The Tullamore Christian Brothers Confirmation Class of 1971 pictured at their reunion in the Tullamore Court Hotel. At back, L-R: Joe Wrafter, Kevin O’Connor, Rory O’Connor, Mickey Brophy and David McBride. Middle: PJ Lambe, Tom Woods, Niall O’Keeffe, Mickey Hannon, Larry Lynam, Dominic Doheny, Tony O’Reilly, Tom Fox, Ollie Whelan and David Soden. Seated: Denis Coyne, Greg Smollen, representing his granddad Ken Smollen, Patricia Deegan Cobbe (sister of Liam Deegan), Mary Lonergan represented John Lonergan (RIP), Maurice Egan, Liam Deegan, Ollie Hughes, Mickey Condron and Declan Bracken. Mass was offered earlier in the day for their deceased class members John Lonergan, Alan Kilroy, Frank Wynters, Ken Smollen, Liam Adams, John Boyd and Dermot Gilson. Photo: Ger Rogers.

Tullamore CBS class holds reunion 54 years on

The Tullamore Christian Brothers Confirmation Class of 1971 got together on Saturday, August 30, for a reunion.

The idea came about from a photo on Facebook. Maurice Egan and Liam Deegan felt that, because many of those who were in the class are still alive, a get-together should be arranged.

They enlisted the help of Ollie Whelan, Ollie Hughes, Mickey Condron and Deckie Bracken who gathered phone numbers and contact details and put together a WhatsApp group.

Of the class, unfortunately, seven are deceased: John Lonergan, Alan Kilroy, Frank Wynters, Ken Smollen, Liam Adams, John Boyd and Dermot Gilson.

Members of their families were invited to attend, and, in their honour, a Mass was said on the day.

As part of the reunion, the group gathered in the Tullamore Court Hotel for photos and refreshments as well as a trip across to Colaiste Choilm for more photos and a walk down memory lane.

The organisers thanked Tadhg O'Sullivan, principal, and Pat Walsh, caretaker, for facilitating the group. The evening ended in Spollens for a relaxed chat and a pint.

A great day was had by all.