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Presidential salute for Margaret

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A WOMAN who once thought she was too old to return to learning has been honoured by none other than the President of Ireland.

Killarney’s Margaret Scully was a special guest of President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin, and was there to represent Kerry people who have returned to learning to address the literacy skills they missed out on first time round at school.

The event coincided with National Literacy Week and the National Adult Literacy Agency’s First Step Campaign.

Margaret has been taking classes in reading, writing, math and technology with Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB) over the last seven years. Like many people, her learning journey started when her young boys went to school and needed help with their homework.

“I would make every excuse not to help them because I had nothing to draw from. I got six years of education. I started at 6 and finished at 12. That was my education,” said Margaret.

At the start she was worried she would not be able, or that people would laugh. “I was terrified. But I thought I have to do something. In the long run you have to take that first step and do it for yourself,” she said.

Since starting literacy and adult basic education classes with Kerry ETB, not only has her literacy developed, but she has done other things with her new found confidence and skills, including taking up community roles, such as being the South Kerry Coordinator for the Team Hope Project that organises shoe boxes as presents for disadvantaged children at Christmas time.

She has also trained as a NALA Literacy Ambassador, to go out and give talks to others about her experience. “Meeting the President of Ireland representing Kerry adult learners was a great honour,” she said.

"My motto is to encourage others. It is not like going back to school. There are no teachers. No one will talk down to you. I stay away from those words– they have connotations for me. Now when you go back as an adult, it is your choice and your decision. You work with a tutor not a teacher alongside you. You are equals. They make you feel so welcome.”

Kerry ETB has eight Adult Literacy & Basic Education Centres spread around the county. Call 066-7193900 or go to www.kerryetb.ie for further information.

 


 
Above: Patron of the National Adult Literacy Agency President Michael D. Higgins congratulates Margaret Scully at a reception in Aras an Uachtarain to celebrate Literacy Awareness Week. Picture: Colm Mahady/Fennells

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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