The leaving cert class of 1976 from Sacred Heart School gathered recently to hold their 50th year reunion was held recently in the Central Hotel Tullamore.
Festivities kicked off with classmates perusing photos and reminiscing. The atmosphere was elated with everyone mingling and catching up & chatting about how life has changed over the 50 years.
Welcoming everyone in attendance, Ber Kerry reflected on 50 years ago in the Sacred Heart School.
It was run by Sr Atracta until Sr Dolores arrived having been a missionary in America. Sr Dolores was credited with bringing changes to the school introducing new subjects, the most notable change was employing the first male teacher Padraig Moran.
The wearing of slippers was compulsory in the school but it was remarked that the nuns saw this as a way of polishing the parquet tiles.
Some students from the town did go to school on Saturdays for extra tuition. The room was an eclectic mix of girls from Tullamore town and the country girls.
In 1976 the division of classes into A,B and C was typical of the times with class distinction being in full swing.
However, there was no indication of class distinction 50 years later as everyone was friendly jovial and grateful to be there to tell the tale.
The organising committee gave former students the opportunity to celebrate the special milestone together at the event.
1. Members of the Reunion organizing committee cutting their Golden Jubilee Cake in the Central Hotel, Tullamore L. - R. Julie Guinan, Maura Gillen, Goretti McMorris, Bernadette Kerry, Mary Flynn and Mary Conlon.
Ger Rogers Photo
2. Delores Kelly, Nuala Kelly and Marie Pilkington enjoyed their School Class of 1976 Golden Jubilee Reunion in Central Hotel, Tullamore.
Ger Rogers Photo
3. Pictured at their School Class of 1976 Golden Jubilee Reunion in Central Hotel, Tullamore were Marie Phelan, Bernadette Ward and Eileen Fitzpatrick.
Ger Rogers Photo
4. Bernadette Ward, Rosie Berry, Delores Kinnarney and Anne McElduff attended the Sacred Heart School Class of 1976 Golden Jubilee Reunion in Central Hotel, Tullamore.
Ger Rogers Photo