50th Anniversary Journal - Principal: Mr. Adrian Delaney Deputy Principal: Ms. Elaine O'Sullivan Plunket College of Further Education, Swords ...
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50 th Anniversary
Journal
Principal: Mr. Adrian Delaney
Deputy Principal: Ms. Elaine O’Sullivan
Plunket College of Further Education,
Swords Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9, Ireland.
Tel: 01 837 1689 Fax: 01 836 8066 Email: info@plunket.cdetb.ie
CONTENTS Principals Message 2 Chief Executive Introduction 4 Chairperson Board of Management – Plunket College of Further Education Message 4 Board of Management 2017-2018 5 Principals and Deputy Principals 5 Plunket College Staff Photo 6 Current and Past Staff Contributions 7 Plunket College over the years 12 A Day in Life…... 13 Current and Past Student Contribution 15 Student Council Activities 23 Student Trip to Manchester 25 Digital Learning Framework 26 Back to Education 27 Trinity Access Programme 28 Evening Courses for Adults 28 Business Partnership -Veolia 29 VTOS 30 Niall Smyth Bursary 31 Work Options – St Michaels House 32 Guidance 33 School Completion Programme 33
Principals Message
This academic year changing economic demands.
Plunket College of
Currently the college offers a comprehensive range
Further Education
of courses including
celebrates 50
years of education • Further Education and Training
provision. The •A
ccredited courses funded by Vocational Training
Vocational School, Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and Back to
Swords Road, Education Initiative (BTEI).
Whitehall, Dublin
• Leaving Certificate
9 was officially
opened by Mr • Repeat Leaving Certificate
George Colley TD,
• Part Time Adult Education
Minister for Industry
and Commerce * Night School
on Monday 25th The college welcomes students of all ages, abilities
September 1967. For over 50 years, Plunket College and nationalities and guarantees to provide each and
of Further Education has provided the highest quality every student with a learning environment which is
education and service to the people of Whitehall, both innovative and supportive. The college is fully
Dublin City, Dublin County and surrounding counties. committed to the highest standard of teaching,
The college has developed a spirit that is centred on learning and performance. In 2017 the college has
respect for each individual. The college provides an developed and implemented digital technology to
atmosphere which is encouraging and supportive to enhance teaching, learning and assessment as part
assist students in achieving their goals. of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020.
I wish to commend Plunket College of Further The college is developing and enhancing full time
Education on the enormous positive impact that further education course provision with a number
the college has had on the lives of students from of new courses developed to meet the current and
North Dublin and surrounding counties over the future labour market needs. The college will also
past 5 decades and on the benefits brought to expand its provision of pre apprenticeship courses.
local, regional and national economy in producing Plunket College of Further Education has a tradition
high quality graduates who have progressed to of preparing students for higher education through
employment and higher education. provision of pre-University courses. The college
The college opened its doors in 1967 during a time will be enhancing and building on new and existing
when Whitehall was developing as a suburb of the higher education progression routes.
city with many young people reaching their teenage The college will continue to offer and expand part
years. The City of Dublin Vocational Education time flexible courses through Back to Education
Committee showed remarkable foresight and vision Jobs Initiative (BTEI) which enables adults and
in their efforts to establish a vocational school in young people over the age of 16 to return to learning
Whitehall to meet the expected increase in demand in a positive and supportive environment. The
for school places to occur in Whitehall. college has a long established history of providing
courses in conjunction with St Michael’s house and
Traditionally Plunket College offered and was
will continue to develop and design courses to meet
committed to maintaining its dedicated and caring
the education needs of learners at levels 2-4 on the
educational provision for both junior and senior
qualifications framework.
cycle students. Repeat Leaving Certificate and
pre-University courses commenced in the college The college offers a range of courses to meet
in 1969 attracting students locally and nationally the education and training needs of unemployed
to the college. Over the last 30 years the college people. The Vocational Training and Opportunities
has developed and offered pre-employment and Scheme (VTOS) scheme provides participants
post leaving certificate courses to meet the ever with opportunities to improve their general level
2
of education, gain certification, develop their skills Education and Training Board (formerly City of
and prepare for employment, self-employment Dublin Vocational Education Committee) under
and further education and training. The college is chairperson Cllr Paddy Bourke and current Chief
also committed to the provision of adult education Executive Ms. Carol Hanney and CDETB Directors
through an extensive night school programme. The for continued support to Plunket College of Further
provision at night time includes Leaving Certificate, Education. I would also like to acknowledge the
Further Education courses, Pre University courses work of Plunket College of Further Education’s
and hobby type courses. Board of management under chairperson of Cllr.
The college continues to offer mainstream Leaving Andrew Keegan.
Certificate. Students continue to enrol for senior
I would like to acknowledge the significant
cycle leaving certificate. The college also welcomes
contribution made to Plunket College of Further
students who have been out of the education
Education by past Principals, Mr. Morgan, J. Sheehy,
system for a period of time to the leaving certificate
Mr. Kevin O’ Meara and Ms. Orla Kehily and past
provision. The college provides a supportive
Deputy Principal’s Mr. Tony O’ Brien, Ms. Orla Kehily
learning environment to mature learners returning
to complete their leaving certificate. The college and Ms. Teresa Murphy and by current Deputy
also provides a repeat leaving certificate course Principal Ms. Elaine O’ Sullivan.
where students consistently improve grades from Finally to the Student Council and to all students
previous a leaving certificate sitting. who have attended Plunket College of Further
I would like to acknowledge the work of all teaching, Education during the past 50 years thank you for
administration and maintenance staff members of the significant contribution you have made to the
Plunket College over the past 50 years. I would college both as students and ambassadors for the
like to acknowledge the support of City of Dublin college.
Adrian Delaney,
Principal
3
Chief Executive Introduction
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Plunket College on its 50 years
of providing education to the students of North Dublin and the surrounding
areas.
Plunket College is one of the 23 schools and colleges that make up City of
Dublin Education and Training Board. Since its establishment in 1967 the
college has provided an innovative and supportive learning environment
for students at Second Level, at Post Leaving Certificate Level and at Adult
Education Level.
