School reunion success for Lanesboro class of ‘74

Saturday, June 21 was a momentous day for one class from St Joseph’s, Convent of Mercy, Lanesboro, as it marked the exact date that many of the class did their final Leaving Certificate exams forty years ago.

The organisation of a class reunion was ongoing for some months and for various reasons some members of the class couldn’t make it on the night.

Nonetheless eighteen very happy ladies travelled from far and wide to attend the event at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, including five former classmates who started school together in the Girls National School before going to sit their Leaving Cert in 1974.

The group met at 6pm for drinks and photographs and this proved a great opportunity to catch up on the years that had passed. This was followed by a fabulous dinner at the hotel, which was greatly enjoyed by all.

Sr Rosarii joined the group for part of the celebration. Her arrival evoked much nostalgia amongst the group, and many were sad to hear that the convent is for sale and the remaining sisters will be leaving Lanesboro soon after 61 years in the area.

Bernie Harold spoke of her fond memories of Sr Immaculata (RIP) and the efforts she made to educate the girls on Classical music and how that has stayed with her all her life. She also paid tribute to the other sisters who had given their lives to the education of the young girls of Lanesboro and the surrounding areas.

There was a presentation to Sr Rosarii as a small tribute to her and her fellow sisters for their dedication and the sacrifices they made in the service of others.

Organisers Geraldine Gilhooley (Kirwan) and Bernie Harold are grateful to all who attended the successful reunion, and the group would like to wish the sisters who are currently resident in the Convent of Mercy, Lanesboro, every happiness in their new homes.