Michael Jenkins today join Ireland’s Real Rich List.

Michael received his Leaving Cert results earlier this week along with thousands of other students. He scored an A1 in English, A2 in Business Studies, B1 in Geography and Biology and a C2 in Maths.

He spent much of his time studying for the exam in a cold, damp coal shed at the back of the family home. The family had no funds to renovate the house to make it wheelchair accessible.

Michael suffers from leukaemia and before the exams he was fighting a host of other complications and had to go through 10 operations before having a hip replaced.

Through all of this he maintained his study schedule with the help of Mary Clarke, a 71 year old retired lecturer from Trinity College. Michael said of Mary :

“If it wasn’t for Mary, I wouldn’t have done nearly as well. She’s my hero”

Michael’s mother said :

“We have nearly lost Michael three times since he was first dianosed with cancer aged 13. We sometimes didn’t think he’d make it, but look at him now. He has made us so proud”

Michael is planning to continue his education and will start a post leaving cert course in Computer and Business Studies in September.

A really positive story, and a very worthy additions to the Real Rich List.

This entry to Ireland’s Real Rich List comes from the Carlow People and it’s one of those stories that just makes you go “Yes, good for you”

It’s Seamus Murphy who is about to be awarded a FETAC Level III in Computers for Beginners at the age of 84. Mr. Murphy knew nothing about computers before beginning the course and is going to use his new found skills to compile his memories and stories from his lifetime.

Longevity seems to run in his family. His mother lived into her 90’s and most of his siblings are still alive, all near the 80 mark as well.

So, hats off to Seamus for showing us all that it’s never too late to learn.

Read about this in the local paper today and think it’s a fantastic achievement.

Wendy Ryan is from Wicklow Town and has single handedly brought about a change to regulations that barred any dogs (apart from guide dogs) from travelling on public transport.

Wendy has two pet dogs and is involved as a volunteer with an organisation called Peata. Peata organise pet visits to patients in hospitals and institutions.

“The therapeutic use of pets as companions has gained increasing attention in recent years for a wide variety of patients -people with AIDS or cancer, the elderly, and the mentally ill. Unlike people, with whom our interactions may be quite complex and unpredictable, animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention. Animals bring out our nurturing instinct. They also make us feel safe and unconditionally accepted. We can just be ourselves around our pets.”

Due to a disability, Wendy can’t drive so her only alternative is to use public transport but her two pet dogs, Nina and Bitsa were not allowed to travel with her up to now.

After four months of lobbying ALL the public transport services in Ireland, therapy dogs can now board buses, trains and trams for the first time once they are wearing the officially recognised Peata coat.

“The news that the dogs will be allowed on is a big boost but I didn’t just want the changes for me. I wanted it to happen on a national level so that’s very satisfying. I know other people across the country had the same problem.” says Wendy

My hat goes off to Wendy for having the determination to bring about the new regulations and ensuring those who cannot drive themselves can still volunteer and bring the therapeutic benefits to those who need them.

I’m always on the lookout for stories like this, and would really appreciate if you could bring them to my attention via the talk to le craic page.