NEWSLETTER

Autumn 2015 Volume 19 Issue 3
Autumn 2015 Volume 19 Issue 3 A BUZZZZZ IN CRUMLIN!
NEWSLETTER
of the
National Association Of Youthreach Co-Ordinators
Your centre wouldnt be the same without it!
A Colourful
Odyssey in
Carlow
Sportsreach Complete
An Gaisce.
Tramore Go
On Tour.
Miltown Win
Xhale Award.
STANDING
OVATION FOR
BALLYFERMOT
SLIGO YOUTHREACH
PRESENT
YEATS POETRY &
ART
AWARDS
1

Over the course of the past few weeks there has been a Novena taking place in the
Edenderry parish. This novena was all organised by Fr. McEvoy himself. Fr. MckEvoy invited
some guest speakers to talk about their experiences/ stories. The guest speaker where:
• Johnny Murtagh
• Joanne O’Riordan
• John Lonergan
• Elma Walsh
As over the past few weeks I have been doing a project on Donal Walsh, I was particularly
interested in Ms. Elma Walsh. Before the novena, I went down to the parish and spoke to
Fr. McEvoy. I wanted to organise a personal interview with Elma Walsh. I was both excited
and nervous to meet with Elma Walsh. The mass started at 7.30, I met my tutor Lorraine
and her family at the mass. The mass was absolutely beautiful, and the choir did amazing
singing. Elma Walsh got up and spoke about her son Donal and how he got the cancer.
She was so brave to get up in front of an audience and speak as clear as she did.
When Elma spoke about Donal, she explained that Donal believed that he having cancer
was like climbing a mountain, she explained the everybody has their mountains / problems they have in life. That there is always a
door open for help. Suicide is not the answer.
Donal’s message: “So please, as a 16 year old who has no say in his death
sentence, who has no choice in the pain he is about to cause and who
would take any chance at even a few more months on this planet, appreciate
what you have, know that there is other options and help is always
there.”
I appreciated the Elma has a long drive back to Kerry, so I allowed her to take my
questionnaire with her and post it back to me whenever she was ready. I also asked
her would she take a picture with me and my tutor for my project. She replied “I would
be delighted to.” The next day I was sitting in youthreach when the photographer came
up to give me the photographs. About a week later my questionnaire from Elma Walsh
returned. Her answers giving were remarkable. She also posted some wrist bands. I
was extremely nervous talking to Elma, what was I was going to say to her? or even
how to start speaking to her but it turns out I was nervous for nothing. She was an
ordinary, friendly woman that I am delighted I have met.
Top Right:
Centre Left:
Bottom Left:
2
Edenderry Student, Tricia Mooney Meets
The Late Donal Walshs Mother Elma
Fr PJ McEvoy, Elma Walsh (Donals Mam), Tricia Mooney Trainee Lorraine O Neill,
Tutor 0f Youthreach Edenderry
Lorraine O Neill (Tutor) , son Ronan & Joanne O Riordan, Guest Speaker at
Edenderry Novena
Fr PJ, Elma & Tricia
After mass I went up to speak to Elma Walsh. She was talking to loads of
people, so she threw me her car keys and asked me to go to her car and get
more memory cards and wrist bands. I couldn’t be more honoured. When
I went back into the church everyone wanted a card, the amount of kind
words people said about Donal was inspirational. Eventually I spoke to Elma
Walsh and she wanted to see my project, when the picture of Donal at the
debs came up she was telling me all about Joanne, the girl Donal brought to
the debs and how she is in college now but it took her a long hard journey
to get there, and she did it.

Wall Of Quotations in Edenderry
Trainees from Youthreach Edenderry as part of their Personal and Interpersonal Skills QQI Levels 3 and 4, each chose their favourite inspirational quote and
they compiled them to create a very impressive wall display.
Presentation Ceremony at
Youthreach Balbriggan
On 24th September Youthreach Balbriggan held their certificate presentation to
recognise students’ achievements in the Bracken Court Hotel. There was a great
atmosphere at the event as past and present students accompanied by family
and friends, fellow students and centre staff came together for the celebration.
At the event, Youthreach students received certificates for courses they completed
during the 2014 / 2015 academic year, including QQI courses, First Aid courses,
a Drug Education programme with Forόige Youth Services and Job seeking
skills workshops with FastTrack to Information Technology (FIT). Some students
were also presented with the President’s Gaisce Bronze Award on the night.
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board were represented at
the ceremony by Education Officer, Fionnuala Anderson and Regional Youthreach
Co-ordinator Ken Smartt. In her opening address Fionnuala Anderson
congratulated all the students receiving awards. A past student from the Centre,
Iuliu Rostas spoke fondly about his own personal experience of attending Youthreach.
Representatives from local community organisations - Forόige Youth
Services, Balbriggan Tidy Towns and Balbriggan Community Guards - also spoke
on the night about the various projects that they have been involved in with
Youthreach students. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of
Balbriggan Youthreach’s first ever ‘Student of the Year Award’ which went to Eric
O’Shea, a very popular and deserving former student.
Jacqui Caulfield retires from
Ballymun Youthreach
It is with great sadness that Ballymun Youthreach says goodbye to Jacqui Caulfield. Jacqui
was co-ordinator in Ballymun Youthreach for fifteen years having previously worked here
as the catering teacher. Her drive and vision for the centre has been responsible for many
great additions to the centre, most notably the change in location in 2008 when the Youthreach
moved into the premises vacated by the Senior Comprehensive school here in
Ballymun. She will be sorely missed by students and staff alike, many who have greatly
benefited from her advice and direction over the years. We wish her all the best in her richly
deserved retirement and hope to see her again very soon.
3

A Leaving Lunch for Ballincollig Youthreach
Finishing Students 2015
Ballincollig Youthreach students enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at
Oriel House on completion of QQI Cork Education and Training (Cetb)
Level 4 programmes. On completion of a very busy year students also
composed their own rap with GMC. Please contact our centre for a
copy of our rap Challenges as we believe we have the X Factor! Phone
021 4875432
Magnificent Marathoners
Ballincollig learners’ resolve prevailed in one of the wettest and
windiest Cork City Marathons. The learners youth team finished
eighteenth out of sixty eight teams in the Cork Youth Relay Challenge.
Youth Relay team leader, Breda Dennehy, was thrilled for
the team’s determination, tenacity and belief in their own ability
to finish so well in atrocious weather conditions.
Darren Shanahan, Agnius Dapsys, Thomas Jones, Urla Coomey,
Keith Newman, Linda O’Driscoll and team leader Breda Dennehy
Ballincollig Youthreach Celebration of Completion
Coordinator, Bernie O’Liatháin, presented student, Agnius
Dapsys, his Ballincollig Youthreach Completion Certificate.
Agnius has achieved a QQI Level 4 General Learning Award and
is looking forward to receiving his certificate at the Cork Education
and Training Board (Cetb)QQI Further Education Awards in
November. Presently, Agnius is studying Sport & Recreation Cork.
Ballincollig Youthreach staff are delighted and proud with twelve
students achieving full QQI Level 4 Awards
Ballincollig
Youthreach
Students
try to beat
The Kube
Thomas Jones, Ballincollig Youthreach,
concentates in the Kube (pic 1)
Darren Shanahan smiles as he qualifies
for the next round (pic 2)
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Robyn O ‘Leary received her Ballincollig Youthreach Completion
Certificate from Coordinator, Bernie O’Liatháin. Robyn has
achieved a QQI Level 4 General Learning Award and is also
looking forward to receiving her certificate at the Cork Education
and Training Board (Cetb) QQI Further Education Awards in
November. Presently Robyn is studing Teaching English as a
Foreign Language (TEFL) with a view to working in China.
Recently, Ballincollig students Thomas
Jones and Darren Shanahan fundraised
for Ballincollig Community
Forum by bravely participating in The
Kube at Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig.
The Kube Fundraising Event based on
the idea of the popular ITV Gameshow,
The Cube, highly entertained members
and guests while raising funds for a
new Community Centre in Ballincollig.

