Hi All,

As the new academic year approaches rapidly, I want to take the opportunity to communicate with you about the Clongowes Union.

At the outset, I wish the youngest members of the Union well when the Leaving Certificate results are issued next week followed by CAO offers the following week. It’s a tense time for you and your families but please keep in mind that there are multiple paths for most career options and, whether the outcome seems good or bad next week, there are lots of opportunities and challenges ahead.

The Clongowes Union has an exciting programme of events lined up during the remainder of the calendar year.

There has been a great reaction to our Internationals Event on 22nd September and while there are a few places left, we will not be able to take any more table bookings after 2nd September. The Irish players being honoured span almost seventy years of rugby at international level. In addition, we are adding a Caribbean twist by honouring the contribution of the three O’Farrell brothers to rugby in Trinidad & Tobago as well as Clongowes.

CWC International Event – Single Ticket (€75) https://buy.stripe.com/00gdSJaqqf7a7ja009

CWC International Event – Table of 10 (€600) https://buy.stripe.com/14k9Ct0PQ3osfPGdR0

Former RTE journalist Sean O’Rourke has kindly agreed to host a Panel Discussion after the Clongowes Union Lunch in the Alexander Hotel on 7th October. Panellists will include entrepreneur and philanthropist, Declan Ryan along with the remarkable Jack Kavanagh. This event is open to Union members and their guests and full details will be circulated next week.

Bookings are strong for the UK dinner in Royal Thames Yacht Club on Saturday 29th October with particularly strong support from the under thirty age group. Lots of different payment options below.

CWC Royal Thames U30 – Single £60                https://buy.stripe.com/3cs8yp6aaf7a6f614q

CWC Royal Thames U30 – Couple £120            https://buy.stripe.com/8wM7uleGGaQU8ne3cz

CWC Royal Thames U30 – Table £600               https://buy.stripe.com/28oeWN8iiaQU1YQdRe

Single Stg £90                    https://buy.stripe.com/bIYeWN9mmgbe32UbJ3

Couple Stg £180                https://buy.stripe.com/28o7ul4220cg46YcN6

Table Stg £900                   https://buy.stripe.com/fZeg0R5662kocDu9AT

Single Euro €105 –            https://buy.stripe.com/6oE8ypdCC7EIavmdR8

Couple Euro €210 –          https://buy.stripe.com/00geWNfKK8IM6f628p

Table Euro €1,050 -           https://buy.stripe.com/00gcOF4227EIcDu14k

The final event of the calendar year will be restricted to Clongownians who have left the school since the year 2000. This function will take place in the Hardiman hotel in Galway on Saturday 26th November. Full details will be circulated in a separate circular in the coming weeks as well as via WhatsApp Groups for individual years.

I’m hoping to get the opportunity to meet as many Clongownians as possible at these events in the coming months.

In closing, I want to remember one of my Predecessors as President of the Union, Jimmy Lenehan, who passed away earlier this month. Jimmy, who will be known to many of you, was active in a series of roles in the Union, its Youth Club and Benevolent Association until very recently. It was a privilege to see him at events in Clongowes in May and June as he battled bravely against illness. May Jimmy Rest in Peace.

Best Regards,

Tom Lane