Over the past five decades the college has adapted and changed according
to learner and community needs and demands. Repeat Leaving Certificate
and Pre-University courses established in the early years led to the growth
of Post Leaving Certificate courses and the development of a thriving
Further Education college attracting students both locally and nationally. There is also a proud tradition of
providing accredited Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and Back to Education Initiative
(BTEI) courses.
In the spirit of CDETB the essence of the college is inclusivity and excellence. The needs of all students are
central to its operations and the college is committed to the highest standards in teaching and learning.
Throughout the five decades Plunket College has developed an ethos that is centred on respect for each
individual and I know that its encouraging and supportive atmosphere has had an enormous impact on the
lives of its students.
The college continues to look to the future as it adapts to the digital age, modifying and developing courses
in order to respond to present and future education and skills needs.
Plunket College should be very proud of its record in education and I want to warmly congratulate the staff
and students on its 50th anniversary and to wish the college well in the next half decade.
Carol Hanney
Chief Executive City of Dublin ETB
Message from Cllr. Andrew Keegan
It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the 50th Anniversary of Plunket
College. We see a different college today than when it first opened in
1967, then a post primary and repeat leaving cert’ school but with high
standards and a reputation of getting results for its students to a school
with a diverse range of subjects with still the tradition of high education
standards continuing. Plunket’s strength has always been the quality and
it’s sympathetic approach to students, no matter what they are studying
and that professionalism and commitment is even stronger today.
Plunket’s range of courses reflects the demand in the wider community
from Leaving Certificate to Pre University and Third Level level courses.
With changing times, Further Education subjects and night classes have
become more and more popular and again Plunket College and its staff have responded by providing
courses from Motor Vehicle Maintenance to Holistic Health. No other school in it’s catchment area (which
extends into North County Dublin) has the deserved reputation of Plunket College of Further Education.
The College is proud of its achievements over the last 50 years and I am delighted to congratulate all
the staff past and present on the success of Plunket over the years and as management plan for the next
decade to build a new purpose built school premises, to carry on the next 50 years of a high standard
facility of Further Education in the North Dublin area.
Cllr. Andrew Keegan
Chairperson, Plunket College of Further Education Board of Management
4
Board of Management Members 2017-2018
BOM Member Position
Mr. Adrian Delaney Principal, Plunket College
Ms. Elaine O’ Sullivan Deputy Principal, Plunket College
Cllr. Paddy Bourke Chairperson CDETB
Mr. David Treacy CDTEB FET Director
Cllr. Andrew Keegan Plunket College of Further Education Chairperson
Mr. Michael Blanchfield CDETB Nominee
Ms. Marion Collins Teacher Representative
Mr. Jason Ryan Teacher Representative
Ms. Katherina Lattin Parent Representative
Fiona McCormack Student Representative
Mr. Morgan Sheehy Mr. Kevin O’Meara Ms. Orla Kehily
Principal 1967-1986 Principal 1989-2009 Principal 2010-2017
Mr. Tony O’Brien Ms. Teresa Murphy Ms. Elaine O’Sullivan
Deputy Principal 1969-2000 Deputy Principal 2010-2014 Deputy Principal 2014-present
Principal Margaret Aylward
Community College
5
Plunket College Sta ff 2017-2018
Adrian Delaney Maeve Hayden
Alan Guiney Maria Dixon
Ann Doherty Marie Thornton
Anthony Brennan Marion Collins
Brenda Hyland Martin Quinlivan
Ciaran O’Donnell Martina Byrne
Daniel Kenny Maureen Fitzharris
Elaine O’Sullivan Niamh Fagan
Enda Marren Paul Laycock
Fiona Kelly Paul Murphy
Francis Crowell Phyllis Farrell
Gerald Cunningham Robert Vipond
Gerry Cunningham Rosa As
Gerry Brady Sandra O’Connell
Jason Ryan Sinead Fleming
Joy Poulose Susan Cribbin
Karen Lyons Sylvia Caffrey
Lorna O’Callaghan Wilma McCauley
6
Current and Past Staff Contributions
Harry Ryan. for a two year Leaving Certificate Course much
sooner than was the norm. Alongside this Mr Sheehy
Some memories being a teacher in Plunket began an ‘Introduction to Work’ Course for students
College. not joining the Leaving Certificate program – this
I have had the privilege of teaching in Plunket latter Course successfully incorporated a City and
College for forty years from September 1970 until Guilds of London program in whose examinations
June 2010 and have many happy memories. Over one of our students received the overall gold medal!
those years and up till the present day many changes
The Night School ran for five nights a week for many
have of course occurred, in the College building, in
years and as it was not separated administration
the Staff (Maintenance, Office and Teaching) and
wise from the Day School all five or six day A-post
in the Student population, but I believe that the
holders took their turn in ‘running’ the School at
College’s ethos of dedicated and collective care
night, with one of them in overall charge. The night
for the students’ education and well-being has
classes included Leaving Certificate, Business, and
been maintained. In no particular order and with
short courses. I enjoyed teaching Chemistry at night
apologies for omissions and inaccuracies, I wish to
for eight years – a higher and an ordinary level class
present a collage of memories particularly from my
twice a week each lasting 90 minutes. Some nights
earlier years in the College and I am mindful of the
I was so tired that I taught while leaning against (or
criticism Boswell’s biography of Samuel Johnson
was it holding on to?) the demonstration bench.
received despite the former’s (albeit limited)
While most of my students at night were teenagers
contemporaneous note taking of his subject’s life; I
still at day school, I once had a retired ex-gold miner
trust that my lack of note taking will be offset by my
from southern Africa.
lack of his habit of exaggeration).
