The secret of eternal youth
"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young."
Our redoubtable Adult Education Officer Kevin Smullen quoted Henry Ford recently at a very important award ceremony in the Mansion House.
He went on to tell the award winning students 'It is our plan to ensure that you remain Forever Young.'
photographs by Keith Dixon
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe, delighted the CDETB Adult Education Service with the warm welcome he gave to the students at their Presentation of Certificates 2019 in his official residence at the Mansion House.
The morning was filled with laughter and recognition and big hugs at this very happy Finglas reunion, as the Lord Mayor is a native Finglas man and knew many of the students, including his former babysitter.
Over two hundred and twelve people received certificates in the centre in 2019.
Thomas Ahern, Sandra Dunne, Michael Hanna and Andrew Murphy spoke of their experiences of adult education and how joyful it is compared to the tough times of education in the past. Shannon Glynn read her new poem, while tutor, Ken O'Duffy sang a song from his new album Are We Nearly There .
The infamous Forever Young Chorus entertained with their lively repertoire
Knockin' on Kevin's Door
Kevin Smullen was awarded a Lord Mayor's scroll in recognition of over 30 years' service he has given to Adult Education in Finglas
Rumour has it that Kevin, who is also a proper Thin Lizzy fan and whose favourite Phil Lynott song is 'Honesty is no excuse' is retiring. Watch this space to find out more.
The finale of this event, celebrating this extraordinarily talented group of students, was provided by the Forever Young Chorus. It's not often possible to get the last word on Kevin Smullen. Unless, that is, you are aged between 75 and 89 and giving an unforgettable rendition of the Ramones 'I wanna be sedated'.
Well done to everybody concerned with this wonderful event.