A couple of hundred students looked dapper and glamorous at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night.
Organised by students, Adam Barrett, Sean Carroll, Eoghan O’Hanlon and Dylan Hartnett, there were around 200 tickets sold for the event.
Teenagers started arriving from 6.30pm and posed for pictures from the many photographers present, before enjoying a meal, followed by music from Gary Keane and DJ Phonic.
We were there to capture the glamour in the 28 photos below…
Emer Leahy and Eoghan O’Brien at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Clodagh Culloty and Michelle McCarthy at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanGraham Foran and Shauna Baitson at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Niamh McDonagh, William Waldron, Darragh Kelly and Tamara Sheridan at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRosemary Looney and Raphael Nana at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanJack O’Shea and Naoise Murray at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMichelle Hrachovinova, Natalia Mackiewicz, Grace O’Sullivan and Nicola Dodson at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDarlene Lacey and Emma Donovan at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAlan Quirke and Claire Culloty at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanLisa Browne, Conor Buckley, Claire Cahill and Dylan Hartnett at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanHenry Adedeji Isabella Stein at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMegan Cotter, Paudie Murphy, Darragh Walsh and Jade Pope at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanPaul Perry and Fiona Goff at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSam Nealon and Jennifer Moriarty at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAaron Crean and Michelle Hrachovinova at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSaoirse Brosnan and Yasmin Gardezi at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanKate Sheehy and Ilvina Fazilova at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDaniel Kinsella, Ina Dema, Max Benner and Dearbhla Lynch at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanClaudia Sitkowska, Shauna O’Sullivan, Marie Daly and Corrie Rogers at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSarah Boyle, Robbie Kelly, Nicola Walsh and Craig Moriarty at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanStephen Smith and Niamh Kenny at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDarragh Dineen, Shannon Daly, Christy Leen and Emma Moynihan at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMichaela Collins, Eoghan O’Hanlon, Rebecca Flynn and Sean Carroll at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSusie Rice, Aiveen Gavaghan and Caoimhe Glavin at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCiara Leane and Mark Mooney at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAdam Barrett and Patriz Brosnan at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSam Mansfield and Ciara Curran at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDylan Ronan and Leah O’Sullivan at the CBS The Green Students’ Debs Ball at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mercy Mounthawk students who will perform the play ‘The Plough and the Stars’ are, from left: Andrew Breewood, Killian O’Regan, Clodagh Harrington and Ciaran Ryan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
WITH the centenary of the 1916 rising around the corner, a cast of 16 Mercy Mounthawk students are set to perform the defining play from that period, ‘The Plough and the Stars’.
The Sean O’Casey classic depicts the harsh realities of life in the Dublin tenements before and during the Easter Rising and it will be brought to life at Siamsa Tire later month.
“We have an amazingly talented group of students,” said teacher, Denise Buckley.
“It isn’t your typical type of school play. It’s a really meaty text so the students are getting to live the lives of those who were around during the 1916 Rising,” said Denise.
“They’re really enjoying the play. It’s a really powerful tool to build confidence because you would think that teenagers would be very self-conscious. We find that them getting on stage improves their confidence no end,” said Denise.
The cast is made up of fifth year and transition year students, some of whom spoke about the 1916 rising and the importance of it today.
“Back then Irish people decided they had enough of British rule. Without the Rising there would be no modern Ireland,” said Andrew Breewood.
With the centenary of the event next year, cast member Luke Ryan was asked about the prospect of a modern-day rising of sorts, because of the current anger at the government.
“I don’t think that should happen. There is always great plans and ideas, but generally the people who carry them out are quite corrupt so I think it would be a waste of time. But if it was approached step by step, instead of a revolution, we could get a better system eventually,” he said.
‘The Plough and the Stars’ begins its three night run at Siamsa Tire from Thursday, January 29 to Saturday, January 31. All performances start at 8pm.
Tickets cost €12, €10 for students and senior citizens.
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Mercy Mounthawk students who will perform the play ‘The Plough and the Stars’ are, from left: Ciara McCarthy and Eamonn Maher. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Mercy Mounthawk students who will perform the play ‘The Plough and the Stars’ are, from left: Sinead Deasy and Luke Ryan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Mercy Mounthawk students who will perform the play ‘The Plough and the Stars’ are, from left: Ciaran Ryan, Andrew Breewood and Luke Ryan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Mercy Mounthawk students who will perform the play ‘The Plough and the Stars’ are, from left: Marie Courtney, Alicia Finnerty and Tracy O’Keeffe. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Mercy Mounthawk students who will perform the play ‘The Plough and the Stars’ are, from left: Donagh Broderick, Christian Keane, Billy Donovan and Diarmuid Barry. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Science teacher at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Elaine Ní Dheargáin with students Janine Ní Chonchúir, Lorraine de Nais and Ursula Ní Mhochóir and their project. Photo by Dermot Crean
STUDENTS from around the county are in Dublin this week to take part in the BT Young Scientists Exhibition at the RDS and Tralee schools are represented in three projects: two from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí and one from Presentation Secondary School.
The Gaelcholaiste’s entries focus on ‘Using water energy buoys to reduce coastal erosion whilst generating electricity’ and ‘Reducing carbon dioxide emissions and road deaths’.
Three Transition Year students Ursula Ní Mhochóir, Lorraine De Nais and Janine Ní Chonchúir have been working on their project on wave energy and coastal erosion since September.
“It’s a project on harnessing wave power while preventing coastal erosion,” said Ursula. “We know coastal erosion is a big problem, especially in Ballybunion where we saw the effects over a year, so we decided to have a look at it. We researched it a lot and found out about wave energy and decided to incorporate that into the project,” she said.
The girls made a model which will demonstrate their findings to judges at the exhibition.
Laura Ní Eidhin, of Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai with her ‘Safety On Our Roads’ project at the Scifest Fair at the ITT last May. Photo by Dermot Crean
Their fellow schoolmate, Laura Ni Eidhin, a second year student, will be bringing her project on ‘Reducing carbon dioxide emissions and road deaths’ to the exhibition.
She has already finished Runner-Up in the Best Project category for her ‘Sábhálacht ar ár mbothaire – Safety on our roads (A statistical analysis of driver knowledge)’ project at the Scifest at the ITT in May 2014.
She has now developed her project further for the Young Scientists exhibition.
“Since we started going to the Young Scientists exhibition we’d normally have about two projects each year,” said science teacher, Elaine Ní Dheargáin. “We’ve been highly commended one year and won a display award a few years ago, so there’s a good science tradition in the school,” she said.
