Our History

The Trust was established in 2001 to honour the memory of Paul Finnimore. Paul was a highly respected old boy of Villanova College, Coorparoo and was later on the teaching staff there. While on the staff of Villanova in 1995, Paul died of a heart attack at the age of 31.

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Paul Finnimore, the educator and Paul Finnimore, the person were one and the same. He was an egalitarian, was immensely popular and a loyal friend. As a teacher, he was calm and quietly passionate about his students – especially those who, for whatever reason, were in circumstances that prevented them from reaching their potential.

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It was these students who held a special place in his heart. He was a true educator whose vision for his students encompassed the pastoral as well as the academic. The Trust has grown out of his desire to help those who experienced some disadvantage. It is this philosophy that underpins the work of the Trust.

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The Trust is a tax-free fund which can provide financial assistance to students who need specific educational support.

It is open to all students, irrespective of the school attended, who can demonstrate a requisite need to the Board of Trustees.

The Paul Finnimore Trust has been established to provide a meaningful contribution to the support and care of students with specific pastoral care needs.

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The target group is likely to include:

• Lower socio-economic families,

• Single parent families,

• Families unable to provide or access specific support that is required.

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The students who might benefit from the Trust are not restricted to those currently attending Villanova. Indeed, the Trust will be used to assist students who have never, and may never, attend Villanova, provided the requisite need is established.