All paths led to the Killarney Plaza Hotel on Thursday night last (November 3) as a large crowd gathered to receive the wisdom and insight of Mr. John Lonergan.

John served in the Irish Prison Service for over 42 years.

He was Governor of Mountjoy Prison for over twenty-two years and Governor of the top security prison at Portlaoise for almost four years.

He retired in June 2010, and later that year, his autobiography “The Governor” was published. He is today a much sought after mental health speaker.

“It was a challenge to get John for the event, such is the demand for his talks but it was clear on the night that John has an insight into the Irish mentality and psyche that everyone in the room could relate to” stated Derek O Leary, Manager of Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre who hosted the event.
“He was so engaging and insightful and delivered his address with the wit and humour of a capable stand-up comedian and had the whole room in great humour on the night”

The crowd of over 150 people enjoyed John’s talk for over an hour but they also experienced ‘Chocolate Mindfulness’ first hand, which saw each individual benefit from a bar of chocolate to challenge their mind on the night.

“’Chocolate Mindfulness’ is chocolate meditation that uses a piece of chocolate to engage all your senses and not only do you get to enjoy chocolate, but the chocolate also acts as a focal point to keep your mind in the moment,” Deirdre Nagle, Social Prescriber at Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre explained.

The night culminated in each person attending leaving their finger print on a beautiful tree depicted on a canvas thus ensuring all were represented from the night.