Engineering Class of 1958

Seventy years of friendship – when the Engineering Class of 1958 first met in UCD in 1954, they forged a strong bond that would last a lifetime. The class celebrated their inaugural reunion in 1998 to mark 40 years since graduation. Further reunions followed to celebrate their Golden and Diamond anniversaries.

When three members of the class met for lunch about 20 years ago, they decided to make their lunchtime gathering a regular event, and they extended the invitation to other friends from their UCD Engineering days. Originally meeting in Nico’s on Dame Street (now closed), the group – known as The Yerrawaddies – now gathers at the Shelbourne Hotel four times a year.

Sadly, two of the original members, Tony Gannon and Ivan Hammond have since passed away. The third member, Gerry Horkan, is still an active participant in the lunch reunions, which are now coordinated by Noel McCarthy. The bonds of friendship remain strong, and the group keeps in touch with members at home and overseas through fortnightly Zoom calls hosted by Eamon Cahill. The group invited Professor David Timoney (UCD Engineering) and Tanja Girdham (UCD Alumni) to their lunch in June 2024.

In September we had the pleasure of welcoming five of The Yerrawaddies to Belfield campus where they were warmly greeted by Dean of Engineering, Prof. Aoife Ahern, and enjoyed a special tour of the Engineering Building, guided by Assistant Prof. Philip Donnellan.

Their visit coincided with the September Conferring's and Student Orientation, making for a lively and bustling atmosphere on campus. After reminiscing and reconnecting, the group shared a wonderful lunch at the UCD University Club.