2001 Dinner

Dave Hallas Unleashed!

Old Boys Dinner 2001

St Ambrose has produced its fair share of academics and professionals, including Oxford and Cambridge graduates. John Pethica is one such former pupil (now Professor of Material Science at Oxford University) who benefited from the talent- nurturing environment at St Ambrose. According to Dave Hallas, the Physical Education department at the school led the way in the early identification and special treatment of talented prodigies and in recognition of his future potential , put Pethica in charge of Lost Property.

Following an introduction from Old Boy Pete Riley, Dave Hallas produced an exceptional, humorous and entertaining speech where he reflected on his 25 years at St. Ambrose, recounting memories of fellow teachers and pupils to an audience of 130 old boys, parents and staff.

Dave did not confine himself to his starting position behind a lectern, but opted to roam the full extent of the school hall. With gym pump in hand became the living embodiment of his former self as he called out Old Boys by name to bring them to task over imagined misdemeanours.

This was a terrifying experience, particularly for Johnny Eardley who was forced to take the pump in front of all present.

It became quite clear that Dave has been spending his recent retirement years at Drama School; such was the power of his performance. It was of Sam Wilkinson proportions.

If you weren't there.... you missed something special!

Kieran Charleson

6^th Annual Dinner – Sat 15^th September 2001

Little did I expect that following our inaugural meeting in March 1996, that I would be telling you of our 6^th consecutive Annual Dinner!! By way of a brief reminder, can any of you recall Kieran Moriarty CBE’s subtle opening regarding Brother O’Shea’s reflections on psychology and when he thought boys best understood it?

Next came a riveting and enthralling speech by Shaun Grady, who reminded us of the halcyon days of "Donovan & Lynch?" In 98 Frances Edmonds reminded us of the attributes which were to serve her brothers so well in later life…and some that wouldn’t!

1999 saw Shaun Fleming padded up and at the crease. His recollections produced some rapid early scoring and included hilarious memories of the earlier years. He continued to rifle up a good score bringing in the subject of cricket coaching, the Christian Brothers, and an innings by Neil Fairbrother, before being stumped just short of his 100 on the subject of a trip to Knock Airport!

Peter Riley, the rugby playing "Wizard from Warrington" produced a sublime speech in 2000 reminding us of all of some truly great sporting moments, some vintage years and characters as well as reminding me that I had yet to colour in my reading book!

Who on earth could follow all of those magnificent efforts? Well not many would’ve fancied the task, but one David Hallas said he would like the "right of reply." What followed during nigh-on 60 minutes of the year 2001 dinner will remain etched in the minds of all those who were fortunate enough to have been present. There simply was not a dry eye in the house. Dave produced a display as skilful and elegant as any of the teams he proudly coached in over 30 years of teaching at St. Ambrose. Thoroughly rehearsed as one might expect, achingly funny and sensationally delivered. Thank you Mr Hallas. Your place in the Old Boys’ Hall of Fame is assured.

John Kennedy