Ciara Begley of Presentation Secondary School is up in Dublin at the BT Young Scientists Exhibition. Photo by Dermot Crean
Over in Presentation Secondary, Transtition Year student, Ciara Begley, was a late entry into the exhibition.
“Ciara spent a lot of time over Christmas on the project as she got a late call-up on December 18,”said her science teacher, Kay O’Mahony.
“We’re thrilled she was called up, but it was short notice. We’ve had numerous entries in the exhibition over the years with one of our students, Emer Jones, winning the overall prize in 2008,” she said.
Ciara’s project ‘Does Physical Training Cause Injury’ explores how injuries occur by overtraining and not warming up correctly while coming to recommendations on how to help avoid these injuries.
“It’s mainly about how not warming up correctly, or overtraining, results in injuries,” Ciara said. “I interviewed physical trainers about it and did research into the subject over Christmas. I found 53% of women received ligament injuries by not warming up properly,” she said.
Among her recommendations are that trainers should record players injuries and how they happened and that all GAA trainers should be sent on courses in the latest developments in physical training and on how to do proper warm-ups and warm-downs to prevent injuries.
The BT Young Scientist Exhibition starts today and continues until Saturday. Best of luck to all Kerry students.
CBS The Green have invited all former students to join their new Alumni Network.
Unlike other schools and colleges, CBS The Green has never had an Alumni Network through which past pupils and staff could connect and keep in touch.
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The school has a strong tradition of education in Tralee over the past 10 decades and has educated many boys who went on to achieve much success as men in business, sport, arts and politics. There are graduates of The Green all over the world.
The school is now setting up an Alumni Network and is encouraging all past pupils and staff to join.
“Our past students are the outcome of a CBS The Green education, and have brought honour and dignity to the school by their many achievements in life,” said Principal Anne O’Callaghan.
“We are committed to building lifelong relationships with our former students and staff. Our alumni network will allow former students and staff of the Green to stay in touch with the Green and reconnect with past friends, students and colleagues. We warmly invite all past pupils and staff to join our alumni network and enjoy reconnecting with old friends and colleagues,” said Ms O’Callaghan.
Go to the website www.thegreen.ie/alumni and register your details on the Alumni page to join the Green Alumni. You can keep in contact with the school through its existing Facebook page and on twitter. The school has also set up a LinkedIn Group for the Green Alumni.
If you know of any past pupils working outside of Kerry and around the world, the CBS is asking to make them aware of the Alumni Network.
THE corridors and classes of Scoil Mhuire na mBráithre, CBS Primary School, were buzzing with activity as pupils prepared for the last performance of their annual Christmas concert on Wednesday.
“Everyone has worked very hard on it, they have researched dances and put it together,” said CBS Primary School Deputy Principal, Pat Costello.
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“I’m teaching 6th class so for almost everybody it will be their last Christmas Concert ever,” said Pat.
“Yesterday the performance was full of fun and full of energy, you could see from their smiling faces that all the pupils were enjoying it,” he said.
“Today will be the final day, so it’s kind of like a team that has put in all the training and reaching the second half of the final. So we want to add the extra few percent today,” said Pat.
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Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Maja Kwiatkowska, Samantha Kampana, Millie Lynch, Lisa Bio, Katie McNamara and Aoife O’Connell. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Veronica Paperocka, Abegalle Adetunji, Lauren Brosnan, Emily Rose McSweeney and Kaylee Oristejolomi. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Eris Stublana, Jaden Breen, Corey O’Brien, Cody Quirke Shine and Cian Collins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Emma O’Sullivan, Shannon Fitzgerald, Carolina Huserova, Emma Callaghan and Cara McGillicuddy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Vanessa Anthony, Ashling O’Connell, Hannah Dickins and Hannah Marciniszyn. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.CBS Primary School pupils performing at their Christmas Concert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Mark Quinn, Alice Bried, Evie Faggetter, Fionn Heaslip. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Taylor Clifford, Eymen Saieem, Brianna Coffey and Victoria Skotak. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Daithi Smullen, Mark O’Regan, Aerick Gaszczynski and Ronan Carroll Kane. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Patrick Burke, Sean Solomon, Brandon Healy and Jake Falvey Colbert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.CBS Primary School pupils performing at their Christmas Concert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, in front: Rian Duffy. Back row from left: Thomas O’Mahony, Eva Stack, Nathan O’Shea and Jamie Ward. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Jamie Kelliher, Robbie Molloy, Lily Walsh, Candice Connolly and Nicholas Rusk. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Performing in the CBS Primary School Christmas Concert were, from left: Maciej Kubik, Dean Courtney, Dermot Carey Philipson, Tim Gorianskii and Adrian Molloy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.CBS Primary School pupils performing at their Christmas Concert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.CBS Primary School pupils performing at their Christmas Concert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Clodagh Ní Ghrifín, Aishling Ní Chonaill, Jennifer Ní Mhuirceartaigh agus Rhian Ní Shúilleabháin with the trophy.
THE Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí girls senior basketball team won the South West Regionals in Division C for the third year in a row last week.
They played two matches on the day (December 9). The semi-final was played against Colaiste Mhuire in which they were in the lead throughout, the whole squad contributing with great effort.
The second match of the day which was the final was played against Gaelcholaiste Luimní.
It was a very close match from start to finish, when at half-time it was anyone’s game leaving all involved at the edges of their seats. But the Gaelcholaiste Chiarraí girls prevailed, with great leadership conveyed by Aishling O’Connell and they took home the trophy 39-35.
Well done girls.
The Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai team which won the South West Regionals C Division for the third year in a row. Back Row; Aoife Ní Bheacháin, Muireann Nic Gineá, Anna Mainséal, Caitlín Ní Chonchúir, Laura Ní Bhrosnacháin, Anna Ní Chonchúir, Rhian Ní Shúilleabháin, Jane Ní Shé (coach), Front Row; Méabh Nic Iomhargáin, Jennifer Ní Mhuirceartaigh,Clodagh Ní Ghrifín, Aishling Ní Chonaill agus Ciarda Ní Bhrosnacháin.
THE annual Christmas concert by pupils from Blennerville NS went down a storm last night in St John’s Church last night.
Proud parents, staff and siblings of the pupils enjoyed an evening of Christmas songs from all classes in the school.
Much preparation went into the evening and Principal Terry O’Sullivan thanked all involved for making it such a special event.
