The Clongowes Alumnus of the Year Award recognises outstanding Old Clongownians who are one or more of the following:
- Inspirational
- Transformational
- Socially responsible
- Innovative
- Entrepreneurial
- Outstanding in their chosen area
Fr. Peter McVerry SJ (OC ’62) was the inaugural recipient of the Clongowes Alumnus of the Year Award in 2015. Fr McVerry emphasised that he was accepting it on behalf of the homeless, who had taught him more than he had ever learned elsewhere and who had helped him find his path in life.
James Costello (OC’60) was named Alumnus of the Year for 2016. James was a 15-year-old schoolboy in Clongowes when he contracted polio in 1958. He developed an upper-body paralysis, which severely compromised his lung function and left him without the use of his arms.
Fr Michael Sheil SJ (OC’56) was named Alumnus of the Year for 2017. Fr Sheil followed his seven years as a student with thirty-three years of his sixty-two (to date) as a Jesuit working in the college in various roles. These have included Higher Line Prefect, Rector (twice), French teacher and Senior Rugby Coach.
Nominations
We now ask all of our Clongowes community: alumni, current parents, the Jesuit community and our staff to reflect and nominate candidates for the 2017 Alumnus of the Year Award.
The Ignatian vision is to form ‘Leaders in Service’: men and women of competence, conscience and compassionate commitment. The aim of the ‘Alumnus of the Year Award’ is to acknowledge and celebrate those who have clearly and prominently followed this path.
Please review the information brochure, which includes a nomination form and email your nomination to union@clongowes.net by Friday January 19th.
Declan O’Keeffe, Head of Communications