Along with sharing very good relations and mutual
When I joined the Staff of Plunket School (as it was
respect with the Principal, I enjoyed many years of
then named) in Sept 1970 the far-sighted Principal,
friendly encouragement from the Deputy-Principal,
Morgan J Sheehy, had just started what was to
Mr Tony O’Brien – experiences which I continued to
become a very successful Repeat Leaving Certificate
enjoy with their successors. There was a great sense
Course (RLC). With my degree in Chemistry and
of pride and collective responsibility among Staff
Mathematics I was in the right place at the right
members, and many extra curricular activities took
time. Since the School provided free education
place after school and on Wednesday afternoons. An
(literally) the fee for the RLC Course was only IR£5
absence of a P.E. teacher for many of the early years
per year and so the Course was not appreciated
was met by teachers voluntarily organising Field-
by some parents. However the RLC soon made a
games (Gaelic football, Hurling and Soccer). The
name for itself and had up to or above 300 students
after school activities included Chess, Pool, access to
enrolled per year – and students came from as far
computers for games and drawing, table tennis and
afield as Kerry, Clare and Donegal as well as from
swimming. Morning breaks were occupied by a hotly
local schools. At first RLC students could combine
contested yard version of soccer organised by our
repeat subject results with those of the previous
dearly missed Joe McNamara (R.I.P.) – the teachers’
year and submit the best six set of points from the
team sometimes entered that fray and while I may
two years, but this soon changed and points could
not have played well it was once remarked from the
only be counted from one year after this change I
crowd (after I fell) that I ‘bounced well’, so no love
remember one student arriving with 520 points
was lost there!
and needing 540 for engineering – he achieved
580 on repeat! At this time the City of Dublin Many years later another sadly and dearly missed
Vocational Educational Committee (CDVEC) based colleague, Niall Smyth (R.I.P.) was photographed with
in Ballsbridge administered twenty Schools – ten his winning basketball team* and it was noted that
on each side of the City – and a two year Leaving the trophy being presented had Plunket College’s
Certificate Course had not yet been sanctioned for name engraved on it many times already (all under
many of them, including Plunket School where the the guidance of Mr Smyth). This led quickly and with
students were being prepared for Group Certificate, the then Principal, Mr Kevin O’Meara’s support, to the
Intermediate Certificate and Repeat Leaving setting up of a photography practice run by students,
Certificate examinations. The Junior School had with digital cameras, laptop and accessories in order
upwards of twenty class groups of 24 students each, to record all sporting and cultural activities within
and I once had 71 students in my RLC chemistry class! and away from the College, and a highly efficient
Because of the expertise built up by teachers in the use of the photos by the teachers in the College
RLC Course subjects the School received sanction Magazine production (some of these photos were
7
also used by ‘Judo Ireland’ who held yearly inter- the new and enriching experience of being taught
School competitions in our Gym). I should note here by the students – they made excellent and willing
that the use of the Computers by students at lunch- teachers. When ‘stand-alone’ PCs arrived the first
time and after school was organised and efficiently floppy discs we used were 5.25 inch, really floppy
run by senior students (the teacher involved knew his and had to be individually initialised; later on we
limitations). Speaking of trustful students reminds used the more compact 3.5 inch floppies each with
me of a day in the early years when the School was 1.24 MB of usable space and pre-initialised; then a
snowbound from early morning: quite a number of memory stick arrived in the College - 250 MB and
junior students who lived within walking distance kept in the Office. How things have changed!
had arrived along with some Seniors who willingly
Fishing trips were initiated in the ‘70’s’ by the
and successfully took charge of junior classes until
School Chaplain and a Senior student and soon
teachers arrived.
led to many years of weekly fishing trips to Dun
*That photograph is still on view in the College. Laoghaire harbour and elsewhere. At first three or
four teachers volunteered to transport students and
The School in those early years was mostly a ‘pre-
fishing gear but eventually we got a minibus and
fab’ structure with a supposed life-span of ten years
only one teacher’s car was needed. We rarely found
– this part of the School still exists and I had by
evidence of fish and it was a source of some wonder
the time of retirement lost count of the number of
that students continued to go on these trips. We
replacements of walls, floors, roofing and wiring. I
got better luck on the far side of the harbour wall
remember one bad leak which flooded part of the
where we found plenty of life on the rocky sea-
building and holes were drilled in the corridor floor
shore – probably because the flora and fauna were
to let the water out!
stuck there! Anyway, this led to the appearance of
Before the permanent extension was built, some saltwater ‘fish’ tanks to go with the many freshwater
teachers had made a useful pitch-and-putt course ones already in the School. The freshwater one in
all around the School. The lunch-break was much the hall included a ‘maternity wing’ for guppies
longer and the School finished later than now, and (although with their trans gender behaviour another
so it was that a colleague and I were on the final word might apply).
hole at 5.30 pm on May 17, 1974 when I saw ‘smoke’
In the first twenty years (again initiated in the 70’s
rising from the region of lower Gardiner Street.
by the Chaplain) many teachers were involved in
Subsequently I learned of the Dublin and Monaghan
arranging summer holidays for the students and
bombings that day which killed 33 civilians and a
destinations included Kerry, London, Paris, Spain,
full-term unborn child, and injured almost 300. The
Rome and Sligo. After a few decades outwardbound
bombings were the deadliest attack of the conflict
activities became much more varied, regular and
known as the Troubles, and the deadliest attack in the
structured weekly events and student involvement
Republic’s history. Most of the victims were young
in these along with regular sports and cultural active
women, although the ages of the dead ranged from
prospered.
five months to 80 years. This second of the Dublin
car bombs went off at about 17:30 on Talbot Street, I have only briefly mentioned the pursuit of academic
near the intersection with Lower Gardiner Street. progress in the College because excellence in that
sphere was taken for granted by the Staff. My
The College’s early foray into the computer scene,
overall memory of the students is that hard work
like that of most Second-level Schools at that
and patience by the Staff during the students’ early
time, involved a Department of Education grant of
years was well rewarded by respect from those
an ’Apple 64’ (that was 64K, and cost more than
same students as they matured. My overall memory
IR£1000!) and some teachers were sent on a year-
of being part of the Staff of Plunket College over
long (one night a week) course in programming –
the years is one of shared pride in our work by all
my experience of ‘losing the will to live’ was shared
members – Maintenance, Office and Teaching - and
by many teachers around the country who never
of shared and continual support and cooperation.
wanted to use a computer again (I think I was
My continual experience since retirement is of a
eventually able to get x to square itself for any value
warm welcome when I visit.
from 1 to infinity, but this could be just a reflection
on me). After some years the College invested in the Harry Ryan
‘Nimbus System’ which involved one server providing
January 27, 2018
many stations with a primitive but exciting version
of a MS Office package: students could immediately
get involved in word-processing, drawing/design,
use of spread-sheets and data-bases, and the ten-
week Night Courses benefitted too. Among its
many benefits, the arrival of computers afforded me
8Current and Past Staff Contributions
Gerry Brady. Plunket College Porter
I started working in Plunket College in 1990. Along with Paddy Murray we
were the only two porters. Paddy was here in 1967 when the college first
opened. There were no doors on the building on his first day. Paddy retired
in 1998 and that is when I took over.
