Carol Byrne ’84 & ’85: I think it's absolutely fantastic to see the website up and running. It's great to read what's happening at the school and also what people have been up to for the past 22 years! Talk about making you feel old. For me, most of those years have been spent overseas (sorry Mam and Dad). After leaving Laurence's, I went to Waterford Regional (now Waterford Institute of Technology WIT) and got a degree in Business Studies. Not wasting any time after that, I moved to London, where I eventually got my Management Accounting qualification. With that tucked under my belt, I decided it was time to go travelling for a year (the usual places: USA , New Zealand , Australia , Malaysia and Thailand ). What a fantastic experience! Would definitely recommend it to anyone still thinking of doing it – whatever your age. Eventually, after 13 years and working as a management accountant for various companies including Time Magazine and MGM Home Entertainment, I finally decided to say goodbye to London and move to Sydney . I've been here now for nearly 4 years and absolutely love it (I even became an Aussie citizen last year!). The lifestyle is much more laid back and relaxed and the great weather means lots of outdoor activities and generally pretty happy people. Plus, working for the national airline Qantas, means I get to go home every year and have the opportunity to travel lots, which I love. I look forward to staying in touch and will hopefully catch up with some people the next time I'm back in Dublin (perhaps mid 2007). Am happy to be on the school’s mailing list and would love to hear from fellow past pupils living in Sydney . All the best. [Dec. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Fionan Costello '86: I came across the school website purely by accident. It was great to read some of the biographies that were posted for my class. Well here is my two cents: I emigrated to the U.S. in 1988 and have been here ever since. For the first 4 years I worked in various bars around the New York area. Eventually I got enough sense and went to college. I graduated college in 1992 and have been working as a public accountant ever since. Last September I started my own accounting business and have not looked back. In the mean time I married Leisa O’Flynn – we started dating back when I was at Laurences. We live about 20 miles southeast of Philadelphia and have 4 terrific children. If any of my ex classmates are ever in the Philadelphia area I’d be delighted to hear from them and catch up on life. I hope all is well with you and the other staff. Merry Christmas! [Dec. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Sine Forsyth '86: As most of you know, I prefer Sine, but I suppose some people will always remember me as Jensine.....Wadayado? I've been watching the site and hoping more of our class would write. Then it dawned on me that probably a lot of the others were doing the same as me, watching but doing nothing (d'oh), so here goes.... I left the college about half-way through 6th year (I was always sensible like that). I went to Denmark for a few months. Then I lived in England for a couple of years. In 1990 I had my first daughter, Robyn. Sarah was born in '92. (Robyn later attended the college for three years. I have to say it was strange being around the school as a parent!!) Their dad and I were divorced. Some things just aren't meant to be. Happily, I later met Shane and we have been together for nearly 10 years now. We have a little boy called Jack who is just 4. We bought a house in Portarlington, Co. Offaly, 2 years ago. Shane and I got married in June of this year. All 5 of us love living in Port'. We have really made it our home. I now work with my brother Steven. He runs his own online jewellery business. It's great, because I can work from home and still be around for Jack and the girls. That's pretty much it.... Life is great!! I'd love to hear from more of you. So take the plunge guys, it's not so bad once you start writing. [Dec. '06] |
||||||||||||||
David Howard '03: I would just like to congratulate the college on its high position in the schools' league table. As a past pupil currently studying my BSC in Leisure Management in Dublin Institute of Technology, I have always recognised the good work the college has done and I am grateful for the part it has played in my choice of study and my future career. The high position does not surprise me at all and I believe the college will continue to climb this particular table and many others. I recently graduated with a BA in Leisure Management and would like to thank all my past teachers for the their guidance in my time with the school, they played a big part in my achievements. Well Done p.s Keep up the good work [Dec. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Deirdre Moore ’83: Following 5 very happy years in St. Laurence College, I left at the ripe old age of 17 and headed to UCD to study Social Science thinking. I wanted to be a Social Worker, but found that wasn't for me. So I ended up going from UCD down the road to work in Corporate Banking at AIB's head office in Ballsbridge – where I still am 20 years later!!!....(Sometimes I wonder if I have become somewhat institutionalised, but I really love it and have done well working my way up in Corporate Banking to a Senior Management position....sure why would I leave when they look after me so well!!) I am currently on 6 months Maternity Leave enjoying life, playing at being housewife for awhile and looking after my two children: Nicole 4 and Gabrielle (5 months) and my hubby Derrick – who I married in 1992 after many, many years of dating...(I brought him to my Debs and that’s not today or yesterday!!) When I read some of what the people wrote on the website, I couldn't believe what good memories people have. It certainly jogged a few for me. Thanks Colin for reminding me of being your twin. I could hardly quote a line from that play now (sorry Mr. Murtagh, but the memory is not like it used to be). But I do remember all the house parties in 3rd and 5th year and those innocent games of Spin the Bottle. (Our parents were so good leaving us to our own devices.) Names that spring to mind are Liam, Sean, Jerry, Eamonn, Bridget, Tina, and Maria – to name just a few of the motley crew from the old days. Also science classes with Mr O'Hanlon (fondly known as Barney before the big purple dinosaur was ever invented)...not sure how I did so well in Physics and Chemistry in the Leaving as I genuinely didn't have a clue what he was talking about, thanks to Brian who sat behind me and played with my hair and tickled my back for most of the class!! I still see Bridget Whelan a lot. She followed me into AIB a year later. She is great for arranging girls’ nights out. We recently met up for dinner with Janet Kelly (who still looks as gorgeous as ever), Derval and Tina. Janet's twin, Bernard and now known as Ben also works in AIB, as one of the brilliant chefs. So I see him every day. Thanks again to all the wonderful teachers in the school, especially Madeleine who had a profound effect on a lot of the girls who went through St. Laurence under her stewardship as Dean of Girls. Also to Brothers Jim, Fred, Fr Mike and the many other Brothers who came and went during my 5 years and the many years after – when I was still very much involved with the PP Association and the dances and Christmas Bazaar etc. Madeleine, you certainly taught me a thing or two about setting tables and serving. I loved working on the PP Dance projects when I was in school and would love to see a big PP Dance happening again. It looks like a lot of past pupils would love to come back to Laurences to relive a few memories – even if its just to dance the night away in the gym-cum-'ball room of romance’ where many a good snog took place in the past!! For the class of '83, let’s make sure we have a reunion in 2008 for our 25 th as we missed out on our 20 th. I would love to see all the 'young' faces again after all these years. [Dec. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Tina ( Murray ) Spivack '90 & 91R : Since leaving St. Laurence’s in 1991, I studied Business Management in Sports and Leisure and worked as a Health Club Manager for many years in the Isle of Man where, lo and behold, I bumped into 2 other past pupils: Kim Murphy and Lisa Barnes. From there I ended up coming back to Dublin and meeting my wonderful husband Gavin whom I married in December 2005 (late starter I know!). We traveled to Australia for a year before settling down and buying a house in Co. Kildare where we lived for 2 years before moving back to Bray this year. I have worked for the St. John of God Hospitaller Order for nearly 4 years now as Project Manager of their service based in Islandbridge. I keep in contact with Kim and Sarah Holmes, Graham O’Rourke! From the repeat year in 1990-1991 I am in contact with Sean Moran, Vinny Morris and Donal Cronin. In fact we were all at Sean’s wedding in Wexford earlier this year! I can’t quite believe it but my baby sister has just started in Laurence’s this year (the last of all the Murrays to attend there!) My other sister Paula left last year. I pass by the school every day on the way home from work and remember all the great days we all had there and sad times – losing Frank Blake so suddenly in 2 nd Year, for example. Can’t quite believe that Karl, Colin, Ciara and Frank are no longer with us . I remember the school band playing in the old gym on our Rag Day – Dotts, Corco, Vinny, Mo – what a year we were! So many good people to grow up with. Does anyone remember the Radiator Gang????? How about the retreat to Glendalough with Br. Dave where we had a petition to Free the Glendalough 6!!!! My fondest memory of those times is sitting around in a gang with a Corco, Mo, Dotts, Casso and all the girls singing Hotel California! I also remember when I was in 7 th Year when Tessie caught us in Kilbogget fields with our cans of bud and frog marched us all back to the school (Oh the shame!) Ahhh the memories……… I often wonder what everyone is up to. I missed the last reunion as I was in Oz at the time, but would really love to meet up with everyone again. I’m always finding old photos of our school days and would love to see photos that anyone else has!! All in all, I loved my time in Laurences and sometimes wish I was that age all over again, after all I made some friends for life there and if I was that age again I wouldn’t feel as knackered as I do now when I try to run on the basketball court!!!!! [Dec. 06] |
||||||||||||||
Nick Corrigan '78: I was working in the IT department in Concern headquarters, Dublin and have finished my contract with them. I now run a small company called Digital Design Dublin. I am a technical consultant and graphic designer. Living in Sandycove, Co.Dublin. It is great to hear from my youth, it would be nice to have a reunion, Thank You and God Bless. [Nov. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Colin Lacey '83 & '84: I now live in Cambridge , with my wife of nearly 10 years, Sue, and two lovely daughters, Emma (8) and Katie (7). After repeating the Leaving Certificate in '84 I dropped out of Trinity and went to work in Germany before returning to Galway RTC to study Mechanical Engineering. (I always knew the calculus would come in handy!) After graduating I worked for Thermo King in Galway and Vienna before moving to Cambridge in 1993. I am now Aftersales Director with a commercial catering company based in Aldershot , near Heathrow Airport (South West London). My parents and extended family still live in Wyattville Close and I get across to visit them a couple of times a year. It’s hard to keep up with the pace of change in Loughlinstown as the walls get higher and the road network and buildings grow. I still look back with very fond memories on my time at St. Laurence, most notably:
