Sarah Geraghty '89: I was just on the web-site and was both shocked and delighted to see so many of my class mates giving an update! Great to hear all about you again!  I am working in HR for past 8 years and I am currently working in Software Development company as their HR Generalist.

 I would love to hear about the reunion and I would be happy to help where I can.  I am in the process of moving house and getting married later this year (never liked to rush into anything :) -- so maybe tight for time, but do let me know where I can help out. 

Kind regards. [June '08]

Hilda (Collins) Attwood ‘91: It was great to see a listing of everyone in my year. I had forgotten most of the names but as soon as I read the listing, all the faces came back. I left St Laurence’s in 5th year but later returned to college to study I.T. I got married in Australia 7 years ago, have 2 daughters, aged 3 years and 6 months and I'm living in Wicklow. I'm currently working in the Irish Management Institute as an Events Organiser. It's great to hear how everyone is going and hopefully see you some day if a reunion is on the cards. If anyone wants to get in touch, I'd be happy for the college to pass on my email. [May 08]

Joe Peacock ‘89: Being a vain git i Googled myself and the web site came up with my name on it, and i just spent over an hour reading through it and recalling names and faces and the things we got up to.

Well the long and short of it is: have been married, have 3 great children, got divorced, met someone else and now am expecting twins – due late June 08.

Have had a selection of jobs between leaving Larry`s and now: starting out in Vincent’s Hospital, then onto the building sites, then into a factory for a while, then worked for myself, then worked for a builder in Wicklow and now working doing building maintenance.

What’s the story on a reunion next year for the 20th anniversary of our breaking free/being let loose on the world? Would be nice to meet up with the rest of ya`s over a beer and have a chat about the good old times.

Cheers and all the best [May 08]

John B. Fiddler ‘79: Well I can't believe it is 30 years since I left. Greetings to you, Brother Jim and all who may or may not remember me. I finally got an email from Anne Marie Mahon and it looks like a reunion is being organised for 2009. I hope to attend.

I will give you a little update of what I am doing. Living in NYC for 24 years now but a very regular visitor home to Killiney where my parents are still alive and causing trouble. I graduated with my Master's as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in 2004. Since then I have continued my primary work as an ICU nurse in Burn Intensive Care. I also became a clinical instructor for new nurses for the Columbia University nursing program.

But probably the most exciting thing I have done is join Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres). I left the USA in 2005 to spend 9 months in Burundi working in charge of a hospital in a rural area near the border of Tanzania . This was a calm and wonderful mission which opened up my life to even more possibilities and compassion.

2007 saw me take to Africa yet again and I have just returned from a six month mission in CHAD . The rebels decided to attack the capital just after I left. (I believe I probably had something to do with this event.) As you can tell I have not lost my sense of humour, although I wonder if I ever had one. I am now back in NYC and preparing to advance my career in a new direction. I am healthy and happy and proud to be a nurse practitioner.

I was sad to see that Marcus Browne died, I have no details but it hurts a little.

I am looking forward to renewing my contact with the School and yourselves, a feeling it appears that seems to make itself felt around this 'time' in our lives. I am 45 years old, and I often feel like about 18. Thanks for everything you all did for me. Although looking back I feel like I was barely formed as a person (even in to my twenties and thirties). I do believe that St. Laurence's manufactured the essential DNA of experience that would later translate to who I am now, (perhaps) more fully formed.

I would certainly be interested in sharing my experience with MSF (doctors without borders) with the current pupils if you were interested. Let me know. Until then I remain your grateful past pupil- John B Fiddler RN ANP. [March ‘08]

Tony Corcoran ‘78: I came across the site a while back and have been reading with interest how some of us have followed the path less travelled. Sad to see some have passed away and but it’s good to see so many doing well.

I left in 1975 after passing my Inter-Cert and took up an apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery. To this day, I still recall having to know what colour seat I was sitting on when ‘the Doc’ came to start his woodwork class. However upon becoming fully qualified with various additional City & Guilds certificates to back it all up, I decided a few years on the building sites was enough. I wanted out of an industry that was dying on its knees, as there was no Celtic tiger in the early 80s.

I then went into the security industry as a locksmith and duly got bored working for others, so deciding to start my own business was an easy decision.

I went on the usual FAS start your own business course and was all set to go when the course providers took note of my CV and asked me to teach woodwork to ‘some rather wild kids in Longford.’ I laughed, as here I was full circle and the lure of teaching woodwork won through. I spent a few years teaching early school leavers basic woodwork skills before I decided that the idea of six month quick fix was not good enough for the clients or myself.

