Keen interest as top Mayo college to host 1980 class reunion

Members of the St. Gerald's College Leaving Certificate class of 1980 will gather at the college at 4 p.m. next Saturday for a special reunion over 45 years since their graduation.

The idea was borne from a conversation between Ger Prendergast, Belcarra, and Shaun Bourke, the principal of St. Gerald's College, who is committed to building a strong alumni for the secondary school.

A voyage of discovery ensued as a committee, led by Ger and Paraic Fahy, set about trying to establish the whereabouts of their former classmates.

Thanks to great support from many of their friends, a WhatsApp group of over 50 former class members was established ahead of the event.

Many are mourning the loss of their hair. . .and posting photographs to prove it!

The positivity towards this reunion amongst the former St. Gerald's classmates has been huge, with over 40 committing to attend.

Several who are resident overseas have submitted video greetings which will be played at a gathering afterwards upstairs at Bridge St., Castlebar, courtesy of the Swift family.

Four members of the class are deceased and will be sadly missed, as will members of the teaching staff who have passed to their eternal reward.

*The 1980 class photograph includes the following names of pupils and teachers, with apologies in respect of omissions.

Back row: Ger Rabbette, John Tobin, Willie Moran, -, Paul Connolly, Gus Bourke, -, James Daly, Michael O'Malley, -, Roderick Tobin, -, -, Brendan Foy, Michael Costello.

Second row from back: -, Peadar Hastings, Paul King, -, Geoff Prendergast, Finian Groonell, Tom Kelly, Robert Gallagher, Ger Prenderast.

Third row from back: Mr. Cathal Reynolds, Padraic Byrne, Thomas McIntyre, -, -, Michael O'Boyle, Cormack O'Toole, Paraic Fahey, John Conway, Peter McCann, Tomas Ainsworth, Michael Geraghty, -, Peter Carney, Mr. Michael Harrington.

Second row from front: Mr. Jackie Deffely, -, Michael McGing, Mark Jordan, Vincent Jordan, Leo Tobin, Pat Day, Padraig O'Toole, Padraic Ludden, Justin Basquill, -, -, John Jordan, Bro. Donal, Mr. Tom Carney and Mr. Hennigan.

At front: Mr. Paraic Finan, Mr. Dermot Foy, Mr. Matt Coady, Mr. Peter Geraghty, Mr. Peter Finan, Mr. Ned Murrin, Mr. Joe Gilmartin (vice-principal), Bro. Amedy (principal), Fergal Murphy, Bro. Augustus, Mr. Jimmy Langan, Mr. Sean Kerins, Mr. Liam Sadler, Mr. Christy Tynan and Mr. Michael Kennelly.