TY TALK:St Augustine's College, Dungarvan, Co Waterford

ON ADVENTURE CENTRES

Kevin Brazel: "This week, we're taking part in paintballing and kayaking at an adventure centre in Lismore. But there's lots of outdoor activities in TY: we'll be walking in Cork this weekend as part of our Gaisce awards, and we'll go to another adventure centre in Wicklow near the end of the year."

ON THE X-FACTOR

Elizabeth Morrissey:"I love the X-Factor and how young people can get involved. I'd love to go on it myself, so Mum said she'll take me over to London next year for the auditions."

Mary Frost: "Dannii Minogue's comments [about contestant Danyl Johnson's sexuality] on the live show were unnecessary, but I don't think she meant anything by it. Danyl is one of my favourite contestants."

ON CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

EM: "Through our participation in the Green Schools programme, we're learning so much more about the environment. The entire Transition Year is involved. We have litter patrols and very good recycling facilities here."

ON GAELIC GAMES

Celine Quealy: "I've been playing Gaelic football for four years, and I love it. This year, I'm going for the Gaisce award, and I wanted to try something new, so I took up camogie. Both are great games, a chance for some exercise, and a way of keeping kids off the streets. We're lucky to have good GAA facilities in Dungarvan."

ON STEPHEN GATELY’S DEATH

MF: "I was a Boyzone fan, and Stephen Gately made a big impact in Ireland. It's really sad that he died so tragically at just 33 years old. The band were due to have an album and tour next year; I hope the remaining four stay together and decide to continue on."

ON EATING MEAT

MF: "I'm a vegetarian because I don't want to eat animals, and because reducing the amount of meat in your diet also helps the environment, but I respect the rights of other people to make their own decisions."

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