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The joy of six… FRI8MAY26
t was all old hands on deck last night in St David’s as a rather inspired 
reunion took over the Greystones secondary school…
t was all old hands on deck last night in St David’s as a rather inspired 
reunion took over the Greystones secondary school… The idea being that if you graduated in a year with a 6 on the end of it, and you didn’t have a lifelong ban from the school, hey, come along and join the party.
And plenty did, of course, from 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016, with a group of students who might just be graduating in 2026 helping to make sure everyone was well fed and watered.
And well behaved. Some teen rivalries never fade.
Organised by the St David’s Past Pupil Union, the night was really all about rekindling old friendships, and comparing battle scars from a childhood of 6 hours a day, five days a week with 
low-flying nuns.
low-flying nuns.“It was great to see so many familiar faces,” says Ronan Lupton, one of the organisers, “and quite a few vaguely familiar faces too. Time travels so fast, but there’s something timeless about your schooldays.
“And that’s what last night was all about – remembering those days when time seemed endless. Especially on a Monday morning.”
With plans afoot for another major reunion in 2027, you can sign up to the St David’s Past Pupils directory right about here, and you can get in touch on [email protected].
In the meantime, big thanks to John McGowan – who graduated in 1937 – for capturing the night. Full gallery in hi-res here.
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And the official round-up of the night by the St David’s Past Pupils Union…
Last night say the first instalment of St David’s Past Pupils Union reunions. They celebrated and welcomed graduating years ending in 6! 1966 onwards.
The turn out was steady with all attendees anxious to retrace their steps through the halls, classrooms and even bike sheds of the new and improved St David’s. One or two even sought out the detention areas as though to relive the arresting feeling or journey in quiet contemplation.
Principal Simon Carey gave a fantastic speech discussing the school’s 120 year history in Greystones and the importance and founding of the PPU. He was followed by the inimitable Peter Brady of Brady Family Hardware fame and an active PPU committee member. Peter wasn’t heckled that much by his classmates from 1986! A speech as fantastic and heartfelt followed from Peter noting the importance of networks and mentoring as we progress from school days to careers and through life.
The chattering classes
The beauty of events like this is connection, reconnection and networking. As we moved through and spoke with the groups last night, there was exuberant chatter and one on or two occasions, if the walls had ears – well, they could tell a tale or three. Savage chinwaggery would be an understatement.
“Go raibh míle Sile”
The PPU were delighted to be supported by 18 Transition Year student who gave up their Friday evening to provide tours of the new school. Many of the TY students spoke very fondly of their recent trip to Barretstown as part of their St David’s TY experience.
The St David’s Parents Association were on hand to assist with refreshments and the school lotto stand was also very ably resourced. We thank both groups for supporting the event so well and giving up their Friday evening to support us.
Thanks to Andrew Holmes for catering the event. Scrumptious as usual.
The school piano ivories were ably tickled by Tom Woodley and Kate McAdam which we all appreciated greatly. We wish them both well as they head for State exams.
The PPU thanks all who came to the 6s reunion last night. We thank Greystones Guide for getting the message out for us and the ever talented John McGowan of the parish and local snapper extraordinaire for being with us to record the event. He makes being papped almost pleasurable.
To an extent, the Field of Dreams analogy rings true – Build it and they will come – and they came.
What comes next ….
A reunion of the 7s event will be arranged for 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017 graduates next May – around the same weekend or timeframe.
Keep an eye on the Greystones Guide and social media for future events. There are more than strong whispers of a sporting event and gala dinner later this year – build it and they will come.
Details will be posted online and on the PPU website which can be visited and signed up for notifications at: https://stdavidsppu.com/