Boxer Moran helping to cure kids’ boredom
I was delighted to read that the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has announced the free admission of all children under the age of 12 to heritage sites throughout the country.
Up to this although the entry fees were not huge, the saving will still mean the difference between bringing a family of three out for the day or choosing perhaps to do something less beneficial.
Here in Sligo children under 12 will now be admitted without charge to three sites; Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Sligo Abbey and Parke’s Castle. Or if you are feeling a little more adventurous you can head for Donegal to Donegal Castle, Doe Castle, Glenveagh National Park, Glebe House and Gallery and Newmills Corn and Flax Mills.
We recently brought our children aged three, five and seven to visit Donegal Castle. The older two were fascinated while the younger one was fascinated with making as much noise and touching as many things as he could, much to the annoyance of some visiting Americans.
I remember the last time I visited Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. I was in secondary school and while the school tour was enjoyable, when we learned we would have to do a project on it afterwards it turned into some sort of looting expedition. Picture sixty girls running like bejesus to get back to the shop to pocket as much material as possible. While I didn’t partake in the stealing I was still like a sheep running back through the fields with everyone. The trail of stolen books and pamphlets all the way back to the buses resulted in a trip to the principal’s office and detention for a few. At the time we probably thought it was funny but looking back it was anything but.
OPW already offers free entry for children under 6 years of age and Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said he was anxious to reinforce the message that a visit to a Heritage site can be a great family day out for all ages.
I’m delighted this is one of ‘Boxer’s’ first announcements since he has been elevated to his new role. I knew ‘Boxer’ very well when I worked in the Westmeath Independent in Athlone. He was one of those politicians who you just felt was in it for the right reason; to help people. He was always one for promoting heritage within Athlone and Westmeath and it is wonderful to see him rolling this out nationwide.
With school holidays upon us and the inevitable mention of the word ‘ bored’ looming, it is fantastic to think it will now cost only the price of your diesel and perhaps a picnic to take children under the age of twelve back in time for a few hours. Well done ‘Boxer’! The initiative applies to all paid-admission sites operated by the OPW since Saturday July 1.