Connect with us

News

Presidential salute for Cathal and Amy

Published

on

President Michael D. Higgins and patron of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) meets DSI members Cathal Griffin (Glenbeigh, Co Kerry), Amy Purcell (Newbridge, Co Kildare) and DSI CEO Pat Clarke at the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies lecture on the future of European Union this week.

K

KERRY native Cathal Griffin was delighted to get the chance to meet President Michael D. Higgins this week. Cathal, from Glenbeigh, was representing Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) together with Amy Purcell, from Newbridge, Co Kildare.
President Higgins, who is a patron of Down Syndrome Ireland, was introduced to Cathal and Amy along with DSI CEO Pat Clarke at the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies lecture on the future of European Union this week.
Both Cathal and Amy attended the event following their input in the organisation’s My Opinion My Vote education programme, which is a two-year course aimed at empowering people with Down syndrome through active citizenship and participation in elections. As part of the course, the two have studied the EU and visited Brussels.
The two are also members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council, a nationally elected body that represents the voice of people with Down syndrome in Ireland.
Cathal said: “I like doing the My Opinion My Vote course. I do the course every Friday at the IT in Tralee. Basically it is all about politics and the politicians in Ireland and in Europe. We learn about political issues like education, employment and justice….things like that. It is good really to know these things.”
Amy added: “I do the My Opinion My Vote course every Monday in Naas. I really love learning about politics in Ireland and in Europe. Meeting politicians is good and the trips to visit the Dáil and the European Parliament in Brussels last year were the best. I understand all about politics now and I definitely say to people it is really important to vote. Ask the questions and make up your own mind.”
 


 
President Michael D. Higgins meets Down Syndrome Ireland members Cathal Griffin (Glenbeigh, Co Kerry), Amy Purcell (Newbridge, Co Kildare) and DSI CEO Pat Clarke at the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies lecture on the future of European Union this week.

Advertisement

News

Centenary exhibition to chart early years of Fianna Fáil in Kerry

. The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933. The exhibition details how […]

Published

on

.

The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933.

The exhibition details how the party established itself in a county where Civil War divisions were particularly deep-seated. It covers the transition of local figures from revolutionary activities to parliamentary politics and the intense election battles of the late 1920s. Visitors will be able to view documents and archives that illustrate how the party built its organisation across South Kerry in its first decade.

As part of the event, local historian and author Dr. Owen O’Shea will give a public lecture at the library on Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. His talk will focus on the foundation of the party and the “bullets to ballots” transition in Kerry politics. The exhibition is free to attend and will be open during the library’s scheduled operating hours throughout the month of March.
The project is the result of extensive research funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The grant was awarded under the Commemorations Bursary Scheme for 2025-2026 and managed by the Royal Irish Academy. This scheme supports local research that helps the public better understand the political and social evolution of Ireland following the Civil War.

Continue Reading

News

St Brendan’s College travel to London

Published

on

By

5th year students from St Brendan’s College went to London on their English school trip.

They enjoyed a production of ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the Prince of Wales theatre.

The following morning was spent touring Tate Modern before attending a tour and a brilliant interactive workshop in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre focusing on their Leaving Certificate single text “Othello”.

The focus of the workshop centred on the performative elements of the play in relation to themes and character development. 

All students performed with great theatrical verve. 

A brilliant experience for all before attending an acclaimed production of the play in the Theatre Royal.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport