Night out for former Carrick Grammar classmates

The event saw 45 pupils and staff from the ‘Class of 1986’ gather first at Dobbins Inn, then Ownies Bistro for a nostalgic night out.

Many of the one-time classmates had not seen each other since leaving the North Road school, with some travelling from as far away as Scotland to attend the event.

Organiser, Noel McKee said: “Seven teachers braved the abuse and came along too - worryingly all the girls hadn’t changed a bit and all but two of the men had aged beyond their years!

“It was such a good night as we all got on; not a bad word was spoken and there was so much laughter as old forgotten memories came out. There was perhaps a tear or two as well as we realised just how quickly thirty years had gone by.”

Party-goers enjoyed a blast from the past with a slide show of form one photos, while tables were stocked with sweets from their school days.

Entertainment came in the form of a playlist of songs from 1979 to 1986, chosen in advance by those attending.

Meanwhile, demand was high among the former pupils for another reunion in future. “Some said that they were nervous about coming as they were unsure of what to expect, but that they were so glad they came along in the end,” Noel said. “Social media had a really big part in the night’s success as it was able to bring so many together. The lasting legacy of the night is that contacts have been made and old friendships rekindled.

“There were so many positive comments and everyone was grateful for the opportunity to meet up again.”