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Lorraine, Padraig, Alex and Dan O’Connor with Pauline Dennigan at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mary O’Sullivan (right) with pupils Molly O’Neill, Michaela Brosnan McMcAdams and Erin Donnelly at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jaden Efegbare, Nathan Moriarty O’Shea and Dylan Moriarty at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanZac Howard, Callum Houston and Oran Tobin at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanPeter, Lily, Tjitske Breen at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanKerry and Conor O’Neill at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanPictured giving it their all at Blennerville National School’s Christmas Carol Service held in St. John’s Church on Tuesday evening were junior infants, Eve O’Sullivan and Katelyn Laide. Photo by Pauline DenniganAt Blennerville National School’s Christmas Carol Service held in St. John’s Church on Tuesday evening were from left; Rodhan Culloo, Lily Breen and Evan McCarthy all from junior infants. Photo by Pauline DenniganPupils on stage at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanPupils at the start of the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanYoung pupils at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanPupils before the start of the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanWaiting for their turn to sing at the Blennerville NS Christmas Concert at St John’s Church on Tuesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Little elves and Santa, Nicholas Browne, Hugo Loggins and Aidanas Piesina before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE were excited little faces all around Moyderwell Primary School on Friday morning as pupils prepared to take to the stage for the annual Christmas concert.
“A lot of preparation went into today,” said Principal Moira Quinlan. “It’s a small enough concert, with just three groups taking part; the ‘Colour My Strings’ violin group; the Junior Infants and the Little House Montessori which is our pre-school on-site.”
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“It’s a short concert but the combination of the three groups is magnificent. Some of the children in the ‘Colour My Strings’ group, under the tuition of Lucy Tanner and co-ordinated by Deputy Principal Maura Jones, have been playing for three years so they are in a position to put on a little orchestra onstage, so it’s wonderful to see their progression,” added Ms Quinlan.
The children were dressed up as elves, little Santas, angels and shepherds as they took to the stage in front of a packed hall of parents and grandparents and dazzled them with their wonderful performances.
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Benita with her brother Paulis Sabalauskaite before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Favor Chibuine Osairobo, Rico Coffey Natan Kaczmarczyk and Alex Curran before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sarlote Babarskaite, Candy Fitzgerald and Chioma Roberts before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanRonan Harrington O’Callaghan and Andrew O’Connor before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanHayley Ann O’Brien and Gia Sharma before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanAaron Guerin, Jamal Shah and Brian Kula before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanMs Sarah Daly’s junior infants class before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanMiss Janeve Lyons’ junior infants class before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Little House Montessori children before the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Colour My Strings group about to begin playing at the start of the Moyderwell Christmas Concert on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Creative Media Department, ITT and Animation Dingle, will offer an Animation Workshop on Saturday, December 13 from 11am to 4pm at the North Campus.
The workshop is to promote the new BA Degree in Animation, Visual FX & Motion Design on offer this September.
This workshop will introduce students to animation and allow them creative short films for entry in to the YA-O-TY (the Young Animator of the Year) Competition 2015. Dingle International Film Festival, in partnership with JAM Media and with the assistance of the Creative Media Department is hosting this animation competition for Transitional Year Students in Kerry for 2015.
The call is for new animation works created by Transitional Year Students.
A selection of the entries will be showcased at Animation Dingle on Thursday, March 12, 2015 with an awards ceremony.
One Transitional Year Student will be announced as the 2015 Young Animator of the Year. The award will include the offer of a work placement within Ireland’s top animation company, JAM Media and a silver award designed and made by renowned Dingle Jeweller, Brian de Staic.
For further details on the competition please see www.animationdingle.com; for further details on the Animation Workshop email mary.lucey@staff.ittralee.ie
At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were, from left: Cian Ounnas, David Fiado, Ella Hueston, Sophie Kerins and Eva O’Gorman. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
MOYDERWELL primary school was a hive of activity on Wednesday morning with pupils, teachers and parents helping out for the school’s annual Christmas craft fair.
The craft fair, where children sell the items they made themselves, is a fundraiser with all proceeds going to the school.
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“The day brings a lot of colour to the school and gets people ready for the festive season,” said Moira Quinlan, school principal.
As well as the arts and crafts, a cafe was set up selling teas, coffees and hot chocolate – which was the favourite of the day – plus homemade cakes and buns that the children and parents brought in.
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At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair. Eva Ward, Sophia Abdrhnan, Leo Keane and Quinn Griffin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were from left, front row: Adam Maher, Toby Agbooaa and Jesse Duggan. Back row: Jennifer Hordaghova and Mary Kate O’Connell. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were from left: Jamie Mazzelle, Austin Fitzgerald, Lasha Bakauri, Kate Currans, Leah Williams. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were, from left: Beqa Baqauri, Simi Ogunngbesan, Samuel Abubkaar, Ola Obagnia, Ciara Sugrue. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were from left: Kourtney, Shaniece, Shemeka and Helena Coffey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Pupils take pupils take part in carol singing at the Moyderwell Christmas Craft Fair. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were, from left, front row: Julia Kawalska, Sean Foley, Victoria Lowaludowska and Diana Sazilova. Back row: Betty Barrett, Diarmuid Lynch and Maura Jones. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were from left, front row: Julie Moriarty, Jeff Sanonte and Paulius Zynaantas. Back row: Finbar Mullins, Catherine Walsh and Patricia O’Connor. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were from left: Natalie Must, Alicia Must, Jimmy Boy McCarthy and Niamh Griffin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Moyderwell Primary School Christmas Craft Fair were from left: Destiny, Norita, Jimmy Boy, Marcus and Candice McCarthy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Captains of the past pupils teams Eoin Ó Néill and Ronán Ó Conchúir with (centre) Eddie Ó Murchú, réiteoir.
A CRISP winter’s afternoon saw two past students teams battle it out in the grounds of Na Gaeil as part of the 25 year celebrations for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí.
Under the watchful management of Eddie Murphy and Dónal Ó Ruanaidh, the two sides battled it out.
The two teams were neck and neck throughout resulting in a draw, which was a fitting result.
Past students travelled from near and far to take part in the game. Antóin Ó Cearúil who also attended the dinner celebrations in Ballyroe last weekend said it was a great way to finish the year and reflect on his time in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí.
The teams were supported by staff and family alike. Celebrations continued afterwards in the clubhouse.
A míle buíochas to all who supported the event on the day especially Seán de Paor and Na Gaeil for their generous sponsorship.
“I was delighted how well the day went, I think it says a lot about the school that we managed to field two teams today of past students some of whom graduated as far back as 1997, said Dónal Ó Ruanaidh teacher, past pupil and organiser of event.
“People were more than happy to come along and support the event which is a testament to the school also,” he said.
One of the teams of past pupils from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí who took part in Saturday’s game.
