Archbishop Tutu comes to town

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and President Mary McAleese visited one of Ireland’s biggest regeneration projects last week at the launch of two facilities for children in Ballymun.

The Music Room in St Joseph’s national school and the BRL Umbro Sports Arena in Trinity Comprehensive were built by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, which is also in the process of building a new town and facilities for the people who live there.

In his speech at the official launch, Archbishop Tutu praised the youth of Ballymun saying that the area had “transformed like a butterfly”.

“Ballymun has risen from the ashes like a phoenix,” the Nobel Prize winner added.

The Music Room is a practice space which is open to 700 children from eight primary schools and will be open to community groups and local societies.

President McAleese also commented on the endurance of the local people.

“They are living proof of what happens when people decide to make change happen, how the good leadership of one can create a mass movement of many, a community of effort working together to create a community of opportunity.

“The sun doesn’t always shine on Ballymun, but it’s shining today… these children have learned the pride that comes from making an effort.”