Rockwell Hotel and Catering school reunion to be held in Mayo

The Rockwell Hotel and Catering School is holding a reunion for past students in Mayo this weekend.

Michael Lennon, manager of the Westport Woods Hotel and also a former President of the Irish Hotels Federation, is a past Rockwell pupil, is hosting this year's event at the Westport hotel this Sunday, October 20.

The Rockwell Hotel and Catering School had a major influence on traditional cooking and service in the hospitality sector of Ireland.

This year, Rockwell has invited members of the Stardust committee as their guests to remember and honour Brian Hobbs, one of the 48 who died in the 1981 Stardust fire. 

Brian was a past Rockwell student and a very talented young waiter from Dublin with the world at his feet. A Gold medal winner for Ireland in Wine Waiting, Brian had just returned from Zurich, where he had gained valuable experience at the James Joyce Pub before his untimely death.

Antoinette, a Stardust survivor and Lorraine Keegan who lost two sisters in the Stardust fire will represent Brian at the reunion as guests of honour sponsored by Ciaran Kelly, owner of the Landmark hotel Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Rockwell Hotel and Catering School was world renowned for its unique training in hospitality and turned out some of Ireland’s best chefs and waiters, many of whom work in top restaurants around the world today. 

The school was established in 1958 under the auspices of Bord Failte and was run by Jimmy Kelly in Rockwell, Cashel, County Tipperary under the Holy Ghost Order and Fr Denis O’Brien 

Well-known past pupils include TV chef and proprietor of Fishy Fishy in Kinsale, Martin Shanahan, well-known industry consultant, Eugene McSweeney, Executive Chef at the five-year Merrion Hotel, Ed Cooney and many more.

Pat Cronin, one of Rockwell’s first students and the last Manager of the Catering School, said: “Rockwell had a major influence on traditional cooking and service in the hotel and catering industry in Ireland during its 25-year history, and its legacy lives on as past pupils continue to make a major impact on the hospitality business national and globally.

“This year’s get-together will be the best yet, and we expect in excess of 100 past pupils will attend. Everyone is assured of a great night with excellent food exceeding expectations of those working in the industry.”

The evening, which is in aid of a local charity, will commence with Mass at 7pm in the hotel, followed by a drinks reception, a six-course dinner. 

The organisers, former student, Gerard Allen, and former Administration assistant, Dolores O’Connor, are seeking old photos and memorabilia from Rockwell, as one of their past students, Rory Morahan, the Druid Chef, is putting together a collection for all to see on the night.

 If you have memorabilia, would like more details on the event, or you would just like to reconnect with old Rockwell friends, see the Rockwell Hotel School Facebook page and Instagram or contact rockwellhotelschool@gmail.com.