St. Gerard's Senior School Literary Magazine 2022-2023

2022 - 2023

St. Gerard’s

Cover by Charlotte Ballagh

The team has been outstanding in the production of this Literary Magazine. Their attitude, endeavour and creativity has been something breathtaking to behold. That this project has been completed so well is a testament to their hard work and commitment.

The team was:

Ethna Vondrys, Charlotte Ballagh, Charlotte Finnegan Quirke, Sam McEntee, Laura Cullen, Kate Freney, Sadhbh McGloughlin, Kevin Day, Ruby Geelon, Emily Harty, Eva Harbourne, Emily Galligan, Charlotte O’ Dwyer, Isabelle Rhatigan

It is a daunting task to take responsibility for the Literary Magazine after 14 years of Mr Carr’s editorial guidance. He, and his teams from previous years, have published works of power and passion that capture something specific about each passing year. In a sense, there is a time capsule feel to pieces produced, and this is something that the Literary Magazine team wished to capture this year.

However, it became very apparent that this venture is of much greater gravity than capturing the mood of the school each year. Instead it was about the simple act of sharing. Students have shared their hopes and thoughts, they have put themselves before their peers and allowed their creativity to shine. This is no easy task and so each student must be commended for their bravery in contributing and participating in this shared experience. This is what I realised is the value of the Literary Magazine: it is an offering to be enjoyed, discussed and most importantly shared.

To read is to share an experience, a thought or even a desire. Books allow us to grow, learn and develop. We get to explore different views, worlds and lives all from the simple pages before us. We become stronger, more open minded and of course more understanding of those around us.

It is with this in mind that we hope you read, enjoy and share the wide collection of work that is here for your entertainment.

David Wall

Emily Gleeson 1st Year

The tiny tempered tiger, tried to talk to the talented tortoise. The tortoise’s terrifying teeth tumbled the tiny tiger away.

Tiny tiger tumbled

Tramping through the forest

The tiny tempered tiger wasn’t so tiny anymore. The titanic tiger trembled the tortoise.

Jamie Reily

1st Year

Axolotls are amazingly agile

Preferring oily oceans to land

Plays with pals under piles of pollution

Deserving of a decent motherland

Lively, loving, happy too.

Axolotls are a good pet for you.

Rian & the Painting

(to the Tune of Romeo & Juliet)

Chloe Holohan 3rd Year

I tug my friend towards the front of the exhibit.

“Rian, can you slow down for once?” Eli whines.

“Don’t you wanna see my favourite painters here?” I pout, so naturally he shuts up and follows. As we walk over Eli’s face contorts, eyes widening and dark brows rising. The painting was gone. Oh no, what do I say?

“Rian... there’s supposed to be a painting here...” Thankfully Eli talks before I do, giving me the chance to think things over through this adrenaline high. Iron grips his shoulders.

‘Emil, the painting’s gone!’ I exclaim, my voice getting louder with each word. As heads start to turn, people begin to gasp, I lead Eli away.

“Well, what’re we thinking?”

“We are not thinking anything because someone is clearly on the wrong page!”

“I know right?! What happened to our code names Emilio? I thought I’d make a great Sebastian,” he sighs with a hand on his head while I wiggle my eyebrows at him.

“Well, Sebastian,” he says with too much sarcasm for the person who chose our names.

“Maybe you’d have actually earned the respect to be called that had you not needlessly messed up our schedule!”

“Oh come on, you loved it! Should’ve seen your face.”

“Just show me.”

“Show you what?” Blinking my never-before-challenged puppy dog eyes, I look at Eli’s stony and unmoving face which is only darkening by the second. “Okay, to the bathrooms!” I say when met with silence. That battle was lost before it began. Walking and talking as we near the museum’s toilet doors I-

“Sebastian-” “Seb.” “Seb...”

“Why are you blushing? You’re the one who found our names and came up with nicknames you know.” I can’t see his face anymore, it’s hidden behind his hands which are hidden behind his hair. We walk like this, Eli ashamed and me dying of laughter. After we lock the door of the last stall, I open my touristy tote bag. We admire the beautiful scenery that should belong in a museum from under artificial yellow light.

“Well, whaddya say we go buy some lunch?”

“I’m still annoyed at you for speeding up the plan, you know.”

“Yeah yeah. Now the real question; does Emilio like ice cream?”

“Oh definitely. It’s in his senior quote.”

Do I feel bad for Emilio and Sebastian? No, we’ll let them go later.

Do I feel bad for the museum and their loss of my favourite painting? Also no, finders keepers. Will I feel bad for Eli when I steal his ice cream? Oh yeah, definitely. I’ll be laughing till the museum catches us (so till the end of time.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

- Holly Jackson (1st book of the trilogy)

Honor Mullion 1st Year

Holly Jackson’s “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a mystery novel about an English sixth form student, Pippa (Pip) Fitz-Amobi, who takes on a closed murder case from 5 years ago for her EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). Little did Pip know how deep and consuming this case would become. Pip uncovers many hidden secrets about people all around her in her community and even her bestest of friends.

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is set in a fictional town, Little Kilton, Buckinghamshire, England. Pippa Fitz-Amobi is the protagonist, alongside Ravi Singh, the deuteragonist and love interest. Because the book is revolving around a murder case, many people are suspected of the murderer. Therefore many people can be considered as the antagonist. Truthfully Andie Bell the Victim was the real antagonist. In the end Elliot Ward (a history teacher in Little Kilton school), and Andie’s sister Becca Bell were the combined murderers, but both by accident. Another antagonist that was considered the murderer was Max Hastings, a friend of Sal Singh. Sal was framed as the murderer of Andie Bell, even though he was her boyfriend at the time.

The main characters in the books are, obviously Pip Fitz-Amobi, Ravi Singh, Sal Singh and Andie Bell. Andie Bell was murdered supposedly by her boyfriend Sal. Ravi and Sal are brothers, Sal being the older brother. After Sal allegedly killed Andie, he supposedly committed suicide. Ravi and Pip team up to discover the true murderer because Ravi never believed his brother would kill someone and Pip questioned why he would kill himself if he didn’t do the murder. Andie Bell was the pretty, popular blonde girl in her school, one of the reasons why her death was so peculiar, yet somehow made sense. A pretty popular girl with loads of friends, who isn’t jealous of her? Prime motive to kill her. But she was perfect, her life was perfect. Why would anyone want to kill her? Many questioned, but little did anyone know. Much of the truth she blurred away in her background life, she so carefully hid it from everyone around her, even her family. Andie wasn’t a pretty, innocent sweet little girl, Andie was a two-faced, controlling liar who had secrets nobody would have dreamed she’d commit.

Throughout the book Pip is given warnings on how she should stop the project, ‘stop investigating, keep herself out of the case, don’t look into the murder’, by an anonymous messenger. However, she keeps pursuing on and doesn’t recognise the danger she is putting herself, her friends and her family in. Early on in the book, Pip is advised to destroy her whole EPQ project and any evidence or interviews she recorded along the way or else her family would be killed. Pip agrees to this but has already kept a back up document of everything on a USB stick. Unfortunately, later on, because Pip didn’t back down from the project, her golden retriever, Barney, is taken from her and killed. This is a key moment for Pip as she suddenly realises how desperately this project needs to

be completed, but not just the project, how urgently she needs to finish and solve this murder case by herself.

The reason Pip began the whole project was because truthfully, she didn’t believe a bit of what happened. She thought the story was too far-fetched, not everything fitted correctly and nothing seemed truthful. After she had become friendly with Ravi, she also realised how badly affected the Singh family were by the death of Andie Bell and their son Sal. This all made Pip so determined to uncover the hard truth about the whole situation.

I would recommend this book over and over again. This is one of my all time favourite books! It’s an absolute thriller and a must read. It had me hooked every second and had me on the absolute edge every page. It’s so unpredictable and highly entertaining. I don’t think anyone would regret reading this book. After reading the book I went and read the rest in the trilogy because I found this book so astounding. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is the type of book you could read ten times and never get sick of, personally. I would mention though, that the content in the book isn’t for the wary minded!

A slimy snake was caught slithering

Down a long suspicious road in a spooky city

He would smile at you sneakily, Tricking you into thinking he was sweet

But six seconds later,

His vicious and venomous fangs would be Pierced in your skin, while all

You could see was it’s scaldy scaley

Body slowly release its Stiff grip coiled around you

You would look all around but Nothing was found.

The slimy snake had slithered

Off away, to seek out his next victim

Laura Keogh 1st Year

‘Thank You’

Olivia Vondrys 3rd Year

Paper is waiting to be used But trees want to live So I will use this wisely.

Today I feel a way words cannot.

A gift can seem small, A box on a checklist. So making someone feel complete with something not asked for, is a gift in itself.

Like a biscuit in the morning, or a card addressed to you, the bracelet you wear.

The song you hummed next to me that afternoon proved to me It’s The Small Things.

A shared smile can seem small, but why would I waste paper if it hadn’t touched me?

It did. It does. It will.

Like the joke the teacher makes while conjugating verbs

She can. It can.

Like the joke the clown makes while reciting plays I think. I am.

Because it does. Whatever it is. It does.

The habits, as stars do, always make their own presence.

The small things are what reason us when we are only thoughts.

You don’t remember when you fall asleep. Your eyes fall and your mind drifts. Those thoughts are your true self speaking.

When you need reasoning, remember it’s not just you, so think about the small things.

There is something for sure that made you feel that unwordimaginable way.

For instance, that smile you gave me, yesterday.

Annabelle

Jack Leahy 3rd Year

Annabelle scurried through the cramped halls, steadying herself on an iron wall adorned with pipes and machinery. Stowed away in the claustrophobic hold, she had banged her cranium on a bulkhead when the violent shaking began. She had only come out of hiding once the blood curdling screams had died down, which in retrospect probably hadn’t been the best decision. But then again, choosing to stow away on a wartime nuclear submarine 300 metres below the icy surface of the North Pacific Ocean hadn’t been particularly smart either.

However, Anabelle had never been one to think too much about things before doing them. Present Anabelle would dive headfirst into adventure, and Future Anabelle would have to deal with the consequences. Right now, Anabelle was starting to hate her past self. Something, probably violent and unpleasant, had happened to the crew of the submarine and now all of them were gone. Anabelle usually loved adventure and danger, but there’s a difference between racing through the jungles of South America while being chased by a roaring jaguar, and wandering through the cramped, silent halls of a deserted submarine, all the while feeling like you’re being watched. Surprisingly, there are many differences between South American jaguars and eldritch abominations that lurk within the darkest chasms of the deepest ocean trenches. One of these differences is that jaguars share a common body structure with your average earthly mammalfour legs, a head, two eyes and a tail. They are confined by things like the laws of physics and evolution, which eldritch abominations tend to see as guidelines, rather than rules - these incomprehensible creatures prefer hundreds of eyes bursting like pustules from vast tumorous mounds of seething flesh out of which grow veritable forests of writhing squid-like muscular tentacles... quite like the ones currently slithering up Annabelle’s leg.

This year Lucy Curran and Charlie Geelon won the UCD Junior Debates. This was a competition with over 400 entrants and it is the first time that a St Gerard’s Team won this competition. Below are both of their speeches.

Good evening adjudicators, esteemed guests

My name is Lucy and my partner Charlie and I are here today to oppose the motion that this house believes the reunification of Ireland would do more harm than good for the island of Ireland. I will be illustrating why the points made by the opposition so far are of greater value and relevance than those made by the proposition, as well as introducing the new point that the reasons why many Northern Irish citizens originally wished to remain a part of Britain no longer stand, meaning the decision to establish Northern Ireland as separate from the Republic should be reevaluated.

Before I continue with my speech however, I would like to make it very clear that myself and my fellow opposition members are in no way suggesting that the reunification of Ireland is a perfect solution. We are not denying that harm would be done, but the motion states that more harm than good would be done, and myself and my fellow opposition have and will continue to prove that this is incorrect in this debate.

