Former prison governor set for Ballymahon talk

Former Mountjoy Prison Governor John Lonergan will share his philosophy on parenting at an event to be hosted by Ballymahon Vocational School on Thursday, February 14.

Lonergan, who is a prominent social commentator, will run a series of student workshops and a talk for parents and guardians.

The talk to parents entitled "Parenting - the Challenges and the Rewards", will focus on constructive communication, as Lonergan explores how to build a more positive and affirming relationship with teenagers.

John, who has been described as a born storyteller, entered the prison service in 1968 and in the years that followed, he saw human nature at its worst - and often, unexpectedly, at its best.

Lonergan has put his philosophy of parenting into a book, “Parenting: Raising Your Child in Ireland Today”, with all royalties going to Barnardos. It focuses on the pre-teen and teen years but it is recommended that the communicative approach he advocates should really start “the day the baby is born”.

Ballymahon Vocational School is inviting all parents and guardians to attend the thought provoking talk on Thursday, February 14 at 7.15pm.