Tag Archives: Mounthawk

VIDEO: Mounthawk Student Eyes Hoop Dreams After Winning US Scholarship

April 13, 2015 Gavin O'Connor

Cian Sullivan, with Mercy Mounthawk basketball coach, John Dowling. Photo by Gavin O'Connor. — Cian Sullivan, with Mercy Mounthawk basketball coach, John Dowling. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

A MERCY Mounthawk student has designs on making it big in the NBA after winning a scholarship to a prestigious US prep school.

Standing at seven feet tall, Cian Sullivan already looks the part.

Now, by winning a scholarship at a $50,000 a year St Andrews prep school in Rhode Island USA, the Ballymac 18 year old is on the right path to make his dreams come true.

Cian has his head firmly screwed on though, as his eyes are firmly fixed on getting to the next step in his young career, which will be gaining a college scholarship in the States.

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The son of John and Anita Sullivan of Ballymac, Cian has had a busy year juggling his basketball commitments and studying for the leaving cert but he’s handled it well.

“It hasn’t been difficult at all. I don’t do much other things, so it’s just basketball and school I’m focused on,” said Cian.

Cian tells us a prep school is basically like repeating 6th year. At St Andrews he will study regular subjects such as maths and English along with furthering his ability as a player.

St Andrews, is ranked in the top 25 basketball prep schools in America and a fantastic stepping stone for establishing a career in basketball.

“I’m really excited about going over there, I’ll arrive in late August, school starts in September. For the last two years I’ve been looking for somewhere to go, so I decided to apply for St Andrews in November last and I received word in January that I had got in,” he said.

A former alumni of St Andrews is current NBA star and former NBA Rookie of the Year winner, Micheal Carter Williams, so there is a possible path to the big time should Cian seize his opportunity.

Though Cian has not yet played for the national side, such has been his development over the past year or so, he is said to be a shoe-in for the next selection of the Ireland U20s next year.

Mercy Mounthawk teacher and basketball coach, John Dowling, has had influential hand in Cian gaining this opportunity. The teacher, himself a experienced basketball player, made videos of Cian playing so that scouts in the US could see his talent.

“It’s a huge thing for the school, a huge thing for the county and a huge thing for the country,” said John Dowling.

“Only a small minority actually get this far, the fact he’s going to a school that is $50,000 a year to go to and several NBA players have already attended, it’s a big thing. I was speaking to the St Andrews coach over the phone last night and he said he has already arranged three college scouts to come and have a look at Cian,” John said.

“We’re very proud of him because he has worked his socks off. What he is now and what he was two years ago are two different people. Being a seven footer, it can take a while for the co-ordination to come. I’d love to have another year with him because we’d win all round us,” he said.

Plans are already in place for a Mounthawk team to head over to Rhode Island next year while Cian is out there playing.

“It will be a great thrill for the school to do that. All the players in the school are going to be looking up to him now, which is great for us,” he said. See video below of Cian’s basketball skills

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News

Bridge Erected On Walkway Near Casement’s Avenue

February 22, 2015 Gavin O'Connor

Walkway 1 — The new walkway bridge with Casement’s Avenue in the background. Photo by Dermot Crean

A NEW bridge has been put in place on the amenity walking trail that stretches from the Casement railway station to Mounthawk.

The bridge is located at the back of Dunnes Stores on the North Circular Road, adjacent to Casement’s Avenue.

This latest addition extends the Tralee walking trail allowing people access the trail on the Oakpark road, through to Rock Street then onto Mounthawk.

‘The Skinny Mile’, as it has become known, runs along what used to be old train-tracks. The trail has been a fantastic amenity for walkers, runners and cyclists and when completed it will be 2.5km in length.

Weather permitting, it is hoped that most of the remaining works on the trail will be completed before Easter. Plans are now being put in place to extend the walkway all the way to Fenit.

Entertainment, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Mounthawk Students To Tackle O’Casey Classic At Siamsa

January 7, 2015 Gavin O'Connor

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. — 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: 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: 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: 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'Keefe. 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: Donna Broderick, Christian Keane, Billy Donovan and Diarmuid Barry. 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.

News, Sport

KDL Gets €200,000 For All-Weather Pitch At Mounthawk

November 21, 2014 Dermot Crean

KDL — Mounthawk Park where the new all-weather pitch will be located.

A SUM of €200,000 is to be allocated to Kerry District League (KDL) for the provision of a full-size all-weather pitch which is a huge boost for soccer in Kerry.

The funding will help with the development of an all-weather pitch at Mounthawk Park, Tralee.

Work on the new surface will begin in the new year and is set to be completed by the beginning of May.

The project has been selected by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and is part of the 2015 sports capital allocation. The funding for the Kerry District League had been identified by the FAI as being ‘deserving of a once-off special allocation.’

“We eventually got the grant, but it was worth the wait” said Kerry District League Secretary John O’Regan.

“There’s 23 teams KDL teams using the pitch and three teams from the IT Tralee, so it’s important to keep the surface playable. We could nearly have this new all weather pitch on the go 24/7,” said John.

