Rev Bro Felix Sheehan
Rev. Brother Felix Sheehan F. S. C.
(1912 -1986)
The Fourth Principal of La Salle College
Brother Felix was born on 17th September 1912 in Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was the only boy in a family of four. At the age of 18, he left home and joined the Christian Brothers. After initial training, he went to Malaysia and later came to Hong Kong in the mid-thirties. When World War II broke out, he went to Indo-China (now called Vietnam) where he served In some well known schools of the Christian Brothers. At the end of the war, he returned to Ireland with poor health due to malaria. His health was restored in his homeland. He entered university and obtained a degree in history. Brother Felix then went to Kuching, Sarawak.
In 1952 Brother Felix joined St. Joseph College, Hong Kong. Upon the retirement of Bother Patrick, he came to La Salle College as the Principal in 1956. La Salle College was undergoing exile in Perth Street. Brother Felix was best remembered for regaining possession of our great Dome. On 7th January 1960, Bishop Bianchi celebrated a high Mass of Thanksgiving for the home return. The story did not end here. Brother Felix worked tirelessly to convert the Dome from a military hospital back to a school. His nine years as Principal saw the school grew in all fields. To accommodate such growth, the school was separated into the Primary and Secondary sections. Brother Felix led the Secondary section i.e. La Salle College while Brother Henry led the Primary section i.e. La Salle Primary School. Brother Felix stayed in La Salle College for nine years. In 1966, he was transferred to De La Salle Secondary School in Fanling.
After serving as Principal in La Salle Secondary School in Fanling for two terms, Brother Felix returned to La Salle College and taught his usual lessons. On reaching mandatory retirement m 1981, he did part-time teaching in the Hang Seng school of Commerce, Shatin until the end of 1984 when he left for Oxford, UK. An English Debate Competition between La Salle College and the Hang Seng School of Commerce – The Brother Felix Cup was held annually in honour of this great educator.
In Oxford, Brother Felix served in a home for Vietnam refugees, which was run by the Christian Brothers. Unfortunately, his health started to deteriorate after a few months. In the early summer of 1985, he was diagnosed to stomach cancer. He accepted the news with resignation. Brother Felix went to the Brothers’ Clinic in Ireland where excellent medical services were provided to old or ill brothers. He remained much interest in Hong Kong and received many remembrances in return. On Monday. l6th June 1986, Brother Felix passed away. He was buried in Castletown, Laois, Ireland.