HISTORY OF DOMINICAN COLLEGE PAST PUPILS’ UNION 1914 - 2014
THE BEGINNING
In 1914 a number of dedicated Past Pupils decided it was time to establish a union that had been in discussion during the previous year. The main purpose was to provide a basis where they could meet socially and thus retain many of the friendships made during their school years. On 6th June 1914 the first meeting was held at Dominican College, Eccles Street by kind permission of Mother Prioress and a provisional committee was formed. It was decided to circularise all past pupils and convene a general meeting in November of that year. On the 11th November 1914 the first President of the Union was elected, together with Officers and Committee. Professor Mary Hayden, MA DLitt, the first President, remained in office until her death in 1943. At this meeting a motion was proposed by Louise Gavan Duffy that a social work scheme be established, which was carried. Discussion commenced on ways to raise funds to support the social work. The twofold objectives of the Union to bring past pupils together by means of social gatherings and to promote social services established from the beginning are still the driving force of the Union 100 years later.
Past Pupils' celebrate the Golden Jubilee, Eccles Street, 1932
In 1930 the Union initiated a number of clubs and societies to cater for social and sporting activities of past pupils. The Lawn Tennis Tournament and the Golfing Society and Outing were formed. It was noted at the time that our Union was the first of any girls’ school to form a Golfing Society. Many other clubs and societies for the Union were established during the following ten years