MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE SESQUICENTENARY YEAR
_______________________________________________________

It was a splendid setting, a marvellous spectacle.

The whole school community and invited guests gathered in the Quadrangle – 1,100 strong. A simple, yet moving liturgy - the Mass of the Holy Spirit – to celebrate the opening of our Sesquicentenary Year.

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin, presided assisted by the Provincial of the Spiritan Order, Fr. Brian Starkan, the Chairman of the D.E.A., Fr. Peter Conaty, College Superior Father Tom Nash, College President Fr. Cormac O'Brolchain and 15 Concelebrants including the Presidents of St. Michael’s, St. Mary’s Rockwell and Templeogue.

Dr. Martin congratulated the College on reaching this milestone. He told us that we were heirs to a wonderful tradition. However, this tradition does not belong to the past and it must be remodelled as we look to the future and face the challenges confronting Catholic education in the 21st Century. Catholic education is the understanding of who God is. It is a counterbalance to consumerism. We learn that God is love and we embrace God’s love fully by being self-giving, not self-seeking. Catholic education leads us to a different way of life as we become authentic seekers and witnesses of God’s love.

This was a very special day for Blackrock and for the Congregation.

It was memorable for so many reasons:

• the wonderful singing and music
• the readers, processionists and altar servers who fulfilled their roles efficiently and with such dignity
• the reverence and respect of the student body, 2nd Year through to
6th Year.
• my colleagues in teaching, maintenance, catering, grounds, administration and household who worked tirelessly to make it possible
• the fellowship engendered by the attendance of so many who on a daily basis are part of the Blackrock community
• the presence and support of members of the College Spiritan Community who have carried the torch of Fides et Robur not just in Blackrock but across so many Continents.

So many made this wonderful event possible. I thank them all. Even the sun, ultimately, was obliged to shine on this already sparkling occasion.

Well done, Blackrock!

Back to top

Blackrock College Sesquicentenary Year


The coming academic year will be the 150th Anniversary of Blackrock College. A number of events are planned for the year which will involve the College Board, Staff, Union, College Community, Parents’ Association, Spiritan Provincialate and the DEA and, most importantly, the boys.

Congratulations to Darragh Feiritear, 6th year, on his award winning design of 150th logo.

We look forward to a year of celebrations woven into the annual activities of the College.

We encourage you to make an effort to get involved in the spirit of this very special anniversary year. We look forward to your support and involvement throughout the year.


Helen Donnelly
Sesquicentenary Programme Co-Ordinator
Email address: Rock150@blackrockcollege.com
Telephone: (01) 266 9820

Back to top

Please click on the link below for the calendar

Download Document

Back to top

LAUNCH OF FEARLESS AND BOLD


DR. RORY O’HANLON (Class of 1952) and HIS SON ARDAL (Class of 1983) launched ‘FEARLESS AND BOLD’ at a Reception in the College Lecture Hall last night (Thursday 22nd October, 2009).

The gathering included many staff members, past students and guests. We were delighted to welcome the Cathaoirleach of Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown, the Ambassador of Nigeria and the Second Secretary from the Kenyan Embassy as well as our local T.D.s, Minister Mary Hanafin, Minister Barry Andrews and Eamon Gilmore.

Bryan Conroy, Arthur McKey (both 6thYear), Kellan Scott, Robert McCarthy, Jonathan McKeown, Alex Owens, Eoin Healy (5th Year) and Ross O’Leary (2nd Year) read extracts from the book.

FEARLESS AND BOLD is a limited edition production and costs €65.00. It is available from the College at Reception.

I thank Ms Donnelly, Fintan Drury (Class of 1976), Ms Canning, Mr Herlihy, Ms Nolan, Fintan O’Connor and his maintenance team, Catherine Gilmartin and her catering crew and the Transition Year Sesquicentenary Committee for making the evening a success.

The book is a first-class production and I congratulate the Editorial Board of Fintan Drury (Chairman), Paddy Murray (Class of 1971, Editor), Stephen Doyle (Class of 1979), Tim Pat Coogan (Class of 1954), Mr Herlihy and Fr. O’Brolchain on their efforts.

