Sports & Family Day 10th May 2015

The weather remained dry and warm throughout last Sunday’s SPORTS AND FAMILY DAY. The largest crowd, certainly since the Sesquicentenary Day in 2010, enjoyed a tremendous range of inter-house sports and novelty events as well as championship finals.

The day started with Soloist Gavin Coll (6th Year) singing the National Anthem. From thereon there was non-stop activity across the lawn, as well as at the Open Day Displays in St. Paul’s Wing, in St Patrick’s Hall and the Lecture Hall. The best of Blackrock – Science, History, Environmental, Art and Construction Projects were on display.

We were delighted to welcome the Kenyan Ambassador, Mr Richard Opembe and his wife Suzanne. He spoke passionately about the contribution of the Spiritans to education in Kenya and recalled appreciatively, his time at St Mary’s College, Nairobi, a time when Fr. O’Brolchain was Principal. The Ambassador drew the winning ticket in the Car Raffle in aid of the Machakos project. Ms Gwen Lynch, mother of Conor (3rd Year) was the Winner.

We were delighted to welcome Luke Fitzgerald (Class of 2006) who was presented with the Past Pupils Sports Personality Award for 2015 by the President of the Union, Mr Shane Murphy (Class of 1981). Luke, in turn, presented the Sports Personality Of The Year Award to Roghan McMahon (6th Year). He also drew the first ticket in the Draw for half a year’s school fees with Provincial, Fr. Marc Whelan (Class of 1980), making the draw for the other 2 Prizes.

The Winners were:

  • Colm Condon – father of Shaun (5th Year)
  • Dermot and Kay Kelly – parents of James (4th Year) and Robert (2nd Year)
  • Thomas Kirwan – father of Jeff (6th Year)

A fantastic day – the College looked superb – I thank our Grounds, Maintenance and Household team for their dedication and pride in Blackrock. I thank Catherine, Albert and our Sodexo Catering Team for their organisation and sponsorship of the afternoon teas. Thanks to their generosity, all proceeds will go to Machakos.

Finally, I thank my colleagues – the Organising Committee of Mr Kehoe, Mr Evan O’Brien, Mr Aylward, Mr Johnny O’Shea, Fintan O’Connor, Phil Ryan, Mr Herlihy and my colleagues in attendance on the day, as well as our past students who helped with the running of the events.

This is a very important Blackrock occasion and it would not be possible without the effort and goodwill of so many – parents, staff, students, extended families and Spiritan Community. Fides et Robur!