M.A. MAC CONAILL

by John P. Fraher

Michael Aloysius MacConaill, Professor Emeritus of Anatomy at University College, Cork, died on 28 January 1987, aged 84.

He was born on 27 July 1902 in Ballymena, Co. Antrim and was educated at St. Mary's Christian Brothers' School in Belfast. He entered the Queen's University of Belfast Medical School in 1919 with first place in the entrance scholarship examination. During his undergraduate career he was very active in a range of student societies and in the students' representative council.

Early on at Queen's he came under the influence of Professor Thomas Walmsley who was a major influence in his decision to become an anatomist and for whom he had a lifelong reverence. He took a B.Sc. in the Anatomy Honours School in 1922. In 1926, one year after graduating in medicine, he became a postgraduate scholar and then a demonstrator in anatomy in Queen's. In 1929 he obtained the M.Sc. degree for a statistical anthropological study. He was then awarded the Queen's University Travelling Medical studentship for 1929-30, which took him to University College, London, where Professor Elliot Smith was head of the department. While there he also studied statistics with Professor R.A. Fisher. He soon left London for the Anatomy Department at Sheffield, where he was first a senior demonstrator. A short time later he became a lecturer under Professor Francis Davies, whom he held in particularly high regard. He remained there until 1942, when he was appointed to the Chair of University College, Cork. From then until his retirement in 1973 he brought great distinction to that department. During that time he also spent periods as a visiting professor in Canada, Ghana and U.S.A.

Michael MacConaill's rich intellectual gifts impressed all who came into contact with him. He had a uniquely original and divergent mind, and he brought a novel light to bear on any subject. He had a gift of rapidly getting to the essence of a matter. Particularly in his early years as an anatomist, he laid the foundations of his deep and wide-ranging scholarship. This he continued to develop almost to the end of his life. It extended beyond his subject into various branches of mathematical, engineering, biological, physical and chemical science. He was an excellent linguist; he had a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of at least eight languages, all of which he spoke fluently. He had a particular enthusiasm for Irish, in which he wrote a short textbook on living anatomy, and served on the Irish Government's Commission for the English-Irish Dictionary. He had a deep interest in theology and philosophy. The former grew naturally out of his strong and deep religious faith. He wrote an outline on philosophy which is used as an introduction to the subject by first year university students. He had a lifelong interest in literature and had numerous book reviews, essays and poems published in a number of languages.

(to be continued)

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Ad Multos et Felicissimos Annos - BROTHER L. B. MURPHY

He recalls that in his school days in St. Mary's the complete secondary school was accommodated on the upper floor of the old building which housed the last class of the primary school in the year 1963-64. During his time here he has specialised in teaching Latin to the Middle and Upper Forms and his pupils remember well his interesting and effective presentation of that difficult language. However, his interest in his pupils went far beyond mere class-teaching and his students always realised that they had in Brother Murphy a "guide, philosopher and friend", not only for schooldays but for life. In his twenty four years in Barrack Street, he has taken a very active part in the sporting activities of the school. Gaelic Football, Athletics, Water-Polo, Chess and Tennis have, in turn, received his attention and in all these he produced highly successful teams. The performances of his athletes in Cherryvale were the best St. Mary's have achieved. It was in Water Polo, however, that he had his greatest triumphs.
Few schools can field an international team of past pupils in any sport and that is just what Br. L.B. Murphy achieved in Water-Polo. No wonder then to learn that his school teams won the Water-Polo competitions year after year. Perhaps the outstanding tribute paid to him was by St. Mary's closest rivals, 'Inst', when they invited him to present the trophies at their own gala some years ago. Both his past pupils and the Ulster Branch of the Irish Swimming Association marked his retirement with presentations. One of his past pupils pays tribute to "this modest man who by his quiet confidence, his unceasing encouragement and his stringent insistence on playing the game earned the respect and admiration not only of his own boys but of those of the other schools with which he came in contact."

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Obituary - Br. J.B. McGreevy (Written by Br. P.C. McFarland)

Rev. Bro. J. B. McGreevy died peacefully at the Mater Hospital, Belfast after a long illness borne with patience. His body was removed from the Brothers' Residence, Airfield House, Glen Road, to St. Teresa's Church and interred in Milltown Cemetry after Requiem Mass at 11.00am. on Saturday, 7th October.

(to be continued)

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Obituary - MR. BERNARD MULREAN

(Reproduced from the 1991 Simmarian and written by Mr. Jim Lally, past pupil and past teacher.)

