Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Foreword: "we acknowledge that some of the men in this book are the subject of allegations of abuse. Some of these allegations remain untested because the accused person had already died before the allegation was made and there has been little evidence to draw upon. These have been indicated in the text with one asterisk."
Larkin, Gregory (Mac) *

Teacher, chaplain; born Queenscliff, Victoria, 9 November 1926; died Melbourne, Victoria, 26 November 2007, aged 81.

Mac Larkin's family came from the seaside town of Queenscliff where his father was a marine surveyor. His secondary education was first at St Joseph’s College, Geelong, and then as a boarder at Xavier College, 1941-44, where in his final year he was a prefect, president of the Catholic Action group, member of the Sodality of Our Lady and St Vincent de Paul Society and debating team. He was vice-captain of the First XVIII Australian Rules team and played the role of Marco in Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera, The Gondoliers. He matriculated with Second Class Honours in French, and passes in English, French and Chemistry.

He joined the Jesuits at Loyola College, Watsonia, 2 February 1945, following in the footsteps of his brother John.

During philosophy and university studies for the Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and French, he enjoyed performing in Gilbert and Sullivan operas. As a regent, he taught French and English at St Louis School, Perth, 1953-1955, coached the First XVIII Australian Rules team, assisted in the boarding house, coached the Second XI, ran the library, and edited the school magazine. Also, he was involved with the cadets, debating and liturgical singing.

After theology and tertianship at Sevenhill in 1961, he taught religion, Latin and French at Burke Hall, 1962-1966, and was spiritual director to the students. He was headmaster at St Ignatius Primary School, Norwood, 1967-69.

With success in this role, he was appointed headmaster of Kostka Hall, Brighton, 1971-80. During this time he rebuilt the old hall, provided a temporary library, extended the McCurtin oval, purchased 41 New Street and set it up as the Music House, and built a new tennis court. Also, he cared for his Jesuit brother John who had a bad stroke in 1974. He also undertook studies for the bachelor of education degree at the University of Melbourne together with his Jesuit friend, Daniel McLoghlin.

He became one of the founding fathers at the Catholic Regional College, Sydenham, 1982-83. He went to the University of Tasmania and St John Fisher College as chaplain, 1985-88. He returned to Burke Hall for a few years before going to Newman College as chaplain 1991-2002.

He had a keen interest in Australian Rules football, and tennis.

At Newman College he participated in musical soirees for students and staff, regularly performing Gilbert and Sullivan's, 'I am the very model of a modern major general'. As well, he was in demand for the administration of the sacraments, the Eucharist, baptism, and marriage.

Larkin was a good tennis player, and was a member of the Kooyong Tennis Club. Some remember the day at Burke Hall when he played tennis against the world famous Margaret Court. All who watched the game were impressed with his performance.

From 2003 Larkin moved to Campion House, and soon began his patient battle with illness, which finally required dialysis three times a week. During these sessions he made new friends who enjoyed his company and appreciated his interest in them. Throughout his illness he never lost interest in everything around him. He was especially overjoyed when his beloved football team, Geelong, won the premiership in September 2007. Subsequently he gave up the fight for life. He died as a resident at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Northcote, Victoria.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)