Mountlucas Parkrun says farewell to its Gaisce student volunteers

Last Saturday morning, the organisers of Mountlucas parkrun bid farewell to Gaisce students, who had been volunteering at the Parkrun for the last year as part of the Gaisce programme.

Gaisce is a youth development award initiated by the President of Ireland. It is comprised of three pillars of personal and social development: A Life Skill, Community Involvement, and a Physical Challenge or Sport. It is primarily aimed at Junior Cycle and Transition Year students, but all young people between the ages of 14 and 25 can participate.

To mark the occasion, the Gaisce students, along with parkrun organisers and participants gathered, after the parkrun, in the Blackthorn in Daingean, for a well-deserved breakfast.

Parkrun regular volunteer, Karen Neary, made a beautiful cake to mark the occasion.

Dylan Kennedy, one of five Gaisce students who volunteered throughout the year at Mountlucas parkrun said after the event: “The Gaisce project really helped me grow and learn with regards to social and physical development and helped me to appreciate the learning process and the fruits of my work. I would recommend the Parkrun as it is a great social opportunity, as well as an attribute to the Gaisce program itself.”

Kevin Curran, volunteer coordinator at Mountlucas Parkrun said: “Mountlucas Parkrun is a perfect location for any students enrolling in Gaisce, as volunteering is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and is ideal for the community involvement and physical challenge of the program. We wish Dylan, together with Kev Healy, Andrea Ryan, Mena Killaly and Kellie Jordan every success in the years ahead and sincerely thank them for their contribution to Mounlucas parkrun.”

Mountlucas Parkrun is based at the Bord Na Mona Mountlucas Wind farm outside Daingean, so why not turn up at 9.30 am on Saturday morning to see what it is all about. See www.parkrun.ie/mountlucas to register and for more details.