Jes Voices Album

Attempting to reflect the life and times of Coláiste Iognáid on a compact disc is a daunting task. The revival of the school’s Past Pupils Union in recent times saw many former graduates return fondly to Sea Road and tell their different stories.

In the middle of its own physical transformation on the campus and approaching its 150th anniversary, there was both a desire and a need to reflect the Jes experience. Coláiste Iognáid has had a huge influence on many lives; in formation, training, development and the school’s spirit stays with students long after they have departed its gates.

It was important that this C.D. reflect the views, voices and spirits of all those who comprise the Jes community. We sought to reach pupils, teachers, pastpupils, Jesuits and the parents. All those partners and stakeholders have contributed to the great legacy we now seek to celebrate.

This work means a great deal to me personally as the stories, views and observations here reflect the rich tapestry of school life. Listening and prompting the mix of reflection, thought, memories, stories and great joy was a privilege. Ten years into the new millennium, (one believes that) the present cohort of students also has something rich to celebrate. The Jes contribution to Galway life is something to be very proud of in these difficult times. I trust that the album makes its own contribution in sparking other fond reminiscences and reflections.

The concept of producing a Jes C.D. was first raised with me by Sean Garvey last summer. Whilst I had enjoyed his production with the great Galwegian Chick Gillen, Sean still had a lot of convincing to do before I got animated with the notion. We held many meetings over the year before the recording became a reality. Deciding who could make an input and what we sought to reflect was an interesting if, at times, protracted process.

Working with Carl Hession and Eugene Killeen finally helped to add real impetus and vitality to the project. There was also palpable kindness and enthusiasm from the interviewees as they readily agreed to late change of schedules.

The C.D. attempts to reflect the past and the present whilst bridging the timeframe with a description of how the Jesuit presence and Ignatian ethos have served the school and the city so well. Déantar iarracht an scoil a phlé go hoscailte gan aon cur i gcéill ná aon chuma bréagach a chur ar chúrsaí.

Tá mé fíor-bhuíoch do Seán Garvey, Carl Hession agus Eugene Killeen as ucht an bóthar seo a shiúl liom. Cairde agus comhleacaithe a bhí go hiomlán taobh thiar don iarracht seo. Buíochas ó chroí leis do Catherine Hickey a thug deis dom am a chaitheamh leis an tionscnamh nuair a bhí neart glaochanna agus curaimí eile orm agus muid ag taifeadadh.

Adh mór i gcónaí | Bernie O’Connell
Coláiste Iognáid | New Era Campaign