Below are some more photos taken by Patrick Dowling at the PPU Annual Dinner on January 26th.
Congratulations to Stephen Kenny who was presented with a Medal of Honour for his service to the PPU over many years. Unfortunately, Stephen could not attend the Dinner and his award was received by Jim Conway, from PPU President Jerry Carroll, on his behalf.
AGM 2019
The AGM of the PPU took place on Thursday March 15th. Unfortunately,
the attendance was very small and there is an urgent need to get some new and younger blood into the PPU.
Kate Byrne, School Principal, attended the early part of the meeting and provided very positive information with regard to the management and future of the school.
Kate’s main reason for attending was to thank the PPU for all the support it has given to the school over the years and, in particular, its contribution to fund the Homework Classes, which are now up and running.
2018 was a good year for the school and the PPU. A sum of €15,000 was donated by Ken Doherty. This was used to carry out much needed renovations including replacing windows and a new main door.
The school will obtain very welcome rental income over the next couple of years from the RIAM which needs space whilst it carries out renovations.
The school numbers are increasing and now stand at 150. The pupils are, in general, doing well, with up to 40% expected to progress to third level. Some pupils need strong support, given their backgrounds and, in some cases, the trauma suffered as they left their home countries, Once they leave school the support systems disappear. For this reason Kate has established a club for recent past pupils in an effort to maintain support.
Dan Ferrari, who succeeded Michael O’Sullivan as PPU Treasurer in 2018, gave a very comprehensive Financial Report. The Annual Dinner suffered a loss as usual but this was ameliorated somewhat due to the raffle and prompt payment for the PV Doyle trophy by the Doyle Collection.
We are very grateful to all our sponsors and members who support the raffle. We could not run the dinner without that help.
The President appealed to past pupils to sign Standing Orders for the annual sub as many are slipping through the net at present.
PPU President, Jerry Carroll, gave his review of the year. The following were the highlights –
- The very enjoyable evening in the Radisson Hotel in June to commemorate the 21st anniversary of Ken Doherty’s World Championship. Many thanks to Ken for his contribution to the school mentioned above.
- The choice of Dr. Pat Felle as Row Person of the Year 2019. Pat visited the school and impressed all. He also made a very good contribution to the Annual Dinner.
- The Annual Dinner was a most enjoyable event. News and Photos have been published here and in previous News Blogs.
- The Annual Mass for deceased past pupils. This is now joined with St. Andrew’s Day and was celebrated by the Archbishop. It was followed by a very enjoyable lunch in the Grand Canal Hotel.
Officers and Committee 2019
President – Jerry Carroll
Hon. Secretary – John Cullen
Hon Treasurer – Dan Ferrari
Committee – John Costello, Brian Duncan, John Murray, Bryan O’Higgins, Shay Doherty, Michael Casey.
