Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has congratulated two students from the constituency who took part in the national finals of the Europe Direct Soapbox competition.
Johanna Lane who is a student at the Presentation College, Tuam and Michael Flynn, who is a student at St Raphael’s College, Loughrea, were contestants, with Johanna winning the national competition and a trip to Brussels in the 18 and under section.
Minister Canney, who gave a keynote address at the event in the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, said: “It was a tremendous achievement for both students to reach the finals. The theme of the event was entitled Climate Change is Not My Problem
“All the students had to give a short speech and the standard was extremely high.
“The Soapbox provides citizens from every European country to have their say about European Union affairs.
“Eight libraries around Ireland – including Ballinasloe – host Europe Direct Information Centres to provide on-the-ground links to the activities of the European Commission.”
Minister Canney’s address focused on the importance of libraries to communities and the way in which they have become hubs for a whole range of services.

Pictures supplied
1. Left to right Una Kelly of Ballinasloe Library, Siobhán Lane, Rebecca Lane and Johanna Lane, all from Bishop Street, Tuam and Minister Seán Canney TD
2. Left to right Minister Seán Canney TD, Michael Flynn and his mother, Anne.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
November 23 2019