Rachel and Rowena Thornburgh, classes of 1997 and 1962
For the day that's in it - our #HumansOfMuckross are a lovely Mother-Daughter collaboration 💚
Rachel Thornburgh - class of 1997 and Rowena Thornburgh (née Smyth) - class of 1962
WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT MUCKROSS?
Rachel: The craic was great! It was always such a safe and comfortable place to be. I’m fortunate enough to have stayed in touch with loads of friends from Muckross. We had our 20 year reunion not long ago (where did that time go?!) The friendships forged over my time in Muckross have stood the test of time.
Rowena: I miss Mother Hilary and the way she brought Shakespeare to life. I was chairman of the debating society for a year and loved it. Always love a good debate! I always looked forward to participating in the Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta productions.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MUCKROSS MEMORY?
Rachel: The Italy/Switzerland trip was packed with such great laughs. The liberty of being away with your closest friends was what I think sparked my travel bug. Also the sixth year concert was always such fun! It brought laughs and tears (no matter what year you were in!)
Rowena: The Muckross chapel was always a quiet a tranquil place that I used to go to in the evenings to listen to the nuns sing compline.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO NOW?
Rachel: Following Muckross, I studied Hospitality Management in DIT Cathal Brugha Street and was fortunate enough to travel throughout my time in college and after (looks like I took my Mother’s advice, see below). I’ve lived and worked around Ireland, Spain (Seville), USA (Texas, Hawaii) and Australia. I later studied for an MSc in Exercise & Nutrition Science with the University of Chester. I’ve been working with asylum seekers since returning to Ireland. I have loads of hobbies: Italian language, food and culture; sewing, reading, writing and travelling; and two wonderful daughters to keep me busy.
Rowena: I am retired since 1999 from Guinness but engage in volunteer work. I have four wonderful grandchildren, two living in New Zealand, the other two in Dublin.
ADVICE FOR YOUR 18 YR OLD SELF:
Rachel: Don’t take yourself so seriously, it’ll all come right in the end.
Rowena: Travel, travel and more travel!
FUN FACTS:
Rachel: I served Michael Bolton and his family on New Year’s Eve in a bar on Maui. He had short hair! I was disappointed!
Rowena: I share my birthday with Elvis Presley!
🌸 !! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO EVERYONE !! 🌸
Do you want to do an interview with your mum / friend / sister / cousin for #HumansOfMuckross?
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#MothersDay #PastPupils #Connections #Muckross #MPPU #StayInTouch #Alumni #Veritas #SchoolDays #Family