The annual dinner of St Joseph’s Past Pupils Union took place as usual in Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf last Friday evening. This dinner has long been an important event in the history of that august body of men, and it takes place without fail on the last Friday in February every year. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of lovely glass plaques to (i) the “Student of the Year” for Leaving Certificate 2014, Mr Shane Conroy and (ii) the “Hall of Fame” person for 2015 to Fr. Finbar Neylon, past pupil, former teacher in Joey’s and priest in the Archdiocese of Dublin in recognition of his outstanding service to the school over many years.
Mr. Gerard Cullen, Principal of the school, gave a good speech outlining the current situation of St Joseph’s as it forges enthusuastically ahead into the twenty-first century. He also made an informative and clear presentation of the School Website which he encouraged all Past Pupils to explore. He also recommended them all to sign up for e-mails on weekly news that will be sent to their inbox. The dinner was well attended and the past pupils present were delighted by the numbers of current and past teachers who attended the dinner.
Three pupils, Manolito Aviles, Patrick Gahan and Conor O’Reilly manned a small table selling 125 Commemorative Books, Past Pupil Ties and other sundry articles. Conor also helped with the IT presentation.
The presidents of the Past Pupils Unions of O’Connell’s, Synge Street and Westland Row, along with the parents of Shane Conroy, the sister of Fr Finbar, and finally Maureen Teeling and her son Eoin were all special quests for the evening.
A wonderful time was had by all, and the Past Pupils Union hopes to go from strength to strength and build on the current good attendances at its annual dinners.