ANOTHER HISTORIC PHOTO FROM ELEANOR'S ALBUM

We have another wonderful photograph from Eleanor Dalton's family album!  It was taken sometime between the years 1941-1945 and it really is  a valuable piece of St Patrick's Convent History.  We are very grateful to Eleanor for sharing it with us.

We can name some of the Sisters and we are hoping that you will be able to help us with those we don't know. If you can help, please contact us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com. 

From the back L-R: 

Sr M Patrick, Sr M Josephine, Sr M  Immaculata ?, Sr M Sebastian, Sr M Columba, Sr M Celine, Sr M Imelda, Sr M Agnes, Mother M John, ?, Mother M DeSales, Sr M Camilla, Fr F J Jackman, ?, Sr M Agatha 

Who do you know in this historic photo?

Eleanor said the picture was taken at the back entrance of the convent. Since she had no idea who the military priest was, she sent the photo to Frank Galgay who was able to identify the priest.  Eleanor has also sent us a copy of Frank's email, which he has given us permission to post here.

Frank's interesting & informative email

Once again, a very big 'Thank You' to Eleanor for all the help she gives to our School Blog. The pictures are an important part of the history of St Patrick's Convent and Schools and we are proud and pleased to be able to post them on the blog.  Thanks also to Frank Galgay for identifying the priest in this photo and for allowing us to post his reply to Eleanor's email. The interesting information about Fr Jackman is another valuable piece of St Patrick's history. Thank you both very much.

SO SAD TO SEE YOU GO!

We are all so sad to hear of the closure of St Patrick’s Convent.     It has been an integral part of life in the West End for 160 years.  As former   pupils of the    School,     it has had a profound influence on our lives.    We will miss   the   presence   of   the  Sisters  in   St Patrick’s   Parish   but   the  memories    will remain. 

Eleanor Dalton has shared some treasured photographs and memories with us.  

The main entrance to St Patrick's Convent as it is today

Eleanor said: 

“I’M SO SAD THAT THE CONVENT IS CLOSING.  HERE ARE A COUPLE OF PICTURES OF THE CONVENT’S MAIN ENTRANCE IN 1948 AND TODAY.  MY GREAT AUNT IS HOLDING ME.  I’M VERY PROUD TO SAY THAT I’M A ST PATRICK’S GIRL AND ALSO THAT THERE IS SO MUCH FAMILY HISTORY WITH THE CONVENT.  MY PARENTS WERE MARRIED IN THE CONVENT CHAPEL IN 1941.”

Eleanor being held by her great aunt, Sr M Josephine Halleran, outside the main entrance to St Patrick's Convent, 1948.
Who are the other Sisters?

Eleanor's great aunt, Sr M Josephine Halleran, was her mother's aunt.  Sr Josephine and her sister, Sr M Agnes Halleran, were long standing and well loved members of St Patrick's Convent community and they now rest side by side in the little cemetery there.

The graves of Eleanor's great aunts in
St Patrick's Convent Cemetery

Eleanor, we are very grateful to you for sharing with us and we look forward to hearing more from you.   

We would very much like to hear from anyone with photos, memories or any connection with St Patrick’s Convent so, please, rifle your drawers, albums, cupboards, and anywhere else that you have stashed away the old photos and memories.  When you have dug them out, please share them with us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com.

GREAT AUNTS WHO WERE REALLY GREAT AND A SCHOOL REUNION

I have had some interesting e-mails concerning this blog.  The senders have given me their permission to share them with you in a post.

The first one is from Eleanor Dalton and it concerns a post that I did on 4th April 2011, RAISING MONEY FOR THE NEW SCHOOL, (click here) and I am very pleased to post Eleanor's e-mail below.

"Hi Beth Anne

Sr M Josephine, Nellie Williams
and Sr M Agnes.  The Sisters are
Eleanor's Great Aunts and Nellie
is my dear Mother.

I enjoy this blog very much as well as interesting. Looked at a photo of your mother with Sister Agnes and Sister Josephine.  These two sisters are my GREAT AUNTS; they also had another sister (Sister Zita).  My grandmother was Margaret Hallernan and married John Sutton. My mother Bessie also had two sisters in the Mercy Order, Sister Mary Andrea and Sister Mary Edmund. I will look for some pictures I think I may have one picture with all three Sisters.

Hope to see you before you head back to the UK.

Take Care

Eleanor"

The next e-mail I received is from Mark Fardy.  Mark had some interesting comments about the post I did on 22nd April 2012, SR MARY XAVERIA FARDY, (click here).  Here is Mark's e-mail.





"Hello Beth Ann,

Sr M Xaveria Fardy,
Mark's Great Aunt

Your blog entry showed up in one of my Google auto-updates. Sister Xaveria was my GREAT AUNT. She also taught piano to both of my sisters (Marie and Joanne) each of whom also graduated from St. Patrick's (1978 and 1981 respectively).  My wife, Michelle Brennan, is also a grad (1977).

It was great to read your article, thanks Beth Ann.

Mark Fardy"

I also received an e-mail from Dora Reid.  Dora is interested in a School reunion.  I think many of you would be interested in a reunion so I am posting Dora's e-mail for all to read.  If you are planning a reunion or know of any that might be taking place, please let us know & we will give you all the publicity that we can.  Here is Dora's e-mail.

 

"Hello and good day!

I just viewed this website and found your e-mail address.

I was wondering if and when there will be a reunion for the students from the 80's. The principal was Sister Cecelia, Sister Regina, and all the wonderful teachers. I remember everything and everyone so well. A trip down memory lane with old friends would be fantastic, as the older teachers are getting older.

Thanks for your time, God bless

Dora Reid"

Thanks to Eleanor, Mark and Dora for these informative and interesting e-mails.  Your input is greatly valued. I appreciate all the help I can get in maintaining this blog so I welcome all photos, stories, memories, comments and e-mails.