Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí honours its talented students at annual awards
GAELCHOLÁISTE Chiarraí’s stateof-the-art new school building was the bright location for Friday’s warm celebration of its students’ incredibly wide-ranging talents.
As ever, the adults in the room were left floored by the impressive achievements of the young in an event marked by a proud atmosphere of celebration.
And that celebration saw no fewer than 50 students and more presented with medals and trophies in recognition of their achievements both inside and outside of school over the course of the past year.
Awards celebrating school spirit, sports, culture and the Irish language were amongst some of those awards received by students.
Sadhbh Barrett Coakley, a freelance producer, stage manager and actor from Kerry now based in Cork, spoke about her own journey as a student in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí and her career path since completing her Leaving Cert in 2012 – in a hugely inspirational address to the students.
She also shared words of wisdom to the current Leaving Cert class as they prepare for upcoming exams and their lives after school.
Meanwhile the guest speaker was no less inspirational with an account of his hair-raising endurance feat of late in the Arctic – Killarney’s very-own super athlete Kevin Leahy.
Kevin spoke to students about his adventures up North having completed the Arctic Spine Race challenge, in Sweden and of the importance of self-belief, resilience and giving your best effort in whatever challenge you may find yourself.
As ever, the high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the Student of the Year award.
This year’s winner was Daithí Ó Loinsigh, a sixth-year student from Tralee.
“Daithí has been a fantastic ambassador for the school over the years, and has been an advocate of the Irish language and of the importance of student voice through his active participation in the student council,” the school said in recognition of his achievement.
The award was presented by Kevin Leahy acknowledging Dáithí’s academic achievements, school spirit and involvement in the school community as well as his ambassadorship of the Irish language.
Gradam Rachel Greensmyth was won by sixth year Paddy Ó Moráin and was presented by Sadhbh Barrett Coakley, acknowledging Paddy’s personal journey of growth and development throughout the Year.
Second year Evelyn Ahern and fifth year Paige Ní Dhruraigh meanwhile won Gradam na Ghaeilge, junior and senior, respectively in an honour recognising their active promotion of the Irish language within the school.
Domhnall Ó Maoldomhnaigh took the prize for Transition Year Student of Year with Gradam na hIdirbhliana – for what the school described as his ‘spirit and willingness to take part in all Transition year activities throughout the year’.
Gradam Cultúir Sinsearacha/Senior Culture Award acknowledges the work and achievements with the Junk Kouture design team who will compete in the National Finals in the Dublin in September and was presented to TY students Diarmuid Mac Donncha, Nathan Ó hÓráin and Jamie Ó Muircheartaigh.
For their leaderships and outstanding contributions to sports during the year awards were presented to Réaltóg Spóirt Sóisearacha/Junior Sports awards:
Avril Ní Dhughaill, second year and Jack Ó Coileáin, second year, and Réaltóg Spóirt Sinsearacha/Senior sports award went to Sarah Ní Scannláin, fifth year and Darren Ó Briain from sixth year.
The achievement of the Junior girls’ basketball team which reached the All-Ireland ‘A’ basketball final in the year was celebrated as were the Munster Champions of the LGFA U-15 competition who did the school so proud.
It was also a successful team for the boys’ teams playing in a Munster hurling final and competing in a county soccer competition for the first time.
They will play the final before the end of the school year.
Recognition was also given to the individual and team honors which were achieved on the track and field, as well as to those who represented their county and country across many codes over the past 12 months.
The School Spirit awards, which acknowledged students who have an outstanding dedication to the school’s values of Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Community, and Respect, were presented to two students this year.
The winner of the Junior School Spirit award was third year Lianna Ní Chroimín and fifth year Peter Ó Dughaill.
The school also honoured students who excelled in various subjects throughout the year as follows:
• Gradam Eolaíochta agus Mata (Science and Maths Award): Junior winner Clodagh de Búrca third year and Senior winner and Ellen Nic Ginneá, fourth year.
• Gradam Gnó (Business Award): Junior winner Miriam Ní Shíocháin third year, and senior winner Daithí Ó Loingsigh, sixth year.
• Gradam Teangacha (Language Subjects award): Mara Ní Liatháin second year, agus Siún Ní Chlumháin sixth year.
• Gradam Teicneolaíochta (Technology Subjects Award): Raonaid de Rossa third year and Gráinne Ní Chuirc, sixth year.
• Gradam Eolaíochta Sóisialta (Social Sciences): Evelyn Ahern second year, and Brian Ó Domhnaill, sixth year.