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Deputy Principal Donal Ó Ruanaidh with Gradam na Ghaeilge winners Evelyn Ahern and Paige Ní Dhruraigh Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was an atmosphere of celebration and excitement at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí’s annual Student Awards which took place at the school in Cloonmore on Friday afternoon last.
The awards ceremony, which is a celebration of all students’ achievements during the schoolyear, saw over 50 students presented with medals and trophies in recognition of their work both inside and outside of the classroom in the past year.
Awards celebrating school spirit, sports, culture and the Irish language were amongst some of those awards received by students.
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As part of the ceremony, past student Sadhbh Barrett Coakley, a freelance producer, stage manager and actor from Kerry but now based in Cork, spoke about her own journey as a student in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí and her career path since completing her Leaving Cert in 2012.
She also shared words of wisdom to the current Leaving Cert class as they prepare for upcoming exams and their lives after school.
The guest speaker at the awards was Kevin Leahy from Killarney who is the proprietor of the Black Sheep Hostel and Cafe, as well as being an accomplished endurance athlete.
The winners of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Student Awards with Príomhoide Ruairí Ó Cinnéide and Leas-Príomhoide Donal Ó Ruanaidh after the awards on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kevin spoke to students about his Arctic adventures having completed the Arctic Spine Race challenge, in Sweden and of the importance of self-belief, resilience and giving your best effort in whatever challenge you may find yourself.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the Student of the Year award. This year’s winner was Daithí Ó Loinsigh, a 6th Year student from Tralee.
Daithí was described as a fantastic ambassador for the school over the years, and has been an advocate of the Irish language and of the importance of student voice through his active participation in the student council.
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Student of the Year Tadhg Ó Loinsigh, Gradam Rachel Greensmyth winner Paddy Ó Móráin, Gradam Eolaíochta Sóisialta winner Brian Ó Domhnaill and Gradam na hIdirbhliana winner Dan Ó Maoldomhnaigh. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Gradam Rachel Greensmyth, presented by Sadhbh Barrett Coakley, acknowledges the personal growth and development of a student throughout the Year and was won by Paddy Ó Móráin 6th Year.
The Gradam Na Ghaeilge Irish language award acknowledges students who actively promote the Irish language within the school. The Junior Award went to Evelyn Ahern 2nd Year and Senior Award to Paige Ní Dhruraigh 5th Year.
The Gradam na hIdirbhliana TY student of the year acknowledges the student’s spirit and willingness to take part in all Transition year activities throughout the year and was presented to Dan Ó Maoldomhnaigh.
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Gradam Cultúir Sinsearacha/Senior Culture Award acknowledges their work and achievements with their Junk Kouture design that will compete in the National Finals in the Dublin in September and was presented to TY students Diarmuid Mac Donncha, Nathan Ó hÓráin and Jamie Ó Muircheartaigh.
Gradam Teicneolaíochta winner Gráinne Ní Chuirc, Gradam Eolaíochta agus Mata winner Clodagh de. Búrca and Gradam Teicneolaíochta winner Raonaid de Rossa. Photo by Dermot Crean
For their leaderships and outstanding contributions to sports during the year awards were presented to Réaltóg Spóirt Sóisearacha /Junior Sports awards: Avril Ní Dhughaill 2nd year and Jack Ó Coileáin 2nd Year, and Réaltóg Spóirt Sinsearacha/Senior sports award Sarah Ní Scannláin 5th year and Darren Ó Briain 6th year.
The achievement of the Junior girls’ basketball team who reached the All-Ireland ‘A’ basketball final were celebrated as were the Munster Champions of the LGFA U-15 competition.
It was also a successful team for the boys’ teams playing in a Munster hurling final and competing in a county soccer competition for the first time. They will play the final before the end of the school year.
Junior School Spirit Award winner Peter Ó Dughaill and Lianna Ní Chroimín with Gradam Teangacha winners Siún Ní Chlumháin and Mara Ní Liatháin. Photo by Dermot Crean
Recognition was also given to the individual and team honors which were achieved on the track and field, as well as to those who represented their county and country across many codes over the past 12 months.
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The School Spirit awards, which acknowledged students who have an outstanding dedication to the school’s values of Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Community, and Respect, were presented to two students this year.
Gradam Cultúir Sinsearacha winners Jamie Ó Muircheartaigh and Nathan Ó hÓráin with Réaltóg Spóirt Sinsearacha winners Darren Ó Briain and Sarah Ní Scannláin. Photo by Dermot Crean
The winner of the Junior School Spirit award was Lianna Ní Chroimín 3rd Year agus Peter Ó Dughaill 5th Year won the senior award.
The school also honoured students who excelled in various subjects throughout the year.
• Gradam Eolaíochta agus Mata (Science and Maths Award): Junior winner Clodagh de Búrca 3rd Year and Senior winner and Ellen Nic Ginneá 4th Year.
Junior Sports award winners Jeaic Ó Coileáin and Avril Ní Dhughaill. Photo by Dermot Crean
• Gradam Gnó (Business Award): Junior winner Miriam Ní Shíocháin 3rd Year and senior winner Daithí Ó Loingsigh 6th Year.
• Gradam Teangacha (Language Subjects award): Mara Ní Liatháin 2nd Year agus Siún Ní Chlumháin 6th Year.
• Gradam Teicneolaíochta (Technology Subjects Award): Raonaid de Rossa 3rd Year and Gráinne Ní Chuirc 6th Year
• Gradam Eolaíochta Sóisialta (Social Sciences): Evelyn Ahern 2nd Year and Brian Ó Domhnaill 6th Year
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