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Welcome to the NEW Blackrock College Union community website which is one of the primary channels of communication with our members. We would encourage you to re-register on the new website to help keep you in contact with other past students and inform you of events, support groups and projects the union and college are currently undertaking.
Spiritans accused of putting own interests before those of abuse victims More...
A victim / survivor of Spiritan child sexual abuse and member of Restore Together More...
Updated September 2024
The Blackrock College Union expresses its deepest sympathy and solidarity with all past pupils who were subject to abuse while attending the College. It is a matter of great sadness to the Union that such abuse was inflicted on pupils of the schools and we acknowledge that the matters raised in the media are profoundly upsetting and life changing for the victims of such abhorrent abuse. The Union deeply regrets that pupils in the College and Willow Park were not protected from this abuse and we encourage anyone who has been affected by such abuse to seek the appropriate advice and assistance.The media coverage has referred to a statement which has been carried on our website which encourages any past pupil affected by abuse to seek supports and which is repeated below.
"Inclusion and engagement are two strong themes that the Union focus on. As representatives of your Union we are conscious that the experiences of some of our past pupils while at school in Willow Park and Blackrock College may have been damaged by abuse by persons priest and lay, who were teachers during those important years. The Union wants you to know that if you have been affected by such experiences there are practical and moral supports available on a confidential basis by contacting the Union at unionoffice@rock.ie"
We would encourage any pupil who is an abuse victim to come forward and begin the process of healing with the full support of all your peers.
Additionally, we would direct you to the following links that may provide you with alternatives should you wish to avail of them.
Tim Chapman Restorative Justice Process: Email: info@timchapman.eu
One In Four: One in Four supports people who have experienced sexual violence during childhood. http://oneinfour.ie/ 01 662 4070
Spiritan Order: https://spiritan.ie/safeguarding/ Spiritan Safeguarding Office. Liam Lally (0868312987) Liam.lally@spiritanplt.ie
National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI): www.safeguarding.ie 00 353 (0)1 5053124
Local Garda Station: http://www.garda.ie/Stations/Default.aspx
Tusla: The Child and Family Agency https://www.tusla.ie/services/
Northern Ireland Contact your local Police Station: www.psni.police.uk Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/childprotection_guidance
For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available:
1. By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie
2. By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7
3. Calling to your local Garda Station
Anyone contacting An Garda Síochána will receive personal contact as soon as possible.
Ref: PR22752/2024.
We will add more as they are recommended to us.
Welcome from Mark Rogan
Dear Past Pupils of Blackrock College,
It is my pleasure and honour to hold the position of President of the Past Pupils Union for 2025/2026. As I look forward to my year, I am deeply grateful to inherit the Union in such good stead from the safe hands of previous Presidents, not least immediate Past President Karl O’Neill. The committee is dedicated to upholding the traditions and embracing the new challenges we face; the combination of seasoned and newer members ensures the future is bright, and I thank them for giving their time so generously.
The foundations of the modern Union have been laid; it falls to me and the officers to build on this solid plinth and stand on the shoulders of great ‘Rock Men’ before us. The issues that I intend to prioritise in my year will be Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention, The Elephant in the Room is a wonderful initiative and an excellent catalyst to spark open conversations, removing any remaining stigma associated with mental well-being. The Elephant, like our Lion and Dove, will become part of the Blackrock fabric. Working alongside Blue and White Support Group with a dedicated sub-committee, I want to drive initiatives to support all Past Pupils young and old.
Furthermore, the Union, and my personal commitment to and support of Restore Together, will continue in earnest. We have much to do and will do this together as part of the Blackrock College/Willow Park Community.
I look forward to working closely with our Junior Committee as we look to the future of our great organisation, ensuring we remain relevant, tapping into the needs of the broad scale and scope of our membership base, in every corner of the globe.
To the teachers, coaches and staff of Blackrock College and Willow Park, thank you for everything you do for our children every day, and the support you continue to show the past pupils union; without this dedication to our wonderful institution, we would not exist. I am looking forward to further building on the close relationship with Yvonne Markey and her leadership team, Alan Rogan and Cormac McAleer.
Finally, I am excited about the year ahead, not only for what we can achieve but also all the past pupils I will get to meet at the various events throughout the year, both social and charitable as we support the Mission Fund, Blue and White Support Group and SVP Conference. I would also like to wish the Rugby and Soccer Club continued success next season.
So let’s be kinder. Let’s be present. And let’s remember, we don’t need to fix someone’s problems to make a difference – we just need to show them they are not alone.
Fides et Robur,
Mark Rogan (Class of 1995)
Membership of the union is free of charge to all members. However, even as a voluntary organisation, the union does incur expenditure to cover administration and to support events such as the Blackrock College Business Lunch, the Annual Dinner, the various reunions, networking events and other charitable support activities.
We would therefore appreciate any donations, no matter the amount as they will all go a long way to ensuring that all of this work continues.
We would also like to take the opportunity to thank those members who have donated in the past. With your ongoing support, we will continue to provide the best possible services to our membership.
