Mass was offered at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church at Mitcham on 7 October.

Our deepest condolences to his wife Julie and children Adi, Stephen and Jacqui and their extended family.

His family and friends remembered John as a special man and “the life of the party”.

John was brought up on a potato/dairy farm at Gordon and was a day student at SPC, following in his brother Bryan (SPC 1953-54, PY1956) footsteps.

John started in Second Year and continued his studies through til completing his Leaving Year.

He became a certified practicing accountant, joining the Australian Tax Office in 1958 and remained in the ATO until his retirement in 2000.

He married Claire (Hannebery) and they had three children. After Claire’s passing in 2004, John remarried Julie (White).

John shared some of his memories of school life at SPC back in 2024, which can be read here

He recalled enjoying riding on the bus to school and home with his Gordon mates.

And although he never kicked a footy at SPC, he played over 300 games with Old Paradians in the VAFA (joining the Ops in 1961, a year or two before St Patrick’s Old Collegians’ reformed).

He spoke of enjoying his four years at SPC and appreciated teachers Brs O’Malley and Kelty, for their respective dedication and emphasis on Christian and family values and ability to challenge a student’s approach to learning.

Terry Doran was a well-known creative figure in both the local Ballarat community and the wider Victorian film industry.

Terry enjoyed a prolific 40-year career working in film and television, notably spent largely with the ABC. He was regarded by peers as an exceptionally talented film editor and storyteller, spending significant time working out of the 179 Film Offices in Fitzroy.  He was also a passionate painter throughout his life. After returning to Ballarat, he set up a painting studio in the CBD, with his art focused heavily on regional Victorian landscapes, capturing iconic local sights like Lake Wendouree, Mount Warrenheip, and abstract pieces from his travels.

His work was featured prominently in regional art scenes, including the local Altology group abstract landscape exhibition, with his some of his works shown in this video

Terry began his studies at SPC in Form 1 and matriculated in 1970. From the Mallee, Terry was a boarder at SPC from Watchupga, in north-east Victoria.

He was active in many facets of school life at SPC, from football and cricket to public speaking, drama, debating and the YCS executive.

Terry finished second in the Sir Hugh Devine Impromptu speaking competition in his final year and the 1970 College Annual records Terry presented his speech in the Purton Oratory titled “A Man with Wings”.

Terry’s creative flair was on full display during the yearly drama evening, where Terry received a prize for his efforts with his “soliloquy from Hamlet was perfectly done and the audience ably rewarded his efforts”.

Terry is survived by his sisters Jenny, Pauline and Anne and extended families.

Terry was farewelled in a private family funeral and a public memorial was held on 2 October.

Andrew was the loved youngest son of Moira and Merv Lewis (both dec) and much-loved brother to Chris (SPC 1965-69), Sue, Janine, Mary Lou and Gerrard (SPC 1974-79).

A memorial service will be held from 11am on 16 October 2026 at the Dowling Forest Racecourse.

In moving tributes, Andrew, a retired commercial property agent, was remembered as a great character and personality who lived his life to the fullest.

“We will always remember your lust for life and your dedication to joy, humour and adventure,” said his family.

Andrew was a great supporter of SPC and enjoyed the opportunity to connect and reconnect with the green, white and blue. He remained in contact with many of his SPC peers and was a committed supporter of the work of the College’s Chris Yeung Fund, which was created in memory of his former classmate Chris Yeung (SPC 1975-81).

During his time as a student at SPC, Andrew was an active student, participating in football, rowing, soccer and was promoted to a corporal in the non-commissioned officers program.

Fellow classmate Damien Sheehan (SPC 1976-81) shared these memories of his good friend.

“Andrew was one of my very closest friends and I’m deeply saddened by his passing. Andrew, along with John Fogarty and Tony Torney was part of the winning St Pat’s debating team in 1981. Andrew also created and instituted the “Golden Pedal” – a bike race that was held on Fete day and in which teachers, students and others competed for the Golden Pedal trophy, which Andrew himself had made. It was such a success that the race was run for many years long after Andrew had left school.

