This, the final episode of the latest series of EU and Me, is an extended programme which marks Europe Day – today, May 9th – and the 50th anniversary of the Irish people’s decision to vote for membership of then European Economic Community. Coming to the end of the school year, pupils at Dromclough National School near Listowel and Scoil Mhuire National School in Brosna share what knowledge, interests and insights they’ve acquired through the Blue Star programme which teaches primary school children about European cultures and the EU. European Movement Ireland’s policy and research officer Ciarán O’Driscoll takes part – his organisation campaigned for a yes vote in 1972. Erwan Fouéré also campaigned for a yes vote in 1972 – he shares his memories of that time and whether he thinks Ireland has benefitted from being part of the EU.
Erwan spent 38 years working with European institutions; his positions included serving as EU Special Representative and Head of Delegation in the EU External Service when he was appointed in both capacities in North Macedonia from 2005 to 2011. He was also awarded the Order of Good Hope, Grand Officer by President Nelson Mandela when he served as the first Head of Delegation in South Africa during the 1990s. Ireland South MEPs Billy Kelleher and Seán Kelly also take part. Radio Kerry would also like to thank the deputy principal of Dromclough National School, Karen Trench, and to all the staff and pupils there, and to the principal of Scoil Mhuire National School, Brosna, John Cahill and to teacher Ann O’Donnell, as well as to pupils Oisín Lane and to Kate Linehan.
