THE MUCH much anticipated launch of the 'History of St Colman's' was held last week in the Fir Trees Hotel in Strabane.

Guests included past teachers, past pupils and others who have been intimately involved with the school over the years.

Parents, past pupils and those with links to the school also attended the momentous occasion, partaking in the sharing of memories and the telling of tales that will be such an important part of the event.

The book itself is a must for every home in the area and over 200 pages of stories, reflections and photographs provide a strong flavour of life in St Colman's during its half century of existence.

Aidan 'Cookie' Dunne tells of his sporting exploits during his four years and while acknowledging that he could have done better academically, claims that he has no regrets about his student days.

Patrick Maguire from Newtownstewart tells of the wonder of his early days at this posh new school and describes himself as 'a nondescript little boy' whose memory of his teachers remains crystal clear even after forty years.

Mr Page was a favourite while Mr Grattan was dismissed as 'a nice old chap with lots of letters after his name'.

Local school principal, Mr McGinley, seems to have spent much of his time writing plays or taking part in them and he recounts one near disastrous incident when the on- stage mineral water drink was spiked and the performance suffered as a result. Sports teachers seemed to be the lucky ones and Eddie McAfee recounts famous sporting moments and feats of individual brilliance. Jim Harron has recounted many famous moments in his years as PE teacher and fondly recalls golfing visits to the west of Ireland and minibus mishaps on his many football journeys. Other teachers and pupils have recounted memories and stories from the past and many will be able to empathise with the incidents, the near disasters and the play acting that seemed to go on in each generation. The book records many of these but there are hundreds more that are still locked in peoples' memories and it is these that will be to the fore on Wednesday night at the launch when people get chatting. The opening line of 'Do you remember the time' is certain to be followed by a series of tall tales and well buried memories.

The book itself will sell at £10 and there will be a complimentary DVD of some 400 photographs of life in St Colman's. There is only one print run and those wishing to purchase the book for family members away from home should contact Michael Kennedy, 3 Carrick Strand, Johnny Dooher, 3 Greenlaw Park, Ballymagorry or Martin Haughey, Holy Cross college West, Melmount Rd. The book is now also be available in local shops.