Tipperary's Rockwell College unveils state-of-the-art pavilion

Rockwell College celebrated the latest addition to its facilities on Saturday with the opening of the Fr. Aidan Lehane CSSp Pavilion.

The modern, single-storey construction comprises of eight changing rooms with shower and toilet facilities, a fitness suite, medial room and referees suite. It  was designed by past pupil Richard Rice, of Healy Partner Architects in Limerick.

Speaking at the official opening, Rockwell College principal Audrey O’Byrne noted the “unity of purpose across all the stakeholders, which has driven the project to completion”.

She said the project was a significant collaboration between past pupils and parents and that while both parties had been generous supporters of Rockwell College development in the past, the pavilion would stand as a demonstration of what can be achieved when the whole school community stands together.

The Fr Aidan Lehane CSSp Pavilion was formally opened by former international Paul McNaughton, a past pupil of Rockwell College. Coached by Fr Lehane to a Munster Cup win in 1970,  Paul is currently a board member of the EPCR, the organisers of the Championship Cup and Challenge Cup.

The building celebrates the legacy of the Holy Ghost priest who served as president of all five Holy Ghost Colleges – Blackrock College, St. Michael’s College, Templeogue College, St. Mary’s College and Rockwell College. An advocate of the importance of sport in developing young people as learners and leaders, Fr. Lehane also oversaw the development of an indoor gym and swimming pool at Rockwell College during his presidency in the early 1970s.

The event saw over 500 parents, staff, pupils and past pupils join together in the Tipperary sun accompanied by the St. Patrick’s Brass Band, Cashel, who provided a festive musical backdrop for the afternoon. The music and refreshments gave a festival feel to the afternoon, which finished with exhibition matches between the Senior Cup rugby team and St. Michael’s College, Dublin, and the junior hockey team against Crescent College.

Principal O’Byrne was enthusiastic in her praise for all involved in the project, stating that “the generosity of parents and of past pupils has been outstanding. The energy and enthusiasm of the fundraisers – particularly Mr. Gay Mangan –shows the loyalty and commitment out there for Rockwell College.

“I am delighted that the facility will be ready to show on Open Day next Saturday too,” she said.

She also praised the work of Rockwell College staff involved in the event, particularly the organising committee, the pupils of the Rockwell College Music Academy, the catering staff and maintenance staff who had  done so much to make the event a success.