All in all, it is great to look back on some very happy years. I hope all my past teachers and fellow pupils are keeping well (accepting with sadness those who are no longer with us). It has been fascinating to read the website and look at all the photos. Well done for keeping those memories going. Keep up the good work. [Nov. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Derek Donnelly '77: Thanks Lonan for setting up what looks to be a great night!!! (I ran into Lonan about 10 years ago and we had a great time and a good few jars talking about the old days and old friends!!) I have been in New York since 1985 and come home fairly regularly, but usually for short trips. Always wanted to get together with my old friends Paul "Butch" Moore, David Mackey, Kieron Meagher, the mountainy men: Declan "Winner" Winstanley, Noel Murray and David Nicholson and also Declan Whelan, Colm Dooley and Jimmy Mitchell -- and now its all set up!!!. Looking at the names on the list, the memories come flooding back. Ross Chadwick -- the biggest guy ever to play rugby for St. Laurence’s, always in good humour -- a true gentle giant! Brendan "Macker" McDonald, the friendliest "shaper' you'll ever meet-- you should wear your Doc Martins !! Trying to stay out of Frank McGuinness' way at all costs! Singing in the back of Mr. Carty's History class before an international football match. The fun we had in Irish class with Mr. Desmond. Soccer blitzes in Newbridge before Ted "Doc" Doherty knew anything about the game (only saying that because he never played me!!!) The fear of going into Madeleine "Tessie" O' Shea's class every day -- without a doubt the best teacher any of us ever had!!! Table tennis after school -- Dave Mackey you never beat me! Lonan combing his hair 15 times a day!.Paul Moore trying to cross a ball!! Kelly Hyde!!! Better stop now before I get into trouble. Great times and lots of fun and looking forward to more of the same on Feb 24th 2007!.[Oct. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Ben Farrell here '79. |
||||||||||||||
Celine (Murphy) Blacow '84: Hi all – remember me? I was Celine Murphy but now it’s Celine Blacow . It’s really good to see the website up and running and very interesting to read everyone’s biog’s! Looking at the photos had me in stitches; did we really look that bad?! As for me, after leaving Laurence’s, I went to Cathal Brugha Street to study Food Science. I never did work in that area afterwards but it was a really good education in life (and in drinking too much but the less said about that, the better). I then went to work at Trinity College as a conservationist in the Long Room and in the Conservation Laboratory where I worked for approximately 5 years on 15 th and 16 th century books and maps. When I decided I had had enough of that (it’s a very small industry and you’re basically waiting for someone to drop dead before you can get a promotion), I worked in administration – in various small companies before moving to Dun Laoghaire VEC, working for several years and then being promoted to the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology. During this time, I studied at night to gain my BA (Hons) in Business Studies. I am currently the School Administrator in the School of Creative Arts , looking after all the administration involved in the running of an art/design/film/media school with 700+ students and 150+ staff. I have been working here since 1997 and really enjoy it – for those in the know, Amanda Ralph (class of 84) is also working here (she told me about the website). In other news, I am extremely happily married to an English guy, Malcolm, who is in the process of writing a novel and we’re, at the moment, in the process of buying our house (nightmare!). It’s really nice to read about everyone and it’d be good to keep in touch. [Oct. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
John O’Brien '77: Hello to all at Saint Laurence. I have just discovered that there is to be a class re-union next year. I have been married twice (my first wife Caroline died from cancer 11 years ago) and I have five lovely kids, one a Religion and History teacher in Balbriggan; another works back in Ireland in a local supermarket; another son lives here with me here in Spain. My two little girls live with their mother in Wexford, unfortunately!!!! When I left Laurences I went on to work as an electrician and eventually ended up working in the TV and film business. Then tragedy struck, the sad loss of Caroline encouraged me to make the decision to go back to college. I earned a joint honours degree (Geography and Sociology) from Trinity in 2000 and began a new career path. I now live here in Torreveija, close to Alicante with my wonderful partner, Susi who is a Spanish national and works as primary teacher. I am also a teacher. We would love to go back for a re-union in the near future and to meet my fellow classmates and the staff . Kindest regards. [Oct. '06] |
||||||||||||||
| Conor O'Keeffe '76: (Delgany, Co. Wicklow and formerly of Merville Road, Stillorgan) Oct. 18, 2006, (suddenly), at home, Conor, dearly beloved husband of Freda and loving father to Eóin, Ciarán and Graínne; sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughter, brothers Eugene, Eddie and Johnny, sisters Ruth, Patsy and Jackie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends. R.I.P. Reposing at Patrick O'Donovan and Son Funeral Home, Ormonde Centre, Victoria Road, Greystones. Removal this (Friday) evening to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Greystones, arriving at 7 o'c. Funeral tomorrow (Saturday) morning after 10 o'c. Mass to Kilquade New Cemetery. [Oct. '06] | ||||||||||||||
Marian (Williams) Cordner ‘90: When I first left St Laurences I did a Diploma in Hotel & Catering Mgmt at Cathal Brugha St , Dublin . I then spent about 10 years working in various management roles in Hotels around Ireland , returning to Dublin in the late 1990’s. I have now retrained and I am a Financial Controller- still in a hotel though! Now settled back in Shankill with my new hubby, and I would love to hear from any past classmates. School seems like it was just a couple of years ago… but also a lifetime ago, especially when I drive past the bus stop and see all the young, young children in their Laurences Uniforms waiting for the bus! Makes you feel old! [Oct. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Christine Flynn '88: I had the pleasure of meeting Ms O Shea in Heuston Station a while back (she looked fantastic) and she told me about the web site. I think it's a brilliant idea. I have spent several hours going through all the messages on it. It's lovely to hear what people are up to now! 18 years, where has the time gone? I am still working in the hotel industry (thanks Ms O Shea). I have been with my husband (Alan) for 15 years and got married 4 years ago. We have a gorgeous daughter, Amy, who will be 3 in November (acts like she's 30!), a real character. We are currently buying a house in Arklow, just waiting on the builders to finish up!!! I am in constant contact with Fiona Jennings, the bestest friend in the whole wide world and Amy's godmother. I have Laurence's to thank for that. I see a few people around and it's great to catch up, but it would be very nice to try and organise a reunion for maybe our 20 year anniversary and see how many would come! It would be lovely to hear how all the teachers are doing too! Well that's it for now. I am heading to Kilkenny to spend the weekend with Amanda Byrne(Ryan) '95 and her family! [Sept. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Louise (Johnston) McCormack '95: Hi. Great to hear back from you so quickly after making contacting. I bought a house in Shankill with my husband, Trevor McCormack (’91) another past pupil. We have three children Zachary is seven, Oscar two, and Tilly, our youngest, three months. I work in the office for Tesco, doing the books (Anne McCarry would be surprised to hear that. All her hard work paid off for me.) The rest of the family is doing very well. It would be great to hear from other people that were in my year. [Sept. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Fiona Keane '85: After I left school, I did a secretarial course in Haddington Road . I worked for several companies before my marriage to Ken in 1991. We have three children, Leanne (14), Kevin (12) and Jill (8). I've only really kept in touch with Sandy O'Driscoll who was a bridesmaid at our wedding! In 1996, we moved to Inis Mór where we lived for four years. While out there I had a spinal fusion done, which took me permanently out of the work force, and made me a full time mum, which I love. In 2000 we moved to Athenry, where we now live. I love the west of Ireland . I attended the reunion in May which was fabulous - WHY weren't the rest of you there? I can't wait ‘til the next one, and will help out with phone calls etc. We had hoped to move back to Dublin this year, but it was not to be. Keep up the good work, everyone, love to hear from anyone who would like to get in touch!! [Sept. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Paul Kennedy '86: Greetings all. Wow, some serious time has passed since 1981. It is good to reconnect and hear how some of you are doing. It is most sad to hear about Dara, Derek and TJ Lynch...makes one realize how uncertain life can be. Life has been pretty good to me since I left St. Laurence's. I am married to a lovely Brazilian women, Danielle, and we have the cutest son named Lucas, who is four. We just returned to the US after eight years overseas and live in Ashburn , Virginia , a suburb of Washington , DC . Going back a few years to just after leaving St. Laurence's, I returned to the United States in 1983 and joined the US Air Force for a four-year stint as a Crew Chief on B-52 bombers. I completed a four-year commitment and went to university, graduating with a masters in international relations in 1992. In 1994 I joined the US Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Security Service special agent. After a tour in Washington , I was posted to the embassy in Brasilia , Brazil as an assistant security attaché from 1997-99. Before leaving Brazil , Dani and I got married and then headed to the US Embassy in Maputo , Mozambique , where I served as the security attaché. We left Maputo in 2002 just after Lucas was born and our next post, as luck would have it, was Dublin . It was wonderful to have the opportunity to be posted "home" and to be able to spend some quality time with my family there. The three years went by in a flash, and before we knew it, we were heading back to the US , where we have been for a year already. This is a life of constant moving around, which has many positives, but gets tiring, especially now that I have a family. But, no complaints! Our time at St. Laurence was pretty special and the friendships we made carry on for life, one way or another. I look forward to catching up with you all over the years to come. Thanks Brother Jim for pulling this website together and for all the Brothers' care and devotion over the years. All the best, [Sept. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Anne-Marie Mahon ‘79: After Laurences I worked for a couple of years for Bayer Ireland as a Laboratory Assistant (never did science at school but I never let things like that stop me!!!) Then I went to DCU, got an Honours business degree specialising in HR and Industrial Relations....worked for AIB in various locations around Dublin for a year and a bit then took the boat to London where I worked for AIB initially, and then for Benchmark Bank, Dao Heng Bank and Development Bank of Singapore as a Personnel Assistant, Personnel Officer and then HR Manager for 19 years in the City Financial Centre. Along the way I became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, became a competent Toastmaster (public speaking), Vice-Chair of the City Personnel Group (a networking forum for HR managers in The City of London)....and got a bronze medal for Adult Tap-Dancing and trained as a Reiki Healer! People from Laurences have been a constant in my life: Claire Brennan ('81), Ruth Brennan and Niamh Billings ('82) and Gill McConnell '(81)...all connections in London at sometime and now back in Ireland again except Ruth who is currently living in Hong Kong working at HSBC - she's due back to London next year and Niamh who is married in London and has one son Oisin! I returned to live in Dublin this March and am beginning to find my feet again after living away for so long. I took a 3 month contract when I returned as an Outplacement Consultant helping people who were being made redundant to put together CVs, helping with job search and interview techniques. I decided to take the summer off as I felt I needed some time to get reacquainted with friends and family (the curse of having 5 brothers to keep track of) and get back into the swing of things Irish style. Somehow it seems to be a very long summer but the job search will start again soon!!! I have great memories of Laurences:
