TY TALK: Coláiste Cillian, Clondalkin, Dublin:Clíona Ni Murchu (17), Ailís NicUidhir (16), Lúcás Ó Mearáin (16), Seán Ó Dulaing (16)
ON TILLIKUM THE KILLER WHALE
Lúcás Ó Mearáin: "Tillikum the killer whale killed his trainer in front of a crowd at Seaworld in Florida. It's not right for a big animal to be kept in such cramped conditions, so perhaps it's no wonder he killed."
Clíona Ni Murchu: "It's difficult to get a killer whale to put on a show four times a day, so the whale is bound to get a bit cranky."
ON POLITICS
Seán Ó Dulaing: "Recently, lots of government officials have resigned, but you can't pin it on the Government as a whole. I'm sure Cowen didn't know what was going on with Trevor Sargent."
CNM: "Life's hard on young people who have degrees and no jobs. We're constantly being told it will get better and that things will pick up, but the politicians haven't explained how things are going to change. It's a worry for the future."
ON FRIENDSHIPS
Ailís NicUidhir: "TY has brought our year closer together. We go on a school tour every Tuesday. During mid-term we went on trips to France and Germany, and we've also gone to Carlingford Adventure Centre and go-karting."
LOM: "I think everyone learns to get on better. Because we're all doing classes together people are more willing to put any old issues behind them."
ON WORK EXPERIENCE
SOD: "I spent two weeks working in the department of the Taoiseach. My duties included translating letters from Irish to English for the Taoiseach and his private secretary. I really enjoyed it, and now I'd like to get into politics. While I was there, I met the Taoiseach, who presented me with a pen set and wallet. I also met and spoke to the Tánaiste Mary Coughlan. Even if she did make one or two mistakes, I have to say she is a very down-to-earth and honest woman."
ON THE 15-MINUTE MASS
CNM: "There's a 15-minute mass being given by Fr Kenny in Galway for the duration of Lent. It's at 7.30am, before work and school. I know it's a lot shorter, but if it's encouraging people to go to mass it's a good thing."
SOD: "A lot of people go to mass to think and review what has gone on during the week. I'd like to go so I can find out what's missing from the mass."
ON THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRELAND
CNM: "The child abuse that took place in the Catholic Church is disgraceful – and they have to end the secrecy – but it's hard on priests who have been innocent. The majority are good. I have questioned my weekly mass-going, but at the end of the day it comes down to faith."
ANU: "The church is quite secretive and has pushed younger people out. More and more information will come out and more and more young people will walk away."
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