The proposition has made the point that the reunification of Ireland could reignite the violence and conflict between unionist and nationalists that previously existed in our country, and that Northern Ireland would be a burden on our economy. Whilst this is a valid point, I believe a more accurate way to gauge the impact the reunification of our country would have is by looking at other countries who have gone through similar events, rather than purely speculation, which is all that the proposition has provided us with. Like the 4th opposition touched on, in 1990 West and East Germany were reunified. Now, I acknowledge that the 2nd proposition attempted to rebut this point in her speech in her attempt to discredit Germany as an example by saying Ireland would not necessarily be able to follow suit due to a lack of funding. However, Germany faced this exact same problem, so by her illustrating this fact, she is only proving that Germany is an excellent indicator of the effects reunification would have. Whilst it is undeniable for the few years immediately following this reunification the country struggled to adjust, these issues were only temporary. After the early 1990s cities and homes were renovated and built, and East Germany’s infamously drab cities turned colourful as the economy began to prosper. Both the cities and the people are thriving. So yes, it is irrefutable that the reunification of any country will be difficult, but only temporarily, and to say

THB that the reunification of Ireland would do more harm than good for the island of Ireland

Lucy Curran 3rd Year

that it does more harm than good is incorrect. The proposition is only focusing on the short term disadvantages rather than the long term benefits this proposal would bring. However, in response to a POI my partner Charlie received in his speech, even if one were to take the proposition’s points at their best and assume they are correct, I still believe they pale in comparison to the benefits the reunification of Ireland would bring that the opposition has illustrated. For example, my partner Charlie made the point that this proposal would provide many economic benefits, such as greater representation in the EU parliament benefitting the Republic, and funds and aid from the EU that the North would not receive as part of the UK, benefiting them as well.

The relationship between Britain, specifically England, and Ireland is a long and complicated one. Each side has suffered at the hands of the other for years on end, with many casualties and tragedies having been suffered on the path to a tentative peace. It is no wonder that the proposition are reluctant to consider anything that may put it in jeopardy. That being said, we cannot live in fear forever, and there are other concerns that I believe take precedence over the proposition’s restraint. For example, both Northern and the Republic of Ireland are democracies, meaning they value and respect the wishes of their people. Originally the agreement that separated Ireland into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland did exactly that, but unfortunately, the same cannot be said today. The 6 counties that make up Northern Ireland at the time consisted of a Protestant unionist majority who wished to remain a part of Britain. A major reason they desired this is because the remainder of Ireland was predominantly Catholic, and therefore, by gaining independence from Britain they would become a minority in their own country, and would lack power and representation as a result. However, by remaining a part of Britain, they became exactly that, a minority. Just 3% of the United Kingdom’s population lives in Northern Ireland, as opposed to 27% of Ireland’s population. So ironically, they are even more of a minority as part of the UK. As a result, Northern Irish citizens are suffering from underrepresentation and a lack of say in the running of their country, which they so desperately wished to avoid. For example, as my partner Charlie touched on, in the 2016 referendum about whether or not Britain would leave the EU, Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. However, the UK as a whole voted by a narrow margin to leave, meaning the citizens of Northern Ireland must now do something they voted against, as they account for such a small percentage of the population, their votes are of very little value. Furthermore, in the most recent election in Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin won the majority of seats. However, they refuse to attend parliament in Westminster, they wish for Ireland to be reunified. As they won the election, clearly the public shares this opinion, times have changed from when the unionists were the majority, now the number of nationalists is increasing. This directly contradicts the rather grand statement that the first proposition made that the citizens of Northern Ireland do not wish for a United Ireland. A statement that was evidently based on assumption rather than facts. As well as this, as Sinn Fein are not taking their seats in Westminster, those who voted for them are not being heard as they are not being represented in parliament. Yes, disrupting the uncertain peace between Northern and the Republic of Ireland is a valid concern, but if no action is taken we are contradicting the fundamental principle of democracy, that the citizens of a country deserve a role in the operation of their country.

Finally, some rebuttal. The third proposition made the point that teachers would need to be retrained due to different curriculums, using the specific example of history. However, she hugely exaggerated the difficulty of training teachers. May I remind you that this is secondary level history we’re talking about, if a 15 year old can handle it, I certainly hope a qualified teacher can, and they’re not

even learning as much new information as we do, as the majority of the Irish and British courses are very similar.

As I and my fellow opposition have, and will continue to make clear, the reunification of Ireland absolutely would not cause more harm than good, as it would provide essential benefits for both Northern and the Republic of Ireland. So I urge you, oppose this motion. Thank you.

Charlie Geelon 3rd Year

Good evening adjudicators, esteemed guests.

For the past 100 years, partition has divided the island of Ireland. Imposed by law, more specifically the Government of Ireland Act in 1920. For the past century lives have been lost, families destroyed and divided and an entire nation split, all in an attempt to overturn this unjust law. Irish reunification was long deemed impossible. For many, including the proposition, it still is. Yet reunification is now certainly feasible, and this is what I, my partner Lucy and the opposition as a whole are going to elaborate on.

At the time of the Good Friday agreement, which delivered peace to Northern Ireland at the end of the troubles, nobody anticipated Brexit. It was so inconceivable at that time that Britain would consider such an act of national self harm as leaving the European Union. Post Brexit, a once solid union is cracked. The majority of Northern Irish citizens did not agree to live in a non European Union nation at the time of the Good Friday agreement. Brexit demonstrated the lack of desire for successive Westminster governments to protect the interests of people in Northern Ireland, which is of both the Nationalist and Unionist traditions. Alongside the turmoil of Brexit, there has also been a shift in the electoral demographic, with nationalists representing a majority. We could now see a majority of people north of the border endorse a referendum on reunification.

And this can also be said about the south. The unified island of Ireland has a population of over 7 million, 2 million greater than the Republic. With this increase in population comes a number of benefits. For example, the European Parliament has members from all EU countries, and the higher a country’s population the more members of parliament they will have. The European Parliament makes decisions on EU laws and passes acts, approves the annual European budget, and has many other important responsibilities. By having a higher population, Ireland would have more seats in this parliament, meaning increased representation and say in the passing of laws that would affect our country.

The proposition is likely to outline the tension that the reunification will cause on a short term basis, but these will not last forever. In the long term, the potential growth of the island of Ireland as a whole, with a greater say in international affairs is of greater significance. Proving that reunification will do more good than harm.

Now onto my second point.

The Republic of Ireland has for the past 30 years shown itself to be a role model of how a small open economy can and should grow within the European Union.

Northern Ireland on the other hand, has performed poorly from an economic perspective, and is largely dependent on financial transfers from Westminster. Northern Ireland has suffered post Brexit by the loss of EU funds, which have not been fully replaced by the UK government. This has hit agriculture, education and business. Reunification with the Republic will bring Northern Ireland back into the EU fold.

While the proposition may say that the Windsor Protocol still allows access to EU markets, it does not allow access to EU funds and supports. Northern Ireland has a significant dependency on agriculture and tourism. Partnering itself with a dynamic economy such as that of the Republic will spur economic growth in the north and make the offering of Ireland more compelling on the global stage.

While my partner and I acknowledge the economic benefits of a Northern Irish union with Britain that the opposition will bring forward (such as the Growth deal programme), we believe that the loss of EU funds, and the loss of the ability to freely move goods and labour which come with membership of the EU, far outweigh the money given by Westminster, a small number in comparison. For The Republic of Ireland, the access to the north’s heavy industries such as linen and bus manufacturing, will complement an Irish economy that is currently lacking in heavy industries. This would divert Ireland’s export base, and augment the Republic’s economy. Once again showing how reunification would do more good than harm.

For those on the proposition who say reunification can’t work because of the incompatibility of the two traditions on the island of Ireland, the clearest example to demonstrate how this is not the case is the huge success achieved in all-Irish sports such as hockey and rugby. Since records began, rugby players from the north and south, have competed and won together, as countrymen. With the WHOLE island supporting them in unison. Such cooperation can serve as a guide to political, social and economic institutions.

While my partner and I acknowledge that reunification is not perfect, there is no perfect solution, but we believe reunification is the best one. It is the practical remedy to a historical injustice and error some 800 years old, and makes political sense. I would argue that it is not a question of if this should happen but when it should happen and how.

I have proven to you why the reunification of the island of Ireland would do more good than harm due to the economic boosts and how Brexit has left Northern Ireland in a powerless position.

My partner Lucy will bring forward one new point and summarise the points brought forward by both the proposition and the opposition. I urge you to oppose.

Shylock’s Diary

(Inspired by The Merchant of Venice)

Kate Merrigan 2nd Year

Dear Diary,

Since the last time I wrote an entry too much has happened. I had been looking for a new business opportunity as you know, something big as I’ve only been lending small sums of money to poor people as of late, and I am so sick of hearing excuses on why they can’t pay back their tiny loans of less than a measly hundred ducats, stupid Christians. They criticise me for my way of life but when it comes to them needing money, they have no issues with my business.

Anyway, that’s besides the point, an opportunity presented itself in the form of Bassanio. He is well known in the money lending community for his love of gambling and his desperation to find ways to get out of his financial debt, so it was no surprise to see him looking for ducats.

What did surprise me, however, was the fact that the loan was not under Bassanio’s name, it was under his cruel cousin Antonio’s. Antonio the Christian, Antonio the Christian that spits on me in the street, Antonio the Christian that calls me misbeliever. That cut throat dog coming to me looking for a loan? “It can’t be”, I thought, but there he was just inside the door.

I hate Antonio more than anyone in Venice, he represents all the unfairness in this world, all the discrimination I have suffered and most of all he represents the hatred of Jews. Why on earth would I do business with him? Unless, I thought to myself, I know he has spent his money on ships headed to the four corners of the world. There’s many risks at sea. Pirates. Rocks. Bad sailors. Anything could happen to those three ships, and if something did happen he would be in debt to me, and if Signior Antonio was in debt to me, he would have to pay it off somehow.

I’m very proud of my idea to say the least. “If you repay me not on such a day, in such a place, such sum or sums as are expressed in the condition, let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me.” How smart am I? Granted, I don’t really have a desire to cut Antonio, or anyone for that matter. I’m better than that but if the opportunity does in fact come across me I will not pass it up. Regardless, the idea of him being scared of me during the up and coming weeks brings me great pleasure. Besides, if we’re all going to be honest, if anyone deserved that punishment it would be Antonio. Antonio deserves it.

‘Innocent Until Proven Guilty’

Choni Wong-Cotter 3rd Year

The words that he would throw at me, Daggers that puncture my skin

So deep, unable for the eye to see It does hurt every time I breath in Though nothing like the pain he felt, Blood on my hands and face, The coppery scent our neighbour smelt

Around the house I race,

To beat the cops that pound my door

I scream when I am sure,

The cops will hear my frightened voice

Assuming I am pure

Ciara O’Farrell 2nd Year

Today I stand here seeing what the world has become, The random stuff we have made, like bubble gum. We make these things pleasing people’s needs, What’s the point if that doesn’t even succeed.

More, more, more, we want more, We’re making unnecessary things, we are creating our own war. All the poverty, all the trash,

We try to fix it but instead we joke about it and laugh.

I am fed up, I can’t take this anymore, Because although there are rich, there will always be poor.

‘I am fed up!’

Antonio’s Poem About Bassanio

(Inspired by The Merchant of Venice)

Edith Uhlar Vicente 2nd Year

Oh, I’m sorry I only exist when you need something. I am not of value to you as an individual. You are loyal to me, But what about when the benefits stop.

I’m starting to believe that I am acting like a fool, Like all the love I give you, Is only appreciated and noticed when it’s to cater to your needs, Is my love for you being taken advantage of?

I am making you a priority, But to you, I am only an option. I put myself on the line for you, But would you reciprocate that for me?

I am feeding you, But you take that plate to go. You follow me into the sun, But then leave me in the dark.

I want to cut you off, You have already handed me the scissors. But how can I leave you? You are my best friend.

An extract from Aaron Corry’s (6th Year) Award Winning Script

Screen fades back, black and white. Sacred Buddhist music plays. The camera pans down, onto a monster can. Its surface is painted in holy colours (whatever that means). It reads ‘limited edition’. It is leaning on a rock wall, on a path. Two guys stand opposite it, staring it down.

In a voiceover, Trevor and Kevin tell the story

Kevin

So we were chilling in the park yesterday

Trevor

As you do

Kevin

When we walked past the Danny Devito shrine

Trevor

And there was the can

Kevin

In all its glory

Trevor

I knew if we prayed long enough

Kevin

To our lord and saviour, St Devito, then he would bless us

Trevor

But that’s when Kevin tried me

Kevin

I told Trevor that I spotted his Louis Vuitton socks in a bush

Trevor

But when I went to look, my stockings were nowhere to be seen.

Kevin I did what I had to do

Trevor

It was time to teach him a lesson Kevin grabs the can, and makes off with it. Trevor sprints after him, leaps and majestically throws Kevin to the ground. They ravenously beat each other up like rabid wolves. It’s pretty intense. Until finally... they take a breather.

Trevor

We both wanted the can.

Kevin

So... we made a deal

Trevor

The can would stay at the Danny Devito shrine

Kevin

And we would meet there in exactly one week, after training properly

Trevor

For a duel to the death

Kevin

Whoever survives...

Kevin and Trevor together

...wins the can

My Identity

Hannah Magee 3rd Year

My anger grew and transformed into something non existent. The wind rose and swirled around me, then, just as my fear left, the world went black. My head was throbbing, pounding like a person kicking in a door. I painstakingly cracked my eyes open. A white ceiling came into view. I frowned as I felt the soft duvet which was made of feathers.

