From the mid-50�s to the late 60�s, Fr Treanor managed all three college squads, including the first to win the Corn na N-Og. He was assisted by Dr Martin Walsh and physio Jimmy Hooks of Newry Town and Down. It was in that period that the skills of future Down stars of the 60�s were spotted and nurtured by that gifted coach.

Indeed, one of his past pupils, Jimmy Smyth, - an Armagh star and now a B.B.C. commentator, - was eulogistic about the talents and dedication of his former mentor. Recalling how he had been on the St Colman�s side, which eventually won the Hogan Cup by defeating St Jarlath�s of Tuam in 1967, he said he had been �able to observe close at hand the qualities which have shown Fr Treanor to be so effective.

�The white jerseys of his beloved Burren were worn in the Hogan Cup Final, emblazoned by a blue `V` on the chest. It took a torrid hour�s football against an excellent St Jarlath�s side before we fulfilled Fr Treanor�s lifelong ambition, by bringing his dream to fruition, and seeing the Hogan Cup take its place in the college trophy cabinet for the first time.

�It has returned on a further five occasions, this time under the watchful eyes of Ray Morgan and Peter McGrath. But I�m sure that some of the pieces of advice, handed down by Fr Treanor, are still being passed on,� said Jimmy Smyth.

But talent was not always obvious, and Dan McCartan played handball at Violet Hill college, winning Ulster Junior and Senior medals. After three years, it was decided that he had ability and potential, being put into goals for a Corn na n-Og game. But, after letting in five goals, he was replaced by Tony Williamson, later chairman of the county board and councillor.

Placed at full-forward line, Big Dan� helped St Colman�s defeat old rivals, Abbey C.B.S. to win the Rannafast Cup. The same squad, including Leo Murphy and Patsy O�Hagan, went on to win the Mac Rory Cup, but were beaten in the Hogan Cup Final at Croke Park. Promoted to the Down junior squad in 1958, he was at full-forward on the side, that won the Ulster title, powered by Paddy Doherty, Tony Hadden, Patsy O�Hagan and Dan�s brother James. The door was open to the historic triumphs of the early 60�s.

But while academia and sport have been high on the agenda at Violet Hill, music also has a high priority, as evidenced by the hugely popular recent historic production of `Les Miserables,� under the direction of Sinead Frame,- the first in Northern Ireland. Past pupil and film star, John Lynch was guest of honour. College president Dr Brown referred to the �multi-faceted approach to education at the college, where boys gain confidence on stage, which will prepare them to be leaders in various walks of life.�

The tradition goes back to 1945, when the driving force was Cathedral organist Josef Delafaille, assisted by Fr Tony Owens, in staging `The Pirates of Penzance.` It was such a success that similar shows became an annual feature at the college. As a boy soprano, Fr Francis Boyle sang opposite Dr Martin Walsh in `The Rajah of Rajahpur,� launching a career which led to him becoming chorus master. Kathleen Bell later took charge of productions.

Becoming music teacher at the college, Fr Boyle was also music director at the shows, assisted by Auguste (Gus) Toremans. In 1967, a school orchestra was formed. Later president of the college, Fr Boyle feels that participation in such shows is important for students because it �teaches them to speak, sing, dance and walk properly; to play instruments; design, build and paint sets. Anyone who gets involved retains an interest throughout their life.�

Reporting on progress at the college, the president, Dr Francis Brown, - who recently achieved a PQH and Ph D., and is now completing an MBA in Education Management, - stated that the Investor in People Award was �an indication of the ongoing changes at the school, especially the commitment to encourage and develop leadership in every student.�

When appointed president, he had explained to the staff his vision of the college, which would be �a centre of excellence, preparing pupils for life, - every student would be valued and important. We are determined to provide the best possible educational experience for all our students.

�The excellent achievements by our pupils is proof that our school helps to form men of character, goodness and excellence, who play an integral role in communities they become part of on a local national or international basis. St Colman�s College is proud of its achievement, of its history and, most of all, proud of its pupils, past and present,� stated Dr Francis Brown, president of the college.

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