Clongownians of Distinction: A guide to the Serpentine Collection
Last Tuesday evening, 27th January, in Clongowes Clongownians of Distinction: A guide to the Serpentine Collection, by Dr Harman Murtagh (on the right in the picture) was launched by Mr John Bruton the President of the Clongowes Union.
The Headmaster Fr Leonard Moloney SJ introduced proceedings and the Rector, Fr Michael Sheil SJ (on the left above) then spoke about Clongowes and how the book was brought to fruition. Fr Michael then introduced Mr Damien Burke the Assistant Province Archivist, who spoke about the importance of Archives in the story of Institutions. Damien told us how Clongowes was called the ‘Mother House, of the Irish Province after the restoration of the society in 1814.
This provided a neat link to Ms Margaret Doyle the College archivist and inspiration behind the project, who thanked Fr John Looby SJ for introducing her to the archives, which led to her embarking on the project when requested by Fr Moloney. The author, Dr Harman Murtagh [OC’62] then spoke about some of the portraits in the Gallery and how the committee (which comprised Dr Murtagh, Fr Sheil SJ, Mr David K’Eogh [OC’65 – fourth from left above] and Ms Doyle) chose which portraits should be hung in the Gallery. He went to to tell us about the contribution and service these alumni gave to life in this country and abroad.
Finally, the was book was launched by Mr John Bruton, who made some thought provoking remarks about the nature of national commemorations in this Decade of Centenaries. The Rector thanked all who helped produce the book particularly Dr Murtagh as well as Mr David K’Eogh, who oversaw the framing of the portraits, Ms Doyle, who oversaw the project, and those who helped make the evening so successful.
Ms Margaret Doyle, College Archivist
For more on the man who married a mountain click here
