SLIGO VOLUNTEERS ACT AS WONDERFUL AMBASSADORS
A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS REPRESENTED SLIGO IN THE EU PARLIAMENT, EDITOR JENNY MCCUDDEN WAS WITH THEM
“WE should be at home studying,” a group of four Leaving Cert students from the Ursuline College tell me, “But, this is a most welcome break.”
The girls won the Young Enterprise Award for their innovative Sligo Road Race board game.
“We designed an educational board game aimed at primary schools to teach them about their home county. We sold well and made a huge profit,” said Clíona McGowan (18).
The entrepreneurial students were part of the Sligo contingent to visit the EU parliament for the Volunteering/Sligo cultural exhibition and seminar last week.“It’s so nice, this trip has been keeping us going, an escape from the monotony of studying,” agreed Grace Elliot.
“We have a lot to go back to but we can’t complain. This is a fantastic experience at our age, to see the European Parliament,” said Lisa Flynn (17) Leah Rooney (17) agreed: “It’s an amazing opportunity.”
Their teacher Doreen Westby said: “I’m extremely proud. The potential was there all along. This is self directed learning in action, a real education for them.”
Two students from Coláiste Iascaigh, Amy Brady and Keelin Gibson were also in Brussels to be honoured for their volunteering efforts with fundraising for GOAL, the Donal Walsh Foun- dation and other community projects. Amy Brady (16) was thrilled: “No words can explain it. I will never forget the day we were told we were going to Brussels. I’m very proud to be here representing our school.”
Keelin Gibson (16) said: “We organised a number of clean ups in the area. You get great satisfaction out of helping others.”
Julian Cassells (30) from Glencar travelled with his parents Laurence and Helen. Julian, who is visually impaired is involved with a number of voluntary choirs and won the Spirit of Sligo Award for 2016. His talent for singing was spotted ‘very early on’ said his parents. Julian is now working on presenting his own internet radio music show which is recorded in Manorhamilton. “I’m feeling very proud,” said Julian, “I love music and will continue with the choirs.”
Dad, Laurence paid tribute to the Sligo Champion Talking Newspaper volunteers. “This is a vital service for Julian who can enjoy his local paper every week as a result,” he said.
Other volunteers on the trip included Derek and Catherine Davey of Ballymote Heritage and Ruth Burrows of Coolaney Tidy Towns.
The Abbeyquarter Men’s Group was represented by Charlie Meehan, Padraic McDonald and James Scanlon.