Back to top

PARENTS GALA BALL

7th November 2009


Over 420 parents attended the Sesquicentenary Parents’ Ball held in the Royal Marine Hotel on Saturday, 7th November 2009.

It was a tremendous success, a fitting celebration.

I thank Helen Donnelly (Eoin, 6th Year), Yvonne Kelly (Charlie, 6th Year), Deirdre Davitt (Ross, 4th Year) and the Year Committees for the organisation of the event.

Back to top

RUGBY FESTIVAL PRESS RECEPTION


Past students, Lions and Internationals, Fergus Slattery (Class of 1966), Hugo McNeill (Class of 1976), Brendan Mullin (Class of 1982), Leo Cullen (Class of 1996), Brian O’Driscoll (Class of 1997), Luke Fitzgerald (Class of 2006) joined representatives from the Leinster Branch, Blackrock College R.F.C., Blackrock College Union and participating schools to launch the INVESTEC SCHOOLS’ RUGBY FESTIVAL – which took place over the weekend October 23rd – 24th 2009 in the College grounds.

INVESTEC was represented by C.E.O. Mr Michael Cullen and Mr Gerry White (Class of 1969) and we are delighted that they sponsored this unique occasion for Schools’ Rugby as part of the College’s Sesquicentenary celebrations.

I thank Mr Jim Leyden, who acted as MC on the day, (the Chairman of our Festival Committee), John O’Shea (Class of 1996), Gavin Cummiskey (Class of 1997), Mr Fitzsimons, Ms Donnelly, Fintan O’Connor and his maintenance team, Catherine Gilmartin and catering and the Transition Year Sesquicentenary Committee – Edward Kevin, Conor Kilcoyne, Mark Hall, Robert Walsh, Joseph Scott-Lennon, Bill Chawke, Jeff Landers, Jack O’Carroll, John McCarrick (5th Year) and Alex Owens (5th Year), for their organisation of the launch.

Back to top

Methody – Belfast won the prestigious Jules Leman trophy on the bank holiday weekend (24th/25th October), beating Clongowes in the final (3-0), Pres Cork won the plate competition with an extra-time victory over Ivybridge while Blackrock ‘B’ won the Bowl Competition from RBAI.

Our SCT was beaten by Methody (3-7) at the penultimate stage and we congratulate Captain David Godfrey (6th Year) and his squad on a great effort.

The weekend was a tremendous success and we congratulate all twenty school squads for their contribution to the festival. I thank the festival committee – Jim Leyden (Chair, Class of 1976), Mr Fitzsimmons, Gavin Cummiskey (class of 1997). John O’Shea (class of 1996), Dr. Erna Gallagher, Mr. Rogan, Fintan O’Connor and his maintenance team, Catherine Gilmartin and catering, Sesquicentenary co-ordinator Ms Donnelly and my many colleagues in attendance who made it possible. The festival was simply an incredible event which ran seamlessly, without a hitch – it was a great advertisement for the College.

Finally, I thank our sponsors Investec and OB Sport for making it possible.

Back to top

National Concert Hall
Sunday 24th January 2010



Each year we wonder whether it is the best ever.

This year's audience certainly thought so. It is difficult not to agree.

The Orchestra amplified by over 30 past pupils, the Choirs - Parents, Boarders, Libermann and Leman - Soloists and Bands combined to enthrall, entertain and animate the appreciative National Concert Hall audience.

A fitting celebration of our 150th Anniversary, this was a wonderful showcase of musical talent, past and present, all moving seamlessly thanks to our MCs and inobtrusive yet hugely efficient stage crew.
The 24th Leman happened because of the ingenuity, industry and giftedness of my colleagues:
Mr T O'Brien, Ms O'Kane, Ms O'Connor, Mr McDonald, Mr Sullivan, Mr André Cavanagh, Mr M Ryan and Mr B Herlihy.

We are deeply indebted for a great night’s entertainment.
Well done!

Finally, I thank the boys who fulfilled their end of the bargain by sharing their enormous talent in fine voice, splendid music and, as is the Blackrock way, great spirit.

