Alderman Michael Conaghan (Chairman City of Dublin VEC), Anne Casey, teacher, Ciara Cassidy, Laura Kirwan, Cllr. Kevin Humphries (Chairman, Ringsend Technical Institute, Management Sub Committee), Anthony Gray, Niall Cunningham, President Mary McAleese, Stephen Dunphy, Thomas O’Dwyer and Liam Arundel (CEO of City of Dublin VEC)

Ringsend Technical Institute has been involved in the Green Schools project since 2001. They felt that it was important to do something positive in reducing waste and improving the environment. After much hard work, they were awarded the Green Flag in May of this year, and on 10th November the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese came as special guest of honour for the occasion of the Raising of the Green Flag.

The award recognises the work by students on an environmental improvement programme reducing, recycling and reusing waste and the renovating and landscaping of a courtyard area within the school.

The students entertained the large assembly of guests with a spirited musical performance using instruments which they made from waste materials. This marked the culmination of a ‘Recycling Rhythms’ programme sponsored by Dublin City Council under the guidance of Gordon Douglas.

Following a short oration by President McAleese and the jubilant principal, Charles McManus, the Green Flag was raised in the sunshine of the school grounds while the assembly of guests viewed the ceremonies on a large screen indoors.

Stacey Maughan and Jonathan Fox, Green School Committee representatives made a presentation to their special guest of honour, which she graciously accepted.