I first became interested in journalism back in TY in 2004/2005. With the help of
Mr. Connolly, both TY classes helped with the publication of the "Moyler Monthly",
a monthly newsletter for parents and students alike to keep up-to-date with events
and happenings in the school. As part of this, I helped Mr. Connolly to edit one of
the final editions completely, from article layout to photocopying and distributing
them to each form class.
My interest was clearly seen by Mr.Connolly, and when Liam Hayes, former
Meath footballer and editor of the Ireland on Sunday, came to him looking for a
school correspondent for his new paper, The Clondalkin Gazette, I was
approached to show off my newfound talent. After meeting with Liam and
discussing how the articles would play their part in the new community newspaper
along with the other schools in Clondalkin, I got down to business and my first
article was published back in Oct. 2005.
The articles ranged from various news groups within the school, from sports to
class trips to memorial masses. As part of writing with the Gazette, Mr Conor
Kelly approached me to help with the running of the revamped school website
and asked to include some of the articles (edited to avoid breaking publishing
laws) on the website.
After a successful first year, I was asked by Liam last summer to write further for
the Gazette and have now included my love for sport in this by writing on Gaelic
and soccer matches, along with other sports too, at weekends. I hope that after
I finish in Moyle Park, I can continue to write part time with the Gazette well into
my college years and that the school can produce another budding young writer
to follow on in what can be a very enjoyable but stressful career.