Ballincollig Youthreach
Bedazzles our Bard for 15Oth Birthday Celebration
Recently, Ballincollig Youthreach students took
part in Sligo Youthreach’s W.B. Yeats 150th
Birthday Poetry Competition. Each student had
to compose their own poem using two lines
from a Yeats poem. Teacher, Breda Dennehy,
was ecstatic and in awe of her students
participation, resulting in concise and yet
effective poems.
Lasher Learners
Youthreach is the place to be,
It’s where you get your FETAC 3!
Linda, Aggie, Orin and Robyn,
We’re the ones that do the slaggin.
Two girls in silk kimonos, both
Beautiful, one a gazelle.
Two boys in Armani jeans, both
Lovable, one from Currafell
By Linda O’ Driscoll
Dream Extreme
I have spread my dreams under
your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on
my dreams.
My youthreach days are now
complete,
My dreams are now part of my
schemes.
Caring youthreach has made me
positive & up-beat;
How lucky I am to know this youthreach
team.
I beam and glow on their wisdom
sheet,
Yes, youthreach, taught me to
dream extreme!
By Michael Carmody
Left to right: Robyn O’Leary, Urla Coomey, Linda O’Driscoll,
Jessica Carmody, Agnius Dapsys, Aaron O’Driscoll
and Breda Dennehy with their W.B. Yeats Poetry
competition certificates.
T he Rant
I ranted to the knave and fool,
But outgrew that school.
Youthreach is a new start,
More inclusive with less rule.
Motto: participate and play your part.
It’s not that cruel – new skills with tools,
Maths, Communications and Activities – cool!
Teamwork, Mechanics, Hairdressing and Art,
Catering, IT, PE and swimming pool.
Get fit and earn a Marathon start!
By Robert Murphy
Finishing-folders, movin-on,
Challenges, exciting times
youthreach be brave,
Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone,
It’s with O’Leary in the grave.
Ballincollig Blues
Work experience, summer project &
summer song,
Leaving-learners
staff will cry and wave.
Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone,
It’s with O’Leary in the grave.
Orin, Agee and Robyn – O’ Leary from,
Darren, Thomas, Graham, Beverly and
Jessica – remember and rave.
Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone,
It’s with O’Leary in the grave.
By General Learning, Communications Level 4 Class at Ballincollig Youthreach
5

Youthreach Ballinrobe
A Year of All-Ireland Achievements
This year was a very proud and triumphant
year for students and staff at
Youthreach Ballinrobe. Winning both the
All-Ireland 3D Yeats’ Art Competition and
the All-Ireland boys’ soccer competition,
has led to one of our most successful
years to date!
On 22nd June 2015, at an award ceremony
commemorating the life and works
of W.B. Yeats, one of our LCA year one
students, Ms Veronika Geneviciute, blew
away the adjudicators with her 3D Art
sculpture of Yeats. The awards ceremony
took place in “The Glasshouse”, Sligo.
Another LCA student, Mr Thomas Cleary,
came in third place with his sketch to
accompany the poem The Lake Isle of
Innisfree, by Yeats. Both students did very
well to attain these achievements as the
competition from across the country was
of a very high standard!
On 2 July 2015, the Youthreach Ballinrobe Boys’ Soccer Team went to Athlone to participate in the All-Ireland soccer league. With a
positive attitude, the boys’ team beat five other county teams from around Ireland to become victorious winners of the much coveted
All-Ireland Soccer Title.
6
It truly was an excellent end to a very positive year in Youthreach Ballinrobe. Well done to all students who participated in these
competitions and we look forward to another year of achievements when we return in September.

A Standing Ovation For Ballyfermot Youthreach.
“We are the reckless, we are the wild youth!
In the ruins of an old, derelict church where
young people sometimes go to drink, secrets
and lies strain friendships to breaking point.
During the course of a single night, young
lives and loves may be lost or redeemed,
but all will be changed forever.” Following
on from last year’s Streets and Stories, The
Unknown Theatre, comprised of students
from Ballyfermot Youthreach, and one from
Cabra Youthreach, returned with their first,
full production, If Walls Could Talk, a haunting
and often humorous tale of friendships, failings
and, maybe, just maybe, finding yourself
before it’s too late. Running from July 29th at
The New Theatre, Temple Bar for six performances,
it then transferred to the Civic Centre,
Ballyfermot for one night only due to popular
demand. And the response was phenomenal!
It’s been an amazing twelve months for Unknown
Theatre who last year set out to prove
that a courageous group of young people,
unfamiliar with acting or theatre, could create
something of their own capable of standing
with anything out there. It started with Streets
and Stories at The New Theatre, in July 2014.
Then, in December, cast member Zoe Kelly
won the Olympia Theatre Rising Star Award
2015. Next came the hugely successful, If
Walls Could Talk, a play which follows the lives
of a group of young people over the course of
one night which exceeded everyone’s wildest
expectations.
Described by Anthony Fox, Artistic Director of
The New Theatre as “poignant, refreshingly
bold and brave, very funny,” If Walls Could
Talk pulled no punches and packed them
in. Playing to an appreciative full house,
receiving a standing ovation, with requests
to come back later in the year or early next
year, two of the cast were even invited onto
the Ryan Turbidy Radio Show on 2FM. And
most exciting of all, there’s significant interest
in taking the show to The Edinburgh International
Fringe Festival in 2016. A remarkable
achievement given that most of the cast which
include Terrie Gray, Zoe Kelly, Aishling Hickey,
John McCarthy, Demi O’Reilly,
Chelsea Butterly, Luke Weekes,
Ciara Gavin, Chelsea Graham and
Annmarie Farrell, who range in
ages from 16 to 21, had never set
foot in a theatre before, never
seen a play or attended a drama
class. They just took the chance.
Through regular workshops in
The New Theatre, thanks to the
incredible support of Anthony
Fox, students devised, improvised
and generally had great fun
exploring stories they wanted to
tell, told in their own voice. The
Unknown Theatre is different in
that it’s aware that young people
from backgrounds where theatre
may not at first be appreciated
still have amazing talent and sets about encouraging
that in a way they can connect with.
Two years ago these students took a step into
the unknown. Since then they have delved
even deeper, had some amazing experiences
and achieved something quite remarkable.
The journey continues. If you think you
might be interested in joining us, talk to your
Co-ordinator. This year we were delighted to
have Chelsea Graham, a student from Cabra
Youthreach, join Unknown Theatre. Next year,
it could be you!
7