“Andrew loved the camaraderie of St Pat’s and was always front and centre for the war cry and other chants on Boatrace day and Athletics carnival day. Throughout his life, it never took much prodding to get him breaking out a war cry or singing the school song, needless to say, he was in his element at school reunions.

“Performing to a crowd, imagination and vision, and camaraderie – these strong personality traits shone out during his whole life.”

With his love of people and business intellect, it came as no surprise that Andrew became a successful commercial real estate property agent.

Andrew played a key role in expanding Colliers International’s footprint into regional Victoria, as a co-founder of the Colliers international Ballarat branch in 2009.

He was a long-time director and managing director for Colliers’ operations in both Ballarat and Geelong and actively led the expansion into the Geelong market by opening a new branch to connect regional commercial properties with national and global markets.

Throughout his decades-long tenure with the brand, he operated as a primary commercial broker and auctioneer, handling major local transactions ranging from industrial warehouses and retail offices to historic hotel and leisure assets (such as marketing the former Geelong Post Office and the Old Castlemaine Gaol).

In late 2024, Lewis transitioned to a new role as a real estate operator with Eureka Properties, but will be remembered for his foundational impact on Colliers’ regional Victorian presence, and his generous, larger than life character.

The four College Annuals dated back to 1905, 1906, 1909 and 1914-15. Whilst a little on the musty side, the annuals were in otherwise good condition and showcase a very different life at SPC over 100 years ago.

Some fascinating history tidbits in the 1905 College Annual include –

• St Patrick’s College was home to 130 boarders and no day students in 1905. Boarders came from Ballarat while most others travelled from much further afield. This included the towns of Fish Creek, Rupanyup, Heywood, Pannoobamawn, Minyip, Crowlands, Benalla and Terang, just to name a few, along with the metropolitan likes of Kew in Melbourne, and interstate, Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales, and even further away, including New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Ireland.
• Boarding fees for boys under the age of 14 years cost nine pound and nine pence per term – equivalent to around $17 per term today.
  
• The Matriculation Class consisted of 14 students.
  
• The College Annual was compiled by current students, with editors of the 1905 College Annual consisting of B Nash, M McKenna and J Dowling.
  
• Students embarked on Chest-Expanding Class, Gymnastic Tableaux, Wand Exercise and Club Exercises.
  
• SPC excelled in sport from an early time.
  
• Students were taken by horse and cart for a special College Picnic to Beale’s Reservoir on the outskirts of Ballarat, to celebrate SPC’s triumph in cricket over two rival Colleges.
  
• Some of the advertisements at the rear of the College Annual, showcasing the beautiful artwork and businesses, many of which no longer exist in Ballarat.
  

There were plenty of old stories, a few slightly exaggerated recollections of schoolboy exploits, and the usual lively debates about whose team was going to make it through to the ‘Big Dance’ on the last Saturday in September.

Most importantly, it was wonderful to see old mates reconnecting and sharing news about what has been happening in their lives. The Paddy spirit is clearly alive and well — even if some of our sporting abilities and memories aren’t quite what they used to be!

We’d love to see more of our recent Old Boys join us at the next Seasonal Luncheon. Come along, catch up with old mates and meet Paddy Boys from other generations.

Once a Paddy Boy, always a Paddy Boy! It’s amazing how Paddy Boys connect over the generations.

For details, contact Michael Dowd via email on mjdowd@hotmail.com or phone on 0407 680 682 or Noel Sheehan via email on noel@njkcvm@hotmail.com or phone on 0418 509 809.

Don’t forget, the next Summer lunch will be held on Friday, 4 December.

Around 150 members of our community gathered at the OCA Pavilion on Saturday, 22 August for our 2026 Celebration Dinner, as we proudly inducted four remarkable Old Boys as College Legends:

• The Most Reverend Archbishop Shane Mackinlay (SPC 1977-82)
• Brigadier Eamon Lenaghan (SPC 1985-90)
• The late Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel (SPC 1982-87)
• The late The Honourable John Sheehan (SPC 1925-32)

From leadership and service to courage, sacrifice and an enduring commitment to community, each has left an extraordinary legacy.

