edmund rice schools trust autumn 2014 issue 9 síol · pdf filegreetings from the edmund...

Greetings from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust! I welcome you back after the summer break with every blessing for a new and exciting school year.

Each year we publish two editions of Síol, containing stories and features that come in to the ERST office from your schools. I am always amazed at the variety of these articles – at your successes and your contributions to your school, your community, even to other countries.

Recently, a gathering of educators in Edmund Rice education from around the world met in Nairobi, Kenya. I was very fortunate to attend. Did you know that there are over 300 Edmund Rice schools educating over 300,000 young people around the world? We are part of this global community of Edmund Rice schools. In fact, as you know, the first school was set up by Edmund Rice in New Street, Waterford, in 1802.

The result of the gathering in Nairobi was the setting up of “Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders”, which was launched by the Congregation Leader of the Christian Brothers, Brother Hugh O’Neill. Over the course of the next year we will be highlighting the exciting possibilities that there will be for sharing among the Edmund Rice schools in this global network.

During the course of our visit to Nairobi I had the immense privilege of visiting a school for children with special needs, which was situated on the edge of the huge Kibera slum on the outskirts of Nairobi. Meeting the children and staff of this school, with the most basic of facilities, was a very humbling experience. However, later that day I was invited, along with a teacher from Australia and a teacher from Uruguay, to visit the home of the parent of two of the children who were attending the school. We were greeted by their mother, a lady called Batuuli, in her house in the centre of the Kibera slum, an area of shocking poverty with a population of over 1 million people. Batuuli’s home comprised of one small room, with one home made bed, four chairs and a home-made table, lacking any form of electricity, water or toilet facilities, to cater for Batuuli and her seven children. For over an hour, we chatted, with the help of a translator, to Batuuli, who smiled throughout. She offered us the hospitality of her home and thanked us repeatedly for doing her the honour of visiting her home. Before we left, she prayed for us, in her local dialect, in a rhythmic chanting tone. Our guide translated. Batuuli was wishing us the very best of good fortune, praising our teachers and our students,

our families and our fellow workers, and telling us that she will be keeping us all in her prayers and thoughts in the future. Batuuli, who had so few material possessions, had so much to give.

In a way, Batuuli reminded me of what is so important about our Edmund Rice schools. We know that all of our schools show a special care for our students in an atmosphere that is welcoming and inclusive. However, Edmund Rice schools go a step further and expect our students to take their talents and to use them for the benefit of their family, their school, their community, and the people of this and other countries.

Albert Schweitzer, a great thinker from the last century, once said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

I wish you all well for the year ahead and I look forward to hearing further inspiring stories of the great work that you are doing.

Best wishes, Gerry Bennett Chief Executive

The Edmund Rice Schools Trust

Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Autumn 2014 • Issue 9

Síol Newsletter

ff Ardscoil Ris Limerick (L-R) Gearoid MacCarthaigh, Margaret McCarthy (teacher), Donal Murphy, Tony McCann (Edmund Rice Schools Trust) and Jack O’Shea

Síol

On the ninth of December 2013 St Joseph’s Fairview officially celebrated 125 years since its foundation originally as a training school for young Christian Brothers in 1888. Over those years this well-known Northside school has educated thousands of successful citizens. It can boast of having educated two Taoisigh, namely John A. Costello and Charles J. Haughey, one Tánaiste called George Colley, many clergy, large numbers of civil servants and teachers as well as hundreds of boys who went on to backbone the civil structures of our fledgling State.

The evening was an auspicious occasion as it was marked by the launch of four events: (i) the 125 Commemorative Year Book, edited by teacher Mr Tim Quinlan (ii) the new updated website which went live on the night, (iii) the announcement of the 125 anniversary dinner (last Friday in February 2014) and (iv) the official blessing and opening of the new Asperger’s Unit.

The 125 Commemoration Year Book contains a full history of St Joseph’s from its foundation in 1888 to 2013, and that history is presented through the use of an easily consulted timeline and through an extensive use of original pictures, many of which have never been seen publicly before.

There are articles by many past pupils plus interviews with present and past teachers, supplemented by interviews with pupils from the 40s, 50s and 60s. As sports is a highlight of any good school the 125 Year Book contains a substantial history of Joey’s exploits on the field of play which is lavishly illustrated with pictures of our sporting heroes down through the years.

This special 125 Commemorative Year Book is a “must buy” for all Past Pupils and anyone interested in local history. It can be obtained from the secretary at St Joseph’s at the very reasonable price of #10.

After the launch of the book and website the crowd of some 200 assembled guests went out to the school yard where they witnessed the blessing of the new school rooms by Monsignor Alex Stenson (past-pupil) P.P. of St Brigid’s Killester and the cutting of the ribbon by Harry Boland, Snr. (RIP). Harry was a son of the famous Irish politician, also named Harry Boland (1887-1922) a member of the First Dáil. Our Harry was a past pupil and classmate of Charles J. Haughey and George Colley, and sadly died in his early nineties a few weeks after the opening, but had told his family how delighted he was to attend this celebratory evening for the school he had loved so well and had remained loyal to through years of support for the Past Pupils Union.

Joey’s Fairview Celebrates 125 Years in EducationSt Joseph’s CBS, Fairview

Edmund Rice Students Council Conference 2014The second Edmund Rice Student Council Conference took place in the Red Cow Hotel on Wednesday 30th April. 80 students attended from 20 schools. A full programme was provided for the day both for the students and the teachers who accompanied them to the venue. Amongst the topics discussed on the day were: the role of student councils in 95 Edmund Rice schools nationwide, best practice and “how leaders are ordinary people doing extraordinary things”, fundraising fatigue in schools and how to “keep the buzz going”, celebrating diversity, the importance of student to student anti bullying campaigns, listening with our eyes and

heart as well as both ears, and giving students a real voice especially those with a smaller voice. All expressed gratitude and appreciation for the content of the day that was partly organised with a group of students from Colaiste Mhuire, Cabra, St. Declan’s, Artane, Pobalscoil Neasain, Baldoyle and Ardscoil Rís, Griffith Avenue. Br Chris Glavey, Tony McCann and Orla Walsh facilitated the day’s activities. Good practice was shared, reflection on Edmund Rice’s influence on their lives discussed, new ideas generated and plans for next year made. This is a very successful conference and is well supported by our schools throughout the Network.

ff Conor O'Reilly - Book Designer & Sub Editor of "Celebrating 125 Years"

ff Principal, Teacher and students involved in the production of the Yearbook which was sent into The Northside People.

Autumn 2014

A Lotta ColourSt Joseph’s CBS, Fairview

Congratulations to Daniel Caul, a Transtition Year student at St. Joseph’s CBS, Fairview, who was the runner up prize winner in this year’s All Ireland Credit Union Art Competition in the special category 14-17 years.

Marty Whelan (RTE presenter) and Martin Sisk (President of the Irish League of Credit Unions) was at hand to present a cheque to Daniel at an award giving ceremony at Croke Park Conference Centre.

The competition which is one of the biggest for children and adults alike on the island of Ireland attracted over 30,000 entries this year, and ran through a network of over 486 credit unions located throughout Ireland.

This year’s thought provoking theme ‘Gotta Lotta Colour’ was open to interpretation by each entrant but aimed to celebrate the imagination, vibrancy and creativity of Irish people and their communities.

On Thursday the 6th of February within the hallowed halls of the Royal College of Surgeons our science debating team faced their worthy opponents from CBS Westland Row for the Leinster Final of the Debating Science Issues contest. The RCSI is one of the many research bodies sponsoring these debates and the topic before the house was that “research and healthcare funding should be allocated in a population-dependent manner even for serious rare diseases.” Our team was opposing the motion and argued strongly that funding should be given to serious rare diseases on a par with more common serious diseases. On the day the Joey’s team was victorious.

