Patrick Gannon

UK Army and New Zealand Defence Force

PG Alumni

I attended St Mary’s between 1975-1981. After leaving the school, I went on to study in New Zealand; I studied at Massey university before completing my masters at Edith Cowan University in Perth. After leaving university, I spent 22 years in the UK army, as well as 13 years in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Additionally, I have also completed some work for the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The highlights of my career to date would be the operational tours with the UK MoD and the NZDF, whilst also completing a Master of Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology – these have given me a wide breadth of experience in multiple disciplines of life.

I really enjoyed my time at St Mary’s, with chemistry lessons being a personal favourite, as well as encounters with Mr Whealan! If I were to give my younger self any advice, it would be to be as diligent as possible, whilst focusing and investing in yourself and what you want to do.

My advice to those at St Mary’s today would be to think big and dare to dream; don’t settle for something you don’t enjoy – if you’re not happy, make a change, it will be much more beneficial for you in the long run