Teaching staff from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tomás Mac Muiris, Fiona Uí Mhuiris, Deirdre Ní Chochláin and Principal Austin Ó Seachnasaigh taking part in the official strike on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
SECONDARY school teachers in Tralee joined their comrades all over the country in the one day strike yesterday over changes to the Junior Certificate.
Thousands of students attending Presentation, Mercy Mounthawk, CBS The Green, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí and Coláiste Gleann Lí had a day off as members of teaching unions walked the picket line outside the schools.
The strike was centred around the main issue of teachers being asked to mark 40% of the course work of their students, but also about resources and years of cuts to education budgets.
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TraleeToday.ie visited the schools and yesterday and spoke to ASTI Shop Steward at Mercy Mounthawk, John Dowling, about the public’s reaction to the strike.
“The public perception of what we’re doing is positive enough I think, because we’re not striking about money at all,” said John Dowling, ASTI Shop Steward at Mercy Mounthawk, as a few cars whizzed by, beeping.
“We’re striking about the students’ conditions, their welfare and education. We feel that bringing in 40% continuous assessment for the Junior Cert – which won’t be assessed by the State and will be assessed by us to our own students – will make a mockery out of the whole thing,” he added.
“You’re then giving a State certificate for an exam which hasn’t been fully assessed by the State. We don’t want to be assessing our own students because questions of bias and unfairness would be raised by parents,” said Mr Dowling.
“We’re open to project work, but we want to make sure that work is taken away and externally assessed so that an ‘A’ grade in Mercy Mounthawk is an ‘A’ in Presentation and it’s an ‘A’ in Clare and in Galway. We see how how everything is becoming so competitive with school league tables. Every school is going to want to be up there because they want to have a good reputation. So is everybody going to be fair in that instance? I hope so, but it just leaves it open to that sort of thing,” said Mr Dowling.
There is another one day strike planned for January, unless the Government and the unions can come together and work out the issues.
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Teachers from Coláiste Gleann Lí in Clash, Ciara Walsh, Mike Quirke, Anthony Dineen, Norma Breen, Ann-Marie O’Kelly and John Joe Roche taking part in the official strike on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanTeachers from Presentation Secondary School, Clem O’Keeffe, Mary Twomey, Catriona Walsh, Sandra Moore, Alan O’Sullivan and Mary Mulcahy taking part in the official strike on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanTeachers from CBS The Green, Mike Tim O’Sullivan, John O’Mahony, Sheila Mulcahy, Ann Moynihan and Rachel Moynihan taking part in the official strike on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanTeachers from Mercy Mounthawk, Mairead McAuliffe, Bernie O’Shea, Marie O’Connor, Aisling O’Connor, Mairead O’Mahony, Lindsey Moriarty, John Dowling, Tom Benson, Catriona O’Sullivan and Ronan Redican taking part in the official strike on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
At the unveiling of new extension plans for Coláiste Gleann Lí were front row, from left: Mary Anne Lowney, pupil Aisha Hassan, Colm McEvoy (CEO Kerry ETB), pupil Paul McCarthy, Ann O’Dwyer (EO of Kerry ETB). Back row, from left: Ger Heaslip (Chairperson of Parents Council), Edward O’Neill (Buildings Officer, Kerry ETB), Stephen O’Sullivan (Architect), Jim Finucane (Mayor of Tralee), Richard Lawlor (Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí). Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
EXCITING new plans were unveiled by Kerry Education and Training Board on Monday, promising that Coláiste Gleann Lí Post Primary School will be extended, refurbished and upgraded, this summer.
The plans will be submitted for planning to Kerry County Council following the ETB monthly meeting this week and building works are scheduled to commence in early June, with an expected completion for students’ return in late August 2015.
In addition to these physical changes, Coláiste Gleann Lí will become an ICT school of the future and infrastructure to support this initiative will be installed as part of the plans.
It is intended to extend the school building to facilitate the development of an ICT/ Creative Arts Centre as well as a host of specialist classrooms ensuring that Coláiste Gleann Lí will become a market leader in the delivery of an innovative and creative ICT led education.
These plans mark the second phase of a two phased development process, part one of the ambitious project was completed last summer and saw the refurbishment of a cross section of specialist classrooms.
This latest plan ensures that, in tandem with the usual second level subjects offered in all schools, Coláiste Gleann Lí will be enabled to offer modern courses in ICT, Robotics and Programming to prepare students for highly sought after third level courses and careers in these areas.
Mr. Richard Lawlor, Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí welcomed the plans describing them as a vote of confidence in the modern and innovative teaching approaches adopted by his staff.
He welcomed the extension to the school describing it as highly necessary given the unprecedented increase in enrolments in recent times. “Last year’s enrolments were a staggering 200% increase on the previous year and our recent Open Day was an overwhelming success”.
Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Principal of CBS The Green Anne O’Callaghan, Marc Ó Sé, Mikey Sheehy and Mick Galwey at the launch of the CBS The Green all-weather pitch fundraising drive on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was a double event held on Tuesday night to kickstart the CBS The Green plans to build an all-weather pitch on the school grounds.
First of all, the All Ireland Champions, Kerry with the help of some past players played a team made up of past pupils from the Green who played with Kerry at different grades down through the years at Austin Stack Park.
The match was played in front of a good attendance and was followed by the official launch of the fundraising campaign by Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh at a reception at Fels Point Hotel.
Mícheál was joined in conversation with Marc O Se, who is also a teacher in the school, Kerry Manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Kerry Selector, Mikey Sheehy and past Kerry Footballer and Munster and Irish Rugby legend Mick Galwey.
Mikey Sheehy recalled his schooldays at CBS where one football was shared between about 200 students in ‘the paddock’. He also recalled losing two Corn Uí Mhuirí titles to ‘the Sem’ in his time there. In fact, he lost all finals from Russell Cup up to senior against the Sem.
He recalled one occasion in the O’Sullivan Cup. The game against the Sem went to a replay and it was too late in the year to play it, so they said they’d toss a coin for it. Mikey was captain and he lost the toss.
In her opening address, Principal Ms. Anne O Callaghan gave the audience an overview of the new All Weather Pitch and asked for the community’s support in raising money to provide the new facility for the current and future students of the school.
“The Green School is proud of its record in the provision of quality education to families in Tralee and the surrounding areas,” she said. “The Green is a large school catering for 620 boys and we currently do not have an outdoor sports field. As a result school teams have to travel to other clubs around Tralee for training. This results in additional costs, time away from the school campus and safety risks travelling to and from external facilities.”
“With our own all weather pitch on campus we can further develop our physical education and sports programmes. To make this a reality we need to raise €180,000. We are now asking for the community and business community to support us to achieve this target.”