Regretfully, I've not yet met Mr Right although I've kissed a few toads on the way. No kids of my own but love my 4 nephews courtesy of younger brothers Stephen (who didn't go to Laurences) and Alan (who did but not til 1983ish!). Warmest regards. [Sept. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Celine Naughton '77: I have mixed memories of my two years as an interloper in St Laurence’s. So many boys, so little time… I was in awe of all the girls (well, all nine in our year) and a little bit in love with all the lads, including half the brothers. Anyway, I came away with my own Laurence’s boy in Jan van Embden. We’re married forever and have two daughters – Mieke who is now also a past pupil and Corinne who at an early age decided on an all-girls’ convent because “boys are so disruptive.” Atta girl! So back to those mixed memories… Well, mostly they’re incredibly fond, but I did go through a spate of late slips which resulted in picking up lots of litter. And then there was the jeans incident. I thought they were the business, but Bro. Jim wasn’t into frayed hems at the time and stapled them somewhere around my calves from where they fluttered hideously for the rest of the day. As one of a few girls in a sea of boys there were far more embarrassing moments, but let’s move on to the good stuff. Does anyone remember a flag collection day when Bobby Sugrue, in a bid to outdo everybody in the competition, told the public that we were raising funds for homeless and orphaned children in a charitable institution in Loughlinstown? In fairness to him, he did marvellously well. There were rumours that other people used some of the proceeds to pay for a game of snooker somewhere off Grafton Street to relieve the boredom, but it’s not true. We didn’t do it. Declan Winstanley made me laugh so much in Business Studies I often had to go to the library, and it was nothing to do with his Bay City Rollers inspired tartan phase. Arthur Hallinan was a Rolling Stones fan who sewed their famous tongue logo on to his schoolbag, Dermot Lacey looked like the singer Don McLean (little did we know then you'd one day look out of the Mansion House into that Starry Starry Night as Lord Mayor) and George O’Brien had beautiful dark brown ringlets. Speaking of hair, the L’Oreal trophy had to go to Lonan Boylan who, as we all know, is the driving force behind next year’s reunion. Thank you Lonan. Great idea and we all look forward to it. Jan’s driving. No, he isn’t, he tells me. We’re going to get one of those taxi cabs. Probably share it with John Young and his gorgeous, lovely wife Lisa whom we’re delighted to call friends to this day and who are planning to come all the way from Iowa for the occasion. As Garvan Browne says on this site, he spent some time there a few years ago without realising John was living down the road. Hate tha’! We’re also pleased to have had the pleasure of Garvan’s company now and again over the years. We were at a party in his house just over a year ago when we bumped into Paul Nash who was such fun I didn’t want to leave. How sad then to learn of Paul’s death this year from cancer. May he rest in peace along with other classmates who have left this world ahead of us. I hope they join us in spirit for what promises to be a memorable reunion. [Sept. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Rachelle Ralph '89: I was only there for a year and a half but it is the memories from St Laurence's that I remember most from my schooldays. Mr. McGuinness and Mr. Murtagh would be really surprised to find that I use lots of Maths & English in my job as payroll software analyst\technical writer. I have lived in Brisbane for the past 3 years and in Sydney for the 8 before that. I have a wonderful husband, a dog and a happy, quite life away from the big smoke. Would love to come home for the reunion for a catchup, just hope that I can make it. [Sept. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Janet Rorke-Wills: '84: My sister , Anne ( another past pupil ) , told me that there is a class reunion today; so I checked out the web site and am blown away by how good it is! It brings back a lot of really good memories to see all the photos and the list of everyone’s name, although it's very sad to see RIP beside some of the names. After leaving St. Laurence I went to Cathal Brugha St and studied to be a chef. I worked in many hotels in Ireland and then in London for a couple of years. I returned to Ireland , and continued to work in the catering industry. I've been married to my wonderful husband, Brian for 14 years now, and we have two beautiful children; Daragh (10) and Shona (8). We live in Australia ( Melbourne ). We migrated after falling in love with the place while holidaying here 6 years ago, and we haven't looked back since. My qualifications and skills gave us the chance to move here and the gas thing is that I haven't worked as a chef since I set foot in the country!! I'm enjoying taking care of my family and doing some little bits of part time work here and there. At the moment we're in the process of trying to find a high school to send Daragh, and all I find myself saying is: " I know exactly where to send him if I still lived in Dublin." So here's hoping that we find a school that will match even a little to what St. Laurence’s taught me. Please pass on a BIG G'DAY to everyone at the reunion tonight; I would love to be able to be there. Also anyone who visits the website , do get in touch, it would be great to see how people are getting on. Well done Bro Jim on the website, you've done a really great job! Regards to all. [Sept. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Colm Whelan '76: A lot has happened in the 30 years since leaving school but when a few of us talk about those days and the craic we had, well it’s great. I have two brothers, Derek and Stephen, who were there during those years. Both of them are now running the old family business in Harolds Cross - “Harold Eng.” Derek lives in Foxrock, married and has three kids. Stephen lives in the Park, Cabinteely, married and has three kids also. Myself, yep married with four kids (went one better) and live in Galway . Relocated to Galway in 1995 and opened my own business in 1998 ( www.candlindustrial.com) and after some tough years I am happy to say we are into better more successful years and working hard to stay that way. I still keep in constant touch with a few lads from Laurence’s and all of them are doing okay. You see, proof that we were paying attention and most of us went to work immediately after our Inter/Junior Cert. Best Regards, [Sept ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Christopher Bowen '82 : Christopher here, 25 years down the road! Eugene Ivory told me about this site, it's a wonderful idea and I hope it will continue to attract past pupils. I'm now living in Paris . After 4 years in Trinity College and 6 yrs in California getting physics degrees, I was hired in 1994 by the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique near Paris , in the French nuclear weapons program. I have been working there since then, mostly around atomic physics issues. I was married for 8 years, with 2 children (Louis, 8.5 and Helene, almost 6), divorced after a miserable period, and am now living with my second wife, Carine. We have one daughter, Marie-Gabrielle, who will be 1 year old in September. I keep in touch with Eugene Ivory and Tom Bashford on a regular basis, and this summer we managed to get together with Nick Cushnahan, Billy Flynn and Martin Wright, thanks to the information contained in this site. Some of us hadn't seen each other for probably 20 years... it was wonderful. I was sad to see Dara Shakespeare had passed away. She was a wonderful person, and I have many happy memories of her (including our table-tennis matches). My only serious hobby is playing the piano, a passion for close to 30 years now. I would love to hear from other past pupils. It's going to be 25 years next year for the people who left in 82. Can we organise a reunion?? maybe with some of the people from 81/83 depending on numbers. What about yourself? I hope all is well. I have fond memories of table-tennis games with you and Bro. Joe. I don't know of any other school where that might have happened. Can we have teachers contributing to this site? Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes, Christopher [Aug ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Karen (Davidson) Mathews '84: Great to see the web site up and running. I have just had a great time reading about old friends. After leaving school I went to college in Athlone to study Construction but soon found that it wasn't for me. I moved to London working for Architectural firms. I met my husband there and we returned to Ireland in 1990. We have 4 beautiful chidren: Daniel 15, Douglas 11, Olivia 5 and Lorna 3. I am now working from home in County Wicklow, for a large architectural firm and tending to my growing family. I would love to get in touch with some of the old crowd and hope to attend the reunoin on the 9th of September. Please feel free to post my note on the class page and to include me in the directory. [Aug. ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Michelle (Hand) Donohoe ’84: Hi to all my classmates. It has been 24 years since I left St. Laurences. Last Friday I met Bro. Jim in the school. He didn’t look any older. Just being there, it brought a lot of memories back. Since leaving school I went to work in the Burlington Hotel as a waitress. Sadly in June this year I was made redundant. I am married 21 years and have two sons: Robbie is 19 and Craig is 15. What a great website Bro. Jim. [Aug. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Paul Kilmartin '74: Jim thanks for the website information, great to hear from you. I'm living in Canada now with my wife Iris and my two boys, Niall and Callum. All my brothers are doing ok. I see Brendan Dowling sometimes as he comes up to Toronto from New York and sometimes I go down there. I am dying to tell all of them about the website as soon as possible. Thanks again. [Aug. '06] |
||||||||||||||
Carolanne (McAuley) Tighe '87: I'm still heavily involved with gymnastics. I run my own classes etc. and I'm seriously involved with Irish Gymnastics Ltd. I'm President General (Gymnastics) of Irish Gymnastics Ltd., and I'm also National Coach and Tutor for Recreational Gymnastics in Ireland . I'm currently overseeing the Irish Team working towards representing Ireland at World Gymnastrada in Austria 2007 -- this is an event were over 30k gymnasts from over 50 countries worldwide come together to perform Display Gymnastics. -It is just incredible!!!! I also work locally in a half dozen schools -- St Anne’s, Shankill being one of them, so I probably teach loads of our past-pupils’ kids. Yes, I'm 37 this Christmas and I can still do splits and turn somersaults!!!! I have two children, Christopher 14yrs. and Corinne 16yrs. old. I hope all is well with you and no doubt our paths will cross again. Slainte [Aug ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Paul Nash (r.i.p.) '78: Aug. 17, 2006 (peacefully) after an illness bravely borne in the loving care of all the staff at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Paul, dearly beloved brother of Olive, Veronica, Cecilia, Sylvia, Paddy and Barbara; sadly missed by his loving family, nieces, nephews and many friends. R.I.P. Removal tomorrow (Saturday) evening from the Hospital to the Church of S.S Alphonsus and Columba, Ballybrack Village arriving at 5 o'c. Funeral Monday morning after 10 o'c. Mass to Deans Grange Cemetery. |
