Shannon was well represented at the first ever Killaloe Diocese Youth Fest which was held in St. Flannan’s College, Ennis, on Saturday 30th September. Young people from all over the Diocese of Killaloe gathered early in the morning. The day began with an opening Liturgy with Bishop Fintan. Participants had the option of choosing two workshops from tribal Drumming, Music, Mindfulness & Resilence, Peace and Justice, Creative Journaling , exploring Faith through Scripture, Social Media, Taiz,e and the most popular demand was for the workshop directed by Fr. Chris O’Donnell from Limerick. Fr Chris was earlier this year described as Ireland’s most popular priest and this was evident by the demand from young people to attend his workshops. After lunch our young people had what is called Chill Out Time with friends and music. The Rose of Clare, Aoife Murray, was present and mingled and chatted with our youth.

During this time various groups ranging from Trocaire, Vocations, Radio Maria, Lourdes, John Paul II Awards, St. Vincent de Paul, had stands on display and members available to chat and engage with the young people. Bishop Fintan led the closing ceremony before all participants went outside for the release of Helium Balloons, with permission from the Irish Aviation Authority, to bring the day to a close. Our thanks to the organising committee from the Diocese, our school Chaplains, Nuala Murray & Sharon Bulfin, our Pastoral Council representatives Maria Kelly & Orlaith Morris who accompanied the young people. Our thanks also Tracy, Murray, Claire Murray, and Maria Kelly for the photos.