Youthreach Ballymahon 5km Fun Run
On Wednesday June 17th, Youthreach Ballymahon held its inaugural 5km fun run along the beautiful banks of the Royal canal in
Ballymahon Co. Longford.
This event was organised to honour the memory of staff member Seán Callaghan and to mark the first year since his passing.
The event was well attended with over 100 people turning up to walk or run on the day.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Séan’s family and friends for generously supporting, donating and participating in our
event. We would also like to acknowledge all the Youthreach centres in the Longford and Westmeath ETB for their support and we
would like to thank all the visiting students and staff for taking part and making our fun run a tremendous success,
Many thanks to Smyth’s Super Valu, Fresh Today, Lovell Bros, Thomas Cox, Nally’s Topaz, Ballymahon AFC, Peter Hanley Motors
and Midland Trophies who were kind enough to offer sponsorship for the day. Without this sort of support and community
involvement events like these would not be possible.All monies raised have been donated to the Ballymahon Defibrillator Group.
We are proud to have raised €728 for this worthwhile cause.
Ballyshannon Visit Art Exhibition
In September Ballyshannon learners visited the contemporary art exhibition Magnetism in the old Snia/Saehan factory in Sligo.
The exhibition was presented by Hazelwood House, Sligo. The exhibition was curated by Vaari Claffey and brought large-scale
sculptural works by a group of Irish and international artists together with a video programme, compiled to reflect the history of
the factory at the site where magnetic video tape was manufactured from 1987-2005.
Youthreach
Team Challenge
at Petersburg
Outdoor Activity
Centre.
GRETB Youthreaches took
part in a Team Challenge on
September 30th at Petersburg
Outdoor Activity Centre. A great
day was had by all.
Team Galway City, proud winners of
the Conor Morris Memorial Plaque
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Bray & North Wicklow Youthreach
Graduation 2015
Bray & North Wicklow Youthreach held their graduation
ceremony in June for all students who completed the two year
programme and achieved their QQI (FETAC) Level 4 Certificate.
The singing group opened the ceremony with a beautiful
performance. Michelle Keating (acting co-ordinator) spoke to
all in attendance and reassured all students that the door will
always be open for advice and guidance as they head out into
this next part of their lives. Student, Ciara Butler was the star
on the day as she received the “Student of the year award”.
This was awarded to Ciara for her commitment, enthusiasm,
and eagerness to learn and for always giving a helping hand in
the centre. The ceremony closed with a photo slideshow of all
the memories and experiences that each and every individual
student contributed to the centre. Light refreshments were
provided before students, staff, family and friends sat down to a
three course meal, beautifully prepared and cooked by the staff
and students themselves. A lot of time and effort went into every
last detail for the event, from decorating the room right through
to the staff waiting on students and their families; something
the students really got a kick out of. All of the students looked
fantastic in their graduation gowns and all of the staff team in
Bray & North Wicklow Youthreach are very proud of the young
adults they have become. The journey wasn’t easy but it was
worth it.
Bray Youthreach Students celebrating their graduation
Leann Mahon, Tara Reilly, Ciara Butler (Student of the Year) and Angela Glynn
Busy Summer Programme in
Buncrana & Glengad!
The Buncrana and Glengad Youthreach centres in Inishowen, Co Donegal had a
very busy and successful summer programme this year. The photos give a small
flavour of what they got up to including MUSO (previously known as Songcraft)
working with the learners to create their own song, having an environmental
clean up in their area, holding their annual open day which included learners
receiving a range of awards, hosting a barbecue in the Glengad centre for special
needs students from the Little Angels school and promoting Youthreach at the
annual Inishowen Agricultural Show.
9

Lions, Tigers, Horses and Zebras
were just a taste of some
of the animals who boarded
‘Noah’s Ark’ and made their
odyssey from Youthreach
Carlow to the Carlow Childcare
Crèche as part of the
Youthreach Carlow summer
programme 2015. As part of
the programme our students
were given the opportunity of
refurbishing some beautiful
murals which had felt the
effects of time over the past
A Colourful Odyssey in Carlow
number of years. Originally
these murals had been created
by the Senior Travelling
Training Centre which had
been a part of the Carlow VEC
educational vista a number of
years previous. The members
of that programme under
the guidance of Seamus O’
Rourke (RIP) created these
beautiful murals depicting
the story of Noah’s Ark.
Youthreach students were
invited by the Crèche to view
the murals and quickly began
to re-imagine ways in which
they could restore the murals
to their former glory. Over the
month of June the students
began to revamp the murals
as all manner of animals,
clouds, etc. were drawn
(with not a Unicorn in sight!).
Throughout the process the
students demonstrated a
vast array of artistic skills,
bundles of commitment and
high levels of motivation to
recreate a wonderful panorama
for the children who
attend the Crèche on the
Kilkenny Road. It really was a
case of remembering the old
rhyme ‘Well there was green
alligators and long necked
geese, some humpty backed
camels and some chimpanzees...’
as the final murals
proved to be amazing. Huge
credit must go to the students
of Youthreach Carlow and
their art teacher Lisa Gordon
who worked tirelessly on this
project. A special mention
must go to the Youthreach
Carlow Centre Co-ordinator
Martina Osborne who had
the foresight and vision to
make this project happen. A
big thanks also to Niall Moran
and the Carlow Childcare
Centre for giving our students
the medium to showcase
and display their talents and
as the title states it sure has
been a colourful odyssey for
all involved with plenty of
rainbows insight.
10
Pictured (left to right): Tina Berney, Chloe Hopkins, Aisling Mannion, Leigh Mannion, Johnny O’Leary and Jamie Moran.

“Paws for a Moment” ECO-Unesco Winners!
Congratulations to Youthreach Carlow students who participated in the
ECO-Unesco Awards 2015, winning an award in the Senior Eco Health
& Wellbeing category. Our students decided to tackle the issue of ‘dog
fouling’ in Carlow town and the harmful impacts that this problem has
upon Carlow Town and the wider community. The students carried out
an awareness campaign about the potential harmful impacts dog fouling
can cause. As part of this action project the students created displays,
wrote newspaper articles, produced a video and also held awareness
workshops in local Primary Schools. The students thoroughly enjoyed the
experience and look forward to the Young Environmentalist Awards 2016.
Belfast Trip 2015
On Tuesday the 31st of March 2015 our
students and teachers left the Youthreach
Carlow Centre for Belfast at 8:00am. The
bus arrived in Belfast at 12:00pm and the
students were shown around Belfast City
Centre followed by lunch. Students and
teachers then participated in a community
circus school workshop. In the workshop
students and teachers learned new skills
such as juggling, tightrope walking, acrobatics,
etc. Students and teachers learned
how to work together as a team whilst also
learning and developing their communication
skills. The group finished the Circus
School at 5pm and returned to the hostel.
The group then went to Nandos for a nice
meal whilst subsequently returning to the
hostel. The following morning the group
left the hostel and went to the Titanic
Museum in Belfast where they participated
in a very informative guided tour. The
students then partook in a history workshop
where they looked at and examined
different sources on the topic of Titanic
and the value of history. After a quick
lunch the group visited the ‘dry dock’ and
pump house where Titanic was fitted out
and learned some more interesting facts
about Titanic. Overall the trip was a huge
success and both staff and students look
forward to our next adventure!
News From Castleblayney
Castleblayney Youthreach held a careers week for Youthreach students in County Monaghan. Students attended presentations
from Solas, Monaghan Institute and Cavan Institute on the wide range of further education and training courses available locally.
This included apprenticeships along with short and long term courses.
Careers week at Castleblayney Youthreach Drugs Education Programme Mental Health Workshop
Students attended many centre workshops throughout June
and July. This included Breathe workshop (look after your
mental health), Smoking cessation programme, 4 workshops
around risk and drug use focusing on clockwork orange and
other synthetic cannabinoids with a visit to Coolmine – a
treatment and rehabilitation programme for alcohol and
drug abuse based in Dublin.
As part of the QQI Level 4 Communications module students
participated in mock interviews organised by the Adult
Guidance Officer within the CMETB and the Monaghan
Supported Employment Agency.
11

