Wine & Cheese Evening with Dr David Gallagher

Guests were welcomed to a wonderful evening of fellowship and conversation, accompanied by an incredible spread of food and refreshments. The warm hospitality enjoyed by all was expertly coordinated by Joanne Mehaffy, Vice-President of Methody Collegians, whose attention to detail helped create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere from the moment attendees arrived.

The Methody Collegians were delighted to welcome alumni, parents, staff and friends to this special Wine & Cheese Evening featuring former Methodist College pupil, teacher, Church leader and author, Dr David Gallagher.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Methody Principal, Mrs Lendrum, who reflected on the importance of celebrating the achievements and contributions of former pupils whose influence extends far beyond the College gates. Guests were then welcomed by Methody Collegians President, Peter Wilson, who highlighted the strong tradition of service, leadership and community engagement that has characterised generations of Collegians.

Dr Gallagher then provided a brief synopsis of his recently published memoir, From Feakle to the Falls and Derry's Walls, outlining the personal journey that took him from County Clare to the heart of some of the most significant conversations and relationships that helped shape Northern Ireland's peace process.

The main part of the evening took the form of an interview conducted by Stephen Lindsay, Head of Alumni & Fundraising at Methody, exploring Dr Gallagher's life, career and experiences.

Former Pupil and Teacher at Methody

Reflecting on his time as both a pupil and later a teacher at Methodist College, Dr Gallagher spoke fondly of the friendships, opportunities and values that shaped him during his years at the school. He described Methody as a place that encouraged curiosity, service and independent thinking, qualities that would later influence his leadership within both the College and the Methodist Church.

He also shared memories from his teaching career, recalling the privilege of working with generations of young people and the lasting relationships formed through education. The audience particularly enjoyed hearing stories from the classroom and reflections on what made Methody such a special environment in which to teach and learn.

The Story Behind the Book

Dr Gallagher explained why this was the right time to write From Feakle to the Falls and Derry's Walls, noting that the passing of time had provided an opportunity to reflect on many significant moments and relationships from his life which his family encouraged him to put on paper.

He unpacked the meaning behind the book's title, which captures the geographical and personal journey that shaped his experiences, while also sharing the story behind the striking front cover and the symbolism it contains.

An Insider's Perspective on the Peace Process

A fascinating discussion followed on Dr Gallagher's role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He spoke candidly about what motivated him to become involved in dialogue between communities during some of the most challenging years of the Troubles. He outlined the work of church leaders and others who quietly facilitated conversations across political and religious divides, often away from the public spotlight.

Guests heard first-hand accounts of his early meetings with key political figures, including Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and many others. Dr Gallagher reflected on the challenges and criticisms that accompanied this work and the courage required to engage in difficult conversations when many questioned whether dialogue could make any difference.

A particularly engaging section explored Methody's contribution to the peace process. Dr Gallagher highlighted the influence of several distinguished former pupils and leaders associated with the College, including Stanley Worrall, Harold Good, and Robin Eames. He also shared intriguing stories about how Methody connections surfaced in unexpected ways throughout the peace negotiations. One especially fascinating insight was the connection between Methody headed notepaper and aspects of the peace process, illustrating how unexpected links emerged throughout the journey towards agreement and reconciliation.

The audience thoroughly enjoyed a number of lighter moments, including anecdotes involving Mo Mowlam and a memorable Prime Ministerial soundbite that, as Dr Gallagher joked, he perhaps deserved some credit for.

Questions from the Audience

The formal interview was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session, allowing guests to explore further topics from the book and Dr Gallagher's experiences. Questions ranged from leadership and faith to reconciliation and the ongoing challenges of building understanding within divided communities.

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

In concluding the evening, Dr Gallagher reflected on the enduring importance of peacemaking in everyday life. Whether within families, workplaces, schools or society more broadly, he challenged those present to play their part in fostering understanding, listening carefully to others and seeking common ground.

Drawing on the words, "Blessed are the peacemakers", attendees were encouraged to recognise that peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of respect, compassion and meaningful relationships.

The evening also served as a powerful reminder of the remarkable contribution that so many Collegians have made to the peace process in Northern Ireland. Through leadership, dialogue, public service and quiet acts of bridge-building, generations of former pupils, staff and friends of Methody have helped shape a more peaceful and hopeful society.

As conversations continued over wine and cheese at the close of the event, those in attendance left with a renewed appreciation for Dr Gallagher's contribution to peacebuilding and a deep sense of pride in the role that Methody and its wider community have played in one of the most significant chapters in Northern Ireland's history.