The Rudiments tour to Delphi was another huge success this year. With an early departure from Clongowes at 8.00am, we headed westward towards the lakes of Connemara and the Killary Fjord, stopping off at the Galway Plaza en route for a very enjoyable Supermac’s meal.
The area around the Delphi Resort was spectacular – mountains, pastures with all kinds of greens, sheep, stone walls, rivers, and rugged beauty greeted us upon entry to Lennaun. Our facilitators were similarly warm in their welcome to Rudiments, as the boys left their bags in shared dorms of between six and twelve to a room – this went down a treat!
The first set of afternoon activities included a ropes course, abseiling, rock climbing, a bog run, and kayaking, with the boys giving to each their very best. It was wonderful for us staff to see them outside of school having fun, mixing, and team-building in new and creative ways. Later in the evening, the group enjoyed a forest walk and campfire as they sang and did impressions of staff and students – some with great accuracy and humour! The night-time brought with it a set of delicious muffins catered by Delphi, and after declamation, the boys went to bed dutifully – with many reporting the great conversations enabled by our trip rules of ‘No Devices.’
The second day brought stunning weather as Mr. O’Rourke and Mr. Dawson got involved in additional rounds of kayaking and the bog run – thus providing the boys with new targets for the various games and competitions! Hugh Keaney and Charlie Ryan were particularly successful in these ‘battles’ with staff, as Nic Hunter, Ross Harte, Luis Munoz, and Hugo McHugh showed great athleticism in the water obstacle course. A delicious chicken curry awaited our return to base, and the boys later spent the evening bonding and playing sport with a group of students from Donegal.
The third morning was upon us before we knew it, and it was time to say goodbye to our facilitators and the wonderful area of Delphi. Without question, however, one senses that this will not be the last time the boys visit there – and the memories made will endure for a long while to come.
Mr O’Rourke
Rudiments Prefect
