While students and staff moved into the school over a year ago,  Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí’s new campus in Cloon More, Tralee was officially opened on Frida by Minister for Education Norma Foley.

The event marked the culmination of years of planning and development, and is a new chapter for Irish-medium education in Tralee.

Minister Foley expressed her pride and excitement in seeing the project come to fruition.

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“Tá fíor-áthas orm a bheith anseo chun an ócáid speisialta seo, do Ghaelcholáiste Chiarraí, a chomóradh. I am very happy to be here today to celebrate this special occasion for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. Enormous credit is due to the leadership in the school, the absolute determination of the staff, their Board of Management and the great leadership of Kerry ETB and the wider community to deliver this magnificent new Gaelcholáiste.”

Chairperson of Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB), Cllr. Norma Moriarty also spoke at the event, emphasising the significance of this development for the community. “The opening of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí’s new campus is a milestone for education in Kerry. It represents our commitment to fostering the Irish language and providing students with an environment where they can thrive academically and culturally. We are proud to support this institution as it continues to grow and succeed.”

The ceremony was attended by students, staff, local dignitaries, and representatives from the wider community and Kerry ETB. Principal Ruairí Ó Cinnéide, welcomed Minister Foley and the gathered guests. “Today is a proud day for our school. This new campus represents not just a physical move, but a step forward in our mission to provide the best possible education through the medium of Irish. We are immensely grateful to Minister Foley for her ongoing support and for officially opening our new home.”

The new building is equipped with modern facilities, including advanced science, engineering, and computer labs, a spacious sports hall and gymnasium, an indoor and outdoor art room, textile room, spacious library and an outdoor area for students to enjoy. These facilities are designed to enhance the educational experience and provide students with the tools they need to excel in their studies and extracurricular activities.

In her address, Ann O’Dwyer Director of School Youth and Music highlighted the importance of the new campus in supporting the growing demand for Irish-medium education in the region. “Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and this new campus will enable the school to continue its vital role in promoting the Irish language and culture. The investment in this facility is an investment in our future, ensuring that our young people have access to the best possible state of the art resources as they pursue their education.”

The event was also an opportunity to reflect on the history of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, which has been a pillar of the Irish language community in Tralee for over three decades.  As the ceremony concluded, there was a sense of optimism and excitement about what the future holds for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. The new campus is not just a building, but a symbol of the school’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education through Irish and fostering a strong sense of community among its students and staff.

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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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GAELCHOLÁISTE Chiarraí Transition Year students came home with two awards from an event in Cork on Tuesday.

Two groups of TY students from the school competed in the All Ireland TY Drama Festival  at the Cork Opera House.

The two short plays from the students— ‘Cé A Mharaigh Art Ó Laoghaire’ and ‘In The Blink Of An Eye’ — were two of only 11 entries nationwide to make the final.

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The judges awarded The Máire Mhic Suibhne Trophy for the Best Play in the Irish Language – to ‘Cé a Mharaigh Art Ó Laoighaire?’ under Michelle D’Altuin.

A special award for Best Innovation in Theatre was awarded for the play ‘In The Blink Of An Eye’ under the direction of Mary Quirke. Congratulations to all involved in both productions.

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TWO groups of Transition Year students from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí will compete in the All Ireland TY Drama Festival this month.

The two short plays — ‘Cé A Mharaigh Art Ó Laoghaire’ and ‘In The Blink Of An Eye’ — are two of only 11 entries nationwide to make the final on Tuesday, March 19 at the Cork Opera House, a remarkable achievement by the school.

‘Cé A Mharaigh Art Ó Laoghaire?’ is based on the lament ‘Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire’ by Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, the wife of Ó Laoghaire who was killed back in 1773 by one of the men in the employ of Cork landowner Abraham Morris.

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“Eibhlín recited a lament at his graveside and people wrote parts of it down,” said teacher Michelle D’Altuin, who put the play together with the students, based on the story. “It tells us a lot about society at the time. She was an extraordinary woman and hers is an amazing story,” she added.

The other play, ‘In The Blink Of An Eye’ is a mime telling the story of a couple’s romance — from meeting in their teens, to break-up, reconciliation, marriage, having children, growing old together and, well…let’s just say there’ll be something in your eye by the end!