One of the first students I got to know was Keith Duffy. He spent some
time outside the door during Irish class while I was polishing the corridor.
This would be my main claim to fame. I can say however, that over the last
28 years I have seen thousands of students come through these doors and
it has been my pleasure and privilege to know them and to help them in
every way I could.
Jay Malone Musician. Professional Guitarist, Composer, Song Writer and Teacher
I have been teaching and doing workshops in the VEC for approx. 15 years.
Of the years I spent teaching in the VEC I had great fond memories of
the times spent in Plunket College. My class times initially were short but
multiplied over the years.
I suppose for the pupils it was an alternative class aside from the regular
class subjects. I have to say they were a great bunch of pupils. As always
my usual approach was to initially break down any barriers that may be
evident and install confidence and “comradery” in the class room as I find
this conducive to good learning when the atmosphere is right. The pupils
that were more advanced, I would ask them to help out with the new arrivals
and this gave them a great sense of worth, recognition and achievement.
Though on a character level all were treated equally.
Plunket days were special and the pupils never ceased to surprise me.
We covered guitar mainly and some key boards, some of the pupils went
on to become serious guitar players which was a great achievement and
done the school proud. Sometimes it can be the difference that makes the
difference.. As I said some great moments, I put together a song work shop
for one of the years and included the guitar and keyboard pupils, they were
superb. They wrote a song, produced it, performed it and recorded it on a
CD. Everyone got involved no matter how small the input, it was fantastic,
what a day and a credit to them all.
I have to say though I also had some funny moments too that I will never forget. There was an open day for
the school and I was asked to facilitate I set up all the equipment, P.A., a few guitars and keyboards. Pupils
would play a tune or two as the public wandered about. A group of people gathered around the music
section, I remember at the time, we did a lovely tune called The White Rose of Athens on keyboard, one of
the pupils played it and we played along with the guitars and I suddenly said to keyboard player, “play it
with your nose” and believe it or not he did and it was note perfect. It was hilarious and needless to say he
brought the house down.
There were lots more but I am sure from this you can get the overall gist of my memorable times at Plunket
College.
9Current and Past Staff Contributions
My Career in Plunket College some downs, yet we’re still “Top of the Whitehall Hill”
and with the advent of our new and quite visionary
A Road Well Taken
Principal, Mr Adrian Delaney, I believe that Plunket
As the eldest child is still in very safe hands and will continue to thrive
of a very caring and prosper for many years to come.
and industrious
Since 1986, I have worked in a genuinely student-
working-class
friendly and nonthreatening learning environment
family, I grew up
and with a remarkably qualified, dedicated and
in Donnycarney
empathetic staff – young and older alike – some
– a little over a
of whom though now retired, became life-long
mile from Plunket friends: Mr Tom Hynes (Careers and Guidance
Tech as it was then Counsellor and Principal of the Night School); Mr
known. Sean Fox, (Assistant Principal Teacher, Construction,
Having started Woodwork and so very involved in the development
in Plunket on 20 of FETAC and Quality Assurance); Mr Bernard
January 1986 – with McDonnell (Assistant Principal Teacher, Maths and
the blessing of our lovely former Deputy Principal, French); Ms Ali-son McKenna (Assistant Principal
Mr Tony O’Brien – it was the beginning of a life-time Teacher, English, French and one of our very first
career in a school I had hitherto hardly considered teachers to cater for Resource and S.E.N. type
at all. provision); and Mr. Eddie Hannigan (Applied Maths
and Physics – the “funniest teacher” ever!).
I spent my early childhood days at ‘Our Lady of
Consolation’, Marino and Ardscoil Ris, C.B.S. followed I mention with fondness 3 of our sadly departed
by 5 years in U.C.D. and 1 full year teaching in a huge colleagues: Sister Veronica Dolan (the best teacher
State school in Gap (the ‘Hautes Alpes – France’). I ever worked with); the ultra professional Ms Marie
Owens (Assistant Principal Teacher, Maths) and
On return to Dublin in 1984, and after a few stints in the truly great and dedicated Mr Niall Smyth (P.E.
other ‘techs’ part time – where the teacher “casualty- and Geography) who died “on duty” aged only
rate” was very high and a previous national recession 42yrs in 2002. Niall also set up the Holistic Health
in full swing, so difficult to get a permanency Programme in the school. How can I forget the ever
anywhere – whatever I said to Tony about having living and quite legendary Mr Harry Ryan (Assistant
no problem ‘hiking it over’ to Inchicore on 2 buses Principal Teacher, Science and Maths) who probably
every day to secure what was a sometimes rather still knows more than all of us put together.
dangerous employ on account of some truly ‘hardy’
I remember with great respect – Mr Morgan Sheehy
male students there, it must have been something
(Principal) as an extremely competent “people
positive, for before the interview was over, he
manager”; Mr Tony O’Brien (Deputy Principal) – a
changed his mind about keeping me on hold and
true and conscientious gentle-man; Mr Kevin O’Meara
said “Danny, you start on Monday!”