School Advisory Council chair Mr Peter Wilson, who was also the emcee for the evening, said the dinner was a perfect opportunity “to come together as a school community, to give thanks for what we have here and what we love at our College and to celebrate all the good things at SPC”.

In welcoming guests, College Principal Mr Steven O’Connor described the Celebration Dinner as an “extraordinary” night in many ways.

“It’s where we are really blessed with a wonderful community, a community that does, in so many ways, live our and articulate the features that we regularly present to our boys around our pillars of Faith, Tradition, Excellence and Joy,” he said.

“Tonight is also, in my mind, an opportunity for us to pause, to reflect, and to give thanks. It’s a chance to celebrate a remarkable story that has unfolded over more than 130 years, and to acknowledge the people whose faith, courage, vision, and commitment have shaped St Patrick’s College into the extraordinary community, we know it is today.”

Old Collegians Association president Dr Charles Flynn said the inductees excelled in many areas including leadership, camaraderie, support, excellence, resilience, Christian faith, education, respect, discipline and success.

Dr Flynn paid special tribute and raised a toast to the inductees’ families, especially the women; the mothers, sisters and wives, who have supported the inductees on their individual paths to success.

The late The Honourable John Sheehan (SPC 1925-32)

The late The Honorourable John Sheehan (SPC 1925-32) was posthumously inducted as a College Legend, with his life defined by service, leadership and faith. As a student at St Pat’s, he developed the skills that would shape his future as an outstanding educator, public speaker and community leader.

After serving with the Australian Imperial Force in the Second World War, John dedicated himself to education, becoming Principal of Ballarat High School. His commitment to public service extended into politics, where he served as the Labor Member for Ballarat in the Victorian Parliament from 1952 to 1955.

He also gave generously to organisations including Legacy, disability services and the St Patrick’s College Old Collegians Association. A man of deep Catholic faith and unwavering integrity, John Sheehan devoted his life to improving others’ lives. When he died in 1984, Ballarat recognised his extraordinary contribution with a State Funeral.

During his interview with John’s son Mark, Old Collegian and former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks AC (SPC 1968-71) said he was proud to launch Mark’s book about his father, entitled Once Upon a Time in Ballarat: A Life of John James (JJ) Sheehan, two years ago.

Mr Bracks said he remembered his “father heading off to the Old Colonists Club in Lydiard St on Friday nights after work to catch up with JJ Sheehan for a beer and a debate”.

Adding his own memories to the conversation, Mark said his father described loving his time at SPC and being taught by exceptional teachers, and continuing to be blessed with support from the green, white and blue throughout his life.

“When he finally went down to Melbourne to university, there was a St Pat’s boy who worked at the State Library, and he told me all the books I’d need for assignments, I’d go down and say to Pat ‘can you get me this and this’ and Pat was ‘I’ve got it for you John, don’t worry”, so it was a great starting point for him,” said Mark.

Mark (SPC 1969-75, PY1977), and his brother Damien (SPC 1976-81), both Old Collegians of the College, accepted their father’s College Legend award and pin, on behalf of the Sheehan family, with daughters Elizabeth and Cate also in attendance as well as extended family.

Paul Pardoel (SPC 1982-87) 

The induction of the late Flight Leiutenant Paul Pardoel (SPC 1982-87) was particularly poignant with dinner guests standing in solemn silence while a video playing of the Last Post for Paul at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra following his death was replayed.

Paul’s induction as a College Legend was also awarded posthumously, in recognition of his distinguished service, courage, and sacrifice.

Excelling during his time at SPC, Paul joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1988 and graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science.

He went on to serve as a navigator on C-130 Hercules aircraft, earning a reputation as an outstanding airman, instructor, and leader.

In 2002, seeking a new challenge, he transferred to the Royal Air Force and served on operational deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. On 30 January 2005, while serving in Iraq, Paul’s Hercules aircraft was struck by enemy fire and crashed north of Baghdad. He and all those on board lost their lives. He was just 35 years old.

Remembered as a devoted husband to Kellie, a loving father to Jackson, Jordan, and India, and a respected officer who served with courage and distinction, Paul embodied the values of service, leadership, and sacrifice.