Our team comprised Alex Fay (Captain), Manolito Aviles (Vice-Captain) who are the speakers and debaters and a wonderfully committed team of researchers comprising Peter Redmond, Josh Nichol, Stephen Moran and James Morgan. They have been ably and wisely coached by their enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Don Sheahan. Both Alex and Manolito spoke very well and were very competent and confident speakers throughout. The opposition had their research well done and their second speaker was very good indeed, but Joey’s sounded more convincing with their well-honed

debating skills and non-reliance on reading their notes. The debate was well attended with all the Transition Year Students being present to support the school team.

Our team will now go on into the nationwide section of this prestigious competition. As winners of the Leinster Final they will proceed to meet the winners of the Ulster Final who will be

either Dalriada School or Our Lady and St Patrick’s in the National Semi-Finals. The winners of that debate will meet the winners of Munster versus Connaught competition in the All-Ireland Final in the coming months. We are duly proud of our Science Team, both debaters and researchers, and wish them much luck in the National Semi-Finals

Joey’s wins the Leinster Final of the DSI DebatesSt Joseph’s CBS, Fairview

Congratulations also to Brandon Leech, a second year student at St. Joseph’s CBS who won 1st prize in the 14 - 17 yrs category at the Chapter level of the Art Competition representing Fairview Credit Union.

ff The winning team from Joey’s with their gallant opponents from CBS Westland Row at the RCSI.

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ff First Year Students 2013-2014

ff First Year Students 2013-2014

ff Students pictured with their products in preparation for the ‘Students Enterprise Awards’

ff Students pictured with their products in preparation for the ‘Students Enterprise Awards’

Gifted Entrepreneurs from CBS Secondary School Launch their ProductsCBS Carrick-on-Suir

Last year’s first year students at CBS Secondary School in Carrick-on-Suir were proud to display their products for sale all of which reflected the high standard of their collective entrepreneurial skills.

This enterprise project was in preparation for the Student Enterprise Awards and no time was wasted as teacher Majella Gleeson encouraged and advised her students to get started early. It was a huge success and the young students with careful planning produced fine gifts crafted from wood, baked tasty treats and created a spin on popular sweets which were in huge demand. Branded bagged kindling had been a popular option whilst others had crafted key holders in all shapes and sizes to include a hurley draped in local club and county colours. There were wooden book and ipod stands, pretty garden log edgings in three different lengths to suit all borders, beautifully designed bookmarks with local club and county crests, delicious quirky shaped chocolates and a selection of fat balls with mixtures of fruit, seeds, raisins and peanut butter, a treat and life saver for the many wild birds during harsh weather. A limestone cheese/chopping board sanded, polished and waxed comes complete with a cheese knife and a wooden multipurpose holder would be ideal for coats, keys and tea towels.

The students will make to order if customers have a particular club crest or county colour they want and hope that all will support them in their venture. A lot of planning, and hard work has gone into their enterprise projects but the finished products and the praise and encouragement from the school and family have made it all worthwhile. The students agreed that they faced a challenge to begin with but were thrilled with what they had crafted and made themselves. Sales have boosted their confidence whilst giving them hands on experience in small business with a lean to marketing skills and good customer relations and an appreciation of competitive trading.

All the above were on sale at the Farmers Market, school events and outside BOI on Main Street. The students appreciated any support they got from the local community and sincerely thank all who have helped them out in any way and who have bought their products.

Autumn 2014

Tipperary Enterprise AwardCBS Carrick-on-Suir

‘TOP ENTREPRENUERS: Local teenager David Doyle of Curragh is part of the Carrick-on-Suir CBS Transition Year group that has stormed its way to the top of the young entrepreneur’s scene recently. Along with Michael Phelan from Carrick on Suir and Jack O’Sullivan from Faugheen their Welly Racks and Jacks project has won the Tipperary Enterprise award in the L.I.T. in Clonmel and the “Best Quality Product at the Kilkenny Enterprise “Get up and Go” competition held in the Springhill Hotel. Both awards have seen them progress to the respective National Finals in Dublin and in Croke Park in May. Their Welly Racks and Jacks made from both steel and timber also saw their appearance in the National Final of the Dragons Den in the Matter hotel in Dublin. Created as a result of their agricultural background observances the Welly Racks in timber and steel have been designed to store everyone’s outdoor accessory both safely and dryly whilst the Jacks assist in the removal of the wellington after the days work. Since their start up in September the team have sold them at farmers markets, post offices, banks and co-op stores and have gone worldwide via their website www.wellyracksandjacks.weebly.com and on Facebook on wellyracksandjacks. The transition year team in the school is led by Miss Majella Gleeson with support from the county enterprise coordinator Joanne O Donnell. Amongst the many skills involved in there production are design, cutting, welding and painting the steel, with similar skills on the wooden equivalents. In addition the successful learning curve has included IT, Finance, marketing and sales. Since Christmas the enterprising group have extended their product range from the left over materials to create Hurley Racks in green, blue, red and any other club or county colour that is required’.

Junior Dragon’s Den and Presidents AwardCBS Carrick-on-Suir

ff Jack O Sullivan, Michael Whelan and David Doyle - Transition Year students CBS Carrick on Suir- Regional Finalists in this year’s Junior Dragon’s Den in the Marker Hotel in Dublin on Saturday January 25th with their company called Wellie Racks and Jacks.

ff Jamie Torpey Past Pupil CBS Carrick on Suir receiving his gold gaisce President’s Award from President Michael D,Higgins on February 11th in Dublin Castle

ff Wellies Racks and Jacks Project - Winning Product in the Tipperary Enterprise Awards

ff Jack O’Sullivan, Michael Whelan & David Doyle - Winners of the Tipperary Enterprise Awards

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Trip to Millrose Games in New YorkSt Fintan’s High School, Sutton

This February, an athletics squad from St. Fintan’s made the trip of a life time to the Millrose games in New York. The Millrose Games is an annual indoor athletics meet (tract and field) held each February in New York City. They started taking place at the Armory in Washington Heights in 2012, after having taken place in Madison Square Garden from 1914 to 2011. After months of fundraising and training, the students were accompanied to the games by their coach Mr Paddy Noonan and by Mr John O’ Donoghue a teacher at the school.

Visit to Áras an UachtaráinSt Fintan’s, Sutton

A group of TY students attended an official ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin on October 10th 2013 to witness new Ambassadors present their credentials to President Higgins. Students watched as H.E. Mr. Mal Berisha, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Ireland, H.E. Mr. Patrick Engelberg, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Ireland and H.E. Mr. Alexander Lockwood Smith, Ambassador of New Zealand to Ireland presented their credentials.

Autumn 2014

Awards NightCBS Kilkenny

ff Sinead Morrissey presents the Vincent Morrissey Memorial Trophy for Senior Hurling to Paddy Deegan

CBS take 2nd Place in All Ireland DramaCBS Kilkenny

Very well done to the TY Drama group who achieved 2nd place in the All Ireland Transition Year Drama Festival in Macroom, Co. Cork on Saturday 2nd March.

Special congratulations to Jack Eustace who won the BEST PERFORMANCE prize for his portrayal of the title role of DONALBAIN.

The group members are absolutely delighted with the success of Donalbain and their hard work and dedication over the past weeks certainly paid off.

