Abood Al Jumaili spoke about how he overcame adversity through his own personal resilience. 

A recent visit from guest speaker Abood Al Jumaili, also known as Bonnar Ó Loingsigh, resonated strongly with Transition Year students from Kinsale Community School. 

Abood left Iraq with his family in 2008 and has flourished since his move to Ireland. He is now an advocate and serves as an AIG – Dublin GAA Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Ambassador. Bonnar is a Law LLB (Hons) graduate from Dublin Institute of Technology 

Principal, Fergal McCarthy, said he delivered a great speech. “He spoke about his love of Irish culture, Irish language, and hurling," he said. "He spoke about his work on justice. He also described a powerful story of a young man coming to our shores as a nine-year-old refugee seeking peace and establishing for himself a life here with a great ‘appreciation’ for the education he has received in Ireland.   

“Abood accessed his law degree through the post Leaving Cert course route which demonstrated to our students there are many ways that can get you to your destination," he said. “He spoke about how he overcame adversity through his own personal resilience.” 

The visit of Abood to the Kinsale secondary school was arranged with the assistance of the Kinsale Peace Project. There is excellent collaboration in Kinsale between community organisations and the school. The Kinsale Peace Project seek out inspirational speakers to come to speak to students at Kinsale Community School.