ffStudents from Enniscorthy CBS celebrate Proclamation Day
by planting the Tricolour on Vinegar Hill.
Síol Newsletter
Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Spring 2016 • Issue 11
Greetings from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust
Thank you for sending in to us the articles, anecdotes and
stories of the life of your schools. It is so energising and
uplifting to read the many life affirming contributions that
our schools are making in your local communities, your
charitable work, your real concern for justice here in Ireland,
and throughout the world, and the celebrations, successes and
positive developments in our schools.
This issue of Síol also records in words and pictures how our
Edmund Rice schools marked Proclamation Day 2016. As a school
network we have a unique association with the 1916 Proclamation.
Three of the seven signatories, Padraig Pearse, Seán Mac Diarmada
and Éamonn Ceannt were educated by the Christian Brothers.
The Proclamation states that, “The Republic guarantees religious
and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its
citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and
prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of
the children of the nation equally…”, sentiments which echo the
vision of the founder of our schools, Blessed Edmund Rice and
the values of our Charter.
As part of the centenary celebrations, students in each of our
schools developed their “Proclamation for a new generation”,
unveiled and celebrated on Proclamation Day. The values of
Edmund Rice are evident in these proclamations with themes
such as everyone having a safe place to live, a welcoming place
to go to school and access to health care appearing frequently. Just as Edmund Rice took action to address the needs of
society in 1816 and the past pupils of his schools created the
Proclamation of 1916, so we in 2016 are challenged to work
towards the guarantee of human dignity for all enshrined
in the original Proclamation and the Proclamation for a
new generation.
Homelessness has emerged as one of the main themes of the
Proclamation for a new generation in our schools and the
Edmund Rice Schools Trust has adopted this issue as our key
campaign this year.
Homelessness is the single most urgent, most pressing and
most serious issue of our time. Having a home, a place to live,
is central to everything that makes us grow and develop as
people. It is essential for our health, and especially our mental
health. But, today, thousands of families across Ireland are
living without a place to call home – without this essential
human right.
Homelessness can and must be tackled. The Edmund Rice
Schools Trust schools are standing together to say that the
homelessness crisis must be solved. So I call on all of our
students to sign the homelessness petition that will be in all of
our 95 schools in Ireland, on Edmund Rice Day, May 5th, 2016.
By standing together we are saying that there is a better way.
There is a way to solve homelessness. Together.
Blessings to you all.
Every good wish,
Gerry Bennett
Chief Executive
Honouring the
heroes of 1916!
Scoil Chiaráin CBS
At the start of the year each class wrote
their own proclamation. A section from
each proclamation was chosen and used
to create our school proclamation for our
flag raising ceremony. In October we all
gathered in Craobh Chiaráin GAA club
because two army soldiers came to present
us with a copy of the Proclamation and an
Irish flag. After the presentation we asked
the soldiers a few questions. After they
answered all our questions, they explained
about the importance of the Proclamation
and how to mind a country’s national flag.
At the end there were refreshments for all
who attended.
Each class prepared their own project on
the 1916 Rising and these were on display
for all to see. The areas covered were
leaders of the Rising, buildings in the
Rising, life at the time, Dublin then and
now and children of the Rising. Sixth class
Actors in the making!
Scoil Chiaráin CBS
We, the children of Scoil Chiaráin Drama
Club went to the Smock Alley Theatre and
Gaiety School of Acting for a trip. We got
to go on this trip because we performed
in a Talent show! So we got a trip out!
We started the day by getting on the bus.
When we got off the bus, we walked to the
Smock Alley Theatre. We got a tour of the
building. The theatre was established in
1662 and it used to be a church. The biggest
room in the building used to be a place
where they put dead bodies after a funeral.
That is where the main shows are played.
There were three rows. If you were in the
bottom (the pit), you were working class. If
Síol Page 2
you were in the middle row, you were rich. If
you were on the top row you were a servant
to the people on the second row.
Then we went to the Gaiety School of
Acting where we had an acting lesson
with a girl named Kate. She told us how
to warm up parts of our bodies for acting
like our voices, body and our imagination.
We had to shout out our names, then we
had to act out a photograph. Then Kate
gave us a story to act out.
We really enjoyed our day out and
learned a lot about being an actor!
Eric Lambert and Joe Fitzgerald (Rang 5)
presented a dramatic interpretation about
the events of Easter Week.
The flag we received was used for our
flag raising ceremony. On March 15th,
we had our flag raising ceremony. A boy
was picked from each class to read a part
of our new school proclamation. After
that, these boys represented all pupils and
raised the flag. Each person who came to
celebrate with us in this special ceremony
got a mini Irish flag.
Robbie Codreanu and
Rohit Unnikrishnan (Rang 4)
Why Scoil
Chiaráin CBS
is the Best
Scoil Chiaráin CBS
To most, Scoil Chiaráin CBS is an average,
everyday school, but not to the pupils,
the parents and the community. Scoil
Chiaráin is so much more than just a
primary school in Dublin. It’s a school
where everyone has a chance to do
something great, a place where everyone
is welcome from all parts of the world,
no matter what race or religion they are.
The teachers here at Scoil Chiaráin strive
to give the children the best education
as possible. The principal of our school,
Ms Harte, is a loving and caring person.
She always tries her best to look after
every student as best as she can. She is
responsible for bringing in new initiatives
such as a yearly talent exhibition, an
active and green school committee,
healthy eating and a student council. The
staff in our school are also great. They
give out helpful tips and advice to any
boy in need. They help us if there is ever
a problem. All grownups do their job to
the highest standard, from second class
all the way up to Room 10, 11 and 6.
“Running for Life”
Coláiste Choilm
The “Running for Life” programme began in September, 2014.
This is the third very successful year of it. The objectives
of this initiative are to improve our students’ physical and
mental well-being in a society of increasing pressures on
our young people. Our hope is that the programme will also
enhance students’ self-esteem and confidence.
The initiative draws its inspiration from two ideas: Operation
Transformation and the notion of the marathon. Students
aim to complete a marathon distance (42km) over 5 weeks
plus a “catch-up” week; 5km after school on a Tuesday
and 3km at the beginning of students’ P.E. class (8km per
week). Students are placed into groups according to their
cardiovascular fitness (bleep test). Eight teacher volunteers
run with the students and lead a group each week. The T.Y.
class also mentor and help to lead a group and this year
we have second years also mentoring individual first year
students to help support and encourage them as they run/
jog/walk. We also run this programme for second years in
September of each year and then for first years after February
The school is packed with fun activities.
We always get to try out new things,
like golf, kick-boxing, rowing and much
more. Everyone has great fun playing
these games. Recently, our old backfield,
battered and muddy, was converted into a
brand new all-weather pitch by a company
called Pride Sports. Boys can now use the
pitch before for P.E., training and athletic
events. As we have just pointed out, Scoil
Chiaráin is not just an ordinary school,
it’s our school and in our school, we will
always say that Scoil Chiaráin CBS is the
best school in Ireland.
By Darren Kearney Saul and Adam Poole
Flanagan (Rang 6)
mid-term. Many other students including 6th years choose to
run with us. Each student receives a “marathon chart” which
is stamped for every kilometer they complete. A presentation
occurs at the end of the school year awarding students with
medals/certificates for their personal achievement.
This programme is specifically tailored and designed for
all students, not just the elite sports people. It’s not about
winning, but participation and personal improvement.
Because of this, the initiative is a compulsory part of
students’ P.E. programme. It is also in line with the
Department of Education’s guidelines requesting schools to
educate our students with regard to health and fitness.
More importantly we have found that students feel good
about their achievements and about themselves. Some pupils
gain in fitness and others find that they love running and
exercise more than they ever imagined they would. What’s
more, there is an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere
surrounding the runs and the rapport between teachers and
students is enhanced as students and teachers alike battle the
same hills and the same winds! The odd day the wind is even
at our backs!
Summer 2016 Page 3
Zambia Immersion Project
St. Fintan’s High School
Since 2013 St. Fintan’s HS has been
involved with a Zambia Immersion
Project based in Kabwe, Zambia. Kabwe
is a small town situated around two
hours north of Lusaka, the capital city
of the country, with a population of just
over 200,000 people. St. Fintan’s HS has
raised close to €40,000 for the project
since we started fundraising 4 years ago.
The money raised goes directly towards
the building and maintenance of a new
school in the town, called Sables, which
benefits a large group of disadvantaged
local children (aged 7yrs – 16yrs) living
in the area. The children are from a local
slum called Makalulu and some have to
walk two hours every morning to reach
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
St. Fintan’s High School
St. Fintan’s High School, Sutton, Dublin
13, staged a remarkable production of
William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer
Night’s Dream over three nights in March.
Eighteen contemporary boyband and
girlband hit songs were inserted into the
narrative which recounts mismatched
and mixed up couples in an enchanted
wood, where the interference of some
mischievous fairies and sprites causes
more problems for all!
Síol Page 4
Staged entirely ‘in house’ by the St. Fintan’s
staff team of Ms Ruth Barry (Art Design &
Set Design), Ms Louise Neylon (Costumier),
Ms Sophie Buckley (Choreographer) and
Mr Stephen Slattery (Director), the show
played to three sold out audiences.
This was the tenth consecutive musical
staged with students from the TY group.
Girls from the neighbouring St. Dominic’s
Santa Sabina again filled out half the cast
and crew membership.
Sables. Most live in basic makeshift
mud huts and experience daily poverty
that we in Ireland would find hard to
comprehend. Many of them have lost
one or both of their parents at a young
age. Despite this, they are the happiest,
fun-loving children that you could ever
wish to meet and take great delight in
attending the school every day. The love
that they receive in the school acts as a
source of hope in their lives.