(Principal) – especially for his unwavering support
For many years after, apart from the hours allocated when I took on a 3 year Honours Masters Degree in
to me, I was Tony’s number one man (“a mhic”) and Applied Studies in Educational Management in the
very proud of that. At one stage, between evening ‘90’s (with 2 children still in nappies) let alone his
and day, I was putting in thirty six and a half teaching commitment and total support during that decade
contact hours a week! So young and full of beans – for our 9 consecutive Leargas/Lingua fundings
during a difficult recession – it enabled me to get for Student Exchange programmes and projects
married and buy a first home. Thank you Tony! with my for-mer French school and then 2 other
schools from Germany and Italy; the hard work and
Plunket was actually the 7th school I landed in, yet I
commitment of both Ms Orla Kehily (Principal) and
am pleased to have remained and worked there ever
Ms Teresa Murphy (Deputy Principal).
since. “Plunket High”, “the College of Knowledge”
– what a place! Yes we have had our many ups and The longest serving staff member (by a few months)
10is my faithful colleague Mr Martin Quinlivan (Assistant A special mention for the maintenance and porter
Principal Teacher and he who single-handedly put staff – Mr Gerry Brady (Head Porter) – the greatest
our very popular ‘Motor Vehicle Maintenance’ course gentle-man and front man we ever had; Brenda,
on the map!). Work isn’t always plain-sailing, yet Paul and Anto – all fantastic in their own right – for
when the chips are occasionally down, that’s when keeping our college and grounds so clean and tidy
collegiality is really tested. At such times, Martin was etc and for their wonderful personable manner. Also
a friend indeed. – Gerry and Marie in their respective offices, without
whose huge administrative work, we simply would
I thank Ms Elaine O’Sullivan (Deputy Principal) for
NOT exist!! Thank you every one.
all her competence and hard work to date as our
current D.P. and offer her and especially our newest Apart from teaching English, French and
Principal, Mr Adrian Delaney – every best wish and Communications and other Assistant Principal
success in their lead-ership and management of duties, the hundreds of meaningful curriculum
Plunket College of Further Education for the future. development and in-service courses attended, I truly
enjoyed serving, for many years, as CDETB Staff
Let all acknowledge with greatest pride and
Representative on ‘The Board of Studies’ and loved
contentment that Plunket College was the very
it every single time I was asked to judge the S.C.C.
first school to establish a Leaving Cert Repeat
‘Battle of the Bands’ Talent Competition each year
programme (1970) and indeed PLC provision (c.
in Kylemore College. My thanks to Mr Evan Buckley
1989) on the north side of the Liffey and I well recall
and Mr Ger Flanagan for making that possible.
creating courses and modules in ‘French for Living’
and ‘European and Communication Studies’ which I meet so many former students who have passed
we had accredited by DIT ‘Kevin Street’ way before through our open doors and however challenged
N.C.V.A; FETAC or QQI even existed. We have since academically some were at the time or in their lives
then been governed by those authorities yet it was subsequently, many have become highly successful
with much humble and ardent positivity and with in different ways and walks of life and sailed through
several quite visionary teachers (of the day) that eventually; yet, I have never met one single student
such LCR and PLC provision for future and present to date and in over 30 years who has less to say
‘took off’. than they were happy they attended our College
and state how formative and helpful that proved for
With many students moving faster on to PLC; we
the rest of their lives!
still continue to offer candidates a great opportunity
to improve on their points; yet, whatever course Bail O Dhia ar an Obair
they decide on, we hope they will embrace Plunket
Danny
as their very own College and as their chosen
spring-board for greater individual progression and
achievement.
We must include a huge “Thank You!” to our feeder
schools, sister colleges and local clubs – GAA
and especially Home Farm AFC; the local and
indeed former teaching clergy; our neighbours St
Aidans, the many companies and businesses (who
generously offered work placement to our CFE
trainees) and the local shops and bigger stores
who either sponsored our many various events or
graciously advertised our courses, provision, Open
Days etc for their considerable and great support.
And of course, our biggest thanks must go to the
CDETB Head Office – the 8 CEO’s (previous and
present), the Education Officers and all the many
other hard-working staff therein, who relentlessly
and consistently advised and backed our historic 50
year journey thus far. “Go raibh mile maith agaibh
go leir”.
11Plunket college over the years
Above from left Enda Marren , Elaine O’Sullivan Bernard Ann Keenan
McDonald and Karl McHugh Former Administrator Plunket College.
Mr. Tom Hynes. From left, former teacher Alison McKenna, current staff
Former night school Principal and Counsellor of day school. member Martina Byrne, former teacher Bridget McGuirk
Mr. Martin Quinlivan Mary Russell former Maintenance Staff member and Brenda
Mister Motor Vehicle Maintenance himself! Hyland having the “craic”
Ms. Evelyn Hannon with Ms. Alison McKenna Team Players Bernard and Danny Kenny
12A Day in the Life……...
Third Level Access Students with their tutor English Language and Business Students with their teacher
Ms. Maeve Hayden Mr. Joy Poulouse
Counselling and Psychology class with their tutors Ms. Sandra Connell and Ms. Maria Dixon
Students from Motor Vehicle Maintenance in class
13A Day in the Life…… ...
Carpentry and Joinery students with Mr Alan Guiney Teacher Paul Laycock discusses a project with
a Carpentry & Joinery student
Carpentry and Joinery student Men at Work in Motor Vehicle Maintenance Class
Ms. Maria Dixon with students from the Counselling and Psychology Class
14Current and Past Student Contributions
Fran Gavin “Feeling at Home”
The driving force in my life as a young teenager in the mid seventies was
not the Playstation, Xbox or the PC or endless hours of MTV or Kerrang.
The one constant was soccer which was only interrupted by the occasional
music interludes from Thin Lizzy. As a kid myself and my peers would eat,
sleep and drink soccer from the moment we woke until we rested our
exhausted bodies at night.
“The Christian Brothers don’t do soccer Mr. Gavin!”- I was informed by a
proud country man who in his flowing black robe would not have looked
out of place as an extra from the Matrix movies. At the end of the first year
I informed ‘Mr. Matrix’ that I would not be returning to suffer another year
under his restrictive regime and I would be continuing my education in
Plunket Technical College, Whitehall. With respect to the Christian Brothers the fact that I had been thrown
off the GAA team for scoring two goals with my head was an early indication that this relationship was on
rocky ground from the start.