Written and directed by Mary Quirke, music plays a big part in the production with the lyrics of well known pop songs reflecting the stages in the couple’s lives.

Best of luck to both groups next week and hopefully one of them will win the top prize.

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THE spirit of giving was truly in evidence at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí this week as the holidays approach.

The students, with the help of Irish teacher Elma Uí Shuilleabháin decided to celebrate the festive season by participating in the tradition of donating Christmas boxes to a local charity in Tralee.

‘’We would have a tradition in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí to donate to local charities during the Christmas period, this year we chose to donate to St. Vincent’s de Paul in Tralee,” said Irish teacher Elma Uí Shuilleabháin.

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“Christmas can be particularly challenging for individuals facing unexpected crises. St. Vincent de Paul carry out great work in the community helping those in need, offering financial support, and other resources to help people overcome immediate challenges,” added Ms Uí Shuilleabháín.

Over the last few weeks students started bringing in their boxes with the contents varying, from warm clothing to toiletries.

‘’It instills a sense of gratitude in students and staff and fosters a deeper appreciation for the true meaning of Christmas,” said Ms Uí Shuilleabháin.

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A FIFTH year student in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí came third in a competition for All-Irish schools in Cork on Wednesday.

Stuart Daley, a teenager with a passion for rock music, took to the stage in The Youth Theatre in Fermoy to represent in the school at Scléip, a stage based competition for All Irish schools.

With the backing of staff and fellow students, the Ballyheigue native performed brilliantly on guitar and impressed all present. Stuart cites Metallica and Rory Gallagher among his influences.

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IT’S the time of the year when parents and their children who are now in their final year of primary school, think about ‘the next step’.

Well Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí surely helped them make up their minds on Thursday when they held an open evening to showcase the new school.

After a short introduction from Príomhoide Ruairí Ó Cinnéide, the parents and children were taken on a tour of the impressive building where they heard from teachers in each of the classrooms about the various subjects.

The school sports hall also hosted a number of stands detailing extra-curricular activities as well as school tour details, their commitment to environmental awareness among other issues. Scroll down for photos…

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GAELCHOLÁISTE Chiarraí will be hosting their Open Evening for the first time at their new school in Cloonmore on this Thursday, October 26.

Commencing at 6.30pm, pupils from primary schools accompanied by parents/guardians will have an opportunity to meet with staff and students and to discover what the school can offer to prospective students and why choosing Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí might be the right option for them.

Students can get a better sense of the atmosphere of the school, the learning environment, the amazing facilities at the new school and the relationship between staff and students there. For more information call 066-7121650. Click here to go to their website for more.

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By Deirdre Ní Chochlán (teacher)

AN important chapter in the lives of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí 6th year students came to an end on Thursday evening as they gathered to celebrate their graduation.

The occasion was held in the glorious evening sunshine at the new school campus. Students Kiana Breathnach and Philip Ó Béara captivated the students, parents, past pupils and teachers as they reminisced about their time in the school.

Kiana expressed her gratitude to the staff in the school while Philip humorously alluded to the prolonged promise of the new campus and his delight at it exceeding expectations.

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Dalta na Bliana, Sorcha Ní Dhonnchú,  eloquently detailed her experience transitioning from an English speaking primary to the Gaelcholáiste.

Evan Ó Cathasaigh from Ballyheigue received a special award in recognition of his full school attendance since first year. Indeed remarkably Evan never missed a school day since he started primary school.

Principal Ruairí Ó Cinnéide, in his address, urged the pupils to continue to make the Irish language an integral part of their lives and to always look out for each other. Scroll down for photos…

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THE annual Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Student Awards took place at the new school building at Clonmore on Tuesday afternoon with a plethora of honours handed out to students.

The awards ceremony is a celebration of student’s achievements during the year. Awards recognising sport, culture and the Irish language were only some of those awards received by students.

As part of the ceremony, past student Cristín Ní Laocha who currently works as a social worker with Tusla spoke about her own journey as a student in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí and her own career path since leaving the school in 2013.

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She also shared words of wisdom to the Leaving certs as they prepare for upcoming exams.

Columnist and presenter on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta Sláine Ní Chathalláin also spoke to the students about the importance of the Irish language in her life, and how it helped carve her own career path once she left school.

