There was a good turnout at the Paddies Spring Luncheon at The Emerald Hotel, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne on Friday, 5 September 2025.
In all, over 25 participants attended the luncheon and thoroughly enjoyed themselves and continued well into the afternoon for most.
Many stories reminiscing about the days at St Patrick’s College were told throughout the afternoon. Participants spoke about what they have been doing since finishing their secondary schooling at SPC.
As the Paddies luncheon was celebrating the season of Spring, much of the conversations turned to the finals in the AFL and NRL and more specifically to the Spring thoroughbred horse racing season. A couple of the participants, including Des McKinnon (SPC 1963-66) gave out their tips for the following day’s racing at Moonee Valley and Morphettville.
Everyone enjoyed the Paddies Spring Luncheon and all look forward to the next Paddies Luncheon – the Summer Luncheon to be held at The Emerald Hotel, Clarendon Road, South Melbourne on Friday, 5 December commencing at 12 noon.
Again, we would like to thank the Lewis family, especially Jane, who operate the Clarendon Hotel for making the afternoon such a success.
Thanks must go to Noel Sheehan (SPC 1964-70) and Michael Dowd (SPC 1964-69) for organising the wonderful Paddies Spring Luncheon.
Thanks to Shane Pianta (SPC 1973-74) for his help with this story.
The Paddies Seasonal Lunches are held for Old Collegians at the Emerald Hotel in south Melbourne at the start of each season. The lunches start at 12 noon for a 12.30pm gathering. To RSVP for the Spring Lunch on 5 September, please contact organisers Michael Dowd (SPC 1964-69) at mjdowd@hotmail.com or via phone on 0407 680 682 or Noel Sheehan (SPC 1964-70) at noel@stafforgserv.com.au or via phone on 0418 509 809.
