Westport's Grandparents Chat initiative goes from strength to strength

There was a lovely gathering young and old recently at Westport library, with the launch of Volume 2 and 3 of Grandparents Chat.

The captivating tales collected by the diligent pupils of 5th and 6th classes from across Westport fill the publication, after they embarked on a special project to interview their beloved grandparents. These beautiful stories ranging from the funny to the sad are a great snapshot of lives lived, proving that even the most seemingly ordinary stories hold extraordinary treasures.

The schools participating this time around were Carrowholly, Carrowkennedy, Cogaula, Drummin, Fahy, Knockroosky, Lankill, Lecanvey, Murrisk and Myna. At the event in the library, pupils read scripts, telling some yearns from the book and there was a beautiful video prerecorded with pupils recounting their experience with their grandparents over the years.

_{Pupils from ten national schools in the Westport area took part in the project}

There was a great buzz about the place and all enjoyed it. Local TD Michael Ring brought his usual enthusiasm and energy to the event, with his granddaughter Lisa doing a reading on Michael and hiw wife Ann in their previous lives

Gemma Hensey and the organising committee want to thank Cruinniú na nÓg for sponsoring the books; Ollie Whyte and Jess Watts for photographing and videoing the event; Nathan McGreal for editing the video; Supervalu for sponsoring the drinks; The Clew Bay and PAX for providing glasses and jugs; Westport Library for hosting the event and of course special guest Michael Ring for launching the books! And finally the books could not have been produced without the assistance of all the teachers involved. Go raith maith agat! It is envisaged that this will be a biennial event.