Tipperary students energised by presentation from former Governor of Mountjoy Prison

Senior Cycle students in Coláiste Dún Iascaigh in Cahir were recently visited by Mr. John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison.

John was Governor of Mountjoy for over twenty years until his retirement in 2010 and also spent four years as Governor of the high security prison in Portlaoise.

The Bansha native has developed a deep understanding both of human nature and of Irish society from his years in the Irish prison service. Topics discussed by John included, explaining how the Irish prison service works, the importance of looking after our wellbeing and the link between crime and social deprivation.

He also spoke to the students about his first hand experience of crime and drug misuse. John also gave examples about how one bad decision can ruin a person’s life; students were afforded plenty of opportunities to engage with John on all the topics discussed during the presentation.

Mr. Lonergan concluded the talk by encouraging the students to surround themselves with people who make them feel good about themselves and highlighted how important physical activity is for everybody’s mental health.

A presentation was made to Mr Lonergan by sixth year students Jesse Kiely and Sadhbh Coffey (pictured above) to thank him for visiting the school. Students were energised and inspired by the Mr Lonergan’s talk.