Clongowes Foundation welcomed over 70 guests to a panel discussion event celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship on April 3rd at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin.
The Foundation greatly valued this opportunity to bring Old Clongownians together to share insights, exchange ideas, and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the Clongowes community.
The event was an opportunity also to celebrate the spirit of innovation and courageous attitude that saw the establishment of the Alberto Hurtado Bursary Programme in 2007 and the recent establishment of the OC Bursary initiative. The OC Bursary initiative allows a Year group of OCs to come together to fund an AHP student through their 6 years.
A wonderful gathering of Old Clongownians from different years came together for the event, joined by current Poetry students, Fr Sheil, Headmaster Mr Lumb, Margaret Doyle, and a number of Clongowes staff. Guests had the opportunity to reconnect and engage in conversation prior to the commencement of the Panel discussion at 7pm.
Our distinguished panel—Ross Finegan OC’87 (Lonsdale Capital Partners), Gary McCarthy OC’87 (Spark Private), Mark Purcell OC’00 (Workplace Solutions, J.P. Morgan), Patrick Walsh OC’03 (Dogpatch Labs), and Richard Fitzgerald OC’02 (Augustus Media), who contributed via video message—were expertly led by Chair Peter Gray OC’73. Each speaker shared elements of the personal and professional journeys that have shaped their success, offering invaluable reflections on the entrepreneurial path.
A common thread throughout their stories was the importance of self-belief, and the ability to embrace failure and challenges as essential parts of the journey toward success.
The role of Clongowes in these journeys also resonated deeply – highlighting that intangible but powerful influence that shapes character. Themes of passion, commitment, and giving your all, as well as the core values of integrity, honesty, and resilience instilled from a young age, were acknowledged as guiding principles in navigating both opportunity and adversity throughout life.
The Foundation would like to express thanks to our panellists for their insights and to all who attended for their energy and engagement on a wonderful evening.
For OCs who could not attend on the evening please get in touch with administrator@clongowes.net if you wish to receive a video recording of the event.
For further information on the OC Bursary Initiative please contact jrooney@clongowes.net or antoinettekelly@clongowes.net.
Click here for Fr Sheil’s welcome for the event – Fr Rector Welcome Entrepreneur Evening 2025
