Philip Breen

Philip was a gentleman and always great company
God bless his gentle soul

RIP Johnner. Very sad to find out this news. Such a great teacher who I'll always remember for film studies in transition year. Everyone needs a treacher like him.

I recall Philip starting as new teacher at Rosmini as his youthful look meant the pupils nicknamed him John Boy. He supervised some free classes I was in and I can recall he made the curriculum interesting which made study easier. Rest in peace Philip.

I never had the pleasure of directly being a student of yours sir, but when I did get to interact with you, you were a powerhouse of mad positivity, and I can't express enough how incredible that was to me, that a teacher could be so cool

Thank you Johnner, for being an amazing influence, both for me, and for every other student who had the privilege of knowing you, you will be sorely missed

Chasamar ar a chéile don chéad uair nuair a thosaigh Philip ag múineadh i gColáiste Rosmini, mí Mheán Fómhair na bliana 1975.

Thar aon rud eile, croí maith mór a bhí ag Philip. I gcaitheamh na mblianta bhronn sé leabhair, cáisíní ceoil agus CD-anna orm. Mar an gcéanna é le daoine eile: roinn sé rudaí go leor go fial flaithiúil le mórán mór eile.

An rud is tábhachtaí domsa, bhronn sé cairdeas agus cion orm a mhair go deireadh saoil.

Ó thús aimsire is Gaeilge a labhraíomar lena chéile agus bhí grá olllmhór aige don teanga. Fear ildánach teangacha a bhí ann: amach ón nGaeilge labhair sé Spáinnis, Gearmáinis agus ar ndóigh Ollainis, teanga dhúchais na mná áille a phós é, Hanneke.

Solas agus suaimhneas Neimhe go raibh ag a anam uasal álainn.

A brilliant teacher and a friend to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Before I finished in Rosmini, he took the time to create a list of 'must-read' books and 'must-watch' films for me, a list I still have nearly 30 years later, and one I hope to finish eventually! I don't believe anyone has had a greater impact on my reading choices or the films I love than Johnner.

One of the most memorable experiences during my time at Rosmini was Johnner's Film Studies class in Transition Year. To this day, one of my favourite films remains 'The Third Man,' and I can still hear his infectious laughter at the iconic 'cuckoo clock' line.

We connected over W.C. Fields one-liners and Raymond Chandler novels; his humour, generosity, and sharp wit will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Breen.

Today let us remember Philip. Not with too much sadness and tears instead let us fill it with happy memories of his kindness and generosity, his laughter and humour, his love of teaching and Irish music and the service he gave to others. Let us live by his example, by living our lives a little kinder, a little more caring and a lot more love and joy just as he did. Rest In Peace Philip. Much love Noel & Mary

What a teacher,wit,neighbour and a great artist. He would read us 'The Hobbit' to round off English class as he was our English, History and form teacher. It was 1982 I remember it as if it were yesterday, Ronnie Reagan was president, it was mayhem in the north and the Falklands war had only started,he wanted to hear the opinions of 13yr olds on the world, his classes were pure magic that we never wanted to end,he was the first adult to treat myself and the class as adults. He would tell us about his time in Germany which was still divided, Lake Constance flowing into the Rhine and 'Becks' was his favourite beer (never forgotten)..... badly missed Sir,John Boy, Mr Breen, Phillip......

The very definition of what a teacher should be. I have nothing but fond memories of his classes. Many a lunch time spent locked in to obscure and interesting conversations.
I hope he is finding peace and a bit of craic on whatever plane of existence he is on now.

Terrible news to hear about Mr Breen - or Jonner as we knew him. One of the most memorable teachers I ever had. If I don't write my novel now he'll definitely haunt me. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Dave Ivers

Am very sorry to hear of Philip’s passing aka Jonner . My condolences to his family & friends. He was the first teacher I had while attending Rosmini also my last. His History & English classes were always full of life & Laughter & not to mention his knowledge of ww1 & ww2. RIP

We were deeply saddened to hear of Philip’s passing and offer our condolences to his family and friends.

He was a great friend of the ChildVision organisation, to both students and staff over many years, giving selflessly his knowledge and time. Many of our students have gone on to pursue further education.

Philip worked in a selfless way, a hallmark of his life of service to others. His dedication continued after his retirement when he worked as a volunteer in the garden centre. His contribution has left a lasting impression on all those who worked with him. He was truly a person of service.

May he rest in peace.

Barry Sheridan, CEO, The Senior Management Team, staff and students of ChildVision

I was very sad to hear this news. I have very fond memories of him and his classes. He was generous with his time and support. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP Johner.