Kellie proudly accepted the award on behalf of her family, with daughters Jordan and India in the crowd along with Paul’s extended family and former classmates.

OCA committee member and longtime Ballarat Legacy member Allan McKinnon interviewed Kellie, who said her late husband was a very humble man.

“All the accolades, that wasn’t Paul, he was focused on the task ahead and being a professional,” Kellie said.

Brigadier Eamon Lenaghan AM (SPC 1982-87)

The College also honoured Brigadier Eamon Lenaghan AM (SPC 1982-87) as a College Legend, in recognition of a lifetime of service and leadership.

It came as no surprise that after a SPC education where he fully immersed himself in the cadets program, that the early sense of purpose led to a remarkable career in the Australian Army.

Over more than three decades, Eamon has served with distinction as an infantry officer and senior leader, including operational deployments to Bosnia Herzegovina, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

His leadership has ranged from commanding soldiers in the field to shaping Defence capability and contributing to national work supporting veterans. He has only recently returned from a two-year deployment from the Golan Heights, between Israel and Syria, as Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, the first Australian to hold this significant role.

Eamon was also recognised as a Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia and awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 2025.

Interviewed by Ballarat Ranger Military Museum manager Neil Leckie, Eamon told the crowd, and in front of extended family and friends, that his SPC education had given him “a lifetime love of learning”.

“One of the great privileges of my service is that the Army keeps sending me back to school… and of my 36 years of service, about six of those have been in some form of learning institution, whether that be an undergrad degree, or a Masters degree or a MBA, and that continual investment and opportunity to continue to learn and develop and grow as a person, it doesn’t finish when you leave school, it’s just the start of the road and I’ve been very lucky to have a career which has enabled me to go and have some of those opportunities,” he said.

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay (SPC 1977-82)

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay (SPC 1977-82) was inducted as the fourth College Legend of the night, in front of his proud parents, close friends and parishioners and former classmates.

Archbishop Shane’s induction exemplified academic excellence, leadership and service throughout a remarkable life of faith.

A student at the College from 1977 to 1982, he was Dux in his final year. After studying Physics at Monash University and Theology at Catholic Theological College, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ballarat in 1991.

A respected scholar, educator and Church leader, he served as Bishop of Sandhurst from 2019 before being appointed Archbishop of Brisbane in 2025.

In June 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed him Archbishop of Brisbane, one of the most significant leadership positions in the Australian Catholic Church.

He subsequently received the pallium at St Peter’s Basilica.

Through his outstanding leadership, deep faith and commitment to serving others, Archbishop Shane has brought great distinction to his College, the Church and the wider community.

Interviewed by close friend and member of the College’s School Advisory Council, Mr Peter Flynn, Archbishop Shane recounted that he was able to experience SPC as a day student, a “bus boy” and a boarder (when his parents ironically moved to Brisbane for a year).

“I experienced a whole richness of the life of the College and it was probably one the most challenging years I’ve ever spent that year,” Archbishop Shane said.

“I was towards the youngest in my year group and that was a year where I really needed to develop a whole lot of resources … learning to develop social skills, independence and the ability to relate was an enormous growing up experience for me and put me in really good stead. It was enormously significant and a prelude to a really fulfilling and involved Year 12 where I was involved in a whole lot more things than I had been previously and I found that a very satisfying and enjoyable experience that set me up to move onto a range of other things since then.”

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate their achievements, share in the stories and help make it such a memorable night. Four remarkable lives. One proud St Pat’s community.

The Play4Mark Tournament was held on 18 July near Nairobi and organised by an incredible young woman, Eve Radol.

Mark and his wife Jacinta first met Eve during a trip to Africa, and they were impressed with the young woman’s determination to make life better for African girls growing up in the second largest slum in Africa, Kibera, through sport.

In the ultimate tribute and with the support of Mark’s family, Eve organised the Play4Mark Tournament, which aimed to bring together over 100 young players from different informal settlements to play, connect and celebrate the values Mark stood for – kindness, generosity and love for the game.

