Foyle’s 400th

Today was the annual former pupil’s association dinner for my high school, Foyle College in Derry. This being the 400th anniversary of the school’s founding, it was a big deal, starting at 7 pm and finishing, many speeches and musical numbers later, around midnight. It was held at the Guildhall and the room was at capacity, maybe 200?

There were eight people there from my year:

Beefy Hegarty, whose nickname originated when he was skinny, whereas now it’s a bit more literal. Sconebap, aka Stephen Gillespie, one of the brightest boys of our year, however not well liked because his father was headmaster and Stephen wouldn’t have been athletic or had much of a sense of humour, both important traits at our sports-mad school. He is now a top lawyer in London, working in the Gherkin--the iconic spherical tower (mergers and acquisition, leveraged buyouts--servant to the 0.01%). Then Cathy Mowbray, one of my heroes because she is principal of a primary school in a tough neighbourhood. Then Jennifer McClements, who has an aromatherapy business and remains as lovely as she was in high school. Then Stuart Eakin, who is a fabulous dancer, I learned at our high school reunion six or so years ago. Next Fiona Henderson, who spent 15 years on air as a BBC reporter in Scotland. Then me then Brian Adair, a dead ringer for his teenage self.

I took the bus up from Belfast and ended up with 15 minutes to get ready. I chose something professional, not glamorous, to wear and realised I misjudged when I got there. But I was comfortable sitting through the hours of speeches and toasts--and there’s not much point in being glamourous next to a BBC personality!
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