President McAleese hails St Patrick's College Class of 1961

On Saturday 1 October, Dr Pauric Travers, President, launched 'Golden Threads - a celebration of the Class of '61' at a Reception in Belvedere House. George Cunningham (publisher), John Quinn (editor) and by Professor John Coolahan of the Class of '61 and Chairman of the College Governing Body, also spoke. John Quinn read a fulsome letter from President McAleese which acknowledged the work of the Class of 1961 and their contribution to Irish Society. [President McAleese Letter Page 1 - Page 2]

In 1961, 108 young men graduated from the College as primary teachers. They would live and work through a period of unprecedented social and technological change. Fifty years on, this volume celebrates the golden jubilee of that class of '61. The class was an unusually talented group and this book represents a broad range of those talents with fiction, poetry, features on education, history, literature, place, social change and reflections on their teaching careers. The book is an important social document outlining five decades of extraordinary change. The book was compiled and edited by John Quinn and printed by Parkmore Press in Roscrea, Co Tipperary.

[Pictured at the Launch/Reunion in Belvedere House are Professor John Coolahan, John Quinn, George Cunningham (all of the Class of '61) with Dr Travers, President, St Patrick's College]

The book launch was one of a number of events at a memorable reunion attended by most of the living members of the class with their partners and family members. It was preceded by Mass in the College Chapel, celebrated by Fr Fachtna McCarthy of St Patrick's College, and was followed by a Reception hosted by the College and a dinner in the Skylon Hotel. Roddy Day who is also a member of the Governing Body presided over the after-dinner entertainment, consisting mainly by stories, music and poetry provided by the class members themselves.

The book is a limited edition; copies may be purchased from John Quinn, Stradbally North, Clarinbridge, Co Galway.

 

Last Updated: Tuesday October 04 2011