The cast members were Jack Eustace, David O’Gorman, Robert Galster, Shane O’Riordan, Joe Neill, Jake Manley, Curtis O’Brien and Kevin Power. They were joined by two students from Loreto Secondary School – Marie-Claire Mealy and Aisling Costello who played the female roles. Technical support was provided by Jonathan McGrath and Darragh O’Byrne on sound with Philip Hehir on lighting. Set and props were handled by Colin Carthy and Sean Rhatigan who also acted as stage crew.

The show went really well and the adjudicators praised the production very warmly. Thanks to Miss Catherine Cahill for her supervision of the art work and to Miss Mary Meaney who directed the play.

ff Mr. Geoff Meagher presents the 2014 McFadden Medal to Paddy Deegan

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Fish & ChicksFrancis Street CBS, Dublin

Over the past few months the Liberties’ boys of Francis Street CBS have been getting a taste of wildlife in the city.

Our fifth class were selected to participate in a project with Sealife in Bray and the Irish Marine Institute. We have had an aquarium installed in our classroom with 4 aquatic creatures, a brittle starfish, a sea anemone, a rock goby fish and a shanny! The boys are learning fast that there is more to an aquarium than looking at the fish. Different groups within the class have been assigned tasks such as cleaning the tank, temperature control and monitoring oxygen levels.

Ms Finnegan from County Galway has brought a touch of rural life to Francis Street with her practical approach to the life cycle of a chick! We currently have 24 fertilised eggs in the incubator due to hatch in time for Easter. This whole school project has seen boys across the classes; teachers and our school secretary play the role of mother hen. We are very eggcited about the arrival of our chicks!

Our Fish ‘n’ Chicks have greatly enhanced our pupils understanding and learning in the sciences and across the curriculum as well as giving the boys an opportunity to express their natural caring and nurturing natures.

ff Top: Patrick Petrut. Above: Left to right: Adam Hendrick, Ben Norton, Patrick Mongan, Nojus Baltrimas

Three ERST Schools achieve Bronze Medal Success at the 10th International Junior Science Olympiad

ff Eamonn Murphy, St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow; Eoin Caffrey, Ard Scoil Ris, N.C.R., Limerick; Kevin Fletcher, Colaiste Eanna C.B.S., Dublin 16; Liam Toebes, Carragaline Community School, Cork.

The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is an annual competition in science for students of age sixteen years or younger. It involves individual and team competitions in the Natural Sciences – in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. It is an annual event held in December and hosted by one of the participating countries.

The 10th International Junior Science Olympiad was held at Pune, India from 3rd to 12th December, 2013.

Over 200 students from 42 countries performed scientific experiments in the nine-day competition.

Six students representing Ireland travelled to India for the International Junior Science Olympiad in December, 2013. These six students had previously won either gold or silver medals at the Irish Junior Science Olympiad (IrJSO) competition held in Dublin City University (DCU) in October last. Three of those six students were from ERST schools and had won Gold Medals at the IrJSO. They are Eamonn Murphy, St. Mary’s Academy,

Carlow, Eoin Caffrey, Ardscoil Rís, N.C.R., Limerick, and Kevin Fletcher, Coláiste Eanna, CBS, Dublin 16.

We are delighted to announce that all three were awarded bronze medals at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). ERST wishes

them many congratulations on this magnificent achievement.

Pictured with Dr. Paraic James, Principal Scientist & Pedagogical Leader, of the Irish Junior Science Olympiad, DCU, are the 4 bronze medal winners from Ireland, three of whom attend ERST schools:

Autumn 2014

ff Ms. Liston’s 2nd Class 2013-2014

ff Ms O’Sullivan’s 6th Class 2013-2014

ff Students from 2nd to 6th Class 2013-2014

Lego Comes to Nenagh CBSSt Joseph’s CBS, Nenagh

Christmas came early to the primary school boys of St Joseph’s CBS in Nenagh.

In December 2013 the Lego Foundation kindly delivered a crate of Lego to the school, which embarked on a pioneering scheme centred on the ‘power of play’. The delighted students were asked to combine their creative talents towards making a model school as part of a Lego project aimed at redefining play, re-imagining learning, and demonstrating the link between, play, learning and creativity.

The project came about when the CBS Nenagh contacted the Lego Foundation in Denmark with a view to fostering a spirit of teamwork and positive play among students. The foundation’s Director in Care for Education Michael Renvillard agreed to send a consignment of ‘bricks’ to the CBS, so that the Nenagh school could participate in Lego’s vision to show the world the transformative power of play.

The foundation believes that lifelong creativity, imagination and learning are stimulated by playful activities that encourage hands-on and minds-on creation, fun, togetherness and the sharing of ideas, and sees play as a serious solution to the challenge of fostering skills in today’s world. Towards this end, it initiated major projects in many countries worldwide, one of these in Brazil wherein children were encouraged to work in groups to build a Lego model of their own community as they would like to see it in the future.

Along similar lines, the Lego project at Nenagh CBS saw students in every class working together to build their ideal school from Lego. The project involved the input of all the children of all abilities, with a wide variety of imagination between the different age

groups and ultimately presenting their work to adults just before Easter. It is a new departure in combining learning with fun at the Nenagh school.

The creativity and imagination displayed were second to none and truly showed what children are capable of when given the opportunity and facilities.

At the junior end of our school Ms Liston’s 2nd class were victorious with their school which included among other things, swimming pool with diving boards, a junior pool and a Jacuzzi; a state of the art PE room that opened out onto a picturesque garden for silent reading; a fully equipped science room and a room for practicing sword fighting.

Our senior end winners, Mr O’Sullivan’s 6th class excelled themselves with the inclusion of a teaching kitchen, a self defence classroom, a particularly well designed skateboarding park with its own toilet facility complete with material curtains, a well stocked library, a vintage arcade and a spacious canteen.

A special award for technical merit had to be given to Ms Callanan’s 2nd to 6th small group learning class who, especially overseen by student Jason Richardson, incorporated a transport system into their design to bring people from one section of the school to others. This system moved seamlessly without any frictional interference.

The arrival of Lego to our school has had a huge effect on our students allowing for quieter more creative rainy lunchtimes; it has been used to make objects from SESE, build vocabulary and most importantly it has built friendships and team work. We at Nenagh CBS have definitely witnessed the ‘Power of Play’.

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CBS Roscommon Partners with Jigsaw to Promote Positive Mental HealthCBS Roscommon

CBS Roscommon Transition Years unveiled an exciting new calendar at the start of last year which was used to promote and fundraise for Jigsaw, an organisation which promotes positive mental health amongst young people.

The organisation, which has a branch in Roscommon, aims to provide community-based help projects as a means of bringing the community together. It aims to link young people and local organisations such as youth groups, schools and local health and social services, empowering them to develop the skills, self-confidence and resilience needed to cope with mental health challenges. The school was eager to get involved with them as they endeavour to give every young person, “somewhere to turn to and someone to talk to”.

The brief for the calendar was to create images which promoted a fun environment through group interaction.

In conjunction with their Art teacher, Emma Forde, they came up with the idea of ‘Great Recreations’ in which they recreated iconic, memorable image from the worlds of art, music, film or history.

The two TY classes were divided into groups, and had to decide on the image they wanted to recreate. That’s when the real fun began! The boys went in search of the perfect props and clothing for their photos - Beatles’ flares, baby carriers, hair gel and cropped leather jackets to name a few! No man, woman or child’s wardrobe was safe. Soon, school storage rooms were filled with paraphernalia from all decades awaiting the final photo shoot.

