Finding Brother Fergus

Finding Brother Fergus by Mike Fitzgerald

In March I went to Dublin with some friends to see the rugby international between Ireland and England. After a very enjoyable weekend four of us decided to stay on for an extra week and tour Ireland, I thought this would be an excellent time to try to find Bro. Fergus.

We set off for the centre of Ireland, the only address I had was Tyrells Pass, Co. West Meath. I called at the local post office in Tyrells Pass and asked if anybody knew a person called Fergus. After long deliberations with most of the village I was directed towards a small cottage on a hill. I knocked on the door of the cottage and after a few minutes went around the back and there was Bro. Fergus digging away.

After several minutes he recognised me and invited us into his home. Opening a large bottle of sherry we spent the day talking and reminiscing about the school and former pupils, brothers etc. He was very pleased that we had reformed the Old Egbertian Association and said that he missed the school and was now looking forward to meeting up with other old boys.

The day passed quickly and eventually it was time to go. Bro Fergus is still the same character he used to be and the years have not altered him in any way. He comes to England occasionally and he would like to come to one of our re-unions. I obviously said he would be most welcome.

As I drove away I realised that he and the other brothers had given us a lot more than just education and I know that as the old boys association grows we will understand just how much we enjoyed our stay at St. Egberts.