CLASS NOTES

GOLLYMOCKY WHALERS

Out of the adversity that Covid-19 caused when we were first presented with the illness rose a band of Old Clongownian amateur swimmers, the aptly named ‘Gollymocky Whalers’.

The group, which has now expanded to 23 members, began in May 2020 with a much humbler enrollment. The group’s founding fathers Adam Mac Nulty (OC’88) & Jonathan White (OC’86) explain that it was happenstance that originally got the idea off the ground. Jonathan explained: “Adam and I live around the corner from each other. We were both out exercising one evening during the lockdown and we bumped each other. I mentioned I had been swimming every day to keep sane and break the monotony of the lockdown.” Adam added: “That encounter got me thinking. At the end of May, I sent a WhatsApp to several OCs of our vintage who live in the area to see if they were interested in going for an early morning weekday swim.” The initial response was slow but soon they found their super-recruiter, Maeliosa “Wewa” Power (OC’89): “The “Early Morning Dippers”, as we were first known, took our first swim on June 1st. Adam and I were joined by Maeliosa “Wewa” Power (OC89). Wewa took some persuading as the water is still pretty cold in June! He was an outstanding recruit as he went on a mission to build up the group. We take a photo every morning (pre-Level 3) as a log – and to confirm attendance. Peer group pressure means you’re afraid to miss a morning or else there will be an inquisition! Within two weeks our crew had grown to 10. We now have 23 participants ranging from the elder lemon, Ambrose O’Sullivan (OC’78), to James Keane and Hugo Mac Nulty of the Class of ’99.” Those of you who have attended the school will know that the Gollymocky River holds a special place in the hearts of all students, present and past.

RHETORIC 2020

Former School Captain, Mikey Mina Roynane (OC’20) and Vice Captains, Barry Dooley (OC’20) and Ruairi O’Regan (OC’20) gathered with staff in the 1929 quadrangle in September to present staff with very thoughtful cards and gifts on behalf of Rhetoric 2020. Mr Wallace received a beautiful painting of the College (Mikey’s very talented grandmother being the artist) to mark his retirement.

In his speech, Mr Wallace commended the boys of Rhetoric 2020 on being an exceptional group, one that we were all blessed to have with us in Clongowes and a group of fine young men that we will miss.

FILTRACYCLE

Four OCs who graduated from Clongowes in 2017, Liam Lysaght, Marc Bollée, Harry Jankola & Rory McMahon, are behind a new and novel company called FiltraCycle. FiltraCycle is an Irish startup that recycles cigarette butts into plastic pellets for use in manufacturing sustainable consumer products. Cigarette butts are the most common item of litter on the planet, and one of the most toxic forms of ocean plastic. FiltraCycle displaces virgin plastics in existing supply chains while recycling toxic waste and keeping it out of the ocean.

In the next 5 years, they aim to establish a network of small recycling facilities in urban centres across Europe to process the thousands of tonnes of cigarette waste produced every year. It was their ambition that these facilities will recycle at least 10% of Europe’s cigarette waste by 2025.

ROB KEARNEY & FERGUS MCFADDEN

When Rob (OC’04) and Fergus (OC’05) left Clongowes, nobody could have predicted that both would play such instrumental roles in the most successful period in Irish Rugby history. We have always been proud of their contributions both on and off the field for Leinster Rugby and Irish Rugby. With Rob moving to Australia to play for the Western Force and Fergus retiring - we wish them well as they prepare for the next stage of their respective careers!

Rob Kearney playing for Clongowes Fergus McFadden making a tackle for Clongowes

Fergus McFadden and Rob Kearney

WILL CONNORS, ED BYRNE & TADGH BEIRNE

Will Connors (OC’15), Ed Byrne (OC’12) and Tadgh Beirne (OC’10) were selected for this year’s Six Nations - Will earned his first cap whilst Tadgh was named in the team of the tournament.

On top of this Tadgh has been selected on the Lions squad for this summer’s tour of South Africa, a truly momentous achievement!

Tadgh Beirne

DAN SHEEHAN & MICHAEL SILVESTER

Dan Sheehan (OC17) and Michael Silvester (OC16) both made their debuts for Leinster in October against Zebre in the Pro 14. Our congratulations to them both!

Dan Sheehan receiving his Man of The Match Award

Michael Silvester on the run for Leinster

Pat Taaffe

PAT TAAFFE

Pat Taaffe (OC’20) recorded a win on his first ride over fences on St Patrick’s Day at Down Royal Racecourse aboard Goose Man. This was Pat’s first ride over fences and the win was a real family affair as the horse is trained by his father Tom.

JACK O’LEARY

Jack O’Leary (OC’16) earned his second All-American title at the NCAA 10k Championship for Iona College Athletics this June.

Jack is now 17th on the all-time Irish record list for 10K and the second-fastest 10K runner ever in the Iona College Athletic programme.

Jack O’Leary (OC16) in his Iona singlet

JACK GILHEANY

Congratulations Jack Gilheany (OC’17) who was involved in the Senior Football Championship for Leitrim during the Autumn.

Summer term football with Mr Maloney & Mr O’Hara standing to him!

James Lambe with his Aloysius Award

Conor Gilsenan playing for London Irish

CONOR GILSENAN

Commiserations to Conor “Gilly” Gilsenan (OC’11) who hung up his boots early due to medical reasons at the end of last summer. Conor has thrived on and off the pitch for Leinster and London Irish since leading Clongowes to cup glory in 2010 and 2011. Thank you for everything Conor!

JAMES LAMBE RIP

Sadly James Lambe (OC’17) bade us farewell Monday, May 17th.

As we come to terms with this painful reality – let us share our thanks for the gift that he was to us in so many ways – grateful also that he is free now from the suffering which he so heroically bore during his too-short life.

James told his Mum that he would like it if his Farewell Mass could be celebrated in Clongowes. This is a great sign of his love of our School and all the memories he had of our Family. It is also a wonderful tribute to you, his Classmates, with whom he shared his time here.

RIP, Lambo

BIDEMI AFOLABI

Bidemi Afolabi (OC’13) was named in The Irish Times 50 people to watch in 2021: The best young talent in Ireland. Bidemi along with his work partner Lauren O’Reilly have created ‘ProMotion’. ProMotion offers bike owners and brands a platform to connect - For the brand owners, they get access to advertising space on private bikes; for bike owners, they get paid the more miles they cover.

CLONGOWES WOOD COLLEGE Clane, Co. Kildare, Ireland T: +353 (0)45 868 202 E: reception@clongowes.net @clongowes @clongoweswoodcollegesj @clongowes www.clongowes.net