This year, 1990, saw the passing of a very well known past teacher of St. Mary's, Mr. Bernard 'Barney' Mulrean. A son of the Midlands he first came north about 1930 and taught English with distinction at Barrack Street for most of his teaching life and for a few years at Glen Road. His very ample figure gave rise, early in his career, to the nickname 'Porky' and it was by this name that he continued to be known by hundreds of schoolboys who passed through his hands. I hasten to add that Barney never acknowledged his nickname nor was it ever used in his presence. All of his colleagues referred to him as 'Barney'.
Barney was a man of great learning and knowledge but this fact was often hidden by his love of the witty phrase or caustic remark. No one was really safe from his sharp wit although I believe he made the remarks more for the wit than the wounding. Many stories are told about him, most of them, I suspect, apocryphal. However, there is one story I can certainly vouch for. During the war, when goods and food were scarce, Barney persuaded one of the boys to bring him in a dozen fresh eggs from the farm he lived in. He, Barney, left them in what he taught was a safe place. During the day, however, a prankster, aided and abetted by a teacher, who shall be nameless, boiled the eggs for an hour in the lab. The next day the hapless boy who had brought the eggs heard his hens referred to in scathing terms as 'saboteurs' and much worse.
In the thirties, forties and fifties, before the school became so big, Barney knew the name and family history of practically every pupil. He knew how to use this knowledge to make his verbal barbs even more effective so pupils were slow to cross words with him. However, behind this outer image of a witty and sharp-tongued schoolmaster there was another personality or character of which few people were aware.
Barney was ever a friend of the underdog and he helped many a person under pressure both financially and otherwise although he never spoke of these acts to anyone.
he was an enthusiastic reader all his life and he had an insatiable curiosity about the world. It was only during odd flashes in conversation that he displayed his considerable knowledge although he would have hated to be called a 'poseur'.
To be his friend one had to accept him, warts and all. I am glad to have known him, both as a pupil and a colleague. He retained his wit and sparkle right up to the end and the doings and the comings and goings-on in St. Mary's were ever near his thoughts. I know many will recall his bouncy and vigorous personality and sharp tongue with a little affection and as an abiding part of their days at St. Mary's.

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Ulster Colleges Secretary / Treasurer, 1976 – 1982

Brother Louis Nolan comes from an old and well-respected Kilkenny family. And he retained his strong family links up to the time of his death. After his schooling in the Christian Brothers, he decided to enter the Order.

Brother Louis Nolan entered the Christian Brothers’ Novicate, in 1948, and made his Permanent Profession in the Brothers in 1956. He spent his early teaching years in some of the poorest inner-city schools in Dublin.

He always regarded this as one of the most treasured teaching experiences of his life, and he put all his energies in working with these kids. In 1960, he went to Galway University where he did a degree in Chemistry. He was an excellent teacher and was highly successful in running refresher courses for science teachers.

In 1963 he moved to St Mary’s Grammar School in Belfast. For the next thirty year he moved between Belfast, Omagh and Newry, as teacher of Chemistry, and then head of the Chemistry department in these schools.

In 1980, the authorities recognised his organisational abilities and appointed him head of the Brothers’ Grammar School in Omagh, a post he retained until 1986, when heart trouble forced him to resign.

His abilities continued and appointed to the Board of Governors of the Abbey Grammar School, Newry, St Patrick’s College, Armagh and his old school, the Grammar School in Omagh all posts he retained until his death.

Headmasters valued his experience and his wise advice and his commitment to championing the underdog.

In later years, Louis developed a strong interest in scripture, and spent a year in the Boston College, USA, Studying the Bible.

He shared the results of these studies with the local scripture Group here in Omagh and with the local Prayer Group of which he was a keen Member.

He already had his future talks for 2003 planned out, when he was taken from us.

May he rest in Peace.

St. Mary's CBS 1971 MacRory & Hogan Cup Champions Br. Nolan - Mentor, Trainer, Manager

A no-nonsense manager, who would accept no excuse for missing training. He always took a very active role in training sessions and often would take his team outside Belfast to find suitable training venues.

Won the MacRory Cup undefeated.

Controversial semi-final victory over St. Malachy's in Omagh. Casement Park refused to host the match due to a certain Martin O'Neill who was a well known soccer player.

Victory over Abbey CBS in final (in Lurgan).

Hogan Semi- final v St Mels, Longford (in Dundalk) Hogan Final v Colaiste Criost an Ri (Cork) (Croke Park) Bro Nolan fulfilled a dream.

He instilled great belief into his players. Many of these players progressed to play for their county and some for Ulster. Gerry McHugh, Pat Armstrong, John McKiernan (Antrim) and Frankie roman (Armagh) Sean Sands (Down) were among the big name players.

A mark of the respect that players had for Bro. Nolan was obvious when a 25th anniversary celebration was held in the Europa Hotel in 1996.

Players travelled from England, America and other distant shores to be re- united with team mates and to re-new acquaintances with Bro Nolan.

At his recent funeral in Omagh, the team captain, Gerry McHugh, along with Pat Armstrong, Gerry Cullen and Peter Crummey were among the mourners.

It was acknowledged by all that he was the main influence and driving force behind their successful footballing careers.

