Primary Colours

I never cease to be amazed at the range of activities by different groups to raise money for good causes. I was delighted to be asked to open an exhibition on Saturday by the “Primary Colours” Art Group. The exhibition was held at St. Bernadette's Parish Centre in Drimnagh, and was organised by the Parents and Friends of the Marist Primary School and Scoil Iosagain, Crumlin. The proceeds from brochure sales were donated to Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. All involved - including home school community liaison Mary Galvin, art tutor Frances Wood and the St. Bernadette's Parish Committee, as well, of course, as the artists - put an enormous amount of work into the exhibition.

Supporting People With Disabilities

In 1967, the Walkinstown Association was founded by a group of parents and friends in response to a need for community based services for people with learning disabilities. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength, and now operates day services, home support services and residential services. Very much focused on the individual, the Association aims to help service users lead self-determined lives. They have done pioneering work in ‘Personal Outcomes Planning’, highlighting an individual’s goals, identifying and directing the resources needed to achieve those goals, as well as reviewing goal achievement.

I was delighted to have the opportunity last Friday to attend the launch of the Walkinstown Association’s Annual Report and Strategic Plan.

The Association currently operates five residential homes, and a sixth is scheduled to open in 2008. Incidentally, I hope that by then the new charges for people with learning disabilities living in residential homes will have been abolished!

The pictures below show just a small part of what the Walkinstown Association does ...

Proinsias in Ballyfermot

On Friday and Saturday, Proinsias De Rossa came out to canvass with us in Ballyfermot. He got a great reception, particularly from women who still remember the Social Welfare Equality Payments: As Minister for Social Welfare during the last Rainbow Government, Proinsias ensured that women who had illegally been paid a lower social welfare rate than men received their back-payments. Loads of people interrupted their shopping to have a natter with Proinsias! He also enjoyed the chance to have a chat with Labour Youth members who’ve been working on our campaign ...

Children's Sportsfest at Pearse Park

Well, yesterday I decided to take it easy on the Bank Holiday, so instead of canvassing or leafleting I went along to the Children's Sportsfest organised in Pearse Park by SARI together with Crumlin United. SARI - Sport Against Racism Ireland - is an excellent organisation. As well as intercultural sporting events, such as the Brian Kerr Intercontinental League, they organise workshops and seminars on a range of intercultural issues. The Children's Sportsfest is a great day out for all the family, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to stroll around, meet people and, of course, take a few pics.

... chatting with Sean Wall of Crumlin United, who organised the event. You did a great job, Sean!

Enjoying the sun ...

And again ...

Painting faces ...

... A young drummer

Enjoying the spectacle ...

... A happy group

On the field ...

Minding the kids ...

Musical Extravaganza at Our Lady’s Hall

Last night I took a break from canvassing to attend a musical extravaganza organised by the Mother McAuley Centre at Our Lady’s Hall on Mourne Road in Drimnagh. The event was hugely popular and raised a considerable sum for the Mother McAuley Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospice. A great night was had by all!

Below: presenting the extravaganza ...

Below: my constituency colleague, Mary Upton TD, and friends ...

And members of the audience, all in fine form ...

Celebrating the Canal

Dublin City Libraries came up trumps again last week, mounting an exhibition of artwork by students of Crumlin's Scoil Iosagain. Held in the Dolphin's Barn Library, the exhibition is called “Introducing Canal Life”, focussing on the Grand Canal which, before the days of motorways and Luas, was one of Dublin's lifelines. I was really impressed by these youngsters’ work, and by the effort they and their teachers put into the exhibition.

Launch of 'Next Steps' Evaluation Report

The ‘Next Steps’ project is a parental involvement programme designed to equip parents with the skills to engage both themselves and their children in formal and information educational opportunities in the community. The programme is run by the Ballyfermot Partnership. Here are some pics from the launch of the programme's Evaluation Report, which I attended last week.

Below, the Lord Mayor, Vincent 'Ballyfermot' Jackson addresses participants and guests.

The audience ...

... the programme's participants

The Circuit of Glendalough

Last time I planned a trip to Glendalough I had to abort it as the weather forecast promised blizzards and snow so I had to settle for the softer walk around Maulin, War Hill and Djouce (see blog Tuesday March 7 th.)

This Easter Sunday the 8 th. April proved to be the day to revisit the original plan and head down to where I always wanted.. the Hills around the Gleann da Loch..THE most spectacular scenic walk in the Wicklows!!!

Up at 5 a.m. on the road at 6 and arrive at 7........just as the dawn was breaking and the mist was raising off the Lake.........
But I had to stop on the road to photograph that most magnificent sight, Blessington Lake just outside Blessington Village.....before continuing on my way
THE PLAN.

I was to climb Camaderry and rendezvous with my colleague, who just can't get out of bed early enough... at Tourlough Hill. He was to start at the road on the Wicklow Gap and climb to meet me, and like clockwork we met bang on time... But it is some hell of a climb starting at the lake to climb Camaderry on your own at 7 am ......Oh ..deer .............................and goats.......

And now somewhere around Lugduff it was time for a photo..

And now for a map....

And with The Derrybawn Ridge in sight we were nearly there...

YES...the car is down there..where I started...

After 7 hours of walking we were back at the car tired but feeling reinvigorated and ready to go canvassing.......

If interested in hill walking you MUST read the Labour Party "Access to the Countryside Bill" produced by Ruairi Quinn T.D.