Former Marist principal marks 100th birthday

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Former Marist College principal Br Colman Parker recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

The Tubberclair native celebrated the milestone surrounded by friends and family on Saturday, June 20, at Moyle Park College, where he taught for many years.

Mass was celebrated by Clondalkin Parish Priest Rev Kieran Coghlan before a four-course dinner was served to invited guests.

Br Colman was born on June 28, 1926. He began training as a Marist Brother in Scotland before returning to Athlone, where he served the order in a number of administrative roles and was principal of Marist College for a period.

He also served communities across the Midlands, including Longford and Leitrim, before moving to Dublin to teach at Moyle Park College.

"He is very sharp and witted. You couldn't imagine he is 100," said John Flynn. "He was still driving into his 90s, and today he is able to walk with the aid of a mobility aid.

"He gave his own speech on the day, recalling his early years in Kilkenny West and attending school in Tubberclair. He spoke about the days of the well and the paraffin lamp. He remembered having to fetch the drum of oil - there was no running water or electricity back then.

"His great passion during his years in Athlone was salmon fishing. He loved fishing in the same style as Jack Charlton. He also spent time shooting ducks and pheasants, and would have walked much of Athlone and the surrounding areas. He had a very healthy lifestyle with no drinking or smoking, and he adapted to changing times and remained very active."

In a video shared online, Superior General Br Peter Carroll and Br Deivis Fischer, General Councillor and liaison for the European Region, extended their congratulations and best wishes. They joined the wider Marist family in celebrating Br Colman's life, dedication and witness of faith on the occasion.

"We don't really congratulate you on reaching a great age," said Br Peter Carroll. "We congratulate you on the fidelity you have shown to the Marist Brothers' way of life that you chose all those years ago.

"It is extraordinary, the journey you have lived through and the many major events. We thank you for your life of service, which has included work as a teacher, a friend to students, a formator, a novice master, and a provincial."