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As Part of our Module in Religion class on “Crime and Punishment” twenty four students in fifth year earned the opportunity to visit Mountjoy Prison in April accomponied my Miss O’Kelly and Miss Corcoran. The apprehension was palpable as we waited patiently to be guided through the majestic building by Prison Officer Paul Brennan, a formidable prison officer yet sensitive to our collective caution. Built in 1850 to house 500 prisoners (for the princely sum of £50,000 Sterling) we learn the originally the prison were obliged to work and their cell consisted of only a hammock and table.

These day prisoners have a choice whether to work or not. Avery real effort to rehabilitate is undertaken and most prisons work in a variety of self-contained businesses within the prison including carpentry, window making fabric making etc. The prison bakery supplies all the other prisons in Dublin and proudly displays its recent Q mark awarded in 2002.
Recreational activities included sport drama and music officer Brennan told us about the prisoners resent production of “Moll” by John B. Keane R.I.P. as with previous productions it enelled and boasted the attendance of An Taoiseach, An Tanaiste and even Pierce Brosnan

The Prisons medical unit built in the 1980s, houses prisoners on three floors. We were not admitted obviously but in this building reside prisoners with HIV or AIDS virus.

Sadly the eradication of the drug problem within the prison seems unlikely in the near future and is a cause of concern to the officers like Officer Brennan. Also accommodated in this building are prisoners requiring ‘protection’ form other inmates. Finally those prisoners requiring medical detoxification programmes of which Officer Brennan spoke with pride – many prisoners have completed them and have earn there place in training unit.

No visit to Mountjoy would be complete without seen the Hanghouse. Officer Brennan offered the historical context of the famous building which of course has not seen an execution since 1955, the fascinating story of Mr. Albert Pierpoint hangman, whose insistence on respect and dignity afforded to prisoners before execution was renewed

Officer Brennan and his plain-clothes colleague continued to entertain us with anecdotes of their time spent there stand-offs, riots etc. we entered the main building and walked down the wide Victorian corridors unsure of what to expect. Life carried on as normal for everyone there, but we felt somewhat intrusive.

Throughout the past academic year many of the student body have given freely of their time to become involved in activities which are rooted in, and give expression to our Christian Tradition. Sixth Years were led by two Columbian Missionaries in reflecting on the shaping of their identities at the Glencomeragh House of Prayer. Fifth Years chose to explore our Celtic heritage by going on Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick and they also completed projects on social justice — their efforts winning them a place on a tour of Mountjoy Prison.

The Peer Ministry Programme - a training in leadership skills and faith development has again come full circle. The outgoing Sixth Year Peer Ministry Team facilitates two days of retreat for First Years last September. The demand for places on the team for Fifthyear was so great that it again necessitated applications and interviews for selection. The thirteen strong team have enthusiastically participated in the programme — which culminated in a two day retreat which they prepared and facilitated for each others in Grace Dieu Retreat House in Waterford. They look forward to their involvement in the orientation and induction of First Years next year.

The Monday night games and friendship club in St. Lukes Hospital is still going strong this year with Fifth Year students from the Presentation and High School and long term patients in the hospital. Transition Year students enjoyed a creative retreat using art, pottery and creative writing in the Creative Learning Centre in Waterford. The highlight of their joint R.E. programme with T.Y. students in Presentation was the facilitation of a Faith Friends retreat day for First Class students in The Presentation and Sisters of Charity Primary Schools.

Third Years received a retreat from a “Youth 2000”, who gave witness to the experience of god in their titles. Second Years studied and visited the places of significance in the life and the founder of The Christian Brothers; Edmund Rice and First Year were given the opportunity to integrate with possible new friends during the group based activities in their Peer Ministry led retreat.
Many students are to be commended for their involvement in fundraising for worthy causes such as Concern, Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin, The Mayor’s Fund, The Rudolph Operation, etc.

Fifth Years chose to explore our Celtic heritage by going on Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick and they also completed projects on social justice - their efforts winning them a place on a tour of Mountjoy Prison. The team leaders at Croagh Patrick were M. Forrestal, A. Hickey, R. Flynn and Fr. P. Murphy.