Many laughs were had as the boys walked throughout the school and to their chosen locations around town, suited to the nines, sporting spontaneously ‘grown’ beards, moustaches and flowing 60’s hairdos, as others worked hard on detailed set designs back in classroom. Behind the lens, photographers worked hard to direct the boys into character, and get the perfect shot.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the project, and were proud to be contributing to such a worthwhile and

relevant cause. TY student, Sean Rayner commented on how much he enjoyed working on the project. ‘We put together a 2014 calendar to raise awareness and money for the local organisation “Jigsaw”. For this calendar we decided to recreate famous pictures and stills, from movies, album covers and famous paintings, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s, ‘The Last Supper’. The whole year group put a lot of work and effort in and found it very enjoyable. It was a very fun way to raise money for a charity. I enjoyed figuring out suitable locations for the photo, how to make it look as close as we could to the original, working on sets for the background took a lot of time, but an enjoyable way to try and raise money”

Another student, Michael Kieran also commented on the experience: ‘I thought it really captured the essence of Transition

Year, which is working together with your friends, having fun and trying something new. Aside from the fun we had taking the photographs the profits made from the calendar are also going to a local charity in Roscommon which makes making the calendar that much more rewarding’ said TY Student.

Finally, after many weeks of planning and preparation, shooting and re-shooting, and the C.B.S Roscommon, Transition Year Calendar 2014 was finally ready to be launched at a special event in the school, attended by representatives from Jigsaw and it parent organisation, Headstrong. Overall the students managed to raise over a thousand euros for Jigsaw Roscommon, at the same time learning more about the work that it does. It was a truly enjoyable and worthwhile experience for all involved.

ff Preparing for Photo Shoot

ff Students Pose for Great Recreations’ Calendar 2014

Autumn 2014

Coláiste Éanna HeadlineColáiste Éanna

Wednesday 6th November 2013 was a very special day for Coláiste Éanna as we welcomed an Éanna boy, Bishop Brendan Leahy as our special guest, back to his Alma Mater. We were very pleased to hear, earlier this year, of his appointment as Bishop of Limerick. So we were delighted too that Bishop Brendan met with many of our classes, joined with us in our annual November Service to remember our deceased family members and friends in our parish church and later had lunch with many past and present members of our school community.

The phrase Alma Mater, referring to one’s school or college has become a part of our vernacular but the direct translation from the Latin reads as the ‘nourishing mother’ and Coláiste Éanna fits in very well with this image as a place which nourishes and helps one to grow. Nourishment was central to Edmund Rice’s vision of a school when he included a bakery in his first school in Mount Zion in Waterford. There was great hunger among the poor children at the time. Coláiste Éanna attempted to and hopefully still does seek to alleviate the great hunger of our time. A hunger for knowledge, spiritual growth and a thirst for truth, justice and fair play.

The Principal, Brendan Mc Cauley, in his comments at the lunch concluded “Bishop Brendan on behalf of the Bothers and teachers who taught you and I hope nourished and guided your growth during your days here and on behalf of those of us who are the current stewards of the tradition of Edmund Rice I am very proud to welcome you to your alma mater and wish you many graces and blessing in the years ahead”.

Bua stairiúil ag Coláiste ÍosagáinColáiste Íosagáin - Co. Átha Cliath

Shroich Coláiste Íosagáin Craobh na hÉireann Sinsear A i bPeil na mBan i mbliana. Is í seo an chéad uair do scoil as Baile Átha Cliath Craobh Laighean A a bhuachaint gan trácht ar theacht chomh fada le Craobh na hÉireann. Tá Coláiste Íosagáin suite i mBaile an Bhóthair, i ndeisceart Bhaile Átha Cliath agus tá an scoil mar chuid de Iontaobhas Scoileanna Éamainn Rís ó bunaíodh an t-Iontaobhas. Is í an t-aon scoil iomlán cailíní san Iontaobhas agus is cúis bhróid don scoil go bhfuil na cluichí Gaelacha chomh láidir i scoil san ardchathair.

Tá an lúthchleasaíocht, an chispheil agus an chamógaíocht an-láidir sa scoil freisin ach le blianta beaga anuas tá an-bhorradh faoin bpeil agus tá sí ag dul ó neart go neart. Le trí bliana tá an scoil ag iomaíocht i Roinn A sa chomórtas idir scoileanna. Imríodh an chraobh i bPáirc Uí Chuilinn, Ceatharlach, i gcoinne Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Co. Thiobraid Árainn ar an Satharn 5 Aibreán. An-chluiche go deo a bhí ann agus bhí sé idir dhá cheann na meá go dtí an deireadh nuair a chuaigh Coláiste Íosagáin cúilín amháin chun tosaigh. Ansin sna soicindí deireanacha den chluiche fuair an scoil cúl agus bhí an corn ar an mbealach go dtí an ardchathair. Ba é an scór ag an deireadh ná Coláiste Íosagáin 2 – 9 Coláiste Dún Iascaigh 2 – 5. B’iontach an slua scoláirí, iarscoláirí, múinteoirí agus tuismitheoirí a thaisteal go Ceatharlach le tacaíocht a thabhairt agus chabhraigh siad go mór leis an bhfoireann a ghríosadh ar aghaidh le linn an chluiche.

Bhí spiorad iontach sa scoil roimh an gcluiche agus ina dhiaidh a bhuíochas don tacaíocht iontach ó phobal uilig na scoile agus ó na clubanna CLG sa cheantar.

Íosagán abú!

ff Principal Brendan McCauley with Bishop Brennan

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Holocaust Survivor Tomi Reichental Visits Drimnagh CastleDrimnagh Castle CBS

Holocaust Survivor Tomi Reichental visited Drimnagh Castle CBS and spoke to over 100 students from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Year about his experiences at the hands of the Nazis during WWII. To meet with and speak with a Holocaust Survivor is rare and so it was a very special moment for the students to listen to and then shake hands with Tomi. We are sincerely grateful for his taking the time to come to us. He said as he departed that he views it a privilege to speak to people about his life. We will long remember this day and the dignity and humility with which he addressed us. His effect on the students and staff who listened was profound.

The 1st Year students planted yellow crocuses last autumn as part of a school memorial to over one million children who perished in the Holocaust at the hands of the Nazis during WWII. The students received the crocuses from The Holocaust Education Trust Ireland. The crocuses in yellow recall those who died and the shape of the star is to recall the faith of the children who died simply because they were Jewish. The green recalls the living - those who survived like Tomi Reichental - so in the present among the living we recall the past - the anti-Semitism and prejudice and racial hatred that it may strengthen us to stand against it today.

Commemoration of the Founding of the Irish Volunteers and the Decade of Commemoration 1913 - 1923Drimnagh Castle CBS

To commemorate the founding of the Irish Volunteers and the Decade of Commemoration 1913-1923 I designed a raised bed of an Irish Volunteer/Irish Army Cap Badge. This is surrounded by herbs - bitter and sweet - planted by the students.

Drimnagh Castle has a number of members of staff who have served in the Defence Forces Reserve (myself included), parents who have are serving or have served in the Permanent Defence Forces. We also have three living descendants - great grandsons/nephews - of the early Irish Volunteers Thomas Ashe, Con Colbert and The O’Rahilly.

ff Raised Bed of an Irish Volunteer/Irish Army Cap Badge

ff Last year’s First Year Students who planted over one million crocuses in memory of over one million children who perished in the Holocaust.

ff Holocaust Survivor Tomi Reichental pictured with Students from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Year 2013-2014

Autumn 2014

Gay Byrne praised the part played by the Abbey C.B.S., Tipperary in the area of Driver Education while on a visit to the school last October. The Chairman of the Road Safety Authority of Ireland in a speech to senior students, teachers and invited guests stated that it was not the Garda Sióchána, the Government or the RSAI that would cut road deaths’ “That is the job of each and every citizen and that is why programmes like you have developed here in the Abbey C.B.S. are so important”. He also commented that while the annual total number of fatalities had fallen very significantly, “the rate of decline this year had not been as good as we had hoped; there is a danger of complacency and we must all renew our efforts to end the misery caused by careless and reckless driving”.

