Ballymun Youthreach was proud to launch its 1916 commemorative mural recently on the front of its building.

The day was marked with a wonderful musical performance from the band Laeg complete with dramatic performances from Aifric in full uniform.

We also enjoyed a dramatic reading of the Proclaimation by Cassie Crosbie and readings of Claire’s grandfathers letters from Frongoch Prison to his estranged wife back home from Shannon Fleming and Matthew Tunnicliffe.

We were also treated to a rendition of Amhran na bhFiain by the 5th and 6th classes of Gaelscoil Baile Munna and Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch conducted by Neil Na Guile Rua.

Our flag was then raised by Glen Harrington.

Afterwards we enjoyed a hip hop performance from Jess Cosgrove, Jade Byrne, Amanda Harper and Rebecca Colclough which they had recently performed for the Ballymun Lift Festival.

Ballymun Youthreach would like to extend our sincere thanks to all involved and especially to Fergus, Proinsias and Billy of Setanta GAA Club for all their help.

Ballymun Youthreach students and staff recently entered the 1916 commemorative handkerchiefs exhibition in the Civic Centre in Ballymun. The exhibition was organised by Fran McVeigh of the Poppintree Youth Project and invited people to design handkerchiefs on the theme of the 1916 Easter Rising. Two of our students Ciara Murphy and Rachelle Carroll won prizes for their creations.

Helen Forristal of the Marie Keating Foundation gave our students an informative talk as part of their current ‘Your Health Your Choice’ campaign. The talk focused on the 5 simple changes we can all make to reduce our cancer risk.

1. quit smoking
2. eat a healthy diet and keep a healthy weight
3. exercise
4. avoid sun exposure and never use sun beds
5. reduce alcohol take

Our thanks to Helen and to Angela Egan, Service co-ordinator.

Ballymun Youthreach again hosted an astonishing array of culinary and artistic delights in March. Ballymun won two prizes – one for our mapping diversity globe and one for our 1916 uniform. Also pictured below are some winning entries.

Ballymun Youthreach celebrated the official National Proclamation Day in accordance with the guidelines issued from the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation in March. Glen Harrington raised the flag on our homemade flagpole, as designed and constructed by Martin. Leanne Kearney then gave an expert reading of the Proclamation to all students, staff and invited members of the Garda Siochana.  We will have a further reading in April on the launch of our Easter Rising mural.

It was with great pleasure that Ballymun Youthreach accepted their invite to be presented with a national flag and copy of the Proclamation in line with our preparations for the celebrations of the anniversary of the Easter Rising.

The ceremony in Croke Park was presented by Ryan Tubridy and the invited crowd were addressed by the President Michael D. Higgins. President Higgins spoke of the importance of future generations on the next hundred years of our State. Also in attendance were Minister Heather Humphries and various sports personalities including Packie Bonner and Olympian Paddy Barnes. Mark Fleming, Rebecca Colclough and Jade Foley represented Youthreach along with Lionel, Joe, Fiona and Bernie.

This years theme for the Style It Competition was Equality and Freedom. Armed with ambition and enthusiasm we gathered together the troops and complied three groups for our Ballymun Youthreach entry.

First on the scene were the Rebelletts.

Model and Hair Design: Leanne Kearney

Make-up Design: Sarah O’Hara

Costume Design: Rebecca Hanna

For this entry we decided to call upon Countess Markievicz. She was a strong female presence involved in the fight for independence and freedom for Ireland in 1916.

This costume, army trousers and jacket was made of bubble wrap which was spray painted green with the addition of gold buttons. The hat was cut from a cereal box and covered in black material and decorated with Countess Martkivicz iconic black feathers. Attached to the back of the jacket was the 1916 tea stained timeline. Final touches included braces and buckled belt and boots. Hair was a simple roll and make up was the glamorous ivory coloured skin with slim black liner flicks and rouge lips

The next team christened themselves Superlicious

Model and Costume Design: Cassie Crosbie

Hair Design: Nadine Reilly

Make-Up Design: Jess Cosgrove

Panti Bliss, ‘Queen of Ireland’ was our inspiration for this entry. This Drag Queen is a prominent gay rights activist.

Attached to the black body suit were tiny delicate handmade pride coloured butterflies accompanied with a DIY styled tutu laden with diamantes.

The main highlight was the bespoke floor length feathered cloak enshrined with the pride colours. The final touches included extravagant jewellery and a handcrafted dimond encrusted tiara. Big dramatic hair and outrageous drag themed make-up brought this look to the next level.

And last but not least we had the Bridezillas

Model and Costume Design: Jessica Judge

Hair Design: Jade Murphy

Make-Up Design: Jodie Boylan

Same sex marriage has been a popular topic in recent times. Today we joined together in holy matrimony two ladies celebrating their future life together. One model wearing two wedding outfits, two make-up looks and two hair designs. The first one exuded traditional fashion. A long laced dress with sleeves, veil and train. The second look was modern and classy. A knee length satin skirt with a scattering of diamonds, accompanied with a gold threaded top and gemmed sash. materials included curtains net curtains and lining. Suitable jewellery was chosen for each style. A mid height hair roll was kept together with a jewelled comb and accompanied with a soft natural make-up. The second make-up look was slightly stronger surrounded by soft free flowing curls.

Compiling the looks in Colaiste Ides’ Hair and Make-up Salon attached a high standard of professionalism to the entries. Cat walk performances were the order of the day and cheers, claps and whistles upped the ante. Flash photography and professional videoing attracted smiles from all. Delicious food afterwards and lots of praise and compliments were all around. It was a great day. All of this and much more will bring us back again next year!

As part of our continuous intake of students for the current academic year, Ballymun Youthreach took part in the Trinity Comprehensive open day. If you are interested in a place in our centre drop in for an application form and we’ll take it from there.

Congratulations to all the students who collected awards at the recent Ballymun Youthreach awards ceremony. Pictured above are six of the eight students to receive full Level 4 QQI awards – Codie Guiltrap, Leona fagan, Natalie Farrell, Lee Chalkey, Adam marshall and Anthony Maher. The awards were presented by Lionel, Shamrock Rovers manager Pat Fenlon and ex-co-ordinator Jacqui Caulfield. Also in attendance were Stephen McCarthy AEO and Bernadette Reilly, Regional Youthreach co-ordinator from the CDETB and Head of the Garda Diversion Programme in Ballymun, Sergeant Seamus Treacy and retired Justice Gillian Hussey. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all involved and to Louise and Luca for their involvement in the organisation of the event.

Congratulations to Louise O’Hara, Emma Reynolds, Rachelle Carroll,  Amanda Harper and Jess Cosgrove who are received their Ballymun Youthreach student of the year awards on December 17th. They are pictured here in the Mansion House with current Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh and co-ordinator Lionel Duffy. Well done to all the students involved and we wish them continued success in Youthreach.