The Oratory is incredibly sad to hear of the passing of former Housemaster and Ireland International rugby player, Gary Halpin.

Gary was a hugely popular, larger-than-life figure at The Oratory. He was FitzAlan Housemaster and a teacher of Geography and Business Studies from 2004 – 2008, joining the school after a successful rugby career that saw him play at international Level for Ireland. He was also an international Hammer Thrower and competed for Ireland in this event as well.

Mikey Hennessy, Head of Rugby and a former Oratory pupil, says “Gary coached my year at rugby for two years and many of us were still in contact with him. We had great memories of our “unbeaten” U16 rugby season.”

Gary will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carol and his children, Bentley, Leonie and Lenka.