On Wednesday the 10th September we received our junior certificate results. Afterwards we headed off on a three day trip to ‘Star Outdoor Pursuit Centre’ in Kenmare Co. Kerry. Mr Kennedy, Mr. Shanahan, Ms. O’Leary and Ms. Casey organised it as a bonding and team building experience for our Transition Year class and also included 5th yr. exchange students and LCA students.
At 9.30 we left St. Ailbe’s for a three and hour bus ride to Torc Waterfalls in Killarney. We then began a 20km trek through the mountains to Kenmare. It was long and very hot out but the scenery was stunning.
After our hike we arrived at the houses we would be staying in. Mr Kennedy organised who was sharing with who but there was no time to rest as the instructors had rented out a sports hall for our first activity, indoor soccer, as if we were not already wrecked!! An hour later we returned to our houses and watched a movie together.
After an early breakfast on Thursday morning we were transported to the activity centre by bus. On arrival our group was split in two. The first group went kayaking, in single boats. The second group went sailing. At lunch time we enjoyed hot soup and pizza slices, after eating we swapped the activities over so everybody got a turn. This also included going on a water trampoline, a banana boat and a giant slide. It was very enjoyable and exciting. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
Later that evening we headed down to a small island in a nearby forest to participate in night time orienteering. We were split into groups of four/five and given a map, a pencil and a recording sheet. Using our own torches and light we set off in the dark. We had to work as a team to find as many objects as we could in one hour. It was very spooky but great fun! Mr. Kennedy said he ‘thought it was great craic’.
On the last day, we sadly had to pack our bags. We travelled for the last time to the adventure centre to partake in an obstacle course, archery and paint balling. It was a good way to finish our trip. We had our lunch and packed up the bus then left for home. (Exhausted!!)
Everybody really enjoyed Kenmare Trip 2014. We would like to thank Mr. Kennedy and all teachers who organised and came with us for this opportunity!
Written by Ciara O’ Grady
