Claremorris Rural Home Economics College

Clothes pegs and a pound of butter might strike as unusual raffle prizes, but for the Claremorris RHE class of 1981-’82, who reunited in March, it brought them right back to their school days, with past-pupils travelling from as far as New York for the event.

“Everyone had their journeys they’d made from 32 years ago ’til now, and we felt if we’d had the reunion before now it would have been too soon,” says organiser Eva Dearie.

“We’ve really reignited the great old friendships. Now with Facebook, we’re keeping up to date with each other’s lives. And we’re actually going to do it again the first weekend of March 2014.”

Brigidine Convent,

Abbeyleix

The colour wine was definitely not on the dress code when the Brigidine Convent class of 1980 reunited in April in Abbeyleix.

“We did reminisce about our uniform and how we didn’t like it,” laughs Angela Spencer, who was joined by two-thirds of her former classmates for the event, which was originally inspired as a way to celebrate turning 50.

“It was unbelievable to think you could just fall back into it and chat to everybody, no airs and graces,” she says.

“It was a special night because it’s 30 odd years since a lot of us met. If we left it as long again, I’m afraid we wouldn’t be able to remember people.”

St Martha’s College of

Domestic Science, Meath

There was only one problem when St Martha’s class of 1963 reunited in July after 50 years.

“It was so hard to say goodbye,” says Rose Healy. “But we decided we can’t let it go by as long again. In 2018, please God, we could be meeting up to celebrate 55 years.”

Highlights included an intimate mass in the former dorms, and sharing memories from their school days in Johnstown.

“One of the stories was about a girl trying to kill her first chicken – and she collapsed,” smiles Rose, who would advise anybody thinking about a school reunion to take the initiative.

“Just get up and do it, because every year to us is very precious.”

Loughrea Gathering

A surprise appearance by Dana Rosemary Scallon was just one of the highlights, as almost 300 people gathered to celebrate four decades of friendship in Loughrea in October.

Another special guest was Sr Marie Fahy, formerly of Woodford, but now Abbess of the Cistercian Community in Glencairn, Co Waterford, with RTÉ’s Would You Believe even coming along to capture her participation in the special event.

“All agreed it was a most uplifting experience,” says committee member, Mary Clarke.

“As one friend quoted: ‘The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.’ The celebration of lives and friendships was certainly the tone of this very memorable evening.”

Redhead Convention, Cork

With an eclectic mix of activities such as carrot tossing and the ginger chef cook-off, it’s no wonder a total of 2,000 people descended on the small Cork town of Crosshaven for the Redhead Convention.

“Half of those who attended were redheads. The rest were spectators,” laughs Joleen Cronin, redhead and co-organiser of the convention.

“We even had a French sports channel come over to film a report on the Carrot Top Olympics. It was absolutely hilarious – I had tears coming down my face. They told me on the phone that it would be a ‘serious report’ and I countered it was a ‘serious event.’

“The event raised just over €7,000 for The Irish Cancer Society, which is great considering in previous years we’d usually collect between €1,000 to €2,000. We’re planning for next year already. The Gathering gave us an insight into what it’s like to run a bigger event.”

Ballyshannon ’80s

school reunion

School uniforms formed the focal point of the Ballyshannon reunion in March.

“We dressed mannequins up in the old school uniforms and one woman wore a uniform similar to the one she had in school,” laughs organiser Patricia McShea-Hill.

“We had fun reminiscing about the horrible jumpers and skirts we had to wear.

“It was a fantastic night. Around 200 people attended the event and everyone really enjoyed catching up with each other.

“Some people travelled from America and England for the event. One person came from Israel.

“It felt like being back in school with the carry-on. We had an ’80s-themed disco and that really got the crowd going. I don’t even drink but I stayed out until six in the morning.”

Duffys All Over, Monaghan

A family from South Dakota were surprise guests at the Duffy Gathering that took place in Drumhowan this June.

“They were in Ireland at the time and just decided to call, even though they didn’t have any relations from the area,” says Noel Duffy, who helped organise the event.

“Duffys from 18 counties in Ireland came to Monaghan for the day. We also hosted people from England, Wales and America. A total of 1,500 attended overall. People who had never visited rural Monaghan came especially for our Gathering.

“We attempted to break the world record for an assembly of people with the same surname. We didn’t break it, but we set a national record and a world record for Duffys in one place. There were 230 altogether.

“A lot of effort went into the event to make it a success. Local people who came home were delighted to see how the village has come along. It was great for the community.”