I hadn’t told my parents of my momentous decision but this didn’t matter because at that stage in my life
I knew that they would be fully supportive of their son and particularly my father who would be happy to
see the back of a regime which on more than one occasion he was called in front of to defend his son’s
decision not to play GAA for the school because it clashed with his soccer training with St. Kevin’s Boys in
Whitehall. Anyway you only disseminate information on a need to know basis and at the time, they didn’t
need to know.
With the agreement of my parents, I was going to a “Tech” and Plunket was the obvious choice as all my
peers in St. Kevin’s Boys were there and this school “did” soccer. From the first day I arrived, I was made
feel at home and I was now in an arena where the teachers no longer talked down to you but talked with
you. They allowed you to express your opinion and encouraged their pupils to develop their talents be that
in sport or academically. I could play soccer for the school as well as hurling and football and the teachers
were interested in soccer, this was Heaven! The shackles were off and for that I am forever grateful.
The early teenage years of any child’s life are considered as the ‘formative years’ and those who are given
the responsibility to educate our kids must be aware that they can leave a lifelong legacy. Plunket College
stepped up to this responsibility and the teachers during my time there were exceptional and in particular,
Fr. Derek Smyth, who would prove to be a lifelong influence.
As I drive past the College nearly every week for the past 30 years, I have watched the “tech” go through
many changes. It now has a gymnasium and it is no longer a “tech”, it’s a College and its foot-print has
increased not only in bricks and mortar but it now plays an integral part in the local community. Long may
the College continue to grow and prosper and to all those teachers who influenced myself and my peers,
I want to say a big thank you.
Yours in sport
Fran Gavin
F.A.I. Competitions Director
15Current and Past Student Contributions
Joe McKittrick
“I remember vividly the day when our leaving results came out and the
realisation that my passion for Gaelic football, and being involved with
the Dublin Minor panel, may have impacted my academic pursuits more
than I had imagined. It is a frightful prospect for a 17 year old to be faced
with the reality of not obtaining enough CAO points to follow your dream
and ultimately being faced with the inevitable question………..to repeat or
take the best course offer available? In retrospect, I owe my parents a lot
for pointing me in the direction of Plunket College and the experience of
repeating my leaving certificate. My year at Plunket was a Godsend and
with the help of some highly engaged teaching staff such as Dan Kenny
I remained focused enough to happily find myself sitting in the College
of Commerce a year later listening to Desmond Fennell mumble his way
through macroeconomics whilst struggling to ignore the glaring egg stains
on his shirt! Plunket College was more than just a repeat year. It was an institution that firmly believed in
creating an educational environment that enabled students to achieve their full potential. I even had time
to indulge my passion of Gaelic and was fortunate to have won a Dublin Vocational Schools title with
Plunket and be chosen to play for the Dublin Vocational Schools team to boot. A couple of years later
I transferred to Manchester Metropolitan University where I combined a Business Diploma with a NHD
in Sports Physiology & Sports Management. Again, I also played my part in winning the first ever British
University’s equivalent of the Sigerson Cup for Manchester.
Following my academic life I travelled to Chicago, where I have been extremely fortunate to have had an
amazing experience, a wonderful family and successful careers at the Chicago Board of Trade, Commercial
banking, owning a bar and now find myself as the Top producing Treasury manager for the fifth largest
bank in the US, PNC Bank. (Where I have worked for close to 4 years now). My passion is now with trading
crypto currency part time and with a little luck hope to retire early and possibly return home to Ireland after
24 years away.
So, if you find yourself where I was 31 years ago staring down at a piece of paper knowing that you could
have given more time to your leaving cert……………..don’t panic…..you have your whole life ahead of you. You
can either take what the CAO offers you, or you can take some advice from someone who has the benefit
of hindsight and realize that one more year at a great institution like Plunket College can have such a
transcendent impact on your life. Thanks for the memories Dan!”
Joe McKittrick
Vice President, Business Banking Treasury Management,
PNC Bank,
Arlington Heights, IL
Nina Carberry, Jockey
Nina Carberry (age 33), married to Ted Walsh Junior and proud Mum of
daughter Rosie, is one of the most successful amateur riders in the National
Hunt sphere. She has won the cross-country chase at the Cheltenham
Festival four times and landed the Irish Grand National on Organised
Confusion in 2011.
As a former Holistic Health student here and wishing Plunket well for our
50th, Nina kindly proclaimed : “ My time at Plunket College was a great
stepping stone for further education. I found both the academic and the
practical sides of my course to be excellent.
Many thanks
Nina.
16Current and Past Student Contributions
Amy McGuinness All Ireland Medal Winner
I attended Plunket College for a year long Post Leaving Certificate course
in Holistic Health and Massage. The reason I chose to go to there was that
I had just completed my Leaving Certificate and wasn’t fully sure what it
was I wanted to do in college to get my degree, so I decided to take a year
out and attend Plunket just to get my bearings on college life, and to be
honest it had a huge impact on the person I am today.
Within this course I completed a range of very enjoyable and interesting
modules, including Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology and Fitness
Instruction; all of which have been of huge benefit to me in my chosen
career (PE and Science teacher). I made a number of friends throughout
my time in Plunket and am still quite close to one of the girls, she’s actually
my beautician! The teachers were all so supportive and nice and made my
time therein one I look back on with fond memories.
Since leaving, I qualified with a Bsc. in Physical Education and Biology and have been working in St. Aidans
CS in Brookfield, Tallaght for the past 6 years. Within my sporting career I have won an All Ireland and All
Star Award with Dublin and played in Canada with the Irish Rugby 7’s team. I would really recommend
Plunket College for anyone who is looking to up-skill or for anyone who has finished their Leaving Cert
and looking for some guidance and career advice. For me attending Plunket College was one of the best
decisions my parents made for me and I benefited greatly from the overall experience.
