Fr Des Reid RIP

Fr Des, the greatest adventurer Rockwell has ever seen.

The Union regret to announce the death of Fr Des Reid C.S.Sp.

He passed away on  Monday 12th February 2024, in the Mater Hospital. He was aged 89.

Fr Des would be most remembered as the greatest adventurer Rockwell had ever seen!

He spent more than a decade in Rockwell College. The school provided the runway for the young energetic priest to employ his many talents as a musician and choir-master, a sportsman training rugby teams, including the successful Junior Cup Team.

He also was a very keen water sports enthusiast in which he developed the very successful Rockwell College Canoe Team that would go on to dominate Canoeing in Ireland for much of the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s

Fr Des being interviewed by RTE in 1974

He was  an innovator who introduced many new activities to Rockwell and started Camp Rockwell. In the mid 70’s the college purchased a hot air balloon to be piloted by Fr Des and was mainly an attraction for Camp Rockwell but then went on through the academic year and the Rockwell Aviation Club was formed.  Full interview HERE 

The Rockwell Aviation Club

Dr Des is also credited with some records of Balloon crossings of the Alps.

A true adventurer, may he rest in peace.

One Last Flight.

Fr Des Reid 1934 to 2024 RIP.ie