Where am I?

My eyes whizzed side to side and around the room, taking in my surroundings. I licked my lips. Dry. They tasted crusty and salty. I heaved my weak body up from the dented pillow. This is not my room, it’s too cold and grey. I sucked in a tired breath.

I need to leave. I need to go home, I thought.

I flicked off the covers and placed my bare feet onto the metallic, ice-cold floor. A shiver ran up my spine. I clasped my fist, curious as to why my veins were crawling up and around my hands, reaching past my sleeves. They were unnaturally black. I turned my hands, inspecting every single detail to exist. However I couldn’t seem to remember the back of my own hand. It seemed foreign.

I looked around again, seeing no natural light entering. No way to leave besides a slim iron door beside a tall, standing mirror.

I dragged my feet to the mirror.

I looked at myself. I recognised this nose, these eyes. I saw them before. But from where? My figure is familiar. I looked scrawny, pale and tired. I looked at myself even closer. Up and down. My hair, my arms, my freckles, my teeth. They were mine, right?

I started running the alphabet through my mind. A, B, C... H? The letter H felt dear to me. Like it meant something to me. It was mine.

“Where are my clothes?” I gasped. “What is this rag covering me? What am I doing here?” I was starting to panic.

I heard a gurgling sound. I looked down in the mirror towards my stomach. Maybe I was hungry. “Hello child,” a voice said behind me.

My eyes widened and I jumped in my place, turning around so fast I could have gotten whiplash.

“How did you get in here?” My voice wavered and cracked. She smiled and ignored my question. She handed me a bowl of warm soup.

“Welcome home, Hannah.”

‘What Walks These Halls’

Book Review

Ethna Vondrys 5th Year

“What Walks These Halls’’ by Amy Clarkin was nestled in the Irish Times’ “Ticket” supplement, amongst a handful of other titles selected as the Young Adult Picks for April. The five line review immediately piqued my interest , and I hurried down to my local bookshop to see if they had it in stock. Thankfully they did, and I started it that day, finishing it in the dark hours of two o’clock the next morning.

It is challenging to create a world that revolves around ghosts and spirits, and is believable too, but Amy Clarkin definitely achieved that. The story centred on Raven and Archer, two siblings whose parents had been Ireland’s leading paranormal investigators, until their father died during a perusal of the harrowing Hyacinth House, ending the business and shattering the family. Now, five years later, Archer is restarting PSI - ‘Paranormal Surveyance Ireland’ with his friends Fionn and Davis, much to his sister’s dismay. Joining Archer and Raven is Éabha, who can see and hear things that others cannot. Together they return to Hyacinth House, to sort it out once and for all.

Once I started reading, I realised I hadn’t properly anticipated the rollercoaster of feelings that the story would bring me on. Over the course of the book I got emotionally attached to the characters, and nearly threw the book across the room when the ghost appeared - it’s not recommendable to read it in the dark, as I discovered! I laughed, and then was nearly reduced to tears. The climax of the book left my heart pounding, and it finished with an open ending, perfect for a sequel. I needed to discuss it with someone, so headed back to the bookshop. It turned out that the bookseller actually knew Amy Clarkin! Impulsively, as if possessed by the book’s demonic ghost, I asked her if it’d be possible to organise an interview with her for the school’s Literary Magazine. And the next day, I had an email from the actual Amy Clarkin in my inbox.

Which led to me sitting here, as the black screen flashes to life, signifying I’m no longer alone in the Zoom meeting. Amy Clarkin is now sitting in front of me, a face on my laptop’s display. My attempt at professionalism goes flying out of the window when I realise she can’t hear me. A vicious red embarrassment attacks me as I fix the problem by leaving and rejoining, and now she can hear my garbled apologies. “It’s Mercury retrograde,” she says in response, “causes havoc on technology.”

She knew she was going to be an author since she learnt how to read. “The moment I knew what a book was, I was like: I’m going to write one of these one day,” she says with a laugh, sunlight streaming into the room behind her. Through my laptop screen I see Clarkin, immaculate in a maroon corduroy suit with matching lipstick, as she tries to recall her English Leaving Cert novels. She does in a matter of seconds, after all it was her favourite subject along with Classics. She did ‘Lies of Silence’ by Brian Moore and ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller. I tell her that ‘The Crucible’ is on again this year, and she enthusiastically

tells me that she loved reading about the Salem Witch Trials. I’ve heard very mixed opinions about the play at school, which leads me to ask her about her deciding to set her novel “What Walks These Halls’’ in Wicklow.

When I read the book, I was thrown into a world so realistically created and described, that despite the plot being apropos of the paranormal, it felt as though I’d personally been in the fictional town in which it was set. It felt as though it could’ve been down the road from St Gerard’s.

Clarkin admits that she’s more familiar with northern Wicklow, like Bray and Greystones, than the south of the county. “I think it’s just so beautiful, I love doing some of the walking trails by the border. I really love the mountains and the forests, and on a misty day it can feel a bit eerie.” Perfect setting for a spooky story, even though she created a fictional town for creative purposes. “I decided not to set it in a real town, I’m not taking that on myself,” she admits with a chuckle.

I’d planned out my questions beforehand, and they are right here in front of me on my desk, and yet my mind goes blank in the lull in conversation. “Do you ever get reader’s block?” I blurt out instead of one of my carefully curated questions. Clarkin doesn’t seem perturbed by my random switch in subject. “Yeah! Absolutely. It doesn’t mean that it’s not a good book, it’s just not the right book for the time.” We discuss the frustration that comes when you just can’t get into a book, despite it being reviewed as a ‘good book.’ Clarkin suggests audiobooks to fix it, or reading an old favourite. ‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern is her ‘comfort read’. “It’s the perfect combination of magical realism. It feels like a Baz Luhrmann film.”

Her favourite Young Adult read would be ‘The Spellbook of the Lost and Found’ by Moïra Fowley-Doyle. She gushes about the main character Olive, who uses a hearing aid. Éabha, in ‘What Walks These Halls,’ is hard of hearing, and so is Clarkin herself. “I fall into moderately hard of hearing on the scale. Éabha’s experiences directly relate to mine,” she says. “I deliberately modelled her hearing loss on my own, because I know it so well, so I could write it believably. Olive in ‘The Spellbook of the Lost and Found’ was the first YA character that I encountered with a hearing aid, and it meant so much to me. I remember sitting there as I read it going, ‘oh my gosh, I do that!’ I wanted to give that to someone too.”

For my next question, I ask Clarkin if she remembers realising that language has power. She answers by talking about the chronic illness that she has called ME, or myalgic encephalomyelitis. “I got it when I was 25 and overnight my life completely changed. I went from running a half marathon to not being able to get up the stairs.” It sounds like she’s reciting something she’s said a million times before. She hadn’t written much in a few years, as she’d lost confidence in herself, but when she got sick she started to write personal essays to process what she was going through and to try and explain it to other people. The response she got astounded her. “I realised, I can really connect with people.”

In terms of the power of language in books, one of the biggest things she mentions is that “representation can mean so much to people.” She highlights the character Kaz, from Leigh Bardugos ‘Six of Crows’ duology, who uses a cane. She says: “I have an invisible illness. A cane makes it visible.” But after reading about the character who “wears his disability like armour” she went out and got one. “That was a really big moment, where I could see the power of seeing yourself in a character. And how that can empower you as a reader. That’s why with ‘What Walks These Halls’ I really wanted to try to represent Ireland. We live in such a diverse society that I didn’t want to just represent one person. I’m

really hopeful someone will read the book and find someone, or even an aspect of a character, who they can draw strength from.”

I read in a different interview that she is already working on her next book. I wonder if she learnt anything from writing ‘What Walks These Halls’, and if her writing process will now differ. Clarkin explains she really liked how she wrote it. She began with research. She spent three months solely studying parapsychology, ghosts and spirits, and working to build the science and technology behind ghost hunting. “There are so many interpretations of how ghosts manifest and work, I needed to figure that out.”

I tell her that I sometimes find that supernatural stories just don’t feel plausible, but clearly her work paid off. The different techniques and equipment used by the PSI to detect ghosts were described so methodically and practically, and the meticulously crafted characters were not only likeable but also relatable, that I suspended my disbelief and let myself be swept away in the story.

It wasn’t hard, and incredibly enjoyable. Especially as in one of the chapters, it was mentioned that Raven had ‘never been pinged as a close contact even at the height of the pandemic’. I read that line five times. It was my first time seeing the Covid pandemic acknowledged in a book, and it instantly created this feeling of realism.

“I’m glad it feels resonant,” she says. “I wanted to put it in, but I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. I didn’t want it to be about Covid, but throwing in those references just made it feel like a bit more contemporary. We read books to escape - I wrote it to escape during the Covid pandemic. I didn’t want it to be a constant reminder for people but I wanted it to feel like it could be happening down the road.” I assure her it does, and almost frighteningly so, as the ghost she created, The Lady, is one I hope remains fictional.

I decide to throw caution to the wind, and ask a controversial question, about the recent book bans in Florida. She stills, and then decides on one word. “Awful. I think about my book, and it would definitely be gone from those shelves. I think everyone deserves to see themselves in the stories they read. Reading is such a powerful thing and such a lovely opportunity to learn and educate yourself about other people. Everyone should be able to have access to stories that they relate to.”

At this point Zoom stops our meeting. Something about only having forty minutes free. I send Clarkin a new link, and we resume. “Mercury retrograde indeed,” I say abashedly. “As far as Zoom chaos goes, this isn’t even in the top ten,” she reassures me with a smile.

I decide to charge headfirst into my next question, bolstered by the apparent success of this interview so far. It’s a topical one - what does she think of AI? Clarkin tells me that a publisher has bought the first AI generated manuscript.

“For me as a writer, that’s terrifying! But also I think that it won’t work long term, the heart won’t be there. Writing comes from the heart, it comes from connection, it comes from our humanity. And I don’t think a computer is ever going to be able to replicate that in the same way.”

She’s clearly given this some thought, because she continues passionately. “I think a computer will be able to do a very good imitation of it, but I don’t ultimately think it will be a threat. Touch wood,” she taps her desk, “because it’s my career!” She laughs. “It’s our weirdness as humans, our quirkiness, our way of taking something and looking at it in a different way, that’s what makes a writer good. It [AI generated fiction] could end up being a trend for a while in the same way that when e-readers came out everyone was convinced it would be

the death of the publishing industry.” She propounds that during the pandemic we turned to the arts, whether it was video games, TV shows, podcasts, films, for comfort. “Covid did a good job reminding us how valuable the arts are. Everyone turned to a book or a film to give them that human connection or comfort we missed.”

For my final question, I ask her if she has any advice for someone reading this in the Literary Magazine. She thinks, and then says: “Find friends who like to write too, it’s a great way to build confidence in a safe space, where you’ll get honest but nice feedback.” She ponders a second. “Take the plunge! Every writer gets rejected so many times, and it hurts. It’s never not going to, but you get stronger. Remember why you write, and if you write what you care about then you’re gonna want to share that with the world eventually.”

She tells me that she didn’t think she was a good writer four or five years ago, that she was convinced she’d never be able to write fiction. “And then I decided to write ‘What Walks These Halls.’ I wrote it for myself. If you don’t love what you’re writing, you’re gonna hate it by the time you’ve edited it a hundred times. Write what you get excited about. Write what you need to read. And remember creativity isn’t like a tap, you can’t just turn it on.”

She smiles at my astounded face and tells me that I’m her second ever in-person interview. “It was nice to chat,” she concedes. I can’t help but wholeheartedly agree as we leave the meeting. It was nice to chat. Maybe authors are humans like us, not some deities. Maybe they all started by writing in their school’s magazine.

Over the Line

Kevin Day 5th Year

“Hello?” a voice whispers, almost too quiet to hear.

“Hello, this is the emergency services, Liam speaking. What seems to be the problem?”

“I– I think I just. There was a man and he– and then the bag was– and now–”

“Alright, let’s take a deep breath, okay? In through your nose, and then out through your mouth. Breathe with me.”

Their breathing slowly quiets.

“What’s your name, kid?”

“Ma– Matthew Cross.”

“What age are you Matthew?”

“I’m fiftee– sixteen. I’m sixteen. Today’s my birthday.”

“Alright, kid, listen to me. Everything is going to be okay, just take a breath and tell me what you can. Can you do that?”

“Okay.”

“Good, now tell me what happened Matthew. Start from the very beginning, with as much detail as possible.”

“It– I just wanted to go for a walk, I swear. And my mum always says– she says not to go near the cliffs because they’re dangerous and– and she’s always so scared because she thinks the ground is just gonna fall out from under me. I’m fine! I– I am. Usually. But today I...”

