Nurse Keighery

Do you remember Nurse Keighery and, if so, do you have stories or memories of her and your time at Prior? From her write up in the 1968 Gossip Bowl it is clear that, during her 25 years at Prior, Nurse Keighery was a devoted if quiet presence and a deeply loved member of the College community. So much so that, at her departure, a testimonial fund was raised by the boys and, at the request of the Brothers, she received the Papal Bene Merenti medal. But perhaps the real depth of the boys' affection, more normally shown through taking her entirely for granted, was illustrated when - uniquely amongst women? - Nurse Keighery was invited to the ‘stag’ only PPA London dinner.

Such a presence as hers must have made an impact on many of our alumni from that 1943-1968 era. What are your memories of Nurse Keighery? Whether funny, sad, touching or something else entirely, her family, and we, would love to hear what you recall of this wonderful sounding lady.

Email your memories: ppa@thepriorfoundation.com

Taken from the 1968 School Magazine:

MAURA KEIGHERY, S.R.N.
In September of last year, Nurse Keighery completed twenty-five years of devoted service to Prior Park. There were many occasions during those twenty-five years when the Brothers and students of Prior Park, as well as the boys' parents and Old Boys, would have wished to honour Miss Keighery. It was more than her shy disposition that made them hesitate: there was a feeling that they might be intruding, not on her professional work, but rather on a chosen vocation. Nurse had all unconsciously shown Prior Park from her first days that a salaried job job was far down her list of priorities.

Her influence on Prior Park has been a tremendous one. It is an influence we may not attempt to explain since it was built on a unique personal relationship with hundreds of boys who came under her care.

Since these relationships were built upon the confidences of youth sharing with Nurse their hopes and fears and their joys and sorrows, we may not enquire. Suffice it to say that genera- tions of Brothers have thanked God for her presence in Prior Park. parents have always felt happier knowing she was there; the boys of Prior Park have loved her more often than not by taking her for granted ; and the Old Boys have grown in admiration as their experience of life reveals to them the significance of Nurse's life at Prior Park.

It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the Brothers and the College, the Old Boys and parents, eagerly used the occasion of twenty-five years' service to honour Maura Keighery. Her greatest honour was to come from the Pope, at the request of the Brothers, in the form of the 'Bene Merenti' medal. It was fitting that the medal was presented at a simple ceremony in the College Chapel by Mgr T. Hughes, V.G. of Clifton, and an Old Boy of Prior Park. This was the honour that gave Nurse and her many friends the greatest pleasure ; and it was to this honour that we could only hope to add by our expressions of appreciation. The Prior Park Association of Old Boys particularly wished to be associated with Br Hooper and his Community and lay-staff in honouring Nurse.

A Testimonial Fund was organized which was to reflect the depth of affectionate respect of the Old Boys. But this was not sufficient
for them. They wanted a celebration that would ensure her presence and theirs.

The most jealously guarded tradition of the P.P.A. was the 'stag' quality of its functions and especially of its London Dinner. For years Old Boys had resisted any attempt to change this tradition. It speaks for their regard for Nurse Keighery that they did break this tradition not because they wished their wives to be present at the London Dinner but only because they wished Maura Keighery to be their Guest of Honour. It is significant that this year they have scurried back to their tradition!

This Celebration Dinner was not only the most successful but also one of the happiest in our history. It was a family affair graced by the presence of many Brothers headed by Br D. P. O'Brien, Provincial, and by Br J. P. Hooper, President of Prior Park. In welcoming the Guests, Fr Aloysius, O.F.M. Cap. (President and Chaplain P.P.A.), rejoiced at the presence of the ladies and suggested they were part of the family since they could be described as the in-laws of Alma Mater. In deference to Nurse's wishes which forbade an eulogy, Fr Aloysius simply thanked Nurse on behalf of the Old Boys for all she had done for them during and after their school days. This affection for her was very deep and genuine and reflected their appreciation for her sterling qualities.

The Old Boys had gladly and generously contributed a Testimonial Fund which they hoped she would use for herself. The cheque was presented to Nurse Keighery and many telegrams were read out, including one from her mother in Ireland, thanking Br Hooper, Prior Park, and the Old Boys for honouring her daughter. Nurse, deeply moved by the tributes paid to her, and overwhelmed by the tremendous ovation she received, in her reply delivered by Br Hooper, expressed her gratitude to all associated with the presentation and referred to the enduring friendships she had enjoyed during her long career at Prior Park.