Former members of the Fr Gaul’s St Michael’s Carne Summer Camp Boys Club gathered in Browne’s Bar for a 65th reunion celebrating memories, friendships, and the club’s lasting legacy. The reunion was organized by Tony Corish, who contacted former members connected to the club during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Guests included former Bishop of Ferns Denis Brennan, Fr James Curtis, and Monica and Vivian Sharkey, along with Ann Sharkey, while Maura Sharkey was remembered. Tony described the Boys Club as providing memories and education, and he paid tribute to Jack Sharkey as the club’s driving force, crediting him with teaching discipline and respect and involving everyone in activities. The club organized sports and games such as table tennis, volleyball, ringers, darts, snooker, badminton, GAA leagues, and gymnastics, with support from many helpers and student priests. Bishop Denis Brennan recalled childhood pleasures such as fishing off the pier and trips.
"Opening proceedings, Tony described the Boys Club as "a life of great memories and education for all of us" and paid tribute to the late Jack Sharkey, who he said was "the engine of the club". "He was a very special man, a gentleman to his fingertips," Tony said. "He taught us discipline and respect. He had all of us involved in everything and his enthusiasm and energy never faded.""
"He recalled the wide range of activities organised through the club in Selskar and later St Michael's in Green Street, including table tennis, volleyball, ringers, darts, snooker, badminton, GAA leagues and gymnastics. "To all of the Boys Club members here tonight, this man was a legend and we all idolised him," he said."
"Tributes were also paid to those who assisted Mr Sharkey over the years, including Brendan Barry, Joe Rossiter, Fergal Cardiff, the late Dick Goold and the late Tony Brown, as well as the student priests from St Peter's College who volunteered at the summer camps. Tony also remembered the boys from Artane School in Dublin who regularly attended the camps and paid tribute to the late M.J. O'Connor for his generosity in bringing sweets, chocolates, crisps and minerals for the visiting children."
"During the evening, Bishop Denis Brennan reflected on his memories and the simple pleasures enjoyed by children at the time. He recalled fishing off the pier, trips to"
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