“Matthew?” Liam says after a moment of hesitation. His mind is already running with the possibilities, but he fights to keep the din quiet.

“I thought it would be okay,” the boy replies, voice high and sticky. He can almost imagine the tears in his wide, terrified eyes. “I didn’t think that I’d– that I’d see. I should have stopped him. God, I should have stopped him before he– but. But I’m calling y–you now. That’s, that’s good enough isn’t it? I’m doing the right thing. Right?”

Liam bites his lip, frantically pulling up the tracking software on his computer. “Yes Matthew, of course you are. It’s always a good idea to call in these situations, even if nothing happens. Now, I need you to be brave, kid. What did you see?”

“It was dark. It was so dark,” he whispers like a mantra. “And there was– there was this guy just standing there. At the cliffs. He– I don’t know who he was– It was so dark. But he was just standing there. And looking out at the sea. He was talking to someone on–on the phone. He was angry and he kept. He kept cursing.” He winces at the crack in Matthew’s voice.

“It’s okay Matthew, remember what I said? It will all be okay,” he repeats, whispering it almost to himself as he desperately tries to find the boy on the endless map of active phones in front of him. “You’re by the coast, aren’t you?”

“Yeah I’m, I’m in the woods up on the cliff. I can still hear the seagulls I think.”

“Do you like seagulls, Matthew?”

“No,” he huffs, followed by a nervous chuckle. It’s an awkward sound, one born of discomfort and uncertainty, but Liam latches onto it like a lifeline. Keep him thinking happy thoughts. Stop him from spiralling. Save him. “They always steal my chips.”

“Mine too.” He smiles, even if Matthew can’t see it. “Are there many seagulls around the cliffs?”

“Tons. They all hang around the port by the beach ‘cause of the fish. Stinks so bad.” Another laugh. Weak and defeated as it is, it’s good. It’s progress.

“What happened with the man, Matthew? Is he still there?” he asks, refining his search to include ports.

“I– I don’t know. He was– he was there but I didn’t want him to see me so I’m– I’m in a bush. The trees are– they’re in the way, so I don’t know. I can’t see him,” he whispers furiously, skipping breaths until his voice is hoarse and too quiet to be heard.

“That’s okay, kid. It’s okay.” Liam waves down one of his coworkers and presses firmly down on the mute button as he finally, blessedly, pinpoints Matthew’s phone. “I need two squad cars and an ambulance down at the Havergate Cliffs now. Don’t know the emergency but the kid’s too panicked to be faking and I-.” He takes a deep breath, adjusting his grip on the mute button, making sure Matthew can’t hear a word. “I have a bad feeling.” The weight of his statement isn’t lost on his coworker, and thankfully he doesn’t have to do any begging. A ‘gut feeling’ isn’t something to be ignored. Not in this line of work.

“I’ll add you to the call just. Just get out there, now. And I’ll send the coordinates when I can. Please - “ he whispers, waving them off. “Please get there in time.”

“Hello? Are– Are you still there?” Matthew asks, his voice little more than an erratic whisper.

Liam curses, pulling his finger off the mute button as though it burned him. “Yes, I’m still here Matthew. I’m sorry, I had to write something down.” He takes a deep breath, trying in a futile attempt to calm his racing heart. “The police are on their way, alright?” He doesn’t mention the ambulance, afraid of what could happen if he does. It might let on just how dire the situation sounds to him. “Can you stay on the phone with me until then?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I can. I can do that.” Liam’s breath comes just a little easier at his response, as though a weight had been lifted from his chest.

“Good, good. Is there anything else you saw? Anything at all. Even if it doesn’t seem important, please tell me.”

“The guy,” Matthew says after a moment, and Liam’s gut twists, flaring with an agonising pain he’s long since realised means something is about to go very, very wrong. “He– He had this. This bag in his hand. It was huge and it looked full of– of something, ‘cause the top - It wouldn’t close,” he gasps, terror evident in the way his voice grows steadily higher in a horrible, hoarse crescendo. “I thought it was drugs or something. ‘Cause Havergate’s not. It’s not the best place. It’s why my mum doesn’t like me going out much, y’know? She’s– she’s always so scared that something bad is gonna happen and now – now something bad has. And I saw it and, and–”

“Matthew,” Liam says sternly, grimacing through the pulsing ache in his stomach. “Calm down. Breathe with me.” He leads the boy through another exercise, trying to calm his own racing heart to bear with the pain. Matthew’s fragile breaths echo through the line, mirroring Liam’s own until finally becoming normal once again. “You with me now?”

“Yeah. I’m– I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I just.” Matthew’s breathing starts to pick up again, each breath fluctuating wildly.

“It’s alright, Matthew. It’s okay. Just breathe for me. You’re going to be alright.” He really wishes he didn’t have to lie to the poor kid. He should still have hope, though; hope that his gut is wrong, that Matthew isn’t in any danger at all. There’s a reason gut feelings are taken so seriously in his job, though.

Please, God, let him be wrong.

“I saw the bag,” Matthew continues. “And I thought it was drugs because this– this just isn’t a good town but.” A breath vibrates through the line, one that quakes and trembles and fills Liam with despair. He has to save him. “But then he put it down and–and I saw–”

“Matthew?” Liam’s heart stops for a second as the boy muffles a sob, but he isn’t given the chance to ask him anything about it.

“There was an arm,” Matthew rushes out in a forceful whisper. “An arm. A– And then he picked up the bag and dropped it off the cliff. I–” Everything goes dreadfully quiet on Matthew’s end of the call–as if Matthew had disappeared entirely, a wraith left in his place, a silent echo of himself–so terrifyingly silent that all Liam can hear is the blood racing violently through his body.

“I think there was someone inside.”

Liam’s breath stutters in his chest, his heart skipping beats erratically. His head disconnects from his body for just a moment, one terrifying second where his vision swims and everything loses its definition. Then, as if nothing had happened, it snaps back to normal, sending spikes of pure agony through Liam’s skull.

He doesn’t have time to worry about them, though, to wish he had painkillers handy. All

he can think about is Matthew. Matthew.

“Matthew.” He stamps down on the urge to scream, to gasp for a breath he’s never going to catch. “I need you to answer me honestly. Were. You. Seen.”

Silence answers him, and for a split second, Liam thinks he’s too late. “N– No?” Matthew says eventually, lacking the confidence he needs to hear to be sure that Matthew is well and truly safe.

“Are you sure?”

“Y– Yeah, I. It was dark and. He– He couldn’t have seen me.”

“Good,” Liam responds, voice empty. There’s still a cold spot in his chest where his breath should be, an ache in his gut that isn’t soothed by Matthew’s confirmation, but he pushes them aside. “Are you somewhere safe?”

“N– No,” Matthew replies hastily. “Should I move–”

“No,” Liam practically shouts into the phone. “No, don’t move. Just. Stay still, the police are on their way, and it will be much easier if you stay where you are.” He doesn’t realise the crescent indents his nails leave on his palms until they begin to sting. Only then does he take a breath, wishing that the squad car could just be there already.

It’s a few moments before either of them speak again. The tense silence is eventually broken by Matthew’s broken whisper.

“I’ll be okay, right?”

“Of course you will, Matthew,” he replies quickly, breath rushing out with his words. “You’ll be alright.”

“Okay... I just–” Matthew stops with a sharp gasp that has Liam bolting upright in his chair, heart beating fitfully.

“What’s wrong, Matthew. Speak to me,” he begs. “Come on.”

“I – I think I heard something.” A choked sob follows the statement, turning a knife in Liam’s stomach.

“It’s probably just an animal, Matthew, don’t worry about it. Just stay quiet, okay? Don’t raise your voice.”

“Y– Yeah it’s. It’s probably just a rabb–”

Liam’s heart jumps in his chest as he hears a short, desperate gasp for air. It’s all the warning he gets before the scream fills his ears. Matthew’s scream. It drags on for days, and yet in a mere second it ends. Distantly, he recognises that the call has ended, that someone on the other end hung up. That single, lucid thought is lost, however, among a raging ocean of bone-chilling screams.

People rush around him, moving agonisingly slow and all too fast. His headset is taken from him, lost in the chaos, and all he can feel is the wall at his back, a stability he shouldn’t be afforded.

His ears battle against him, ringing with Matthew’s deafening scream until it consumes him entirely. It’s all he can hear, all he can think about as he slides down the wall, crumpling into himself on the floor. Until one last coherent thought ascends through the pandemonium.

He failed him.

LIBRARY NEWS

This year has seen a massive increase in students using the School Library. There is the largest team of dedicated 5th Year Library monitors the school has ever had, and a team of 4th Years who are training for next year.

The school year began with the introduction of the Book Club. The first meeting was held during Wellbeing Week, to promote reading for relaxation. Then, to celebrate Halloween, we had a Derek Landy themed meeting, in a spookily decorated library. We ended the year with a Harry Potter one, for fans new and old, with a Christmas tree made out of books and our inflatable Santa flapping in the background.

The new year saw World Book Day arrive on 2nd March, where a Scavenger Hunt was organised, with an amazing turn out!

Throughout the year, the Library Monitors have worked tirelessly to label all the books, and organise them by genre, split into a Junior category and a Senior category. The shelves have never looked better!

Another highlight was the constantly changing Monitor Pick’s section, and the Library Newsletter, which was immaculately created by a very talented team. It has been an incredible year in the Library, and we all will miss working here next year! We have learnt so much, from how to catalogue and cover books, to how to organise events and keep the Library tidy.

Many thanks to Mr Carr for all his support throughout the year!

5th Year Monitors

Eva Harbourne, Kate Freney, Ethna Vondrys, Emily Harty, Lucy Willoughby, Isobel Lynch, Caoimhe Swan, Emma Heffernan, Ruby Geelon, Ciara Carroll, Maria Bisgood, Isabelle Rhatigan, Ailbhe Gordon, Laura Cullen, Katelyn Glass, Sadhbh McGloughlin, Charlotte O’Dwyer, Charlotte Ballagh, Lily Curley, Lucy Egan, Pippa Devereux, Clara Higgins, Florence Jackson Pratt, Simon Williams, Florence Clopin and Adriana Mulloy.

TY Monitors

Ruby Tuthill, Muiris Mason, Ava Willoughby, Tara Carey, Gus Dolan, Patrick Chen, Elina Dida, Nicola Harman, Katelyn McGreevy, Charlotte Coffey, Maya Hammond, Laura Hammond

“The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library” – Albert Einstein

itors uthill, Muiris Mason, Ava Willoughby, Tara Carey, Gus Dolan, Patrick Chen, El Harman, Katelyn McGreevy, Charlotte Coffey, Maya Hammond, Laura Hammon

etry of ar)

ubmerge the shoes in the animal’s blood, we need the footprints to ne staircase, ” his voice with glacial undertones croaked. This man’s nty wrist, blemished with blood, was nothing compared to the stabbing in her chest. Her butcher's knife ordinarily anchored to her, akin to in the foreboding shadows of her kitchen. Her ears perked up at the e her father had returned from his meat delivery, aptly timed to come were dashed as rapidly as they had risen when she registered that it ying in the blustery winds of Autumn

“Street”

Inspired by poetry of Eilean Ní Chuilleanáin

Ruby Geelon 5th Year

“Ensure that you fully submerge the shoes in the animal’s blood, we need the footprints to obtrude upon your pristine staircase,” his voice with glacial undertones croaked. This man’s unyielding grip on her dainty wrist, blemished with blood, was nothing compared to the stabbing sensation of terror rising in her chest. Her butcher’s knife ordinarily anchored to her, akin to another limb, lay glinting in the foreboding shadows of her kitchen. Her ears perked up at the screech of a hinge, maybe her father had returned from his meat delivery, aptly timed to come to her rescue. Her hopes were dashed as rapidly as they had risen when she registered that it was just the half-door swaying in the blustery winds of Autumn.

“He will arrive presently,” this man whose facial features were obscured by a cloth garment, rasped, his voice so callous and cold that it caused her entire body to quiver in trepidation. She dreaded who this anticipated guest was and the grim fate that awaited him. “Who are you?” she yelped. With that he lifted his gnarled, calloused hand from her wrist leaving violet fingerprints in his wake and gradually lifted his soiled cloth garment to reveal a face warped with malevolence. He stepped out of the shadows to highlight the sinister smirk plastered on his face. “Oh I think you know who I am, dear,” he whispered with the faintest hint of a chuckle.

