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Welcome to the Chaplain's Page!

I'm Fr. Paddy Dunne and I've been the chaplain in St. Eunan's College for over twelve years. I think I've made history in that I'm the only one in the last one hundred and two years to have lasted this long. No offence to St. Eunan's. If you have any ideas for this page, let me know at steunans@gmail.com. I'd be delighted to hear from you and especially if you are a past pupil.

31st August 2009
Welcome back.

Today we have about 170 new first years beginning their epic journey in the Harry Potter Castle.  Many parents will be dropping off their kids with trepidation and fear as they begin a new journey into adulthood.  I hope they will all be happy here and enjoy their time in St. Eunan's.

The College will be different this year with the retirement of Fr. Carney.  Fr. Michael retired recently and will be missed greatly.  He is much loved by students and staff.  We wish him well in his new appointment as parish priest in Ramelton. 

Of course we welcome our new principal, Mr. Chris Darby.  He is the first ever lay principal in the College's history.  Fr. Michael was principal for thirteen years and also taught on the College staff for seven years.  I hope he has a long and happy time in St. Eunan's.

Class of 1984 Reunion took place on Saturday night in the Central Bar.  On Friday evening the lads had a tour of the College and spent alot of time trying to find themselves and old friends on the photographs which grace the walls of St. Eunan's.  Mr. Edward Harvey and myself had the pleasure of meeting the lads in the College and hearing them recall many stories and memories of their younger years.


 


16 May 09

Hi everyone,
I've been a busy chaplain and that's why you haven't heard from me in a while.  Well, I'm the only one that thinks I'm busy.  I was at the College Concert on Friday night in the Theatre and what a night. I didn't need earplugs and I had a set with me just in case the noise pollution might become unbearable.  It was a fantastic night with a packed house.  The crowd went crazy when our host, Daniel Nelis, graced the stage with his presence and as he also tried to reveal much more. Heseems to be deluded in believing his body is in shape for the Mr Universe competition.  He did a great job and entertained us all with his accordian and singing skills.  He was in danger of trying to hog the stage but luckily he let the bands perform.  And did they perform.  I was so impressed with the amazing musical talent on display.  Being a great fan of Britain's Got Talent, these musicians were as good any day as the best.  I was delighted to see first years ina band and right up to our seniors.  We had students from other local schools on stage with our lads as well and they were great.  Congratulations to all the students and staff who put such a great night together.  Mr. Paul Devenny is a wonderful teacher and he deserves every praise for all the hard work.  WELL DONE.  I really enjoyed the night with everyone else.  I have to get Mr O Donnell (our computer nerd) to help me put up some of the photos for the night. Check them out.


26/02/09

Congratulations to the Athletics Teams in the College.  They had a great victory yesterday when they claimed the Ulster Title in Athletics.  This is the first time a Secondary school in Donegal has ever won this title. What an achievement!  The lads now go on to represent Ulster in the All-Irelands.  Congratulations to their coaches, Pauric Meehan and Sean Mc Brearty. Thanks to Oisin Kelly (one of our great past pupils) on Highland Radio and Patsy Mc Gonigle for their coverage and support. 

Yesterday was also Ash Wednesday.  I think anything that moved appeared to be wearing the cross of ashes.  We invited the lads who wanted to receive the ashes to come to the College Chapel, and they sure came.  We had lads from all dominations marking the beginning of the holy season of Lent.  Now it's time to renew our commitment to the invitation of the Good Lord to walk with him in all aspects of our lives.  Don't let the opportunity to come closer to God and to love our neighbour.  Choose something to implement for lent and stick with it.  Don't give up and if you fail, get up again and again and again. 

 

24/02/09   Whole School Inspection

The College is a buzy place these days as we have a whole school inspection, and everyone is doing their best.  I was at a meeting with the inspectors and staff involved in pastoral care.  It was interesting and thought provoking.  I think I learned plenty from it as it's always good to review what you are doing and see if it can be done better.  We all will benefit, students, staff and parents.  It can be hard to see inspectors coming in when the place needs such a major overhaul and expansion to improve the facilities for everyone.


 

23/02/09  Table Tennis

Table Tennis is back in action after the holidays.  It takes place in the Gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch time.  There are two table on the stage. Come along if you want a game or to learn how to play.  John Ireland (Transition Year) is organising it and i'm out wandering about supervising.  it's a great game. 

 

12/02/09
To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity 


1. At lunch time, Sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer
At Passing Cars.  See If They Slow Down.

2.   Page Yourself Over The Intercom.   Don't DisguiseYour Voice. !

3.   Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something,  ask If They Want Fries with that.

4.   Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks .  Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions,
Switch to Espresso.

5. On all your cheque stubs, write  ' For Marijuana'

6. Skip down the street Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.

7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat,with a serious face.

8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.

9.   Sing Along At The Opera.

10.   Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.

11.   When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won!   I Won!'

12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Car Park, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives!  They're Loose!'

13.   Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.' 

It's Called

 .. ............... ..... THERAPY

This was an email from Fr. Rory Brady who is the Chaplain in the LYIT.  Thanks Fr. Rory. 


9-02-09     Friday

The Sixth and Third years were buzy today doing their mock exams.  The seniors were whacked at 4pm after two papers in Maths today.  They'll survive.  There is a buzz about the College as everyone prepares for the whole school inspection after the mid term.  Inspectors from the department of Education will spend a full week in the College observing all aspects of College life, including class visits and interviews with different subject departments.  There will also be much more.  Even I will be interviewed and scrutinised. 

We also had more snow but to the disappointment of students and staff, the roads weren't too bad.  Snowballs were flying in all directions down the town.  No one would ever think of throwing a snowball in St. Eunan's.

 

I attended a very sad funeral today of Adrian Mc Menamin (39 Years) who died suddenly and tragically. The Funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Irish Martyrs and was celebrated by Fr. Brian Quinn.  Adrian was a past pupil of St. Eunan's and has an older brother called Stephen who is America.  Stephen is well known for his wonderful football skills and went to Stonehill College, Boston on a soccer scholarship 24 years ago.  There were many past pupils (especially his classmates) present today as Adi was a very popular and much loved person.  He was presently working in Vodoo as a manager and was respected highly by his employers Jason and Sharon Black, as well as all the staff and customers.  His staff had a special guard of honour for him at the church.  Please remember Adrian in your prayers. May his soul rest in peace.


3-2-09 Tuesday : Feast of St. Balise / Blessing of Throats

Some of our students lost a close friend called Aoife Carr, Glencar, who died recently. She was a student in Loreto Convent, Letterkenny. Her pals in the College here wanted to do something for Aoife's family as it cost alot of money to bring her home to hospital from abroad, shortly before her very sad death. The lads decided to have an no uniform day in the college and raised 4,500 euro. Well done to all the lads who organised the day and to all whose generosity has made this such a success. When you are saying a prayer, remember Aoife and all her family. Thank you.

 

 


The Athletics teams were away today running and cleaned up with First, second and third in the team events. We have some very promising athletes for the future. Watch out for Dan King in the Olympics 2012. Christopher Johnson will go there if he wants to. I think he'll be happy just living life. BEEP BEEP.
 

2-2-09 Monday

Had a great sleep-in as the College was closed due to a late morning snowfall. I took some photos of the College and the famous Monkey Puzzle tree. I'm having problems loading them. But Mr O"Donnell will sort me out. What a day!


Famous Monkey Puzzle Tree at the front of the College

     
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