By now the Encounter Programme is well established in Ardscoil Rís. Encounters III and IV took place in Ballyloughran House in Co. Kerry in November. It is no exaggeration to say that everyone involved had an amazing experience.

Students from 6th year and 5th year (next year's leaders) took part in the encounter, and they all agreed that it was one of the most worthwhile activities they have ever had in Ardscoil. Not only did our own lads benefit immensely but we had the pleasure of introducing the programme to participants from CBS Thurles and St. Josephs College, Stoke-on-Trent, England. As a participant of Encounter III, and in my capacity as Rector on Encounter IV, I was privileged enough to see how the participants grew closer and appreciate each other over the weekend.

The Encounter Programme is a fantastic bonding experience for all concerned. Many of the students did not know each other at the beginning, but they all arrived home as firm friends.At this point I must mention the hard work and dedication of all the leaders who worked so diligently on both encounters: Drew Murphy, Finbarr Manning, Robert Kirwan, Shane Ryan, C.J Kelly, Philip Stewart, Darren Monahan (Encounter Ill) and Ciaran Ryan, Cian Brown, Killian Shortt, Michael Mc Namara, Kevin Mc Donagh and David 0' Sullivan (Encounter IV). All of them excelled.