On the 13^th June 2016 3^rd to 6^th class headed to Ballybunion beach as part of our Water Green Flag initiative.

Despite the inclement weather we set off full of  the joys of an Irish summer!!!!

Susan from Clean Coast Ireland met us and kitted us out in luminous orange high visibility vests and gloves. We were ready for action. We trooped down to the beach where we were met by Christina and Mike from Ballybunion Tidy Towns. They thanked us for coming and commended our bravery for tackling the beach on such a tough day.

Susan had a pow wow with us in the caves. We were divided into teams and off we headed to clean. The volume of rubbish on the beach was an eye- opener. Mike informed us that the beach was relatively clean today. Last Wednesday after a sunny weekend they picked 135 bags of rubbish from the beach. We found beer cans, shoes, plastic, cigarette butts and toys as well as the usual wrappers. Irish people have a lot to learn about littering.

When we were finished we created art sculptors in our groups. Each group had to tell the story of their sculptor and it was extremely enjoyable. The sculptors ranged from Volcanoes to castles and turtles to dolphins. Prizes were given for the best ecological message, the funniest story , the best design, the  best story teller, best mystical creation and funniest story teller.

With all that work we needed some sustenance so we headed to the bus for a well-deserved lunch.  At this stage the Irish summer was emerging from behind the clouds and we saw some blue sky.

Lunch was done and dusted and we headed to the Sea Rescue Head Quarters to meet some of the very brave men who risk life and limb in their work for sea rescue.

Emmet took us to see the boats used by the crew in a rescue and the dry suits that they used to keep them warm. We were allowed to sit in the boats, which was a great  thrill.

T.J. gave us a very sobering talk on the number of people who are drowned in Ireland every year. He also got us to relate the 14 rules of swimming. We managed to get them all. It was a very useful talk with the summer holidays coming.

Noel the radio controller explained the workings of the control station and the need for precision when dealing with the location of accidents. Co-ordinates are used for locations so we even had a maths lesson!!!!!

It was a great opportunity to visit the station and we now realise the tremendous and dangerous work done by these brave people.

Of course what would a trip to the beach be without a few ball games.

Even though we had worked very hard we had a enough energy for a quick run about until the heavens opened and we had to make a mad dash to the bus. The return of the real Irish summer!!!!!

Home on the dot of 3 we are great time keepers

Thanks to all who organised a great day.