No, no, no this was not happening, there was a deafening clatter as she plummeted to the floor, reeling in shock. Fragments of images of newspaper headlines flashed rapidly through her head as she gasped for air in a foetal position on the floor, completely and utterly paralyzed with terror. He hauled her up from the floor compelling her frozen legs to work. “Now you will place footprints on each step leading up to your bedroom.” When her stupefied body refused to move he thrust the blood drenched shoes into her convulsing hands and shoved her towards the decrepit stairs. The iron stench of blood did not phase her accustomed nostrils as she tentatively pressed each shoe onto the gleaming steps. With her wrists lacerated by the bounds that now restricted them, she sat beside this empty vessel of a human being. “Now you and I shall wait for our naive little friend to arrive.” An overwhelming queasiness arose in her gut as she realised that this poor soul in a butcher’s shop was, quite literally, a lamb to the slaughter.

The ear piercing screech of the half door reverberated throughout the house. “It’s time,” he whispered into her ear, causing her to flinch. She was lugged up the stairs to her bedroom and hurled onto the bed. “Now when this young man alerts us of his presence you are to entice him into this room, where I shall be

waiting for him.” It was only now that she could faintly discern the jagged outline of a knife in his pocket.

“Hello, is anybody home, are you alright?!” Her heart shattered into a million pieces as she recognised the voice resonating up her stairs. Please not him. Please Lord, please. A glance towards the lethally armed, egregious figure lurking in the corner forced her to utter the words she would never forgive herself for if she ever lived. “Come upstairs, I’m in my bedroom,” she called, her voice uncharacteristically shrill but he did not seem to notice.

The melodic trudge of his footsteps increasing in volume as they came closer sounded like an ominous version of the songs he would play on the street, especially for her as she ambled by. He would flash her a grin and lighten her otherwise dark and tedious day. She wished she had conveyed her true feelings for him prior to this moment, before it was far too late. The bedroom door swung open and the unwary and affable expression on his face made her heart pang. Her eyes contorted with agony, flooded with tears as she whispered to him a silent “sorry”. She watched in dismay as his bemused expression soon distorted into one of unadulterated horror as he gazed into the soulless eyes of notorious serial killer “Jack The Ripper”.

School of Shadows

Ciara Heffernan 2nd Year

I trudged into the cobalt double doors of the large, white building, just like every other morning. The windows reflected the rising autumn sun, bouncing back into my eyes, blinding me. I was ready for another day of boredom. It was time for school.

As soon as the doors closed behind me, I noticed something was off. Usually, I’d be hit by a wave of heat, with so many people talking all at once that it would blur into one sound; but here I stood, where it was as cold as it was outside, and there wasn’t a sign of life anywhere. There wasn’t a single bag on the ground, the creaky sound of a locker closing, or any quickly-paced footsteps, determined to get to class on time. As far as I could tell, I was the only person here. I checked my watch. Maybe I was just a bit late? But the time said otherwise; I was ten minutes early. I didn’t accidentally arrive on a Saturday again, did I? No... the doors would be locked, and yesterday was Tuesday. As far as I knew, we didn’t have a day off.

As I quietly wandered through the school halls, I began to grow concerned. Absolutely nobody was here. When I seized my phone from my pocket and opened messages to ask my friends where they were, a sense of dread spiralled through my body. All my contacts were gone. All of them. I began to check my other messaging apps, but nobody was there. And now that I thought about it, I didn’t remember seeing any of my family that morning. I just grabbed a piece of toast and left.

I was completely and utterly alone.

I started calling out to see if anyone was here, my voice getting more tired and raspy with every word. I wondered if I should just go home, but there had to be someone here, right? After what seemed like hours of useless shouting, I heard a voice. A deep, distorted voice, and I’d be lying if I said it sounded human. “You’ve arrived.”

Huh. So there was someone here after all. It must have been a joke, some guy with a voice filter on. I brushed off my doubts and decided to just go to class instead, starting to walk away. That’s when I felt something touch my shoulder. A freezing hand, except it was much too cold to belong to a person. It felt as if it were made of ice. I turned around to see who was there, something I would immediately regret.

What stood there was a shadow-like figure. Staring at it was like gazing into the abyss. It didn’t have a face, just long, claw shaped hands, and a head that was almost touching the ceiling. I was frozen in shock. I tried to run but something was stopping me. Fear. “You’re dreaming. I brought you here. And some others, too.” Listening to the creature’s voice was like hearing nails on a chalkboard I looked to where his finger was pointing, and saw about a hundred other figures, who looked almost the exact same as the one who stood in front of me. The only difference was that they were a few inches shorter. It was clear who the leader was.

“Are you ready to join us? Unfortunately, you will not be able to wake up.” My eyes widened as it grabbed both my shoulders to hold me in place. “Welcome to your new home.”

A Flicker of Memories

Emily Harty 5th

Year

Click. Click. I stare at the ground as I flick the lighter on and off, mesmerised by the miniature dancing fire in front of me. Its taunting flame is burning golden red like the colour of breaking dawn and a noticeable feeling of heat emanates from it onto my hand. Sometimes a faint breeze whispers through the air, tickling my skin, and I watch as it makes the flame hop, skip and jump in front of me as if it is a child playing outside. Yet, no matter what, it still continues to stubbornly burn just as brightly and for some reason I am reminded of the candles that my family and I light at Christmas time. Compared to the bleak, grey concrete beneath my feet it seems as if there is nothing more vibrant or colourful than this single flame. It helps me ignore the feeling of cold that is steadily seeping into my stiff limbs due to the wrought iron bench that I am sitting on.

As I continue to click the lighter I think back to the day when my older brother gave it to me as a goodbye present before he headed off to join the police force in Shanghai. It was late afternoon on a regular old Autumn day and the trees were painted in every shade of orange, red, auburn and yellow. Sometimes I think I can even hear the sound of the leaves lying on the ground like fallen soldiers as they rustle in the wind. The sky was dotted with fluffy clouds that resembled cute little cotton puffs and a few remaining rays of sunshine were fighting to light up the street that I lived on. I can picture him now, wearing his crisp navy uniform with his hat ever so slightly lopsided, and grinning as he attempted to shove his two gargantuan suitcases out of the door. I was trying to be brave by swallowing the tears that were begging to come streaming down my face, which just resulted in the sensation of a tennis ball being lodged at the back of my throat. As I went to say goodbye he shoved the same lighter that he had owned for nearly ten years into my hand, whispering that whenever I missed him I could simply light it and be reminded of him. As I glanced down at the faded writing scrawled along its side and its chipped red covering all I could manage was to nod and hug him goodbye. I knew that if I tried to talk the only thing that would come out of my mouth were sobs and that was not something I could allow.

As I watched him drive away until he rounded the corner and disappeared, how could I have known that would be the last time I would ever see him? How could I have known that in six months time we would get a phone call home to say that my one and only brother had been shot in action?

Click. Click. The motion of turning the lighter on and off is almost like my own unique drumbeat. I breathe in deeply in an attempt to fight the rising feeling of pain and sorrow that is building in my chest. It’s been almost a year and I still find

myself overcome by heartache if I allow myself to think about him for too long. The sadness chokes me. It strangles like ivy creeping up the side of a house. It is like a never ending battle where, even if I take a break from the intense fighting, my only respite is spent in the trenches where I can still hear the sounds of pain and suffering that I am only temporarily avoiding. I grip the lighter even tighter and focus on the biting feeling of its sharp edges digging into my palm. It is this sensation that wakes me from my stupor and eventually I raise my head to look around me. For what feels like the first time I actually notice the trees lining the path around me. It’s Spring time so their leaves have begun to blossom and are overflowing with premature buds that are just waiting to burst into full bloom. The cheerful chirping of birdsong reaches my ear and I realise I’ve never really stopped to appreciate the sound before. Everything around me is bursting with life, just like me, so who am I to ignore it?

As I sit there simply taking in my surroundings I realise that the way I’ve been acting is not what my brother would have wanted. The pain of his loss will never fully leave me but that doesn’t mean I should stop living my life just because he can no longer live his. It’s time for me to be strong like him and fight my own battle just like he did in Shanghai. Sitting alone and wallowing in my sadness is not going to bring him back and I think I owe it to him to try and move on. I take a big gulp of fresh air and, instead of focusing on the pain I feel in my brother’s absence, I stretch my arms out in front of me so as to allow the warm rays of sunshine to fall on them.

Their warmth aids in fortifying my newfound determination to pick myself up and actually try to live as a person and not a zombie again. With a final deep breath I extinguish the lighter and place it in my pocket so that it can always be near me. Even though my brother is gone and the ache caused by this will never truly disappear, I know this is what he would want and that is how I shall honour him.

Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin

Sadhbh McGloughlin 5th Year

On the 20th of February, we got the opportunity to speak to one of our Leaving Cert poets Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin. I was excited after studying her poetry for so long. I didn’t quite know what to expect when she walked in with her long smoky grey hair and her notebook full of extra pieces of paper stuck into it, pointing out in every which direction. She began with talking about her poems, plucking out a few in particular from her repertoire of poetry. The first of these was ‘The Bend in the Road’ where she spoke about memories that tie themselves to certain places you visit in your life. I found it incredibly interesting to just hear how she captured those moments and how she was trying to say the most with the least words possible.

When it came to time where we could ask questions, I think we all knew that this truly was a unique opportunity to actually speak to one of our Leaving Cert poets, especially since many of the Leaving Cert poets are no longer alive. Some asked more general questions about writing poetry while others took the chance to ask the in depth questions that had been wondering about. Overall we were incredibly lucky to have this experience and unbelievably grateful that Ms Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin came to talk to us. Hopefully we will all bring what she has taught us about her poetry into our Leaving Cert next year!

Luca Gheta Memorial Debate Final

Poetry Project

Winners of ST. Gerard’s 2nd Year Poetry Project Elena Scanlan, Luke Redmond and Luisa Carvalho e Silva Kracke

First Year prizewinners in their Poetry Project Honor Mullion, Alexandra Bruce, Tamakloe, Isaac Leahy, Luke Joyce and Sean O’Neill

Fragmented Tracks

Sam McEntee 5th Year

“Olivia! I think you’re going to want to see this” exclaimed John, as he carefully made his way through the wreckage, occasionally stopping to look for any sign of life. In all his years working in the FBI, investigating some of this century’s most violent and disturbing cases, he had never encountered something like this.

It was 7 am and Linda’s alarm was screeching, getting louder and louder with every attempt to wake her. Taking one hand out from under the covers she began scrambling to turn it off. Linda, an executive in one of New York’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has been waiting for this very day to arrive for the past few months. The day she would finally get a break and visit her family upstate, giving her the opportunity to switch off for the first time since her long awaited promotion. Like most days, Linda enjoyed a light run around the block to help prepare her for the long day ahead. When she got home and checked her phone, there was a text from her boyfriend Mike: “Hey L, fancy going for a coffee this morning around 9?” Smiling she replied “Of course”, thinking to herself how could this day get any better?

After packing, Linda went to meet Mike at Rise & Grind, their favourite coffee shop. A quiet place with a rustic interior and low hanging lights where the tables were made from recycled doors from an old nearby hotel. Mike was already there, waiting for her. They sat down and immediately started talking, picking the conversation up exactly where they had left off the day before. Linda told Mike how much she was looking forward to seeing her family again and how much she wished he would be going with her. Although they initially had planned to go on this trip together, Mike pulled out as he had been selected to pitch his new business idea to a group of investors. This was his dream for a long time now, owning a business while living in the centre of one of the largest cities in the world.

Mike asked, “Do you want a lift up there? I really don’t mind doing it as today’s not too busy for me”, secretly hoping Linda would say yes allowing him to take his mind off the business meeting. She replied in a calm tone “No. No, it’s ok... but thank you. I think I’ll get the train, it’s a long way to go there and back in a day and you need to practise for that pitch tomorrow”. After an hour or so they left the cafe and Linda began her walk to the station. It was about a half-hour walk and passed by Central Park where she saw a young girl playing with a kite, her mother watching closely from a nearby bench. The station was a large, grey, tired looking building with a constant river of people coming and going through a set of wooden doors standing tall under an arched frame. She passed through and made her way to a kiosk, where an old gentleman

greeted her with a smile; “where are you off to today?”. Excitedly she replied, “To visit my parents upstate, I haven’t seen them in, oh, I suppose about 3 months now”. The old man pressed a few buttons and then produced a ticket saying “The train leaves in five minutes from platform three, so you’re gonna wanna be quick to catch that!”. Linda runs to the platform, moving in and out, dodging the constant stream of people. There was a long rusty train sitting on the tracks, almost beckoning her in. She sat down in the middle carriage and leaned back, letting out a deep sigh of relief. As the train pulled from the station, Linda began to feel more relaxed knowing that she was finally on route, away from her hectic working life to somewhere where she could put her mind at ease and relax.

