A group of 27 Third Year students from Athboy Community School enjoyed a tour of the Mansion House in Dublin on Wednesday last as part of their Junior Cert C.S.P.E. Action Project. The group were accompanied on the trip by their teacher Mr Magner.
The tour was conducted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Mícheal Mac Donncha and former Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Larry O’Toole. The Mayor met the group in the impressive Oak Room, the main reception and function room used in any formal event at the Mansion House. They had an informal meet and greet and were treated to tea, juice and snacks upon arrival.
The Mayor then took the students to the Round Room where in 1919 the first Dáil sat in session. He told them about the work of the Lord Mayor, how he was elected, how the council and local elections work and told them of some of the illustrious politicians who had sat in session in the Round Room like Eamonn DeValera, Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins and Countess Marciewicz.
At this point Peadar Toibín T.D. arrived to speak to the students about the work of a T.D. and how the Dáil works. He spoke about elections, the importance of voting and the type of things he and his party do in their current opposition to the government.
The Mayor continued the tour through the entrance hall with its Famine Plaque and 1916 Proclamation, the Lady Mayoress’ Parlour, dining room and various drawing rooms. He told the group about the house itself, how it was built between 1705-1715 for the princely sum of 2,700!
The students really enjoyed the tour and must now set about compiling their Action Report for their Junior Certificate exam. They would like to place on record their thanks to Councillor O’Toole for organising the tour, to the Mayor Councillor MacDonncha for conducting it and to Peadar Toibin T.D. for his input.
