Introduction

IIntroduction

For many years the Serpentine corridor at Clongowes has been used to hang portrait photographs of distinguished Clongownians. Additions (and sometimes subtractions) were made in no very systematic way, and the collection had a rather Edwardian character. Nevertheless, it was a very familiar part of the school, well remembered by generations of Clongowes students. In 2003-4, as part of a general scheme of improvement, the Serpentine was rebuilt and its display potential greatly improved.

In preparation for the Clongowes bicentenary in 2014, it was decided to re-hang the Serpentine, standardising to some extent the criteria for inclusion, and identifying suitable new candidates to modernise the collection and make it more representative. A small committee, reporting to the headmaster, Father Leonard Maloney SJ, was formed in 2012. It comprised the rector, Father Michael Sheil SJ, himself an old Clongownian (1949-56), with two other old Clongownians, David K’Eogh (1961-5), an architect, and Harman Murtagh (1957-62), a historian, together with Margaret Doyle, the college archivist.

Through many meetings over two years the committee formulated a policy for inclusion, researched and selected candidates who met their criteria, and procured suitable portrait photographs. It was agreed that only those who were deceased or retired would be included, except perhaps in the most exceptional circumstances. Inclusion would be automatic for cabinet ministers, bishops, the most senior judges and university heads. A candidate’s chances were greatly strengthened by his inclusion in the Dictionary of Irish Biography or the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, authoritative publications, which are a major source for many of the biographical notes in this publication. After that, the selection was made on the basis of distinction in any field, a colourful career and inclusivity. Republicans hang beside VCs; archbishops beside writers; judges beside businessmen; physicians beside diplomats; architects beside politicians; scientists beside social activists; scholars beside aviators.

Introduction I Continued

The choice is not judgemental, the sole criteria being that all are of course Clongownians or Tullabegians of distinction. (Tullabeg, a Jesuit College at Rahan County Offaly, merged with Clongowes in 1886.) Most of those recognised of course are no longer household names, if indeed they ever were – sic transit gloria mundi! – but all had noteworthy careers and achievements, and many made an important, original or colourful contribution to their times, and often to the benefit of posterity. No one is excluded on grounds of prejudice or persuasion, political or otherwise. Some suggestions evoked considerable debate, but on those ultimately selected the committee was unanimous.

Sportsmen will have a gallery to themselves.

The selection of its nature is incomplete. Suggestions for further additions can be considered, if made to the headmaster, supported by a case for the candidate’s inclusion and accompanied by information on where to source a suitable portrait photograph. The Serpentine committee will then advise the headmaster of their view on the appropriateness of the nominee for inclusion.

The pictures are hung in a fairly haphazard arrangement. For ease of reference, this guide is arranged alphabetically, according to surname. The purpose of the guide is to supply a short biography of each of those selected for inclusion in the Serpentine. A wider knowledge of the identities and achievements of the hundred or so ‘Serpentine rogues’ will surely strengthen Clongowes tradition and pride and may be an inspiration to the present and future students at the school.

The committee is grateful to all who have helped in this project, especially by sourcing photographs or providing information. For us, researching the lives and portraits of so many Clongownians of outstanding distinction has been a rewarding voyage of discovery, leaving us simultaneously both proud and humbled by the achievement of this great Jesuit school. We hope that you will share these sentiments.

Harman Murtagh 2014