Prior to the tournament, Eve said “the aim is not just competition, but to create a positive and supportive environment where young people feel seen, encouraged and inspired, just as Mark made me feel”.

The tournament went ahead and was a great success, with a special ‘Play4Mark Spirit Award’ recognising a player who best demonstrates teamwork, respect and kindness.

It was an extraordinary gift from Eve, who, by the time of the tournament, was also planning her mother’s funeral after caring for her over the past five years.

Mark was awarded the College’s Facere et Docere award in 2022, before sadly passing away after a brave fight with cancer.

We thank Eve and Jacinta for sending us this video and photos from the Play4Mark Tournament, honouring Mark, who those who knew him will remember as a truly great man.

Congratulations to Austin Reinehr (SPC 2018-21) on his bronze medal win in the Men’s Eight in A-final World Championships in Amsterdam at the end of August, under Australia Men’s head coach Chris O’Brien (SPC 1980-85).

As Melbourne’s AFL finals hopes came to a crashing end in the wildcard game over Collingwood, Tom McDonald (SPC 2010) played his last AFL game, retiring after 260 games, playing the seventh-most games in Demons history. What an absolute true clubman of the game, congratulations Tom, all the best in retirement!

Congratulations to Rokewood-Corindhap midfielder Matt Aikman (SPC 2013-18) who won the Central Highlands Football League Geoff Taylor Medal senior count in a nail-biting finish, read more and then cleaned up in his club senior vote count! Congratulations also to Bungaree first year senior coach Alex Ross (SPC 2010-15) who won the CHFL Coach of the Year! Alex is set to continue into a second season at the Bungaree helm, read more

Jack Jenkins (SPC 2006-11) competed in the biggest fight of his life in late August, taking on Sean Woodson in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight division in Shanghai. Despite putting up a great fight, Jack lost via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). Jack talks about the impending fight here

We also acknowledge the 40^th anniversary coming up later this month, on 27 September, of Old Collegian and police officer, Senior Constable Maurice Moore (SPC 1966-68, PY1969) who was tragically killed in the line of duty at Maryborough on this day back in 1986. Maurice will always be remembered for his service to the community.

Congratulations to Jack Hexter (SPC 2019-25) who is in the US after gaining a basketball scholarship at Williston Stare College in North Dakota!

In other news, check out this great video with Riley Dunn (SPC 2018-23) as he shares how much he’s loving playing with Hofstra University on the US basketball circuit

Bob Heaney (SPC 1987-89), who has premiership pedigree from years spent at Melton, has signed on as Springbank’s senior coach next season, read more

Wonderful insights from Olympic champion Steve Moneghetti (SPC 1975-80) on his magnificent running career.

Well done to Steve Trotter (SPC 1996-2001) who has published his second book Stretch: Navigating Pressure and Impact in Middle Leadership, available    Steve was awarded Australian Principal of the Year at the Education Excellence Awards in Sydney last year and has since started his own business as a Leadership Strategist and Advisor, supporting schools across Australia with their leadership development approach and impact. Well done Steve!

Congratulations to James Pinnuck (SPC 1991-95, PY1996) who is now project manager at AW Nicholson after starting with AWN in 2021 and has worked on SPC’s Performing Arts Centre, the world-class training facility for plumbing and carpentry students at the Gordon and other big projects in that time.

Well done to Paul Rowse (SPC 1981-86) who received a Harness Racing Australia Merit Award recognising his outstanding contribution to harness racing.

Cooper Sherman (SPC 2017-22) experienced a heartbreaking finish at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in late July, where his mixed 4x400m relay team was disqualified in the final due to a lane infringement. Despite the frustrating outcome, the 22-year-old Ballarat local remains one of Australia’s fastest rising sprinting stars following his historic sub-45 second season.

Congratulations to Australia’s premier reinsman James Herbertson (SPC 2013-17, PY2018) on bringing up 2000 career winners in early July!

