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Text
of Chairman's address at our first reunion dinner
held in the Newpark Hotel Kilkenny on Sat 15th
November 2003
Dear
Friends, as Chairperson of the Mill Hill Past
Pupils Association you are very welcome on the
occasion of this the first re-union in modern
times. I know that over the years similar gatherings
have taken place on a once off basis , but we
hope that this event will become a more regular
affair , possibly bi-annual.
It
is heartening for the organising committee to
see such a positive response to the dinner and
re-union and we hope that you will enjoy meeting
up with your colleagues from school days and
sharing your recollections and anecotes. We
particularly thank those who have travelled
long distances to be with us this evening and
wish you a safe return journey.
Most
of you will know that the movement had it’s
Genesis at the funerals of former pupils who
sadly passed away last year , when a group of
friends determined to set up an organisation
to allow people to network and rekindle past
friendships. The task proved quite difficult
as the Freshford records have not been retained
and contact with people had to made on a networking
basis. If you know of any past pupils who may
not be on our database you might let us know
or register online at www.millhillpastpupils.com.
As
well as operating as a networking and database
resource, we have busied ourselves with the
organisation of social activies , including
our official launch in March , our Golf Classic
which took place in July at the Heath Golf Club
in Portlaoise and tonight’s little bash. All
this could not take place without the diligent
work of a dedicated band of willing helpers
who have toiled away to get the organisation
up and running. I will not single them out individually
in case I accidentally omit someone , but they
deserve the gratitude of us all.
Most
of us , after we left Freshford pursued our
various careers, but some of our comrades dedicated
themselves selflessly to alleviating the plight
of the neediest on our planet. They have given
with extraordinary generosity of their lives,
energy and endurance. What they don’t have are
the monetary resources to compliment their personal
sacrifice. To this end we set up a fund to redress
this deficit and to date have benefitted from
the generosity of members. Those of you who
might want to also contribute to this fund can
do so by a number of means including a modest
monthly direct debit , once off contribution
etc etc. If any of you are moved by the emotion
of the evening to donate , anonymous brown envelopes
are available in the reception are and can be
handed to either the Secretary , Bernie Conroy,
or the Treasurer Ger Rafter. Your contributions
need not be extravagent , and all donations
are gratefully accepted.
Before
closing I will briefly pay tribute to the diligent
and commited work of our educators , the Mill
Hill Fathers , whose devotion to their mission
should act as an inspiration and example to
us all , whatever our chosen professions or
vocations.
Finally,
might I exhort you to enjoy your evening , revisit
past events which gladden the heart , drink
deep with your friends and revel in this celebration
of what we have become, thanks partially to
the grounding we received at Freshford.
Frank Walsh .
15/11/2003.
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0502
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