Mary O’Rourke former Minister for Education, paid a visit to St Kilian’s Deutsche Schule on Tuesday 28 January 2014 to talk to the Transition Year students about her life experiences and how she came to politics. She was warmly welcomed by the Principal, Ms Alice Lynch and Deputy Principal, Ms. Elizabeth O’Brien. Her visit had been organised by teacher Ms. Nuala Holloway.
Mary O’Rourke has been one of the most successful and influential women in Irish public life. As well as Minister for Education (1987-91) she was also Minister for Health (1991-92) and Minister for Enterprise (1997-2002). Afterwards she became a member of Seanad Éireann. Today she appears on TV and radio shows promoting her book, “Just Mary” which outlines her memoirs. It has become a No. 1 bestseller and she is currently working on a second book. However, one of her favourite things to do is to visit schools and talk to young people.
The Transition Year students at St. Kilian’s listened intently and responded with enthusiasm to her warm, open and candid story. There was a question and answer session at the end of her talk and indeed if there had been more time this could have turned in to a lively debate.
Student Áine Fellenz presented the former Minister with a magnificent bouquet of flowers. She thanked all the students for their interest, patience and pleasant manners.
Nuala Holloway Teacher
