Repairs to Taurus II

2012 Centenary neckerchief

New Watch Leaders

Ice Skating

Thanks to Paul Collins who arranged a massive ice skating event for the entire Group on Monday last.  In all, some 120 Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and sundry others took to the ice at the new rink in the Charlestown shopping centre.  Suffice it to say that some excelled and some didn't but all had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  Photos are available on the Monday Pack's blog which can be accessed from the link displayed on this page.

New Watches

We have created two new Watches in the Troop and this has meant appointing new Watch Leaders and Assistants.  Congratulations to Sarah Fagan and Gwen Connolly on their appointment as Watch Leaders.  Congratulations also to Niamh Egan, Claire Sinnott, Blaithin Sheil and Laura Whelan on their appointments as Assistant Watch Leaders.  The new watches have been tentatively named as Red Watch and Black Watch until more permanent names are decided.

Being shy and retiring types, we have been unable to post any photos of the new Watches but we hope to rectify that shortly!

Watch Leaders' Training Course

It hardly seems like its been over three years since our last Watch Leaders' Course so we checked the calendar and, sure enough, the last course was in November 2005. So, having comandeered 2 barges, the Shannon-Erne Waterway from Ballinamaore to Keshkerrigan again provided the backdrop to the weekend and provided both Watch Leaders and Section Leaders with a rare opportunity to get away from the 'everyday' running of the Troop and free up some time to focus on leadership skills and techniques.

Many, many thanks to Sean and Fionnuala O Seaghdha for providing us with the use of their house, for assisting with training workshops, for catering for the Gala Dinner and for generally driving all over County Leitrim to ensure the course ran smoothly and successfully.

Official Opening of the 'Crow's Nest'

 The offical opening if the new den took place today amid glorious sunshine heralded by pipe bands, skiff racing and helicopter flyovers. The task of cutting the ribbon and unveiling a memorial plaque was entrusted to Eoghan Lavelle and Lily Morrissey - the oldest (sorry Eoghan) and the youngest members of 5th Port.

Scout Centenary Exhibition

 As you all know, 2008 is the centenary of the Scout movement in Ireland and and a series of events and activities have been organised to mark this significant milestone. Of of those events - Scouting Ireland's Centenary Exhibition - is currently underway in Collins Barracks, Dublin. The event was launched today and Scouts from the Valkyrie and Wednesday Troop were invited to participate in the launch.

New Watch Leaders

 Evelyn, Katie, Isobel, Sarah and Laura - all of whom have been with the Valkyrie Troop from the very start - are moving on and, along with some of the Wednesday Troop, are setting up a Venture Scout section in 5th Port.

We wish them every success with the exciting projects they are planning in the Venture Section and thank them for their considerable input into the Troop, for their unfailing enthusiam and infectious good humour, all of which are key elements in creating and maintaining a successful Troop.

Nature abhors a vacuum, so new Watch Leaders have been appointed. Congratulations to Georgia O'Shea, Audrey Wilson, Aine Ni Sheaghdha, Emma Guiney and Niamh Devitt. Congratulations also to the new Assistant Watch Leaders - Niamh Buckley, Orla Kelly, Gwen Connolly, Sarah Fagan and Emma Strutt.