May 30 Union Day 2014

Union Day was a triumph. We started in the Chapel with Mass – con-celebrated by Peter Slevin CM and John Gallagher CM.  Our photographer took a photo of the entire group after Mass.  (This photo is available to be bought through Schoolpix.)  A magnificent lunch was served in the gym – which was unrecognisable with drapes and chandeliers.  

After that, Minister Leo Varadkar opened the new all-weather, floodlit rugby astro.  It was a wonderful occasion, attended not just by the Minister but by Devin Toner, Marty Moore and Mick Kearney (Ireland Rugby Manager) and a crowd of about 450.  Those three were presented with portraits of themselves by Art teacher Darran Shiels – drawn on old locker doors, with their names typed with an old typewriter for effect.  The Minister was presented with a Castleknock College vase.   After speeches, the ribbon was cut and the first tip-rugby match was played on the new surface.  Special thanks to all parents who contributed to the fund which made this possible.  It is a marvellous addition to our magnificent campus.

The rain spoiled the garden fete part of the day just a little – but crowds huddled into the marquee to listen to the brass band.  Then prizes were given out in the gym by Fr Slevin, Mr Murphy, Mr Townsend and Boarc chairman, Mr Paul MacQuillan.  Student of the Year was Zaran Butt (see photo below).  The School Captain Tadhg Hanlon gave a magnificent speech in the Chapel, looking back on six great years at the College and the bonds of friendship which distance and time will never untie. (See top photo below). 

Finally, Benediction of the Holy Sacrament brought a special day to an end.  Many thanks to Minister Varadkar for his generosity with his time for us – and to Mr Kinder, Mr Townsend, Darran Shiels, Paul Hunt, Fearghus Fallon, Sheena Maguire, Rita Coyle – as well as June Phelan and her troop of 5th Year parents who helped with the lunch and some of the activities outside.

Pictures from Union Day are available to purchase through the Schoolpix website: http://www.schoolpix.ie/gallery-list