Jenny Connolly
St. Joseph's College, Lucan
Monday 25 January 1999
McCREEVY FACES THE VOTERS OF TOMORROW
On Monday the 25th January the students in the Political
Studies class of St. Joseph's College, Lucan had the opportunity of meeting
the Minister for Finance, Mr. Charlie McCreevy. Since last September
they eagerly awaited the chance to put him in the "Hot Seat".
After being welcomed on behalf of the class by Christina
Dooley, the Minister then commenced by telling us briefly how his political
career had developed. Firstly, by becoming the secretary of the local
youth group of Fianna Fail in Kill, County Kildare and from there on,
becoming more active in Political circles. He was elected as a TD for
the Kildare County in 1977.
We then put forward some questions, which I felt was the
highlight of his visit. Various types of questions were asked including
one on the subject of a library facility for the people of the Lucan district.
However much to our surprise he informed us that the monies available
this year were to be used for an extension to the Leixlip library. While
this may appear disappointing from the Lucan viewpoint we shall have to
grin and bear a little longer in the hope that a library will eventually
be provided which is a necessity for both young and old.
A lot of other interesting questions were put forward. For example why
was money wasted on a Millennium Clock when there are so many people in
the homeless people in the city. His response was that he had to prioritise
all requests for monies and careful consideration was given to each project.
Christina Dooley then concluded the visit by thanking him
for taking time from his busy schedule to visit our school. Our principal
Mrs. Corry also thanked him and expressed her wish that our sport's hall
was one of the items which would be on top of his priority list. The Liffey
Champion newspaper then proceeded to take some photographs of the occasion.
Mr. McCreevy had just enough time for a refreshing cup of tea in the staff
room before returning to his busy life as a Minister at Leinster House.
Tuesday 26 January 1999
Run My Own Business?
Y.E.S. Please!
On January 26th 1999, 56 Transition Year students, from St Joseph's College,
Lucan, nervously assembled in their hall. Their goal was to set up the
most spectacular display to dazzle judges and parents and cast despair
in the hearts of competitors.
If you took part in the Young Entrepreneur Scheme, you're
probably familiar with the excitement, nerves and suspense which seems
to just hang in the air come judging time. Yes, you know how to answer
anything remotely connected to your business, but what if you knock over
your stand or go suddenly blank and can't even remember your name?
After all, you have nurtured this business as though it were your child.
All that screaming, sleepless nights worrying over sales techniques and
turning the house into a war-field had to have some result. Well it did!
It taught us all how to run a business in the real world, with real problems
and real results.
The judges there on the Tuesday night were Mr. John McCarraig,
Mr. Brendan Delaney and Mr. John Brosnan. Mr. Brosnan, who is the Manager
of the Bank of Ireland in Lucan, later offered to help the winners with
their reports.
From candles to music, sweets to mystifying secret ingredients,
the judging night was widely enjoyed. Each business knew they had completed
a worthwhile project. St Joseph's wish to extend special congratulations
to the school's county finalists. They are Susan Callaghan, Claire Guider,
Aisling Feighery, Deirdre McDonald and Emma McLoughlain. Best of luck
in the finals girls!
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