Waterford students and school praised for participating at European awards ceremony

Waterford students and schools have been acknowledged for participating at the European Parliament Ambassador Schools awards ceremony in Cashel, Co Tipperary last week.

The ceremony included addresses from, and a Q&A with, local MEPs, as well as presentations from EPAS ambassadors on their involvement with the programme

Students and schools involved in the European Parliament Ambassador Schools Programme (EPAS) have been acknowledged for their participation at an awards ceremony in Cashel organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO).

The event took place at the Brú Ború Cultural Centre and included attendees from five EPAS schools in the Ireland South region including Waterford's own De La Salle College, alongside Limerick Educate Together Secondary School; Our Lady's Secondary School, Templemore; Presentation College, Carlow; and St. Leo's College, Carlow.

Also in attendance were Killusty National School, Fethard, Tipperary, who participated in this year’s Blue Star Programme for primary school children.

After receiving certificates of participation as well as plaques for their respective schools, the students and teachers were addressed via a pre-recorded message by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

Speeches were held by Fearghas Ó Béara, Head of Office at EPLO Dublin, as well as by three of the Ireland South constituency MEPs Kathleen Funchion, Billy Kelleher and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.

Students had the opportunity to ask the MEPs questions during a Q&A session moderated by Mr Ó Béara, before giving presentations on their own EPAS experiences this year.

The award ceremony concluded with a group photo and European Union-themed cupcakes, ahead of Europe Day celebrations on 9 May.

Kathleen Funchion MEP said: “It was an honour to attend this year's EPAS Award Ceremony in Cashel. A truly inspiring event celebrating the outstanding work of students and teachers across the programme. Congratulations to all the award recipients, and well done to all who took part.”

Billy Kelleher MEP said: “Taking part in The European Parliament Ambassador School programme is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job as an MEP. It is wonderful visiting schools across the country and seeing European values in action and being supported in our school communities. Credit must go to all the amazing teachers who do so much to make the programme a success year after year.”

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP said: “On behalf of Fianna Fáil and The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament I wish to warmly congratulate each and every student in the schools which participated in the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) Programme.

"Now more than ever we must look to Europe, and to our European neighbours and protect our union. My party in Ireland and my group in Europe, support liberal democratic values. We believe openness, innovation, democracy, and a rules-based international order offer the best future for the young people of Ireland. These values of the European Parliamentary democracy and of European citizenship are essential, to reinforce democratic strategic trade resilience, security, climate innovation, digital standards, and defence of democratic institutions.

"Ireland and the European Union are natural allies in defending democracy, prosperity and the rule of law, and all of us need to play our part.”

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