Pupils have grape time on cross-community trip
The Irish News – 22 October 2007
By Roisin Bonner
A Group of 21 sixth-form school pupils have returned from a ‘’back-aching but highly stimulating’’ week of work experience – picking grapes in France.
The students involved in the venture were from St Patrick’s College Bearnageeha in north Belfast and Ashfield Boys’ High School in the east of the city. They visited the vineyard of Château de La Ligne near Bordeaux to improve cross-community links between the schools.
St Patrick’s principal, PJ O’Grady said the trip had been education in action in the truest sense. ‘‘ It really was new horizons and represented life-changing opportunities for our boys, ’’ he said.
‘‘ When I think that students in the Republic have been travelling to Europe for work experience now for well over a decade then I say that I particularly welcome this initiative by both of these Belfast schools.’’
Before leaving Bordeaux the boys and their teachers were treated to a guided tour of Gironde Tourism’s Ireland exhibition. They learned about the history of relations between France and Ireland over the centuries. ‘‘ The food was excellent and the château was beautiful, ’’ one pupil said. ‘‘ I will always have wonderful memories.’’