Back to top

SESQUICENTENARY ART EXHIBITION


Paul Costelloe (Class of 1961), international Fashion Designer, launched the Sesquicentenary Art Exhibition in the College last evening, Sunday 7th March 2010.

In his address, Paul congratulated Mr Wyer, the Head of Art on his initiative.
He believed that it was appropriate that an Art Exhibition would be an integral part of the College’s 150th celebrations as so many past students had made a contribution to the Visual Arts on both a national and international stage.

The Guest of Honour was Mr John Coyle who was accompanied by his wife Sheila. John taught art at the College for 40 years (1951 - 1991) and is held in high esteem and with great affection by his former students.

50 past students, spanning six decades, have exhibited their work which ranges from skateboards to knitwear, photography to film, architectural drawings to etchings, painting, sculpture, ceramics and graphic design. A wonderful catalogue has been produced in association with the Exhibition.

I thank Mr Wyer for his initiative and for making it reality. The enthusiastic support of so many past students is the greatest compliment.

I also thank John Kearney (Class of 1986) and James O’Halloran (Class of 1975) who ably assisted Mr Wyer.

Our in-house personnel, as always, ensured that it happened seamlessly and with style - Sesquicentenary Co-ordinator, Helen Donnelly, College Archivist, Caroline Mullan, Fintan O'Connor and his maintenance team, Jackie Harty in administration.

The musical entertainment on the night was first-class and contributed to a perfect ambience. Well done to Billy Griffin, Peter Ryan, Konrad Timon (all 4th Year) and David Rogers (5th Year).

Finally, I thank our many guests on the evening - in excess of 500. It was a stunning and unique event.

The Exhibition remained open throughout the week, Monday – Friday (8th – 12th March), 9.00 am – 4.00 pm daily).

Back to top

SCT RUGBY FESTIVAL

24th/25th October 2009

On the weekend of 24th and 25th October 2009 a unique event took place on the sports campus of Blackrock College to mark the 150th anniversary

20 secondary schools from Ireland and the UK competed in a two day rugby festival for three separate trophies.

The Fr Leman Trophy, the Fr Stanley Plate and the Fr Hampson Bowl had been commissioned for the cream of schools rugby to compete in what was a truly spectacular two day event of all that is best in schools rugby.

Saturday kick off was at 10.00 am sharp and over 40 games played on that day.
Sunday saw over 30 games played, culminating in the Finals of all three competitions on the new pitch in front of the Jubilee Hall at 3.30 pm


PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS – RUGBY FESTIVAL

1. Blackrock
2. Belvedere
3. Clongowes
4. St. Mary’s
5. St. Michael’s
6. Terenure
7. Castleknock
8. Gonzaga
9. CBC Cork
10. Pres. Cork
11. St. Munchins
12. Crescent
13. Rockwell
14. R.B.A.I
15. Methody
16. Campbell
17. Sedberg School
18. Colstons College, Bristol
19. Wellington College, Berkshire
20. Ivybridge Community College, Devon


Jim Leyden
BLACKROCK COLLEGE SCT RUGBY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Email: Jim.leyden@rock.ie

Back to top

SENIOR CUP TEAM OF THE AGES

DINNER: KILLINEY CASTLE HOTEL - 23rd OCTOBER 2009

On Friday the 23rd October there was a celebratory dinner in the Killiney Castle Hotel to mark the 150th Year of Blackrock College and in this instance the successive students/players who had competed for the coveted Leinster Schools Senior Cup

Blackrock College have won this trophy an unprecedented 66 times and it was decided to hold a reunion of all past SCT players to mark this occasion, whether they won or lost.

Every Captain since 1949 had been contacted and invited to assemble as many of their team mates as possible for an opportunity to relive happy memories over a pleasant dinner in the company of past students and the coaches that were involved over the last 30/40 years

The Dinner also saw the launch of the book Fearless and Bold to mark the 150th anniversary of Blackrock College.


Jim Leyden

Back to top

Photo Gallery

Click on the Download Document link below to open the Blackrock in Focus photo presentation show.

Download Document

Back to top