Dominican College Wicklow
SWIMMING
On Sunday, October 13, The Leinster Schools gala took place in the National Aquatic Centre. The DCW team with Amy Nobel, Kirsty Dunne, Lily Sheehy, Robyn Brennan, Saoirse Dolan and Mia Kristiansen had a very successful day and won the overall cup for the under-15/under-16 age group. The girls won the medley relay and were second in the freestyle relay. In the individual events, Amy Nobel from first-year won three bronze medals and Kirsty Dunne from third year won one bronze medal. Huge congratulations to the girls on this fantastic achievement.
SENIOR HOCKEY
On October 17 the senior hockey team played their second league match at home against Loreto Dalkey. The home advantage was immediately evident as the visiting team struggled with the grit surface. The Wicklow midfield players and forwards dominated play, leaving the defence with very little to do. A total of four goals were scored by the home side. The vice-captain, Amy Kavanagh scored two goals, with Masha Curran the centre forward and Aisling Ledesma the left-wing, scoring a goal each. Congratulations to all the players on a great performance. After midterm the girls will play away to Loreto Foxrock.
JUNIOR GAELIC
Our Junior Girls had a tough week facing two very good opponents in St Mary’s Arklow and GCM Arklow. The girls tried their best but unfortunately suffered two defeats. The girls will now enter the shield competition. Kirsty Dunne, Eabha Siún Fleming and Nadia Laasri had great games. Our firstyear girls are entering the fray next week as they take on the Wicklow 7’s blitz on Thursday.
BASKETBALL
On Monday, October 14, the under-16 and under-19 basketball teams made the short journey down to EGS to play their next round matches in the Co. Wicklow league. As always, the teams were well-matched, and close matches ensued. The under-16 game was a very tight game with EGS winning the game by two baskets. The result was reversed in the under-19 game with DCW taking a comfortable victory in the end. Many thanks to EGS for hosting the games. Best of luck to the under-19 team next week as they take on St Killian’s from Bray.
ATHLETICS
The DCW athletes and their coach Ms Wadden would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Fionnuala McCormack, a former student of Dominican College, on her fantastic run in the Chicago marathon. Fionnuala achieved a PB which now qualifies her for the marathon event in the 2020 Olympics. Fionnuala is such an inspiration to the DCW athletes, and we wish her well in her Olympic venture.
SENIOR BAKE OFF
On Friday, October 11, it was the turn of the senior students to don their aprons and put their culinary skills to the test, baking their themed cakes for a special occasion. All members of the Home Economics department agreed that the standard of entries was extremely high, making the process of selecting the winners very difficult. Following the morning session students and staff were invited to view and taste the cakes over the lunchtime break.
Last year’s runners-up Ellie Merrigan and Róisín Ring went one better this year and were overall winners for their ‘Brush Stroke’ cake. Second place went to Molly flood and Ciara Johnston for their very topical ‘Happy Brexit’ cake. Melrique Smith and Emily Bateman were awarded third place for their cake entitled ‘A day at the Beach’. Congratulations to all involved and a big thank you to the Home Economics Department for organising the event.
SHOW-JUMPING
There was no luck for either the novice or the open team on Sunday, October 13, at Barnadown Equestrian. This inter-schools competition was hosted by Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew. The girls executed good rounds of jumping around a technical track in very poor weather conditions but unfortunately didn’t place. Riders from Sunday included Naoise O’Neill, Casey Neville, Megan Neville, Alanah Miley and Sarah Ní Bhraonain. On Sunday the 20th St Gerard’s Bray will host in Boswell Equestrian in Ashford, and we would love to see you there.
AXA ROAD SAFETY TALK
On Tuesday, October 15, our Transition Years attended the annual AXA Road Safety Roadshow in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire. Initially, students listened to several expert speakers who described the process involved in dealing with road accidents. Speakers included members of An Garda Síochana, Dublin Fire Service, Ambulance Paramedics, Hospital Consultants/ Surgeons and finally the father of a fatal road accident victim. Afterwards, students were invited outside to observe a demonstration of some of the work that the emergency services do at road accident scenes. All students agreed that this was a very worthwhile event that will leave a positive and lasting effect on them.
BREAST CHECK TALK
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a guest speaker from Breast Cancer Ireland was invited to the school to talk to students about one of the most common cancers in women in Ireland. Catherine Wallis, a cancer survivor, spoke to the girls about the risk factors and the positive steps they could take to protect themselves against breast cancer. She discussed the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and highlighted the importance of self-check. She also demonstrated techniques for self-check. The girls agreed that it was a very informative and worthwhile talk. Developing awareness is a key factor in reducing the fatal outcomes associated with the disease.
GR8 2 B YNG WORKSHOP
On Thursday, October 17, all Transition Year students walked the short distance to the De La Salle Pastoral Centre to attend the Gr8 2b YNG conference. This conference was organised as part of Mental Health Awareness week. The girls participated in a variety of workshops which focused on their wellbeing. They listened to real-life stories from individuals who had struggled with their mental health and learned how they had coped with their struggles.
All students received a care package with useful advice and tips on how to deal with pressure and anxiety. It was a very enlightening day for all the students. On
Friday, October 19, all the Transition year students took part in another Gr8 2b YNG initiative, a 5km walk along the scenic coastline on the Murrough. The girls were joined by Transition year students from other local schools, and an enjoyable day was had by all.
SCHOOL TOUR
This year the school tour will take the students to the beautiful Lake Garda in Italy. The tour is open to students in fourth and fifth year and will take place during the Easter holidays 2020. Information leaflets are available from the administration office. If you wish to go on the school tour, you must pay a deposit this month. For any additional information, please contact Ms Kelly.