This lunch at Easts Rugby Club in Coorparoo was originally scheduled for the close of 2025, but it was clashing with Christmas obligations, so we put it back to January 2026. Considering that we were all in our eighties, and that we graduated from school 65 years ago, we had a remarkable turnout of 20 past students. Easts had to sit us at two tables.
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Mick Lanigan graced us with a few well-chosen words:
"Gentlemen,may I say a few words and quote some figures.
Our group have always been well represented at the annual SLOBA mass and lunch at the college.
However I am of the opinion that our own gatherings have been more influential in keeping us together so to speak.
These were held two or three times a year at the Pineapple hotel organised by Denis Campbell always with a good attendance record.
This most recent one(14/1/26) was well organised by Phil Lancaster and exceptionally well attended considering the overall time frame.
I did a little research which I believe is accurate but if anyone notes errors, I am happy to stand corrected.
Interesting figures pertaining to SLC 1961 cohort.
1961---34 completed senior year
2026 (65 years later)-19 present today. Barry Flannery unable to attend because of a recent fall.
1949 (76 years ago)-5 members of the cohort were enrolled in prep class at Mary Immaculate Convent Annerley.
All present here today-Geoff Dickie,John Pearson,Alan Doyle, Michael Vallely,Michael Lanigan.
From theClass of 1961:
Five priests 2 here today.
No Christian brothers -Despite enticement efforts from Br Crynan.
1 University of Queensland Research Professor -here today.
Two have been elected to SLC Hall of Fame -both here today.
Two are recipients of Australian Honours -both here today.
Fortunately none of our cohort saw service in Vietnam.
Those who for a very good reason are not with us today but I am confident are well remerbered by those who are here today,
I am not sure of the complete list for which I apologise-
Viday Luckus
Michael McNamara
Malcolm Thompson
Tony North
Peter Grice
John Sullivan
Eugene Cheb
Bernie O’Sullivan
Doug Ryan
Special mention to Pat Thomas who has end stage dementia and requires institutional nursing care.
Other influencers in our lives at Slc who are no longer with us Bernie Crawford-an exceptional Christian man.
Brian Grenier attended a couple of our reunions many years ago.
Tom(gabby) Hayes -A source of enlightenment for those who studied logic or economics.
Finally and most notably I believe all of us present here today have been enriched enormously by ongoing and everlasting friendship."
A special thanks to Mick's son Michael for taking the table photographs shown above.