On Wednesday, the 9th of October 2014, a group of 42 Finnish students, with two teachers and some parents, who were on an exchange and staying at Blackwater Castle, visited our school. Miss O’ Hara’s class did projects on Ireland and some of them presented them to the group. The children provided a display of traditional Irish music, finishing with a couple of ballads and were accompanied by Mr. Dineen on guitar.

The Finnish students presented Miss O’ Hara with a book, a present and gave the children some Finnish chocolate. Miss O’ Hara’s class presented the Finnish children with an Irish book.

A number of students and parents also visited Miss O’ Keeffe’s Junior and Senior Infant classes and Miss Howard’s First Class and spoke to them about Finnish culture

Afterwards, some Finnish students gave a Powerpoint Presentation on Finland, including famous Finnish product brands, musicians, actors and sports personalities.

Our G.A.A. trainers, Derek Noonan and Eddie Sheehan, helped our boys and girls to demonstrate the fastest field game in the world – hurling and many of the Finnish students had a go! Derek and Eddie presented a hurley and sliotar to the visiting children

Refreshments followed in the form of tea, coffee, soft drinks and some cakes which were supplied by the Board of Management and some parents. This was a very enjoyable experience for the children.

The Finnish group were on an exchange and were staying at the local Blackwater Castle.