. Funds for Oliver, Aine Sewell, Tim Murphy, Kim Student Council, Swim kits, Cross-country Hayes and Mark Bryans for their time, The third and final talk was based on a jackets and the funding of new Water given voluntarily and especially for their spirituality theme and we welcomed Fr Filtration systems for the College drinking support and work over this past term. Tom Casey SJ who gave us a talk on water fonts was sanctioned, plus a “Spirituality and Pope Francis”, giving contribution toward the supply and Wishing all Belvedere Parents a good and some insights into the current Pontiff’s installation of a new Bicycle Rack. In view well deserved summer break! work and devotions. This was most of the 1916-2016 commemoration activities interesting and enlightening. held in the College this Easter, the PA Brid Pentony, Chair PA Committee sanctioned the gift of a parchment, which One of the main highlights and success will list the names of OB’s who attended Newsletter Team: stories of this current PA term was the College during 1916 and will be Paula McDermott, Trevor Dunne & undoubtedly the “Cookery Demonstration displayed in the cabinets in the College by Ross Lewis of Chapter One” held in main hall. Joanne Ryan Design & Print: Trevor Dunne the College in January this year, in aid of Photography: Kindly contributed by Fionán the Belvedere Inner City Youth Club. This The PA committee gets involved in many O’Connell & Seamus Fearon was arranged and co-ordinated by the events and activities in the College over PA in association with the College Home the school term, including the hosting Economics Dept. The attendance was and catering of the Parents Social get If you have any feedback, would like to unprecedented. A drinks reception was together evenings. The most important update your details or include an article in held in the new Home Economics room social event is always the Elements our next edition then please contact us via prior to the main event which later took parents evening, as a lot of these parents The Development Office by phone: 01 858 place in a fully seated O’Reilly Theatre. are meeting and being introduced for the 6633, or email: [email protected] The event proved to be a resounding first time and enjoy their first social event The Newsletter is also available to read success, with all tickets sold and together in the College. The PA committee along or download online at belvederecollege.ie