John Lonergan in Lumcloon
On November 10, 2011 on a fine crisp evening we welcomed Mr John Lonergan (retired Governor of Mountjoy prison) to our school. John was here to give a talk entitled, 'Parenting, the Challenges and the Rewards'. We were delighted to be hosting this widely sought after speaker in Lumcloon National School. After much planning and dreaming, the evening had arrived! By the time John had joined us the school hall was well filled with a large audience. They travelled from near and far but none quite so far as one couple who had travelled from Limerick to hear John speak. Those of us who had heard John speak before knew we were in for a treat. Those who hadn't were in for a big surprise.
The moment John was introduced and began to speak, the audience was captivated. Many thought that a parenting talk would be sober and full of rules. Oh how wrong! With one witty comment from John, the laughter began. For an hour and a half (which felt like 20 minutes) John had the audience in the palm of his hand. Insights and observations of parenthood were spot-on, but in a light-hearted way. Who could forget the story of the clock of six generations and its ultimate fate! This was an evening like no other. After the talk we had a cuppa and something sweet and John joined us and chatted freely with all. Many had a look around the school, which looked fantastic for the big occasion. Some people said John was funnier than many comedians they had seen before! Everyone agreed that he had lifted their spirits and had given them a new outlook on the little things in life.
We will all remember something from this fabulous evening, most importantly to accept our children (and others) as they are and that kindness is the most special gift.
Many thanks to all who helped make the night such a wonderful success. The organising committee, all those who attended, those who couldn't attend but still supported our efforts, the staff and pupils of Lumcloon National School and the local businesses who sponsored the refreshments on the night.
I will finish with a quote from John's talk:
‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you care and I wanted to be everything that I could be'
(William J. Bausch, The Yellow Brick Road)
Mary Kenny, Chairperson Lumcloon NS Parents' Association
Click on the photographs to enlarge them.