The train ride was long and once free from the city had scenic views of woodlands dissected by lakes and rivers. Suddenly, the train came to a screeching halt, and Linda was thrown forward. Passengers around her began to murmur their discontent. Linda looked up from her book to see what was happening. A feeling of panic crept over her as her mind began to run, wondering what happened and what might happen next. Then she noticed a strange smell, like burning rubber, permeating through the air. Unexpectedly, there was a loud explosion and Linda was flung forward from her seat, hitting her head against the metal railing of the seat in front of her. Everything went black.

The train was derailed when help arrived, there wasn’t a single carriage untouched by the blast. John and his partner Olivia were the first to arrive on the scene. They were briefed that an accident had occurred north of New York and that a train had been derailed. However, nothing could have prepared them for what they were about to face. They began their investigation at one end of the train which was the area most severely damaged and where they thought the explosion had originated. As they made their way through the wreckage, John spotted something glimmering in the debris. He carefully sifted through the rubble and found a small, metallic object with wires sticking out of it. He immediately called Olivia over, and together they examined the object. After a few moments, Olivia spoke up. “I think I’ve seen something like this before, it’s, it’s a homemade bomb.” The realisation hit John like a ton of bricks. This wasn’t just an accident, it was a deliberate attack. He looked around at the destruction and felt a wave of anger and sadness wash over him.

The Sniper’s Brother

(Inspired by The Sniper, Liam O’ Flaherty)

Choni Wong-Cotter 3rd Year

The free state sniper lay pressed in between a row of chimney pots, rifle poised like a serpent, ready to strike. His eyes were glazed and devoid of passion, his broad shoulders set in a tensed line. He was forced to join the free staters when he’d been separated from his older brother during the war. Though his shoulders were broad he had an ectomorphic build and his face was defined and plush, albeit dirty and cut. He had never looked like much of a soldier but he had the bull gaze of someone who followed orders without a second thought.

The sniper was humming the tune of war and reminiscing on the days he didn’t have to fight when the bitter scent of whiskey snapped him out of his reverie. He fumbled with his rifle and pointed it at the roof opposite him where the aroma of alcohol wafted from. He waited, his heart pounding. Suddenly there was the briefest flash of pinky-red light and a puff of smoke. He shot straight at the parapet of the other roof. When the smoke began to clear, he realised he hadn’t hit them but he’d definitely scared them away.

After a few seconds, and slightly more to the left from where he’d last seen the light, a dark navy cap slowly began to peek out from behind the parapet. Instantly he fired off a bullet but was disappointed to hear the whizz of it curving through nothing but air. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, the sniper repeated to himself as he watched the other roof closely. Of course he didn’t want to kill people but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t going to if ordered. He shuffled more into the cover of the chimneys.

He could hear the dull thud of wheels against the broken road, but he didn’t dare look to see if it was friend or foe. Next he heard the faint shuffle of footsteps and muffled talk. Two simultaneous shots rang out, followed closely by the screech of tires. The sniper spun from cover and fired.

A clatter from the opposite roof let him know his shot had landed, he waited patiently. The coppery smell of blood found his nose but he did not lower his rifle. For a long time everything was still. The only sound was a slight scuffle from the other roof but nothing appeared. Then the same dark navy cap was raised over the parapet. He sent a bullet straight through the centre of the cap and watched it fall down to the street below. An arm hung lifeless over the parapet and the enemy’s rifle eventually followed the cap on its descent.

The sniper leaped up, looked across at the scene and sighed. He stood there for some time and let his pulse slowly steady itself. But the relief of victory can’t last long for those at war.

There was a sudden strike of pain, then just numbness. He felt the warm blood

trickle through his fingers and he almost smiled at how pleasant it felt. He could not stop himself from falling, nor did he want to. As he fell through the air he spun and twirled, reminding him of how his brother would spin him through the air as a child, and he felt a feeling he hadn’t in a long time; joy.

Soroptimist Speech on Peace and Democrac y

Pippa Bellows 4th Year

Good evening Chairperson, Adjudicators, Lady Soroptimists and fellow speakers. My name is Pippa Bellows and tonight I choose to speak about peace and democracy. “Choice”, it’s such an important word to us as women past, present and future. The fight for the right to choose is an ongoing, everlasting struggle, sewn into the fabric of our society. We have come on in leaps and bounds, with democracy having paved the way for change, giving people a voice to speak out. But even then, unfortunately the weight tips toward the male gender in the world of politics, democracy and choice. Today, I hope to bring light to the rich history of political feminist movements of the past and present and show you all how we can continue to better the world.

Firstly, I ask you, how many women are in our government at this very moment?

Four out of fifteen ministers in the cabinet are women. That is approximately twenty seven percent. Studies show that the average workplace is composed of thirty three percent women. It’s hardly reassuring or inspiring when our own government has less women than an everyday workplace. When I, a TY student, was planning out my year, I thought it would be funny to try and meet as many politicians as possible. It started out as a joke, as someone without the slightest idea of politics trying to meet and take photos with these national decision makers. But as I found myself getting dragged further and further into the abyss of funding, global issues and publicity, I realised what a lack of women there was. I’ve met a grand total of nine politicians, with the only women representatives being American Ambassador Cronin and ex-president Mary Macaleese. Two very strong, competent and independent women who I was honoured to meet, but it was the lack of more women like them that bothered me.

When I met these women, I had the opportunity to listen to them speak about gender equality. One of the main points of this speech is that a woman’s biggest ally is a man. This was reiterated multiple times and it really made me think. Some would say that girls are their own friends and allies, or some would say they have none, but the Ambassador and Mary were adamant that a man’s help is the way

forward. These words brought forward memories of male peers sticking up for me for small things, but those small things made all the difference and continue to do so.

The talk was based around a setup called the 30% club. The idea of it is to get 30% of women in supervisory roles in different companies all over Ireland. The fact that action is being taken all of the time but you don’t hear of it, is an issue itself to me. It also brings me back to our Irish cabinet with its 27% female population. Companies are providing themselves with the initiative to give their workers a helping hand yet the government is not. To quote Mary Macaleese herself, “We cannot become complacent from others achievements. Instead we must continue to gain momentum”. We have been gaining this momentum for hundreds of years, from Christine De Pizaz’s renaissance pieces, Jane Austen’s books, Florence Nightingale’s school to Emily Davidson’s sacrifice, Marie Curie’s discovery and Greta Thunberg’s actions and this should continue to gain movement, instead of levelling off. This can be achieved through small actions, such as asking for something you deserve, such as equal attention and politeness given to the people around you. Opportunities are all around us, including this event, and we must reach out and grab them, if not for ourselves but then for our fellow women.

With more history occurring in the past twenty years than ever before, peace and democracy are of the utmost importance. With nearly 89% of nurses being female, women were risking their lives daily during the pandemic as frontline workers. Even now with the Ukrainian crisis, women are daring to take a stand against their opposer, despite not being required to. So many families have had to flee and leave a part of themselves behind and I think we can agree that this is courage at its finest. Women across the globe experience different struggles daily, some more severe than others, but it does not take away from the fact that our gender still is not at peace.

I ask you to dwell on these points, and think to yourself, “maybe I should encourage politics as a young woman’s career choice”. We are half of the human population and there is no reason that we should not take place in government. I ask you to think on this the next time that you vote, because you are voting on behalf of so many young women like myself. Thank you all for your time.

Diversity in Children’s Literature

Eva Harbourne 5th Year

“That is the power of a diverse book. You can change everything for one kid, and you create empathy in a hundred more.”

Books have the potential to empower students of colour, different ethnicities, religious beliefs and sexual orientations, or to silence them. The issue of representation in books has far reaching consequences. We cannot do children the disservice of promoting ignorance over learning, sheltering them from the reality of other children’s experiences, ranging from across the world to the person sitting next to them at school.

In 1985, less than 1% of children’s books spotlighted Black characters. By 2019, more than 12% of U.S.-published children’s books featured Black characters. While this is a step in the right direction, it is indubitable that there is still great progress to be made.

Many books can be defined as ‘mirrors’ or ‘windows’, both serving unique and invaluable purposes in literature. ‘Mirrors’ allow readers to see their experiences reflected in a novel.

‘Windows’ allow those who may not understand or be aware of the experiences someone from a different background to them may encounter to gain an insight into such experiences.

One of the most impactful facets of diversity in children’s books in particular is representation. A child seeing themselves reflected in the books they read growing up can heavily influence their self-confidence and engagement in reading. When readers can see themselves in the stories they read, they feel validated and empowered. For Black, Hispanic, and Asian students, who are often stereotyped or overlooked in popular culture, it’s validating and academically engaging to see themselves and their life experiences reflected on the pages. The effect this can have on children who have been made to feel as though they don’t have a voice is immeasurable. Showing characters of all different backgrounds, cultures and religious beliefs is key to instilling and promoting tolerance and empathy in the children of today, exposing children to new ideas through literature. This much loved art form is used to reinforce positive messages of empathy and acceptance, and to help readers recognize their own biases and prejudices.

‘Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.’

- Charles W. Eliot

Literature and education go hand in hand, making books an ideal medium to challenge our way of thinking and open our minds to new ideas we may not be familiar with. This can broaden their horizons and help them become more open-minded. This is vital in children’s literature, with the inclusion of diverse characters helping children to learn about new experiences in a way that is familiar and engaging to them. Seeing oneself represented in the characters, authors, and illustrators in a classroom and school library can go a long way in making sure we are conveying a message to children that school is for and about them.

Reading diverse books can also help to promote social justice by highlighting the experiences of marginalised communities and raising awareness about issues that affect them.

Children’s publishing, in both the U.S. and the U.K., is dominated by White, middle class women at lower levels, and men at higher levels of management, which inevitably affects perceptions of the audience. According to the first Diversity Baseline Survey from Lee and Low Books, 79% of those working in children’s book publishing were white in 2015. By 2019, the Diversity Baseline Survey found this number had decreased to 76%. This change is disappointingly quite minimal. Systemic barriers in the publishing industry are heavily to the detriment of today’s children. If children’s books are filled with fire-breathing dragons and supernatural worlds, diversity should not be a far-fetched idea.

Good afternoon ladies, gentlemen, members of the proposing team and esteemed adjudicators. My name is Ruby Geelon and alongside my colleagues Tim and Scarlett, I will be opposing today’s motion.

A wealth tax on a stand alone basis, whilst pandering to populists and the media would be absolutely ineffective in addressing inequality. To support my team’s opposition to the motion, I will argue that for real inequality to be addressed,a considerably more complex and nuanced approach is required. A more effective remedy to inequality is to address the core structura issues that drive inequality, in particular unequal access to educational opportunities. I will also demonstrate today how the blunt measure of a wealth tax would not drive more revenue for the government, but actually cause a reduction in tax receipts as wealthy people, their capital and potential inward investment will be lost to Ireland in favour of other jurisdictions.

Inequality is a structural issue and one which has become institutionalised across generations. This was illustrated during COVID-19 lockdowns when schools were forced to close. Reports have shown that while some segments of society were able to switch to remote learning with relative ease, other less privileged children lacked access to wifi, technological aids and even in some cases, basic tools at home such as a pen and paper. Providing people access to educational opportunities at a young age has been proven internationally to be the most effective tool at addressing societal inequality. It is also the key determinant to higher earning power in later life. And this earning power in turn has a multiplier boosting effect on the wealth of the entire community. This is particularly crucial amongst disadvantaged cohorts where one or both parents have themselves not had access to educational opportunity and may lack the resources to support their children. According to UNESCO, if all students in low-income countries had just basic reading skills, an estimated 171 million people could escape extreme poverty. If all adults completed secondary education, we could cut the global poverty rate by more than half. Equipping people with knowledge, support and access to long term resources through education will empower them and enable them to build long term sustainable and multigenerational equality. From microfinancing through affirmative action, there are significant positive

“This house believes that a wealth tax in Ireland is the best means to fight inequality”

Ruby Geelon 5th Year

examples of how early intervention and skills based learning can help those less privileged bridge the inequality divide and succeed.

Introducing blunt measures like a wealth tax have been proven worldwide to cause a flight of capital from the jurisdictions where the wealth tax is imposed. For example in the 1980’s in Ireland the introduction of DIRT tax led to a flight of deposits from the jurisdiction and wholesale tax evasion such that the central bank had major concerns about the stability of the economy. However capital may not be the only important resource that could depart upon the introduction of a wealth tax. Entrepreneurs, investors and wealth creators could potentially view Ireland as a less favourable jurisdiction from which to operate or base themselves which would be detrimental to our country’s economy longer term.

Whilst a wealth tax in itself may generate a substantial headline figure the secondary taxes generated through income tax, corporate tax and VAT receipts will all suffer as a result of the introduction of a wealth tax. If a wealth tax was to make us a less business friendly location we would also potentially lose a lot of the downstream and satellite industries that support entrepreneurs and wealth creators. In such a scenario, the Government would have significantly reduced resources to invest in educational and other support services targeted at supporting disadvantaged families and thus bridging the inequality gap. A wealth tax would simply create more problems than it can solve.

