Lunch at the Oireachtas - by Robyn Appelbe

Lunch at the Oireachtas 

“Last March, I won ‘’Best Video’’ for the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation. My video was my response to the competitions theme and question; ‘What Does The Irish Flag Mean To Me?’’

The Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation was established in 2013 to promote pride and respect for the Irish flag and the understanding of its symbolism and meaning for peace .My video was a compilation of small clips of my beloved home town, Clonakilty, with soft traditional music playing in the background. I also did a voice over about my response to the question as well. 

In early September, the school received a mysterious brown envelope with an invitation inside, inviting us to Leinster House for luncheon.

So, on the 3rd of October, Ms. Brosnan, Ms. Harte and Claire Foyle and I struck off to Dublin, our busy capital to attend the lunch.

It was an early start, but was well worth it. We took off in the early hours of the morning to catch a train to Dublin, and before we knew it we had arrived at Dublin. With train tickets in hand and beaming smiles, we made our way to Leinster House. Once we went inside, we were met with gorgeous architecture and fabulous paintings of all things Éire, as well as the iconic Michael D Higgins Teapot cosy ( the original!). After a tour of the Oireachtas, including the famous Debate room, and the famous stairs, we were lead into the dining hall, which had beautifully dressed tables. All plates and mugs were crested with our national symbol: the harp. When we approached our table, we saw the Foundation’s National Flag Day brooches on each of our plates.

After the gorgeous food and some engaging conversation, they presented the winners with framed certificates, as well as one for our schools. It was an honour to meet Mark Daly, a member of the Irish Senate, and to be invited to the stunning Leinster House. 

It has been a huge honour to experience the Thomas F. Meagher awards presentation and lunch, and the journey of learning more about our national flag and symbol has been an important part of my learning journey. It has given me an even deeper appreciation for the beauty of our country and its flag, and the opportunities it has delivered has been exciting and enlightening.”

Robyn Appelbe, 5th Year.