BC Club, Genealogy, National Gallery

BC Club, Genealogy, National Gallery
Friday, 4/23

by John Nee

The day started off normally with a meeting in the lecture hall to go over the plans for the day and to get organized. After a successful showing in the debate yesterday, spirits were high all around. Then we headed off to classes varying from PE to Irish class. We are getting to know some of the kids besides our host brothers and play a little soccer with them in the courtyard during the break.
After classes, we headed up to the canteen to get lunch. Some of the kids are still reluctant to eat the Irish cuisine and instead opt for candy bars, but for the most part the food has been great. After lunch, the BC High kids and our host brothers headed down O’Connell Street and over the Liffey to go to BC Ireland on St. Stephen’s Green, essentially a house open to B.C. alumni and students in Ireland. When we arrived, we were graciously welcomed by Thea Gilien, the Head of Programs there. While enjoying some delicious biscuits, we heard a lecture from Dr. Paul Rouse of UCD and BC
about the founding and development of the Gaelic Athletic Association and its connections to Irish politics and nationalism. We also watched a video on some of the highlights of the GAA over the years.

Next, we headed back out at which point the group split up. About half the students went to do genealogy research at the National Library
while the other half went to check out the National Gallery. I am not sure about the rest of the group, but I feel I have gotten to know the city very well. With my host brother’s house only five minutes away from Belvedere, I am able to walk to and from school and experience the true Dublin.