The University College Cork BDS class of 1997 came together at the end of September for a special 20-year reunion celebration at Hayfield Manor in Cork.

The event was organised by Dr Paul O’Dwyer, class representative and former auditor of the UCC Dental Society (1997).

As an “advocate of collegial unity and fostering professional development”, Dr O’Dwyer invited Síofra Murphy, current auditor, Dental Society UCC and also a fourth-year dental student at UCC, and Rachel Sinclair who was last year’s auditor and currently in her fifth year of studies, to the commencement prosecco reception.

The reception enjoyed accompaniment from harpist, Mairéad Kelly (also a UCC Alum). The reunion drew more than half the class who shared stories and long forgotten anecdotes of their student days.

The classmates present on the night, and those who could not attend, also organised a special donation to the Irish Cancer Society in honour of their late classmate, Dr Clodagh Shannon (née Howe), who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2015.

Following the three-course meal in the Orchid Room at Hayfield, Dr O’Dwyer addressed the gathering with some remarks on their years at UCC.

The evening concluded with a presentation of commemorative UCC Hoodies in College colours of red and black, featuring each classmate’s name, embroidered by The Logo Factory (Nenagh, Co Tipperary) and sponsored by Ireland’s Dental magazine.

Dr O’Dwyer wishes to thank Ms Erin McCluskey (Hayfield Manor), Emmet Curtin (photographer), Mairéad Kelly (harpist) and the class of 1997 for an “unforgettable evening”.

Tags: Paul O'Dwyer, reunion, UCC, University College Cork