Room for dreams at Boherbue school awards

STUDENTS’ achievements across a wide range of disciplines were acknowledged at the annual awards ceremony at Boherbue Comprehensive School last week.

“Our annual prizegiving gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of our students, both curricular and extra-curricular and as you will see from our programme, tonight’s awards are recognising achievements from a broad range of disciplines and activities” Principal Mary O’ Keeffe said.

“It is important also to recognise the support given by parents/ guardians and teachers and to stress the importance of the partnership between home and school – working together for the benefit of our students” she continued.

“While academic achievement and striving for Leaving Cert points is a very important function of our school, the development of the whole person is equally important. Our awards tonight reflect the importance we place on this aspect – personal development – the holistic development of each student. I congratulate all students receiving awards tonight and their parents and guardians” Mary added.

Globally renowned musician Liam O’ Connor who is a past pupil of the school was the Guest of Honour this year. Following a superb performance on the accordion where he was accompanied by his son Óisín and daughter Saoirse, Liam addressed the audience saying that he had fantastic memories of going to school in Boherbue.

“I had a great journey here in this school and went on to become a music teacher” he said. “However, something was calling me to follow my dream. I did the Late Late Show, then toured the world with Michael Flatley for three years before launching my own show” he added.

He told the students he was hugely impressed by their outstanding achievements and that they should always pursue their dreams.

The citations were read by Margaret Fitzgerald. In her closing address Principal Mary O’Keeffe thanked everybody who helped make the occasion such a success, and paid tribute to sponsors Dan Murphy and his wife Geraldine of Dan Murphy Life & Pensions for their continued generosity and support.

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald Leaving Cert Subject Award winners pictured with Guest of honour Liam O’ Connor, Principal Mary O’ Keeffe, and Deputy Principal DJ McSweeney at the Boherbue Comprehensive School annual Awards Ceremony.

Senior Girls Football award winners pictured with Guest of honour Liam O’ Connor, Principal Mary O’ Keeffe, Deputy Principal DJ McSweeney, and their teacher Margaret Fitzgerald.

Junior Cert Subject Award winners pictured with Guest of honour Liam O’ Connor, Principal Mary O’ Keeffe, and Deputy Principal DJ McSweeney.

Katie McCann, Matthew Bradley, Fionn O’ Hanlon, and Leah O’ Sullivan who received Science Awards pictured with Guest of honour Liam O’ Connor.

Guest of honour Liam O’ Connor presenting the Senior Hurling award to Sean Meehan.

Liam O’ Connor presenting the Corn an Runaí award to Boherbue native Donal Casey.

Liam O’Connor presenting the Best Junior Cert award to Emma Moynihan, and Best Leaving Cert award to Kate O’ Gorman.