EVENTS REPORTS
50 Year Reunion - Class 1963 - Blackrock College and BCRFC Stradbrook
| Date : | Friday, 26th April 2013 |
The final year class of 1963 held their 50th reunion on April 26thlast. Meeting again after half a century can be a daunting, if not emotional, experience - but is was not to be, for once we all met, past friendships and schoolboy tales from 50 years past, diluted all inhibitions. For a few hours we were young again!
Eighty members of the class attended- a class record- if not a college record for a 50th. Of the 63 class year of 143 students, 80 attended the reunion, apologies were received from 34, with 21 members deceased, so it was almost a full roll-call no mean achievement after half a century. The attendance included many who traveled from across the globe to attend the event, and, for some, it was a first time back to their Alma Mater.
The event started with a golf outing at Woodbrook GC with 14 golfers, and was followed by a reception at the College (including a tour of the new facilities), followed by a Mass of Celebration in the College Chapel, and dinner afterwards at Blackrock College RFC, Stradbrook. At the reception Fergal Foley, Barrister, from the 63 class, made a personal donation of a specially commissioned flag to the Blackrock Community and Fr. Tom Nash, on behalf of the Blackrock Community, formally accepted thanked Fergal for his personal gift. During the Mass, Gerry OConnor read out the names of the 21 deceased, and they were fondly remembered in our prayers, and a candle for each one was placed on the altar.
Brian OSullivan, President of the College Union, attended the dinner and formally welcomed all back to the College. Many of the SCT Cup winning team from 1963 attended, including Garret Gill (Captain).
Special thanks is due to the hardworking 63 Reunion Committee including Terry ORourke, Tony OConnor, Donald Menzies. Ken MacDonald, Frank Hughes, and Leonard Dolan - for making the reunion an outstanding success; to Rodney Devitt - who acted as MC for the event; to Fr. Tom Nash for his work on the liturgy at the Mass, to the two lady musicians who performed at the Mass, and to the Blackrock Community, and Union, for extending a warm welcome to all.
An extensive and comprehensive database of the 1963 year has been established, and circulated to each class member, so that all members of the class can keep in contact.
In summary, the bonds of friendship and fraternity among the class of 63 are as strong as ever- after half a century -and long may they endure.
Tony OConnor
Eighty members of the class attended- a class record- if not a college record for a 50th. Of the 63 class year of 143 students, 80 attended the reunion, apologies were received from 34, with 21 members deceased, so it was almost a full roll-call no mean achievement after half a century. The attendance included many who traveled from across the globe to attend the event, and, for some, it was a first time back to their Alma Mater.
The event started with a golf outing at Woodbrook GC with 14 golfers, and was followed by a reception at the College (including a tour of the new facilities), followed by a Mass of Celebration in the College Chapel, and dinner afterwards at Blackrock College RFC, Stradbrook. At the reception Fergal Foley, Barrister, from the 63 class, made a personal donation of a specially commissioned flag to the Blackrock Community and Fr. Tom Nash, on behalf of the Blackrock Community, formally accepted thanked Fergal for his personal gift. During the Mass, Gerry OConnor read out the names of the 21 deceased, and they were fondly remembered in our prayers, and a candle for each one was placed on the altar.
Brian OSullivan, President of the College Union, attended the dinner and formally welcomed all back to the College. Many of the SCT Cup winning team from 1963 attended, including Garret Gill (Captain).
Special thanks is due to the hardworking 63 Reunion Committee including Terry ORourke, Tony OConnor, Donald Menzies. Ken MacDonald, Frank Hughes, and Leonard Dolan - for making the reunion an outstanding success; to Rodney Devitt - who acted as MC for the event; to Fr. Tom Nash for his work on the liturgy at the Mass, to the two lady musicians who performed at the Mass, and to the Blackrock Community, and Union, for extending a warm welcome to all.
An extensive and comprehensive database of the 1963 year has been established, and circulated to each class member, so that all members of the class can keep in contact.
In summary, the bonds of friendship and fraternity among the class of 63 are as strong as ever- after half a century -and long may they endure.
Tony OConnor
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