I then applied for a full time teaching position in a Dun Laoghaire Centre specializing in working with ‘at risk’ youths. I was successful and started work there in 1987. I went on to become Centre Manager in the early 1990s and am still here today. It’s probably the ideal job for me as it constantly challenges me and there’s no fear of getting bored given the issues presented by young people today.

I often think about St Laurences, the fun we had and my classmates of that time … one certain individual had the uncanny knack of impersonating Frank Mc Guinness and putting instant fear into all those wandering in the halls! I won’t name n shame him.

I still see some on rare occasions, however time moves on. I am happily married living in Leopardstown with two kids to keep me busy.

My regards to all those who remember me and to the teachers who gave so much.

Should a past pupils reunion of the class of ’78 gather pace, I would be interested. Kind regards. [Jan ‘08]

Ken Scanlon ’78:

• Bumped in to Lonan Boylan last week (Nov 2007), told me about the web site the successful reunion last Feb. (any plans for reunion of 1978 class?)
• Looking at the names listed brings back so many memories,
• Allan Larkin, Aidan Mc,  Paul B, Mick K, all the 'Brack' heads !!!, The girls > Lesley/Kelly/Fionnuala great times.
• Mr Moran, looking at me on the ground, as an opponent ran in another try , "did you miss him then,"
• Madeleine O'Shea consoling us after a semi-final loss, (still have nightmares about the penalty miss)
• Spending more time 'outside' Science than inside.
• After Laurence's, I joined the Defence Force, 3 years, studying electronics , then 9 years in the Air Corp, emigrated to Australia, worked for Qantas, came back to live in Ireland in '92, now live in Leopardstown, married to Valerie, with three kids, working in Semi Conductor business with a Japanese Company .  Best Regards [Dec. ‘07]

Barry Guilfoyle ’97: I'm now working for Dublin Fire Brigade in Dun Laoghaire Fire Station as a Firefighter/Paramedic. I now live with my fiancée, Sue, in Corke Abbey, Bray and we are getting married in August 2008. I missed the class reunion but I'll definitely make the next one. Hello to all! [Oct ‘07]

Stephen McNally ’79: I have very few memories of St. Laurence’s but only because Mark and I didn’t join until 1977 when we moved up from Cork -- but we were made so welcome it was definitely the best 2 years of my school life. I particularly remember my Irish teacher. Not his name but I learnt more Irish from him during those 2 years than all of the other 9+ years.

My best memory of St. Laurence’s is of my peers. In particular: Jon, Niall, Peter, John, Shane, Peter, Pat, to name but a few. I always remember the day we all bunked of school just to say that we did it once. We all cycled down to Killiney beach and spent the day there. Another fond memory is having to clean up rubbish from the school ground as part of a punishment. I always had fun because it meant we could spend more time with our friends after school.

My worst memory was losing a very close friend. To this day I never knew and still can’t understand why. Regards [Oct 07]

Liam Motherway ’84: I've just seen the past pupil's page on the school website and was delighted to see old friends. The contacts area is excellent and it's great to read what people are doing. Could you please add my e-mail address to your contacts? I am living in England but get back to Dublin a couple of times a year. If an event coincides with a visit I would love to catch up. [Oct 07]

Dan Rooney ‘78: I stumbled across this website when I was Wiki-ing "Sallynoggin" and one thing came to another. I was amazed to see my name listed in this class, as I only attended First and Second year before I moved to America in the summer of 1975.

What I remember most about the school was that it was way different than the national primary I attended in the Noggin, a lot more open and modern and forward-thinking. Then there was the library with the big globe in the middle; my miserable woodworking class performance with Mr. Doherty; a few years before, my brother Peter was lauded as brilliant; getting to skip Irish on a technicality (being American-born); walking to school down Rochestown Avenue and Ballybrack in the dark of winter, or getting the 45A bus to school and walking from the village centre; and, getting a few from Frank McGuinness!

Some of the names I see on the list I still remember: playing schoolboy (U-13 maybe?) football for the school with Aidan McCluskey, who was a very good player. I was the 'keeper on that team and we made it all the way to Tolka Park and a regional schoolboy FAI final of some sort in the spring of 1975, I think. Still have the medal! I also remember my friends Alan Larkin, who I met on a subsequent trip back in 1979, and Ken Scanlon. And, I remember Kelly Hyde being one of three girls in the class at that time, and she being all the rage, being female AND American! (I believe our class was the first to admit girls.)