People can donate money directly to the school and any donation of €250 will be subject to tax relief on the donation for the school.
An online fundraising page will be set up and we would encourage all past pupils at home and abroad to support the school. Companies are also asked to support the project through a sponsorship programme. In return for sponsorship the company will be acknowledged on the school website and future publications and releases. A sponsor wall will also be erected at the entrance to the pitch.
Full information on the development and how you can contribute is available on the schools website www.thegreen.ie and on the schools official Facebook page. “We would encourage people to contact past pupils at home and abroad to support the project and help us provide a great legacy for the future generations of students that will attend the Green.” said Ms. O Callaghan.
Scroll down for photos from the match and the launch on the night…
The Green All-Stars team made up of past and present players who played a select Kerry side in a Charity match for the development of an All weather pitch, with CBS The Green Principal, Anne O’Callaghan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.A select Kerry team that played the Green All-Stars in a charity match for the development of an all weather pitch in The Green CBS. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the match between, The Green All Stars and Kerry were, Luke and Cian Ring. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the match between, The Green All Stars and Kerry were, in front: Dara and Laura O’Sullivan. Back: Emma and Sean O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the match between, The Green All Stars and Kerry were, from left: Daaryl Vesey, Joel Vesey, Dillon Kelliher and Sean Casey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Mick Galwey, Eamon Fitzmaurice, Marc Ó Sé and Mike Sheehy at the event in the Fels Point Hotel. Photo by Dermot CreanAoife Costello, Fiona O’Donoghue and Aileen Maher at the CBS fundraising event at the Fels Point Hotel on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanChief Superintendent Pat O’Sullivan, Ger O’Keeffe and Frank Hayes of Kerry Group at the launch of the CBS The Green fundraising drive on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanKarina Dowling, Eileen Enright and Geraldine O’Dwyer at the CBS fundraising event at the Fels Point Hotel on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCBS students Cathal Hannafin, Alan McLoughlin and Michael Leen who gave speeches at the CBS fundraising event at the Fels Point Hotel on Tuesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Helping launch the Lee Strand Garda Achievement Awards at Lee Strand Headquarters, Tralee were Niamh Rahilly, Ailbhe Mangan and Eve Creedon. Photo by Eye Focus LTD.
IT’s time to get your nominations in for young people who went that little bit further for their community this year.
The Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards take place early next year and they are looking for nominations.
The awards are designed to acknowledge the volunteering endeavors of young people from Kerry between the ages of 14 years and 19 years.
The winners will be announced at a celebratory function in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday, January 16.
“The awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the voluntary efforts of the young people of Kerry, who have made a positive impact within their local community,” said John O’Sullivan, Lee Strand General Manager.
Nominations are accepted from individuals, community and voluntary groups, schools and youth clubs/organisation.
The winners will be selected by a panel of five judges who are community volunteers from around the county under the chairmanship of Chief Superintendent Pat Sullivan, An Garda Siochana.
Awards will be presented for the Overall Winner, Certificates of Distinction, Certificates of Merit, a Voluntary Group Award and a School Award.
Nominations are available from any Garda Station in Kerry and K.D.Y.S. Office in Tralee, Killarney and Listowel or by contacting the Juvenile Liaison Office at Tralee Garda Station on 066 7102311.
The closing date for nominations is December 12. Any member of the public can nominate a young person whom they feel has made a contribution to their local area.
Nomination forms are also available to download from www.leestrand.ie
At the ‘ITT Careers Fair’ in the ITT North Campus were, from left: Cathal Heaslip, Cathy Shine and Kevin O’Connor.
THE ITT North Campus, hosted their Careers Fair for graduate students on Tuesday.
The fair brought a number of national and international businesses and universities there to scout some of the top talent in the college.
“There’s definitely a big upturn in terms of jobs available, which is very positive, so we’re delighted with the turnout and with the numbers of students and graduates here today that expressed an interest in securing local jobs,” said Louise Nagle, ITT Careers Officer.
The main sector represented was IT, with major companies, JRI America, Fexco and Dairymaster in attendance to speak with graduates.
“Nursing agencies have also turned out in force. One of the agencies explained that there is nearly 400 nursing jobs available in Ireland as of today,” said Louise.
“There’s a wide variety companies here giving students the opportunity to work abroad for a limited period of time. There’s also a number of universities here that are looking at teacher training in the UK,” she said.
“The day is aimed at graduates, but also other students who are encouraged to come along and have a look to see can they identify something they maybe interested in doing when they eventually graduate,” said Louise.
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At the ‘ITT Careers Fair’ in the ITT North Campus were, from left: Sarah McFeely, Robert Browne, Helena Brosnan and Fiona Dineen. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the ‘ITT Careers Fair’ on in the ITT North Campus were, from left: Nicky Coates, David O’Connor and Noreen Ward. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the ‘ITT Careers Fair’ in the ITT North Campus were, from left Jane Fitzpatrick, Mia Donovan, Maura Buckley, Katriona Neville and Amanda Coughlan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the ‘ITT Careers Fair’ in the ITT North Campus were, from left: Jack Hanchion, Anne O’Leary and Ivana Dinov. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the ‘ITT Careers Fair’ in the ITT North Campus were, from left: David Fleming, Padraig Hearty, Dara O’Carroll: Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the ‘ITT Careers Fair’ in the ITT North Campus were, from left: Alice Stephenson, Brian O’Regan and Aisling Coffey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the ‘ITT Careers Fair’ in the ITT North Campus were, from left: David Scully, Nazrul Islam and Ed Puotkalis. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Orla Kenny of Kids Own with pupils of Ardfert NS an Raheen NS at the Virtually There Exhibition launch at the Education Centre, Tralee last month. Photo by Domnick Walsh
‘VIRTUALLY There’, a national exhibition and event tour of work made by artists, children and teachers is currently on show at The Education Centre, Dromtacker.
Launched at the centre last month, the exhibition is based on a project by national arts organisation Kids’ Own which has been running in Northern Irish schools since 2007.
Demonstrating the use of virtual technology to connect studio and classroom, this exhibition showcases work made by children and teachers in collaboration with artists.
Kids’ Own in partnership with The Education Centre, Tralee, will also launch a new phase of online residencies with schools in the county.
Two Kerry primary schools, Ardfert Central NS and Raheen NS, Headford will have the opportunity to participate in a six-week pilot project based on the ‘Virtually There’ model.
Children, who attend these two schools, worked with an artist on Friday, October 24 to create a response to the exhibition and to connect virtually with their respective project artists.