The Gradam Dhalta Na Bliana/Student of the year was presented by Sláine Ní Chathalláin. The award acknowledges a student’s academic achievements, school spirit and involvement in the school community and their love for the Irish language. It was won by sixth year student Sorcha Ní Dhonnchú.

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The Gradam Rachel Greensmyth was presented by Cristín Ní Laocha. It acknowledges the personal growth and development of a student throughout the year and was won by sixth year Sadie Ní Bhrosnacháin.

The Gradam  Na Ghaeilge/ Irish language award which acknowledges the students love for the Irish language and the work they do the organise events and promote the language within the school was won by fifth year Daithí Ó Loinsigh.

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The Gradam Na hIdirbhliana/ TY student of the year which acknowledges the student’s spirit and willingness to take part in all Transition year activities throughout the year was presented to Máiréad de Búrca.

The Gradam Cultúir Sóisearacha/Junior Culture Award which acknowledges their contribution to the Irish culture within the school and their willingness to perform at events throughout the year was presented to Avril Ní Dhúghaill, Evelyn Ní hEachthigherin, Emily Rose Ní Mhurchú and Emma Rose Ní Ghealbháin.

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The Gradam Cultúir Sinsearacha/Senior Culture Award which acknowledges their work and achievements with their Junk Kouture design Hauticouture which reach the National Finals in theDublin in May was presented to Nicole Arefjeva, Iseult Ní Bhriain, Róisín Ní Mhathúna, Nia Ní Chiarba.

Their leaderships and outstanding contributions to sports during the year were presented to Réaltóg Spóirt Sóisearacha /Junior Sports awards: Priya Ní Dhonnabháin agus Issac Ó Brosnacháin and Réaltóg Spóirt Sinsearacha/Senior sports award Amy Ní Churtáin agus Jack O Dúghaill.

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GAELCHÓLAISTE Chiarraí, Tralee, raised their Gaelbhratach flags at St Patrick’s campus, at DCU on Tuesday.

Over 200 students from Gaelbhratach committees in post-primary schools across the country gathered to celebrate their hard work in promoting Irish in their schools throughout the year, and were presented with a Gaelbhratach flag.

Through workshops, craic, conversation and music the young attendees got a taste of the Irish language community – along with motivation to “raise the Irish flag” in their own lives.

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Former Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí student, Barry Ó Siochrú, is the first Irish language officer in NUIG Students’ Union, and was MC for the occasion.

“I am so proud to have been MC at this excellent occasion. I attended this event as a student myself and it is brilliant to see the young students now raising their Gaelbhratach just as I did. I am filled with optimism about the future of these students, and indeed about the future of the Irish language,” said Barry.

Mairéad Ní Thiománaigh, the manager of Gaelbhratach, said; “The presentation gives us the opportunity to meet and to celebrate students from all parts of the country. Every school has its own story but the common thread between these groups is their recognition of the importance of the Irish language, and their efforts to promote it. How lucky are we to work with young people who energise us.”

The Gaelbhratach scheme was established in 2012 in response to the need to create natural opportunities to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting.

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KERRY Education and Training were given the keys to the new Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí building in Tralee yesterday.

Two years to the day from the commencement of the on-site construction works, the practical completion of the new building was confirmed. Over the next month, final preparations for the arrival of staff and students on April 24 will be completed.

Speaking about the journey of the new school project, Ruairí Ó Cinnéide Principal at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí said; “The school community and the wider Pobal Gaeilge in Tralee are looking forward to moving into the new campus in the coming weeks. The new campus gives us the capacity to cater for the increased demand for Gaeloideachas in the town of Tralee and surrounding areas.

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“The Gaelcholáiste is a pivotal institution for developing the Irish language in Kerry, and the new school will add to the development and capacity for the provision of Gaeloideachas in Co. Kerry. As language is one of the most important parts of any culture, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí’s new school campus will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the strong traditions and Cultúr Gaelach that already exist in Tralee town and the surrounding areas.”

Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools, Youth and Music, added; “It is fantastic to see this project completed. This new state-of-the-art building will greatly add to the high standard of teaching and learning by providing excellent facilities for students and staff and allowing the school to provide a broader curriculum. Students from up to forty different primary schools attend Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. We look forward to seeing that number grow with the new facilities in the school”.

