My grandfather Dominic Gaffaney was a boarder at St Bede’s College, Christchurch, NZ for two years – from 1927 to 1928. The college is the oldest Roman Catholic Boys’ College in the South Island, founded by Marist priests in 1911, and the only Catholic day and boarding college for boys in the South Island.1
Also attending St Bede’s at the time was his cousin Jim Brosnahan, and his first cousin George Gaffaney. I love to imagine a bit of family rivalry going on between the three of them, especially when it came to sporting endeavours.
The annual sports of St. Bede’s College, held at the sports grounds, produced the usual keen competition and healthy rivalry, and although there were no outstanding performances the meeting was thoroughly enjoyable.
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The senior championship was won by J. Brosnahan, a very promising distance runner and field athlete, G. Gaffaney and D. Gaffaney sharing second place.2
The following events where Dominic was placed:
220yds. Grand Handicap, Open (record, 22 2/5 sec., T.H.Lee, 1924) – First heat: J. Phelan (9yds.) 1, D Gaffaney (scr) 2, Time, 25 sec. Second heat: G. Gaffaney (1yd.) 1, G. Josephs (9yds.) 2, Time, 26 sec. Final: Phelan 1, G. Joseph 2, G. Gaffaney 3. Time, 25 sec.
440yds. Grand Handicap (record 58 4/5 sec. T.H.Lee, 1924) – A. Devonport (10yds.) 1, W. Doyle (20yds.) 2, D. Gaffaney (scr.) 3, Devonport ran splendidly to win very easily. Time 56 4/5 sec.
Mile Senior Championship (record, L. Carmody, 5 min. 1 sec., 1927) – J. Brosnahan 1, D. Gaffaney 2, F. McHugh 3. Time, 5 min. 10 sec.
880yds. Senior Championship (record, 2 min. 13 4/5 sec., J. Payne 1923) – J. Brosnahan 1, D. Gaffaney 2, J. McHugh 3. Time, 2 min, 26 4/5 sec.
440yds. Senior Championship – D. Gaffaney 1, J. Brosnahan 2, G. Gaffaney 3. Time, 59 1/5 sec.
Long Jump, Senior Championship (record, 18ft. 6 ½ in., J. Hendren, 1927) – G. Gaffaney 1, J. Brosnahan 2, D. Gaffaney 3. Distance, 16ft. 2 ½ in.220yds. Senior Championship (record, 22 3/5 sec., T. H. Lee, 1924) – D. Gaffaney 1, G. Gaffaney 2, F. Foster 3. Time, 25 1/5 sec.
100yds. Senior Championship (record, 10 sec., T. H. Lee, 1924) – G. Gaffaney 1, D. Gaffaney 2, F. Foster 3. Time, 12 2/5 sec.3
In the 1928 rugby season, all three boys made it into the First XV – with George as captain.4
1928 First XV, St Bede’s College, Christchurch, NZ
Standing: D. Gaffaney, G. Joseph, K. McMenamin, O. Scully, M. O’Reilly, E. Duncan
Sitting: J. Blackmore, J. Ryan, J. Brosnahan, G. Gaffaney (Capt.), M. Gonley, F. Foster, W. Thiele
In front: G. Duggan, O. O’Sullivan
Absent: W. Quirk (Vice-Capt.), J. Egden, W. Grennell, V. Coughlan, V. Cahill, P. Loughnan.
Stephanie Graham (Burke)
I wonder if there is any photos of my father William Stephen Burke when he was in the first fifteen. He went by Stephen Burke. Was born on 26th April 1909 so I am guessing would have been in playing rugby for st bedes in 1924. My brother has his first fifteen cap.
Stephanie Graham. (Née Burke)
Maggie
Hi Stephanie, thanks for your comment. There must be a photo of the First XV when your father was playing – I would contact St Bede’s College and see if they can dig up old copies of The Bedean magazine for you. Unfortunately my father only has them for the two years my grandfather attended, although your father may still have been there in 1927?
Rosalie Borcoskie
I am interested to know if anyone could identify Thomas John Francis Gaffaney (b1905-1965) in a 1921 St Bedes Std 6 class Photo. Please advise me how to contact.
Maggie
Hi Rosalie – my dad might be able to help. I’ll pass on your email address and get him to contact you.