Back to the 1980s for Thornhill Artillery Street’s ‘Last First Years'
By Staff Reporter
Published 8th Sep 2026, 09:30 BST
Former Thornhill Artillery Street teachers Mrs Loretta McNally and Mrs Maura Sharkey took a tour of The Playhouse building (formerly Thornhill Artillery Street) with past pupils from the class of 1980-81 ahead of a much-anticipated reunion.
The past pupils (pictured) are part of the organising committee for a reunion of the last Thornhill cohort to be educated in the building before it closed its doors to students in June 1981.
Forty-five years ago a group of first years walked through the gates of 5–7 Artillery Street as the last class to call this historic building home before it began its exciting next chapter.
The reunion will be an opportunity to step once more over the hallowed cobbles and relive the memories, friendships, laughter and stories that started there in 1980.
The ‘Last First Years’ reunion is being hosted by The Playhouse on September 12 at 7.30pm. The committee is currently tracking down former students from the historical year group to invite them to come back and take over the building in a special, one night only event.
Were you one of those students? Do you know any of these legendary ‘Last First Years’? Maybe you’ve got a great story about your time in the building? Spread the word. Dob them in and get these girls back in ‘The Habit’.
Expect welcome drinks, building tours, old photographs, plenty of stories and, of course, a big 80s soundtrack to get the party started!
Tickets for this event are available at the Playhouse.
June 1981. Mr. Joseph Gamble, treasurer of Derry Lions Club, being presented with a cheque for £150 by representatives of the first year classes at Thornhill College, Artillery Street, Derry. The students organised a series of fund-raising efforts and their donation will benefit an Eye Camp in India.
A suggested donation of £10 would be appreciated but registration for the event is essential.
