Fifty four past pupils and guests enjoyed the PPU annual dinner on its new date in November, at the Westbury Hotel, last Saturday evening. The number attending the dinner was similar to the January date. For those of us who live in Dublin it is easy to get to the Westbury but we are particularly indebted to many past pupils who travelled from locations such as Connemara, Cork, Leitrim etc. etc. to be with us.
The President would also like to thank all who supported the raffle by making donations or purchasing tickets. The funds raised are vital for our support of the school.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the PV Doyle trophy for ROW Person of the Year (2026) to Vivian Geiran (Class of 1974). Vivian made a very entertaining and thought provoking response, recalling his days in the ROW and his 33 year career in the Probation Service where he came through the ranks to the position of Director before his retirement. He concluded by expressing the hope that a person representing the wider ethnicity and gender balance which prevailed in the school in recent years would soon be standing in his position as ROW Person of the Year.
School Principal, Kate Byrne, thanked the PPU for its continued support of the school and said that the school was doing well providing education and much needed support to about 200 pupils, many of whom come from very difficult backgrounds. The school currently has a waiting list but she has just received permission to convert the basement into classrooms and also to set up new offices. This will enable the school to accept more students.
The facilities and dinner, provided by the Westbury, were up to its usual high standard. We are really indebted to Bernadette Gallagher, daughter of PV, Sean O’Neill, manager on the night, Mary McMahon, Banqueting Manager and all the staff for looking after us so well.
Thanks are also due to Pat Neill and his committee who successfully tweaked the format of the night to provide more time for socialising and chat. A good time was had by all.
A word of commiseration to John Murray who enjoyed many many PPU dinners and acted as liaison committee member with the Westbury over many years. He was also our photographer in recent years. Unfortunately, John couldn’t make it this year as he recently fell, and suffered a broken femur. Hopefully, John will make a full recovery and be at many more PPU dinners in future.
Below are a few photos which I (Jim Conway) took as “deputy photographer” on the night. I’m sure that my photographic skills are not up to John’s standard but, hopefully, they are not too bad.
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