Dear Past Student,
On behalf of the Union, I would like to wish you and your families the very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
At this time of year we think of those that are no longer with us and, in particular, those who are recently deceased. I would like to mention the very recent passing of Fr. Sean ( 'Vicky' ) Farragher. Even though he was an alumnus of Rockwell, having spent 64 of his 91 years at Blackrock, with the loss of Fr. Farragher we have lost a true Rockman. Fr. Farragher was a great supporter of the Union and with his extensive and wonderful archive of texts and photographs, Fr. Farragher has left the College and Union a hugely valuable legacy for which we and future generations of Rockmen will be forever grateful.
At this time of year we also think of those that are less fortunate than ourselves. I would urge you to please continue to support the Unions charitable causes, the
Mission Fund and
Blue & White Support Group. Union volunteers continue to work tirelessly on your behalf to help these very worthwhile causes achieve their goals. At a time when charitable causes are subject to greater scrutiny the importance of genuine volunteerism should not be overlooked. Donations to the Unions charities can be made on-line at the Unions new website by following the links above.
With a busy schedule of Union activity, the New Year promises much. It is impossible for me to highlight all of the forthcoming events and activities but the events are listed below and I would encourage you to spend a couple of minutes reviewing the
calendar section of our new website. I would also like to ask you to support these events and invite you to become involved wherever possible. While I cannot highlight all of the 2014 events there are some that deserve special mention.
In a new departure, we are planning a series of lunches for senior members of the Union and their partners. The inaugural lunch takes place on Friday January 17th at Elm Park Golf Club. All are welcome to attend but the lunches are focused toward retired members of the Union. On Friday February 7th the Five Schools Spiritan Dinner takes take place at the Herbert Park Hotel. This event provides a great opportunity for past students of Blackrock and its sister schools to socialise together.
During May the Union is organising a week long hike along a particularly beautiful section of the Camino pilgrimage route. This promises to be a highlight of the Union calendar. Details of this event are being circulated separate to this e-mail.
Reunions are linchpins of the Union calendar. As I write committees are busy preparing for reunions of the classes of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994 and 2004. The best way to support the committees work is to attend your reunion. I look forward to seeing you there. I am thoroughly enjoying serving as your President. With your involvement and support I am looking forward to continuing to do so as we move into 2014.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Greg Moore President Blackrock College Union  Union Centre, Blackrock College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
EmailÂ
Greg.Moore@RockUnion.ieÂ
TelÂ
+353 86 256 1112 Blackrock College Union - 2014 Reunions Â
10 Year Reunion - Class 2004Â 23 May 2014* Â
20 Year Reunion - Class 1994Â 2 May 2014 Â
30 Year Reunion - Class of 1984Â 14 March 2014 Â
40 Year Reunion - Class of 1974Â
7 March 2014 Â
50 Year Reunion - Class of 1964Â 28 March 2014 Â
* Subject to likely change. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Â
Blackrock College Union - Forthcoming Events  Career Guidance Talks for 5th & 6th Year Students 11 January 2014 Â
Lunch for Senior Members and Partners on Friday 17th January 2014Â 17 January 2014 Â
Career Guidance Talks for 5th & 6th Year Students 25 January 2014 Â
Career Interviews for 6th Year Students 29 January 2014 Â
Spiritan Dinner - Fund Raising Evening 7 February 2014 Â
UK Branch London Dinner 28 March 2014 Â
Rock 5k Run 30 March 2014 Â
Ulster Dinner 5 April 2014 Â
Annual Retreat 17 April 2014 - 18 April 2014 Â
Union Annual Dinner - 154th Academic Year 115th Year of the Union 25 April 2014 Â
El Camino Santiago de Compostela Walk 3 May 2014 Â
European Reunion 9 May 2014 Â
North American Branch Dinner 16 May 2014 Â
Golf Society Captain's Prize 23 May 2014 Â
Annual General Meeting 29 May 2014