Speech from a Classof76 supporter... Ah! Reunions!
Christine Cahoon Sun 02 Oct 2016
Presented on the night of the 40th reunion celebratory dinner on 1 October 2016 at Ramada Hotel, Belfast...
Forgive the intrusion... I'm Christine, George Munroe's partner... I'm a youngster here by all accounts. I'm 23 (not really, 54!)... but I think 23 (or thereabouts) is the age we all see ourselves in the inside!
With fear and trembling you've arrived all today.
Perhaps you're wondering would anyone recognise you... though surely to goodness "Julie Smyth" would. But more importantly...
- how would anyone remember you
- what embarrassing moments or photos would they expose
- would they think you look better now than you did then or vice aversa!
Then you may be wondering about your classmates, the ones that stood out, in those days "you thought would never end"... (George bet me I couldn't put lyrics into a song in this speech somewhere :-)...
- what came of the heart throb Michael Snoddy, would he still have that athletic physic and continue to excel in his sporting prowess
- what about "Dinger" Bell, was there any hope for him, would he be a dropout or would he surpass your expectations? or
- the reserved, nerdy George Munroe... would he be a stuffy professor (sorry for those that are! :-) or be a respected businessman or a bit of both?
Who knows?
Does it really matter!?
You've come a long way - 40 years - you've had your highs and lows - regrets and precious, cherished moments - victories and disappointments.
Maybe your school days were the best - or maybe for you the worst!
But, boy, hasn't 40 years gone fast!
No matter the life or the outcome - we are here to celebrate your lives - you've got thus far!
Sadly, some are no longer with us so, in our celebrations, we raise a glass to them and to you.
God bless you all,
Class of 76