There was lots of laughter and lots of reminiscing during the special evening, which was held in the church hall at Garrison Parish Church last Saturday evening, April 26.

    Anyone who had been to the school, which closed in 1968, was invited to come along to the event, which was organised by former pupil, Ivy Long, from Kilcoo, Garrison.

    Thirty-seven past pupils were present and altogether there was a party of 52 people. The eldest pupil to attend was 92-year-old Lexie Carson from Garrison.

    There had been a great response to the venture and there were many letters of apology from those who could not come along.

    Past pupils came from near and far, including those who had travelled from England - Katie Bleakley, formerly Fletcher, and two of Ivy’s brothers, Neville and Eric. Another pupil came from Wicklow.

    Eight members of the Long family from Garrison attended and a lot of Carsons were there.

    Knocknashangan, a one-classroom school, which had a porch at the front, opened in 1883 and continued for 85 years before its closure in 1968. The pupils that were there at that time were transferred to another school.

    Facilities were limited and there was no electricity and no water. Gas lighting was introduced around the late fifties.

    The last principal was Mrs. Mary Jane Scott, who taught not only Lexie Carson, but also the youngest past pupil in attendance at the reunion. The weekend gathering has been hailed a most pleasurable event and it proved a wonderful occasion for reminiscences.

    “They were all good memories,” said organiser, Ivy Long, who enjoyed the evening immensely.

    The programme of entertainment included old time waltzes, social games, singing, music and recitations. Music was supplied by Albert Devers, and the supper, which was provided by members of the Mothers’ Union, has been described as “a banquet fit for a king.”