50th Anniversary Celebrations for Marian College
By Ray Ryan

Marian College first opened its doors on 8th September 1954 when the Marist Brothers began the great adventure that is Marian College.

Now, fifty very successful years later, we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of the school with a number of events in October and November.

All parents, past-pupils, current pupils, staff and friends of the College will be most welcome to all of these events. The main events are:

Saturday 2nd October
The new Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, who is a past-pupil of the College, will celebrate a special anniversary mass in the Star of the Sea Church, Sandymount, at 12.00.noon on Saturday 2nd October. After the mass, everyone will be welcome to come back to the College hall for a reception in the school hall.

Tuesday 12th October
We have booked the National Concert Hall for a special 50th Anniversary celebration. Some of you may remember the 40th anniversary concert at the same venue which was a huge success before a packed house.

This one promises to be even bigger and better, a night of celebration and nostalgia, with a party atmosphere. There will be music and dance by pupils, past-pupils and special guests, with excerpts from shows and music from the popular, jazz, classical and traditional repertoires. We also plan to have a 150-strong choir made up of pupils, past-pupils, teachers and guests.
Booking forms are available from Marian College or ‘News Four’.

Sunday 14th November
We will host a special afternoon at the College when past pupils will be able to call in and meet old friends and see the many photographs of times gone by that now adorn the walls of the College.
In addition to these events, a special commemorative magazine with many different contributors will be published in October to provide a permanent record of the history of the past fifty years.
The photo shows Archbishop John Charles McQuaid being welcomed at the official opening of Marian College in 1954.

Other Events: Friday, 8 October 8 pm
Bootleg Beatles, possibly the most famous tribute band. Join the fab four and a string and brass ensemble for a 60s celebration. Mahony Hall at The Helix at DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Tickets €31, €28 and €25. Box Office 700 7000. www.helix.ie

Tuesday 12 October
50th Anniversary Concert for Marian College, National Concert Hall. Choir, music, dance by past pupils. Booking forms available from Marian College and NewsFour.

Thursday, 14 October
Special screening of Patrick Kavanagh-related films in the Irish Film Centre, Eustace Street. Box office 6793477

Thursday, 14 October 8pm
Charlie Landsborough, true great of country music, appearing at the Mahony Hall at The Helix at DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Tickets €26 and €23.50. Box Office 700 7000. www.helix.ie.

Saturday 16 - Sunday 17 October
Over 50s Show at the RDS Industries Hall

Monday 18 October
Race Night in aid of Labour Party funds in Clarke’s Public House, Irishtown Road.

Tuesday, 19 to Saturday 23 October 8 pm
Lord of the Flies. Pilot Theatre presents their award winning production. The Theatre at The Helix at DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Box Office 700 7000. www.helix.ie

Thursday, 21 October 1 at 2.30 pm
Official Centenary Commemoration of Patrick Kavanagh’s birth at the City Hall Dublin. Well-known actors and musicians celebrate Kavanagh. All welcome.

Thursday 21 - Monday 25 October
The Ideal Homes Exhibition at the RDS Simmonscourt

Thursday 21 - Monday 25 October
The PC Live Experience at the RDS Simmonscourt

Saturday 23 October at 8.15
Ulysses Choir in the Star of the Sea Church. Admission €10 (fund raiser for the Church)

Monday 25 October
Lionel Ritchie Concert, Main Arena, RDS

Wednesday 27 - Saturday 30 October 7.45 pm
Russian State Opera present Puccini’s Madame Butterly at the Mahony Hall at The Helix at DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Box Office 700 7000. www.helix.ie

Saturday 30 October
Halloween Ball with eight piece swing band at the Green Room, Holiday Inn, Pearse Street. Box Office 6703666.

Sat. 30 - Sun. 31 October
Docklands Hallow’en & Harvest Festival at George’s Dock.

Thursday 4 - Sunday 7 November
The Knitting and Stitching Show, Main Hall, RDS.

Friday 12 - Monday November
Off the Rails Live, RDS Simminscourt

Friday 12th November 8pm.
Music recital by John Shera, St Matthew’s Church.

Sunday 14 November
Special afternoon at Marian College when past pupils will be able to meet old friends.

Thursday 18 November 8pm.
Sandymount and Merrion Residents’ Association AGM at Scoil Mhuire.

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st November
Art Exhibition and Auction in Enable Ireland, Sandymount Avenue. www.enableireland.ie.

Sunday 21 November
Evening Prayer and 4pm Dedications. Preacher; Archbishop of Dublin, St Matthew’s Church.

Wednesday 8 - Sunday 12 December
National Craft Fair, Main Hall, RDS