Belvedere Union – Annual Report 2024/25
Introduction
Reflecting on the past year as President of the Belvedere Union, I do so with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of privilege. The role has never been about the chain itself, but about how it is worn – with dedication, responsibility, and a commitment to representing Belvedere, its past pupils, and the wider community.
When I took up the position, my vision was clear: to make Belvedere the biggest, best, and most active Past Pupils Union in the country. This is not simply about numbers, but about creating meaningful connections, fostering community, and supporting one another in the true spirit of Belvedere. At the heart of that vision is Magis – the Jesuit principle of striving for excellence and always seeking to do better. It has guided our activities this year, shaping how we engage alumni, support the College, and serve the wider community.
Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner, held in the RDS, was a memorable occasion attended by some 350 past pupils and guests spanning many decades. It reflected the vibrant life of the Union, bringing together alumni from all walks of life to celebrate shared history, connection, and the enduring spirit of Belvedere – raising an incredible €8,000 for the Belvedere Support Network (formerly the Belvedere Benevolent Association).
We are delighted that the Dinner will return to the Round Room at the Mansion House on Friday, October 17th, 2025. This event will once again be generously sponsored by Bay Advisory, our Title Sponsor, whose support has been instrumental in making the evening a success. Alumni are encouraged to book early via the Union website to secure their place, ensuring another opportunity to engage with the wider Belvedere community.
The Annual Dinner is not just a social event, but a celebration of network, community, and shared values – the core principles that guide all we do as a Union.
Network Forum Lunch and Breakfasts
Professional engagement and career development have been central themes this year. The Network Forum Lunch, hosted at Fire and sponsored by Clinch Wealth Management, featured Minister Jack Chambers TD as guest speaker. His address on public service, leadership, and resilience sparked animated discussion and reflection, reinforcing the Union’s role in facilitating meaningful professional engagement. The lunch was a great success, with some €10,000 raised for the Belvedere Youth Club.
Separately, the Network Forum breakfasts, expertly led by Ivan Hammond, provided further opportunities for professional development and insight. Two standout sessions included:
- David McKernan, founder of Java Republic and Biavest, who spoke about entrepreneurship, resilience, and values-driven leadership
- Barry Napier, CEO of Cubic Telecom, sharing the journey of building a global Irish technology company and the lessons learned along the way
These events not only offered practical insights but strengthened the professional and social networks that are the backbone of the Union, helping alumni connect, learn from one another, and create opportunities throughout their careers.
Sports and Social Events
Sporting and social gatherings have remained a vital part of our calendar, fostering camaraderie and community.
Golf events included the Captain’s Prize in Portmarnock, won by Colin Keane, and the President’s Prize in Royal Dublin, won by Kevin Lynch. These activities provide informal opportunities for networking, mentorship, and lifelong friendships, reinforcing the Union’s mission to build connections across the Belvedere community. We are grateful to Colin Lynch for his many years of commitment to the Golf Society, and wish Kevin Jolley (Golfer of the Year) the best of luck as he takes on the role of Honorary Secretary with Colin stepping into the role of President Elect at the Union.
Meanwhile, we were delighted to see OBRFC had a successful season, achieving promotion to Division 1A in the AIL. The Union will continue to nurture strong links with the Club, with reciprocal attendance at events planned for the year ahead.
College Connection
The Union’s work in supporting Belvedere College remains central to our mission.
Over the past year, we helped facilitate class reunions from ten to sixty years out, held in Belvedere House. These reunions are more than social gatherings – they provide past pupils a chance to reconnect with the College and each other, reflecting on how the experiences of the past shape the present. The dialogue between past and present pupils enriches both communities, illustrating how the traditions and values of Belvedere endure across generations.
The Annual Past v Present debate was also a roaring success, with the Present team taking the spoils following lively discussion and plenty of interventions from the audience. It was an excellent occasion, and we are grateful to Dave McGeady for his support on the Past side for fielding a strong team with energy and flair.