Crumlins 2014 Graduates Return
To ‘Get Connected’.
Nine of our former students graduated the Level 4 Full Award in July
2015. Of these: two went on to full time employment; one plans to
go to night school; and the rest have gone on to various PLC courses
in a number of CDETB College. The broad range of progression routes
followed by our students is testament to the value of the Level 4 Major
Award in General Learning. Our students have progressed to courses
such as: Music Management (Ballyfermot) Security Studies (Crumlin
College), Business Administration (Rathmines), Game Design (Ballyfermot)
and Pre-University Law (Dunboyne).
Above you can see that they recently returned to the centre to participate
in a ‘Get Connected’ workshop that was designed to help students
make the most of their time in college, plan their budgets, develop
their study skills and gave tips on how to manage their time. The workshop
was delivered by Maurice Murphy who is employed by the Canals
Community Partnership. Maurice will continue to offer support and
guidance in the coming months should it be required and of course
they know they can return to Crumlin Youthreach as our staff team is
more than delighted to help out should they need it. We all wish them
the very best of luck.
Beekeeping Causing Quite A Buzzzzz In Crumlin!
Crumlin Youthreach has a new subject on the timetable this year and it's
causing quite a buzzzzz. Some students were nervous to start but majority
were quite happy to try QQI L5 Beekeeping. Students spent time on the
summer programme researching designs for- and helping to building
hives in the woodwork room and for the new apiary at the back of our
premises. The apiary itself is a joint venture between WALK (an organisation
that works with adults with intellectual disabilities), Scoil Colm
(the local Primary School) and ourselves here at Crumlin Youthreach. It's
a great way of bringing people together in a community project and of
course, it's good for the environment. In this photo you can see Conor
Quinn on the left and Stephen Byrne in the middle who is being helped
by fellow student Lee Mulraney and teacher Dave Mulvaney who is overseeing
them as they get 'suited and booted' for their first trip to the Apiary.
No students, teachers or wildlife were harmed in this photo-shoot!!
12

Donegal Youthreach Holds
First County Summer Games!
On 30 June, all six of the centres in Co Donegal (Ballyshannon, Buncrana, Glengad, Gortahork, Letterkenny and Lifford) came together
to hold our first annual summer games at Gartan OETC. We wanted to provide our learners with their own 'sports day'. Teams had to
complete a variety of tasks which culminated in a raft building competition and race. The winners, based on their overall participation
and attitude were Team Ballyshannon. We're looking forward to next year's games already!
13

Enniscorthy Youthreach Winners of the X-Hale
Youth Awards Film Competition 2015
The Annual Irish Cancer Society Annual X-Hale Awards took place on Thursday, 2nd July, 2015 in The Light House Cinema in Smithfield,
Dublin 7 with Enniscorthy Youthreach taking two top Awards. They won the overall at Senior Level and also the Award for most hits on
Youtube with over 72,000 views. There were 41 entries in this year’s competition from all over the country.
The Irish Cancer Society through the X-Hale Youth Awards want Youth Organisations to play their part in helping to prevent young
people in our community from starting to smoke. Currently in Ireland about 12% of school aged young people are reported to smoke
with rates as high as 25% of 15/17 year old girls in some areas.
Enniscorthy Youthreach students with assistance of their Teacher Mr. Hugh John Dunne set about creating an anti-smoking video
which they entered into the competition. The script was written, the sets made and the overall production took place and it depicts a
young girl being pressurised into smoking. This was achieved by introducing some similar scenes from horror movies acted out by the
cast from Youthreach.
“When this video was put on Youtube by the Irish Cancer Society and within hours it went viral.”
The message being portrayed by this short film is to prevent young people from starting to smoke.
Digital Media was introduced as an extra Curricular Module at Enniscorthy Youthreach in 2014/2015. The students had to carry out a
lot of research regarding the topic and then make sure they had the correct equipment. The checklist included the following - script,
rehearsals, camera, microphones, locations, props and make –up.
14
Learners and Hugh Dunne with representatives from Irish Cancer Society.
John Brennan, Youthreach Co-ordinator and Teacher Hugh Dunne
Amber Flag for Ballincollig Youthreach
Recently Ballincollig Youthreach learners and
staff were presented with The Amber Flag by
Alan Quinlan, former Munster and Irish Rugby
player. Suicide Aware launched the Amber Flag
Initiative in 2013. The flag was launched to promote
positive mental health in schools, colleges,
clubs and societies who abide by Suicide Aware
criteria for positive mental health. Ballincollig
Youthreach eagerly engaged in this programme
L-R: Alan Quinlan, Linda O’Driscoll, Aaron
O’Driscoll, Thomas Jones, Adrian O’Connell and
Robert Rohu
demystifying issues around mental health and
encouraging young people to be more open in
talking about their own concerns.
Proud Ballincollig Youthreach learners with their
Amber Flag

The Glen Youthreach & UCC Connection
The Glen Youthreach Soccer Team visited the UCC MARDYKE Sports a Complex on Friday 25th January. While they were there, they
played a full FUTSOL game and received an extensive tour of all the facilities and all the training methods used by the UCC Teams.
Afterwards they met the President, Chairman and Team Manager of the UCC Soccer Club and talked about the UCC PLUS PRO-
GRAMME. This was an excellent opportunity to see the different training methods used by the teams and to see the world class
facilities available in the UCC Mardyke complex. The Glen Youthreach would also like to thank Hughie O Donovan who is on work
placement from UCC in the Youthreach for his help in organising this.
The Glen Goes
Abroad
Two Glen students Dylan O Keeffe and Paul Corcoran
who travelled to Strasbourg thanks to their Contemporary
Issues Task. This trip would not be possible without the
funding and support of the Michael Sweetman Trust.
UCC Plus Programme
Working with linked schools, the UCC PLUS+ Programme (formerly
Access
Programme) seeks to target students and to provide motivational and
educational assistance to them throughout their secondary schooling to
enhance their ability to compete for third level places. Currently there
are a number of schools and colleges of further educations linked to the
Programme for this purpose.
Having achieved entry to the University UCC PLUS+ enables students to
participate fully in student life and reach their full potential.
http://www.ucc.ie/en/uccplus/prospective/HEAR/
Last Year UCC Plus Office had a Soccer Camp for UCC linked secondary
schools to encourage young soccer players to attend UCC Plus Elite
Soccer Camp To target elite soccer players (Male and Female) from UCC
Plus linked schools and Identify potential soccer scholarship players for
UCC Experience the life of a UCC soccer scholarship player.
See what life is like as a UCC student athlete,
Experience top class facilities, top class coaching and top
class education during the one day camp in UCC.
UCC is where you will want to be
The Glen Youthreach
& Cork Penny Dinners
The LCA1 class volunteered their services for one day to
help out in preparing, cooking and serving the meals. All
of the students really enjoyed this day and it helped to
change some of the mindset of some of the students in
working with people in need. We will be returning for one
more day before the end of term.
15

