Simon (Sam) Clyne, class '52
In Memoriam
The Union is saddened to hear of the passing of Sam Clyne, CM, class '52, former President of SVC 1999-2005 and a great supporter of the Union.
The death has occurred of Fr Simon ( Sam ) CLYNE C.M.
Dublin / Clara, Offaly
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Clyne, Fr. Simon (Sam) C.M. (Vincentian) (Clara, Co. Offaly, late President of St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin and Castleknock College) died Thursday, 22nd January, 2015 in the loving care of the Sisters and Staff of Sacred Heart Residence, Sybil Hill, Raheny, Dublin. Son of the late Michael and Angela and brother of Margaret (Kinsella), John, Hugh, Biddy (Fallon), Mary, Owen and Anne (O’Toole). Sadly missed by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and his Vincentian Confreres and friends. Reposing in the College Chapel, St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin on Saturday evening from 5.30pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass on Monday, January 26th, at 11am in the College Chapel followed by burial in Deansgrange Cemetery. |
Date Published: Saturday 24th January 2015
Date of Death: Thursday 22nd January 2015
Four Clyne brothers from Clara, Offaly lit up College life at Knock during the 50's; Hugh (class '51), John (class '52), Owen (class '57) and Sam, who was head prefect in his final year, and also features prominently in reports of the great 1952 SCT run, which ultimately failed at the final hurdle, but not before knocking Rock out in the first round, a rare enough achievement in its own right.
After Castleknock Sam joined the Vincentian Community, where after ordination, he began Doctoral Studies in Philosophy in the Angelicum University in Rome, and from there transferred to Oxford University were he attained a B.A. honours degree in Philosophy, Politics, Economics which matured into an M.A. Honours. From 1964 Fr. Sam lectured in Philosophy and Politics in St. Patrick's and during subsequent years he was Dean of Studies, Director of Summer School for Primary Teachers, Bursar. Acting President 1974-76. Head of the Education Department. In 1979 he began Doctoral Studies in Boston College and was awarded Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision. Returning he was appointed Director of Graduate Course for Primary Teachers and finally in 1985 he was appointed President of St. Patrick's College.
Fr. Sam brought to that position not only a keen understanding of the academic requirements of primary teachers but also a deeply priestly commitment in the training of the teachers for their vital role in our Catholic schools. His priesthood was the basis of his life work, of his concern for his students, his generous giving of himself for all who are in need or ill — indeed of his whole outlook on life. It was thus no surprise that when his alma mater sought a president to succeed Fr Kevin O'Shea, it was to Fr. Sam who we turned to, and the College is all the better for his leadership from 1999 through to retirement in 2005. Indeed the College we see today would be unrecognisable but for Sam, for it was on his watch that the redevelopment to connect the MacNamara and Cregan houses commenced.
Some years back a College visitor on witnessing the Vincention's in action, concluded that "there are some mighty priests out there”. Fr. Sam was one such.
Requiescat in Pace.