World record shamrock at Blackrock

LESSONS were postponed and text books put aside for a few hours at Blackrock College last week to allow 800 schoolboys attempt a new world record as part of an annual fundraising campaign for GOAL and Aidlink.

The students were attempting to form the world’s largest ever human shamrock on the lawns of the college as part of the school’s 25th year of their annual

‘St Patrick’s Day Badges’ campaign.

Boys from Blackrock, and nearby Willow Park, donned specially-made green t-shirts and, under the supervision of teachers and other staff – and under the watchful eye of Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn (Lab) – arranged themselves in the shape of a giant shamrock, a position they held for five minutes to adhere to strict guidelines set down by officials from the Guinness World Records offices in London.

Since it began in 1988, the campaign has managed to sell more than 3.5 million badges across Ireland and overseas in countries such as the USA, England, Scotland, Wales and France.

“We were determined to mark the 25th year of the badges campaign in a very special way,

? said Blackrock College principal, Alan MacGinty.

“Given the success of the initiative over the years – and the difference the e2 million raised has made in some of the most deprived parts of the world – we are hopeful that we can raise more money for GOAL and Aidlink this year than ever before.

?

The badges – which cost just

?¬2 – will once again be sold by the students on the streets of Dublin and throughout the country in the run up to St Patrick’s Day. They can also be purchased online at www.goal-aidlink.ie.