All Change In Gortahork
New Coordinator In Gortahork!
Donegal Youthreach is delighted to welcome Ciaran O Brien as
the new Coordinator of the Gortahork Youthreach centre! Ciaran
was born and reared in Sligo, where he was involved in sports
education from a very young age.
He started his professional career working with Gartan Outdoor
Education and Training Centre, where he was an instructor for a
number of years: “All this experience was, in the main, working
with young people. The nature of adventure sports forces you as
the instructor to have the ability to engage and build relationships
with groups quickly. You must also be flexible and creative. All key
attributes to working in Youthreach.”
A number of years ago Ciaran took a career break from Gartan
to work with young people in care which led to him returning to
college to re-skill. He returned to Gartan after almost three years
and the majority of his time was spent working on the Outdoor
Instructor Traineeship Course (QQI Level 5).
Ciaran is looking forward to building a relationship with young
people and staff in Youthreach Gortahork and “trying to figure
out how we, as a team, can have the most impact in providing
education and training for our learners.” He feels the Youthreach
Programme gives learners a chance to improve their confidence,
challenge themselves, overcome hurdles and hopefully leave wanting
to learn more.
We wish Ciaran every success in his new role. For more information
on the Youthreach programme in Gortahork, contact Ciaran on
0749135218.
Pat Morgan Retires from
Gortahork Youthreach
Pat Morgan retired from his position as the Gortahork Youthreach
Centre Coordinator on Friday 04 September after managing
the centre for over fifteen years. Originally from Belfast, Pat
has been with the centre since it first opened its doors in 2000
and has overseen the development of the programme in the
Gortahork Adult Education and Training Centre from the start.
In that time he has witnessed much change from the centre
starting out as a twenty-five place centre and eventually becoming
a thirty-one place centre, starting with a small staff team
of three to a team of nine today, changing education provision
from NICVA to FETAC to QQI accreditation, management changes
from Co Donegal VEC to Donegal ETB, funding changes from the
Department of Education to SOLAS, introduction of inspections
to Youthreach (including the completion of a successful centre
inspection), not to mention the transformation of the centre from
the ‘old tech’ to one of Donegal ETB’s eight Adult Education and
Training Centres today, including the addition of a state of the art
crèche and an extension to the building a number of years ago.
He has taken all of this change in his stride with his own brand
of Northern humour! More importantly, Pat has supported so
many young people who attended the programme since it first
opened. Gortahork Youthreach is a 31 place centre but because
Youthreach operates a continuous intake policy all year around,
this has mean that around 400 early school leavers have passed
through its doors in Pat’s time. As the programme Maths tutor,
Pat was innovative and creative in his teaching of a subject that
many of the Gortahork learners struggled with in school.
The staff of Gortahork Youthreach and staff and Coordinators
from Youthreach across the county wish Pat all the best with his
retirement.
16

Embracing the Summer Programme 2015
Kilbeggan Youthreach
Eating Challenge
Whitewater Tubing
Team Games
Paintballing
Eating Challenge
Eating Challenge
Dublin Zoo
Even though the weather was
unpredictable it didn’t stop our
students engaging in the summer
programme. There were activities
organised which challenged
students, from investigating crime
scenes to competing to gain
the title of MasterChef 2015 to
Eating Challenges & dissecting, all
student senses were challenged.
All students worked together to
embrace the experience. A wide
range activities took place which
physically & mentally stimulated
students. Clutching each other
for support & encouragement they
worked together building new
relationships & team spirit. Until
summer 2016!!!! We can’t wait!!!
17

YOUTHREACH LETTERKENNY TO CELEBRATE 25th YEAR!
The much acclaimed Youthreach Programme, Letterkenny, is gearing up to celebrate it's 25 years in existence.
With re-painting and re-furbishing of the building underway, the students decided that they would design and produce the artwork of
the name of 'Youthreach' for the outside of the building. Pictured below are the students with class tutors,l-r; Gillian Kennedy, programme
Coordinator,Thomas Cullen, Mary Levis, Dolores Dunleavy, Priya Mendes-Mc Menamin, Deirdre Gallagher and Andy Dowds.
With Celebration Week due to start on Tuesday 20th October, a week-long programme of events has been scheduled which will
involve students and staff, past and present, in celebrating Youthreach Letterkenny, Ireland's education and training programme for
early school leavers
Lifford's Busy Summer Programme
Lifford Youthreach had a very busy summer programme this year which included a range of health and fitness activities including
bubble football, first aid training (in the sunshine!), cycling and hillwalking, as you can see from the photos.
18

Busy Days In Longford Youthreach
Longford Youthreach had a very active period after the QQI deadlines and the Easter
break. One of our students entered the Yeats Poetry competition which was expertly
organised by Ultan and Sligo Youthreach. While she did not win a prize Chantelle gained
enormously from her participation in the competition and the brilliant day both she and
her peers in the Centre enjoyed at the awards Ceremony in Sligo in June. While Chantelle
Lawrence was writing poetry, Noel was going through the pain barrier when he decided
to climb Croagh Patrick in his barefeet. Most of us struggled to get to the top with the
appropriate footwear but Noel showed no signs of wilting and actually managed to make
it to the peak before some of his “better heeled” colleagues and staff. Avril Tighe also won
the Ladies Ballmahon 5K Run organised by Ballymahon Youthreach to commemorate the
untimely passing of our colleage Seán Callaghan one year ago. Rivermania, Zipit, Drive 4
Life, Swimming, Bubble Ball, Spinning, Pitch & Putt, Snooker and Bowling all played their
part during a hectic summer programme. 12 of our female students also availed of a 4
day on site training programme facilitated on the premises of a very busy local Hair Salon
– experiencing the facilities, demands, professionalism and skills of a fully functioning
commercial operation. Mary Gordon also attended a SEN ICE day which was facilitated by
Ann Marie Beattie. The month of July was dedicated to work experience and the majority
of our students were the recipients of some high praise from many of the local employers.
When August finally came around, the Centre closed it’s doors for a well-earned break and
an end to our first year in operation in the town of Longford. It will all start again in less
than 4 weeks and it will be comforting to know that the Department of Education & Skills
will not be paying a visit, as we already had that privilege a few months ago!!
You left us too young
You were full of laughter
And full of fun.
My eyes fill with tears,
My heart aches with pain,
And up the hill,
That’s when I knew I’d never see again
We had our ups and downs,
But at the end of it all
You always had my back
Even when I acted the clown.
Poem To My Brother
Loved & Missed Pj xx By:Kirstin McQuaid
I would do anything to have you here
With your family, it’s where you belong
You said your goodbyes,
Which should have been enough
But for me it’s still very tough.
Eventually it will hit us,
That you’re in a better place
But until the day God calls me
There will always be an empty space
In my heart that will never be replaced.
19

Coffee Morning in Youthreach Mahon
The students in Youthreach Mahon
held a very successful coffee morning in
Ringmahon House recently. It was in aid
of Marymount Hospice and was part of
the national campaign ‘Ireland’s biggest
coffee morning’.
The students worked during the week to
make the house into a warm and welcoming
place and gave classrooms a homely
feel. Flowers were put on tables and the
students happily served teas, coffees,
cakes and scones.
Parents and friends came to the event and
the students were particularly pleased
with local residents who have no connection
to Youthreach coming in for the morning.
The posters advertising the event had
been spotted in the local community centre,
shops and doctor’s surgeries. People
who had never been in the house before
were delighted to tour the building and
hear the history of it. Ringmahon House
was originally built in 1822 by James
Murphy brewing and distilling fame. The
last family to live in the house was that of
Ben Dunne senior of retailing fame. Ben
Dunne junior and his sister Margaret have
both visited the house throughout the
years and spoke of their great memories
of their childhood years surrounded by
acres of green space. In the 1980s most
of their land was bought by the then Cork
Corporation the massive housing scheme
that was built and now forms Mahon.
The house was restored to it’s full glory
and officially opened in September 2008.
Youthreach have been running their
centre of education in these beautiful
surroundings since January 2009.
Marymount Hospice benefitted from the
morning as everybody made a donation.
One young student remarked that it was
‘mostly paper’ going into the collection
boxes. A total of more than €340 was
raised. The students would like to thank
everybody who attended for making it
such a successful event.
Six students from Youthreach Mahon
have recently returned from an international
exchange in Cappanalea Outdoor
Education Centre, Co Kerry. They were
joined by six young people from Scotland
and five from France. The theme
of the week was promoting positive
mental health and building resilience.
The young people linked with the Jigsaw
service in Tralee while exploring the top
ten activities that promote good mental
health. They met with both staff and the
Mind EUr Mental Health
members of the Youth Advisory Panel
and shared ideas on the subject. There
is currently no Jigsaw project in Cork
but hopes loom large that this will soon
change and Youthreach Mahon’s students
will be eager to become involved.
The young people negotiated their
way through the ten areas in life that
promote well-being . As they passed
through each ‘state’ they received visa
stickers in their own positivity passport
which they made themselves with small
artist’s notebook. They all wrote warm
words in each other’s passports on the
last night and brought the good feelings
home with them.
Four of the Irish participants completed
their bronze level Gaisce award as part
of the week’s hiking and three Scottish
young people completed their Duke of
Edinburgh award challenge. These four
will take up the silver challenge now and
work towards that award.
20