In welcoming the practical completion of the new building, an Cathaoirleach of Kerry ETB Cllr. Jim Finucane stated; “The delivery of this new building for the staff and students of the Gaelcholáiste has been a long-held goal for the ETB. We are delighted to have received the keys of the new school building and I compliment the work of the Design Team led by Oppermann Associates and Vision Contracting Ltd. We look forward to the new school opening in April 2023”.

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WITH the opening of a brand new school building just months away, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí held an open night on Tuesday to give potential students and their families an idea of what to expect if they enrol for next September.

While the open night was held at their current building in Moyderwell, visitors were briefed on the facilities that the new school will offer but, more importantly, on the ethos of the school, the atmosphere and the learning environment they can expect.

As impressive as the new building will be when it opens in early spring 2023, Principal Ruairí Ó Cinnéide was also keen to stress that a school is more than just bricks and mortar.

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“We want to give a sense of who we are here at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, to give a sense of the school rather than a school building and what we can offer students,” he said.

“Those students visiting from English-medium schools — and their parents — may be anxious about the transition to a secondary school where subjects are taught as gaeilge, so we’re here to answer their questions and tell them what we can do to support them.”

The new school — which will be located on land near Ballymullen, adjacent to University Hospital Kerry — will be a state of the art building to include 22 general classrooms, four science labs, a library and specialist rooms for art, technical graphics, materials technology wood, music, home economics and ICT.

The Campus will also include a sports hall, fitness suite, hard-court play areas and further developments in time to include a hurling wall and astroturf pitches.

Those attending the open night were taken on guided tours by current students, many of whom came from English-speaking primary schools, so they were able to convey how well they adapted to the new environment when they first arrived, while teachers were also on hand to answer any questions.

Principal Ó Cinnéide also gave a comprehensive presentation on everything students and their parents needed to know to help them make a decision about applying for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. For more information applying for a place at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, call 066-7121650 or click here to go to their website.

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GAELCHOLÁISTE Chiarraí will be hosting their Open Night in the building in Moyderwell,  on Tuesday, October 25.

Commencing at 7pm, students and parents/guardians will have an opportunity to meet with staff and students and to discover what the school can offer to prospective students and why choosing Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí might be the right option for them.

Students can get a better sense of the atmosphere of the school, the learning environment, and the relationship between staff and students of the school.

There will also be information on the new school building which is due to open in early 2023. For more information call 066-7121650.

STUDENTS and staff at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí celebrated a busy and very successful school year at their annual awards ceremony held in the school in Moyderwell on Thursday afternoon.

The academic, artistic and sporting achievements of the students were celebrated and awards were presented to over 30 students.

Príomhoide Ruairí Ó Cinnéide, in congratulating the students said they are a “fantastic group of young people to work with on a daily basis and that they have been great ambassadors for the school and their families”.

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He thanked them for their commitment to the school, the Irish language and the culture, and he wished them every success in their upcoming school and state examinations and

Two 6th year students, Eoin Mac Uileagóid from Lixnaw, and Saoirse Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh from Tralee, spoke on behalf of the students and they thanked their teachers and all the school’s staff for their help, encouragement and support throughout the school year.

And the winners are…

• Dalta na Bliana – Eoin Mac Uileagóid (formerly Dromclough N.S)

• Gradam Rachel Greensmyth – Oisín Palmer (Formerly Scoil Realt na Mara)

• Gradam na Gaeilge – Aisling Ní Ainiféin (Formerly Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn)

• Réaltóg Spórt Sóisir – Sarah Ní Scaláin (Formerly Gaelscoil Aogáin)

• Réaltóg Spórt Sóisir – Gavin Ó Caoimh (Formerly Lixnaw Boys School)

• Réaltóg Spórt Sinsear – Paris Nic Carthaigh (Formerly Gaelscoil Aogáin)

• Réaltóg Spórt Sinsear – Dominic Ó Fionnagáin (Formerly Gaelscoil Aogáin)

• Gradam Ceoil Sóisir – Micheál Ó Ficheallaigh, Rebekah Ní Shithigh, Grace Ní Ifearnáin, Emma Ní Ifearnáin Peter Ó Dúghaill)

• Gradam Ceoil Sinsear – Ella Nic Gabhann (Formerly Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn)