St Peter’s College marks end of academic year with Mass and School Awards

With summer finally showing signs of arriving, management, staff, students and family members associated with St Peter’s College made their way to Bride Street Church to mark the conclusion of another school year.

Bishop Ger Nash was joined by Chair of the St Peter’s Board of Management Fr Odhrán Furlong and College Chaplain Fr Billy Swan in celebrating a special mass, during the course of which he noted how young people learned from example.

He urged the outgoing sixth years to learn from the example they had received in a Catholic ethos school as they embark on the next chapter of their young lives.

After the Mass had concluded, it was time for the annual prizegiving ceremony. In his address to the class of 2024, Principal Mr John Banville expressed his hopes that the students had felt they were emerging from a caring and inclusive environment.

“Amongst all the chaos that sometimes is a busy secondary school, I really hope that you realise that the staff here all hold you in such high regard,” he said. “We actually have so much time for ye.. Yes, we pushed you, yes, we challenged you – we may have even fought with you – but at the end of the day you are our students and we are so so proud of you and what you have grown to become today.

“As you get ready to leave secondary school and make your own way in the world – I invite you to take a little bit of the positives that I hope you experienced here - and carry them with you on your journey. We value truth, honesty, integrity and justice. These may seem very loose terms to you now at 19 years of age – but believe me – those values never wear out.”

He added that, in life, nothing would give the same satisfaction as being able to help someone else.

“Please, keep your eyes open and look out for those who may not be as fortunate as you are,” he urged. “Or for those who may be experiencing a particularly tough phase of their lives. Please don’t leave anyone behind – be kind and lend a hand if you can at all.”

In terms of the awards, having seen stiff competition from fellow nominees Dan Crowley, Kevin Byrne, Ryan Schockman, Luke Whitty and Shane Donovan, Student of the Year went to Oylegate native Sean Rowley.

The youngest son of Marie and Graham, Sean was described as “academically strong and an extremely talented sportsman who has represented the school with distinction in both GAA codes from Juvenile to Senior”.

Mr Banville also stated that Sean’s “modest demeanour makes him popular with staff and students alike”.

Senior Sports Person of the Year was a tough one to decide, such were the level of contenders. In the end, it went to Simon Roche who was described by his teachers as having “all the hallmarks of a true athlete”.

It was noted that Simon was “always ready for battle” and was “one of the most consistent and reliable performers throughout his time in the college”.

Following the passing of music teacher of 33 years Fintan Cleary, the recipient of the Musician of the Year Award received The Fintan Cleary Perpetual Cup. This year it was taken by talented singer, musician and dancer Fionn O’Neill, who was described as “embodying the spirit of the school and is always willing to give up his time to help others”.

The Colm McLoughlin Memorial Award is given in memory of the former student who passed away from sudden adult death syndrome in 1996. It is awarded to the student who receives the highest mark in Junior Cert Science and this year it went to Caleb O’Neill.

Ten students this year received Junior Cert Gold Medals – Aaron Comer, Peter Boyle, Shane Doyle, Robbie Fitzgerald, Cian Nolan, Caleb O’Kane, Bobby Rackard, Luke Renwick and Harrison Rossiter-McGuire.

The Diosce Prodese Award for outstanding contribution to the school community went to Luke Whitty, who Mr Banville said is “heavily involved in all aspects of school life”.

“Even though he goes about his business in a quiet, unassuming manner, he always recognises the needs of others and regularly advocates for them, and his attitude and actions model our school ethos and culture perfectly,” he added.

There were a number of recipients of the Past Pupil’s Union Achievement Awards,

which recognise those who have achieved All-Ireland or International Standards in their nonschool activities.

First up were brothers Joe and Tommy Codd who were selected on the Irish tetrathlon team, which involves swimming, shooting, running and cross-country horse riding. Ben Kelly was honoured for his outstanding All-Ireland success with Edermine Ferry Rowing Club.

Fionn Newport and Ryan Murphy were honoured for being part of the 13th Wexford Scout Group’s national success in The Phoenix Challenge, the first ever Wexford group to win the accolade.

Finally, the St Peter’s College U16 basketball squad was honoured for becoming the first team from the school to qualify for the All-Ireland Basketball Final.

Cian Hanrahan was also presented with Basketball Player of the Year for his efforts on the court.

At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Mr Banville and the rest of the staff wished all of the students sitting state exams this year the very best of luck, as well as wishing the class of 2024 all the very best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.