New Sports Hall officially opened
Campus Development
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The new Sports Hall was officially opened by the Minister for Education & Skills, Richard Bruton, TD, and blessed by the Archbishop of Dublin, Very Rev. Diarmuid Martin. Guests of honour included the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Mary McCamley, former headmaster, Andy McGeady and he who owned the last gym, Ronald J. McCarten.
The podium party was led by Paschal Scallon, CM, Chairman of the Management Board, Very Rev. Peter Slevin, CM, College President, Oliver Murphy, Headmaster, Chris Kinder, Deputy Principal, Gerry Davis, Administration Director, Mary McGoldrick, Board and Development Committee member, Joe Cunningham, Chairman Parents’ Assoc. and the Captain of the House, Adam Corcoran.
The Taoiseach was represented by Mr Jim O’Grady.
The Minister and Archbishop were escorted to podium by a percussion fanfare under the baton of Mr Fearghus Fallon. Following the official opening, blessing and some speeches, refreshments were served and guests were entertained by the school band and an acrobatics demonstration. No word yet if the latter surpassed the gold standard set in 1923.
Thankfully John Mitchell, class '73 and David Winston from DMOD Architects and Bernard Nevin, MD, Nevin Construction were present to receive the many accolades due them as it is they who delivered the build on budget and ahead of schedule. The bulk of the invited guest thereafter were the parents who contributed so generously towards the build costs.
Pastmen were led by two rugby greats - Devin Toner, class ’04 a current stalwart for both Leinster and Ireland and David Bell Snr., class '38 who is a mere 98 years young and we believe the oldest surviving Leinster SCT medal holder - SVC won it in 1936-37 when he was in 5th year. Andrew Thompson, class ’69, for good measure also brought along his 1966 Junior Cup winners medal. Newbridge College was also represented by one of Lansdowne's finest and our past SVC rugby coach, Micky Quinn.
President Elect, Oisín Quinn, but no relation he assures us, class '86, flew the flag for the Union ably assisted by another past President, John Kearney, class '77. Oisín not famed for gym attendance during his SVC days now looked the natural fit and his well renowned oratorical skills carried the day with aplomb.