The Religion department continues to foster and encourage an active awareness of social justice in Sixth Year. The day Fr Peter McVerry visited generated an immense impact on the majority of our students. The impact was so strong that the group decided that they should give something back. It was decided that the students would be asked to contribute towards helping some homeless people to pay for a hostel for a few nights around Christmas. The cost per night is about €5, a total of €550 was collected. It was then agreed to put some money into Christmas cards to be given to some homeless. We are so lucky to have a very talented card designer in our group. Sarah Beegan indicated that she was willing to make homemade cards instead of those mass produced. Regardless of the amount of work involved it was decided that it would be much more personal to make our own. Sarah donated all the materials and a production line was established to manufacture a large amount of cards. Each card had a hand written message from our year group.

On the 20th December a representative group travelled to Dublin. The students were Harry Kelly, Colm O’Sullivan, Emily Kinsella, Eva O’Connell, Muireann Healy, Stephen Duffy, Sarah Beegan and Robbie Walsh. After an inspiring talk Fr. McVerry brought us to the Youth Café on Berkeley Street. There was a Christmas themed morning open to any homeless person to drop in and have breakfast, warmth and company. We spoke to many homeless people as the students presented them with the cards. The level of appreciation shown by these people will live long in our memories. The school community were so proud of the happiness that all our Sixth Year students brought to these people, even if only for a brief time. Well done to all!

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Back(l-r) Sarah Beegan, Eva O’Connell, Stephen Duffy, Fr. Peter McVerry, Emily Kinsella, Colm O’Sullivan, Front (l-r) Muireann Healy,  Robbie Walsh and Harry Kelly.