Arthur J. Spring, TD for Kerry North-West Limerick welcomed the announcement.

“I look forward greatly to the project being delivered next year. The Kerry District League has a long and proud tradition, going back to 1971. The League now has some 60 team league, eight youth sides, six ladies teams, twelve over -35’s and a very successful Kerry Schoolboys League. It’s very important that we recognise the role of the League in promoting sporting activity in the region and enhancing the well-being and health of our young people.”

News, SCHOOLS

Mounthawk Gives Huge Reception For Kerry Stars

October 21, 2014 Gavin O'Connor

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'Connor — 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’Connor

Andrew 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. — Andrew 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.

News

Choirs Of Kerry To Gather For Concert In St Brendan’s Church

October 7, 2014 Gavin O'Connor

chamber_1 — At the launch of the ‘World Mental Health Choral Extravaganza’ were, Our Lady and St Brendan’s parish priest Fr Padraig Walsh, representatives from Jigsaw Kerry, Choir Members from St John’s Gregorian Choir and Opus 96 Chamber Choir.

OPUS’96 Chamber Choir and Our Lady and St Brendan’s church will host the biggest choral concert ever seen in Kerry this Sunday October 12, at 8pm.

Friday is ‘World Mental Health Day’ and to celebrate this, two days later, 13 choirs from all over Kerry will come together to sing their hearts out and promote the positive mental health benefits that being part of a choir brings.

The Tralee area based choirs taking part along with several others from around the county are; Opus’96 Chamber Choir, St John’s Tralee Gregorian Choir, Kerry Chamber Choir, Our Lady and St Brendan’s Parish Choir, Ardfert Singers Ladies Choir and Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School Choir.

Compére for the evening will be Radio Kerry’s, Weeshie Fogarty. There is no cover charge, but it is hoped to get lots of donations with all proceeds going to JIGSAW/Headstrong (Kerry Branch).

The Jigsaw service provides a safe and confidential space where young people can access a wide range of mental health supports for free and is located at Unit A1, Edward Court, Tralee, Co Kerry.

The Jigsaw service works with young people aged from 12-25. Its main aim is to enable young people to access the most appropriate services in as seamless a way as possible, whatever their level of need.

The Jigsaw Programme was designed by Headstrong and its panel of youth advisors and is an evidence based, integrated service, designed to strengthen a community’s capacity to support young people’s mental health. It works on a partnership model of pulling together and aligning all existing resources and expertise in any given community.

News

Photos: Junior Cert Results Joy For Tralee Students

September 10, 2014 Gavin O'Connor

Students of Mercy Mounthawk who received their Junior Cert results were, from left: Ada O'Connor who got 8 A's, Sinead Deasy got 7 A's and Brian Fox who also got 8 A's. Photo by Gavin O'Connor. — Students of Mercy Mounthawk who received their Junior Cert results were, from left: Ada O’Connor who got 8 A’s, Sinead Deasy got 7 A’s and Brian Fox who also got 8 A’s. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

THERE were nerves and excitement in equal measure across all secondary schools in town on Wednesday morning as this year’s Junior Certificate exams students received their results.

Two of the top scorers were Lauren Kelly of Presentation Secondary School and Niamh Ni Chonaill of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí who both fetched a highly impressive 10 As.

Fifty students in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí completed their Junior Cert exams including two sets of twins.

“They did exceptionally well, we don’t like to focus on just one student, but Niamh Ni Chonaill getting a clean sweep of A’s is fantastic,” said Deputy Principal of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Ruairi O’Cinneide.

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In Mounthawk 60% of students got As in art which is well over the national average along with three students who received 8 As.

“They were a hard working bunch, you can see that in the results they got back. All the teachers are very pleased with them,” said Deputy Principal of Mercy Mounthawk, Pat Fleming.

Lauren Kelly of Presentation Secondary School got ten A's in her Junior Cert. Photo by Gavin O'Connor. — Lauren Kelly of Presentation Secondary School got ten A’s in her Junior Cert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

In 2012 sweeping changes were made to the educational system which will see the Junior Certificate exams become a thing of the past by 2020 and be replaced with a continued assessment form of examination. We asked students and teachers was this a positive move?

“There is definitely an appetite for change. I think we can all see there is value in continued assessment. Because of the changes in Maths there has been an uptake in the subject. This year 60% did honours maths, it was around 45% before, so with the right tweaks there can be change in the education system,” said Pat Fleming.

“The Junior Cert prepares you for doing the Leaving Cert,” said Shelly Howarth, student of Presentation Secondary. “If it goes, students won’t have the experience of doing a big exam,” she said.

“There is a lot of merit in continued assessment,” said Ruairi O’Cinneide at the Gaelcholaiste. “But the fact that students wont be independently assessed does cause a bit of concern. We have seen nationally that parents and teachers have been raising concern about the lack of independent assessment.”

“I think the continued asassessment would be better because a person could have a bad day of the exam, not everyone peaks at exam time,” said Eamonn O’Braoin, student of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí.

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