The exhibition is open to the public until November 21. Viewing times are Monday to Friday 10:30am to 2pm, however please contact the centre if you wish to make arrangements to view outside of these hours.
Attending the Virtually There Exhibition Launch at the Education Centre, Tralee were from left: Marie O’Connor (Presentation, Milltown), Norrie O’Connell, Maria O’Regan (CBS Primary school), Maire Ni Loingsigh (CBS Primary school), Marie O’Connell (Ardfert NS), Eileen Murphy, Ed O’Brien (principal Holy Family NS) and Betty Stack (principal Ardfert NS). Photo by Eye Focus LTD.Orla Kenny (Kids Own), Sharon Kerry (artist), Mayor of Tralee Jim Finucane, Caitriona Ni Chullota Director of The Education Centre and TD Tom Fleming at the Virtually There Exhibition Launch at the Education Centre, Tralee, last month. Photo by Eye Focus LTD.
At the launch of the fundraiser match between the senior Kerry team and a CBS The Green team made up of past students were, from left: John Hanifin, Colm Atkinson, Robert Flaherty (Dept Principal), Barry John Keane, Ian O’Dywer, Anne O’Callaghan (Principal), Fergus Clifford, Marc O’Se, John O’Keeffe, Sean O’Donoghue, Byron Mulvihill, Andrew Breen and Cian Bergin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE Kerry team will play a selection of CBS past pupils who have worn the green and gold, to raise funds for an all weather pitch on the grounds of the school.
The game will take place in Austin Stack Park on Tuesday next, with a throw in time of 7pm.
Along with a host of Kingdom stars, Sam Maguire will be in attendance and there will be plenty of opportunity for fans to take photos with the cup.
The Green has a fantastic tradition of churning out elite sportsmen. The secondary school needs to raise €180,000 for the new all weather pitch on the grounds of the school and they are looking to the local community and businesses for support.
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“We’ve had fabulous extension to the school added recently so this represents the last piece of the jigsaw,” said CBS The Green, Principal, Anne O’Callaghan.
“It’s what the students deserve as we don’t actually have a pitch. We appreciate that clubs allow us to use their facilities, but this is an opportunity to have a pitch of our own,” said the Principal.
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How the new all-weather pitch would look at the CBS.
“We would encourage people to contact past pupils at home and abroad to support the project and help us provide a great legacy for the future generations of students that will attend the Green,” said Ms O’Callaghan.
The pitch will also be made available to the community and local clubs.
Five time All-Ireland winner and Kerry great, Marc O’Sé, is a teacher in The Green and is set to play on the night of the fundariser.
“As a school we want to continue this proud tradition. On the sports field, our school has excelled and given us many memorable days in the past and will do so in the future as we continue our rich and proud sporting tradition and heritage,” said Marc.
Full information on the development and how people can contribute is available on the school’s website www.thegreen.ie
Caherleaheen NS has been awarded the Digital Schools of Distinction Award.
CAHERLEAHEEN NS was honoured on Monday when it received the Digital Schools of Distinction Award.
This is a national recognition of best practice in the use of ICT (Computing) in primary schools throughout Ireland.
Principal, Donal O’Connor was presented with the award on behalf of the school on Monday by local Tralee businessman and IT entrepreneur Alan Scroope of Freeflow.
At present, only 130 primary schools in the country hold this award which is part of the Department of Education and Skills flagship programme to promote and acknowledge best practice use of ICT, to deliver the best educational experience for pupils at primary level.
Transition Year Student, Aoife De Bhailís, describes the Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Students visit to Netherlands, Germany and Belgium last month…
ON Friday, October 17, at the ungodly hour of 2am, the alarm clocks of Gaelcholáiste students and teachers alike began to ring.
After months of counting down, hastily packing and looking forward to, the day had finally arrived. Making sure nothing was left behind and passports were in hand, we met at our bus by school and began our first journey to Cork airport.
Attempts to sleep were first dismissed by the excitement levels, but by the time we boarded the Aer Lingus flight most of us were ready to crash and slept soundly to Schiphol Airport.
We arrived, albeit a little dazed, to a bright and buzzing Amsterdam. Complemented by the russet colours of autumn, the red brick buildings stunned us and we got the chance to enjoy a lot of the main sights of the city via canal on a boat trip.
After some food and souvenir shopping, we made our way to the Nemo Museum, a renowned science centre which had different interactive floors to cater to different ages and we spent a good while here ‘oohing and aahing’ at what was on offer.
Day two started with an interesting trip round the Valkenburg caves, made during WWII in case a nuclear bomb should drop, where afterwards we went to the local toboggan run which was great fun especially as the sun shone down on us in abundance.
After finishing, we headed to the beautiful city of Maastricht, where we relaxed and shopped before returning to Valkenburg where we did some laser tag in a new set of caves which everyone enjoyed.
On our third day we ventured into nearby Germany to Phantasialand, one of Europe’s biggest theme parks.
Here we braved rides like the ‘black mamba’, where its array of stomach churning loops and screws left us feeling nauseous but at the same time hungry for more!
After satisfying our roller coaster habit, we headed back to Holland and ended the evening bowling. On our final day we drove down to Brussels.
Here we finished up our shopping and got the chance to have a tour round the EU parliament which was a fantastic opportunity, then with time running out, we finished up with a tour round the nearby parlamentarium.
All in all we had a brilliant time filled with laughs and good memories and who knows some familiar faces might be seen on the next upcoming tour.
Students of St Brendans National School who won ‘The Award For Outstanding Achievement In Film Making For Special Effects’ at the ‘FIS Film Project’, pictured last month at a Kerry Film Festival event. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
ST BRENDANS National School, Fenit, has won ‘The Award For Outstanding Achievement In Film Making For Special Effects’ at the FíS Film Project awards in the Helix Centre in Dublin.
RTE’s Sinead Kennedy presented the award on stage, to pupils, Edward Stack and Allie Parker.
“We’re very proud of the children, they have achieved so much. For such a small school in Kerry it is a great honour,” said class teacher, Eimear De Brun.
The idea of FIS (literally translated as ‘Vision’) is to use film-making as a way of helping children to learn more effectively.
Over a hundred schools in Ireland entered the competition, with 24 schools chosen as finalists.
Students and teachers of St Brendan’s left Fenit very early on Tuesday morning to get to the Helix, where there were over 900 children from all over Ireland hopeful of winning a top award.
The film produced by the children is called “Be Careful What You Wish For”. It was created by 5th and 6th class and was shot in various locations in Fenit. It tells the story of four children who discover a genie in a bottle.
Check out, the children of St Brendan’s National School’s video below
Declan Quill presents John Carmody with the Cumann na mBunscoil Division 2 trophy.