Sixth Year student Eamon O’Carroll had earlier taken Gay and Driving Instructor, Mr. Joe Quinn, for a drive on the Abbey’s Driving Course. Gay then listened to a talk by Micheál Gleeson who used the MOG car to show Transition Year students the importance of proper use of seat belts and head restraints and the general internal workings of a car. A member of the Garda Traffic Corps gave a talk on their work and for this the Abbey students were joined by students from St. Annes Mercy School, who also avail of the Driving Course.

Gay, a well-known motor cycle afficianado, was particularly interested in the work of Mr. Brendan Power, who uses the Abbey grounds at weekends to train beginners and he watched with

great interest as Brendan put two adult Motorcyclists through their paces. Next stop was a visit to one of the Abbey’s Computer Rooms where Gay observed students studying for the Driver Theory Test.

In welcoming Gay, the Abbey Principal, Mr. John Heffernan stated that “very few can claim to have been as influential, as recognisable or as loved as Gay Byrne has been for the past 50 years by the people of Ireland”. His status, reputation and credibility were put to the very good use when he was appointed Chairman of the RSAI by the Government in 2006. The RSAI had played a very significant role, under Gay’s leadership, in changing attitudes to driving through their TV campaign, changes in the Driver Education regime, the introduction of mobile speed cameras etc.

Mr. Heffernan thanked Joe Quinn, Brendan Power, Micheál Gleeson, and Michael O’Gorman for the work they do. He highlighted the role of the Garda Traffic Corps. They are most often the first on the scene to deal with the consequences of dangerous driving and the ones who have to break bad news to family members. He complimented the Abbey’s Transition Year Coordinator, Mr. J.J. Kennedy, for his work and the organisational skills that he brings to their Driving Programme.

In his address Gay Byrne said that “the two most significant cultural shifts I have witnessed in my lifetime have been the introduction of the smoking ban and the

lowering to virtually zero of the Drink Driving Limit”. He also told the students that a new Driving Licence, similar to a Credit Card, would be introduced in January. Speaking to the boys in particular he stated that there was clear medical evidence that the front area of the male brain developed more slowly than that of females and that is why there is so much risk-taking behaviour by young males. He added “when you bring two pals with you in a car there is an 84% higher risk of an accident”. When presented with the Harley Davison by Bono during the final Late Late Show in 1999 he decided to take an Advanced Driver Course to sharpen up his skills and he clocked up more than 24,000 miles on that machine before presenting it to Crumlin’s Children’s Hospital for a fundraising campaign.

The new Chairman of the Abbey’s Board of Management, Mr. Michael Martin, made a presentation to Gay on behalf of everyone in the school. While surprised and touched Gay said he would prefer if the voucher could be raffled for a good cause in the school. The Chairman of South Tipperary County Council, Councillor John Crosse and Mayor of Tipperary, Councillor Rory Devitt, attended the event as did members of the Abbey Board of Management and retired teachers.

Visit of Gay ByrneThe Abbey CBS, Tipperary

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Turning The SodSt Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda

TK Whitaker returns to St. Josephs CBS to turn sod on new extension

He was once voted the greatest living Irish man but despite a stellar career as an illustrious economist respected throughout the world, he never forgot his roots.

Today St. Joseph’s CBS most distinguished past pupil, the man credited with rescuing the Irish economy in the 1950s, TK Whitaker, returned to his former school to officially turn the sod on a new extension.

Now aged 97, Thomas Kenneth (Ken) Whitaker was born in Rostrevor, County Down in 1916 but came to live in Drogheda with his parents when he was five. He was educated by the Christian Brothers and took first place in the country in the Civil Service entrance exams.

He was secretary to the Minister for Education at 20 years of age and secretary of the Department of Finance by the time he was 39. He became Governor of the Irish Central Bank in 1969 and played an instrumental role in Ireland’s accession to the EU.

With these and many other achievements Dr. Whitaker has certainly set the bar high for all the CBS students following in his wake. As John McEnaney, the Chair of the board of management said, he is a true example for all students, something for them to aspire to.

Mr. Whitaker was very relaxed and chatted and joked with staff and pupils at the school and when the time came to turn the sod he proved to be such a dab hand with the spade that someone said: “just the one sod will do Ken, the diggers are moving in on Monday!

Principal David Madden said that everyone at the school was honoured that Mr. Whitaker had agreed to perform the official ceremony.

The news extension will comprise of three science labs, four new classrooms, a computer room and workshops for technology and wood work. According to the school Principal David Madden, the builders will be moving in on Monday morning.

ff Former pupil Dr. TK Whitaker with St. Joseph’s CBS Principal, David Madden after the official turning of the sod for the school’s extension. Photo: Andy Spearman.

ff Dr. Ken (TK) Whitaker, a past pupil, shows his prowess with a spade as he turns the sod for a new extension to St. Joseph’s CBS at Newfoundwell, Drogheda.

U16 Gaelic ChampionsSt Joseph’s Secondary School Drogheda

St Joseph’s Secondary School 0-16, Coláiste Íosagáin, Portarlignton 0-11

On the 28th of March at Clane GAA club grounds the Joe’s claimed yet another piece of silverware. Having beaten Portlaoise in the North Leinster Final and Dublin Champions Coláiste Éanna in the Leinster semi-final, the Joe’s beat Coláiste Íosagáin in a tightly played match where every ball was contested and no quarter was given by either team. Every Joe’s player deserves the man of the match award as it took a complete team effort to secure the win. The team was well supported in Clane with teachers, parents, grandparents and 150 students travelling to the match. Credit to the team mentors Mr Matthews and Mr McCole for coaching and steering the team all the way to winning the cup.

Autumn 2014

Leinster RubgySt Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda

ff Pictured above are James Fay, Leinster Development officer, Mr. McCreery and some of our senior rugby players with Amlin, Rabo and British and Irish Development cups, won by Leinster Rugby Team last season.

TY Student 2013 - 2014St Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda

Congratulations to TY student James Healy who came 1st place and won the News award at the finals of the National Newspapers of Ireland Awards. James was presented with his award by the Minister of Eduction, MrQuinna nd in the presence of film director David Puttman, his parents and his English teacher Mr Carolan.

The Closing Ceremony at St. Fintan’sSt. Fintan’s CBS, Doon

A tinge of nostalgia filled the air as the curtain was brought down on St. Fintan’s CBS, Doon after 121 years of secondary education . The first secondary classes began in the school in 1892 and in the intervening years many generations of boys in the Doon catchment area passed through the corridors and received an education that set them up for life. We now look forward to that great tradition continuing in Doon in a most modern and well equipped setting in the new PPP school, Scoil na Tríonóidee Naofa.

It was great to see so many past pupils, parents, past teachers and Christian Brothers return for our closing mass and ceremony on Sunday, May 12th. Mass was concelebrated by fourteen priests many of whom were past pupils of the school, the chief celebrant being His Grace, Archbishop Clifford. The school choir, under the direction of music teacher Miss Fiona Collins, played and sang beautifully during the mass and received many tributes for their performance. Indeed I must commend, not only the choir, but all our students who helped out both on the day and in all the preparations leading up to the occasion. You did the school proud!