||||||||||||||
Sandra Sheridan (r.i.p.) '94: (Shankill, Co. Dublin) Aug 19, 2006, (suddenly), at home, Sandra, loving mammy to Emma and loving daughter of Patricia and Paul; sadly missed by her loving daughter, mammy, daddy, brothers, sisters, grandad, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rest in peace. Removal tomorrow (Tuesday) evening at 4.40 o'c. from Loughlinstown Hospital to St. Anne's Church Shankill, arriving for 5 o'c. Reception Prayers. Funeral on Wednesday morning after 11.30 o'c. Requiem Mass to Shanganagh Cemetery. Posted: 21/08/2006. Note Sandra is from Shankill and not to be confused with Sandra '84 who lived in Ballybrack. [Aug '06] |
||||||||||||||
Anne-Kirsten (Bowen) MacLachlan '84: Hello to all. After St. Laurence, I went to Trinity to pursue a degree in Science, followed by a Masters in France . The life of a scientist at a bench did not appeal to me, so I joined Rhone-Poulenc Rorer (now Aventis) in clinical research, in Paris . After a few years of clinical trial work in France , I returned to Ireland . I continued to work in the pharmaceutical world, am married (12 years this September) and have 3 children, Carolyn (11), Christian (8) and Alix (3). I stopped full time work some years ago, but continue to do work on a contract basis. I also teach French part-time. [July '06] |
||||||||||||||
Noel Byrne '87: I wanted to contact you for two reasons: firstly, just to let you know where I am and what has happened and secondly, to express an interest in teaching English in India . After leaving school, I went to do a Business degree in Trinity College and then on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. I left Ireland for the bright lights of London and worked there for a couple of years – for a television company before heading to Sydney to work for Virgin. I then decided to move to Spain to help my brother set up his company in Alicante to where my parents have retired. I found the business quite consuming so I decided to move to Madrid where I am now. I found I have a flair for the Spanish language and I love Madrid. I have been teaching English and then helping out in my brother’s company one week a month doing the accounts. However, I recently broke up a two year relationship and I am now trying to decide whether to return to Dublin or stay in Madrid : an agonising decision. Reading in International Cooperation interests me greatly and I have also being involved with a Spanish language interchange which involves discussing world politics. As a result I have become more politically and socially aware and have thought about doing something worthwhile to help less fortunate people. It was then that I read on the St Laurence website that you have been to India where they are teaching street children English. I have two years experience of teaching English and I have always wanted to visit India . I was wondering if you could help me to get some information about this and a possible contact. I think three to six months of doing this would be very worthwhile and life changing and would also clear my head so I could make a decision about the future. Anyway any help you could give me would be much appreciated. Thank you for all your teaching. I loved your classes. [July ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Rosalind Clarke '90: It seems an age since I was at school. I will always remember being taught sex education in religion class. "If you play with fire you will get burnt." I had no idea what that was all about. Luckily we had a very good biology teacher, Ms. McManus so she set us straight on a few things!!! Since leaving St Laurences - I went to the UK and did a degree in Tourism. I worked and travelled in a few countries and then ended up back in the UK working for the UK 's Department for International Development. I have been in Zimbabwe for the last 2.5 years. My job is basically as a Project Manager ensuring that our aid gets to the poorest and most vulnerable people in Zimbabwe . I hope you will all post something as I would really like to know what you are up to. [July ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Sharon Coakley '89: Wow 16 years already. That'll make you feel old. I left St. Laurence after third year, couldn't wait to get out and get a job at the time. If only we knew then what we know now! I went back to school years later and did my Leaving Cert. then did a PLC in Interior Design and have been working as a kitchen designer for the last ten years. I have a beautiful daughter, even if I do say so myself, and I'm living in Bray the last five years – so never flew to far from home. Would be great to hear about a reunion. I’ve seen one or two people over the years but never really good with names. Still in touch with Ursula Kelly on and off as she lives in Nottingham as a Photographer. So good luck with the plans! [July '06] |
||||||||||||||
Ross Cooper '96R: I'm in good form, working as an IT Recruitment Consultant with Hays. I went off to Australia back in 2001 and ended up spending three years out there. It's an amazing place but I'm back a couple of years now and just bought an apartment in town, so that must be a sign I'm settling down. I suppose it had to happen eventually. Are there any plans to organise a reunion as we are ten years finished this year? While I do still keep in contact with a few of the year it would be great to see everyone again, including any members of staff who might think of us fondly -- you know what they say, “Time is a great healer.” Hope everyone is well. [July ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
ref. Vivienne Donohoe '92: I just found the website. I didn’t go to the college but 4 members of my family did: John, Paul, Ronal and Vivienne Donohoe. I’m Leo and will be passing the address to all of them. Having lived in Ballybrack for all of my childhood, it was great to read about so many of the people of all ages I am/was familiar with from the area. If you post this message on the board, I’m sure there would be a large number of people who know me and my brothers and sisters. I’m running a bar in the Dominican Republic at the moment but plan to return home very soon. Fabulous idea – the site. I hope it goes from strength to strength and brings old friends closer together – and brings back fond memories for all. Best regards and God bless. Leo Donohoe [July ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
David Gough '01: After leaving St. Laurence in 2001, I started a BSc. in Sports Management in UCD from which I graduated in May 2004. Shortly afterwards, I was accepted for a Masters in Sports Administration and Technology from the International Academy of Sports Science and Technology in Lausanne , Switzerland . I moved in January '05 and thoroughly enjoyed the course, learned a lot and met some great friends in a class of 35 people from 17 different countries and 5 different continents. As part of the Masters (which I graduated in December '05), I had to complete a sports related internship and ended up finding a 7 month internship in UEFA in which I assisted the project manager for the Under-21 Championship in Portugal in May and June just past and helped in the organisation of the Qualifying Draw for EURO 2008 in January. The tournament was a wonderful experience for me and I saw the amount of work that goes into the hosting of events and football matches even at Under-21 level. As my internship finished, a permanent position became available, I applied, got the job and started in the Football Development Division on July 3. I will be working, with other colleagues, on our Grassroots Football Programme, Coaches Circle and Medicine matters. As those who know me will know, a job in football is a dream job for me! I live in Lausanne , 30 minutes from where I work here in Nyon, and really like the pace of life in Switzerland (except on Sundays when EVERYTHING closes). I have met lots of new people and continue to do so, almost on a daily basis. I'm still not speaking much French which is terrible considering I've lived here for 18 months but I am enrolling in classes so hopefully I can finally grasp it. My memories of St. Laurence, are of course good and there were many highlights, inevitably it’s a football one that stands out: winning the Dublin Metropolitan Under-18 Football Championship in my 6th year with a great coach (Mr. Colhoun), great players and most of all great team-spirit. I swear I'll remember the games we played that year forever. I'm still in regular contact with a fair few of my classmates and hope to continue this. I'd also like to hear from those I don't see, email or text. I'm sure I'll be home (and it is still "home") to the Emerald Isle someday, and I get back for breaks quite regularly, but for now it's Switzerland for me. [July '06] |
||||||||||||||
Eugene Ivory '83 & '84 : The website is a great idea to get back in touch. I can’t tell you how many memories came flooding back when I had a look around and started to read some of the stuff others had written. It’s wonderful to be able to look back with such a great sense of fun and gratefulness to the Brothers and all the staff at St Laurence. Well what’s been happening with me since then… I repeated my Leaving Cert in 83/84 in St. Laurence, so technically I didn’t leave until 1984. (It took me two runs at the high-jump to get over it.) Since then I have been very blessed in my life. I did a BA at TCD. Have moved around a bit in the career going initially into insurance, then moving to the food industry and then into IT. I now have a management consulting company with a couple of colleagues. I married Kay in 1992 and have two children Della 3½ & Luke 2½. I have so many memories of the place it’s hard to know where to start:-
There are so many people that I would love to see and talk with again. Looking through the years, I am also shocked to see so many people who will no longer be able to exchange memories. I’ll keep an eye on the website. Looking forward to seeing how it develops. [July ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Kevin O’Sullivan '74: I went straight into the Dept of Posts and Telegraphs on the technical side much to Ms O'Shea’s consternation leaving in 6th year. I have remained through the various manifestations which have taken place in the company since: being a civil servant, an employee of a public company, an employee of a private company, public company again and soon to be private again. I spent the first half of my career working in all aspects on the technical side of the business before deciding in 1990 to move into the business end following completion of an accounting qualification and Marketing degree. (I guess Ms. O'Shea rubbed off on me as it was something I really wanted to get back to when family commitments allowed.) Again I have had a varied and interesting work career on the business side, which involved me meeting and working with interesting people in an multinational environment as the company evolved through different ownership models. I also spent three years abroad working in and managing a couple of subsidiary business in 1999-2002. I am currently looking after the Eircom international business, including our overseas sites, which I have to say is an ideal fit for me as I like travel and meeting different people and love the buzz involved in the area of technology change. I have been very lucky in life and have been married for 26 years to my childhood sweetheart and have two surviving children and an adorable grandson. How time flies. Anyway enough about me, please keep me on your mail list and lets keep in contact. Best regards. [July ’06] |
||||||||||||||
| Michael Tuite '75: I have been in Galway since 1990 and am well settled into life here. I married Maria Walls (originally from Belfast but whom I met in Dublin ) in 1993. We have two boys: Eoghan, age 9, and Cormac age 1 who are both a delight! Maria works for the national federation of voluntary bodies based here in Galway – they represent the various organisations for people with learning disabilities in Ireland .
