More than 130 graduates from the year 1953 became golden jubilarians at University College Dublin yesterday.
A few from abroad were bemused to discover that Earlsfort Terrace, with its black-and-white chequer-board entry hall, had been replaced by a massive modern campus far different from their memories.
In 1953, there was no e-mail and no mobile phones for students to keep in touch.
"Each society gathered around a different radiator," Prof Brian Farrell, Emeritus UCD professor, and broadcaster, told his fellow golden jubilarians who had travelled from all parts of the Republic, as well as the UK, Europe, the US and Canada for the occasion.
Amongst those who enjoyed the celebratory lunch were Mr Justice Ronan Keane, the Chief Justice; Prof Anne Kernan, vice-chancellor for research, University of California; Mr Michael Culligan, former chief executive of ACC Ltd; and Father Cornelius Finucane, chief executive of Concern Worldwide. Of the 475 who graduated in 1953, 260 were invited by the college to attend the jubilee and 130 accepted.
In his speech, Dr Farrell paid tribute to the college porters, particularly head porter Mr Paddy Keogh who he described as "a candidate for philosopher king".
Dr Farrell also remembered "Margie", a waitress who kept a loose tooth in place with chewing gum, as well as the banana sandwiches that kept students' stomachs filled at the Language Society, Classical Society and English Literature Society.