To conclude, we are not disputing that inequality exists and will continue to exist at different levels in society and obviously it must be addressed. However, it is a complex issue and requires nuanced thinking and creative solutions if we are to achieve any form of remedy. There is a tangible danger that a populist idea such as a wealth tax may be floated simply to garner votes. However in reality, it would create more inequality rather than reducing it. We must and need to address the core causes of inequality which I believe are lack of access to education and other support networks and resources. This is the key to ensuring all citizens have the chance to achieve equality in their lifetime. To quote former president of the united states bill clinton ‘“a hand up is far more effective than a hand out”.

AN INTERVIEW WITH SIMON PEARSON

Who is your favourite fictional character? Harry Potter

If there was a book that you could experience for the first time, which would it be? The first book I ever read was Harry Potter so I would have to say that. I’ve always liked the Harry Potter series and the movies as well.

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, which would it be? Well I’m tempted to say Happy Potter again … but we’ll switch it up. I do like Lord of the Rings

Paperback or eBook? eBook definitely. What is the first song on your playlist? First song on my playlist? What if I don’t have a playlist (proceeds to open his playlist). Mockingbird by Eminem, or maybe Yellow by Coldplay. Anything else? Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran, that’s a good one. And if I really want to get in there, Tomorrowland. They would be kind of my main choices I think.

Do you have any funny memories with Mr O’Connor?

Well I’ve only been at St Gerards for around three years so I haven’t gotten the chance to really know him but he’s always been friendly to me no matter what, the man is never unhappy. Everytime I see him he’s making jokes and smiling. He’s a very witty person.

What was the last thing that you wrote? Can I say the email that I wrote saying that I would do this interview? That doesn’t count? Then I think the last thing I wrote was my speech for the SCT barbecue. That was something that was really special to me and I wanted to get it right.

Do you have any secret skills?

Like juggling or something like that? I used to sail for Ireland, is that a secret skill? My teammate and I were number one in Ireland for a while. But that’s going back years, like I’m probably going back to when I was about 14.

What do you think of reading on electronic devices?

I think it’s really convenient. Like I’m a big fan of audiobooks. I’d more so get an audiobook now than I would read. I’m more of a listener than a reader. A lot of my books would be sports stuff.

What is your favourite book right now? I mean Harry Potter again, of course. But recently I’ve been reading The Witcher.

What book would you like to read next? Well I really liked the movie The Blind Side so if that was a book I’d probably want to read that. It is a book? Then that’s the next book I would read.

(the interview then took a detour)

Since you’re such a fan of Harry Potter, who is your favourite and least favourite Harry Potter character?

Dobby is my favourite. Least favourite? Percy is very annoying. I don’t really know if there were any characters I disliked. Oh wait, what’s his name? Lucius, Malfoy’s dad.

Which is your favourite Harry Potter book? Favourite book obviously has to be the first one. It’s a classic. I do like “The Half-Blood Prince” as well. Oh actually I changed my mind, it’s “The Order of the Phoenix”.

In 20-23 we’re celebrating 10 years of staff interviews in the literary magazine, and you were interviewed ten years ago. We’re going to ask you a few of the same questions, and see how they differ

AN INTERVIEW WITH MR DRUMMY

full of books. Starts putting them out one by one on his desk.

‘Education of an Idealist’

by Samantha Power

John McEnroe’s autobiography

‘The Spy’ by Ben McIntyre

JFK’s biography

‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ by

Agatha Christie

He gestures to the books he’s laid out geometrically perfect. “I’ll give you some context shall I? I’m not a brilliant reader, I usually read when I go on holidays. When I broke my ankle, I started reading more. The genres I read are so varied;I love autobiographies, and I love this book *points at Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power* because I’ve got three girls. I love a bit of history, and I love these kind of spy things as well.

Question 1

What’s your favourite quote?

2023 - You know Rocky? The film? In it, he says ‘ADRIAN!’

It’s my favourite, because it gives me an opportunity to shout at my esteemed colleague Mr Dungan. His name is Adrian, so I go, “ADRIAN!”

2013 - The quality of mercy is not strain’d, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven” from the Merchant of Venice

Question 2

What is your favourite play currently?

2023 - Let’s just say the Merchant of Venice again (same answer from 2013), because it got me through the Junior Cert.

Question 3

How do you feel about film adaptations of novels?

2023 - I actually loved the Dan Brown series, ‘The Da Vinci Code’! I read the book first, and I found it way more exciting, it had way more detail and intrigue, it kept me engrossed for a lot longer than the film!

Question 4

What is your favourite genre?

2023 - Anything, but I’m particularly interested in history. Mainly non-fiction, and I do like autobiographies, especially reading about when they weren’t famous, because I love to see what made them become the person they are.!

- Are you going to write an autobiography?

I don’t wanna pay too much attention to myself... I wouldn’t write an autobiography - Would you have a biography written about you?

D’you know what? Personally I just like getting on with things, so I’m probably gonna say no.

Question 5

What do you think of reading on electronic devices?

2023 - I prefer the physical contact and the smell and feel of reading a book. I’d never read a book on a Kindle!

We now move on to the new questions.

How has Gerard’s changed in the last ten years?

We’ve definitely become a more IT conscious school, and I think Covid had a major impact on the school. We see the benefits now, of how the school tried to help the pupils with their online

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Samatha Power’s ‘The Education of an Idealist’. I found her inspiring when she did her online talk, and I have three girls. Samantha Power went into a male dominated professionpolitics, and she showed the world that she was their equal, or even better. The amazing thing about the book was how empowering it was to women, to achieve what they can achieve in any sphere of life.

What is the first song on your playlist?

I don’t have a playlist! I go with the times... I’m becoming a huge Luke Combs fan. He’s coming to Dublin in October and I can’t wait!

- Did you get tickets?

I have! Do you know Luke Combs?

He’s unbelievable!

Do you have any funny memories with Mr O’Connor?

Can I just say, I have the greatest admiration for Mr O’Connor. I’ve stayed in his house!

When I was only 20, I was playing a tournament with his cousin. His cousin was from Cork, and we went up to play the Greystones Open, and we stayed in Mr O’Connor’s house. That tournament I got my first warning, for getting a bit excited about losing a point, from the referee, who was actually Mr O’Connor’s late wife! Mr O’Connor and me, we always joke about it now.

Do you have any secret skills?

I do a very good Donald Duck impersonation!

- Can we hear it?

*Mr Drummy proceeds to stun us with an amazing warbling noise just like Donald Duck*

What is your favourite thing you’ve announced on the intercom?

I really love announcing the pupils’ achievements! Be it in sports,

1. Who is your favourite fictional character?

Oooh...my favourite fictional character is probably Harry Potter because I’m re-reading it at the moment with my kids and it’s giving me a big nostalgia burst. I also love Ron Weasley because he’s a bit of craic but also a balance to the seriousness.

AN INTERVIEW WITH ANNA BARRETT BORLAND

2. Do you prefer paperbacks or ebooks and why?

Definitely paperback. I had a kindle and I just couldn’t get used to it. I used to love getting a brand new book when it was really clean and pristine and perfect, but now I actually love an old book or a second hand book. I love seeing the dog ears that somebody else has marked on the page. So, yes, definitely paperback.

3. What’s your go to song in your playlist?

At the minute- this is so embarrassingbut anything from the soundtrack of High School Musical. They’re all bangers!

What’s your favourite memory with Mr O’Connor?

Aw he’s such a dote! He’s such a gentleman and the most affable man who has a lovely personality and a lovely way about him that nothing is any trouble. He seems to just flow through life and never lets too much come down on top of him - he has a lovely aura.

5. Do you have any secret skills?

Oooh god.... that’s a tough question! I do embroidery and cross stitch and that kind of thing so I suppose that’s a bit of a skill I’ve learned over time.

6. What is your favourite book?

My favourite book is Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger which was amazing; just a mad fantastical story that is real character driven but also the story is just crazy and kind of ghostly but at the end of it you’re kind of like could that be real because she writes so real. By the end of it I was sad it was over because I felt as though my friends had disappeared and they’re no longer there so it goes to show how her writing is so lifelike. And also because you know when you read a book and no matter what it just sticks with you.

7. What was your favourite childhood book?

Emm I suppose Harry Potter- I loved them, even as a teenager. I also loved the book Under the Hawthorn Tree which I studied in school and it always makes me cry. It’s a beautiful story.

8. What’s your favourite genre to read?

Lately I’ve gotten into more biographies and human stories that I was never reading before. I’m in the middle of reading Rob Delaney’s book Catastrophe which is about losing his son which is a hard read because you have to be in the right frame of mind to read it but I’m getting a wee bit more into that now.

9. What’s your favourite quote from a book or a person?

Ooh my favourite quote would definitely be “even bad times have good things in them to make you feel alive” from About a Boy by Nick Hornsby, bittersweet but I thoroughly agree with him!

10. What is your favourite thing about working in St Gerard’s?

Oh....I just think it’s such a lovely atmosphere. I think that there’s a really lovely staff team who are super welcoming and all of the

parents and all of the children, who I interact with, are all just so lovely, so welcoming and so positive. It’s really cohesive, everyone talks to each other no matter what time of the day, or what part they work in or study in and personally, I think those are great attributes which ultimately create a lovely work environment.

11. What is your favourite memory from working in St Gerard’s? Well, I started in April, but on the third day of working here it was Brendan Whelan’s birthday and there was a big surprise party for him in the canteen with a big cake and I remember thinking “this is so lovely”. It really opened my eyes. The whole thing was just so generous and really really sweet.

12. If you could tell your 12 year old self a piece of advice what would it be?

You have SO much time. Take it slow. The years pass by quickly so don’t be in a rush. Time passes at the same rate and if you have to give something extra time give it the extra time it needs because you’ll never regret it.

Mr O’Connor. A multitalented, much-loved man. From helping others realise their passions for pottery, imparting knowledge through the medium of technical graphics to shouting it out on the rugby pitches, Mr O’Connor, more informally known as ROC, is undoubtedly a very important part of St Gerard’s. To both staff and students he has been an inspiration with his balanced, common sense approach to all topics and issues as well as his well informed views on pretty much all topics.

In an interview Mr O’Connor revealed that he does not read for pleasure in his free time. Rather, he uses his love for art and crafts and draws before turning out the light before bed. Whilst he may not enjoy it as much as other pursuits, Mr O’Connor does read regularly for the betterment of his students, with art history books usually being the ones adorning his shelves, showing his commitment towards teaching, and indeed, how much he cares.

‘The Big Fellah’ is the main exception to his disinclination of reading - a play set in New York in the early 2000s about the expatriate Irish community in residence there.

AN INTERVIEW WITH MR. O’CONNOR

The comical nature of the paperback made it a more enjoyable reading journey for him - we hope that more comedy books cross your path in the future, Mr O’Connor!

‘Biggles’, a much-loved book of Mr O’Connor’s from his boyhood, is the other exception - after all, who doesn’t cherish a childhood favourite? Whether it be ‘The Gruffalo’, ‘Harry Potter’ or ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, a book once loved is a book loved forever! It struck me that ‘Biggles’ was certainly a fine choice of book for Mr O’ Connor. Just like Biggles, Mr O’ Connor has been tasked with his own “special missions in school, and he always came through.

When asked what his mantra, or principal to live by, Mr O’Connor stated that one should simply “Life should be fun. Do what makes you happy, do what is fun.” His mindset is also a constructive one: he is a firm believer that ‘every cloud has a silver lining.’ Mr O’Connor’s chirpy, cheerful personality is evident in this, and his constant positive outlook on life, as well as his constant sense of humour, is something to be admired, something for us readers to aim towards in our own lives.

Interestingly, Mr O’Connor did not originally aim to be a teacher, but when one Ms Angela Devereux, a former teacher in St Gerard’s,

exclaimed that she could not retire until she knew Mr O’Connor would fill her position as a ceramics teacher in St Gerards, he could not resist: “She sold it [the job] to me.” “I owed it to her”, he said. “I didn’t think I’d stay thirty years!” He additionally had some encouragement from a friend from an extracurricular class, a classmate of Mr O’Connors’, who claimed “I learn more from you than from yer man who’s taking the class.”

From his early years, Mr O’Connor longed to be in a career field in which he could design - his dream job when he was a child was “to build roads”, a decision which was based on his love for drawing, and playing with his brothers in the back garden of their family home.

Mr O’Connor was also asked what he thinks about the film adaptations of movies. He answered: “Books can have many interpretations. And with movies, the interpretations can be limited. ‘No Country For Old Men’ was originally a book which was later made into a film, but the visualisations were completely different to what I expected after reading the book.”

