In recent weeks, we received a copy of this photograph from a past pupil of Brunner by the name of Joe (Michael Joseph) Patterson. The picture was taken in 1943, and includes Joe and three other Brunner students from that time. Joe is the boy standing furthest to the right. Seated beside him is an older boy by the name of Boylan (if anyone reading this recalls his first name please let us know) who had just won a university scholarship. Standing just to the left of him is Seán Cromien, former Secretary General of the Department of Finance. Finally, seated furthest to the left is one Paddy Monahan who would go on to become Brigadier General of the Irish Army. Joe, Seán and Paddy had all won Dublin Corporation scholarships of £100 (the equivalent of €5455 in 2026), to be paid at £20 a year over five years. Not a sum to be sneezed at.
Joe went on to have a very successful career in Radio Éireann, and he very kindly shared some of his memories of working with our national broadcaster during it's early years and you can read some of those at this link. Joe, who enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Seán Cromien also graciously took the time to share a little about some of his friend's achievements in life and you will find that here.
If you would like to see some footage of Paddy Monahan in his role as Brigadier General, you will find some footage of him inspecting the troops at Griffith Barracks here.
Thank you again for taking the time to share this photo and reminiscences with us Joe, truly proving that 'Once a Brunner Boy, Always a Brunner Boy'!