Gonzaga Union

Annual Green & White Dinner

This year the event moved to the SAS Radisson St. Helen's Hotel...

What a great night, and a terrific atmosphere, those on this years waiting list will definitely have to book earlier next year to secure their place.

This wonderful event has grown in popularity and seats sold out within ten days of the letter going out to parents. This was the first time since this dinner started that it was not held in the Conrad Hotel, but our move to the Radisson SAS, St. Helen’s Hotel was a nice change. The reception was held in the Le Panto Room and guests enjoyed the wonderful musical talents of students Philip O’Shea, Patrick Collins, George Dockrell, Ian Donnelly, Thomas Hobbs, Elliot Murphy, Cathal McGrath and Fintan Hughes. Many thanks to Rosemary O’Brien for all her hard work in putting this orchestra together.

After much bell ringing from the Duty Manager, guests finally moved to The Pembroke Suite for dinner. Much more bell ringing finally moved guests from the Pembroke bar to the dining area.

The Gonzaga Student Merit Award was presented by Tom Murphy, Union President and Kevin Whirdy, Headmaster to Jack Hutchinson. Jack won a gold medal in the IJSO and went on to represent Ireland in the IJSO in Korea.

The Social Justice Award was presented to Niall Crowley and the guest speaker was Peter Sutherland.

This year the auction was a silent one and there was great activity around the bid box as guests tried to have a sneak look at their neighbour’s bids.

The money raised at the auction and from the raffle will go to the Peter McVerry Trust and The Gonzaga Benevolent Fun.

The atmosphere was that of a ‘long party’ and as I left for the evening (2pm) many others were still in full swing.