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Pioneer Youth Seminars
Gormanston 2002
Bundoran 2001
Tralee 1999
Tralee 1998
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Gormanston 2002
Hey all,
I'm sending this email to all I know who are involved in any way with the Pioneers. As you hopefully all know this years weekend away for young pioneers (used to be a seminar!) takes place from the 22nd - 24th of June in Gormanston College.
It's hard to believe that there is only about 8 weeks until it starts. Most of ye I'm sure have a small number who could attend so if ya can get them forms in a.s.a.p. you'll add years to my life!!
We're also lookin for group leaders and supervisors.
This weekend is going to be a classic in true WEST/MEATH (and a bit of Offaly but sush!!) style - you cannot afford to miss it!!
Our time table is nearly ready but any ideas can still be included. If you know any one who is interested and hasn't got this email yet please send it to them on my behalf.
If you need any info just give me a call at 085 7201646. Thanks a million for attending last year for those who did - for those who didn't you don't know what your missing!!
See ye all in June,
Dermot Fagan....
oh yea, make this a chain letter!!
Fourth Time - Still Lucky!!
Christmas '01 came and passed, so too did the turn of the New Year - still no takers for the 2002 Youth Seminar. Knowing what work had gone into previous seminars, the Meath Dioc. Youth Committee plucked up both the courage and enthusiasm to host yet another Pioneer Spectacular. On January 27th a committee was formed and after consultation with Gormanston our date was set, later changed to 22nd - 24th June. The 5-month deadline to G-Day had begun!
After waves of publicity, hundreds of letters and possibly thousands of phone calls there was only three weeks to go and we still needed over 100 people to attend!!
4:30am was bedtime on Friday night; we rose at 6:30am!! By 9:00am some were in Dublin, some already near the Mecca of Young Pioneers that is Gormanston. As with the three years previous that same sense of awe was revisited as I entered the gates once more.
All our visitors had arrived by 5pm, in time for tea. Our President, Mr. Sean Coll, gave a valuable discussion to our group leaders on the Pioneer Child Protection Policy. The Heroic Offering marked off the Official Opening. Sean also gave and informative opening speech thanking the organisers and those attending for their support. Next on the Agenda was The Official Live World Cup Draw. Here all 16 groups received a team name from the final 16 teams in the Fifa World Cup. Ireland naturally received a roof-lifting cheer, Spain - well not quite so loud!!
It was then the turn for the chosen 12 (Roses that is) and their escorts to make their way to the Annual Gormanston Rose & Escort Competition. Each contestant represented their area, family and themselves brilliantly on stage. Birthday Boy Colm Clerkin and Rose of Tralee contestant Deirdre O'Connell hosted the show brilliantly. The audience was entranced with beautiful sinning from Meath's own Anne Galligan at the interval. This year's winner was Nolita McNamera from Claremorris, Co. Mayo, congratulations to her and Mount St. Michael's School.
Flashing lights and rhythmic beats soon caught every ones attention as the disco began. Resident D.J. Cian Boland kept the crowd dancin' until the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sleepy heads rose for breakfast at eight. Whacky Sports, Swimming Pool and Top-of-the-rang Sports hall soon loosened any cobwebs for a captivating talk by Five Young Pioneers, Caroline Walshe, Chris Clarke, Deirdre O'Connell, Paddy Murphy and Charlene Thomas. Brenda Lynch also represented the National Youth Committee at this stage.
The group then attended mass celebrated by Bishop of Meath, Michael Smith. With the four provinces represented by presenting gifts, readers and choir it was yet another success. Although nervous, Melissa Fitzpatrick was outstanding with the music.
After lunch, newly elected and youngest TD in Dail Eireann, Damian English, gave an inspiring and down to earth talk. His message was that we shouldn't conform to societies 'rule' of accepting underage drinking. He also said that obstacles, such as age, should not be a deterrent in reaching our goals and dreams.
Bad weather did not deter the participants in using the two hours of sports time and the Gormanston facilities to its full potential. From two - five the gym and pool were packed. For the real sports fanatics it was down to the TV room for the all-important clash between The Royals and The Dubs. The room was a sea of green and gold as most of the fans were from the host diocese.
All met up for Group Discussion after tea. Each group participated in what was an impressive debate on, "Peer Pressure', "Combating Irelands growing alcohol culture', 'The Pioneer Magazine and Website', and 'Pioneer Youth Activities'.
It was then time for the mystery entertainment. A magic show, preformed by Pat Fallon, dazzled the audience by turning paper into pigeons and pigeons into rabbits!! A truly magnificent show Pat and assistant Tanya allowed members of the audience participate on stage right next to the action.
Stranger goings on was seen after the show when a Gorilla and Emu ran wild through the grounds, dorms and disco hall. Although chased it was yet again another case of 'the one that got away'. Details of the where abouts of the animals can be sent to the organisers!!
Monday 24th saw the beginning of the end of G'ton 2002. Olive Butler, a psychologist and regular at Gormanston, gave another inspiring and reflective talk to all. No one complained about the chance to relax and meditate before getting into the mood for another group discussion. Praised at the end, Olive said that this year's group was excellent in the way they worked together in discussion.
Four Seminars/ Wk-ends in 5 years was not enough of a record for the organisers to hold as they once again attempted to enter the record books. After three trail runs, G'ton delegates jumped into the record books with a sack race of over 50 participants. What a sceptical to see so many people in white sacks make their way across a running track at such speed. The winner was David 'Rusty' Maguire from Enfield, Co. Meath - possibly the only event Meath won that weekend!
The traditional photo of all who attended was followed by more crazy sport, the best being Giant Twister. 16 people had the opportunity to be twisted backwards and forwards into knots. With Fr. McGuckian calling out the manoeuvres a moments lapse of concentration would mean the end.
With that came the final closing ceremonies. With only hours to go, emotional scenes took place as Thank You gifts were presented. Mary Brady, Eileen Monaghan and Margaret Brady were presented with a slate clock each, Peter Fagan with a silver pen, and a very emotional Dermot Fagan was presented with an engraved silver plate. The gifts were presented by Chris Clarke, a man who deserved as much thanks as those mentioned above. Gifts however could not be given to every one. The full Meath Youth Committee was thanked for their hard work throughout 2002. The group leaders received a collective Thank You for brilliant job well done. The staff of Gormanston, were thanked for yet a fourth time for their constant support and co-operation.
Above all others, the greatest thank you goes to those who attended, their families and local Pioneer centres, without whose help Gormanston 2002 would not have succeeded.
All that remains to be said is GOOD LUCK to next year's organisers, The Meath Dioc. Young Pioneers are here to help - Rock on 2003!!
Dermot Fagan (Chairperson G'Ton 2002)
To view this report which was taken from the Official Pioneer Website along with some pictures from the weekend click here.
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