Bicentennial Ball is a wonderful night out
Congratulations to the Organisation Committee of the VHC Bicentennial Gala Ball (pictured)
The event was a fantastic occasion and brought many friends of Violet Hill together to celebrate this remarkable milestone.
Past Pupil and BBC Broadcaster John Toal was our Fear an Tí and he did a brilliant job, as always.
Sincere thanks to the many businesses who supported this unique event.
The following was a foreword provided by Principal Mr Cormac McKinney, for the event;
On behalf of the staff and students of St. Colman’s College, I am delighted to welcome you to our Bicentenary Ball, marking 200 years of St. Colman’s College.
When St. Colman’s College opened in William Street, Newry on the 12th May 1823, Rev. Keenan, the founding President of the new College stated that his vision was to “make us better men and better Christians.” Rev. Keenan may never have imagined that his vision would continue to be lived out 200 years later in such a transformed world, or that he would be quoted in 2023 as the founding father of Violet Hill College of which we are all so proud.
Tonight’s event is a unique event in our Bicentenary calendar. It brings together our Board of Governors, staff, students, parents/ guardians, our esteemed alumni and friends who collaboratively with St Colman’s College in meeting the needs of every student, every blue blazer who attends our College. Together, we work to ensure that each student is enabled to reach his unique curricular and extracurricular potential, and is equipped with the skills, attitudes and dispositions that will allow him to excel in all aspects of his life now and in the future.
Marking our bicentenary tonight, gives us the opportunity to say thank you to everyone in our College community for all that is done for the College and for our students.
The College is very grateful to everyone who co-ordinated, supported, helped and sponsored tonight’s event. You have all helped to ensure that tonight is a great success and a true celebration of our Bicentenary.
I hope that you enjoy your evening.
Cormac McKinney
Principal