As for me, I ended up moving to Hartford, Connecticut, going to a Catholic high school over here that had no football team, one of the few in the state at the time that didn't (lots of players I played club football with at the time got free scholarships to university); I then joined the US Navy since I originally was born here. I was stationed in London for two years and made many trips back to nearby Beechwood Lawn, where I grew up. I returned to Hartford in 1983, attended university for a bit and played football while enrolled, but dropped out, and have been here ever since. I have been going back to Dublin every year or so ever since then, as I have a brother living up in the Wicklow mountains. I'm married to a lovely wife, and we have two lovely daughters, and I'm still playing organized football - and watching Man. United every chance I get.

If anyone's interested, my contact info is out there on the web either at glastonburycelticfc.com or ctsoccer.org, and I also gave it to Bro. Jim for the class e-mail directory.

Next time I come over, I'll have to stop in, for sure. [Oct ‘07]

John Donovan ‘75: I happened to call into a doctor friend of mine and the receptionist said she knew me from St Laurence. Her name was Anne-Marie Mahon. She told me about the site and I decided to make contact.

I remember my time at the school with great affection and wished it could be done again. I am in regular contact with Ken McDonald and John Ducie. Just passed the big 50 this year and live in Shankill, married to Rachel and two boys in tow. They are now 19 and 16. One doing Arts and European Studies in Tallaght, and the other guy is in St Andrews in 5th year. I myself am the Sales and Marketing Director of Irish Abrasives, a holding company for many constituent companies in the hardware, engineering and motor factoring trades.

I tried to make contact with Ed Longbottom in New Mexico as I travel a lot to Monterrey , Mexico , but got no reply.

Anyway enough for now. My best to all. [Sept. 07]

Mark Goulding ’78: After St. Laurence College, I went to the College of Marketing and then worked in medical marketing for 13 years – working as marketing manager of a pharmaceutical company. After that, I decided to change careers and retrained as an acupuncturist (3 more years study here, and some time working in a hospital in Nanjing, China ) and since 1999 have had my own practice in Bray. www.markgoulding.com

I have some great memories of my time at Laurence’s and recall with great appreciation the efforts that teachers like Miss O’Shea made to point us in the right direction.

I live in The Glen of the Downs, am married to Mary (O’Herlihy), and have one 13 year old daughter.

Kind regards to all. [Aug 07]

Barry Kelly '87: Whoa! Just been told about this website by my brother, Stephen.

Amazing! I've never seen so many bad-hair days in the one place! -- myself included! You'd get beat up looking like that nowadays! I finally managed to bite the bullet and got mine cut many years ago. But I still have those black and white striped trousers!! JOKE!!

This is me now (July ’07). Like most, I've often wondered what you guys are doing 20 YEARS later!! After college I took early retirement for a little while (he!! he!!) and then got the National Certificate in Exercise and Fitness Instruction. I moved to London and have been here nearly 13 years now!!

I've set up a small business (BULK WHEY) a few years ago selling protein powders, etc. I also work fulltime as a driver on London Underground (Piccadilly Line).

I have 4 children: Cole 9, Jane 8, Mark 8, and Alyssa 5. A right handful, trust me!!

The reunion is the 24th August and sadly I can't get over for it at short notice. That's a great pity, I'm sure it'll be a great night! But I will definitely make the 40th anniversary!!

I hope some more of you guys will post up an "Hello" too! A big "HELLO" to Paul Wilcox, glad to hear you're doing well and living in SHANKILL!! My old abode! And I still haven't managed to shake off that crush I had on Heidi Kavanagh!! But then...I think the whole year felt like that!!

Anyway, take care all! And have a GREAT night!! [Aug 07]

Hi. Dave (Lelly) Lester here ’87: Just like to say that I’m looking forward to seeing everybody on August the 24th. Just discovered the site and think its great. Hope to see a full turn out on the night.

I am married almost a year to my beautiful wife, Lena . We live in Ballybrack and have a great neighbour (Darren Matthews) who told me about the site. See you soon Dave. [Aug 07]

Sinead (Fitzpatrick) Plunkett ’93 & 94R: I repeated my leaving in ’94. I’ve a few qualifications in the bag. I work for myself/husband now doing a bit of everything! I lived in Australia and travelled for a couple of years before I got hitched in ’01 to David and now we have a cracking little girl.