Before getting a “real job” I studied Maths Science in UCD, spent a miserable year at CalTech, Pasadena , Cal. and three happy years in Cambridge where I got a PhD in theoretical physics. I then returned to Ireland and held a number of post-doctoral and contract lectureships through the 80s in TCD, the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies and DCU. I am still very active in research - my “unreal work”. I have moved interests from theoretical physics to pure maths. My main collaborator is based at Univ Cal Santa Cruz so I travel to the US fairly regularly. I have also had the opportunity through my work to visit many European countries and Japan which I enjoy very much. We visit Dublin from time to time. It would be great to catch up with you again sometime. With best wishes. [July '06] |
||||||||||||||
Noelle Cronin '92: Delighted to come across the website and how nice it was to look back over the names of my classmates and to remember all the great times we shared together. I have lots of very happy memories from my time there and to go back for a day and see everyone would be great indeed. Glad to see Glenn and Susan are doing so well and as Sharon said about the Russia trip, what a brilliant time that was!! Do you remember all the things you bought, Glenn? I think you needed a new suitcase, just to take it home!! And while Sharon cracked her tooth on the sleeper train to St. Petersberg, I was failing in my attempt to swallow a large Solpadine tablet for my flu and was rescued, Heimlich manoeuvre style, by Glenn Perry and Ms. McManus!! Thanks, you two!! I also spent many years playing on the school basketball team with Susan Cassidy and Lisa Doran and so best wishes, girls! As for me, I am currently living in Barcelona with my partner, Christophe and my wonderful daughter, Lasrían. We moved here about a year and a half ago and are really enjoying Mediterranean living. Myself and Christophe are getting married in September in a little town in the south of France , where he is from. Really excited about that and super busy, too, trying to organise everything. I work at an International school with primary-aged children, teaching them English and computer skills. The majority of the children are from Spanish families, but there are also children from Dutch, English, Argentinean, Chinese, German and Danish families, too, so it’s a very multi-cultural environment! Even though I am assisting them with their English, just being around them is also doing wonders for my Spanish!! My daughter, Lasrían attends a local Catalan school and so is learning two languages at once, Spanish and Catalan. She is doing incredibly well and to give her this opportunity at such a young age is great. As Sharon said, we are still great, great friends and herself and Siobhan O’Brien are going to be bridesmaids at my wedding. I see them both fairly regularly and we often have talks about the good, bad and downright silly things we did at school. But it always makes us laugh and giggle! We have often said that it would be nice to see everyone again to see how they are doing and to catch up. There must be so many interesting stories to be told and of course, lots of wonderful reminiscing to be done, too! We could probably even put together a collage of old photos together…now that would be fun! I have one of lots of the girls on a trip to London in 1989…Susan, Vivienne, Carol, Denise, Caroline, Sharon, Siobhan & me…You should check out the hair cuts, girls!! So, definitely, I would be very happy to help organise a reunion, if possible. Not sure how much I could do from here, but I am home on a regular basis so even for some of us to meet up would be nice and perhaps we could take it from there! I was sad to hear of Paul Barnes passing away. I played basketball with his sister, Lisa and Paul was a kind, strong-spirited, open person, who taught us moody, self-conscious teenagers, some important lessons about life, namely to seize every moment and enjoy it! Rest in Peace, Paul. So there you go, some of my news! My sisters who all passed through the school are all doing very well and my parents, too! I would like to send my best wishes to all the teachers and staff and hope that life is treating them kindly. To all my classmates, get in touch! Don’t be shy and post your stories on the website! We’d all love to hear how things are going for you! Go n-eírí an t-adh libh! Best wishes. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Michael Keating '77: I’ve been watching the website for some time now and in particular the 72 – 77 past pupils section and I’m glad to see the re-union gathering momentum, thanks to Lonan Boylan and the rest of the gang. Thirty years is a long time. Most of us probably wouldn’t recognize one another if we passed in the street. Yet we all have memories and stories that we can remember. I look forward to some of those stories being re-told next year at the reunion. After 30 years we will all have a few more stories to tell. After leaving St.Laurences in 1977 I spent a year at PUC on Merrion Square , having a second stab at getting my Leaving Cert right. I must have been paying attention the second time round as I got enough points to get into Engineering at Trinity in 78. Got through that OK over the next four years, though I don’t think I had as much fun as Bob Sugrue and Columba Kelly! Their parties in Ailesbury Road were legendary. The university life came to an end in ’82 and my adventures in Africa started. De Beers, the South African diamond mining company, came to Dublin to recruit engineers and geologists. I liked the idea of working outside of Ireland for a few years and so off I went. What I didn’t expect was to end up in an isolated small mining town on the coast of Namibia, where I spent six good years. Despite the isolation, the work experience and friendships gained were invaluable. Cape Town was a 1000 mile round trip but the trip was made regularly between finishing work on Friday afternoon and starting again on Monday morning! We needed the R&R to stop us from going ‘sand-happy’ in the desert. In 1988 I moved to Johannesburg . I got more involved in project engineering and management, while still in the mining industry. That work took me all over Africa . At the last count, I had visited 16 African countries, from Senegal to Tanzania and Lesotho to Niger . At present I am working for a Canadian junior mining company starting up a new Copper Cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo . It is not the easiest place to do business. There are no ATMs, you cannot use a credit card, and nobody wants to take a cheque. I’ve had to resurrect my pidgin French from all those years ago. Some French did actually manage to stick inside my head from Brother Ed’s classes. Married life has been a bit like my school life. I’m having a second go at it. I married Camilla, a Cape Town lass, in May of this year. I have no intention of repeating again! [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Eleanor (Kelly) Bryan '83 & '84: I met my husband Mark here in Dublin before we moved to London in 1985 – as a lot of us either moved to the States or England . We stayed there for 15 years, until 7 years ago when Mark and I moved back with our 3 beautiful kids. Now living and working in Bray – I work transporting people with disabilities and also helping people to start-up their own business. Would love to catch up with old friends! Well done, Bro Jim on the Website!!! [June'06] |
||||||||||||||
T.J. LYNCH '82: (Dublin) May 31, 2006, (suddenly), T.J. (Teach), darling, youngest son of Monica (Heaney) and the late Tommy, beloved brother of Muireann, Killian and Malachy; sadly missed by his Mum, sister, brothers, girlfriend Ila, brother-in-law Sean, nephews Philip and Brendan, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. Reposing at the Patrick Massey Funeral Home, The Coombe. Funeral tomorrow (Saturday) after 10 o'c. Mass in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Whitefriar Street, to Shanganagh Cemetery. [June '06] A Tribute to TJ: I first met TJ Lynch as young child in Scoil Lorcan in Monkstown in Dublin , our friendship was commissioned and neither of us knew how entwined our lives would become. I left that school at the beginning of second class and finished my primary education in another establishment. Some years later I attended St Laurence College and once again my friendship with TJ was reinstated. I left in this school after Intermediate Certificate and continued elsewhere. Once again, some years later I attended Rockwell Hotel School and there once again my friendship with TJ was continued. This time we both finished together (circa 1983) and travelled to separate areas of the globe. Returning to Ireland in 1992 I met TJ walking down Harrington Street and for the next seven years we enjoyed a close and affectionate friendship. We talked, drank and enjoyed life together and it seemed as if the future held nothing but promise for us all. Both of us were always interested in further education and in the mid-nineties I returned to college to read for a degree. In 1999 I left Ireland once more and returned to England where I read law. I initially qualified as a barrister and subsequently as a solicitor. We talked endlessly on the phone about the murky world of criminal law and he seemed fascinated by the motivations that drove people to commit crime. For someone such as he who did only good to others and failing that, nothing at all, he was perplexed by the way people behaved. TJ returned to third level education and was pursuing an area that was of enormous interest to him. Anthropology was his favoured area of expertise and I can remember many conversations late at night discussing the "human ape". Indeed TJ attended my wedding in 2004 and his infectious love of learning had not diminished in any way shape or form. The world is a poorer place today without him but rather than mourn him, I choose to celebrate his life. He was, is and will always be a human being worth knowing and I am proud to say he was my friend. Fin O Fathaigh [June '06] |
||||||||||||||
Ciara Mangan '89: I’m doing fine, living in sunny Kent and working in London for a software vendor. I moved to the UK about 2 years ago and am really happy here. I come back to Ireland on a very regular basis, so I don’t miss out on my two nieces or any of my friends’ children growing up. My family also spends a lot of time with me in Kent, which means I don’t have a chance to get homesick. I have a partner called Simon and he has three children from a previous marriage. I’m not sure that anyone would remember me, as I was only there for a year, but I did love my year and I have some fantastic memories. The website looks great, you’ve done a great job. Best wishes. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Karen McGovern '90 & '91: Hiya, just saying hello after seeing the website. I left St Laurence College and went to DCU (Business and Finance) for 4 years -- then took a few evening classes in Information Systems at various colleges. I have to smile when I remember back to our computer classes, when we used to leave the library and it would take a whole 45 minutes for the discs to load up...... the computer in the middle of the network never worked and then the computer class would be nearly over ...I still have nightmares about that dreadful typing program uggggggh! I have still never learned how to type.....was afraid I would be career-steered towards secretarial work :) After DCU, I worked for various insurance companies in their IT departments before doing some travel around Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand (the obligatory year way before your 30's loom, eh?) Would recommend it to anyone! I have now returned to take a "proper" job to pay off my Visa which crept up after my travels:) Having spent the last year in Waterford , I am now coming back up to the "big smoke" to work for another Insurance company as a Senior Software Engineer (God help me). I haven’t been in touch with anybody since I left and was saddened to see Karl's name on the RIP list. I seem to remember with a smile the band that he played in at our rag day in the room beside the dreaded home economics room ......they seemed more talented than U2 at the time! A sad loss. On a lighter note, if there’s anything I can do to help to steer any future pupils away from I.T., please let me know:) All the best! [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Alan McGregor '81: I remember Bro. Jim (and Fred, and Joe) and The Group well, and I have many, many fond memories during my one-and-a-half years at St. Laurence. I remember the trip to Donegal in 1980. Didn’t get much sleep but we sure had a riot!! We were playing Risk or Monopoly (or something) until about 2 in the morning. I also recall an endearing term used to refer to a group of students who had a strong bond of friendship … weren’t they called The Group? After finishing school & college I figured that there were more engineering jobs in Scotland than in Ireland , so I moved. I loved Ireland and presumably if I had waited a little longer for a job I’d probably still be there and probably would have been at the reunion in May. I arrived in Boston from Scotland in 2000 and immediately tracked down Alex Nicassio who was in Baton Rouge . I contacted him one week before his home telephone was due to be disconnected following his relocation to Atlanta . When he and his fiancé came to visit me in Boston I barely recognized him … shorts and a tee shirt, and of course a few extra pounds. I was looking for someone in a brown three piece suite with a gold watch and chain. How’s the weather in Dublin? Here in New England, we have just had the heaviest rain in 70 years. We even got a knock on our front door telling us that we might want to get ready to evacuate if the river bursts its banks. It didn’t. I have attended schools near Detroit , Edinburgh and St. Laurence, Dublin and never have I felt as welcome as I did at your school. I was a little rough around the edges and I constantly robbed the candy machine and I apologize profusely. But none-the-less people were incredibly tolerant and forgiving. Wonderful friends and wonderful Brothers!! I can honestly say that I am a changed individual and have never robbed any more candies machines since then. I am sorry to hear about some of our friends who have passed away, especially Dara. She was the first student to welcome me to the school. She was a blessing and I’ll never forget her. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Roy McLoughlin '76: Having made vows as a Marianist Brother, I am very much loving teaching History at Moeller High School and living in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have fond memories of St. Laurence College. [June '06] |