I am very sorry to hear of the sad passing of Philip. A kind, generous and sincere person who always enjoted a good laugh
My sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace and the many happy memories you shared with him in life, bring some .solace as time moves on .

My sincere condolences on the passing of Philip (R.I.P.). He was a sincere, kind man, with a real love of learning. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to all Philips many friends and his family. I had the pleasure of knowing Philip from my time working in Rosmini and more recently during my time working in Childvision. Philip was extraordinarily entertaining; a wise man, full of curiosity and always up for a rollicking good debate. His energy, humour, warmth and wit will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The light of heaven to you Philip. Rest easy.

Sorry to hear of Philip's (aka John Boy / Ellery Queen) passing. Condolences to all the Breen Family, Friends and Colleagues

Condolences to Hanneke and Philip’s family and friends on your sad loss

A Great Teacher and a lovly person who had a degree in Wit. Rest in peace Johnner, safe travels.

Absolutely lost for words to describe our legend "Johnner " Philip. An education expert. A bundle of knowledge and an inspiration to us his pupils back in the day. Condolences to his family , friends, Rosmini Colleagues and pupils. RIP. Daniel Boyne and Family.

I am deeply saddened and sorry to hear about Philip's passing. He was a remarkable man, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him. Reading through the tributes posted for him, it's evident how much he was loved and admired. His sharp intellect, humor and passion for teaching are highlighted again and again in each tribute by his former students, colleagues, friends and family.
Philip was an extraordinary man, full of wit, warmth and wisdom. He loved to share his love for history, literature and music. We had many conversations and laughs about James Joyce, Ulysses, Beckitt, Jethro Tull and the Beatles. He always lit up a room with his humor and enriched every conversation with his insights. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will always cherish his legacy. May he rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in the memories of a life lived so fully. My deepest sympathies.

Rest in peace Johnner. My deepest sympathies to Phillip's family. In my time in Rosmini I knew no student that didn't speak with nothing but respect for you. Nicky Kealy class of 2000.

Deepest condolences to Philips family and friends, Mr Breen...Johnner) had a unique way of teaching ! History classes were always engaging and very interesting. I always enjoyed bumping into Philip as our paths crossed in Drumcondra over the last three decades (plus his bike) an absolute gentleman with sharp intellect, deep insight and great humour, Philip will be greatly missed and made his mark as one of the good guys and a great teacher ...Rosmini Class 88-92.

Many a banter with John Boy. Always great to be in his class. He is with Miriam ( Ms Duggan ) watching all there students. See u down the road Mr Breen. Thanks for the memories

I was very sorry to here of the passing of Mr breen (johnner) ,, amazing teacher who had time for everyone and everyone had time for him,, RIP

So sad to hear of Philip's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years and he was always such a positive force of nature with that amazing laugh! He enjoyed a good conversation on current affairs and had such a good sense of fun. May he rest in peace.

So sad at the passing of our friend Philip. Heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends, particularly those who cared for him in his last days and eased his final journey. I will remember Philip with great fondness as a man of great wisdom, intellect and kindness. He was always great company, and enhanced every social occasion with his lively conversation and unique comic sense. You will be missed terribly, may your gentle soul rest in peace.

A wonderful gifted teacher friend and colleague. Your likes will not be seen again. Rest in peace rise in glory.

rIP Johnner. You were a truly special person and a fabulous teacher. A warm, funny and extraordinarily kind man who will be sadly missed. I very fondly recall afternoons chatting with you in Room 5, when we should have been doing additional classes in mediaeval history, but spent the time talking about lord knows what, or listening to classical music which you felt I ABSOLUTELY had to hear. Thank you for everything you did for me. Condolences to Philip's friends and family.

So sorry to hear of Philip's passing - a truly nice gentleman and great teacher who did his best to acquaint me with the finer points of the German language for no reward or particular reason other than his love of passing his knowledge on to others. May he rest in peace 🙏

I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Philip. I worked with him from 1987 until retirement. I greatly enjoyed his company, his sense of humour and his humanity. He was a force for unity in the staffroom and never forgot that students were the number one priority. I'll miss his endless WhatsApp warnings about the latest scam doing the rounds and I'll forever be amazed at his ability to learn new languages. RIP Philip.

A great teacher. And a gas man. RIP Johnner.

My deepest condolences to your family, cant believe your gone, always enjoyied your class at rosmini always thought id get to see you & other teachers again one day but time sure moves as you get older. Always had a great sense of humour even when i was being the class clown haha he was a great man & always made everyone laugh & a great teacher you will be sorely missed, god bless you young man & god speed.

Mr Breen you made history class special. I am gutted. May you rest in eternal peace. You shaped our young lives and you were so patient.

