Castlebar Class of ’85 Reunites After 40 Years
Nostalgia and Friendship Fuel Four-Decade Celebration
Forty years after facing their first Leaving Certificate exams, former students of St. Gerald’s College in Castlebar are set to reconnect. This significant reunion will celebrate four decades of life experiences since their formative school days in 1985.
A Blast from the Past
The year 1985 was a cultural touchstone, marked by events like Live Aid, Madonna’s “Desperately Seeking Susan,” Eddie Murphy’s iconic role in “Beverly Hills Cop,” U2’s first Croke Park concert, and Mayo’s triumph in the All-Ireland minor championship. For the students of St. Gerald’s, it was the year they navigated the daunting Leaving Cert exams.
Reunion Details Emerge
On Saturday, October 25th, these alumni, now bearing the marks of time, will gather at The Bridge Bar in Castlebar. The evening’s agenda includes a nostalgic tour of their former school, St. Gerald’s, commencing at 5:30 p.m. The main festivities begin downstairs at 7:00 p.m., with an upstairs gathering at 8:00 p.m. designed for catching up, sharing stories, and reminiscing with old friends.
Connecting with the Class
Organizers have made extensive efforts to reach all members of the class. However, for anyone who might have missed the initial announcements and was part of the 1979-1985 cohort, they are encouraged to email stgeralds1985@gmail.com. The organizers will then forward all the necessary details for the event.
The reunion promises a night filled with camaraderie and shared memories. In Ireland, where school ties often remain strong, such reunions highlight the enduring impact of shared educational experiences. A recent study indicated that over 60% of adults maintain contact with at least one school friend into later life (The Guardian, 2021).