I see Caroline and Cathy and Glenn Perry a lot. I love bumping into old school friends (catching up with the gos). Recently I met Angela Wynne, Peter Hayes, Jason Moy and spoke to Jennifer Hammond about a reunion.  We all live 10 minutes away from each other, except Jennifer who lives in Wales . I met Linda and Suzanne Byrne at my 30th last year, they were interested in a reunion also.

Good luck Dermot for September. I’m sure you’ll make Siobhan very happy. See you all at the reunion. [June 07]

Donna Flynn ’89: Hi there,

I hope everyone is doing well. I am very lucky to be in a job I love, which is working for a dance company running the office, and I also teach Salsa part time. It took me a long time to get to here, doing a few jobs until finding Salsa.

Would love to see everyone, and catch up, if there is anything coming up.

Nice to see the site. [June ‘07]

Dave (Keego) Keegan ‘89: Hello!

As I write this I've realised that it’s almost 18 years since we all parted company!

I have to say I have fond memories of the years spent at St. Laurence College. I can still remember as a first year student not being allowed to sit at the "corrals" in the Library because they were only for the sixth years!

Then there was the famous pre-debs held in Ziggys, enough said.....and everybody dressing up for Rag Day, heading down to the barley fields and taking over B6!

I was always into music and photography and after I left school, I stuck at it. I had several odd jobs along the way, then turned professional as a session musician in the late 90's and have toured the US and Europe annually since '99 working with different groups and performers. My photography work has been used in many Irish publications and in The Irish Times.

I'm still based in Dublin and living with my partner, Georgina . No children yet!

I still see the odd few people now and then, (Eilish Cullen, Beano, Bombers (Tom O'Connor) and my cousin Mark Keegan.

I would love to see how everybody is doing and fair play to Aisling Hickey to get the ball rolling! I have a lot of pictures from 2nd year onwards that I would love to show if we all got together again.

I hope anybody reading this from our year, will extend this list, as its great to hear what people have been up to in the last 18 years!

Hope everybody is well and look forward to a reunion soon.

You can see me at www.myspace.com/davekeeganmusic

All the best. [June ‘07]

Tina Lowe '83: NUI graduates have a long history of electing highly principled representatives to the Seanad. This year NUI graduates will again be asked to elect three Senators to the constituency by postal vote.

 Who am I and why vote for me?

My name is Tina Lowe. I am a blind graduate working for AHEAD(Association for Higher Education Access and Disability and run the GET AHEAD - National Forum of Graduates with Disabilities - project which is concerned with employment issues for students and graduates with disabilities.

I lost my sight in 1993 due to a viral meningitis and have since undergone re-training, re-education and re-employment. Coming from the so called "normal" world I have been constantly struck by the inequities and injustices which surround me and which I encounter on a daily basis in the form of the discrimination and ignorance demonstrated by some members of our society. This marginalisation has meant that I have had to battle for my rights. I have worked for my rights and for others by campaigning with potential employers and educationalists to enable more and more disabled people to access both employment and education.

If elected to the Seanad I will not only fight for the rights of my fellow disabled but for the rights of other marginalised groups who also encounter discrimination, alienation and economic disadvantage (for some people the Celtic Tiger has not roared nor even purred). I believe that our society can become more equitable and more just. In order to get basic human rights it is necessary to gain a political voice. As an independent candidate I believe that I can address the issues mentioned above with a real personal insight, honesty and with no hidden agenda.

I will harness all my energy, commitment and drive to secure change and get justice and equality for those who have been marginalised and who are forced to live on the fringes of our society. In order to do this I need your vote . [April '07]

Message from Tina Lowe, Independent candidate for Seanad Eireann on NUI panel:

My full election policies and endorsements for my campaign and information on my personal background can be found on my website: www.tinalowe.ie (Mobile: 087 2872233). [April '07]

Press Release June '07 follows:

Tina Lowe is the first ever blind person to run for the Senate.

She works for AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability) and runs a project called GET AHEAD – the National Forum of Graduates with Disabilities.

Through this unique and innovative project Tina is attempting to change the face of the Irish employment situation for people with disabilities.

Tina’s motto is “by, for and with ourselves” – as she believes that in order to make people change how they treat marginalised groups, in order to get jobs for people and to get rights for people Tina believes that the people who are being marginalised themselves are the very ones who can actually make the most impact by taking positive, practical and pro-active steps to get better treatment, better access to employment, housing, education and transport.

Tina is a very practical, hard-working individual who has an excellent record to date with her work at local level where she has been single-handedly responsible for having changes implemented in her homeplace. Thanks to tireless and relentless campaigning for better and safer crossings in her local area, Shankill can now boast of 5 separate audible traffic light systems. These changes mean that schoolchildren can cross safely, and elderly people from the nursing homes can go shopping independently and get around the area safely.

