Hazelwood College Third Year Trip to the Dàil is a Great Success.
Third year students from Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher visited the Dàil on Friday January 13 as part of their Junior Certificate studies of Irish politics.
Thirty Nine students and 2 teachers, Mr Mathew Finn and Mr Donal McCormack, left the school at 7.15 am and arrived at Dublin at 10.45. Once they got off the bus they were escorted into the Dàil. Upon entering they saw extremely impressive pictures of Pro and Anti Treaty Leaders where their guide told them a few details about the pictures and the actual building itself. They then made their way to witness the energetic discussions between the Fine Gael party and the opposition about whether to put impose taxes on people who have septic tanks on their property. This was an excellent discussion and was enjoyed by all students. The atmosphere was electric!
The students then moved on and saw a brilliant painting of Countess Markievicz, the first lady to be elected to Westminster, however she did not take the seat.
Next was a visit to the Seanad. Here the students were very impressed with the amazing artwork and learned it was originally intended to be a gallery for the Fitzgerald family. Everyone was surprised to discover that the Seanad was much more beautifully decorated than the Dàil. Afterwards they took a tour of the building and were delighted to receive Coke in the prestigious Dàil bar, compliments of TD Patrick O’ Donovan. Patrick O’ Donavan’s then gave an interesting presentation in the media room on how the Dàil functions. He also explained his proposal to introduce P.E to the Leaving Cert curriculum, something which everyone thought was a brilliant idea. Afterwards all the students went to the National Museum and saw the spectacular artefacts from various cultures.
The whole day was an all-round success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
By the third year history students of Hazelwood College.