Twenty-eight transition Year students from Colaiste Pobail Osrai are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime to New York, a five day holiday which will see them march in the St Patrick’s Day Parade.
The close-knit group have fundraised tirelessly for months to help finance the New York tour.
They ran a sold-out fashion show at Langtons House Hotel, hosted an after-school disco at Gaelscoil Osrai, packed groceries in SuperValu Loughboy and organised an Irish film in The Ormonde Hotel which was supported by schools across the city.
Transition Year co-ordinator, Mary Ross Sloyan, is one of three teachers who will accompany the group to New York on March 16, the eve of St Patrick’s Day.
“I really wanted something different this year- a trip to stand out as Irish and celebratory at the same time”, Ms. Sloyan said.
“New York encompasses Ireland particularly on a day when so much of New York and the rest of the world turns green and our little nation is celebrated world-wide".
"I couldn't have done it without the help of the class teachers Narrell Ní Bhroin and Keith O Muirí; the pupils and parents of the Colaiste”, she said.
Among the lucky group travelling is student and class spokesperson, Brian McCormack.
“With the help of Kilkenny Tourism, we will be able to promote county Kilkenny", Mr. McCormack said.
"We’re planning to appreciate the city through the Empire State Building Experience on our first day, before we march in the parade– something we will remember for the rest of our lives".