John Moloney, a member of the Board of Management acted as a very competent, professional and helpful

M.C. Addresses were made by Willie Hallihan, representing the Edmund Rice Trust, Connie Ryan on behalf of all former students and teachers and Br. Jim Donovan on behalf of the Christian Brothers. P J McNamara launched the school history and school principal, Eddie Bourke paid tribute to the Christian Brothers for their magnificent contribution to Doon and surrounding catchment area over many years.

The final part of the ceremony was the lowering of the school flag and handing it back to the Christian Brothers. Past pupil Sean Moloney played the bagpipes as members of the Student Council, Darren Cosgrave, Richard Leonard, Gerard Sheehan and James Ryan lowered the flag and presented it to Br. O’Shea, the last Christian Brother to serve in St. Fintan’s. Sean brought the ceremony to a close by playing the national anthem. All moved into the packed school hall where music and dancing entertained the crowds while they enjoyed a buffet lunch.

It was a wonderful occasion despite the incessant rain and marked the closure of the school in a fitting and memorable fashion. I sincerely thank all parents, board of management members, teachers and students who worked hard to make the day such a success.

ff Richard Leonard, James Ryan, Gerard Sheehan, Darren Cosgrave and Brother Gerry O’Shea

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Robot WarsDeerpark CBS

A group of students travelled to CIT to participate in the VEX Robotics competition. The competition was aimed at introducing science, technology, engineering and maths to young people, by building robots. It involved over 50,000 students worldwide. This year the school had two entries.

The main robot nicknamed “MEAN MACHINE” was built completely by the students who participated in VEX last year. This robot was capable of picking up small balls in the arena. It had a scissor lift and the balls would be picked up by a track that would suck them in when the robot drove towards them.

The robot took over two months to be built and required further maintenance because of issues that arose as the competition went on. The robot also had to be programmed to run in autonomous mode for fifteen seconds at the start of each game. The B robot was also built by the Deerpark team and this robots main strategy was to pick up small balls and throw them into the goal zone.

VEX Robotics Competition is an international robotics competition and is targeted at students of all ages with an emphasis on fun and creativity while promoting the development of technical and interpersonal skills. With teams ranging from 5 to 15 students, over 50,000 students worldwide are participated in the competition this year. The Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (REC Foundation), the organiser of the VEX Robotics Competition exists to connect students, mentors, schools and colleges in every community to a variety of successful and engaging technology-based programs.

The Deerpark students were presented with a judge’s award on the day. Well done and congratulations to all those involved.

Written by Alex Farkas

Blarney Street Opens School ExtensionScoil Cholmcille, Blarney Street

Elvis had to take backstage as all eyes were on four-year old Jack Ferreira Beadle, the youngest pupil in Blarney Street School who opened the new school extension.

It was a fun-filled event and immediately followed the school musical-Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The whole community was involved, with everybody behind Jack supporting and encouraging him including his parents, the Lord Mayor, The Edmund Rice Schools Trust, local school principals, Board of Management, Parents’ Association, local community representatives and pre-schools and of course Elvis and his butler straight off the stage from the musical.

‘Learning and Doing’ is the school motto and that’s exactly what Jack is demonstrating in this photograph. Cutting bright, blue ribbons in front of the whole school isn’t so easy when you’re four, but this maybe has captured a perfect example of what an Edmund Rice education is all about. The child is put first and everybody is focused on him. Jack is supported to succeed. The task is made more manageable by Principal Mr Lynch making the ribbon taut while ERST Director Willie Pat Hallihan imparts the finer skills of scissors-handling. He guides, supports, instills confidence and encourages young Jack to succeed. Jack, focused and concentrating hard, successfully opens the new extension and a new era for the school.

This passing on of education and skills has been happening on this Blarney Street site since 1849 when the old building was first built. The existing building was built in 1966 and now after a complete refurbishment and the addition of three new classrooms, it is a beautiful, modern space for Jack and his schoolmates. This is one building that even Elvis won’t want to leave!

Zambia School charityScoil Cholmcille, Blarney Street

Presentation of cheque for €1,300.00 to Zamda Charity for Sables School Kabwe, Zambia. 4th class pupils presented cheque to Pat Fanning retired Principal of St Joseph’s CBS.

Autumn 2014

Scoil Iognáid Rís ChiarraíScoil Iognáid Rís, Daingean Uí Chúis, Co.Chiarraí

ff An cúigiú brat glas,brat na bithéagsúlachta á ardach ag múinteoir Christín

ff Bug Ostáin Iognáid Rís

ff Na Fir Boilg ag Féile Bealtaine an Daingin.

ff Na Fir Boilg ag Féile Bealtaine an Daingin.

ff Seamus Ó Baoill, Dylan Ó Geibheannaigh agus Deividas Uosis a bhuaigh Scileanna Na Mumhan 2013

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David Gillick VisitCBS Primary School, Kilkenny

Each year our 6th class boys write to various celebrities with wonderful and interesting results. This year Conor McCarthy, one of Mr. Bergin’s boys chose David Gillick one of Ireland’s favourite and accomplished international athletes and Celebrity Masterchef champion for 2013. David kindly offered to visit our school on Wednesday 12th February.

In preparation for David’s visit all classes under-took various fitness initiatives. The second class boys from Room’s 5 and 1 for example set about learning how to improve their skipping skills. The boys recorded their skips per minute and monitored their progress on a chart. They were very creative in developing new ways to skip. The six finalists performed their final skipping challenge for David Gillick with one boy emerging as overall Skipping Champ. We are especially proud of the boys who actually learned how to skip through-out the skipping challenge. Full credit to their coaches Ms. Curran and Mr. Leahy.

We commend all the staff who made possible Sports for All day on the week leading up to David’s visit to us. The entire school spent a Friday morning in the school field visiting nine ‘stations’ in all, each one manned by a member of staff. They included Javelin, Skipping and Hurdles, Discus, Ladders and Slalom Poles, Long Jump from Standing, Sprints, Shot Putt and last but not least David’s own speciality, the 400m.

David gave the boys a great insight into what it takes to become a successful international athlete. He shared how the highs and lows both help to form character in us and teach us life skills. Most important is healthy eating, exercise, recovery and healthy lifestyle. David displayed some of his excellent culinary skills to the boys from Room 10 together with their teacher Mr. Bergin by showing them how to cook a healthy pancake.

The pupils impressed David greatly with their rendition of the Script’s ‘Hall of Fame’ song before presenting him with a beautiful food hamper and a Kilkenny jersey signed by all of the 2014 senior hurling panel. The jersey was presented by Conor McCarthy who is the boy who actually wrote to David and invited him to come to the school.

David is an excellent role model for our young people and a really nice guy.

Spelling BeeCBS Primary School, Kilkenny

On Tuesday 16th April Kevin Murphy-Kennedy from 5th Class in the CBS Primary School, Stephen St., Kilkenny, came first in the Spelling Bee, County Final which was held in Scoil Mhuire, Parnell St. The competition is sponsored by Easons. The All-Ireland Final will be held in Maynooth in June and will be hosted by Ryan Tubridy. Kevin says he felt “over the moon” when he heard that he was the winner.

ff Kevin Murphy-Kennedy 5th Class, CBS Primary, Kilkenny. Spelling Bee County Champion.

Autumn 2014

On Monday 28th April Ms Boyle and her Green School Committee received the great news that the school had been awarded our second Green Flag, having spent the previous few months preparing to make their application. The theme this time round was Energy and saving as much energy as possible was what it was all about.

On Monday 27th January we held a ‘Low Energy Day’ in the school. All classes and teachers and classes participated. We kept the lights off for the day and turned off our computers. No photocopying was allowed, to the relief of our secretary. Our ‘SNOOP SQUAD’ were very busy checking up on people for the day. SEAT visited the school and carried out energy workshops with Rooms 2, 6 and 9. The children thoroughly enjoyed the day. Teachers also played their part by not using the microwave or toaster on the day. They were only allowed to use the kettle for tea or coffee. Well done everyone.