Gary Tolan. The Plunket Experience,
As a former student of Plunket College, and current student of Dublin
Institute of Technology, I often find myself reflecting on the past experiences
that led me to where I am today. It is fair to say that my first experience of
Plunket College was a little daunting due to the fact that I was a mature
student returning to education for the first time in seven or eight years, and
that doing the Junior Cert at that age seemed tricky. However, what made
this first experience unique for me was the discovery of a class full of people
who felt as timid and unsure as I did. Within one day of attending Plunket
College I had already achieved a sense of belonging and enthusiasm by
meeting new friends, and recognising hidden interests of mine such as
History, and English Literature. Despite my deepest fears telling me that
education wouldn’t work out for me because I didn’t know enough, I soon
came to realise that it only felt that way because I hadn’t learned it yet. Once I began to attend classes it
became obvious that my understanding of the topics grew significantly, which in turn helped me to enjoy
the time within the classroom.
Because of the teacher’s willingness to help me pass the Junior Cert, I decided to return to Plunket College
the following year to progress on to the Leaving Certificate. It was during this time that I truly became
confident in my ability to do well. With an excellent rate of teacher to student contact, it was there that my
writing skills improved noticeably. I used my new skills to become a member of the Student Council, and
as a result was given a new purpose to my daily routine. In addition to becoming a friend of the teachers
and staff, once more with the help of Plunket College, I did the Leaving Cert, and achieved what I had set
out to do. Although, at this point I was still uncertain as to what I would do next? Luckily for me, a teacher
of Plunket College informed me about a course they offered known as the TLA (Third Level Access), which
was a course dedicated to ensuring that students were prepared, and given an opportunity for college.
This was an opportunity that I never would have thought possible without Plunket College. If ever there was
a moment of transformation in my life this was it. I was suddenly taking subjects of great interest to me and
which allowed me to unearth my love for Classical Studies, Philosophy, Psychology and many more. While
fascinated with these motivating subjects, I continued my role on the Student Council and even became
a member on the Board of Management. This allowed me to play a role within the college and add an
important element to my C.V. (Curriculum Vitae). On finishing the TLA course I was ready. Plunket College
gave me the necessary tools, and confidence that I needed to progress on to DIT, where I am now in my
second year studying International Hospitality Management.
Gary Tolan, Former Student
17Current and Past Student Contributions
Karl Dawson , Class of 2007, Radio Presenter However, through these hard times the teachers
Dublin’s 98FM were always there to listen.
When I was a It’s been 17 years since I first walked through the
student a Plunket doors at Plunket College and I’d like to think that
College I never
what I learned there has in part made me the
imagined I’d be
asked to submit man I am today, I am very happily married to the
something on my most fantastic man I’ve ever met and am currently
time spent there working as a radio presenter on Dublin’s 98FM &
or my career iRadio two of the largest broad-casters in Ireland,
since, firstly
I’ve also had some success on screen and was a
congratulations on
this milestone of recurring character’s on RTÈ’s “The Clinic” and “Fair
50 years at this marvellous school. When I entered City” along with this I’ve worked as an Entertainer
first year or 1J1 at Plunket College in 2001 Bebo was around the country performing at venues like ‘The
brand new and MSN Messenger was the best way to
Olympia’, ‘The Cork Opera House’ and even ‘The 3
talk to anyone! There were also two towers in New
York City & I always remember the day that they fell Arena’ – I’ve just finished performing at The Red
as I was on little break getting Spicy Tomato Soup Cow Inn’s Christmas Shows where I have been a
from Pauline in the Tuc Shop – times have certainly resident cabaret artist for the last few years and in
changed, Bebo and MSN are now Facebook/ December directed my first Pantomime ‘Aladdin’
Snapchat & a dozen other things, Two Towers are
which was a huge hit – I’m currently appearing as
now one, one thing I’m sure hasn’t changed much
though is that awesome Spicy Tomato Soup. ‘Dame Stuffy’ at Axis Ballymun and am looking
forward to performing in Mel Brooks’ The Producers
During my time at Plunket College I always knew I
wanted to be an entertainer as making people laugh to be staged in March ’18 – I know I need to wrap
was always something I enjoyed doing, I also had this up so I’ll finish this by saying, enjoy every single
a great love for singing and acting – all of these second of your time in Plunket College I know there
‘Hobbies’ that I had back then were nurtured by will be good days and bad days but once there gone
some of the best teachers I’ve ever had, Mr. Harry
those days will never come again. Dream, be exactly
Ryan, Bernard McDonald, Mrs O’Leary, Orla Kehily
and Niall Smith, Ms Hannon to name just a few, they what you want to be In life don’t let anyone tell you
always encouraged me to be the best I could be – can’t ‘do’ this or you can’t ‘Be’ that, your life is in
I was even fortunate to be a recipient of the Niall your hands make the most of it, be happy and be
Smith Bursary in memory of Mr. Smith who we lost true to yourself as Mark Twain Wrote ‘It’s wiser to
during my time at the school.
find out than to sup-pose’.
I didn’t always have happy times at Plunket College
however, along with the tragic loss of Mr. Smith Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary Plunket
we also lost Portia a classmate of ours in 5th year. College, here’s to another 50!.
Darren Reilly
This year at the SCC Music Competition, there were some very
tough competition including acts from Kylemore College and
Larkin. Talent from Plunket College prevailed as Darren Reilly
from 6L exhibited his amazing guitar style and rasping tones.
His acoustic version of Billie Jean earned him a silver medal, but
Plunket will be back next year to snatch the gold.
Well done Darren.
18Current and Past Student Contributions
Karl Kelly the Third Level Access course in Plunket College
was a pivotal moment in my life and one of the
Faced with
middle age, job most rewarding choices that I have ever made. The
redundancy, a cliché that one gets out of something what one puts
past of missed into it is extremely apt in this instance. A reciprocal
opportunities and relationship exists in Plunket College whereby the
regrets related to time and effort that each student puts in is equalled
unrealised potential by the staff at the college.
