Two local students have returned from a real 'chance of a lifetime visit' to NASA in Huston, Texas. Michael Geary from Castlelyons and Grainne Kearney from Rathcormac, were chosen from their schools, St. Colman's College and Loreto Secondary School in Fermoy, to take part in the two-week trip. The two Fermoy schools are understood to be the only Irish schools who take part in the intiative, which sees 44 young students from 22 different countries travel to the University of Houston and visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Centre in Texas.

Michael and Grainne were placed in teams with other students to attend talks by scientists and astronauts and to work on projects including planning a space trip to Mars. There was a graduation ceremony at the end with certificates awarded for successful completion. The students were billetted with host families during their stay and while theirs was a heavy schedule, attending the university daily from 7.45am to 5pm, there was time in the evenings for social activities.

A highlight was getting to attend the retirement party of renowned astronaut, Chris Hadfield. The colourful guitar-playing Canadian astronaut  became something of a celebrity earlier this year through his blog of life aboard the space station ISS as part of a space expedition. He ran dozens of scientific experiments dealing with the impact of low gravity on human biology and took pictures of the earth, which he posted on Facebook and Twitter, building up a huge following from around the world. He also gained popularity by playing his guitar in space.

His mission ended in May 2013 when he returned to Earth. Shortly after returning, he announced his retirement, capping a 35 year career as a military pilot and an astronaut.

LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY

Michael's mum Mary said Michael greatly enjoyed the trip, relishing the opportunity and experience it gave him and getting to meet students from places like Russia, South Africa, America and Europe. While Grainne's mum, Annette said Grainne, who is "big into science and maths", also really enjoyed and got a lot out of the trip. "We're blessed in that the two schools take part," she pointed out. Both mothers were loud in their praise of the host families who looked after their children so well during their stay.

Michael and Grainne will be heading into sixth year in their respective schools this September, preparing for the Leaving Cert next June.

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