Old Boy Stephen Holding (SPC 1984-89), who is general manager at Field Air, is part of a Ballarat delegation supporting a push for urgent funding for the city’s airport runway in this story

The first ever Spud’s Game, in memory of Bungaree’s favourite son Danny Frawley (SPC 1976-79, PY1981), was held at country footy level in early August, co-inciding with AFL’s own Spud’s Game. All 16 Central Highlands clubs got behind the initiative, to read more, click

Well done to Poco Film Fest 2020 director Luke Keys (SPC 1988-93) on another successful biennial festival for all those interested in film, animation, acting and media. Great to see fellow Old Boy and director of Hollywood movie Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Mark Molloy (SPC 1993) once again involved and sharing his movie-making knowledge!

Congratulations to soccer stalwart Craig Briody (SPC 1990-95) who has notched up 400 games with the Sebastopol Vikings, read more

Read this great story on Old Boy Gerry Surridge (SPC 1963-67) and his work in the community.

Catch up on this story with former AFL player Brad Crouch (SPC 2006-11) and see why he decided to keep playing footy in this story

Terry Grano (SPC 1965-68) wants to help save your life after missing his own early symptoms of prostate cancer, read his powerful story

Josh Cowan (SPC 2008-09) has confirmed he will stay on his senior coach of Daylesford in the Central Highlands FL next season in this story

In other footy news, Jake Lohmann (SPC 2016-18) was appointed initially as interim senior coach at Lake Wendouree FNC, and has since officially signed on as assistant coach for the 2026 season. Jake brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played over 50 VFL games with North Ballarat, Sandringham, Brisbane and Werribee. His leadership credentials are also outstanding, with key roles at Sandringham, GWV Rebels and St Pat’s. check out this story  Jake is also behind the 1percentsociety_ following on socials, which is all about positivity. Great work Jake!

Brett Bewley (SPC 2008-13) is recovering from what was initially thought to be a massive cork to his leg, and has turned out to be a broken tibia. Read more about who long the Darley gun is set to be on the sidelines in the Ballarat FNL in this story

Great news to see Stephen Coghlan (SPC 1999-2004) bring the historic Ballarat Bitter beer back to life, read more in this story

 

 

Huge congratulations to Ollie Nash (SPC 2011-16) who completed the Midnight Sun Marathon inside the Arctic Circle in honour of his close friend and Brentford FC colleague, Chris Ramsey, who passed away from bowel cancer last year. Running beneath the endless daylight of the Arctic summer, Ollie paid tribute to Chris’s courage, kindness and lasting impact while helping raise vital funds and awareness for bowel cancer. Well done, Ollie! We are immensely proud of you!

Check out this essay on curious little nuggets of Australia’s literary history in the Biblionews journal by Old Collegian Michael Taffe (SPC 1960-61, PY1964). This series of ‘austerity paperbacks’ was called the Australian Pocket Library and published during WWII.

And another one for the history buffs, we also thank Old Collegian Michael Murray (SPC 1981-82) for drawing our attention to the actions of his cousin’s great uncle, Fr Pat Scanlan (SPC 1913-17), who attended SPC around the time of the Great War before leaving to become a Trappist monk in England and later in China, where he was detailed by the Japanese. Fr Pat was credited with saving many lives by smuggling food into the concentration camp. He survived, escaping Communist death marches, and spent his later years as a parish priest in California. Fr Pat kept his family informed with a series of diaries over the period of his lifetime, and these were turned into a book called Stars in the Sky. You can read an except  and if you are interested in reading more about Fr Pat’s life, copes are available online, including

If you have any Old Boy news, please contact the College’s Alumni and Foundation Officer Lorrie Liston on (03) 5322 4442 or via email at ���������ٴDz԰����ٱ貹�ٲ�.������.����.������

John, who was husband to Nyrie, father to Stephen, Karyn, Shane, Jonathan and Brett and a treasured grandfather and great-grandfather, sadly passed away on 26 October 2024.

His Funeral was held at St Peter’s and Paul’s Catholic Church in Quambatook.

John spent nearly all his life living and farming in the Quambatook area before moving to Bendigo in his later years.

He was a well-known identity in Quamby and moving tributes recalled there wouldn’t have been an organisation or club in town that John wasn’t involved with or supported.

