Limerick sailing hero Sean rows in with tales of a life on the ocean waves
FIRST and second year students at St Nessan's Community College have been treated to an inspirational and motivational speech by Limerick rowing hero Sean McGowan.
The Farranshone man became a national hero in May, when he became the first Irishman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Last week, Sean spent an hour outlining the details of his 118-day solo voyage across the Atlantic, to an inspired and star-struck group of teenagers at St Nessan's community college. Sean told the pupils that no matter what their background is, with hard work and determination, they too can capture their dream.
Marie Toomey, the co-ordinator of cultural activities in St Nessan's, said that the students were incredibly impressed with the details of his adventure, and learned a lot from his talk.
"Sean spoke to the first and second year students about capturing their dreams and inspired and motivated them by demonstrating that they too could follow whatever path they choose.
It was a very appropriate day to have the talk, as our Junior Cert students received their results, and it gave the first and second years even more motivation to achieve greatness," she said.
After the talk, students were allowed go outside and view Tess, the boat that Sean rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, and were delighted to hear of his stories from his travels.
"The students were amazed to hear stories of sharks, dolphins and Sean's survival tips if they ever found themselves stuck in the middle of the Atlantic. He was bombarded with questions about what he ate (raw fish, for the record), to how he stayed dry and avoided sunstroke.
Afterwards, all the students were given an opportunity to visit the boat and see at close quarters what the rowing boat was like," she added.
Sean, in turn, was very impressed with the students, and was only too happy to give back to his local community.
"It was great. They have a fantastic school out there and are great kids to speak to. I was lucky because I have a nice story to tell. It was good to talk to them, especially to the first years, who need that extra bit of encouragement and I hope I could give it to them.
"It was good to be able to tell them about how I could follow my dreams, and that they in turn can do so to if they believe in it," he said.
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Weather for Limerick
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
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