Therefore as well as seeing the bigger picture at national level Tina also gets changes made at local level, benefiting a wide cross section of society.

Her record with GET AHEAD to date has meant that many people with disabilities are now employed, employers and politicians have been shown that people with disabilities have tremendous abilities. Tina believes that her work not only affects people with disabilities but many more people who are seen as different are gaining rights and a more equitable access to what most people take for granted.

Tina is a highly-educated, articulate person with a very strong voice and strong opinions and also possesses a sense of justice. Having acquired her blindness she has seen both sides and this experience of life coupled with her determination to fight for her rights and the rights of others who have had similar experiences makes her a very capable and honest person who will make a very capable and honest Senator!!!!!!

Vote for Tina Lowe

For further information

Contact:

Tina Lowe on 087 2872233

www.tinalowe.ie Your vote counts!!!!!!!!!! [June '07]

Ciaran Bollard ’98: Hello. Just been looking up past pupils and its brought back all the laughs I had at school.

Well, I’m now living in Scotland and married to Christine. We have a beautiful daughter, Ebony who is nearly 5 and starting school in August.

After school I started an accountancy course but dropped out after being offered assistant manager’s job in a bar. Two years later moved to Tenerife for a season and worked there. Great fun. Met my wife there, moved to Scotland and continued working as a bar manager in Scotland 's theme park for two years. I’m now employed as a prison officer in H.M.P. Shotts, which is a maximum security prison, mainly life prisoners. Been working there for 5 years now. [May ‘07]

Paul Healy ’90: Hi all. I came across the site -- hard to believe it’s nearly 22 years since I started my first day in St Laurence’s. Aldo and I left after 2nd year for another school. I still had some great times there (Aldo didn’t know it at the time) and made some great friends. Unfortunely some have passed away very early in their lives.

I am now married with 2 girls (ages 12 and 10) and living and working in Newbridge, Co Kildare.

If anyone hears of a reunion or if any would like to get in touch please do. [May ‘07]

Paul O'Connell '00R: I am involved in a charity expedition this summer to raise money for the Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF).

How we’ll raise the money

Starting on the 21st of July myself and a friend from law school are setting off from Hyde Park in London with the aim of successfully arriving in Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia just ONE month later. We will be one of 200 teams taking part in the event- the Mongol Rally.

There are five routes that can be taken to Mongolia and we have decided to tackle the most arduous, though rewarding, of the five- the southern route. This will take us across Western Europe, south through the Balkans and east through Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan; we will then head north through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia; finally we will go east again through Mongolia.

This will be an epic journey, covering approximately 15,000 miles (or 1/4 of the worlds surface) requiring us to drive 400 miles a day! The challenge is then doubled by the requirement that the journey is made in a 1 litre banger (an old Micra or the like)!

Obviously its going to be an amazing personal experience, but our prime goal is to raise as much money as possible for charity. We need to raise a minimum of €600 for CNCF, though with your help we are hoping to raise much more.

We have set up a Just Giving webpage where donations can be made:

http://www.justgiving.com/perseverancemongolrally

The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation

We think you’ll agree that CNCF is one of the most respected Irish charities in the world and that it is doing amazing work in Mongolia; as such it is worthy of your support. The following is brief summary of the projects that CNCF is currently undertaking in Mongolia:

• The Sponsorship Program helps families who are in danger of splitting up or where children may drop out of school due to poverty. The family receives sponsorship for a child as long as he/she is living with them and in full-time education.
• The Sunshine Ger Village Project provides a shelter for street children and orphans in Ulaanbaatar . The shelter consists of 11gers and a kindergarten.
• Prison Education Project provides full-time education at the Boys' Prison and teachers work three days a week at the Girls' Section of the Women's Prison. 
• Healthcare Project operates a clinic at the Charity Hospital five days a week, to provide free health care and medication to the children in the sponsorship program and street children. There is also a mobile night clinic for street children that travels the city's streets, bringing emergency medical treatment, medical advice and small treats to children otherwise abandoned to the ice and snow.
• Give a Ger Campaign is an emergency fund established to provide families in danger of becoming homeless, or otherwise inadequately or dangerously accommodated, with a family home of a Mongolian Ger.

