Where are they now? Ft. Br Patrick Lynch

Pat Lynch has had an active career, primarily in New Zealand. However, he has also had experience in Australia and internationally through his work with UNESCO, the United Nations’ “intellectual” agency, which was set up in 1949 to assist developing countries with their educational development. 

Today, while semi-retired, he is still active in participating in four secondary school Boards. 

  -   Two in Australia - Oakhill College Castle Hill (Sydney) and De La Salle College Malvern (Melbourne). 

  -   Two in New Zealand - Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth and De La Salle College, Mangere East, Auckland. 

Additionally, he is a member of the LaSalle House Hostel Board, attached to Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth. He also is a member of the following Trusts and Foundations:

  -   Marian Early Childhood Trust, which caters for pre-schoolers in the Panmure / Glen Innes region of Auckland City. The children are primary, from Māori and Pacific Island and migrant families. 

  -   The Martin – Hautus Foundation, which assists adolescent New Zealanders in the South Auckland region of Auckland City, with various programmes and monetary assistance to enable them to successfully navigate the education system and succeed in it. Most of the Foundations clients are from Māori and Pacific Island backgrounds. 

  -   The Sir John Kirwan Foundation, which is developing a coaching support structure, enabling teachers and principals in New Zealand’s primary schools to develop “Personal Tools”, for their students, which will enable their young people to become resilient in developing their mental health status, into adulthood.   Sir John Kirwan, is a former student of De La Salle College, Auckland.  Like Sir Patrick Lynch, John is revered as an outstanding All Black, but more importantly, he is deeply respected for his public bravery in speaking about his personal mental health challenges, which has inspired many New Zealanders to seek assistance when facing mental health issues. (See the Sir John Kirwan Foundation Website). 

Pat is of the view that while he is getting on in years, it is better to follow the advice of the Chinese Proverb, which states; “It is better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness”. 

He is deeply grateful that he is solidly supported by Lasallian networks in New Zealand and elsewhere in the District.