I am extremely honoured and pleased to have been elected as your President for 2024-25.

I began this journey in 1964 from Harding Memorial Primary school on the Cregagh Road, Belfast and well-remember that first walk up the school driveway to those massive columns that sit in front of the main door.

I emerged several years later as a confident, well-rounded young adult thanks to the “lessons immortal of courage and honour and truth” given to me by such great Masters like Joe Cowan, Don Collins, Billy Gillen, Walter Reid and Harry McGiffen.

It is my intention to represent our Association with distinction and pride, but also to use my year in office to promote and encourage younger Instonians to take our Association forward by introducing new and innovative activities and events to appeal to all members of BOIA.

I look forward to meeting many of you at our dinners in Belfast, Edinburgh and London and at the various functions that I shall be attending within the school and at Shaw’s Bridge.

May I wish you, and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Once again, many thanks for this great honour.

Philip Seay