Our 6th Class pupils had the school trip of a lifetime in June with three unique, memorable experiences. First up in the morning was a visit to Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park. The pupils and staff were treated to beautiful refreshments before getting a guided tour of the magnificent house and stunningly, beautiful gardens. We then received the exciting news that President Higgins would be able to meet us in one of the lovely reception rooms. President Higgins warmly welcomed our party and interacted with the pupils and adults before having some photographs taken. He presented us with a thoughtful gift of a selection of books for our library. It was truly a wonderful moment to meet and speak with our President in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Following this we made our way to the magnificent Croke Park stadium for a tour of the GAA’s headquarters on Jones’ Road in Drumcondra. It is simply an incredible stadium and a wonderful tour getting access to behind the scenes areas including, the dressing rooms, corporate boxes, players lounge, warm up area and the museum. We hope to be back in Croke park supporting Donegal later in the summer.
Finally, we made our way across town to Kildare Street where we were greeted warmly by Ciarán O’ Donnell, Brandon Mc Colgan, Minister Mc Conalogue and Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn. After saying a few words of welcome to our group, we received a guided tour of the Houses of the Oireachtas. We were able to observe the day’s business being conducted in the Dáil and we got to view inside the Seanad.
A final stop for some food and then it was northwards bound for home. We are most grateful to the staff in Áras an Úachtaráin, President Higgins, the staff in the Croke Park museum and to all the politicians and their assistants, tour guide and staff in Leinster House for their warmth, kindness and time, to give our pupils such an incredible day and long lasting memories. Míle buíochas. A special thank you to Fr.John Joe Duffy for his big part in this amazing day and to Liam Mc Elhinney and Conor Carroll for all their help and support. Thank you to all our wonderful staff members who looked after our pupils so well.
Lá dár saol.
