Fifty years of reflection

Templemore CBS Leaving Cert class of 1974 reunion

In the late summer of 1969, 80 pupils from national schools in North and Mid Tipperary gathered at the CBS in Templemore to enroll in secondary education.

The catchment area stretched from Erill on the Laois border to Upperchurch, from Toomevara to Loughmore, from Fantane to Clonakenny and all schools in between. They were greeted by a smiling school principal, Brother O'Catháin, in the newly built Science room. Each pupil dutifully enrolled in the school ledger, as Gaeilge, receiving an apple as a reward. A new stage in their education was to commence.

This was a time when Christian Brothers were prominent amongst the teaching staff. The ethos and culture of the Christian Brothers was to the fore. Subjects were taught through Gaelige and hurling was the school's major sport.

Between 1969 and 1974, a number of students left for other schools or went out into the workforce, a common trend in those days. Uniquely, no one from the class emigrated. In 1974 a large percentage of the initial intake completed their Leaving Certificate.

Our exodus from the school was not marked as it is today with graduation ceremonies and dances. We quietly emerged into a changing Ireland that had just adopted decimal currency and had joined the EEC. We were part of that cohort of Irish men and women that gave renewed energy, begun in the 1960s, to push Ireland up the table in the League of World Living Standards, culminating in the arrival of the 'Celtic Tiger' 20 years later.

This class was fortunate to have free secondary and third level education, third level accommodation grants and free busing of students from rural areas, which began in 1968 and which we now take for granted.

BROTHER ANTHONY

However, the one standout comment from the class at last Saturday night’s reunion in the Templemore Arms was the impact that the arrival of Brother Anthony McDonnell as school principal, two years before our Leaving Certificate, had on the class. He lifted the whole school with his energy, enthusiasm, teaching and management skills. He is presently unwell and he was fondly remembered by all.

Indeed, we would like to thank all the teaching staff whose contribution to our education helped us face the world, as confident and educated young adults. After 1974, the class dispersed, not meeting up again until the reunion. Unfortunately a number of our classmates have gone to their eternal reward; some are unwell but the majority are now retired and enjoying the fruits of their years in the Irish workforce and the benefits of a highly successful country. The vision of seeing farmers bringing their milk to the creamery on ass and carts has vanished. We should be proud of ourselves.