Monthly Archives: February 2024

Six more photos from PPU Annual Dinner at the Westbury Hotel on Saturday January 27th. below –

Forty nine past pupils and five guests enjoyed a good evening at the Westbury on Saturday January 27th. Highlight of the evening was the presentation of the PV Doyle trophy for Row Person of the Year 2024 to Gerry Keenan (class of 1971). President, Dan Ferrari, outlined Gerry’s career which culminated in his appointment as Chief Executive of Irish Life Investment Managers. Gerry’s biography was posted in a recent News Blog.

Replying to President Dan, Gerry said that he was honoured and delighted to be voted as Row Person of the Year. He was very impressed with the school as it is today and he referenced, in particular, the banner at the school entrance celebrating the Community Award “School of Distinction 2023”. He believed the award to be a great representation of the success of the staff and students in promoting diversity and inclusion in CBS Westland Row today. Gerry said that he was amazed to learn that there are more than 220 pupils in the school with over 30 countries and 20 plus languages represented. He said that the school motto which says that “CBS Westland Row is a school where your child is known and valued’ is an outstanding statement of the school values.

In her address, School Principal, Kate Byrne, said that the school was doing well and she thanked her staff for their dedication and hard work. She also thanked the PPU for their continued support. She said that the financial support provided to pupils by way of bursaries and assistance was very important and gratefully received.

Many thanks to John Murray for the photographs taken on the night. Some of these are below and I hope to post others over the coming weeks.

President Dan Ferrari Presenting the PV Doyle Trophy to Gerry Keenan

Gerry with wife Liz, son Colm and daughter Ciara

Visitors from Synge St, Joey’s and O’Connells with Brian Duncan and Dan

Row Person of the year 2024, Gerry Keenan, paid a visit to his old Alma Mater on Friday January 26th. After a welcome from Principal, Kate Byrne, with coffee and scones prepared by some of the students, Gerry addressed a large gathering of pupils from Sixth, Fifth and Transition years. Drawing on his own experiences, after he sat the “Leaving” and left the Row in 1971, Gerry clearly struck a chord with his young audience. Having no fixed thoughts of what career he wished to pursue, he sat for the Junior Executive exam and was awarded a place in the Civil Service. Gerry was only a few weeks in the job when he realized that he did not like it and left to work for the Simon Community as a volunteer. Obviously, a new career had to be carved out, so Gerry went to UCD and obtained an Arts degree. After that he studied at the London School of Economics. His career path next took him to UCC as a lecturer and roles at the Economic and Social Research Institute as well as the Central Bank. He joined Irish Life Investment Managers in 1984 working in various roles before becoming Chief Executive in 2005.

Gerry said that the spirit of perseverance which he got whilst trying to get a place on the Row football team stood him in good stead in his work years and he urged his audience not to give up no matter how bad things may appear. He said that he never got beyond first sub for the team but he always turned up and never gave up hope. He said that it was alright to fail but always “get back on the horse” and you will get there in the end. Also, he urged the pupils not to “bottle up” problems but talk to parents, teachers, mentors and friends. Help is always available. He said that he was particularly impressed with the spirit of friendship which exists between Westland Row past pupils. he said that he met many during his working life including Brian Duncan and Brendan Hayes who worked with him in Irish Life and made him welcome there. He urged the students to stay in touch after graduation.

Gerry and a number of his 1971 classmates went on a tour of the school after his address and were very impressed with what they saw.

Below are a few photographs taken by John Murray on the day –

PPU Treasurer (and Blogger) Jim Conway with his grandson Euan Ryan and Gemma Kelleher, sixth year students who were among the attendance at Gerry’s address.

ABOVE – Gerry receiving his PPU tie from President Dan Ferrari

BELOW – PPU members Eddie Hanlon and Dr. Kieran Jack McGinley (Class of 71) and Neil Murray (Class of 64) enjoy refreshments provided by the students before Gerry’s address.