Fergus Finlay: Modest efforts to do good still have lots to teach us

Fergus Finlay reflects on a childhood shaped by a noble name, family stories, and a lifetime commitment to meaningful charitable work

The Brabazon family in Killruddery House, County Wicklow, (left to right) son Aldus (12), Lord Ardee (Anthony), Lady Ardee (Fionnuala), daughters Aileen (8, on lap), Norah (15), and Evelyn (6, on lap). A genuinely philanthropic family. Photo: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

So I was in London last week, doing what I grandly refer to as my family duty (actually attending the AGM of a charity, of which more later). In order to explain the family connection, I have to tell you a little-known secret about yours truly.

I started in primary school a long, long time ago. St Cronin’s in Bray, a really good school now (I was there recently) but a really rough school then. As a new boy my full name was written into the roll book and read aloud to the class of ruffians with whom I was to spend the next few years.