Reflection on 5th Year Retreat 2017

2017’s Retreat was definitely one of the best days of fifth year. Although Courtmacsherry was quite local, many people had never done the Fuschia Walk before. The God’s were in our favour and the sun beamed down on us all day. The anticipation was tangible in the GPR beforehand as we waited ibn shorts and tshirts. We got off the bus at Timoleague and walked to Courtmacsherry- a whopping 5km! We took a well-deserved break in the community hall where the religion teachers prepared tea and biscuits for us. From there, we welcomed the relief of the shade as we walked through the beautifuL  Courtmacsherry woods. The bluebells and the seeded garlic gave a hazy mirage and the whole woodland seemed enchanted. As we reached the periphery of the woods, the sea expanded before us. Im sure many people were tempted to jump in! We all continued through the hedgerowschatting and laughing. After a few wrong turns we eventually reached mass rock. Although the whole day was spent connecting with old friends and new, the liturgy here and the silence really brought us together. Spontaneous singing broke out and everyone was smiling again in the sunshine.  As a year group we acknowledged all the blessings we had received during the school year, all the friendships we had enjoyed, our challenging moments and our successful moments. We spent time reflecting on Fr Brendan Hanley’s life and kindness & his contributions to our school. Students took part in prayer & a candle was lit on behalf of all 5th Year students. This years retreat was accessible to everyone, because whatever end of the religious spectrum you are on, everyone can connect with nature and spirituality. We once again were met with the sea and we ate our lunches while paddling our feet and laughing on Broadstrand.