Class of 1963 - 25th Reunion recap

Kevin McGowan, Reporter-in-Chief

As one would expert from the Class of '63 they don't do things as others would do — instead of one class re-union, they organised two — one in March '85 and the other in December '88.

Both of these functions were held in the Hibernian United Services Club in Stephen's Green and a most memorable and enjoyable night on both occasions was had by all those who attended. Out of a possible full house of 47, there were 41 out of the year present at either one or both of the get-togethers. John Frame, Michael Kenny and Matt Russell travelled from the UK, the legendary Ralph Ince arrived in from Portugal.

It was a very special pleasure for all the year to have Fr. Paddy O'Donoghue present at the earlier re-union and memories of the first ever trip bv the SCT overseas to Douai and Beaumount College in England and the unexpected defeat in the first round of cup by the unknown, at that time, De La Salle, Churchtown 3-0. (Knock were hot favourites for the Cup that year).In '88 Fr. Brendan Steen and Fr. Rod Crowley (just back from darkest Africa) were guests and they too also revived memories long forgotten, such as copies of house exam papers being available on the black market prior to exams, the famous soccer matches on the crease, Nurse asking you if you wanted red or white cough mixture when you had sprained wrist. Great and very happy days.

Where are they now?

Richard Forrest is farming in Middleton, Co. Cork; Robin Ward is a Medical Representative with Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Michael Keogh runs the European Bloodstock Agency; Paddy Mcllvenna is the Marketing Director for Pat O'Donnell Ltd; Kevin McGowan is a Director of Goodbody James Capel, Walter Ewing is an Executive with Bowmaker; Frank Masterson is an Accountant in Athy; Paul Kirwan is Sales Manager with Esso; John Fitzpatrick is the Director of the National Lottery; Walter Roughneen is a Director with Securall Fastenings; Charley Kavanagh is a Publican in Enniscorthy; Brendan Walsh a Vet in Clonmel; Eric Farrell is lecturing in Engineering in Trinity College; Hilary Power, Farming in Waterford; Fintan Walsh, Farming in Kilkenny; Jimmy Shannon, Farming in Ardee; Diarmuid Brereton running his own Jewellery Shop in Ann Street; Jim Dunlea the family business in Fermoy; Pat Lafferty an Architect with Monarch Properties; Jimmy Lyons Farming in Bettystown; Myles O'Byrne is a Dentist in Clonmel; David Doran a Management Consultant; Pat Thornton with Bank of Ireland in Tralee; Eddie Sutton a Coal Importer; Billy Wilson an Architect in Cork; Brian Coffey a Doctor in Cork; Peter Lyons, Managing Director of Jonston Mooney & O'Brien, Butterkrust; Vincent Steen running the family bakery (McCanns) in Dundalk; Joe Casey, Company Secretary of the Hibernian Insurance Company; John Kinahan, Manager of the Smurfit Group in Warrington, near Manchester, Michael Kenny is a Dentist in Derby; Michael O'Reilly has his own wholesale consumer electronics company in Dunboyne; Billy Byrne, a farmer in Maynooth; Richard OToole, Company Director, Ralph Ince is a Property Developer in Portugal; Clive Castle is an Executive with B&I; Matt Russell a Publican in London; David Palmer, teaching in Waterford; Des Bohn an Anaesthetist in Canada and John Dunlea a Doctor in the USA. (Both could not make it but sent their apologies).

In Conclusion may we all express our thanks to the organisers — Walter Roughneen, John Fitzpatrick, Paul Kirwan and Frank Masterson — who made it all possible.

Kevin McGowan