Finally, when confronted with the question “what is your favourite memory from St Gerard’s?”, he stated that he has always enjoyed the Bazaar, the fundraising nonuniform days, and a response typical of any coach: league finals.

Mr O’ Connor has now called time on his time in St Gerard’s, much to everyone’s dismay. It is with a heavy heart that we wish him all the best in his adventures (he assures us there will be adventures) and we hope that we will be lucky enough to cross paths with him again. But on a more sentimental note, he then explained, “Every day is a good memory.” A heartwarming end to the interview.

te quote or mantra?

AN INTERVIEW WITH MS AYLMER

Like Harry Potter, did you read them first?

WSo my mum always says “what’s for you won’t pass you by”, so I think that’s kind of what I’ve adopted

What’s your favourite book, film, play or poem?

What’s your favourite quote or mantra?

I think I’ve read the first two or three and I feel like I’ve seen up to the same part in every single one of the movies and find myself asking how do I not know what happens at the end? They’re always on TV but I’ve never sat through the full thing.

My mum always says “what’s for you won’t pass you by”, so I think that’s what I’ve adopted.

What is your favourite genre?

Currently what I’m reading at the moment is “The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”. But I don’t really see the big hype about it so I’m not sure I love it. How do you feel about film adaptations of novels? I think I would prefer to read the book so I can have an idea in my head of what I think it’s like and then watch the movie I don’t really mind them and nearly like to see what the differences that I’ve created in my head as to what others have produced but I think if I’d seen the film first I wouldn’t bother reading the book

What’s your favourite book, film, play or poem?

I think fiction is my favourite. Someone once told me that you should have a 50-page rule: if you’re not loving it after 50 pages, give up!

Like Harry Potter, did you read them first? I think I’ve read the first two or three and I feel like I’ve seen up to the same part in every single one of the movies and find myself asking how do I not know what

Currently I’m reading “The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”. But I don’t really see the big hype about it, so I’m not sure I love it.

How do you feel about film adaptations of novels?

I think I would prefer to read the book so I can have an idea in my head of what I think it’s like and then watch the movie. I don’t really mind them and nearly like to see the differences between what I’ve created in my head as to what others have produced. I think if I’d seen the film first I wouldn’t bother reading the book.

Who is your favourite childhood author or your favourite childhood book?

I’d say I loved the “Famous Five” the most and reading all those books with a sense of adventure. Now with my kids, I love this one called “Ruby Flew Too” that’s a lovely little kids’ book.

What do you think of reading on electronic devices?

I actually like it! Especially when you go on holidays and you have no room. I wouldn’t read on an iPad because the screen is too bright. I am trying to get into the habit of setting aside some time to read on my Kindle before bed.

How has Gerard’s changed in the last couple of years? In particular the last 10 years.

I started here in 2008. Facilitywise obviously there has been a huge change, especially since my classroom has moved from the older part of the school to the new wing and it’s fabulous!

If there was a book you could experience for the first time what would it be?

I think I’m going to cop out of this one because I think I’d need to read more books. I don’t think I’ve read a book that I’d say I’d want to read again and again. But I have read one book twice and that’s called “Not Without My Daughter” about an American woman and her Muslim husband going to visit his family. I think it was made into a movie as well and it’s got Maggie Smith.

What’s the first song on your playlist?

I think it’s “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. Those ones are up there at the moment. I did actually check and I think the Hokey Pokey was the next one.

Do you have any funny memories with Mr O’Connor?

Mr O’Connor and I used to do tennis supervision for games and he has a killer backhand slice. He would stand in the court and he would just send me here, there and everywhere. I’d be running like crazy trying to return his passes and he absolutely hammered me. He’s a super tennis player.

Do you have any hidden talents? None. And for that reason, I actually took up piano last year and I’m still on “Twinkle Twinkle”. Maybe in 10 years if you ask me that question I might be able to say piano!! But it is so hard! My parents did try and get me into piano but I said no, I think because I wasn’t too good at it

Mr Jennings and Mr Craig

AN INTERVIEW WITH MR JENNINGS AND MR CRAIG

3. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life what would it be? What would it be?

is your favourite fictional character?

Mr Craig: “Same answer formulae and tables book!”

Mr Jennings contemplates the question whilst Mr Craig whispers something inaudible to him in the background.

1. Who is your favourite fictional character?

Mr Jennings: “You see there’s 72 books in the bible, so if I could only read one book for the rest of my life I would go with the Gospel of John”

Mr Jennings : “Timmy the dog from the Enid Blyton series, “The Famous Five".

Mr Craig: “Ooooh fictional character that's a tough one”

Mr Jennings contemplates the question whilst Mr Craig whispers something inaudible to him in the background.

Mr Jennings interjects with a chuckle : “What about the Queen?”

Mr Craig: “No she’s real, real as it gets ”

Mr Jennings : “Not anymore”

Mr Jennings: “Timmy the dog from the Enid Blyton series, “The Famous Five”.

Mr Craig: “John’s a good choice, solid choice”

Mr Jennings: “Solid”

4. Do you prefer paperback or e-book?

There’s an interlude as Mr Craig and Mr Jennings giggle with each other.

Mr Craig: “Ooooh fictional character that’s a tough one”

Mr Jennings: “So I don’t have an ebook account but I do have an Ipod which I..”

Mr Jennings interjects with a chuckle: “What about the Queen?”

Mr Jennings: “Oh it’s the Bible for me, all day, all day!

2. If there was a book that you could experience for the first time again what would it be?

Mr Craig: “No she’s real, real as it gets.”

Mr. Craig :” The formulae and tables book”

Mr. Jennings: “Oh nice!”

Mr Jennings: “Not anymore”

Mr Craig : “Yeah it's a good read”

Mr.Jennings : “It is a good read”

There’s an interlude as Mr Craig and Mr Jennings giggle with each other.

2. If there was a book that you could experience for the first time again what would it be?

Mr Jennings: “Oh it’s the Bible for me, all day, all day!

Mr Craig: “The formulae and tables book”

Mr Jennings: “Oh nice!”

Mr Craig: “Yeah it’s a good read

Mr Jennings: “It is a good read”

Mr Craig interrupts: “An Ipod!”

Mr Jennings: “Yeah it’s one of those yokes you plug in.”

Mr Craig: “Very 2005 of you.”

Mr Jennings: “You plug them into your ear.”

Mr Jennings: “I would go with paperback.”

Mr Craig: “Yeah paperback for me as well.”

5. What is the first song on your playlist?

Mr Jennings: “Closer to the Edge” by Thirty Seconds to Mars.”

Mr Craig, embarrassed, takes out his phone to check.

Mr Jennings: “Oh this is gonna be good Taylor Swift!”

Mr Craig: “This is my daughter’s Playlist but”

Mr Jennings: “Sure!”

Mr Craig: The first song on my playlist is “Glowing Up” by My Little Pony”

Mr. Craig proceeds to play “Glowing Up”.

6. Do you have any funny memories with Mr. O’Connor?

Mr Jennings: “Oh so many memories with Mr. O’Connor. So there was a time, now I can’t name names, where I shared a room with him on a rugby tour and yeah...”

I interrupt: “This is being printed”

Mr. Jennings: “Oh redacted”

Mr Craig: “Redacted”

“Any printable funny memories?”

Mr. Craig:” I went to Zambia with him, great trip, great memories he’s a funny guy”

Mr Craig: “His stories, are what everyone loves about him, his stories”

Mr. Jennings: “He is Mr. Greystones so”

Mr Craig: “King of Greystones”

7.What was the last thing that you wrote?

Mr Jennings: “Ehhhh probably a detention form for a Fifth Year, no names mentioned!”

Mr Craig: “Redacted!”

Mr Jennings: “Redacted!”

Mr. Craig: “Solutions to a Sixth Year revision test on complex numbers”

Me: “Wow”

Mr Jennings: “I know we’ve got fun lives”

Mr Craig: “Yeah zero secret skills, what you see is what you get!”

Mr Jennings: “But he can sing” I, shocked, ask if he can.

Mr Craig responds: “Wouldn’t you like to know”

9. What’s your favourite quote or mantra?

Mr. Jennings: “So I remember being asked about this the last time I was interviewed which was ten years ago and I said “ Don’t compare yourself to me, strive to be me” but today I’m gonna go with “If you’re not first you’re last”

There are giggles in the room.

Mr Craig: “The harder I practise the luckier I get”

Mr Jennings: “Awww”

10. The last time you were interviewed was ten years ago, what is the biggest change you have seen in the school since then?

Mr Jennings:” I am now teaching with people who I taught”

Mr Craig: “That’s a good one” I ask who he is teaching with that he previously taught.

Mr Jennings: Ms Donovan

Mr Craig: “There’s much more girls in the school now which is better, I think it’s good to have a balance.”

I thank them for doing the interview and they both clap themselves saying a job well done!

8. Do you have any secret skills?

Mr Jennings: “No, I don’t have any secret skills , at this stage most people know that I am very untalented.”

AN INTERVIEW WITH MS FAIR

Who was your favourite childhood author and what was your favourite book?

Who was your favourite childhood author and what was your favourite book?

justice. I would definitely prefer to read the book before I see the film. The most recent one I saw was “Where the Crawdad Sings” which I thought was a good adaptations but was a bit “Hollywood style” and I think I had different opinions about some of the characters than how they came across in the film.

I don't know if I had a favourite childhood author but I loved Frances Hadgson Burnette who

wrote “The Secret Garden” and “The Little Princess”. I also loved Charles Dickens and “Great Expectations”. “More classic stuff”

I don’t know if I had a favourite childhood author but I loved Frances Hodgson Burnett who wrote “The Secret Garden” and “The Little Princess”. I also loved Charles Dickens and “Great Expectations”. “More classic stuff”.

What’s your favourite quote or mantra that you live by? Or that you find inspiring?

What would you say is your favourite book or author now? I love lots of different books, but the most recent book I read was “A Gentleman in Moscow” by

What would you say is your favourite book or author now?

“Níl tuile dá mhéid nach dtránn”

- There is not a flood that does not recede. Or Dory’s “Just keep swimming”.

Amor Towles. It was a story I got really stuck into and I think I might have read it in four days! What's your favourite genre if you had to choose? love factual based books, my next book is a political history “Say Nothing”. I kinda like

istorical fiction as well I will try anything once, just not science fiction. Usually once I start a

ook I find it hard not to read it, I have to finish it! istorical fiction, politics, biographies, modern fiction and classics too ow do you feel about film adaptations of novels?

I love lots of different books, but the most recent book I read was “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles. It was a story I got really stuck into and I think I might have read it in four days!

What’s your favourite genre if you had to choose?

I love factual based books, my next book is a political history “Say Nothing”. I kinda like historical fiction as well. I will try anything once, just not science fiction. Usually once I start a book I find it hard not to read it, I have to finish it!

Historical fiction, politics, biographies, modern fiction and classics too.

How do you feel about film adaptations of novels? Depends on the film and if it does it

What do you think about reading on electronic devices?

I’m a Luddite. I have to go with the old school book, I love having a book. I read the paper on my phone but I don’t think I could read a full book on it. I much prefer to have it with me, there’s nothing like the feel of a book.

If you had to recommend a book to anyone what would it be?

It depends there’s so many books that I’ve enjoyed and it depends on the person. If I said for a teenager “The Country Girl” by Edna O’Brien, or “Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee” a moving historical book that sparked my interest in history especially American history. One of the most recent books I’ve read is “Lessons in Chemistry” which I’d recommend to a friend for an easy read.

Quotes: Down

2. “Lads, lads, lads, lads, lads.”

Scrambled Names: Across

1. - . iháírnntmí

3. “Stretch your brain”

5. “Absolute voodoo”

3. - . augndn

Guess the Teacher - Can you identify the 6 people in this image who are still teaching in St Gerard’s?

4. - . pnasoetlt

7. “Let’s start with a prayer”

10. “A gentleman and a scholar”

6. - . taysnel

Guess the Teacher - Can you identify the 6 people in this image who are still teaching St Gerard’s?

Teachers within photo: Mr Hughes, Mr Shelly, Mr O’Connor, Mr Drummy and Ms Stapelton

8. - . eihtrort

9. - . clanals

Teachers within photo: Mr Hughes, Mr Shelly, Mr O’Connor, Mr Drummy and Ms Stapelton

TEACHER SYNONYMS

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE 6 PEOPLE IN THIS Teachers within photo: Mr Hughes, Mr

Mr. Partition = Mr. Netherlands = ______________________

Mr. Motor = Ms. Junior =

Jolly, Mr O’Connor, Mr Drummy, Mr Stanley and Ms Stapelton.