Primary school children get a taste of local politics at Tipperary district council meeting
The meeting was held in Littleton which one councillor said for him, was an 'honour'
The December meeting of the Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council had some very special guests.
The meeting this week was held in the Muintir na Tire Hall in Littleton and was attended by pupils from St Kevin’s National School.
Fifth and sixth teacher Ger Conrad told the Tipperary Star that it is very important for students to learn about local politics.
“They had a great time. We always watch the news everyday in school. We are a very socially aware class.
“I was talking to some of the children there, and they were all picking up on what was going on and had their own opinions. So yeah, they enjoyed that.”
“That’s why it’s important, and you never know there could be a future councillor sitting there. You are always looking to the future aren’t you,” said Mr Condon.
Mr Codon said it was important for the children to know what’s going on in their community.
But he said one issue in particular caught their attention.
“A couple of our children are from Thurles, and as soon as the bypass came up, they were very invested straight away, and they knew themselves why it was a good idea.”
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Cathaoirleach and Littleton councillor Sean Ryan welcomed the students to the meeting.
The municipal council usually meet in council building in Thurles and have also sat in Templemore.
So, the meeting in Littleton was significant for the local representative.
“This is the second time I’ve had the honour of hosting in my hometown of Littleton,” said Cllr Ryan.
Cllr Ryan said that he recently met a former student who attended the first and is now studying politics.
He said she told him it is in part because of the opportunity to see how local politics work.
“That is extremely positive,” said Cllr Ryan.
Cllr Shane Lee said:
“It’s great to see pupils visit today.”
Cllr Noel Coonan said the meeting in Littleton made him nostalgic.
“I can’t help but recall the late Cllr Harry Ryan,” said Cllr Coonan.
The children sat very quietly and listened intently to the meeting.
But once the business of the day was over, they entertained those in attendance with their lovely renditions of Starry Night and Silent Night.