||||||||||||||
Sharon Messitt '92: Just came across the website there, as my little brother is starting in St.Laurence's this September! The website is a great idea and as Glenn said, brings back a lot of memories. I am currently living in Wexford town, living with my partner Fran (we've been together for 11 years now, and have no plans to marry, and we are both happy that way!) and we have an 8 year old little boy called Tiernan. Life is treating me well. I am working as a Data Entry Clerk for a credit reference agency and am currently looking for a change of job. I did several secretarial courses when I left school and worked in a newsagents for several years (don't ask how I ended up there!) in Shankill, then re-located to Wexford when we had Tiernan. Noelle Cronin is my best mate in the world, so am still in touch with her all the time. Still in touch with Siobhan O'Brien and met up with Denise Creamer last year for a hen night.... they are all doing really, really well, but I shall let them post their own stories to the site. I won't go into what they are up to! Funnily enough, I was looking back over the pictures of Russia (remember that trip, Glenn??) the other day, oh the memories!!! I still have a chipped front tooth thanks to Michael Mooney swinging his legs back and forth while sitting on the bunk above me, and getting me in the face!!! Anyway, hope everyone is doing well. I was so sorry to hear about Paul Barnes. Rest In Peace, Paul. If Eithne Healey is reading this, please get in touch and let us know what you are up to these days... All the best. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Suzanne Moore '81: Wow, it was so nice reading what others had to say on the web-site. It seems like eons ago, that we were all so young, but some of my memories also feel like they were just yesterday! Unlike all of you, I am still single with no kids. I have however, informed my niece Kayla (my brother Peters daughter) that she will have to take care of her old spinster aunt when she gets older!! She's only nine now and assures me that she will - wonder how long it will take her to change her mind!! After leaving St. Laurence I was forced by my loving parents to go to Ballsbridge College of Business Studies, where I graduated with first class honors for the accelerated Secretarial/Accounting Program (aren't y'all impressed!!!) I say I was forced, because I sooooo wanted to become a Ban Garda, but they weren't recruiting that year and my Mom in her wisdom felt that a secretarial course would always be useful for a girl! After that I went to work as an Accounts Assistant for an engineering firm, which bored me to tears. so I decided to take off for Spain where I had (looking back now) a three year vacation. I was working, but living in Marbella was a vacation - Susan (Mason) Buckley came to stay for a couple of weeks too! After three years, I decided to come back to reality and returned to Ireland . I worked for Holfeld Plastics, who tripled in size between the day I started and the day I left. Again, getting bored, I decided to apply for the Morrison Visa - and lo and behold I was lucky enough to get one. Without so much as a second thought I packed my things and flew to New York . It was an easy move as my brothers Arthur & Peter were here already. I took the first job I could get over here and it happened to be in real estate. I have since changed companies and moved from New York to Connecticut , but 12 years later I still work in real estate and now consider myself a bit of an expert in commercial real estate. Other than vacations (when I always see Susan Buckley - still a great friend), I don't think I'll ever return to Ireland full time, although I am still extremely proud to be Irish. I'm also lucky enough to have my brother Peter (also a St. Laurence PP), his wife Kathy and kids Kayla (9) and Ryan (6), live about an hour away from me. Arthur moved to Naples Florida , which is great too - good for a cheap vacation - Naples is not cheap, but not having to pay for a hotel is. I will actually be in Ireland for two days the last weekend in August 2006 as my youngest brother Chris is getting married in Italy . So if anyone is around - maybe we can meet up for lunch! Hope I haven't bored you all to tears - I remember you all fondly - we really were blessed to go to such a great school and have such a good time together! Things I remember about St. Laurence: *Two of the boys trying to look at my underwear in first year! *Having to start school half an hour earlier than everyone else for Ms. O'Shea's Accounting class and Bro. Jim's honors math class! *Being Cecily in Paddy Pender’s production of The Importance of Being Ernest - and having to run my fingers through Alex Nicassio's brylcreamed hair saying "O Ernest - what wonderfully curly hair you have" *Miss Sexton and the fact that every guy in the school had a crush on her! *The crazy weekend in Donegal, where we lied to the lady who operated the store and told her that Bro. Jim was single and available! *Ms. O'Shea taking us all over to sell tickets for the Christmas Raffles - remember the thermometers on the lobby wall! *Taking the Group Cert with my broken wrist in a cast! *Ms. Lucey, the music teacher and the hell we put that poor woman through! *Bro. Fred, who daubed me Suzy Q my first day of school! I could go on - anyhoo - love to hear from any and all of you. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Alex Nicassio '81: I left Dublin and St. Laurence in the spring of 1980, prior to 6th year, and returned to Louisiana ( Southern USA ). I attended High School for 3 months and was advised to go to University, which I did in Spring 1981. I joined the US Air Force, and after 4 years got tired of that and joined the Army. I came back to Ireland and stayed for a year doing retreats with the Mustard Seed retreat team. I returned to the USA , and after moving a couple of times I relocated to Louisiana . I returned to LSU in 1990 for my Masters Degree (MPA) and got that in 1993. Since then I have worked on various projects – mostly IT and IT Management work. I was the lead IT guy at our city hospital – Our Lady of the Lake, and then I went to Atlanta, Georgia to work for Giant Studios where I assisted in several movies including The Lord of the Rings. In 2001 I got married to Kim Richardson. I brought her to Ireland in 1999 for a visit – she met some of the teachers at the school, and we visited the Brother’s house while there. We are blessed with 2 children – one is 4 years old now (Alexandra Elise) and the other is almost 2 (Colin Joseph). I started working for The Home Depot in 2004, where I still work as Manager of IT operations for their Call Centers and warehouses in 8 states. I just got a promotion, and am being relocated to Atlanta (again). I have tried to stay in contact with some of my old friends from St. Laurence – I visited Declan Gaffney and I stay in close contact with Alan McGregor, who lives close to Boston . I plan to bring the wife and kids back to Ireland for another grand tour as soon as they can travel. I remember so much from my St. Laurence days that I would not know where to start! * I remember the day Suzanne Moore broker her wrist * I remember the Stratford on Avon trip where we had a lot of fun – I have pictures still! * I clearly remember annoying Bro. Jim by pretending to be a teacher (Math) and greeting parents when they came to the school * I remember dressing up every day in 3 piece suits – I almost never get dressed up now – Ha! * The thing I remember most was the great friends I made those days – although they are long gone and probably do not remember me, I will never forget everyone I met there. I will send some pictures soon [June '06] |
||||||||||||||
David Percy '84: Hi all. Even though I only attended the college for only two years before returning to Canada , I have nothing but fond memories of those times. Looking over the list of fellow classmates, I chuckle to myself at all the fun times we had. It’s great to hear that everyone is doing so well and I hope more people add to this website. I have always wondered what happened to everyone. Upon completing school in Canada , I joined the Canadian Coast Guard and worked my way up from a Rescue Specialist to a Captain of a Search and Rescue Hovercraft. I have recently left the Coast Guard and am taking some time off with my wife (no children) in rural Canada to get my land legs back. I will keep an eye on this site for future updates and everyone take care. [June '06] |
||||||||||||||
Glenn Perry '92: The web site is a great idea and brings back a lot of memories (mostly good) when you look over the names. I bumped into Susan Cassidy today and she told me that she had posted a message on the site so I decided to have a look. On a personal note I have relocated to the Blanchardstown area as I could not afford to buy a house out in Dun Laoghaire . From school I studied Social Studies in Athlone and ended up working with the Health Board for many years. I decided to go back to college (N.U.I Maynooth) and finished my Masters about 4 years ago. For the last 2-and-a-half years I have been working as an Educational Welfare Officer for the National Education Welfare Board and cover the Dublin 15 area. I met Ms. McNamara about a year ago at a talk about the E.W.B. I still have contact with Louise Lacey and Rachel Byrne. Anthony Byrne also got in contact with me a couple of weeks ago. It would be great to all meet up again. I think it would be great to organise a reunion so let me know if anyone else is interested. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Stephen Poulton '81: Hi there. Just found the web site and decided to say hello. Since leaving school I have had a varied career: from truck driving, electrician, and for the past 18 years various positions in Pfizer Ireland , Pharmaceuticals on Pottery Road . I have 4 children: Amy, Rachel, Shane and Stephen, I also have grandson, Caylem. I was divorced 4 years ago and am engaged to be married again. Regards. [June '06] |
||||||||||||||
Ben Prenter '89 & '90R: Reunion a great idea. Would love to see friends from the past! Cant believe it’s 16 years. Hope everybody is well. Working as head store-man in the Housing Department. Living happily in Sallynoggin with my girlfriend and two daughters. Would like to see you all and have a legal drink for once! God Bless. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