Please feel free to visit the CNCF website for more information:

http://www.cncf.org/

Finally, we know that there will be the temptation to see this as funding us to go off on a holiday! We can categorically assure you that this is NOT the case. All money is directly given to the charities. Plus, we will be driving an average of 400 miles a day, which does not leave any time for sunbathing or sightseeing. Before signing on to do the rally we were clearly warned of the dangers involved in going through some of the most unstable countries in the world. In fact, past participants have been chased by armed bandits toting the weapon of choice in the region - the AK-47!

It’s going to be tough, but we firmly believe we can succeed, and to support CNCF it will be worth the risk.

Thank you, Paul O'Connell 2000. [May 2007]

Marcus Browne '79: (Dalkey, Co. Dublin) (suddenly), at home April 4, 2007, Marcus, son of the late Joe, brother of the late John and Joe; sadly missed by his mother Bridie, sister Monica, brothers Kevin and Gerard, sisters-in-law Nora, Martina, Rita and Jean, brother-in-law John, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rest in peace. Removal tomorrow (Wednesday) from Quinn's Funeral Home, Glasthule Road, Dun Laoghaire to The Church of the Assumption, Dalkey arriving 5.30 o'c. Funeral on Thursday after 10 o'c. Mass to Dean's Grange Cemetery . [April '07]

Michael Carroll '83: I don't expect you to remember me from my days in St. Laurence's - I barely remember myself from those days - so I shall perform a reintroduction...

I was in the class of 78-83 (except that I left in 1982, during fifth year), the brother of Martina (one year older), Sheelagh (two years younger) and Janet (five years younger). I don't think that I did or accomplished anything that might make me stand out from the crowd... I was particularly adept at not being much good at things but believing that I was, a skill I retain to this very day! I do remember being pretty good at Mechanical Drawing and rubbish at Irish, which made things interesting in (I think) fifth year when Mr O Brioin taught me in both classes back-to-back.

I think that I got on fairly well with most of my fellow students, though I remember that much of my time was spent being too shy to get involved and generally feeling awkward and embarrassed about a wide variety of mostly imaginary imperfections.

By a staggering coincidence, today - April 2nd - marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of my last day in St. Laurence College. I left to pursue a "career" in the post office. Not necessarily the wisest move I could have made, but I'm still not dead or imprisoned so I guess things have worked out pretty well...

I find it hard to believe now, but I was only sixteen when I started working full-time! I was employed as a "junior postman" (that is, a "telegram boy") until I was eighteen, whereupon I was inducted into the rank Postman, a job I thoroughly despised (and about which I still have nightmares).

The only advantage of the job was money (which was, of course, the reason I needed to take the job in the first place). The ready cash enabled me to buy a small home computer, and the unsocial hours gave me plenty of time to learn how to program it.

In October 1985 I took a one-year career break from the An Post, and never went back. There's probably a delivery or two still waiting for me in the sorting office in Glenageary. I joined a small software company which became very successful, and I gradually worked my way up the ranks, until I encountered the glass ceiling installed by the Upper Management ("Yes, you're the best programmer and analyst we have, but you don't have a degree, do you?").

I eventually made good on all my threats and left the company to join another, which folded rather promptly. That was in July 1999... I haven't had a real job since!

These days I earn a living by writing. I don't recall being particularly interested in writing when I was in school, but I was a voracious reader, and somewhere along the way I must have developed the idea that perhaps I should be creating my own stories rather than simply reading other people's. I mostly write novels - I've had fourteen published to date - the majority of which are for the "young adult" market.

In 1990 I met Leonia, the love of my life. We married three years later and every day since has been better than the day before! We live in Clondalkin with no children, one cat, and about five thousand books.

I have a couple of websites that might be of interest: http://www.iol.ie/~carrollm (a general, catch-all, family-sized bucket of ramblings, rarely updated these days) and http://www.quantumprophecy.com (the official website for my latest YA series).

Looking forward to hearing from you!

With all best wishes, and fond memories. [Apr. ‘07]

Tina Lowe '83: NUI graduates have a long history of electing highly principled representatives to the Seanad. This year NUI graduates will again be asked to elect three Senators to the constituency by postal vote.

 Who am I and why vote for me?

My name is Tina Lowe. I am a blind graduate working for AHEAD(Association for Higher Education Access and Disability and run the GET AHEAD - National Forum of Graduates with Disabilities - project which is concerned with employment issues for students and graduates with disabilities.

I lost my sight in 1993 due to a viral meningitis and have since undergone re-training, re-education and re-employment. Coming from the so called "normal" world I have been constantly struck by the inequities and injustices which surround me and which I encounter on a daily basis in the form of the discrimination and ignorance demonstrated by some members of our society. This marginalisation has meant that I have had to battle for my rights. I have worked for my rights and for others by campaigning with potential employers and educationalists to enable more and more disabled people to access both employment and education.

