The Crescent College Comprehensive Past Pupils’ Union annual dinner was held at the Strand Hotel on Saturday 18th October 2025. It was hosted by Union President, Rachel Harnett. There was an attendance of just over one hundred and forty which was a healthy turn out.
The Presidents’ guests were Helen O’Donnell, Chair of the CCC Board of Management, Diarmuid Mullins, School Principal, Michael McNamara, recipient of the roll of honour award, Liam Keehan, President of Old Crescent RFC, Tim Kiely, President of Clongowes Past Pupils’ Union, Cian O’Carroll, representing Belvedere Past Pupils’ Union, Declan Gallagher, President of Mungret College Past Pupils’ Union, Mark Rogan, President, Blackrock Union, Tomas Keys, representing TheJes Galway and Justice Kevin O’Higgins.
Diarmuid Mullins, Principal of CCC, reiterated the close relationship which continues to develop between the school and the Union. He acknowledged the contribution from past pupils to the school. Diarmuid also spoke warmly about the Creative Writing Project that the Past Pupils Union sponsors, which is in its fourth year.
The President, Rachel Harnett, welcomed the guests was especially pleased to welcome the Classes of 1960, 1970, 1975 and 1985, who are celebrating their 65th, 55-year, 50th and 40-year reunions respectively. Rachel also outlined the events organised by the Union during the year. She highlighted that CUSP (Crescent Union Solidarity Programme) which will offer advice and support to past pupils experiencing difficulties in their careers or personal lives is now in its third year. She indicated that the Union now has a panel of past pupils with legal, financial, employment, redundancy, counselling and other expertise to assist in providing such support. Michael McNamara was presented with the 2025 Roll of Honour award for his achievements in broadcasting.
The guest speaker, Michael McNamara graduated with the Class of 1969. Michael commenced a long career in Irish Radio with RTE in March 1978 with his first show Airs and Races which was live from Punchestown Racecourse where he presented a three-hour music and racing programme from the RTE mobile unit.
In May 1979 he joined RTE Radio 2. Radio2 or 2FM as it became known was Ireland’s first national youth pop station which launched the careers of Gerry Ryan, Marty Whelan, Ronan Collins Dave Fanning and Micky Mac.
Michael spent over 20 years on 2FM presenting a host of programmes including Ireland’s first Clubbing show between 1993 and 2000 and produced a top ten hit “Dance Nation” which entered the Irish Charts. He has the distinction of being the first person to introduce U2 as U2; and was the Irish DJ who presented Eurodance on radio in a joint production between the European Broadcasting Union and Pete Tong at BBC Radio 1 in 1998
In the noughties Michael worked for RTE Lyric and 12 years ago he joined RTE Gold where he now presents Living in the 70’s on Saturdays from the RTE studios in the Cornmarket Limerick between 9-10am
Peter Doyle acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Dermot Maher compiled the slide show for the dinner.
Crescent College Comprehensive student, Seamus Purcell on the Uilleann Pipes, serenaded arriving guests. Seamus gave up his Saturday evening to provide this wonderful music and enforcing the connection between the school and Union.
Rachel thanked her committee paying special tribute to Tony White and Gerry McNamara and congratulated the dinner committee of Keely Cantrell, Jordana Noble, Jeannie O’Malley and Aedín Prendergast for another successful event.
Rachel also thanked everyone who attended and supported the event and hopes to see many old friends and new faces in 2026.