Our Lady’s Secondary School in Castleblayney is to host an innovative conference for Leaving Certificate Politics and Society students on October 1. This is a new subject that was introduced at Our Lady’s in 2019 and the school’s annual conference allows students interact with opinion formers and decision makers. There are almost 70 students in Our Lady’s opting for Politics & Society and their passion for civic affairs is inspiring, according to teacher and event organiser Patrick Mulroe.
The keynote address on the day will be delivered by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who will outline the role he played in leading Ireland’s involvement with the European Union. This will be a unique opportunity for students to hear a first-hand account of how high-level decision making within the EU happens.
The itinerary for the day includes a host of other speakers. Attendees will initially be welcomed by Sean McCooey from the Student Council at Our Lady’s. Then, Dr Emmanuelle Schon-Quinlivan, a lecturer in European politics in the Department of Government at UCC, will give students an overview of the operation of the EU. This will be followed by a panel discussion where students can ask questions of Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy, Senator Robbie Gallagher of Fianna Fail and Claire Hanna of the SDLP. The panel will be moderated by Audrey Carville of RTÉ. The event is being funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Communicating Europe Initiative and will take place at the Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney. Schools from Monaghan, Louth, Meath and Kildare will be in attendance.
According to conference organiser Patrick Mulroe ‘this is a brilliant opportunity for students to interact with decision makers and academics. This will no doubt help them with their studies but it will hopefully also encourage them to be politically aware and active.’
Mr Mulroe also expressed his gratitude to the school management and the funders at the Department of Foreign Affairs for supporting the event.
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