Gala Dinner 2011

Saturday, 26th November 2011. Castleknock College Union, Board of Management of the College and Parent’s Association combined to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the College with a Gala Dinner in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin.

A total of 380 attended this memorable event, made up of pastmen, parents, members of the Board of Management and guests together with teachers and representatives from the Vincentian community.

After a welcome reception kindly sponsored by Carton House, David O’Donnell introduced Bobby Kerr, entrepreneur and chairman of Insomnia Coffee as MC for the evening. Fr John Gallagher (chaplain at the College) spoke movingly on Ambo, the Vincentian project in Ethiopia. Paul Gallagher SC, former Attorney General spoke about the unique contribution the Vincentian Order has made to education in Ireland over the past 175 years. This was followed with a wonderful ‘175-year’ video (many thanks to Stephen Boyle for his enormous effect) and finally presentations were made to Fr Slevin and Oliver Murphy, President and Headmaster of the College respectively. David Bell Senior was fittingly presented with the Pastman of the Year award for his lifelong contribution to the College and the Union. Post dinner entertainment was provided by the Tripps, a truly excellent band.

A very big thank you and acknowledgement to the Union Sub-Committee for their tremendous work in organising a first-rate event which was a true celebration in every sense.