PPU News Blog

Our 150th. Anniversary Publication (we are calling it the “Yearbook”) is taking shape and we are confident that it will be on sale at the Annual Dinner on January 30th. The Yearbook will run to about 260 pages and is packed with photographs as well as information on a wide variety of events, historical, sporting, personalities etc. connected with the school over its long history.

Full details of how to order your copy will soon be available and we are hoping that many past pupils will pick theirs up at the dinner on January 30th.

We have to thank everybody who contributed photographs over the years especially Patrick Dowling of Rock Photography and Johnny Murray. We have used many in the Yearbook but quite a few did not make it, so I am putting some up here and will publish more at a later date.

The photos below were taken at the OPEN EVENING on November 26th and at the Annual Mass for deceased past pupils on November 29th.

Brian Duncan and Gerry Cassidy. Gerry travelled from Connemara for the Mass and lunch.

Row PPU Golf Society President Des Donnelly and Don Cameron compare notes . Don is working hard on the follow-up novel to his thriller “Marked Off” which is still selling well.

Rory Dodd and friend. Sorry not to have all the names but would be happy to fill in later if they are supplied.

Dermot Quigley and his wife at the Mass. Dermot was the PPU Secretary in the Centenary year 1964

Brian Whelan enjoys a joke with Dan & Mrs. Ferrari

Brian in good company with some of his old friends.

Teacher Siobhan and retired teacher Roy catch up

The Archbishop is in good company with the Row lot

Past Principal Ken Duggan with the ladies

Eddie Staunton, Paul Butler and Dermot Quigley catch up on old times

Some of the younger generation put in an appearance, very welcome too

Hard working teacher – domestic science or what?

OPEN NIGHT THURSDAY 26TH. 6.30pm – 8pm

The Principal, Kate Byrne, is hosting the above and has issued an open invitation to past pupils. A heated marquee will be erected in the yard, cheese and wine will be available. We hope to have some music and a preview of the Archive Project which is a digitised version of the school rolls back to 1864.

LUNCHTIME RECITAL THURSDAY 26TH.

Kathryn Smith has asked us to mention her recital in St. Ann’s church Dawson Street on the above date. She will be joined by fellow soprano Antoinette Heery and accompanied by Carole O’Connor. We remember the great night we had last May at our May Time Melodies concert which Kathryn put together for us at short notice. Kathryn hails from the Pearse Street area and performs regularly in St. Andrew’s.

ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PAST PUPILS

Archbishop Dr. Diarmuid Martin will be in St. Andrew’s on Sunday 29th to celebrate Mass at 11.30am. He will also pray for all deceased past pupils especially Ray Treacy, Paddy Finn, Michael Fagan and Jimmy O’Brien who passed away during the year. There is lunch afterwards in the Alexander but the booking date has now passed. If anyone would really like to go to the lunch give me a shout on 087 2557298 and I will see if I can beg an extra seat or two.

The Past Pupils Union regrets to announce the recent death of past pupil Michael Fagan RIP. Michael served as HonorarySecretary to the PPU for many years. He was noted for keeping meticulous Minutes of meetings which were written in very neat handwriting. Michael lived in Sandymount and was a member of the Railway Union club like many Row boys. He was an expert Chess player. Michael’s brother, Canon Patsy Fagan, was also a past pupil and served at the 150 celebration Mass with the Archbishop last November. Michael was also present at Mass and lunch that day. Michael will be lying in repose in the Rom Massey funeral home on Thursday and Friday and his funeral Mass will be in Star of the Sea Sandymount on Saturday at 10am on October 31st. The photograph of Michael (on the right below) was taken in 1998 at the announcement of the Row Man of the Year. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

OPEN NIGHT
The Principal, Kate Byrne, will host an Open Night in the school on Thursday November 26th from 6.30pm to 8pm. Kate has arranged for a heated marquee to be erected in the yard (that should bring back memories!!). Cheese and wine will be on offer and we might get a tune or two if the “Boys in the Band” come together again for the occasion. This event will mark the closing of the 150 Anniversary celebrations and many PPU projects will be on display. You might even get a sneak preview of our publication.

An Taoiseach unveils a plaque to mark the 150 Anniversary of the school watched by Principal, Kate Byrne, Vice Principal, Eddie Kelly and PPU President, John Cullen on November 20th. 2014

ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PAST PUPILS

The Mass will be celebrated by the Archbishop, Dr. Diarmuid Martin, in St. Andrew’s Westland Row on Sunday November 29th at 11.30am. If you know of any past pupils who died during the year please text me on 087 2557298. I attended two past pupil funerals during the year for Ray Tracey (RIP) and Paddy Finn (RIP). There will be lunch in the Alexander after Mass at a cost of €25. Booking for that is essential before November  20th. please.

St. Andrew’s Church Westland Row

Nominate candidates for Row Person of the Year 2016

Who will follow Brian Dowling (Row Person 2015)?

Nominations for the 2016 recipient are now open and will close on November 30th. Text me on 087 2557298 or email jim.conway7@gmail.

ANNUAL DINNER 2016

Our Dinner will be in the Westbury on January 30th 2016. Tickets will be €60 as last year. Book early and avoid the rush.