Sadly, Brother Joseph Byrne, who after several weeks of very poor health, passed away on the morning of 1 February 2019. He served the Granville, Fairfield and Blacktown communities during his sixty-two years in the ministry of the Patrician Brothers. Grant eternal rest unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Brother Joseph Byrne was born to James and Annie on the 9 May, 1939. He hails from County Wicklow in Ireland. He came to Aus-tralia on the P&O Liner Himalaya, arriving in Sydney in December 1957. For many years he was known by his religious name as Basil before reverting to his baptismal name of Joseph.
For the greater part of his first thirty years in Australia Joseph served in the boys’ primary schools of Granville, Blacktown and Fairfield, fulfilling multiple roles, but mainly as teacher and principal. His terms as primary principal: Blacktown, 1968 and 1969; Granville, 1975 to 1980; and Fairfield, 1981 and 1982. His longest posting was at Granville (1958 – 1967 & 1970 – 1980). In 1984 he took a year’s study leave after which he made a transition into parish work as a pastoral associate.
His initial pastoral work was in the parish of Blacktown and from 1997 he was an active member of the parish pastoral team in the parish of St John’s Riverstone. As well as being advanced in the spiritual domain, Joseph had a great commitment to physical fitness also. He was a regular and good golfer, squash player, and a keen cyclist, even cycling to Melbourne on one occasion!
Poor health required Joseph moving into Rosary Village Aged Care, Yennora, in June 2018. He was comfortable and happy there until his health seriously deteriorated in early January 2019. He died in his sleep on the morning of the 1st February. He had ministered as a Patrician for sixty-two years.
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14 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Dear Year 12, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all the best of luck for your upcoming exams on behalf of myself, your teachers and all of the students of the college. As you prepare to enter this last phase of your high school journey, remember that you have been preparing for this since you started with us back in 2021, when you were in Year 7. I hope that you enter the exams with confidence, knowing that you have tried your best to prepare yourself for the challenge ahead and confident that you will achieve the results you deserve. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish you all success. Warm regards, Ms Nash and the Delany College Community29 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Over the past six months, two of our Year 11 students have taken part in the Max Potential program, using their voices, passion and leadership to create positive change in our community. 🌟 ✨ Paige’s project, See the Signs, promoted respectful relationships and raised awareness of the signs of coercive control. 👟 Kuae’s project, Walk in Their Shoes, raised awareness of homelessness and advocated for people experiencing homelessness. We are incredibly proud of Paige and Kuae for their compassion, courage and commitment to making a difference. Their leadership reminds us that even small actions can create meaningful change. 💙🙌