DLS Waterford honour Br. Stephen Deignan

Bertie Deignan with his wife, Eileen, and daughter, Mairead

De La Salle College Waterford celebrated Founder’s Day in a memorable way as they used the occasion to honour a former principal and a very influential Lasallian from our District.

The contribution of Br Stephen Deignan, not only to the school but to the Lasallian Family was recognised as the staff and students celebrated the official opening of a new library dedicated to his memory.

Br. Stephen, who was principal from 1992 to 1995 and a former Provincial of the then District of Ireland, made a lasting impression on all those who knew him and his legacy will live on in the Br. Stephen Deignan Library.

Since September of this academic year, staff members put in a huge amount of work to refurbish the room and source the books to create a wonderful resource for all in the school.

Their efforts were rewarded on Friday May 10th when the library was officially opened and a special function attended by Stephen’s brother, Bertie, who travelled from Sligo along with his wife Eileen and daughter Mairead.

Mairead thanked all involved for the work they had put in and the very fitting way in which they had honoured Br Stephen, who would no doubt be very proud.

Acting Principal, Tom Bourke, thanked all those who were involved in bringing the project to fruition.

A special guest on the day was Fr. Sean McLaughlin, a former student at the college who donated copies of his books to the library. Fr. Sean, who spent much of his life in the Philippines, has written extensively on ecological challenges and the role of the church in addressing those issues.

The launch was part of the Founder’s Day celebrations at the school which featured a school Mass at the local St Joseph and St Benildus Church.

During the Mass, Brother Visitor Ben Hanlon, thanked all staff for their contribution to Lasallian education, and students for continuing the legacy. Former teacher, Fergus Dunne, reminded all of the contribution made by the De La Salle Order in Waterford.

A feature of the Mass was the wonderful contribution of the school choir.