He has always had the cut of one who belongs on a big stage and there’s that something about him that convinces me ‘he’ll be heard of yet,’ – as we’re prone to saying here.
With a few friends he organised a ‘Democracy Week’ at their secondary school last month and invited the likes of former Tánaiste and Labour Party leader, Dick Spring and Minister Jimmy Deenihan to speak.
Audience at the Áras
He has already had an audience in the Áras a few years ago with President Mary McAleese. Now he’s taken a giant leap towards that stage with his election to an Irish students’ union. Can you see where this is all leading to?
Art O’Mahony is a third year student at St. Patrick’s Secondary School here in Castleisland and he has been elected to the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union Executive – and to a position where he can make the most of his natural talents.
He has been elected to the position of Campaigns and Communications Officer for the 2015/2016 school year. Art was elected to the position at the AGM of the ISSU which took place during the Easter holidays and was attended by student delegates from across the country.
Fantastic Opportunity
“To be part of the ISSU is a fantastic opportunity for Art. In his role he will have opportunities to liaise and work directly with students nationwide, the Minister for Education & Skills, as well as key policy makers within Government departments and across the education and youth sectors,” said his school principal, Denis O’Donovan.
Officers of the ISSU will have opportunities to organise major regional and national events for students as well as representing the ISSU at conferences and other events within the Irish education and youth sectors and also at various events across Europe.
Art, a son of Cormac and Kate O’Mahony, is a very active member of the school’s student council and has worked very positively on behalf of the students in the school. He’s versed in all areas of the ‘Arts’ and could, probably, pick a career from any of his array of gifts.
Exciting Year
“It will be an exciting year for Art during which he will have many opportunities that will further develop his confidence, public speaking skills, networking and organisational skills which will be invaluable to him later in life. The Principal, staff and students of the school will fully support Art in his role on the ISSU and wish him every success and enjoyment in his role and we have no doubt the he will bring huge commitment and enthusiasm to the role,” said Mr. O’Donovan.
