A unique reunion will take place next month as past pupils of Roscommon Vocational School’s millennium-year class return to their old school to revisit the words of their teenage selves.
In 2000, then-teacher Tom Costello encouraged students to write letters outlining their lives, aspirations, and dreams for the future. These letters were sealed and placed in safekeeping at Roscommon Credit Union, with Mr Costello promising to return them 25 years later. Now retired, he has made good on that promise, with the letters set to be handed back on Saturday, 1st of March 2025, at 7 pm at Roscommon Community College.
The event will allow former students to reconnect with classmates and teachers, many of whom they have not seen in decades. The school, now operating under its new name, was also home to a physical time capsule, buried in 2000 and filled with memorabilia reflecting life at the turn of the century.
Alongside Tom Costello, Deputy Principal Jude Lohan, Principal Georgina Keena, Patricia Beirne, and Sean Mooney have played a key role in organising the event.
Speaking ahead of the reunion, Mr Costello said the event is about more than just retrieving letters – it is a chance to reflect on how lives have changed, the ambitions that were realised, and the paths that took unexpected turns.
Speaking to the Roscommon People, Mr Costello said the principal at the time, Paddy McGarry was very anxious to produce a Millennium time capsule.
At the turn of the Millennium, 200 or so students attended the school. He fondly recalled the pupils bringing in tapes and other popular items. The main time capsule was to be kept encapsulated for a lifetime and is located on the campus near the main entrance to the school, marked with a plaque.
Mr Costello told the Roscommon People that the pupils were curious about when they’d see their precious mementos again, and he reckoned it wouldn’t be in any of their lifetimes. So, a plan was afoot… in the form of a second time capsule that would be opened a quarter century later.
Mr Costello said: “We made and kept a photocopy of the original letters the children wrote. The he originals were out in the main capsule but we sealed the copies and left them in the credit union.
“One student volunteered to read out his letter at the formal gathering in 2000. It is hoped he can attend, but he is living in Australia now; he’ll join by Zoom, hopefully, if he can’t make it in person.”
Mr Costello continued: “Those who are no longer with us will be remembered in a kind way on the night. And it’s important to know that no one will be compelled to open their envelopes on the night but are welcome to.
“Some of what was written in the letters were deeply personal. Very private thoughts locked in time. Those who cannot attend will have their sealed envelopes returned to them if they are living abroad or can’t make it for whatever reason.”
Reflection and remembrance
The gathering will include tea, coffee, and a commemorative cake, baked by current students of Roscommon Community College. While the event is expected to be filled with nostalgia, it will also carry moments of poignancy, as classmates and teachers who have passed away over the years will be remembered.
While efforts have been made to contact past students, organisers acknowledge that many have moved away. Anyone who attended Roscommon Vocational School in 2000 is invited to attend, along with former staff.
For more information or to confirm attendance, contact: rosvocational2000@gmail.com.
