Hi, my name is Hannah O’Mahony. I am 25 years old and I’m from Ballinroad Lower, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
The first time I was chosen to go to Lourdes, I was 13 years old. I travelled with the Waterford group, which was Group 203. We did lots of activities like visiting Hosanna House, the Grotto, the Baths, and then had a Trust Mass.
I was so lucky to be picked again to go. This time I went with the Enniscorthy Group 94 in 2018, 2024, and 2026, where I got to experience Lourdes again, which I loved. We did various activities like visiting Hosanna House, the Grotto, the City of the Poor, bowling, singing, games on the prairie, and lots more.
The highlight of the week is the Trust Mass, where all the groups get to meet each other and get to sing and dance.
Rise and Shine is an independent, self-funding, national, inclusive, and volunteer-led charity that provides supported pilgrimage holidays to guests with additional needs and respite to their families.
They strive to give guests and volunteers meaningful memories, the opportunity for personal growth, and an unforgettable, life-changing experience.
The volunteers are completely dedicated, and they all believe in the importance and necessity of what they do.
The Trust brings children and young people with additional needs on a week-long pilgrimage holiday to Lourdes each Easter. Four hundred young people with additional needs are invited as guests. This trip is free for guests, as the volunteers fundraise for it. Volunteers pay for their own trip.
Donate through the link to rise and shine trust
