Reunion of former Carmelite College pupils planned

Two local men, who are past pupils of the Carmelite College in Moate, are planning to hold a school reunion this coming October to provide a much needed get together for former students.

Paddy Hopkins and Liam Fleury graduated from the school in 1967 and 1968 respectively.

Liam said: Since it (Carmelite College) closed there's been no get togethers at all and the years are passing on.” He was previously involved with the Past Pupils Union.

Liam is hoping to hold the reunion for students who attended the school in the '60s and '70s and perhaps the '80s if there is enough interest.

The Offaly man, who boarded at the school for five years, said that he had received a few replies from people already registering their interest for their reunion.

Liam is planning for past students to assemble in Moate for a meal and said that if they get a sufficient number of people interested in attending the reunion, they may organise it to be held over two days.

Liam also highlighted how the reunion would be beneficial for those who left following the Intermediate Certificate and would give them the opportunity to come back and meet friends and former peers.

The Carmelite College was opened in 1949 and was a highly successful day and boarding school.

The school had a strong reputation in Gaelic football and former pupils also enjoyed athletics, tennis, basketball and badminton.

The former boys school was amalgamated with the Convent of Mercy Secondary School and with Moate Vocational School in 1996 to establish Moate Community School.

Anyone interested in attending the reunion should email either Liam Fleury at liamfleury@yahoo.ie or Paddy Hopkins at pthopkins5@gmail.com before Saturday, September 30.