Whole School Assembly – Tuesday, 2nd October

Our Whole School Community gathered in Des Places Hall, our Sports Hall, as we celebrated the excellent start to the new school year and the Feast Day of Claude Poullart des Place, co-founder of the Spiritan Congregation.

Fr. Cormac O’Brolchain, CSSp. reminded the boys of the importance of prayer, of being open to God our father who loves us all. Chairman of the Student Council, Tom Dwan led the community in the College prayer and the 6th Year House Captains – Liam Fitter and James Gibney (De Valera), Tim D’Arcy and Tom Dwan (Duff), Gavin Jones and Shore Oluborode (Ebernecht), Donal McKeon and Ross O’Reilly (Leman), Diarmuid Foley and Peter Murphy (McQuaid), Greg Doyle and Harry Keyes (Shanahan), were commissioned.

The Libermann Cup, the award for the Best Overall House for 2017/18 was presented to Liam and James, the Captains of De Valera House. Harry Hughes (6th Year) reflected on his recent Retreat in Roscrea and Peter Murphy spoke about the huge impact you can have on those around you by what you say and do.

This is a very special occasion. It is a statement of community, of commitment, of conviction. The Cantors, Choir, Orchestra and readers were magnificent. I congratulate the student body, over 1000 strong, especially 6th Year, on their attention and participation.

I thank our Readers Michael Callaghan and Dylan Hutchinson (6th Year); Servers James McGowan, Rhys Rowlands, Conor O’Neill and Camilo Fernandez (all 6th Year); our Cantors Ben Rigney, Rob Mongey, Tim D’Arcy, Gavin Jones, Fergus Woods and Shore Oluborode (all 6th Year) and Callum Byrne, Michael Cagney and Andrew Jones (all 5th Year).

I thank my colleagues, Mr Grumley Traynor, Mr Cavanagh, Mr Madden, Ms McGlynn, Ms Crimmins, Mr O’Reilly, Mr Herlihy, Ms Nolan, Ms Markey and our Deans, Tommy Moore and our maintenance and Household team; the members of the community and my colleagues in attendance, all of whom make it possible.