If elected to the Seanad I will not only fight for the rights of my fellow disabled but for the rights of other marginalised groups who also encounter discrimination, alienation and economic disadvantage (for some people the Celtic Tiger has not roared nor even purred). I believe that our society can become more equitable and more just. In order to get basic human rights it is necessary to gain a political voice. As an independent candidate I believe that I can address the issues mentioned above with a real personal insight, honesty and with no hidden agenda.

I will harness all my energy, commitment and drive to secure change and get justice and equality for those who have been marginalised and who are forced to live on the fringes of our society. In order to do this I need your vote . [April '07]

Michael Roche ’75: I was delighted to view the updated website for St. Laurence's. The list of class names evoked many fond memories of my brief time at the school. Just seeing my own name on the list as well, made me feel instantly connected to the school's past.

My parents (originally from Ireland ) had settled in Canada . After 13 years in Canada , they decided to relocate our family to Dun Laoghaire . My parents and seven children arrived in Ireland in September 1971. During the first year living in Ireland my brother Patrick and I attended Monkstown College (1971-1972). The next year however, we were enrolled in St. Laurence's and attended from 1972-1973. My family returned to Canada in the fall of 1973.

I have very happy memories of the year I attended St. Laurence's. A number of the teachers (Mr. Murtagh, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Moran, Brother Kelly, just to name a few) inspired my interest in learning. The friendships that my brother and I made that year are still remembered (David and Thomas McAuliffe, Philip O’Halloran as well as fellow members of the basketball team). I was surprised at how many names I recognized though I attended the school for only one year.

I currently reside in Hamilton , Canada . My wife Carmelina and I have two children.

In August 2005 we vacationed in Ireland , and I managed to drive by St. Laurence's. I instantly recognized the building and proudly pointed the school out to my children. I was amazed by the development to the surrounding area!

Great website! Sincerely [April ‘07]

Graham Bell '83: living in Shankill with my wife, Linda, who is also a past pupil (Linda Kelly). I wasn't at the college for that long. Great to see the website. Best wishes to all. [March '07]

Paul Byrne '77: The class reunion has finally galvanised me into sending in an update from the days of clogs and flares back in 1977. After the Leaving Cert I realised that the world was a big bad place and somehow got back into Laurence’s to repeat the Leaving Cert. After another year, I was unleashed on the world and through the good offices of Madeline O’Shea got an interview with Esso Ireland in Stillorgan. That was back in Sept 1978 and I am still with Esso today in 2007. It’s a long time with one company, 29 years this year, but there have been lots of different jobs over the years, some of which were computer programming, purchasing and territory manager leading to my current role as a Buyer for the On the Run chain of stores. In my defence, there are two past pupils from Laurence’s, Seán Coghlan ’72 and Richard Rafferty ’73 who also went straight from the College to Esso and are still gainfully employed.

I was married to Monica in 1988 and we have two children: Orla and Eoghan.

Some of my memories from Laurence’s are….

• Bro Widmer’s music classes;
• Frank McGuinness, who was capable of putting the fear of God into you;
• Heading down to the Rory Gallagher concert in Macroom with Kieron Meagher and Michael Halpin, sleeping in a Mini and meeting up with Louis Peppard, Francis Rubalcava and Danny DeChenu. Michael and Danny had spent a few bob and hours getting dreadlocks for the big event. Kieron and myself hitched all the way home and spent one night in a ditch just outside Watergrasshill before finally making it home.
• Being on the losing sides in rugby (one match report I still have lists a 57-something drubbing) and in soccer.
• Girls coming into Laurence’s when we were in 2nd year. In one class I was seated between Claire Borinski and Fabienne Buckle and was unable to speak to either due to being totally tongue-tied.
• Charity Walks up the hills by the lead mines and on to Kilternan
• Attending my first gig in the gym headlined by Supply, Demand and Curve (who I never heard of again)
• Sports days and Declan Whelan making up a lap and a half deficit to win a race
• Our Debs in the Gym and all the preparation that went into it
• School trips and one particular trip to Kilkenny when we visited a few pubs in the town
• Playing table tennis and fussball after school. (Dave Nicholson and Noel Murray were so good at that table tennis.)
• Listening to Ian Drurys New Boots and Panties album on the last day of school
• Skipping off to Whiterock beach near the end of term for a day’s swimming (with some consequences) .