As part of our energy programme we held a competition for pupils to compose a Green Code for the school. All classes entered and there was a very high standard indeed. After some time the

judges finally chose the the winning entry which was written by John McKinley from Room 8. The result was announced at monthly assembly and there was great excitement for John. His winning code is as follows;

Energy is powerfulEnergy is coolBut saving energy isOur green rule.

We would also like to congratulate Jake Coyne from Room 3 who wrote a fantastic poem, incorporating all the elements of the Green School’s Programme. This is his poem.

GreenIf you want to keep our planet greenWe must work together to keep it clean.And when the day is nice and brightOnly use the light for night.Walk to school, instead of drive,That is how our planet will survive.Every child woman and man,Should recycle all things they can.All other rubbish we must bin it.These are the ways that we will win it.

Junior Hurling LeagueCBS Primary School, Kilkenny

Both Junior Hurling League Finals were held on Friday March 4th. In the Shield Final Carrickshock beat James Stephens and in the Cup Final Ballyhale Shamrocks beat Clara in a very close fought battle that went to extra time and was decided by a Golden Score (a point scored by Owen Hanney from Room 1). The League gave the boys a great opportunity to improve their hurling skills and learn new skills. Well done to their teachers Mr. O’Gorman, Ms Curran, Mr. Leahy and Ms. Brennan.

The Shield Winners, Carrickshock, are Finn Desmond, Billy Wall Young, Taras Biletskyy, Darragh Butler, David Ormond, Martin Lee Smith, Shaun Garrehy, Nathan Pollard, cathal Power, Sam Deegan and Cian O’Hara.

The Shield Runners Up, James Stephens are Ben McCormack, Pat Delaney, Luke Hanley, Vasiljeus Valerijs, Vetcelis Maksims, Horvath Alexander, Mark Malovychko, Michael Burke Lambert, Darragh Maher, Robert Ciortan, Mark Mullally and Jack Rochford.

ff Over-all Runners Up Clara who were just pipped at the post. Clara Team; Cathal Poyntz, Brooklyn Synnott, Riju Chanion-Murali, David Hoyne, Mark Lacey, Dominic Ciagadlak, Seán Hennessy, patryk Mojza, Jamie O’Brien, Adam Slawinski, Jethro Lascota and Nicholas Panfil.

Our 2nd Green FlagCBS Primary School, Kilkenny

Green School Committee 2013 - 2014

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St. Mary’s CBS Portlaoise Ty Trip to Visit Willie Mullins’ Closutton Stables and Connolly’s Red MillsSt Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise

Only two days after Hurricane Fly established himself as the most successful National Hunt horse in the world, how lucky were we to get the chance to visit the stables of renowned horse trainer Willie Mullins in Bagenalstown, County Carlow.

Upon arrival, we were met by a jubilant Ruby Walsh, fresh from his victory in the Morgiana Hurdle at the weekend in Punchestown. He posed for a few photos before heading off to get ready for another race meet that very day. Ruby has been riding Hurricane Fly for many years now, and will be the first to enthuse about the sheer brilliance of this horse. Ruby rode him to victory in the 2009 Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle, the first grade 1 victory the pair enjoyed together.

National Hunt Racing is split up using a grading system, grade 1 being the most prestigious. This weekend Hurricane Fly recorded his 17th victory at this level, smashing the record previously held by Kauto Star and John Henry (both with 16 wins). His trophy cabinet of major wins goes back as far as 2008, including four victories in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle, and two wins in the Cheltenham

Champion Hurdle. This is an incredible achievement for Willie and his team.

On our way to the main stables, we were met by the sight we had all been waiting for. ..The much anticipated chance to see Hurricane Fly .We clambered for the opportunity to take a picture of the famed horse. Although some of us had an interest in horse racing already, for many it was a new experience, and what a way it was to be plunged into the sport of kings. On entrance to the main stables, we were met by many of Willie’s famous horses. The huge, majestic creatures towered over us, with sleek coats and a confident stance. Their sheer size was something that surprised us. Many of the most famous names in horse racing stood before us, including the very successful Champagne Fever.

It was then time to see Willie in action on the gallops, where we were invited to stand in on the morning’s training session. On the way we were met warmly by Willie’s wife Jackie who is a friend of our teacher Ms. Gillson. Mrs. Jackie Mullins was also a successful jockey, we were proudly told by Ms. Gillson!!

By now, many of us less learned in the sport, had admittedly begun to take an interest. For us, it was an opportunity not only to get to, know the game, but to see the technicalities involved. Television can often mislead one to believe that horse racing is more about the money, the best dressed, and the champagne, but when you see the time, effort, and determination that goes into getting the horses ready for race day, you can see that there is much, much more to the sport than just that.

After touring the yard and stables, we were brought out to the gallop to experience the vigorous training routine that is given to these champion quality horses. We first saw the horses cantering around the circular track at a steady pace as a warm up routine and also to serve as a way to see what condition the horses were in out on the track, Willie paid close attention to the horses that have not been on the track in a while and proceeded to tell the jockeys to put them through their paces. Willie recalled the horses into the small paddock in the middle of the track and questioned the jockeys on how well the horse rode, was it finding any difficulty with the pace or whether they were finding the ground too soft, an example of just how high a standard Willie expects from the horses. His meticulous ethos towards horse training was very inspiring even to those not as familiar with the sport.

The best part was yet to come, the horses were about to do a full pelt around the longer circuit of the track, we were all lined up along the final furlong to see the horses coming down and it was a testament to the skill required by the jockeys to keep these finely tuned racehorses under control at such phenomenal speeds. I must say just seeing that final sprint by the horses was enough to convert me to the world of horse racing.

We concluded the visit to the world renowned stables with a few group

ff Ruby Walsh with 2013-2014 Transition Year Students

Autumn 2014

photos with the man behind it all, Mr. Willie Mullins and his wife Jackie, and probably the best National Hunt jockey in the world, Ruby Walsh. It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit in every aspect, all of the people at the stables we talked to were very interested in educating us in what there is to offer in the horse racing industry and they were equally comprehensive in conveying to us what they do best

Another interesting place we travelled to on the day in question was the Connollys Red Mills horse feed factory. It was a great opportunity for us as Red Mills is an international supplier for the best quality horse feeds that horse owners can get their hands on; they have trade links as far as Japan and Korea and are currently in talks with a trade delegation from India to set up a trade link there also.

We stepped off our bus and gazed upwards, astonished by the enormity of the actual factory. We were escorted to the lab where they subject the feed to a round of meticulous testing to ensure the highest quality product. We then came to the massive grain storage warehouses which were each as big as a football pitch. Near to the warehouses were the machines that extract impurities from the grain.

Next stop was the grain sorting and the packaging department. The packaging department was a masterpiece of mechanical engineering, where an orchestra of machines made different noises whilst playing different roles, truly a marvel in itself. Finally we went to the shipping rooms and saw all the pallets stacked with the bags ready to be shipped off around Ireland. The export area was very interesting too as we could the many different countries that these feeds were heading.

We all went home at the end of the day extremely satisfied with our visits to Mullins’ Yard and the Red Mills factory, it was a very beneficial and thoroughly enjoyable experience for all. Thanks to Willie and Jackie Mullins and to Joe Connolly, James, Michael and Noel at Red Mills.

