Bishop at St Peter’s awards: You have what it takes to succeed

PARENTS, staff and students gathered for the St Peter’s College, Wexford, endof-year Mass and awards ceremony in Bride Street Church, where more than 100 students were presented with an award for their achievements.

Bishop Denis Brennan was the principal celebrant of the Mass for the students of St Peter’s and was assisted by the school chaplain Fr Aodhan Marken and Fr Joe McGrath.

At the Mass ceremony, Bishop Brennan told a story of a student who won an art competition with a picture entitled ‘My Future is Not Written Yet’.

Bishop Brennan told the Leaving Cert students not to be afraid of their futures: he told them they have the tools, qualities and values to shape it and make it good.

Following the Mass, the awards ceremony was held and principal Robert O’Callaghan welcomed Bishop Brennan, members of the board of management, the parents’ council and the Past Pupils Union.

Mr O’Callaghan said in his address: ‘I want to thank all the students for their hard work throughout the year and I want to sincerely thank the staff for their on-going commitment and dedication to our boys.

‘ Today marks the culmination of the Leaving Certs’ journey through St Peter’s College, and on behalf of everyone here I want to congratulate them.’

Student of the Year went to Barry O’Connor, who received his ward from president of the Past Pupils’ Union Michael Breen. Barry is the current Sub Senior, a Meitheal leader, gold medal winner and member of the student council. He is a talented sportsman and was on this year’s senior football team. He is friendly and outgoing, an example to younger students, and respected by teachers and students alike.

For the Colm McLoughlin Memorial Award, this year the award was shared between Ben Bone and Peadar Byrne. The award was inaugurated to commemorate Colm, a young man of outstanding qualities who died suddenly in 1996 while a student in the school. The award is given to the student who receives the highest mark in science in the Junior Cert each year.

TY students were also presented with their portfolios of achievements.

The team of students who collaborated to produce ‘Write Away Magazine’ were presented with awards.

Mary Firman, senior football captain Conor Firman, and David Firman. The Senior Sportsman of the Year Award. Principal Robert O’Callaghan, Patricia O’Connor, award winner Rory O’Connor, and John O’Connor.

The Colm McLoughlin Memorial Award. Bishop Denis Brennan, Yvonne Byrne, joint winner Peadar Byrne, and Seán Byrne.

Deputy principal John Banville with sub senior Barry O’Connor and senior Carl Reardon.