The Careers Clinic, led by PJ O’Brien, provided mentoring and interview skills support for current students and young alumni. Participants received guidance on professional development, practical career advice, and insights from more experienced Belvederians. Looking ahead, the Clinic will evolve to support past pupils who are developing or changing career paths, offering continued professional guidance and networking opportunities throughout a lifetime.
The Annual Mass continues to anchor the Union’s calendar, providing a moment for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude, while reinforcing the values of faith, service, and community that define Belvedere. We are grateful to John O’Reilly for all his excellent work in this regard.
Sleep Out & Junior Union Committee
The Sleep Out, organised with outstanding support from the Junior Union under the leadership of Sean Carroll, raised an impressive €330,000 for Focus Ireland and the Jesuit Refugee Service. For the first time, alumni in London joined via video call, linking with the Dublin group and demonstrating the Union’s international reach. The Junior Union continues to set a high standard, not only in organising this event but also in ensuring strong representation at the Annual Dinner, with over 100 junior members attending.
Belvedere Support Network
The Belvedere Support Network (formerly the Benevolent Association) continues to provide confidential support to alumni and their families, offering financial assistance, guidance, and practical help in times of need.
Following my year as President, I look forward to leading the Support Network for the next three years. I encourage anyone wishing to get involved, or who may need support, to reach out. This initiative exemplifies the Union’s commitment to community and demonstrates how alumni can provide meaningful support to one another throughout life’s challenges.
Belvedere Youth Club
The Belvedere Youth Club continues its vital work supporting children and young adults in Dublin’s North East Inner City. The Four Provinces Cycle, organised by Andy Kinsella and Darragh Lynch, raised over €20,000. Next year, the cyclists will travel to Kerry, and I encourage all alumni to support this initiative wherever possible, reinforcing the Union’s commitment to service and engagement with the wider community.
St Vincent de Paul
The Union also supported the Society of St Vincent de Paul, assisting with recruitment of new members and highlighting opportunities for alumni to give back. These efforts strengthen our community-focused mission and exemplify the values that Belvedere instils in its students and alumni.
Past Presidents’ Dinner
April saw the Past Presidents’ Dinner, a warmly attended event celebrating the achievements of those who have previously led the Union. It was a chance to reflect on the legacy of leadership, the continuity of service, and the ongoing evolution of the Union over decades.
Communications and Membership
The Union made significant progress in communications and engagement this year.
Our LinkedIn community grew to over 1,800 followers, with strong interaction across posts, including a highlight on Cian Healy, which garnered over 30,000 views and 1,000 interactions.
The annual membership scheme encourages alumni to join via the Union website, offering early access to events and ensuring the sustainability and vitality of the network. Membership is central to making Belvedere the biggest, best, and most active Union it can be.
Acknowledgements
None of this work would have been possible without the dedication of many individuals and organisations:
- Bernie Millar, Alumni Relations Officer, for her energy, insight, and tireless work
- Brian Terry, for his careful stewardship of finances
- Bay Advisory, for sponsoring the Annual Dinner
- Clinch Wealth Management, for sponsoring the Network Forum Lunch
- Fr Paddy Greene SJ, Gerry Foley, and Colin McCarthy, for their ongoing support of College-Union collaboration
- Committee members and the wider Belvedere community, whose commitment underpins every success
Looking Ahead
The past year has been defined by connection, community, and service. We strengthened professional networks, facilitated reunions, supported younger alumni, and reached out to those in need. With the chain now passed to John Reynolds, I am confident the Union will continue to grow and flourish.
I encourage all alumni to sign up for membership via the Union website and to book tickets for the Annual Dinner on Friday, 17th October 2025 in the Round Room at the Mansion House.
Belvedere is more than a school; it is a network that lifts us, a community that supports us, and a source of lifelong connection. Over the past year, we have strengthened that network, deepened that community, and continued the Union’s mission to make Belvedere the biggest, best, and most active Past Pupils Union in the country.
Cathal J Barry
Immediate Past President