Focus Republic of Ireland

Friday 10th December 2021

There was a lot of excitement in the Republic of Ireland to get back to being able to run face-to-face activities once again. The Brigade’s new programme resources are already proving popular and have been very gratefully received by Companies.

Outdoor Adventures

Despite ongoing restrictions on youth work, 7th Dublin continued a busy programme of outdoor activities during the Summer and Autumn months. As their programme of virtual activities came to an end, the Company moved to making full use of all the amazing green spaces around them. A highlight was the “Adventure Activity Days” in the wilder parts of Swords River Valley Park. These days involved wading through waterfalls, crossing a river
by rope and flying model gliders across the river! The Company age group also spent an evening on the BMX Track in St. Anne’s Park on their bikes, and navigated their way to various points in the Park using maps and compass.

Throughout the summer, they were thankful to have been also able to use the Rectory field in Raheny on Wednesday evenings for activities, including football, Connect 4, badminton and more. The final outdoor activity before the start of the new 2021-22 session started was the Anchors and Juniors “water-fight night” which was very much enjoyed by all attendees!

Getting back to activity days and trips

During the summer 1st Longford had the opportunity to meet face-to-face for the first time in well over a year. They met on the grounds of the Longford Methodist Church and had the privilege of meeting the newly appointed Chaplain, Rev Simon Scott. They set up an obstacle course and finished with a game of football. Everyone went home with a lovely goody bag and had high hopes of meeting more regularly.

1st Tralee were recently able to go on their first trip in 18 months, visiting Sandy Feet Farm which is a family run farm in Tralee. The young people were able to meet some interesting animals and interact with the smaller animals There was also plenty of activities to enjoy including a zipline, races on the pedal kart track and a tractor trailer ride. This was all finished off with a spot of lunch in
the café.