While the School of Pharmacy’s class of 2008 were donning their gowns and mortar boards in preparation for their graduation from , a reunion for more than fifty pharmacists who adorned the stage of The Whitla Hall in 2003 was held to mark five years since their graduation. Pharmacists from across Ireland and beyond attended the reunion, held at the Wellington Park Hotel on 21 June, for a memorable night of socialising and renewing old acquaintances from university.

Event organiser and locum pharmacist Niall O’Kane was delighted at what emerged as a very successful night. “We all had an excellent evening and it was a great occasion to mark the paths our lives have taken since leaving university,” Niall told NIPinF. “It was a great opportunity for everyone to catch up with former classmates who they may not have seen for half a decade, especially after formed strong bonds having spent many long hours together at university through lectures and practicals.”

It was a particularly special occasion for Catherine O’Doherty. Not only was it her birthday on the night but she will be departing these shores for a new job in industrial pharmacy in Adelaide, Southern Australia later in the summer. “We would all like to say bon voyage to Catherine and wish every success in her new adventure,” said Niall. “We’d also like to congratulate Hillary and Terry Dobbins on the news that Hillary is expecting twins early next year.”

Both Terry and Hillary studied and graduated together and were married in 2005. Hillary works in hospital pharmacy in Altnegalvin and Terry as a community pharmacist in Donegal. Two more couples from the class, Ronan McHugh and Clare McKenna, and Michelle Keenan and Adrian Harkin, will also be tying the knot later this year. “We’d like to take this opportunity to wish them all the best for their respective big days,” Niall added.

The event raised an impressive £412 for Marie Curie Cancer Care, through a charity raffle and was sponsored by Medicare Pharmacy Group, United Drug, Ulster Bank and Clonmel Pharmaceuticals.

“I would like to thank everyone for coming, from near and far, and helping to raise money for such a worthy charity,” continued Niall. I would also like to express my gratitude to our sponsors for facilitating the hosting of the night.

“I would especially like to thank those who helped me organise the night, including Hugh McGrath, Gareth McNally, Ronan McHugh and Claire Murphy for their effort and commitment to make the night a success! Hopefully we’ll we see everyone again in another five years.”