Category: Past Pupils

Congatulations to our former students Donal Kaye and Oisín Chelmiah who received academic scholarships to the Institute of Technology, Carlow at a presentation ceremony this week. Both have entered the Faculty of Science. Donal is studying for a Bacholer of Science in Biosciences and Oisín is undertaking an Honours Bachelor of Science in Cybercrime and IT Security. Both had the highest points total of all entrants in their chosen area of study.

Ms. Louise Dillon, a Meath native, joined the staff of Knockbeg College in 1989. Louise was the first female on staff in this era. She taught modern foreign languages (French and German), but is most noted for introducing the German language to the Knockbeg students. Her deep appreciation and love of the language was clear to see by all, but most especially by her students who walked through the door of room five daily. The numbers opting to study German began to grow enormously – all credit to Ms. Dillon’s dedication and commitment. Students excelled in this subject in written, aural and oral communication and indeed, were often even heard singing in German by passerby’s of her room!! Ms. Dillon coached teams for German debating competitions and enjoyed national success with her students.

Ms. Dillon was involved in many extra-curricular activities during her years in Knockbeg. She introduced horse-riding to students and brought them to Carrigbeg riding school on their traditional leath-lá on a Wednesday afternoon. They participated in many competitions in the Greenhills riding school and the Spring Show at the RDS. Gaisce – the president’s awards, were also organised by Ms. Dillon in the college. Many long walks along the riverbanks and an overnight stay was enjoyed by participating students. The school tours were regularly organised by Ms. Dillon, especially those to Germany or France where her language skills were required. If not organised by her, she always travelled on these trips in a supervisory role!

She will be missed by all her students and colleagues and we wish her all the very best of good health and enjoyment in her well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Louise!

To celebrate our College Feast day, Bishop Nulty, Monsignor Byrne and Fr. Dunphy led a prayer service in our sports hall with all staff and students in attendance. The day was particularly special for Brodie Feeney, Canice Whearty, Dylan Grufferty, Joshua Dunne, Conor Donlon, and Ciarán O’Hagan, as they were selected to be Prefects for this school year. Dylan Grufferty was given the extra honour of being Head Prefect. This old tradition was thankfully re-introduced based upon feedback received from our active Past Pupil’s Union. These students were selected by the staff for their leadership qualities and the high regard they are held in by the student body. Thanks to Joe Farrell (Class of 1994/1995) for attending today’s Prayer Service. A very active member of our Past Pupils’ Union, Joe shared some great words of wisdom, along with some funny stories of his time as a student in Knockbeg.

The Seven Oaks hotel was the venue on Saturday 23rd November for old friends from various year groups to catch up and reminisce about the good old times. Many stories were exchanged and a few tales were told. Class groups from the 1959/1960 era right through to 2009/2010 cohort gathered to enjoy the company of friends with whom they had soldiered with, as students in Knockbeg, whether as borders or more recently as day pupils.

Before heading to the hotel, the new school was opened from 6pm to allow our past pupils to take a stroll through the grounds to see the complete transformation in what was once a home away from home for many. The past students were mesmerised by what the experienced. An air of disbelief as many went searching for the studyhall and Siberia; nowhere to be seen. A new state of the art, purpose built campus greeted them. A long wait but worth the wait according to many who were instrumental in getting the project over the line. Fr. Sean Maher, from the class of 1989, said a mass in the new autistic unit in memory of all deceased past pupil. This was very well received by those present.

The Seven Oaks hotel, as always, provided the ideal venue for the reunion. The meal and service was top class. Many thanks to Michael Walsh and his staff for making it a memorable night. Joe Farrell from the 1995 class acted as MC on the night and introduced our guest speakers. Fr. John Dunphy, Chairperson of the Board of Management, started with grace before dinner. After the meal, Minister Charlie Flanagan, who is currently the President of the Knockbeg College Past Pupils Union, addressed us and recalled his account of his time in the school. Bishop Denis Nulty, on behalf of the Trustees, said a few words and congratulated all who had worked tirelessly over many years to get the college to where it is today. Michael Fitzpatrick, chairperson of the Dublin branch of the PPU and also a member of the 1989 class said a few words also. Finally our Principal, Mike Carew concluded the formalities.

Many thanks to all who made the effort to attend on the night, particularly those who were celebrating their reunion year. It was great to see old and new faces attend this biannual event. Thanks for the memories. We look forward to seeing even more Past Pupils back in the new year for the official opening of the new school. Also, all Past Pupils are welcome to the AGM on Friday 24th January in the College at 7.30pm, by which time all renovation work will be completed.