ESSO stands for Eastern Section Standard Oil

This precious little nugget was placed in my brain back in the late 70s by a nice man

Rip JohnBoy you were one of the good ones

I first knew Mr Breen when a pupil in Rosmini. Later on our paths crossed a lot due to our work. He was a great teacher full of enthusiasm and wit. All my classmates loved him and always had great time for him. We had one disagreement when I was in school. He was reading Seamus Heaney poem and he proceeded to tell us where he was living. As a former neighbour of Seamus I had to correct him. All I remember was the look I got!! I was fortunate to remain an acquaintance of Philip right up to the end. Rest in peace.

We have lost a gentle , kind and good neighbour . Philip you are going to be missed, who are we going to discuss the Irish weather with now, for you its sunshine all the way. May you Rest In Peace. Ken and Vera Fitzpatrick.and Family.

A former pupil of Philip (Mr Breen as we called him) and I loved my lessons and interesting debates on politics and social issues and between him and my grandfather - kinda put fire into my belly about becoming politically active.

My condolences to his family and friends. May you rest in peace my colourful teacher!

I am extremely sad to hear of Philip's passing. I knew of Philip through my aunt, who worked as a teacher with him. I offered to use my young person's tech skills to help him get set up on the smartphone, which he mastered well. During my visits to him, I learned of an incredibly well read and interesting man, who talked fondly of his past students. RIP Philip.

“John boy”was a brilliant teacher quick witted , genuinely funny and my first year head in”big school “. Introduced me and many others to the concept of detention! My deepest condolences and sympathies to the Breen family and his many friends. I met him a number of times over the years and he always had time for a catch up. Rest in peace “Johnner” you are missed !

Student: "Sir, can I go to the toilet?"

Mr Breen: "You can, but you may not."

It's been over forty-one years since I first walked through the gates of Rosmini and took my place in 2G, but I can still recall that great wit and dry humour as if it was yesterday. The fact that Mr Breen could keep a class of twelve-year olds engaged when teaching them about 19th century British politics is an obvious testament to his wonderful teaching abilities.

Rest in peace, Johnner.

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of a great friend and a great man. Philip will be sorely missed by us, and the Cheevers family, and of course by the notorious Boozaleers of which he was a proud member. He was the best of company and a true gentleman, may he rest in peace.

Rest in peace, Philip. It was an absolute pleasure knowing you. I always enjoyed our detailed discussions on history, foreign languages and cinema. You were a fountain of knowledge while remaining so modest. You will be hugely missed.

I am truly saddened to hear that Philip has gone. In recent years, I enjoyed our many conversations and reminiscences. He was a wonderful teacher and a man of great compassion who gave off himself until the very end. May he rest in peace.

Desperately sad to read of Mr. Breen’s passing. Some of the happiest memories of my schooldays took place in Room 10 of the old schoolhouse in the ‘80s and ‘90s with ‘Johnner’ at the helm. A lovely, lovely human - patient (and God knows he’d have to be teaching us in 6S), kind, funny, warm, respectful and supportive. Very grateful to have bumped into him in the last few years and to have had a pint with him in The Cat. Rest easy, Johnner. ‘i’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’ still makes no sense to me honestly, but thanks for trying.

To Philip, my colleague and my friend. I'll raise a glass and watch "Son of Paleface" in your honour!

A great teacher and colleague. Brilliant sense of humour and intellect. Will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family and friends

Known to many as Johnner, Mr Breen was an amazing teacher, eclectic, with a fierce ability to find a way to get information into your adolescent brain, but also humorous, quick witted and kind.

Having been in his class in Rosmini for my secondary years, spent many a journey going hostelling/hiking, and the amazing trip to Russia way back in 1990, he has left a lasting impact on many a students life, travel well Sir and thank you for the fantastic memories!

R.I.P Mr Breen we had some lively debates in History and Civics classes in the 80s.

Very sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to all the Breen family and friends. A dedicated teacher who took a great interest in his students.

A beautiful man , witty , empathetic and so knowledgeable. From the classroom to Moscow I’ll remember you forever .

Sincere sympathies to Philip's family and close friends on his sad passing. As a former colleague, I remember Philip as a person who was kind, considerate and committed to his students. May he rest in eternal peace.

Farewell, dear friend; until we meet again.

Greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Philip, my next-door neighbour on Collins Avenue for decades. His father Arthur RIP brought us to O'Connell Schools daily+I am gratified by the fact that I remained in touch with Philip to this day. A thorough gentleman with a dry but attractive wit and a committed and accomplished teacher. Suaimhneas síorraí go raibh ar a anam uasal dílis.

So sorry to hear of Philip's passing. We were colleagues in the Labour Party, and students together in Alliance Française. Air dheis Dé go raibh...