THE CBS Primary senior football team won the Cumann na mBunscoil Division 2 County Final on Thursday.
In breezy conditions, the team, coached by Mr. Smith and Mr. Moynihan, took on The Monastery from Killarney.
The game was played in the well kept John Mitchels GAA grounds and it proved to be a very exciting affair.
The CBS started well with great leadership from captain and full forward John Carmody well assisted by Andrei Sucaci in goals, Shane Bastible at full back, Ciaran Commane at centre back, Terence Carmody and Devon Burns in midfield, and Greg Scanlon at centre forward.
After a pulsating first half the Tralee side went in at half time with the score 4-2 to 0-2 in their favour.
As expected “The Mon” came back strongly, aided by a strong breeze and corner backs of Darragh McEvoy and Samuel Petush defended stoutly assisted by wingbacks Munna Lukes and Niall McCarthy.
Wing forwards Carl Dzeiduich and Mohammed Raheem worked tirelessly forward and backwards supplying good possession into the always dangerous Tristen Kirwan and Cian Brosnan.
The subs that came on made a very positive impact on the outcome and they ran out eventual winners on a scoreline of 6-5 to 3-8.
The whole squad have made appearances right throughout the campaign and have represented the school fantastically well.
The coaches gave a huge word of thanks to all parents, students and staff members who took time out of their day to support the team on the day.
SAM was on the move again around the town on Monday. The famous cup received a huge reception, at Mercy Mounthawk, when Barry John Keane accompanied by current pupil, Andrew Barry, with the minor trophy arrived to the school.
“Since we won I’ve been looking forward to this day. It’s a great moment and I’m very proud obviously,” said Andrew Barry
“It wasn’t in my mind before the final because I just wanted to concentrate on my game, it’s been a great experience,” said Andrew.
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In front of packed hall of fellow students and the Tom Markham Cup in his hands, Andrew must now feel like he’s king of the school.
“I don’t know about that! It’s a bit of extra attention, but people will get over it eventually,” said Andrew.
This was a momentous day for Mercy Mounthawk, as it was another sign that the school’s football star is rising.
“We are delighted we’re able two bring the two cups today and we’re even more delighted Andrew was able to bring the Minor cup in,” said Principal, John O’Roarke.
“It’s great to have a player from the school on the panel. Andrew now is a fantastic role model for the school,” said Principal O’Roarke.
“We now have two players this year on the development panel so it would be great if they could get there. The school keeps on moving up and doing well in GAA and it’s events like this give other students the enthusiasm and impetus to go on and make it,” he added.
Barry John Keane with Sam Maguire cup and Andrew Barry with the Tom Markham Cup, along with students of Mercy Mounthawk. Photo by Gavin O’Connor. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAndrew Barry and the Tom Markham Cup, with staff and students of Mercy Mounthawk. Sean Gannon, Katie Crowe, Sinead Muldoon, Lindsey Moriarty, Aideen Fox and Tadgh Hurley. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Mercy Mounthawk students gathering in the sports hall before they departed on the run. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.,
STUDENTS and staff of Mercy Mounthawk took part in a fun run in aid of the Donal Walsh inspired charity, ‘Cycle Against Suicide’.
The 2.5k run, brought them out of the gates of the school, out the Bracker O’Regan Road, around the roundabout and back again.
The run on Friday was a practice run for Cycle Against Suicide events next year. A camera crew was also at the school filming and the footage shot will be shown to schools around the country as a guide to how the national event should play out.
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Cycle Against Suicide has been around since 2013 and the next cycle will take place on the May bank holiday weekend 2015.
Mounthawk is one of the anchor schools for the event, which means the school will host over 1,000 cyclists when Cycle Against Suicide rolls into town again.
“It’s ok not to feel ok and its absolutely ok to ask for help,” is the slogan for Cycle Against Suicide, whose mission is to break the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland, particularly with young people.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be one of the hosts of the Cycle Against Suicide next May,” said Principal, John O’Roarke.
“The message Cycle Against Suicide is trying to get out is of vital importance.If we can do events like this that can create awareness of the issue, then that is worth doing,” said Mr O’Roarke.
At the Cycle Against Suicide fun run event in Mounthawk were, from left: Leticia Andrees, Stephanie Doherty, Leontia Doody and Eileen Corridan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Cycle Against Suicide fun run event in Mounthawk were, from left: Kevin Ashe, Aaron Williams, Ben Kavanagh and Tom Moriarty. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Cycle Against Suicide fun run event in Mounthawk were, from left: Adele Hennessy, Bernie O’Shea (Teacher), Martin Moloney and Clara O’Halloran. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Cycle Against Suicide fun run event in Mounthawk were, from left: Sophia Chac, Katelyn O’Brien and Leah Browne. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Students and staff filming some of the footage of the event that will be sent around other schools across the country. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
English teacher, Christine Leen with student/ contributor to the book ‘The Next Instalment’, Sahra Sharif Hassan, and Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí, Mr Richard Lawlor.
COLÁISTE Gleann Lí- Post Primary School in Clash has launched ‘The Next Instalment’, an anthology of poetry and prose, produced by students of the school.
The book, which has been published locally, is a sequel to their earlier anthology of poetry and prose, entitled ‘The Write Stuff’ which was published in 2012.
Both publications were crafted with assistance and guidance of Ms Joanne Roche of the English department.
Speaking at the official launch of ‘The Next Instalment’, Mr Richard Lawlor, Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí, praised the excellent work of the students and teachers involved.
“This outstanding achievement is very much in keeping with the ethos at Coláiste Gleann Lí, where we strive to facilitate the holistic education and development of each of our students. This is a typical example of our teachers using real-life opportunities to put what is learned in the classroom into practice,” he said.
Copies of ‘The Last Instalment’ will be available at the Coláiste Gleann Lí Open Day, in Clash, on Saturday, October 18 from 10am to 1pm.
Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí, Clash, Mr Richard Lawlor, with students Luke Stack, Melanie Smith and Michael Lynch at the school looking forward to the Open Day this Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
COLÁISTE Gleann Lí is gearing up for its inaugural Open Day this Saturday, October 18 from 10am to 1pm.
The post primary school will display the new developments which have taken place to date on the campus in Clash.
The former Tralee Community College now no longer exists and instead two separate entities- Coláiste Gleann Lí, Post Primary School and Kerry College of Further Education- have replaced it.
This has resulted in a two phased upgrade of facilities and structures in Coláiste Gleann Lí. The first phase to physically separate the two colleges, refurbish specialist rooms and develop an astro turf pitch to the rear of the building, took place over the summer months and phase two is scheduled to occur next summer.
