Gaisce presentation in McMahon Centre

Eleven young people who are clients of the KARE McMahon Centre in Kilcullen were recently presented with Gaisce Presidential medals, writes Brian Byrne.

The ceremony in the Centre, formerly the Convent section of the Cross & Passion College, marked a real achievement for all concerned, two of whom were in their second year of the Gaisce programme and completing their Silver status.

"We got involved two years ago because a number of local students had been coming in to work with us as part of their Gaisce programme," says the Centre's Lorraine McMahon. "Now the young people they worked with have been making their own way through the programme as well. It's a great night, with a great sense of achievement."

The McMahon Centre participants, aged between 18-24, had to progress in three disciplines — learn a personal skill, undertake a community involvement, and develop a physical skill. "They also had to take part in an Adventure Journey. For the bronze participants it was a 25km hike, for the silver people a 50km hike."

To do that, the whole group went to Glendalough for two nights, three days, and completed the hikes around the lakes and valley area. "Some of them did the Spinc Walk, which is a high hike and a real challenge."

At the event in the Centre, which was primarily for the families of those who had completed the Gaisce Challenge, KARE's Helen Farrell said it was great to have the support of them and their friends for the young people who had taken part in the programme.

Eamonn Quirke, who was part of the KARE team who accompanied the Centre's Gaisce group, said their achievements showed 'just what you can do it you put your mind to it'. "When we finally ended the three days in the car park at Glendalough, there was a sense of having completed something really great."

Chief Executive Officer of KARE Christy Lynch reminded those present that the Gaisce Challenge is a 'regular' awards scheme, nothing to do with disability, and that made the achievement of those involved all the better. He also paid tribute to the KARE staff, who have in recent times overcome recession and cuts to continue to find ways to realise the organizations's goals. "It is just great to work in an organisation with that level of passion and commitment," he concluded.

Note: This article was first published in the Kildare Nationalist.