Nenagh students at Holocaust Memorial Service

St Mary’s class meet Taoiseach at Mansion House event

By Natasha Creagh (Fifth Year student)

On Sunday, January 29, we were invited to attend the annual Holocaust Memorial Service in the Mansion House, Dublin.

Last year, our music entry won us third place in ‘The Mary Elmes Prize’ organised by Holocaust Trust Ireland. We were grateful to be invited to this event and so set off for Dublin.

Before the memorial, we met the Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy and former Justice Minister Nora Owen, a grandniece of Michael Collins. We were also honoured to get to speak to Holocaust survivors Tomi Reichantal and Suzi Diamond, who during the ceremony spoke about their personal experiences.

The memorial included music, readings, photographs and a candle-lighting ceremony. Six candles were lit for the six million Jews that lost their lives during the Holocaust. It was a unique and important experience for us all.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27, marking the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945.

As young people, I think it’s important we learn about the Holocaust and history to ensure it isn’t denied, but always remembered. After the ceremony we got to meet Anna Sochańska, the Polish Ambassador to Ireland, whom we met again last week when she visited our school.

Then came a big highlight for the girls - meeting Leo. The Taoiseach was delighted to meet the prize winners, and hear of their award success. Not only did he pose for a photograph, but when asked if he would take a special BeReal photograph - which takes a picture of those posing as well as the photographer - the Taoiseach enthusiastically agreed. It was definitely an experience none of us will forget.

Whilst in Dublin, we were able to sightsee and visit other beautiful landmarks such as Dáil Éireann and the Shelbourne Hotel. Overall, it was a successful day and we were honoured to be invited to such a special event.