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Posts from the ‘2011 Blog’ Category

Jul 20

The WIP Host Family Experience, Ciaran O’Connor

Surprised?! not anymore I’m not!

Thinking I was going for a nice quiet meal with my host family, the Moran’s, on Friday night I was greeted by a choir of crazies, WIP Class 2011, shouting ‘surprise’ who then proceeded to sing Happy Birthday on centre stage of Pat Troy’s bar. My reaction at that moment was – what the hell has just happened? I’d been had! My host parent’s had colluded with WIP team managers and team to throw a surprise party for my Birthday! Not normally one for surprise parties myself, admittedly I was delighted to see my friends had come out to celebrate with me and really touched by the kindness and generosity of the Moran’s, people that two months ago didn’t even know me. Read more

Jul 14

We cannot eat land. Or houses.

Julie O’Leary on land, wealth and priorities in Ireland   

Week five in America was long and busy and filled with good memories; fireworks, food and fun on the Fourth of July; speeches and conversations to engulf the mind in thought and a journey to the city that never sleeps. We spent good times with our colleagues from South Africa and the Middle East, and we spent time together, slowly becoming aware of the fact that in less than twenty one short days we will return to the Emerald isle to go our separate ways. Read more

Jul 14

The New York Irish

Rachel Gervais reflects on the Irish Identity in the US.

Who are the Irish? What do they share?

Up until last week, I would have met such straightforward questions with a clear and concise response. It seemed obvious then that, first and foremost, the Irish were the people who shared the island of Ireland. I was naively confident that, whilst being ignorant of much else, I could at least point out the Irish on a map! Read more

Jul 14

Irish Citizenship, or lack thereof, during the Celtic Tiger

David Tansey from the WIP Class of 2011 on the meaning of citizenship.

This article will examine the idea of citizenship in Ireland. Rather than churn out the typical clichéd approach to citizenship, looking at rights and responsibilities. I will endeavor to look at how active citizenship was absent from Ireland during the boom years which resulted in an Ireland of inequality developing. I also want to advocate how real active citizenship is required of all Irish citizens as we begin to re-build our country from the ruins of recession. Read more

Jul 13

Walking in Death and Learning to Live

Vicky Kavanagh from the WIP Class of 2011 reflects on her experience at Ground Zero in July 2011.

Last week, I travelled to New York with Richard to film some of RTE’s news coverage for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It was one of the most incredible and humbling experiences of my life.

During our 4 days in New York, I met a variety of people who were affected by this devastating tragedy. Out of many memorable moments during my trip, one that stands out for me was our tour and filming of the memorial currently under construction at Ground Zero. Read more

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