CPC 30-year reunion this evening

If a certain amount of gaiety is evident in Kilcullen this evening, it will be from the 30th anniversary reunion of the CPC class of 1986, writes Brian Byrne.

That was the last year CPC was an all-girls school, and from September of that year boys were admitted. It was also when the school began to phase out boarders.

Things kick off at 7pm in the alma mater itself, and then the proceedings adjourn to O'Connells Bar.

We look forward to meeting up with the event.

Meantime, the current students at CPC have had a busy time with external activities over recent weeks.

The 6th Year Geography Field Trip was to Kippure Estate where they got to see first hands the actual meaning of terms such as bedload, stream velocity, and valley morphology

Transition Year 4B recently visited RACE (Racing Academy and Centre of Education) in Kildare as part of their Equine Studies module. Established in 1973, it is the training centre for apprentice jockeys.

And local politician Sean Power visited 4B as part of the Economics module, when he spoke about his work both as a national politician and as a local council representative — he is currently a member of Kildare County Council.

Charlie Talbot met with the 5th Year LCVP class. As a Kilcullen resident since 1973, Charlie worked with Kildare County Council, most recently before his retirement as Information Officer. He discussed his longtime activity in the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and also detailed his activities as chess coach to young people in the community. He's also working with in an adult literacy programme

Niall Cronin, a sports journalist with The Herald, recently visited CPC to meet 4B as part of their Equine Studies module. He outlined the rewards and challenges of the profession.

Shane Foley, a leading flat jockey, recently visited CPC to meet 4B as part of the TY Equine Studies module. He explained about his life as a jockey and how he got into the racing industry

Paddy O’Connor of Cara Projects met with the 5A students (5th Year LCVP class). He provided the students with a useful insight into the innovation and creativity required to set up and manage a charity. Cara Projects works with vulnerable women in Kenya.