In June 2015, Don Cameron (class of 1971), published a News Blog about the school’s 1964 Centenary celebrations which attracted huge interest from past pupils. The PPU produced a video of the events, which was available on DVD for many years. Don, who is proficient in the technological arts associated with blogging , publishing etc and a weekly columnist on Dublin Gazette, has reproduced his 2015 blog but, this time, he has incorporated the DVD. This enables us to click directly on the video and I attach the link below for your enjoyment. Hopefully, you will still be able to pick your young self out after all these years. Enjoy??
Incidentally, Don spotted Sean Canavan, who died last year, amongst the pupils on the video and he sent a link to Sean’s family in South Africa. The gesture was greatly appreciated by them.
Forty Eight past pupils and seven guests attended the PPU Annual Dinner at the Westbury Hotel on Saturday January 25th 2025. This most enjoyable occasion also featured the presentation of the PV Doyle trophy to John Murray (class of 62), ROW Person of the Year 2025.
School Principal, Kate Byrne, addressed the gathering and advised that the school is doing well and has about two hundred students. She said that many of the students come to the school in very difficult circumstanes but they find a caring atmosphere where they can study and realise their potential. Kate praised Deputy Principal, Cathriona O’Sullivan and her staff for their great work. She also thanked the PPU for its valuable contribution including the provision of bursaries to two pupils and the purchase of “hoodies” for the ladies rugby squad which is enjoying great popularity amongst the girls.
The President also mentioned some of the ways the PPU had helped the school during the year before introducing John Murray for the presentation of the PV Doyle trophy. John has been a member of the PPU committee for over forty years and he served as President in 2010/11. He has been our main negotiator with the Westbury in respect of the Annual Dinner. Dan outlined aspects of John’s career in the Worlds of Accountancy and Life and Pensions. These were mentioned in more detail in News Blog of December 20th 2024.
Dan also thanked the many past pupils who attended the dinner or sent apologies as well as many who donated funds to support the raffle and dinner.
The excellent photos below are just a small sample of the many photos taken by John Murray’s son, Stephen, who is a professional photographer. Stephen is multi talented as he is also an Architect and an actor. He currently features very prominently in a popular ad for the FBD Insurance Co. Many thanks to Stephen. I hope to publish more of the photos in later News Blogs.
PV Doyle Trophy 2025Murray family groupMurray BrothersNeil Murray, Brian Duncan, Cathriona O’Sullivan and John MurrayJohn making his acceptance speechBen Conlan – “an bhfuil cead agam dull amach”John and David enjoy the craic Don Cameron and Dermot QuigleyDermot Soraghan chats up the ladiesEugene, Bernard, Michael and NeilClass of 1971 ?Brendan MaloneCathrionaKate Byrne, school Principal Tommy Mulloy and Gerry DaveyGroup assemblyGerry Keenan and Bernard MurrayJohn Murray, Kate Byrne and Fr. EugeneEddie Kelly and John MurrayJohn CostelloTony Connellan O’ConnellsMurray ladiesJohn with Terry HardimanColm Fitzsimons with Pat NeilPresident Dan wit Dave Rafferty JoeysEd HanlonPresident Dan presenting PV Doyle trophy to John Murrayraffle prizesJohn withBernard and Eugene
Welcome to our Annual Dinner at the Westbury tonight. I wish everybody a most enjoyable evening. Dan Ferrari, PPU President.
Below are some photos of recent PPU activities. Enjoy
Group of past pupils with Bishop Paul DempseyJack with classmates in the school in January 2024 when Gerry Keenan, Row Person of the Year paid a visit Gerry receiving the PV Doyle trophy from President Dan.Jack enjoying a cuppa in the school when Row Person 2024 Gerry Keenan paid a visit Photo of the Year 2023
PPU News Blog 