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PHOTOS: Gaelcholáiste Students Sleep In School To Raise Funds For Arlington Lodge

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At the presentation of a cheque to Arlington Lodge for €1,800 collected by Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí students were, front from left; Caitlin Nic Giolla Ghunna, Máire Ní Threantaigh, Jade Ní Chatháin, Ciara Ní Dhraighneáin. Back; Padraig de Róiste, Paul Williams of Arlington Lodge, teacher Elma Ní Shuilleabháin, teacher Máire Ní Laocha, Ronan O’Doherty, Ryan O’Neill and teacher Eibhlín Ní Mhuircheartaigh. Photo by Dermot Crean

STUDENTS at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí showed their generosity by fundraising for Arlington Lodge this Christmas.

On Thursday night, 48 sixth year students held a sponsored overnight stay at the school to highlight the homeless situation in the country.

“It’s a good opportunity for the students to learn about Arlington Lodge,” said teacher, EibhlínNí Mhuircheartaigh. “We had a past pupil who works there to come in two weeks ago to speak about the what they do there especially as it relates to young people.”

Students also filled shoeboxes full of essentials for residents of the Novas shelter at Church Street. The students presented a cheque for €1,800 to Arlington Lodge on Thursday afternoon, but the total raised eventually reached €2,245.

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“It’s been a joint effort amongst the staff and the students,” said teacher Máire Ní Laocha. “The sixth year students had sponsorship cards. The school was actually featured on TG4 last week about it and some members of the general public came in and donated.

said Ronan Doherty, Manager of Arlington Lodge, accepted the cheque and thanked the school for their efforts.

“It’s absolutely brilliant, they’ve raised a load of money here. It’s great that people give notice to homelessness at Christmas and we’ve had unbelievable support from people in Tralee and around Kerry. Young people and students are especially showing an interest.

“We’re full all the time in Arlington Lodge, but it’s more emotive for people this time of the year. It’s also more challenging if there are difficulties with families and homes. It all gets heightened at Christmas,” said Ronan.

Speaking on Friday morning one student described the experience. “Staying in one room on a hard cold floor made me realise how valuable our personal space is. I am glad that I have been able to help in some small way and I am more grateful for the opportunities I have in my life now. I missed not having my home comforts like my blanket and hot water bottle  It’s given me a new perspective and an appreciation for Christmas this year.” Scroll down for photos…

Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí students with some of the shoeboxes they filled with essential for people staying at Arlington Lodge. Also pictured is Manager of Arlington Lodge Ronan Doherty and Paul Williams caretaker at Arlington Lodge. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí sixth year students prepare to sleep overnight in the school to highlight homeless issue. Also pictured is Manager of Arlington Lodge Ronan Doherty and Paul Williams caretaker at Arlington Lodge. Photo by Dermot Crean

One thought on “PHOTOS: Gaelcholáiste Students Sleep In School To Raise Funds For Arlington Lodge”

  1. All well and good!
    But, Ireland has taken the road that the UK went down decades ago.
    Ireland’s future is that we will become more like the UK because we have adopted the same policies on migration.
    Just look around Tralee or Killarney – 10 years ago there was never so many migrants or refugees. Our whole social system of healthcare, education and housing will become less accessible for the native population.
    Ireland is now surely dead and gone.
    ‘UK in major crisis’: Migration is ‘true cause of the housing shortage’
    https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/879728/migration-uk-crisis-housing-watch-government-number-latest-figure

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