THE GOVERNOR COMES TO BREAKFAST
After a broken leg caused the postponement of his last trip to Mitchelstown, Ireland’s most outspoken former Mountjoy Prison governor, John Lonergan will join Partners in Learning at a breakfast in The Hunter’s Rest this weekend.
The ex governor, whose book became a best seller last year, will be offering his brand of wisdom in a short talk after breakfast at The Hunter Rest in Mitchelstown on this Saturday, March 12 at 10am.
Mr Lonergan’s philosophy is that change, personal or otherwise, cannot be enforced on people, believing that real and meaningful change comes about through consent and agreement.
DIRECT LINK
He argues that there is a direct link between crime and social and economic deprivation and believes that the biggest challenge facing us as a society today is not the economy but how we are going to create a just, inclusive and cohesive society based on the core values of justice, equality, fairness and compassion.
He believes that the more people become aware of their own humanity the more likely they are to treat others with respect.
EMPOWERING PEOPLE
Partners in Learning, linking Mitchelstown and Mbula, see a similarity in John Lonergan’s philosophy and the PiL principles of equality and respect for all; empowering people in both communities to helping themselves and all through a medium of interactive enjoyable projects that brings colour and diversity, uniting and enlivening our own community of Mitchelstown.
They have been facilitating the link with Mbula in Uganda for the last 5 years, building connections in the two communities. This has come about in various forms - the exchange of letters and projects between national school pupils; exchange visits and cultural days in secondary schools; exchange of expertise with Mitchelstown Credit Union and the budding credit union in Mbula and the formation of an agricultural co operative in Mbula seeking to improve the livelihoods of the community, just as co operation helped Irish farmers not so long ago.
GRIPPING ACCOUNT
Mr Lonergan recently published his fascinating life story – from his idyllic childhood in rural Tipperary, through his career in the prison service culminating as the most senior prison officer in the country.
His description of life in the prison service is not only a gripping account of humanity at its rawest but also offers an invaluable insight for anyone in a management position anywhere.
Revealing, surprising and inspiring, The Governor gives a unique take on modern Ireland.
Tickets for the Mitchelstown event are just €12 and this includes a full Irish breakfast. They can be purchased at Mitchelstown Credit Union or at The Hunters Rest on the day of the event. Phone bookings can also be confirmed to Isabel Smith at 086-8560066.
Published:
Thursday 10th March 5:25pm