Youthreach Mahon teamed
up with ‘Mind The Gap’ facilitator
Arran Tower in a series
of art workshops over the last
six months. The young people
worked through the effect of
education on young people as
they grow to adulthood and
towards employment. They
produced wonderful artwork
while exploring the educational
experiences and living
World Wise Global Schools
conditions of young people
around the world. They took
part in lively discussions
and looked at their world
versus other worlds. Student
Adam Johnson said after
the sessions “ I feel lucky to
be getting my education in
Ireland” Youthreach Mahon
offers level 4 QQI Certification
which is delivered in a
modular fashion.
The group of students who
were involved in the project
travelled to the Aviva Stadium
in Dublin on Tuesday 21st
April to showcase their work.
They were the only representatives
from a Youthreach
centre in attendance and
groups had travelled from all
around Ireland to showcase
their work. ‘It was a great
day out’ said Ciarán Kelleher.
Arran brought the workshops
to Mahon on a pilot basis
and is hoping that ‘Mind The
Gap’ will work with other
Youthreach centres in the
future while keeping links
with Mahon and developing
their involvement with World
Wise Global Schools.
In June two Sportsreach staff and eleven
Learners set off in the mini bus to West Clare.
The An Gaisce tour would last for 3 days and
2 nights. The group stayed in the Burren
Outdoor Education Centre and we found the
accommodation to be an ideal facility and
location. Soon after arrival, and with the sun
splitting the limestone on the Burren, we went
kayaking on the Dooneen Lake accompanied
by two of the BOEC staff. During this activity
the group played some fun team games and
also were visited by a group of seals probably
wondering what all the fuss was about in their
peaceful lake!!! Later that evening we travelled
Sportsreach Complete An Gaisce
to Liscannor to view the breath-taking Cliffs
of Moher. The Learners took a lot of “selfies”
while in awe of this stunning landmark.
On the second day, after a healthy breakfast,
we set off to visit The Ailwee Caves. The caves
are located in The Burren and the guided
tour lasted 1 hour. Here the Learners learned
about the caves discovery in 1944 and saw
remains of bears while walking 980 feet into
the cave. After the tour we visited The Bird
of Prey and Educational Centre. A home to
Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Owls from all over
the world the group were able to interact and
get up close and personal with the birds. Our
day was completed with a swim at Doonbeg
beach and a walk in The Burren.
On the last day, we vacated our BOEC
dwellings and set off on our journey home to
Dublin. Along the way we stopped in Shannon
to visit the Bunratty castle and Folk Park. Here
the learners explored the 15th century Bunratty
castle and the 19th century Folk Park. While
walking through the Folk Park the learners
got to enjoy the sights, sounds and taste of
the charming village. The learners were very
positive about the trip and it gave them an
opportunity to experience things they would
otherwise not have enjoyed.
21

Our Youthreach Experience In Tramore 2013 - 2015
Over the past two years in our time in Tramore Youthreach we
have learnt a lot, from inside the classrooms to things we’ve
picked up ourselves along the way. Our class has really enjoyed
our time here; it was a big change for all of us coming from
other schools. It was much easier to get along with people. In
Youthreach, we were given the freedom of free speech to say
how we think and feel about things, we learnt a lot, about what is
going on in the world. As part of one of our key assignments, we
even registered to vote! Our teacher Ciara is pretty great. She told
us to write that.
We have went on many trip’s such as Dunmore East Adventure
Centre, Sheilbaggin, Kilkenny Adventure Centre, Dunbrody Ship,
Paintballing in Bray, Reginald’s Tower and the Viking triangle
in Waterford, and the Cinema. We also did some activities like
Kayaking, Horse Riding, Tag Rugby and Laser Blast, Rounder’s,
Football, Gym, Gaelic Football, Basketball and Hurling.
We will really miss coming into Youthreach to see Gerry with
a smile on his face. We have learnt a lot from Youthreach and
we’re sure our tutors have learnt a lot from us!!
Peace out
horribly. They were all squashed together on bunks, each family
had one bunk. There was a lot of sickness and death on the ship.
The ship was actually a cargo ship designed for storing and transporting
materials such as wood, gravel and stone. However they
transformed the lower deck into bunks on the voyage to America
and dismantled the bunks for the return voyage. This is the only
chance the Irish people had at the time so they changed it.
This Trip was a great experience and bonding trip as a group.
Especially as year two were leaving Youthreach and starting their
Leaving Certificate shortly after this.
22
Thousands die…
Dunbrody Ship!
As a class we visited the historic Dunbrody Famine Ship. During
this visit we had a tour of the ship and discovered many interesting
facts about the tragic times.
We found out why people emigrated and how much it was for
the trip to America. It was £3:10 for one person to travel and for
8 people it was £20. We also learned about how the different
classes were treated. The rich people would be in the upper
class section. They had their own cabins and were treated a lot
better than the other passengers. The working class were treated

Tramore Students Visit Kilkenny Adventure Centre
We went to Kilkenny Adventure Centre with L.C.A 1 and L.C.A
2 as a group. This was our second time going to the adventure
centre this year. Since we had such a great time. We bonded
very well and learned some new skills to work in a group.
The first activity that we did was bubble soccer. Bubble Soccer Is
playing football in a bubble, it protects your whole body so you
can’t get hurt. It was great fun, we all enjoyed our self’s. We got
a quick shower of rain but that did not ruin the day. It was more
fun as the ground got more slippy and muddy.
We jumped straight into the obstacle course. We were Split
into two groups. We bonded together and communicated to
complete the obstacle course.
The main objective of the course was to communicate with our
team mates. Take our time, listen and follow instructions was
the key to winning. The most enjoyable part of the course was
when we had to run jump and climb obstacles. That lead to
a small jump into mucky water it was easy to run through. At
the end of the course there was a water slide. The water slide
was very fun. We then got a group photo all together. We then
headed back to get changed and then got on the bus and went
home. We really enjoyed ourselves, especially as Year Two were
leaving Youthreach to start their Leaving Certificate soon. It was
great to do some bonding with them before they left and we all
finished for summer. We would recommend this as a great fun
activity for families or groups of friends.
Transforum Alley Youthreach
The Transforum Alley (TA) Youthreach Sports Council met before the
summer programme started to discuss the things that would be fun to do
during Active Centre Week. Lots of ideas were talked about and these ideas
were brought to our P.E. teacher Ciara, who decided what was realistic and
affordable. The week was a huge success and these are a few of the best
things we did that week.
• Scuba Diving in Castlegregory
• Open water trampling
• Surfing with Splashsports
• Boxing classes with Tralee Boxing Club
• A Pool tournament for the TA students
During the year, a big part of the TA Sports Council was to organise fitness
testing for the entire group. From the start of the year until the end of the
year, fitness tests were done regularly so everyone could see their progress.
Transforum Alley has a fitness testing hall of fame for the past 9 years. It is
very hard to get on it but if you do it is a great achievement. Sport is a big
part of our programme and all the students really enjoyed and benefited
from it.
As part of our Sports programme TA take part in a Mile Challenge throughout
the year. This involves being timed to sprint, run, jog or walk really fast
a mile. We have started up again this year and everyone is looking forward
to beating their time.
The sports council have met as a team and have decided what new things
we can include on our programme this year.
23

