Celebrating 50 Years of friendship
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The Class of 1976 St Louis Secondary School Carrickmacross at their reunion on Saturday last.PHOTOS: ALEX COLEMAn Alex Coleman.Image 2 of 8
The St Louis Secondary School Class of 1976 presented current principal Karen Patton with a framed piece of Carrickmacross Lace to honour the occasion. Front (from left): Olive Durnin, Rita McArdle, Karen Patton (Principal) receiving the presentation from Jacinta McAree, Mary Lynch and Elizabeth Cooney; back, Mary McHugh, Bernie McNally, Mary Mac Eneaney, Majella McNally and Teresa Linden. Alex Coleman.Image 3 of 8
Catching up over a coffee Lucia Smith and Marie Keegan. Alex Coleman.Image 4 of 8
Maura Stedman, Jacinta McAree, Deirdre Carragher and Ann McGinnity. Alex Coleman.Image 5 of 8
Rosaleen Crawley, Geraldine Mooney and Mary Tinnelly. Alex Coleman.Image 6 of 8
Mary Morris, Mary Lennon, Geraldine Carbery and Anne Ward. Alex Coleman.Image 7 of 8
Kingscourt ladies Mary Gargan, Bernie Sheridan, Maura Murtagh and Geraldine Carolan from The Class of 1976. Alex Coleman.Image 8 of 8
The 1976 Class of Rang Dara at St Louis Secondary School Carrickmacross at their Reunion on Saturday last. Alex Coleman.The Class of 1976 gathered in great numbers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their school days at St Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross, marking a wonderful milestone filled with memories, laughter and renewed friendships.
The celebrations began with a special Mass of Thanksgiving, where past pupils and teachers came together to give thanks for the years they shared and to remember classmates and staff members who have passed away. A photograph of each deceased classmate was brought to the altar.
The Mass was officiated by Fr Owen Joe McEneaney, who was a great support in the preparations for the service.
Following the Mass, attendees enjoyed a guided tour of the school, revisiting familiar classrooms and corridors; while reflecting on how the school has grown and changed over the past five decades. Stories and memories were shared at every turn, bringing the past vividly back to life.
A highlight of the reunion was the presentation of a bespoke piece of Carrickmacross lace, specially designed by designer PJ McCabe and beautifully crafted by expert lacemaker Breda Woods, a past pupil. Breda was also among the lace makers who worked on the Carrickmacross lace dress showcased earlier this summer at Haute Couture Week in Paris.
The exquisite lacework celebrates the rich heritage of Carrickmacross lace and was presented as a lasting commemorative gift to Karen Patton, principal of St Louis Secondary School, to mark the significance of the occasion.
The celebrations concluded with a meal in the Shirley Arms Hotel.
The reunion provided an opportunity for classmates to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate lifelong friendships. It was a memorable day that honoured the school's proud history while making new memories.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped make the reunion such a success and thanked all those who travelled from near and far to be part of the special celebration. The 50th reunion will be remembered as a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of the school community and to friendships that have stood the test of time.
Joining the past pupils on the day were Art Agnew, vice-principal of St Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross, and Sr Maureen, a former home economics teacher and the only remaining Sister of St Louis still living in the local community.