The reunion was a great night and I’m already looking forward to the 50th. [March ‘07]

Paddy Johnson ’80: Following school I took an English degree at Trinity College . On graduation, desperate to avoid making an honest living, I enrolled for two years in art college. There I discovered I was way too talented and important to become an employee of any kind, so signed on for the Bohemian lifestyle and social assistance. One year later I was more than ready to lose myself in the 9 to 5 world of earned income.

In the Dublin of the mid 80s work was not exactly thick on the ground but I found my way gradually into the art and book worlds. Presently I live in New York , my home of the last 13 years. I work in the rare and art books field, selling hard to trace visual reference titles.

Recently I have taken a job with a small bookstore/gallery specializing in rare collectible 20th Century publications. In addition we are involved with the publication and distribution of contemporary artist's book projects, the exhibition and sale of related art works, and with the organization and development of private archives.

In years past I have been fitfully involved with writing on the arts for various periodicals and catalogues, and authored a book on Irish first names. The publication of this last - O'Baby; The Irish Baby Name Book - has upped the ante on me to produce something of more personal worth and I am currently working on a story which might, or might not, be for children.

But enough about me. What got me searching online for St. Laurence College contacts was a wish to get in touch with my old art teacher, Ita Nelson. Googling her name was how I got to this site. I want to drop her a letter of appreciation. I was a somewhat withdrawn and shy pupil at St. Laurence's (as they say in this great country, "go figyur!")and the extra time and interest she showed - hardly noticed by me at the time - is something I appreciate now as exceptional and valuable, especially as my understanding of her is as a somewhat reserved and private person herself. I would be really grateful if you have a contact address or email for her so I could drop a word.

This site is a great resource. Thanks and all the very best. [March ‘07]

David Ryan '83: It's been a long time since leaving. I am hoping that there will be a chance to catch up with some of the class of ‘83.!!! 

On our web page, it was great to read and see what people are doing with there lives.

Well, as for me, I still work with horses – a work I have always loved. I have moved back down to Coolmore Stud in Co. Tipperary where I am once again very happy.

Hoping to hear from others in the class.

Best wishes. [March ‘07]

Brendan Costello ’77: just a note to say that I am living on my own in rented accommodation in Islington, north London .

After leaving St Laurence (where my best friends included James Dormer, David Delahunt and Mark Duberry) I was offered a job with the bank of Ireland . I opted instead to go to university and do an arts degree.

While at UCD I dabbled in the martial arts, especially karate (should we ban it?); I graduated with a BA (2:2) in 1980.

Following my degree I worked in a grocery store in Dublin and then in 1989 I moved to London where I lived in a hostel for a year.

In June 1992 I attended a Business Administration course; I then completed a computer course (City and Guilds) and in April 1997 I did voluntary work with an IT firm called COMMUNITY SYSTEMS in north London as part of 'training for work'. I have enrolled on and completed an electronics and computer course in south London and a short paralegal course as well. Nat West bank called me for an interview but unfortunately I was not successful.

In August 1999 I found work as a controller in a mini-cab office. My next paid job was as a motorcycle courier for a courier company in east London , delivering letters and parcels to clients as directed. This job finished in March 2005 and in April 2005 a company called SECURE MAIL SERVICES took me on as a self-employed courier, where I have been since.

I don’t have a family so it does get a bit lonely at times.

Anyway, best wishes and God bless to you all!! [Jan '07]

Anne ( Devlin ) Bennett '93 & 94R : I have just spent a lovely hour reading through all the past pupil comments.

After leaving St Laurence College I did a secretarial course and then started working for AIB where I've been for the past 10 years. I met Thomas in 1998 moved to Ashbourne, Co. Meath and married in 2003. I have two beautiful boys Calum (nearly 3) and Joe (14mths). In January last year we moved back to Killiney. I can't tell you how great it is to be back beside my family. Trekking across that M50 was torture.

Now that I'm back this side of the city it is great to see a few familiar faces about the place. I play badminton for St Bridget's, Glenageary only to discover that Mr. Moran is also a member.

I have so many fond memories of my time in St Laurence College, I think one of the reasons I repeated my Leaving Cert was because I wasn't ready to let go. What I'd give to go back for a day (just a day). I'd love to hear from any of my old school friends and if there was ever talk of a reunion I'd love to be involved.

If ever the school is looking for volunteers or helpers, please keep me in mind, I'd love to be able to give something back.

Thanks for the memories [Jan '07]