St Pat’s News
Reflecting on one of SPC’s greatest sporting defeats 70 years on
Perhaps one of St Patrick’s greatest footballing arch-rivals was made welcome at the College recently. Former Ballarat Clarendon College First XVIII football captain John Birt, now aged 87 years, visited the school and took a trip down memory lane, walking out on our new and improved Main Oval once again. Some may well remember John…
William Nicholas (Nick) Coffey (SPC 1968-70, PY1972)
We are saddened to learn of the passing of William Nicholas (Nick) Coffey (SPC 1968-70, PY1972), who passed away on 31 October 2023. Nick was the younger brother of John (SPC 1965-69), boarders from Warracknabeal, and we extend our condolences to John and his extended family. Nick started at SPC in Form 2 and left…
Michael (Mick) Joseph Griffin (SPC 1952-53)
We were notified of the passing of Old Collegian Michael (Mick) Joseph Griffin (SPC 1952-53) back on 1 July 2021. Michael was a day student who was at SPC for two years, completing sub-intermediate B class, along with his brother Peter (SPC 1949). We extend our condolences to Michael’s family, including his wife Carmel, children…
Joseph Francis (Frank) Hutchinson (SPC 1945-47, PY1948)
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Joseph Francis (Frank) Hutchinson (SPC 1945-47, PY1948) on 16 March 2024, just shy of his 93rd birthday on 28 March. Frank’s mother died when he was 13; and a few months later, he completed Grade 8 at the Landsborough public school. Frank initially boarded at St…
Peter Golla (SPC 1979-81)
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Old Boy Peter Golla (SPC 1979-81) on 4 April 2024. Peter was well known in the music scene, especially for his Neil Diamond tribute show which he toured Australia with. He also sung a number of times on “Good Morning Australia” with Bert Newton. Peter’s mother…
Celebration of 130 years of athletics at SPC
This year marks 130 years of athletics at St Patrick’s College. So, how did athletics begin? In 1893, Br Ryan, despite his disappointment that the College couldn’t hold an athletics competition, vowed to change this. His unwavering determination led to the first athletics carnival in 1894 at Eastern Oval—the competition, though not fiercely competitive, with…
Book launch on John James Sheehan (SPC 1925-1932) biography
Former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks AC recently launched a biography of Old Collegian John James Sheehan (SPC 1925-1932), focusing on his special connection to the Ballarat community, education, politics, and the Catholic faith. Sheehan’s son Mark Sheehan (SPC 1969-1977), wrote the book, which began as a research project and evolved into a biography acknowledging his…
Where are they now – Kyle Faulkhead (SPC 2014-19)
The College recently reconnected with Old Collegian Kyle Faulkhead (SPC 2014-19) who returned for his Five-Year Reunion earlier this term and has many fond memories of his time at SPC. Where has life taken you since leaving SPC? Life after St Pat’s has taken me to find my current job at Platinum Institute Australia…
Green, white and blue in the spotlight at NBA game
A SPC First XVIII Football jumper made an appearance at the NBA recently! Old Collegian Anthony Buckle (SPC 1991-92) went to America recently with his eldest son Lockie and wore his First XVIII jumper to the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA game. Needless to say, Anthony says he got a few strange looks!!…
Class of 1994 celebrates 30-Year reunion
Around 60 Old Collegians gathered at the College recently to celebrate their 30-Year Class Reunion. Old Collegians travelled far and wide to attend, coming as far as Hong Kong, to reconnect with former classmates and enjoy the opportunity to catch up and reminisce. Much-loved staff member Colleen Pope was also present and shared many funny…