AN invitation has been issued to students to participate in the annual Hugh O’Flaherty schools’ literary competitions in memory of the late great humanitarian priest who grew up in Killarney and saved thousands of lives in occupied Rome during World War II.
Secondary school applicants are invited to compose a poem on the theme of humanitarianism and fifth and sixth class pupils in primary schools can submit essays on why Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty is considered a hero, using today’s world circumstances if possible.
The closing date for entries for both categories is Friday, October 11 and entries must be delivered in hard copy to: Hugh O’Flaherty Competitions, c/o Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, 2nd Floor Tourist Information Office, Beech Road, Killarney. Rules and entry forms are available from schools or by e-mailing oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com
The 2018 winning poem ,penned by Laura Looney who was a transition year student in from St Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney, is reproduced here:
A Humanitarian’s Point of Vew
By Laura Looney
Life and the world are one big bubble
That can be mixed with hardship, strife and trouble
There are people on earth who look to the skies
Picturing of a place where they can make things right
Some humanitarians can be famous and well known
But you might have missed the humanitarians at home
They want to make human life a better place
Or try change the world in a little way
Anyone could contribute and try their best
They can come out on top when put to the test
But some people will stand back and leave others take the floor
While with those actions, your inactions can speak for even more
You see, humanitarianism is “the promotion of human welfare”
But many people might not even care
So, you can move on with life, and live as you please
While those who made an effort, it’s the memories they will leave
The traits of a humanitarian, in their moral role
Considerate, charitable, generous and more
What they would try for people’s lives, is to fix any holes
And all their selfless actions, wouldn’t be any chore
So, get up, get out and look at what you do
Because you never know if you see life
From a humanitarian’s point of view.
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