David Steinegger '78: I still have great memories from my years at St Laurence. The highlights for me included the canoe trips with Brother Ed - does anyone remember these? We had a great weekend in Clare, surf canoeing and a harrowing trip on the Barrow in full flood, when we almost lost one of the team, caught in a huge "stopper". After leaving school and finishing UCD, I trained with Craig Gardner in Dublin before moving to Switzerland and then London , working for various banks and insurance companies. It probably sounds boring, but then again my favourite class at school was Accountancy with Ms. O'Shea! I have lived in Luxembourg for the last 6 years, happily married with 3 children. If anyone has a contact for Mark Murphy, can you let me know as it would be great to get in touch again. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Bob "Bobby" Sugrue '77: I have the fondest memories of my time in Laurences, even though I always seemed to have been in some sort of trouble. It was never too serious but sufficient to have “Robert Sugrue, please report to the office” paged far too often for my liking. To this day I cringe when someone calls me Robert. After Laurences I repeated to get into Trinity -- a somewhat fun-filled & eventful 4 years, saw me barely escaping with a degree in Systems Sciences to then pursue an H.Dip. at Maynooth. I had the great pleasure of doing my practical teaching in Laurences under Frank McGuiness, an inspirational teacher who gave freely of his time. I went to South Africa in 1984 where I had a most fulfilling 6 months teaching in a township outside Soweto . For my sins, I ended up in the IT industry & eventually had my own company. In 1991 I met & married my wife Marinda & over the next 4 years had 3 children; Elaine, Cormac & Danka. Following a family holiday to Ireland , Marinda convinced me that Ireland would be a better place to raise children and so in late 1999 we settled in Malahide. We visit SA every two years & miss it a lot. I work for a small IT company in Dun Laoghaire , but enough of that. Our lives seem to revolve around the kids and their many activities, including sailing & competitive swimming. I am active in the sailing club and am a keen, though less than brilliant sailor. With Elaine in secondary school & Cormac about to start, I often reflect on the positive influence the Brothers & teachers had on our lives & I fervently hope that my children enjoy a similar experience in their chosen schools. I look forward to meeting everybody at the reunion. [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Simon Tuite '78: My memories of St. Laurences remain strong; it was the primary influence on me during formative years. Having come from Christian Brothers, the atmosphere was quite different and somewhat more enlightened ! My 3 brothers had paved the way; Justin & Mathew (1972) and Michael (1975). I found it difficult to live up to the academic standard set by them but was allowed establish my own niche in life and was largely spared the obvious academic comparisons with them. Having gone to work in 78 and subsequently studied in Trinity College at night (not to be recommended as an easy option), I have spent 20+ years in the IT industry in a variety of Irish and international organisations, lastly joining eircom about 5 years ago. By co-incidence, fellow 78'ers Kieran Ryan, Peter Magee and Geoff Shakespeare all work in eircom too. 2 of my own 4 kids are doing their leaving certificate as I write. It's brings back many memories - a strange mix of fear, anticipation and excitement about the future. Cheers .... [June ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Debbie (Beirne) McKenna '84: Really great to see the website up and running and keeping everyone up-to-date. It’s great. Was actually shocked though to see so may RIP's, some from my own year. No one knows the time or place. Right? It’s sad. Mom, Ursula Beirne, worked there in the canteen for many years - boiled fruit cake, yummy salad sandwiches, etc. Remember? Well, she left when pregnant -- my sister Louise is now 16 going on 17. I am doing really well and am very happy. Lucky to have 3 healthy and happy children: Lauren 13, Max 7 and Alex 5. When I left St Laurence's I went to Ringsend Tech to repeat the Leaving (in the days before you guys did a repeat course which is extremely successful, I see!). Anyway, repeated but didn't do much better (too lazy at the time). Fell in love and got married quite young (22). Went and worked for a few years in Nixdorf in Bray. Hated, hated it! Decided to go back to education. Went into Dublin and did a full-time business course for a couple of months, then went to FAS in Loughlinstown and did the Desktop Publishing course (in the days when that technology was all brand new). Microsoft came in to recruit and I was one of the lucky ones. Started work for Microsoft in '89 as an editor for their manuals. Once in that environment, I soon worked my way up the corporate ladder: Artist, Localisation Co-ordinator, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager and User Education Manager. I had a wonderful career and travelled a lot - all over Europe and also to Seattle , MS headquarters. I learnt a lot and had a ball. When I left I was a senior manager with many reports working on many projects. During this time I had my first child, Lauren, and my mom took care of her so I could go back to work. Then separated from my husband and finally divorced. Met another wonderful man, Andreas, in MS and we got married last year but not before having 2 children together, Max and Alex. He also worked in MS and is German. But with both of us working in MS, we both couldn't keep up the travel and the exhausting work hours so when I had Max, I went back after maternity leave but had to call it a day. It was a choice between my kids or work and my kids won and I was in a wonderful position that I could retire! We live in Enniskerry, a beautiful part of the country. At the moment we are getting house renovated so we had to move out. We are currently renting an apartment across the road from St. Laurence's !! I pass it a million times a day going to and from dropping my kids off and picking up from schools. Have met with Sandra Dutton a few times but otherwise have not really run into anyone. It’s a pity! I have very fond memories of that special school. It was fun and the Brothers and teachers were always very kind and good to us. Hope you all are keeping well and look forward to any class reunions in the future! [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Kevin Bowen '85: Greetings.I went straight to The College of Marketing and Design to study Environmental Design. After I graduated, I held various jobs in the design industry, and ended up working freelance for the past 10 yrs. or so, as a commercial interiors designer, working on various pubs/restaurants/nightclubs etc. During that time, I got a private pilot's licence and eventually decided that I needed a career change and here I am now in the process of becoming a commercial airline pilot. I have just recently completed all the 14 theoretical exams for the ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot's Licence) and I am now in Florida for a few weeks building hours and getting multi-engine experience. When I get back to Ireland , I will complete more training and exams and hope to be finished everything sometime before Christmas. It is hard work but hopefully it will pay off in the end. Unfortunately, I will miss the reunion but hope to catch up with others when I get home. I am not married nor do I have any children (otherwise I would surely not be able to train to be a pilot!!!). Hope all is well at the school and look forward to reading more about everyone in my class. Best wishes to all. [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Garvan Browne '77: It was a blast from the past hearing from Lonan after all this time. Like the rest of you it has been an interesting road. Every so often I pass Laurence’s on the road to Bray, and each time I wonder how it has all changed. I went to the College of Surgeons after leaving Laurences (after a brief year at the Rathmines COC repeating the Leaving Cert.). I wish I was as proud of the RCSI as I am of Laurences. Unfortunately what was a great Medical School has become one of the worst developers raping our City (with "Charitable" status). I qualified in 1984 without a clue what I would be "When I grew up". Still don’t really have a clue. I did a Masters in UCD in Pathology, followed by a post as lecturer in Dental Pathology in TCD/St. James' Hospital. In 1990 I went to Yorkshire for 3 miserable years. I then moved to Iowa City on a NIH fellowship in immunopathology. I was less than a 100 miles from where John Young lived ( Des Moines ) but had no idea and never caught up with him until a few weeks ago. I finally decided that I wanted to come home, but did not want to work in a Dublin Hospital , so I retrained in general practice in Chepstow in 1997. I am now in full time family practice in Naas, Kildare. I live in the Strawberry Beds and I am active in a group seeking a national park along the Liffey Valley from Island Bridge to Straffan. I play Jazz guitar mainly (but I am equally bad at most types of music). Looking forward to seeing everybody next year. [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Susan Cassidy '92: I just came across the web-site. It’s fantastic. The class of '92, what a great time we used to have! I would love to go back to 6th year for a day (with all my class mates). We had such a laugh. I married a guy called Adrian and have two daughters: Nicole 10 and Zoe 2 3/4. I live locally and was still playing basketball in the college up until last year. I've been working in Blackrock for a Market Research agency for the past seven years. I really love it! I'm still best friends with Lisa Doran (Lilo Li)... she is living in Carlow and getting married to Greg in October. I can't wait to tell her about this web-site. It would be great to hear from people in my year, I recently met Rachel Byrne and Rachel Cannon – we had great craic reminiscing about school, the nights we had up in the barley fields and the retreats up in the Brothers’ house. I also bumped into Macker (Damian McElroy) in Dunnes the other day. He hasn't changed, still looks like he did when we were in school. Is anyone up for organising a re-union? Well done on the web-site! [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Michael Cullinane '78: Hi Guys! Wow, we had some great times at Laurences. I have some great memories of our time there and of the staff, who were good enough to put up with us with some of the stunts we tried to pull off. Hi to Peggy and Pat Strapp, Peter Cronin, Liam Power, Gary Leahy, Ruby and anybody else who still remembers me – and to David Forde, who is sadly no longer with us. I remember smoking under the stairs, dodging Frank McGuinness and Miss O’Shea on a regular basis. I lived in Shankill most of the time but had to move to Willow Grove in Wicklow in 6 th year. Within weeks of finishing school I left Ireland and worked in England and Europe . In 1982 I got itchy feet again and came to South Africa where I have been ever since. I married Jo Anne (no kids yet but lots of fun trying). We live in Durban . I have and electrical contracting business. We work across South Africa – keeps me out of mischief. Anytime any of you are in this end of the world, contact me – JMC LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL tele.+27+832251005. It would be great to hear from you. Is anyone organizing a class re-union? I usually visit Dublin every December for a week as it’s Builders Holidays this end of the world. Cheers, guys. [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Gavin Davis'00: I have just completed a Masters Degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Dundalk IT. I am currently working with 'ServiceSource,' a California based IT company in Sandyford. I really enjoyed my time at St. Laurence’s and miss the laughs with all my classmates. [May '06] |
||||||||||||||
Mary Domoney '77: How time has flown….. it only seems like yesterday in some ways, until I looked at the photos on the school website, and realised how young we all were back then. When I left school (March 1977) I worked in the Tax Office in Dublin for 8 years. I then went travelling around Europe for a time, and went to London in 1986 intending to stay for 6 months. I stayed for 20 years, and worked as a Tax Consultant in the City for most of that time. I married and had one daughter (who is 12), but am now divorced. I moved back to live in Dublin at the end of last year and it’s going to take a while to adjust to the different lifestyle and change of pace from London . I am now working in Ballsbridge as a Tax Consultant for a firm of Accountants and live in Leopardstown. I would like to set up my own small accountancy and tax practice working from home some time in the future. I am really looking forward to the reunion next year, and catching up with everybody. I have great memories of my time at the school, and I’m sure that when we all get together the memories will be jogged, and stories will be told! Best Wishes to everyone, and see you all next year, if I don't bump into you before then. [May '06] |
||||||||||||||
