The Barmey Barge launches at Rath NS

The Barmey Barge, written by teacher Grainne O’ Shea, was launched earlier this month in Rath NS, Ballybrittas.

The Barmey Barge tells the story of Conor, Ciara and Captain Twitter who take a trip on a time travelling barge on the Grand Canal. During their journey they learn the geographical location, historical significance, leisure potential and biodiversity value of their Grand Canal.

From Walsh Island, Grainne attended secondary school in Portarlington, before studying environmental studies. She then completed a hDip and has been teaching in Rath for the past seven years.

Within the school Grainne is involved in various environmental programmes, and is the Green Schools co-ordinator.

She was very enthusiastic about the childrens’ interest in the environment.

“The children are highly motivated and all classes are involved in the environmental programmes within the school. They are environmentally aware and make a conscious effort to be energy efficient, to recycle and to protect the environment”.

The school is currently working on their third green flag. They have a native woodland at the rear of the school which was planted five years ago and is a great resource. A school garden is on the cards for 2014.

Grainne added that, by educating the children of today about The Grand Canal, it will experience a new appreciation of its potential into the future.

“As a primary teacher with an environmental background I felt the potential of the inland waterway network as a teaching resource needed to be explored and decided to write a story and design an accompanying environmental educational resource pack including a nature trail to assist teachers in inspiring senior primary school pupils to appreciate the potential of this resource”.

The book is available now in local bookstores. The educational pack is available to schools. For further information contact Gráinne at 087 6527690, email:barmeybarge@gmail.com or see The Barmey Barge Facebook page.