The depiction of the Sheriff Street area as 'notorious' and as a 'ghetto' in some of this Sundays newspapers are unworthy descriptions of a proud community that I am proud to serve as a teacher and as a public representative.Stigmatising the area of Sheriff Street is all too easy and disregards the huge efforts being made by youth and community workers to push this community towards a better future.
There are dozens of positive projects ongoing in the area which often go unreported because they aren't considered newsworthy.Activities such as the After Schools Clubs, local soccer, boxing and GAA clubs, disco dancing clubs, Peace Corps, Club 4U teenage discos and the North Wall Women’s Centre prove that this is a community to be proud of.
It is true that the Sheriff Street area has been dogged with social problems through the generations, however the community are facing those problems and are facing the future with confidence.
Labelling our community with negative stereotypes only serves to undermine the good work that is ongoing. It also affects the self-confidence of our young people that we are trying to encourage to be proud of where they are from.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
NEW SHERIFF STREET LADIES SOCCER TEAM
Last Friday was one of those rare occasions when you get a tingle of excitement and anticipation about something you have worked hard on coming to fruition. Last Friday a group of young womwn assembed in Sheriff Street Community Hall for the first training session of the new adult ladies soccer team for the area.
Having started up a Gaelic football and soccer team in St Laurence O' Toole's Girls School seven years ago, I am proud to think that I have played a role in the formation of this team. Many of the girls who I introduced to football as schoolgirls are now of an age to represent their area, through the local Sheriff YC Club, on an adult womens team.
The lack of facilites in our school is well documented and indeed was subject of the Documentary on One Radio programme entitled: 'Playiing with Pride' which can be accsed by clicking on my previous post.
Football gives vital expression to the pride that young people havr in their community. Football fosters positive ethics of teamwork, solidarity, mutual respect and learning together. Football is also Sheriff Street's game and many local people have represented Ireland at various levels. Players like Keith Treacy, Trevor Molloy and Olivia O'Toole are still cary the flag for this community Local poeple are rightfully proud of their achievements ans children view them as role models that they wish to emulate. Hopefully our new ladies football team can do the same.
Having started up a Gaelic football and soccer team in St Laurence O' Toole's Girls School seven years ago, I am proud to think that I have played a role in the formation of this team. Many of the girls who I introduced to football as schoolgirls are now of an age to represent their area, through the local Sheriff YC Club, on an adult womens team.
The lack of facilites in our school is well documented and indeed was subject of the Documentary on One Radio programme entitled: 'Playiing with Pride' which can be accsed by clicking on my previous post.
Football gives vital expression to the pride that young people havr in their community. Football fosters positive ethics of teamwork, solidarity, mutual respect and learning together. Football is also Sheriff Street's game and many local people have represented Ireland at various levels. Players like Keith Treacy, Trevor Molloy and Olivia O'Toole are still cary the flag for this community Local poeple are rightfully proud of their achievements ans children view them as role models that they wish to emulate. Hopefully our new ladies football team can do the same.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Documentary on One: 'Playing With Pride'
Listen to Rte's Documentary Programme on Aodhán's Sheriff Street Girls Gaelic Football Team called 'Playing With Pride' http://www.rte.ie/radio1/doconone/rams/12january.smil
MORNING IRELAND'S REPORT ON 'RIGHT TO READ' CAMPAIGN
Listen to Cian MacCormaic's report on the Deputy Lord Mayor's Right to Read Campaign on Morning Ireland by clicking on http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1115/morningireland.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