Yeats Poetry & Art Competition
Sligo Youthreach
On Wednesday 24th June,
Youthreach Sligo was delighted
to meet the prize-winners of
the Yeats 2015 poetry and art
competition in the Glasshouse
hotel Sligo.
There were 3 categories to the
competition: Poetry, Art and
3D model/sculpture. Students
were asked to write their own
original poem but had to
include a line from any of the
Yeats poetry collection.
Suzanne Doolan from Youthreach
Kiltimagh read her
very powerful winning poem
“Everyone’s Best Friend”
before accepting her 1st prize
of an IPad.
Adam Finane, Dean Fogarty
and Alan Higgins from Youthreach
Cabra came second
with their poem “My Giants
Causeway”. Tommy Jordan
from Dundalk Youthreach
claimed third prize with his
poem “Foot to the Floor”.
Youthreach Kiltimagh had two
winners in the art section of
the competition. Anthony Mulvenna
came first, Ellen Collins
came second and Thomas
Cleary from Youthreach Ballinrobe
came third.
Youthreach Ballinrobe had
another proud moment when
Vronika Geneviclute took home
first prize in the 3D section.
Sapphire and Jasmine Fitch
who travelled all the way from
Youthreach Roscrea came
second and Celina Harty also
from Roscrea came third.
Youthreach Sligo would like to
congratulate the winners but
also each young person who
participated in the competition
and made it such a huge
success. Many thanks also to
the tutors who encouraged
and assisted their students.
Every entry has been included
in a booklet which will be
distributed to Youthreach centres
nationwide. Youthreach
Sligo would like to thank Nigel
Reape Office Supplies and
Print based in Knockmore,
Ballina for his professional
advice in putting this book
together.
We would also like to say a
big thank you to Colm Keegan
from Poetry Ireland who
travelled from Dublin to hold
a highly entertaining creative
writing workshop with the
group. Colm had a captive audience,
when he read extracts
from his gritty and moving
book “Don’t go there”. A word
of thanks also to E.O of Mayo,
Sligo, Leitrim E.T.B, Mary
Madden who took the time to
address the group and meet
the participants. Finally a word
of appreciation to Sligo Credit
Union and Irma Mulvihill for
their generous sponsorship of
the competition.
Well done everybody, we look
forward to doing it all again
next year..!!!!
24
Students and Staff from Kiltimagh and Ballinrobe Youthreach Centres who were prize winners in the Yeats Poetry & Art Competitions

The Monaghan Youthreach End of Year
Presentation was recently held in the centre
at Knockaconny. The Resource Person
Kathlena Slowey welcomed students,
parents and guardians, invited guests,
members of the Board of Management
and staff to the event.
A number of students addressed the
guests giving personal accounts of their
experience of Youthreach. The Chairperson
of the Youthreach Board of Management,
Councillor Clifford Kelly complimented
staff and students on their work
Monaghan Youthreach End of Year
Presentation, July 23rd 2015
in the centre and encouraged students to
continue learning, emphasizing the great
personal benefits of education. Learners
were presented with their QQI and Safefood
Certificates on the day. Well done to
all our students, especially Corie O’ Leary,
Rosie Mc Ginley, Richard Heffernan and
Keith Heffernan who successfully achieved
their QQI Level 4 General Learning Certificates.
Special achievement awards were
also presented to a number of Learners.
The staff and students at Youthreach
would like to thank Councillor Clifford Kelly,
Councillor Colm Carthy and Ms. Margaret
Flack, members of the Youthreach
Board of Management who attended on
the day and supported the event.
Woodwork pieces created by Students
at Monaghan Youthreach are displayed
in the window of the CMETB Administration
Centre in Market Street, Monaghan
we invite everyone to view some of the
unique craft items made by students at
Monaghan Youthreach.
Michael Prochazka is presented with the Student
of the Year Award by Kathlena Slowey, Reource
Person at Monaghan Youthreach
Rosie Mc Ginley is presented with an Academic
Achievement Award by Fiona Mc Caffrey, Tutor at
Monaghan Youthreach
Tyrone Mc Cann is presented with his QQI
Component Certificate by Councillor Colm Carthy.
Youthreach Roscrea Celebrates Summer With
Well-Being Themed Events
The summer programme of Roscrea Education Centre
Youthreach was themed around well-being this year.
Students did fun activities like a Bogathon, Surfing,
Kickboxing, Laser Shooting and a table tennis tournament.
We also did educational events: students went to the
Wax museum in Dublin, did Cookery and Fashion Design,
First Aid, Road Safety, Drug Awareness and went to see
the play ‘If Walls could Talk’ in Dublin. We also did a
fund raising walk to Monaincha for the ‘Laugh Out Loud’
community event. One of the highlights were the prizes
Surfing in Lahinch
our students won in a Yeats commemoration event and
the visit to Coole Park that we organised. Well done to all
involved for organising all of these events, for participating
and for the fun and learning we shared. A special
mention needs to be made of the craft work that students
did over the summer. We have two beautiful art pieces as
a result: a wall hanging of an ‘arpillera’ (a Chilean inspired
wall hanging) and the beautiful stone bird bath on our
front lawn. Thank you to Tipperary ETB, Tipperary County
Some of the dolls that Youthreach students
Council, NALA and the MWDAF for funding these activities. made for the wall hanging.
Sapphire and Jasmine Ffitch
receiving their prizes in Sligo
The new bird bath designed and made by
Youthreach students
25

What It’s Like To Be
In LCA 1
My first day in LCA was at the start of September,
I was so nervous, my hands and
legs shaking, I was exited though, but
mostly I was just scared that I wouldn’t get
a place, and that they might not like me.
When they introduced themselves, I was
thinking ,…… “ Why was I scared” , I didn’t
know why I was before, because they were
so nice and acceptable , that I almost felt
guilty for being scared of them.
Being in LCA is a lot different, from school;
it’s something new to me, very new actually.
Even though there are some subjects
that are same just like in school such as
Maths and English, it’s still a lot more different
than school and I really like it so far.
So far my favourite subject is ICT, because I
didn’t have a class on computers ,
Here in LCA students and teachers are
treated the same which in my opinion is
awesome, the best thing is that we call
teachers by their name, I really like it, but
sometimes I do get mixed up and call a
teacher Mrs, she laughed at me haha . I
feel really appreciated, part of the group,
and mostly good. I don’t have a favourite
teacher, because all of them are nice and
amazing, and so helpful.
I got to know the LCA 2’s and I get along
with all of them. They’re really welcoming,
helpful and friendly. I think we’ll all just get
along great if we keep going and getting on
the way we are. So yeah so far I’m in love
with LCA and everything about it
Tralee Youthreach
Students Experiences Of the LCA
Teambuilding Day
By Shannon O’Shea
During my first month of Leaving Cert
Applied on Friday 18th of September, I
attended a teambuilding day in An Riacht
in Castleisland. There, we did a series
of tasks to make us work as a team. The
best task we did was the minefield game,
in this game, there were two teams, each
team had to draw out a minefield for the
other team. Once it is made, they then
had to try cross the minefield without
standing on a bomb. Although most of
the games were quite fun, I did not enjoy
the blindfolded game. In this task you
were required to collect a puzzle piece
while blindfolded, I found this difficult
as it was difficult for me to hear what my
teammates were saying and it made me
feel very uneasy as I am not comfortable
enough yet. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed
the day. I’m still adjusting to LCA but I felt
more comfortable as the day went on
and I’m glad I attended this day out.
Work Experience
By Hayden Whelan
During July I worked with a delivery
company named Nightline for my LCA
work experience. My first day of work was
hard. I had to get up at 6am and be at
work by 7am. My boss would collect me at
my home and drive me to work. When we
got to the depo he gave me a crash course
on what to do. We first took the packages
off the palates and then put them in order
respectively to where they were being
delivered to. I found this hard cause my
supervisor had a pattern that changed
and I found it very hard to pick up on the
pattern for the order where the packages
go. Once the packages were in order they
get d.i.p scan (package in depo). Once all
packages were scanned, we then put the
packages in the van in order of the delivery
route. As the packages are put in the van
they are given a v.o.p scan (package on
van), these scans are made so both the
manager and customers can keep track of
delivery van.
After the packages were loaded up, we
start making deliveries. Before we delivered
a package to a customer the package
must be scanned again to say it is delivered.
The day was long and I met a lot of
people in my first week. After a while I was
given the duty of making home deliveries.
I would grab the package from the back
of the van and go to the costumers house
and get them the sign for it and given
them the package.
I did enjoy working there but the hours
were tough but I did learn quite a lot
while on the job. My people skills have
improved quite a bit and my idea of what
it is to work has improved.
26
Adriana Godlova

