On a bright May morning, 6A and 6B left St Kilian’s without a backwards glance as they headed for Coláiste na Rosann in Annagry, Co. Donegal. 42 children enthusiastically piled on to the bus and barely even asked the dreaded question “Are we there yet?”. After a brief stop in Monaghan, the bus continued its journey to Donegal. We stopped in the beautiful surroundings of Glenveagh National Park where, despite the rain, we walked the 4km back from the castle to make the final leg of the journey to Annagry where the children were dropped off with their host families.
The week passed in a blur of activity with classes in the mornings and fun packed afternoons and evenings. On the Tuesday, the children enjoyed the Dunlewey Activity Centre, whiling away their time on pedal boats, ziplines, zorb balls, climbing and more. They were reluctant to leave when teatime came! That night was the quiz night and a team from St Kilian’s (Teach Fionnuala) claimed first prize. Well Done!
Unfortunately, the weather was not kind and when the rain started on Wednesday it did not stop for the rest of the week. Undeterred, we boarded a ferry for Arranmore and spent a couple of hours on the beach. The children proved that the only solution to being wet is to get wetter still as they ran in and out of the waves without a care in the world. The rain did not dampen the evening’s enthusiasm and the talent show was a great success. Our children had remembered to pack their skill and senses of humour so we walked away with two prizes- one for grass whistling and one for the traditional Irish tune “Das Fliegerlied”
On the last day, the rain kept us indoors, playing games and having fun despite it all. That evening, the disco took place and everyone was looking their best as they danced the night away.
Too early the next morning it was time to wave goodbye to the Mná Tí and all the new friends made during the week. Sleepy, quiet children piled back on the bus for the journey home. The peace did not last long and by Monaghan they were back to their cheerful selves.
The children and teachers arrived back on Friday lunchtime, tired but happy.
Sinéad Barry
