Last week five new GAP students (or Gappies), Pat Fuccilli, Tom McMahon, Marcke De Vera, Oliver Seymour and Andrew Lawler (left to right above), arrived from Australia. Mr Steven Gray has ensured that the guys have settled well into their new surrounds and are being fully immersed into the world of Clongowes. All five are working in the dorms alongside the prefects and also helping in tutoring and coaching roles.In addition, they will accompany students and teachers on trips within Ireland and to other European countries as well as doing their own travel throughout Europe during the school breaks.
Marcke De Vera attended St. Aloysius’ College,Milsons Point and lives in the suburb of Castle Cove, 15km north of the school. His interests in school were primarily in music, both as a subject and as a co-curricular, and he was involved in various ensembles playing the violin and oboe and was also a part of several musical productions. Marcke also played Rugby and Basketball and plans to study Science at the University of Sydney, when he returns home.
Patrick Fuccilli attended St Ignatius’ College, Riverview and lives in the suburb of Longueville. At school, he was involved in Drama and Music, performing in musicals and plays as well as playing saxophone with the Riverview Big Band and Saxophone Quartet. Patrick played Rugby and Soccer, as well as sailing and rowing for the College and looks forward to coaching at Clongowes before he goes home to study Politics and International Relations at the University of Sydney.
Andrew Lawler lives in a small country town called Macksville five hours north of Sydney and was a boarder at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill. Growing up in a coastal town his hobbies include spearfishing and surfing. Andrew is looking forward to connecting with the boys and staff here at Clongowes while also travelling around Europe and plans to study Engineering and Science at the University of New South Wales when he returns home.
Tom McMahon comes from Wagga Wagga five hours from Sydney and he also went to St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill as a boarder. Tom’s sporting interests are AFL, cricket and rugby. He hopes to make a positive impact at Clongowes and looks forward to working with the students, staff and other GAP students. Tom would also like to learn about the history of Europe, especially Ireland and Scotland before going home to study Science at Wollongong University.
Oliver Seymour, lives 15 minutes from the Sydney Sydney central business district and attended St Ignatius’ College, Riverview with Patrick. He enjoys playing cricket and rugby, and also participated in Riverview’s athletics program. Oliver, hopes to gain some independence while in Clongowes, likes to spend time swimming at the beach or in the pool, and plans to undertake a course in Property Economics at the University of Technology Sydney on his return.