Youthreach Miltown Malbay wins X-HALE Youth
Award for Best Tobacco Industry message
Youthreach Miltown Malbay
have been announced Overall
Winner for the best tobacco
industry message at the Irish
Cancer Society Youth Awards
2015. The students from
Youthreach Miltown Malbay
scooped the award for their
film project called “project X”
which was showcased at the
recent event in the Lighthouse
Cinema in Smithfield.
Over 41 youth groups from
Ireland’s first smoke-free generation
competed in the Irish
Cancer Society’s X-HALE Youth
Awards 2015. Calling themselves
#theXgeneration, the
youth groups showcased films
and community action projects
which they created on the
issue of smoking. The X-HALE
Youth Awards is an initiative
of the Irish Cancer Society
which aims to empower young
people to create awareness
around the issue of smoking in
their own communities.
Youthreach Miltown Malbay
was awarded the title of
Overall Winner of the best
tobacco industry message
for their film “Project X”. The
groups involved competed
under various categories
with winners selected by an
independent judging panel
comprising of people from
the entertainment, film and
healthcare industries.
In line with the messages highlighted
by the young people
taking part in X-HALE, youth
smoking rates in Ireland have
continued to decline in recent
years, giving this generation
of young people the power
and the opportunity to make
sure that they are Ireland’s first
tobacco free generation.
They decided to take on smoking
in their own communities
and the results are extremely
powerful. The film which they
have developed shows that
#theXgeneration is here to
stay. They can be Ireland’s
first smoke-free generation
and they are telling us in their
own way that the time is up
Tralee Students Visit to AHAR
for the tobacco industry in this
country.
Congratulations to Youthreach
Miltown Malbay for taking
part and for making a positive
impact on their health and
that of their peers. We need
to look at what the Youthreach
Miltown Malbay students and
the rest of the #theXgeneration
are saying. They are educated
on the issue of smoking and
are refusing to let their health
be affected by tobacco.
AHAR is an Animal Rescue service in Castleisland. They rehome and rescue
animals that need help. When I went there I enjoyed it a lot. I was
walking a dog that was put in there, because its owner was an older lady
who had hurt herself and was unable to look after the dog anymore. I
found this very sad and I felt like the woman was very lucky to be able
to trust AHAR to look after her dog until she was well enough to take
him back. The dog seemed happy and comfortable with the staff which
was a good thing to see. He didn’t seem nervous or anything while I was
walking him either, he was well looked after by the looks of it. The one
thing I least enjoyed while being there was seeing this horse who had an eye
infection that looked so painful. But when we were talking to the staff about it,
she said the horse was in no pain what so ever and it just looked worse than
it was. The horse had been rescued from a field and was in an awful condition
when the AHAR staff found him. But luckily for him they cleaned him up
and made him better, but
unfortunately wasn’t able
to heal the infection, but
they treat it every day with
cream for pain relief so he’s comfortable and well looked after. I really
enjoyed spending time with the animals and know that it is so important
to take care of your pets.
Shauna Russell
27

28
Kiltimagh Student Suzanne Wins Much More
Than Sligo Poetry Competition
A Winning Tribute.
To me, self expression is everything. It’s
what helps you to release emotions,
but it also makes you the individual that
you are. Everyone expresses themselves
in different ways, for me, it was always
writing raps and poetry. The very first
time I ever wrote a rap, in that moment,
something completely changed in me.
I was finally free from all the problems
that were once weighing me down,
because I left them on that page. It’s not
just a hobby, but a means of survival. It’s
being able to turn something so tragic,
into something so beautiful... all through
the power of words. I
was on a train to Dublin
with my favourite
English teacher, Fiona,
destination being the
national Library for an
award ceremony on
National poetry day.
Weeks previously, the
best Co- Ordinator
in Pat Howley, told
me about a William
Butler Yeats poetry
competition that Sligo
Youthreach were hosting.
Pat encouraged
me to enter a poem I
had once read to him,
a tribute I wrote for my friend Danielle's
18th birthday, so I entered, not thinking
I’d even be shortlisted. Until one day Pat
called me into his office and told me my
poem was picked out of 3 contenders,
winner being announced in Dublin the
following day (which was a total lie!)
Turns out I had won first place all along,
but Fiona and Pat kept it a secret right
up until a was in the National library.
Colm Keegan the famous Dublin poet
who judged the competition was the
one to tell me. I could never come close
to explaining how much that moment
meant to me, but its truly something I
will never forget. I'm so grateful Fiona
and Pat kept it a secret cause it really
helped me to appreciate the moment
even more. Colm Keegan read out an
introduction and next thing I was walking
up to the stage to read out my poem in
front of a room full people. If the grim
reaper, your one from the exorcist and
the clown from It all teamed up to wake
me up in the middle of the night... nothing
would compare to how terrified I was
when I reached that stage, but I read out
that poem with strength and pride in my
voice because although I was reading it
for Danielle, I was reading it for everyone
in that room that had ever lost someone
they loved, with a message behind the
words... You never really have to say
goodbye to someone you lose, because
they're always with you, waiting for the
day you meet again. The ceremony in
the national library wasn't the actual
award ceremony for the William Butler
Yeats competition. During the summer
Anthony and I along with a bus from
ballinrobe attended it in Sligo with most
of the teachers from all youthreaches
across Connacht. I really enjoyed this day
because we got to see all the winners
from all the different parts to the competition,
the drawings, 3D sculptures and
all the entry's for the poetry competition.
Everyone that entered had unbelievable
talent. Colm Keegan hosted a poetry
workshop for everyone there which I
really got a lot out of, his main tip when
it comes to writing poetry, is to use as
much emotion as you possibly can. I also
got to read out my poem again and to
collect first prize of an iPad mini, which
I've got so much benefit from. After
the ceremony I was interviewed by the
voice of the travellers about my poem
which was a great experience. After the
ceremony in the national Library Colm
asked me to perform my Poem at a poetry
festival the weekend after and again
for culture night in September, both
gigs went very... (I didn't collapsed into
a seizure on the stage so that's well for
me) but above all I got the opportunity to
do what I love doing and to experience
a whole new thing.
I've since become
good friends with
Colm and whenever
there's poetry festivals
or workshops
on he always invites
me up for them.
It's a great comfort
to know I could
seriously consider
pursuing writing
poetry as a career
someday. I'd like to
say a big thank you
to Pat for telling me
to enter my Poem in
the first place cause none of this would
of happened without his encouragement
and also to Fiona for her support and
encouragement and for bringing me all
the way up to the national library and
back, I am very very grateful to you both.
As for my poem... it was always so much
more then a poem. It was a story of the
legacy of the most beautiful person, with
the most beautiful soul... And I'd already
won first prize before this competition,
by getting the chance to know her.
By Suzanne Doolan.