TY History Trip
On Wednesday 23rd October, Mr Brennan, Ms Scally, Ms Brunker and Mr Curran brought our Transition Year students to Dublin. Whilst it was an early departure at 7am, students were ready to head off for the day. After a quick pit-stop at Enfield on the way up for some much needed refreshments, we headed towards our first destination of the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum near the Dublin Docklands. The whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable and interactive. Students were given their own passports for the different stages/rooms that were in the museum. Each passport had to be stamped just like millions of Irish people before them had to do when leaving their homeland in search for a better life in the UK or the United States. There were 20 rooms in total at the museum that ranged from Irish culture, to icons, to Irish Sport around the world as well as our legacy in other countries. One of the favourite rooms for the students, and teachers, was the mock-up Irish bar where a much needed rest was taken listening to traditional Irish music in the background! The whole experience was immersive, creative and interactive, as well as educational. Next stop was Croke Park. After getting group pictures under the watchful eye of Michael Cusack, our tour of Croke Park began. Groups were split into two and guided through the history of the place, the dressing rooms, the warm up areas, the tunnels under the seats where the buses would arrive and informative videos from past players. Students were then led out within touching distance of the hollowed ground! They got a chance to experience the vast, pristine and impressive stadium and how the grounds are maintained regularly. A chance to lift the Liam McCarthy was also another highlight before being taken up to the heights of the Hogan stand. The Tour guides for each explained the history and significance along the way and were so helpful throughout the day. It was an incredible experience that everyone enjoyed. Additionally, we were lucky to spot two medals from St. Nathy's in the Croke Park Museum - I am sure they won't be the last ones! these medals belonged to Dermot Earley who attended St. Nathy's, definitely one of the best footballers to come out of the west!! Roscommon Abu! The final stop was to The Liffey Valley Shopping Centre for some food and shopping! Back on the buses and after some great song choices (Christy Moore, Wolfe Tones and One Direction) and singing on the way down, we arrived back home at 6.30pm just under 12hrs after we departed that morning! The students behaved impeccably throughout the day. Their conduct and manners to all those involved was exceptional and they did themselves and St. Nathy's College proud. Thanks must also be given to our patient bus drivers from O' Hara coaches who were amazing throughout the day, managing the traffic and busing us to and fro to different venues around Dublin city and beyond. Thank you very much.A fantastic and busy day was had by all.
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