The first Paddies Luncheon of four to be held on the first Friday of each new season in 2026 was held at The Emerald Hotel in South Melbourne on Friday, 6 March 2026, over the Labour Day long weekend.

We had over 25 attendees at the Autumn lunch, who all enjoyed the every three-month get-together at The Emerald Hotel, capably organised by Old Collegians Noel Sheehan (SPC 1964-70) and Michael O’Dowd (SPC 1964-69).  With everything going on around Melbourne over the long weekend, this was a good crowd and get together. A big thankyou must be given to the organisers in the way and presentation of these regular luncheons. As you would be aware organising anything can be an awesome task, and this one is run like clockwork- as always.

The photo, above, shows the group before having their lunch – similar to the days as boarders at SPC. Again, a big thankyou must be given to The Emerald Hotel (Jane and Andrew Lewis in particular) and staff for such a wonderful afternoon.

It was pleasing to note that at least seven of the participants were over the age of 80. None of the octogenarians look their age and are in very good health and high spirits and enjoy coming along catching up with the “younger” OCA guys. Again, many stories were re-told of the days at SPC and how the schooling shaped their future in the world.

During the various speeches, everyone could hear the Formula One (F1) cars preparing through practicing for their big day on the Sunday (8 March) at Albert Park.

Many stories related to the commencement of the AFL season, the night before and of Melbourne Storm’s great performance also on the night before at Melbourne Park defeating the Parramatta Eels 52 – 4. The Storm have nearly one every first game of their NRL seasons – a great achievement. Of course, being an Old Collegian, many conversations turned to Saturday’s horse racing at Royal Flemington with the running of the Sires, the Newmarket, the All-Star Mile and forerunner to the Australian Cup and of the Adelaide Cup to be run on Monday, 9th March 2026.

The second Paddies Luncheon of 2026 will be held at The Emerald Hotel, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne on Friday, 5 June 2026 (World Environment Day) commencing at 12 noon. It would be pleasing to get some younger OCA SPC guys – those particularly who have been away from SPC for 20 years or so. Fresher faces to continue these Paddies Luncheons is desirable as we are all getting older. To hear stories of the ‘young’ OCA guys compared to the ‘older’ OCA guys would be great.

Hoping to see you at the next Paddies Luncheon. Place it in your diary and contact either Noel at noel@stafforgserv.com.au or via phone on 0418 509 809 or Michael at mjdowd@hotmail.com or via phone on 0407 680 682.

Thanks to Shane Pianta (SPC 1973-74) for compiling this story