Tribute written by Jim McClean, St. Mary's CBS, Belfast

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In Remembrance of BR. D.F. O NEILL (Former Principal of St. Mary's)

Brother Francis Dermot O' Neill was committed to living the Gospel as a Christian Brother and worked with enthusiasm and diligence in Ireland and Africa.

Br. O' Neill attended Dundalk CBS as a pupil. He began his teaching in primary schools in Carlow and Kilkenny. He then graduated from University college Galway in the 1950s and was posted to the North where he taught Maths, Irish and religion and was Headmaster in CBS Omagh and St. Mary's, Barrack St., Belfast.

In 1974 Br. O' Neill headed for Zambia where he was Headmaster and was in charge of young Brothers. He also produced mathematics textbooks which were used in schools throughout the country. He returned to Ireland in 1991 due to illness.

He had a keen interest in music. He also produced a book of alternative forms of prayer based on the scriptures and was very active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

He spent his last years in St. Patrick's, Baldoyle where he died on the 2nd february 2002.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.

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BR. DAVID LYNAM R.I.P.

Brother David Lynam was a devoted religious who had great devotion to Our lady. He helped organise, and participated in, many trips to Lourdes with the IHCPT.

Brother Lynam was born in Streamstown, Co. Westmeath in 1925. Down through the years he gained many university degrees and qualifications. He ministered during the forties in St. Patrick's, Marino and Oxford St., Belfast and in the fifties and sixties in Omagh, Derry and Newry. He joined the staff of St. Mary's in 1976 and retired in 1991.

He is greatly admired by his past pupils and staff. He was a very able mathematician and was very generous with his time and teahing talents, both within and outsie of school. He was particularly fond of Airfield House and Belfast.

In December 1997 Br. Lynam became seriously ill and, for the remainder of his life, was lovingle cared fr by the staff of Louisville Nursing Home on the Glen Road. He went to his eternal reward on Wednesday, 24th October 2001 at 7.15am in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

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BROTHER CHARLIE GALLAGHER
(An extract from the 1991 Simmarian)
(Died - 8th May 2007)

Br. Gallagher retired in 1991 after sixteen years tireless service to St. Mary's. He came in 1974 as Head of Chemistry and was appointed Vice-Principal in 1977. During his whole time in St. Mary's he displayed a truly astounding energy and drive. He was a tireless worker for many charities, the ICHPT and the Zambian Mission being the most notable. The functions - bazaars, sales and shows - which he organised were literally without number and all were conducted with the minimum of fuss and the maximum of expertise. He contributed greatly to the school funds with his variety of vending machines and tuck shop enterprises. The extra-curricular life of the school benefited greatly from his energies, especially the Ski Club. Perhaps the thing he might most be proud of were quietly effective assemblies in which he combined an empathy with the students and a clear and forceful presentation of the Christian message. A man with as many and as varied interests as Br. Gallagher could have looked forward to a busy and fulfilling retirement but, typical of the man, he elected to devote his abilities to the demanding position of Director of the Marino Institute of Education. His absence from St. Mary's will be long missed.

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MR. FRANCIS RICE
 (from the 1997-98 Simmarian by Mr. Eamon McFlynn)

Staff and pupils alike were deeply saddened by the recent, untimely death of Mr. Francis Rice following a lengthy period of illness. Both as a colleague and as a teacher his loss is indeed a devastating one.

Frank, as he was affectionately known to his friends, began his association with St. Mary's as a first year pupil at Barrack St. in 1964. He completed his schooling in the newly opened Glen Road site before moving on to pursue his studies at both Queen's and St. Joseph's Training College. It was to his Alma Mater that Frank returned in September 1976 to commence his professional life's work.

To describe Frank as one of nature's gentlemen risks making use of a sometimes overworked cliche, though on this occasion such a description is entirely fitting. It is fair to say that he was held in the highest possible regard by all those with whom he came into contact at St. mary's.

As a close colleague and frienf of Frank for almost twenty years in the school's Geography department I personally have the fondest memories of someone who was utterly professional in his approach to teaching and who strived to achieve and maintain the highest possible academic standards. And yet quite apart from these qualities there was also Frank the person, a quiet unassuming, courteous and kind man with a witty sense of humour. He possessed both a warmth and a sincerity in his dealings with people irrespective of their status, whether they were teaching colleagues, ancillary staff members or pupils.

The loss to St. Mary's caused by Frank's passing away has already been alluded to and it does indeed leave a gap that will be extremely hard to fill. However great though that loss is, it is nothing compared to what his wife, Patricia, son David and daughter Rachel must now feel, for Frank was a man totally devoted to, and very proud of, his family. It is to them, therefore, and his wider family circle that we on the St. Mary's staff would like to extend our sincere sympathy. They can gain much consolation that Frank will never be forgotten by all those who were privileged to know him.

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