Conor FinneganShane Whelan

Sports Round UpDeerpark CBS

Picturesque Ovens provided the backdrop for this showdown as rural and urban schools clashed at the penultimate stage of the Cork Colleges football championship. Sensing the threat posed by the opposition, Mr O’Keeffe brought his wing man Mr McCarthy along for back up, as Deerpark were on the cusp on a first championship final appearance for thirty eight barren years.

The weight of history was palpable but Deerpark’s optimism was quenched early on as too many of their leading lights seemed to choke on the fresh country air. After scoring a couple of points Ballingeary engineered several goal scoring opportunities and capitalised on two leaving Deerpark to face an eight points deficit before they had ever got out of the starting traps. Thankfully, they eventually settled when Shane O’Connell grabbed his side’s opening point. This was followed by a fortuitous goal from Captain Timmy Walsh and another by midfielder Seán Ward. Unfortunately, Deerpark relinquished the initiative too easily and their flat footed defence left goal keeper Colin Long exposed far too readily. At half time Ballingeary led by 3-06 to 2-02.

Harsh words were exchanged during the interval as emotional Mr O’Keeffe pleaded for greater effort. Deerpark’s response was emphatic. Within a minute of the restart Conor Horgan had found his range to land a super point and then Shane O’Connell burst through before being fouled in the penalty area. O’Connell dusted himself down and held his nerve to calmly stroke the ball just inside the right hand post and suddenly his side were back in the game. Dave Delea thrived following his switch from centre back to midfield and his partner Seán Ward blasted a fourth Deerpark goal. Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch Colin Long was brilliant in the Deerpark goal and easily the game’s star performer. With three points separating the sides, Deerpark chose route one as a desperate mechanism for regaining parity but Conor Horgan and his colleagues in the full forward line suffered from a paucity of quality deliveries. As full time loomed, Ballingeary punished Deerpark’s lack of discipline and ultimately secured a victory by a six points’ margin.

Deerpark 4-03 Ballingeary 3-12 (Under 18 Cork Colleges football Championship Semi-Final)

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St. Brendan’s College, a brief history

St. Brendan’s College was founded by the Irish Christian Brothers in 1956 to serve the educational needs of boys in Bray and North Wicklow. The school originally occupied the site of the old Walcot Hotel on the Old Connaught Avenue and moved to its present site at Woodbrook in 1970. In 2006, the Department of Education and Skills accepted a proposal submitted by the school’s Board of Management for a new school building to be built on the Woodbrook site and that this new building would accommodate up to 500 students. Planning permission was granted in 2013 along with permission to proceed to tender and construction later that year. Construction commenced on July 16th, 2014 and it is anticipated that the entire project including the demolition of the existing building and the redevelopment of the pitches will be completed by the end of 2015.

Facilities in the New School

When built, the new school will be one of the most modern in the country. The modern design ensures that each learning environment whether general or specialised will meet the highest technological and building standards. Public areas as well as individual classrooms will be roomy and designed to benefit from an abundance of natural light. Furniture, fixtures and fittings will be of the highest and most up to date standard and each room will be a centre of e-learning with interactive whiteboards, 100mb wireless broadband and student and teacher PC’s/tablets/notebooks.

From this (1970)…

…to this (2015)

Sports Facilities

Sports and other extra-curricular activities have always played a big part in the holistic approach to education adopted in St. Brendan’s College and the new school campus will reflect this. Sports facilities in the new campus will include.

ff A full-size indoor sports hall comprising basketball court (3 cross-courts); Badminton and indoor soccer as well as a table tennis area.

ff A fully equipped fitness and weights room.

ff 3 full size pitches – Soccer, Gaelic and Rugby

ff Outdoor basketball/tennis courts

Co-Education

It is the plan of the Board of Management with the agreement and support of the Edmund Rice School Trust (ERST) and the other stakeholders in the school that St. Brendan’s College will offer co-education to both boys and girls from September 1st, 2016. For the 2016/2017 school year therefore, we will be admitting both boys and girls into first year. The move to co-education will be staggered and so girls will not be admitted to any other year in 2016/2017 – only 1st year. This process will continue for the following five years so that by September 2021, we will have a totally mixed school from 1st to 6th year. The new school building has been designed with this in mind and the curriculum will be broadened for both boys and girls to include Home Economics and Drama. A wider sports programme to include sports and activities favoured by girls will also be introduced.

Turning of the Sod

A sod-turning ceremony to officially mark the commencement of the building project took place on August 29th and was attended by members of the Board of Management (Pat Keating, Chairperson and Gerry Gilmore, Trustee), Emer Dunne Secretary of the Parents Council, Student Council members Michael McMahon, Ryan Cromwell, Emmet O’Reilly, Kenny Coldrick and Callum Brierton, Eddie Bourke from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust as well as John Francis, Enda Murphy and PJ Fay from Sammon Contractors. The ceremony was performed by local TD and former Tánaiste and Minister, Eamon Gilmore.

The new school at St. Brendan’s is scheduled to open its doors on September 1st, 2015St. Brendan’s College, Bray

Autumn 2014

President Visits C.B.C. CorkCBC Cork

ff President Michael D Higgins visited CBC Cork on Friday 15 November 2013, to mark the 125th Anniversary of the foundation of the College by the Christian Brothers. The President unveiled a commemorative Arch to mark the occasion.

Onwards & UpwardsCBS Kilkenny

Onwards and upwards for Kilkenny CBS students Niall Mullins (St Pat’s Drumcondra), John Courtney (Medicine, Trinity College Dublin), Cathal Boland (Veterinary Medicine University of Nottingham), Dylan Dooley (Engineering, Trinity College Dublin) and Paddy Deegan (Scholarship, NUI Maynooth), who are preparing for life in third level, having completed their secondary schools lives on James’s St.

ff Unbridled Joy! - CBS Kilkenny teamff Captain Fantastic Robbie Fitzpatrick holds cup aloft

C.B.S. Kilkenny Overcome Gallant St Kieran’s Kilkenny in Riproaring Leinster Final.CBS Kilkenny

ff ‘Br. Tom Early (R.I.P.) and Councillor Ciaran Binchy

Unveiling of UNESCO PlaqueBunscoil Sancta Maria, Synge Street

On Friday April 26th Bunscoil Sancta Maria in Synge Street had another great celebration day.

This year Dublin is celebrating “One City One Book”. The book chosen was “Strumpet City”. It was written by James Plunkett Kelly, a past pupil of Synge Street CBS. He went to school there in the 1930s.

The school was chosen by Jane Alger, Director of UNESCO, City of Literature Dublin, One City One Book Project, to put up a plaque to James Plunkett. The Chairman, Tom Earley and the Principal, Gerry Mooney organised the event.

It was a great success with six speakers contributing to the unveiling. Our local actor Shane Robinson gave an excellent

reading of an excerpt from the book.

It finished with Counsellor Ciaran Binchy unveiling the plaque which is now placed near the front door outside the school.

Br. Tom Early sadly died during the last school year’

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Published at Áras Éamainn RísMeadow ValeBlackrockCo. DublinTel: 01 289 7511

Tel: 01 289 7511 Fax: 01 289 7540e-mail: [email protected] web: www.erst.ie

Students’ TriumphBunscoil Sancta Maria Primary, Synge street

ff Pupils from Bunscoil Sancta Maria Primary School, Synge Street Dublin: Kevin Sotunde, Cillian Hudson, Alexey Gorelov, Samuel Elumuse, Nicholas Gegechkari, Christian Tura, Kevin Huang Wu, Jibraseel, receiving gold medals from Elizabeth Hoynes, Chief Education Welfare Officer (also pictured) awarded to the students for having completed the whole school year without missing a day.

edmund rice schools trust autumn 2014 issue 9 síol · pdf filegreetings from the edmund...

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