Previous Years General Events ...

Events in 2024:

August 2024 at the Coopers Inn

SPOCA at the COOPERS INN

 In early August (2024), a group of Old Patricians enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon at the Coopers Inn in the city. It is a venue which is managed by Matt O’Kane, the son of a well-known OP – John O’Kane (known to all as ‘JOK’) and has a display of some St Pat’s memorabilia. The building itself is reminiscent of our Alma Mater in that the main wall is bluestone. Additionally, there are some other items of memorabilia there, including JOK’s Prefects’ blazer pocket badge. And the advertising slogan for the establishment is “Old School Hospitality in the City”.

There were about 20 attendees, including Catherine Hall and Davina Calhaem from Xavier (Archives manager an Alumni Coordinator, respectively). A bonus appearance was that of Luke Cornell who is JOK’s grandson and works at Xavier. It was great to see the younger generations of one of the St Pat’s larger-than-life personalities.

We also enjoyed the company of a number of ‘over-80s’ who took advantage of the SPOCA hospitality which celebrated their ‘80 milestone’ achievement by covering the cost of their meal.

The day prior to the event, Jim Smith had taken the time to visit our meeting room in ACU at the southern end of Brunswick St where we have a magnificent replica of our St Pat’s banner – the one used at the front of many cadet marches and at other formal occasions. At the Inn, it formed the backdrop for a number of memorable photos of our OPs.

A few of photos of the day can be seen by clicking here. Picking who’s who may be difficult, but the following list may help, especially for those who think they might succeed in getting the names right in Jim’s next photo challenge!

Jim Smith, Kevin Lane, Darcy Brennan & Debbie, Denis Dalton, Bernie Power, Paul McColl, Adrian Corkeron & Barbara, Peter King, Catherine Hall, Damien Hynes, Tom Talbot, Laurie Gascoigne, Michael Curtain & Moira, Brian Duffy, Davina Calhaem, Luke Cornell, Frank Shelton, Matt O’Kane & Denis Dalton.

Our numbers might have been somewhat larger but for some unfortunate apologies due to medical appointments, surgery recuperation and so on. All in all, there is clearly an interest among many OPs in catching up with friends from so long ago.

Everyone is encourages to keep in touch via emails and other avenues to SPOCA from where any individual messages or reflections can be displayed to a wider audience, if so desired. But whether publicity is acceptable or not, then still keep in touch!