Social Conversations By Michele Daly, Coláiste Iósaef

Cathal O’Regan, Michel Daly, Natalie Hennessy, Isobel Laurey, Maoliosa Hennessy & Steven Hedderman Photo John Mortell

A group of 16 TY students from Coláiste Iósaef, Kilmallock, participated in a 5 week social conversation with older members of our local community on topics that matter. These workshops aimed to open lines of communication between the two groups and close the generation gap. Originally, the idea was that both groups would complete their workshops separately and then representatives of each group would take to the stage to discuss their opinions and ideas. Both groups, however, were both enthusiastic and determined to meet, and so the plan changed, allowing the groups to have even more interaction and discussions during the time frame of the project. All workshops were facilitated by Sheila Queally and funded by Ballyhoura Development CLG. The project culminated with a performance on Tuesday 5th March in Friars’ Gate, Kilmallock, where the groups discussed issues such as Religion, Sexuality, Social Media etc. The discussion was both engaging and informative. Both groups expressed huge interest in continuing the bonds and relationships which had formed during the project. The TY students thoroughly enjoyed their time in the workshops and the thinking caps are on now to develop future meetings and the sharing of skills between the groups.