Phase two promises that the entire post primary school will be refurbished and upgraded. In addition to these physical changes, Kerry Education and Training Board has selected Coláiste Gleann Lí to become an ICT school of the future and infrastructure to support this selection will be installed this summer also.
The massive financial investment in the facilities on the campus is only one reason why enrolments and interest in the school has increased.
“The school is the only post primary school in Tralee that can offer the highest level of individual and personalised attention to students, ensuring that each student realises their full potential,” said Coláiste Gleann Lí Manager Richard Lawlor.
Mr Gerard Heaslip, member of the Parents’ Council, explained that he and his wife had chosen Coláiste Gleann Lí for their child as he had been attending a relatively small rural based primary school and they believed that he would be just a number in the larger post primary schools in Tralee.
“We are delighted we chose Coláiste a Gleann Lí,” said Mr Heaslip. “Our son is doing the same subjects as his older sisters did in another secondary school, a few years ago. At Coláiste Gleann Lí the teachers know and care about him as a person and can give him more attention due to the smaller class sizes. In short, our son is performing very well academically and he is happy there because it’s like a small close knit family, where everybody knows him”.
Richard Lawlor, Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí, highlighted the school’s successes in recent Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examinations.
“Statistical data indicates that our students continue to perform to their full ability and potential at every level,” he said.
This point was supported by a number of past pupils who volunteered their support for the launch of the Open Day.
One such student was Brian Nammock, who took time out of his busy work schedule as RTÉ’s Regional Production Engineer for Munster, to offer his support for his old school.
Brian praised the staff and unique atmosphere. “The staff always had a way of making us feel at ease by treating students with care and respect and exploring what we were best at in order to ensure we followed our dreams in third level and beyond,” he said.
The message from the parents, students, former students, staff and management of Coláiste Gleann Lí is to call in on Saturday, October 18 between 10am and 1pm and experience the school for yourself.
MERCY Mounthawk held special awards ceremony on Saturday morning, to honour the students from the school who achieved over 600 points in the Leaving Certificate this year.
Principal John O’Roarke presented the four teenagers with a special memento to mark the achievement while their families and staff from the school looked on.
The four students are Brendan O’Connor, Ardfert (studying Engineering in UL), Conor O’Mahony, Ballinorig (studying Physiotherapy in UL), Aine Daly, Tonevane (a medicine student in Trinity College) and Michael Grimes, Ardfert (Nano-science in Trinity College).
“It’s a tremendous personal achievement for them, their parents and the teachers in the school too,” Principal O’Roarke told TraleeToday.ie.
Conor O’Mahony, Aine Daly, Brendan O’Connor and Michael Grimes with their awards at Mercy Mounthawk on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanAine Daly with Deputy Principal Pat Fleming and Principal John O’Roarke at Mercy Mounthawk on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanConor O’Mahony with Deputy Principal Pat Fleming and Principal John O’Roarke at Mercy Mounthawk on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanMichael Grimes with Principal John O’Roarke at Mercy Mounthawk on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanBrendan O’Connor with Deputy Principal Pat Fleming and Principal John O’Roarke at Mercy Mounthawk on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Lorraine Counihan, Emma Healy and Catriona Walsh at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A CROWD of about 500 people gathered in Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday evening for a special celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of Listellick National School.
Bishop Ray Browne was the chief celebrant assisted by 12 other clergymen and the Listellick choir provided an excellent musical accompaniment to the proceedings.
There were hundreds of past pupils there including Margaret Neenan who started school in 1925 and Tom Nealon who began his schooldays in 1928. They both received a special presentation to mark the occasion.
Principal Annette Dineen spoke of her immense pride to be principal at this time. She thanked all involved in the night including clergy, parents’ council, choir, pupils, the 150 committee, staff from the school and past pupils.
It was also the perfect time to launch the magnificent book detailing the history of Listellick school, compiled by a committee headed by former principal, Micheal O Cinnéide.
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“It was lovely to see such a crowd here,” said Micheál, speaking after the Mass. “This is just the start of a year of celebration for the setting up Listellick. The launching of the book was the pinnacle for me because I was heavily involved in it.”
The book has been a long time in gestation.
“The idea first surfaced in my head about ten years ago because I could see the date looming. I proposed it and followed up on it, but the real work began about 10 months ago. The hardest part for me was transcribing about 3,500 names from registers and roll books on to a computer. But we got it done,” said Micheál.
“We had a huge amount of help from past pupils and people from the area. It was just lovely. There’s great stories and loads of photographs. As they say, every picture tells a story and that’s certainly true in this case,” said Micheál.
He’s not wrong. Flicking through the book, the quality of the photos is amazing and it’s a book no past pupil should be without. You better act quick though as the 500 that were printed are likely to be gone soon.
“We don’t think that there’ll be too many after tonight, but they’ll be on sale at the school if there’s any left. It’ll be a treasured item for those who have it,” said Micheál.
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Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, with Listellick staff, members of the board of management, clergy and special guests at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanClíona Murphy, Alice Murphy, Noreen Kavanagh and Joseph Murphy at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAshley Reynolds and Karen Sexton at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDonal Healy, Eileen Reilly and Margaret O’Shea at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanJerry Fitzgerald, Brendan Fitzmaurice, Pat Fitzgerald and Nora Fitzgerald at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanParents Tommy and Emma Culloty with Liam, Sophie and Niamh at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSusan Wrenn, Karen O’Driscoll, Rena Ruane and Anna Flynn at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRebecca Murphy, Maura McMahon and Sharon Murphy at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRichard Hurley and Tom Dunican at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanValerie O’Riordan, Pam McEneaney and Xavier Murray at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanPadraig Cronin with George and Martha O’Donnell at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanA big group at the Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Listellick NS 150th anniversary celebrations were extra special for six former pupils on Friday night.
The girls who grace the cover of Micheál O Cinnéide’s book on the school were reunited over 60 years after their photo was taken.
A special Mass to mark the anniversary was said by Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne, assisted by 12 clergymen, in Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Friday night attended by up to 500 people.
Afterwards, in the Pastoral Centre, the six ladies were reunited and shared their memories of that time in Listellick, but they couldn’t remember whether the photo was taken in 1952 or 1953.
They also posed in the same sequence for TraleeToday.ie as can be seen by the photos below.
Mary Ann Fitzgerald O’Connor, Margaret Hayes Galvin, Eileen Healy Walsh, Margaret Fitzmaurice Sheehy, Eileen Hayes O’Shaughnessy and Helen Foran as they looked back in 1952-53….…and here they are now.