I asked myself two
pressing questions; To describe the Third Level Access course in Plunket
did I want to merely College as being “taught” would be an inaccurate
exist in a future full and insufficient analysis of the experience. I was
of these familiar assisted, encouraged, supported and enlightened. I
themes or did I was engaged and empathised with. I was included,
want to live in a future where my potential had reassured, entertained and guided. My academic
been fully realised? I decided that there was no time
intrigue, fascination, curiosity, passion and interest
like the present to satisfy the academic aspirations
that I had long harboured. Careful consideration in were all nurtured by the staff with the appropriate
constructing a course of action was required. It was amount of sensitivity, decorum and respect. The
important that I recognised that it was of my own importance of a symbiotic relationship regarding
volition that I follow this path and that I alone was education in practise has been identified and
responsible for its successful implementation. Being implemented successfully at Plunket College. The
certain that I had the wealth, health and time was of staff on the Third Level Access course pushed
paramount importance. I concluded that I was staring my boundaries and tested my limits while they
at a relatively clear horizon while in a somewhat av-
simultaneously relinquished control of the pressures
erage mind and body so, with an endorsement from
my wife, I made the decision to dedicate my time that can be exerted on students to the students
and focus on academia. Discovering a programme themselves. I am currently in my first year as a
that catered for the academically malnourished and student in Dublin City University and I can already
uninitiated was the next essential step. identify the invaluable foundation that my year in
Individual ambitions differ from person to person Plunket College has afforded me. It is because of the
but each one is equally rewarding when achieved, open, nurturing and respectful attitude practised
it just depends on what you are looking for. There by all at Plunket College that I now face being
are several courses available in Dublin for those middle aged with a renewed motivation for a future
seeking entry into or a return to academic life after filled with fresh opportunities. Plunket College has
a long period away from it. This presents anxieties afforded me the prospect of exploring new avenues
that can potentially obstruct the whole venture in my life, academic or not, with confidence and a
from progressing. Deciding on the right course for realistic hope that I can reach my full potential.
oneself is vital. With the benefit of hindsight and
from a personal perspective my decision to choose Karl Kelly, Former TLA Student
Emma Carlin
I had been thinking of going back to education for some time and a friend
recommended Plunket College. She was attending a course there at the
time and was thoroughly enjoying it. I enquired about the Adult Leaving
Certificate and enrolled. I found the overall support, atmosphere and the
delivery of the course fantastic. During the two years I decided I wanted
to go on to university and when I got my Leaving Certificate I couldn’t
decide on whether I wanted to do a history or a law degree so the Career
Guidance teacher suggested doing their Third Level Access course, so I
did. I found this course brilliant and it gave me a taster in a wide range of
university subjects. I loved the course and I am now at DCU doing my law
degree. The access course gave me a really good basis for the skills needed
to write at university and would highly recommend it to any adult wishing
to return to education. Its a great pathway into further education.
19Current and Past Student Contributions
Keith O’Driscoll, Third Level Access Student always someone who will make time to help you out.
To be in college with my classmates and all the other
My Plunket College Experience began with the people from different cultures, and countries and to
interview. Initially I was interested in studying see how well everybody gets along has also been
psychology but during the interview on the Open part of what makes this experience great for me.
Day the interviewer’s Maeve Haden and Maria Dixon
informed me that Plunket College ran a course The teachers and staff at Plunket College are the
called the Trinity Access Programme which prepares most integral part of how this institution works
people for Third Level education and helps them for me, to come in early to find a computer room
find subjects that might be more suited to me. They and print something out there is always one of the
were right, and I was lucky enough to get accepted staff who will assist you because the people are so
for the Trinity Access Programme. approachable. The teachers do their jobs with such
passion and so I will always look upon the time I
Walking into the college on that first day, not got to spend in Plunket College fondly. I hope and
knowing anybody, questioning where I go, seems believe that I will leave the college a better person
so long ago. Those first few days the school was for the people I’ve met along the way, when I went
buzzing with life, repeat leaving cert students, to school all those years ago it felt like a cold damp
international students and mature students all trying and dark place. In Plunket College something seems
to find their way around this new environment. The different maybe it’s my age, but I believe it’s also
people in my class have all bonded well and this has the people who you get to interact with daily that
made my experience all the better. The subjects we makes this experience so good. To go back to
are studying have helped with the bonding and also education in an institution like Plunket College on
the teachers because of their respect as respect its 50th Anniversary and to do TAP has been great,
is at the forefront of everything. Our trip to Trinity to laugh with people who were strangers only 6
College, that first time, helped the class to get to months ago is all down to making that first step
know each other. towards trying to improve myself and applying to
The group have all the same goals which are to attend go to Plunket College. My experience has only been
college, to learn and get a degree and to improve positive because of my fellow classmates and the
them, but they also are all willing to help each other staff at Plunket College.
out. If anyone is finding something difficult there is
Your Odyssey Begins Here Perhaps the classrooms were Dickensian with
buckets that echoed with the slow plop of wayward
Emma Mooney, Third Level Access Class of raindrops leaking through the ceiling in psychology
2010 class – I believe there have been some renovations
since our time – but the education that we gained
there was fit for royals. Unhampered by their
surroundings, the teaching staff in Plunkets revealed
magical worlds that few of us had even dared to
glimpse before, making the previously impossible
possible.
The dedication and commitment of all the staff was
outstanding. Marion Collins introduced us to epic
heroes and wilful goddesses whose stories would
influence many of the degree courses that we would
choose. Maeve Hayden had us arguing like pros
about feminist theory, romanticism, and the absurd
as we journeyed through Miller, Keats, Beckett and
Ibsen in her English classes. We went to plays and
heard the spoken word, all of which challenged us
to look beyond the mundane, to cast a critical eye.
Cyclops and mermaids, gods and demi-gods, titans Stalin, Carson, Freud, Pavlov, Plato and Socrates were
of history, ancient philosophers, builders, retirees names that were casually dropped in our lunchtime
and recovering addicts where just some of the conversations. Statistical analysis, while never quite
characters we met on our Third Level odyssey that second nature, became comprehensible. To all of
began in Plunket College. this were added the personal and professional
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