Andrew Kelly '02: I just found out about the website. I have finished college and got a job with Goodyear, the Tire company, but to take this job I am moving to Holland , to the town of Tilburg . Greetings to all. [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Fergal Kelly '84 & '85: After leaving St Laurence’s I went to Trinity and got a degree in Engineering. I moved to England (got a masters) and was working in mobile communications (that little phone in your pocket). I later moved to California, Italy and Spain and finally back to Dublin . Or finally I thought, as two years ago I had the opportunity to move back to Spain and so now I live between Madrid (the office) and San Pedro de Alcantara (the beach). I am married to Susan and we have two boys. I am delighted to see the updates on-line and to read of the successes of my many dear friends! Well done to Bro. Jim for the effort!!! [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Graham McKeown '89: What a fantastic site… Can’t believe that it’s been 16 years. Can’t believe we wore those clothes…. Can’t believe that there were that many in the class as well!! A reunion is a fantastic idea. For me, when I left, I went to college in Dundalk for a couple of years and then completed a degree in National College of Ireland. Went off and lived in the States for a couple of years (South Carolina) came back and have been working in IT for the last 10 years. I’m living in Stepaside and working in Dun Laoghaire so never too far from “home.” I have been blessed with a young son (Dillon). He’s 7 months old….. I still hang around with Alan Mahon and am in contact with Gavin Wildes (who looks the exact same as in the photos, maybe a bit taller) and am always bumping into people (never remembering their names!!!). If you need a hand organising a reunion, please let me know…. Looking forward to the reunion already!!! All the best. [May '06] |
||||||||||||||
Colin Swan '85 & '86: This web site is a great idea, it really is strange to read the names and remember faces of our class. After school I went to the College of Marketing and then onto DCU for a Business Degree. Since DCU I went to Australia for a year and then to San Francisco and Boston . I am currently in San Francisco with Jodie my Canadian wife. Two other class mates live in the bay area that I know of, Paul Turner and recently Ronan McNamara. We all work for software companies. Prior to working with software companies I ran a marketing and sales company for Investment Managers. Jim and the Brothers are doing a great job. I read St. Laurence was ranked #2 in Ireland , nice job and congratulations. I heard about a reunion but can’t make it over. I keep in contact with some people from my class but would like to keep in contact with more. All the best. [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Joseph Tighe '72 : Ken,do you remember the time we were in the Library, when PE teacher, Mr Heaney walked in and called out three names? Yours, my brother, Hilary’s and mine. I did not know what was in store for us. We were led outside to the front of the building (now a soccer pitch) to throw the javelin. You won the contest and I still have the medal for coming second (and by the way, I still have my school tie). I’m sure I saw Mr. Heaney in town some years ago. I remain a bachelor and live in Stillorgan. My brother married a Cork girl and lives in Mallow. Since leaving in’72 I have had a variety of jobs and am presently doing a course in computers, just across the road from the old school. I remember going to see Martin Carolan, the Mittens and the rest of their band play in Mt. Merrion back in the 1970. I wonder what has happened to them. And Bro. Kelly, Fr. Hickey, Firmin Widmer and John O’Connor (ed. note: Kelly is in Dayton in the Marianist Care Centre – still laughing about his “baby dumplings,” Fr. Hickey has since died, both Firmin and John married and are living in the States). I am sorry to read that Alan Connaughton and Ciaran Hayden have died. Slan leat go foill [May ‘06] |
||||||||||||||
Caroline (Butler) Grogan '93: You may remember me as Caroline Butler and not Caroline Grogan. As you can see from the name change I got married back in 2004 -- on the lovely island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean . It was lovely. I met my husband in a pub in town where he worked nearly 8 years ago now and we are very happy and all is well, thank God. I have worked for the Sisters of Charity in the Home for the Blind on Merrion Road for the last 6 years and loving it. When I left St. Laurence's I went on to Sallynoggin College and completed a full-time course in Hotel Catering and Management. I worked in a few hotels & restaurants around Dublin and then I switched jobs and careers to Nursing and the Caring Professions. I have studied in St. James Hospital through my present job and love all this new learning, even at the tender age of 30. It has been nearly 13 years this year since I left St. Laurence's. I am still great friends with Cathy O’Donoghue and Sinead (Fitzpatrick) Plunkett which is great. We all have very fond memories of our time is St. Laurence's and that has a great deal to do with the staff and how they all treated us with care and love, even if we didn't see it all that well at the time (ha-ha). I have great memories of all those days after school practicing my shot-put and discus with Mr. Heaney and Miranda Cowap and Bro. Fred would drive us to all our games and I remember being bounced around in that mini bus. We had so much fun. I was also wondering: do I still hold any records from my athletic days and school sports days?....I'm sure they are long gone but have to ask. My folks are still in good form and keeping well -- still living in Shankill, only Marie and Alan live at home but we visit a lot. Sometimes it’s like we never left. I’ve lived in Finglas for the last 3 years and still hope to move to the countryside and take up my dream of breeding dogs. Well who knows, maybe I will..... It is good to stay in touch and can I say a big “Hello” to all past pupils and teachers and the Bros., of course. [April '06] |
||||||||||||||
Peter Cronin '78: For those who remember, I had the honour of having my mother as school secretary. As it turned out I never really left St Laurence. I met my wife in the home of the Marianists. We were married by Fr Richard and Fr Mike in 1981 and all 4 of our children attended the school. I did a short stint on the parents committee but honestly I was always rubbish at committees. One proud moment since I left was to see my son receive the David McCully award. |
||||||||||||||
Sinead (Cronin) McCabe '89: . The website looks fantastic and a reunion sounds like a great idea. I have often wondered over the last few years, was there one arranged that I missed? It is hard to believe that 16 years have gone by, Just looking at the names, all the memories came flooding back, mostly good although, I probably didn't think so at the time. I am trying to match the photos with the names and doing reasonably ok - I think! Trying to pick myself out is harder. Going back to the reunion, if I can help in any way I would be delighted to. I was a bit shy about digging in and helping out when we were school, so it's about time I made up for it. Unfortunately, I am not in touch with anyone so how much use I'll be I don't know. I went to college in Roslyn Park to do Secretarial and Computer Studies, then changed jobs a couple of times. I worked for the Centre for Independent Living for several years. It is an organisation founded and run by people with disabilities promoting the 'Philosophy of Independent Living.' There is a slogan "Nothing about us, without us" which captures the focus of the organisation. It was really interesting and enjoyable work, so enjoyable that I married one of my bosses, Michael is one of the founding members. We are married almost 7 years now but haven't been lucky enough to have children yet. I did a bit in the legal sector too, in a firm of Solicitors and later in the Legal Aid Board but eventually decided to settle down in a permanent pensionable job. So I now work for the Revenue Commissioners and hope too for the next 30 - 40 years. I would be pleased to hear from others. [April '06] |
||||||||||||||
Derek Gormley '73: 38 years after first setting foot onto St. Laurence College land, here I am, doing more homework, although this time it is voluntary (but still at Bro. Jim’s request). “For the web page,” he said, “do it on your windows.” (When I went to school, spiders spun webs and you looked out windows, not at them as Bill Gates has almost everyone doing now.) Who am I? Hello folks. Derek Gormley here, class of ’73, though I stopped going to school in ’71 – knew better than parents or teachers – me? I wish. That was a lifetime ago. To those who left in recent years, you would probably not remember the pre-fabs, but for us old boys, that’s where it all started – outside toilets, too, but we won’t go there. There were two pre-fabs – one each side of the gate. Mr. McGuinness is there in his black robe and a leather strap putting the fear of God in us; Mr. Heaney, a young blond, then driving an orange MG; Bro. John O’Connor, Headmaster; Bro. Bob Kelly (Uncle Al and ex-U.S. Navy, a lovely gentleman from New York City whose stories I will remember forever – and also his baking of strawberry pies, so good!) Bro. Fred came too, to build the new school, although I think John Sisk gave him some assistance. I remember sitting in the pre-fabs on top of the hill, watching as a crane lowered the circular steel band into place to connect all the beams around the dome in the library – only for the engineers to find out that it was too small. There was a long delay as it came from Germany , I think. As the building progressed, with construction on-going, Bro. Fred brought students into B1 and B2 to do Woodwork classes. Imagine the fun Health and Safety would have with that sort of thing today. So much is different today. In the old days, you could walk around the corridor in either direction; no female students to distract you from your work and you had corporal punishment. That strap hurt, I know, but it did no harm. We had respect for our elders and for other people’s property. As I mentioned earlier, I did attend the College for three years, doing my Inter Cert in ’71. As time went on, I met and married Sandra, my present wife (that will keep her on her toes). We have 3 children: Robert Owen and Karen – all past-pupils of St. Laurence College. Robert (RobG) is a radio broadcaster and DJ. Owen is working in Retail Security Management and Karen is doing a PLC course in Child Care and Montessori Teaching and is going to do another in Office Management. They all did their studies and passed their Leaving Certs. in the College – a thing I never thanked the College or the teachers for, but would like to put that right now: “Thank you, All!” I live in Shankill with my family and have maintained contact with the Marianist Community since we first met in 1968. To the old boys, I would say, “Go back and visit the College: the new Sports Hall, the new Computer Room and the new Prayer Room should all be seen. The Prayer Room is unbelievable: a quiet, calm place with amazing stained glass windows and a wooden wall which amazed me. How it was done I do not know. The building as a whole is a credit to Bro. Fred, Alan Kelly and all the crew who now maintain it. Fr. Neville and Bro. Gerry are past-pupils, while Bro. Fred and Bro. Jim are part of the furniture. A lot of teachers I knew retired: Frank McGuinness, Paschal Byrne, Mike Heaney, Jim Kavanagh, Pete Glennane, PJ Carty, Declan Murphy, Madeleine O’Shea – all good people who gave their time to educating both myself and my children. “Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it.” Others have gone as well. “Best wishes to you all.” I think Ted Doherty is still around there somewhere (I think it will take a bulldozer to get him out. But in a way, that’s what St. Laurence College does to you: it brings you in, cares for you, feeds you and slowly you become part of it all. Look at me: 38 years on, past pupil, past chairperson of the Parents’ Committee and I count Bros. Fred, Jim and Gerry and Frs. Mike and Neville, not just as Marianists, but good friends – and that’s not forgetting others who passed through: Bro. Ed, Bro. Kelly, Fr. Richard, Bro. Bob Flaherty, and the Spanish Marianists: Bro. Julian, Bro. Tomas, Bro. Carpentero – the list goes on and on, just like me. To all at the College and St. Columba’s (the Marianist community residence), “Thank you. My life is richer for having known you.” To all past-pupils, “Tell as many as you can about this web page – getting people back in contact is good.” I helped to organise a Silver Jubilee Reunion in 1992 but had a lot of trouble contacting people. God willing, in 2017, a Golden Jubilee will be celebrated and I hope to see you there. Take care and enjoy your life. [April '06] |
||||||||||||||
Stephen Patrick Holohan '75: died peacefully at home in Co. Mayo with his family on April 20th, 2006. Stephen had been ill with cancer for some time. He bore his illness with remarkable patience. Stephen had married for the second time only three years ago. His wife Deirdre nursed him with great love and care. Stephen leaves a beautiful daughter from his first marriage, Ana, who together with Deirdre, cared for him in the final stages of his illness. Stephen's first wife, Rose, supported her daughter through the difficult times and we, his sibl |