The Kings Hospital School celebrated with a centenarian past pupil this week as they honoured an amazing milestone.
One of the Palmerstown’s school’s past pupils, Willie Heron, turned 100 yesterday so some staff members and students visited to congratulate him and celebrate his time at the school.
William Heron was born in Dublin on 10 December 1920 and was a boarder at Blackhall Place from 1933 to 1938.
The school moved from Blackhall Place to its current campus at Palmerstown 50 years ago next month.
Willie celebrates his 100th with his family
Willie was a member of the school’s cup-winning senior cricket team in 1937 (pictured above) a side that was captained by Bill Moynan, uncle of retired headmaster John Rafter.
He was also a star table-tennis player for the school’s Old Boys team in Division One of the Leinster League.
On the occasion of Willie’s 100th birthday yesterday a small group from the school made a garden visit to his home in Clonskeagh to join in the family celebrations and to bring the good wishes of the school community.
Head prefects Calista Kuan and James Raleigh spoke of the pupils’ delight to have such a joyful event at the end of a difficult year.
They presented Willie with some gifts with which to remember the school, including a copy of the school magazine of 1937, which featured his sporting achievements.
Headmaster Mark Ronan congratulated Willie on reaching a century and presented him with a school cricket cap, encouraging him to wear it with pride.
Also in attendance were Andrew Whiteside, school archivist, and Eric Rankin, trustee of the school’s Past Pupils’ Union.
Willie has many colourful and humorous memories of his time in the school.
During the visit, he enthusiastically showed his congratulatory letter from President Michael D. Higgins and the accompanying cheque.
He has also received a personal video message from Tánaiste and fellow past pupil Dr Leo Varadkar.