In another tribute, “he with Nyrie made sure our children were safely delivered to school on their bus”.

He was also remembered as a champion tennis player, and after retiring from tennis, turning to bowls.

Michael was a boarder from Preston, in Melbourne and excelled during his time at SPC, experiencing what he described as “a great feeling of mateship, I believe, by the traditions, by the spirit, the energy, the goodness and values within St Pat’s College”.

Michael was a College Prefect and member of the Sodality of Our Lady, Holy Name Society Executive and Literary Society.

He was also the ruck of the 1957 First XVIII Football team, which won the Public Schools football championship for its 51st straight year; winner of the John James Cup in 1957 and also broke John James’ Open Weight (Shot) Put record by one foot and three-quarter inches with a massive throw of 44 feet and 11.5 inches, a record which still stands today.

Michael was also a member of the First XI Cricket BPS co-premiership team and captain of the McCarthy House athletic team.

Michael had previously recounted that the real Unsung Heroes to him were “the Christian Brothers who cared for me, taught me, encouraged, directed, disciplined and developed me”.

“From day one in January 1950 as a 10-year-old starting at St Roch’s Junior lockers with Brother “Mouse” Molony, my sixth grade teacher Tom Halliburton – both terrific teachers, good men and then the roll call of super sensitive, caring, experienced, hard-working, patient and tough-minded men”.

“St Pat’s principal, Br J.D. Healy “Old Jack”, Br W.T. O’Malley “Old Bill” (my teacher in Inter A). What a beautiful man. He was the trump card in the Brothers’ team – a very humble man, but what spirit – revered by all the boys he taught and coached in his long and successful leadership of the St Pat’s footbal team.

“Br Tom Mullens, bursar, general Mr Fixit at St Pat’s and my teacher in Form 1.

“And all the other staff (team) members memorable to me and instrumental in my development –

“The Three Amigos – Br Williams (chesty) – my Sub-Inter teacher; Br Coyne (Saturday night flicks) – the show must go on; and Br Kelty – what a man to become Head of the Christian Bros worldwide. coach of the St Pat’s First XVIII in 1955 due to Br Bill’s health problems along with so much more respect, also taught me French (Alliance Francais Premier prize).

“The Brothers – Ulma, Sub-Inter teacher; E.G. Smith (Ernie) – Leaving and Matric, maths, physics and chemistry; Fogarty – Mr Music Man; Archer – our introduction to dance and the ladies at Mary’s Mount and Sacred Heart; O’Kane (Coke) – backup ‘super’ numeracy; Killian – cricket tragic and coach.

“And Br Lynch, principal in my final years in 1955-57 – a tough, “take no prisoners’ leader who taught me Latin in matric.

“All good, interesting, multi-talented teachers. The Brothers provided the continuity, the driving force, spirit and traditions of St Pat’s. They are good and great men and I remember them with much respect and affection.”

Des was the loved husband of Paula and father of Aisling and Eamonn, and a grandfather of three.

A Funeral Mass was held at St Bernard’s Church in Belmont, Geelong on 19 March.

Des was a day student from Gordon, starting in First Year and completed four years of study, through to Intermediate B.

Des was remembered fondly by his Telstra work colleagues, where he was a manager for the West (Victoria) and Metro North areas, and worked at the North Melbourne Exchange.

Bryan was a boarder from the Horsham and Warracknabeal (Angip) area.

While he was an only child, Bryan enjoyed having numerous cousins at SPC, and being related to well-known uncle Alph Kavenagh (SPC 2015-18, PY1920).

Farming was in his blood and Bryan was very active in the school’s Young Farmers’ Club.

His daughter Cecelia recalled that her father had many happy memories of his time at SPC and maintained a number of SPC friendships.

Bryan returned to the family farm, carving out a rich and full life with his own family, including wife Judy (dec) and five daughters Angela, Cecilia, Bridget, Polly and Sarah.

He was also an adored grandfather to 13 and great-grandfather to two.

A Funeral Mass was held at St Michael and John’s Catholic Church, in Horsham on 12 August.

We extend our deepest condolences to Bryan’s extended family.