We have visited Kabwe twice, in 2013 and
2015, to help with the building of Sables
and to spend time with the kids there.
A group of teachers and Transition Year
students are currently preparing to visit
again in June 2017.
Carlow 1916 Centenery Celebrations
St. Fintan’s High School
Proclamation Day
CBS Waterpark
Waterpark CBS marked 15th March it
was National Proclamation Day and
each school in the country had to mark
the occasion with various aspects/
themes that recognise our national
identity. We began the day with our
Principal Mr. Beecher explaining the
significance and history behind our
National Flag and then, accompanied by
the 1st year students, we raised the flag
at the front of our school.
Later in the day the students gathered
in the School Hall and as part of the
novel event, they explored the last 100
years on this island, celebrating the
momentous occasion through means of
song, drama, music and poetry.
We were joined by guest speaker, Julie
Phelan who gave an account of how her
family had direct links to the signing of
the Proclamation and she encouraged us
all to trace our ancestors who were alive
at the time of the ‘Rising’ to see what
part they played in securing Ireland’s
Independence.
ffWaterpark Student Reads The Proclamation
5th Year student, Conor Donegan wrote
a poem encompassing the events of 1916
and another 5th Year student, Nathan
Carey produced a scene from the battle
of the GPO which was re-enacted by our
drama students.
Caoimhe O’Shea performed some
Irish dancing while Mr. Wheatley, Mr.
Culloty, Ms. French and Stephen Nolan
performed some traditional Irish music.
The event concluded with all the
students giving a resounding rendition
of Amhrán Na Bhfiann.
ffWaterpark CBS students display the National Flag with Principal Mr Tom Beecher
Summer 2016 Page 5
Homeless Awareness Event
Ardscoil na Mara
On the 9th March the Peace and Justice group of Ardscoil Na
Mara, Tramore, Co. Waterford launched the ‘One Campaign for
Change’ in an effort to end the homelessness crisis in Ireland.
Together with the Romero Institute of Peace and Justice, the
Peter McVerry Trust, CBS Midleton and Abbey Community
School Co Kilkenny, they have worked on designing the
campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness among
young people around Ireland about the issue of homelessness in
Ireland and it calls on them to be advocates for change in the
Ireland they live in.
The event was attended by many other schools in the ERST
network such as CBS Arklow, Coláiste Éanna, Ballyroan,
Ardscoil Rís in Limerick, Life Centre in Cork and Waterford
schools such as Waterpark College.
can get involved. They strongly encouraged all to follow their
Facebook page ‘One Campaign for Change’
The Young Irish Filmmakers then aired their documentary on
the issue of homelessness that they made in Kilkenny and this
brought the event to a close.
The event was truly uplifting as the passion of the young people
involved was palpable but there was definitely a challenge to
all that attended. The challenge was in the startling statistics
on homelessness in Ireland in 2016 and how these statistics are
actually everyone’s responsibility. There is a need for us to walk
together on this campaign road and to get those in power to
take action to end the crisis.
It was hoped that the outcome of the event would be to increase
the support for the ‘One campaign for Change ‘ and to invite
other schools to join us on the road as we advocate for those in
our country who are homeless. This is already coming to light as
more schools have shown interest in joining the campaign.
We were delighted to have as our keynote speaker Sr.
Stanislaus Kennedy, or Sr. Stan as she is affectionately known.
As founder of Focus Ireland and social innovator she had so
much to contribute to the event. She spoke of the reasons
she founded Focus Ireland and the immense work they do.
She also commended the students on their work to date but
called on them to continue to pursue the issue until they see
change occur.
Also on the day we had two visiting exhibitions from Belfast
called “Hidden Quarter and “Hidden Voices” on display. The
photographic exhibition had images representing the experience
of homelessness through the artistic vision of people who
are or were once homeless themselves. Cormac McAirt of the
Westcourt Centre in Belfast talked us through the exhibition
and gave input on how advocacy can be extremely powerful in
making a change.
ffMr Paul Kelly, Deputy Principal, Midleton CBS, Dr Phil Brennan,
Romera Institute, Mount Sion, at the One Campaign For Change event
in Ardscoil na Mara
The High Hopes Choir were also in attendance and they
performed for us and were interviewed by Dr. Phil Brennan
from the Romero institute of Peace and Justice in order to give
us an insight into the reality of homelessness. Their true life
stories brought to light the truth about homelessness, that no
one ever wishes to be homeless and it can happen to anyone.
Members of the Peace and Justice groups in Ardscoil Na Mara,
CBS Midleton and Abbey Community School Co Kilkenny then
presented the information on the ‘One Campaign for Change’
and gave an easy step by step explanation on how each school
ffMr Dan O’Leary, Cork Life Centre; Mr Cormac McAirt, Westcourt Centre,
Belfast; Ms Aoife Denton, Ardscoil na Mara; Mr Padraig Cawley, Principal,
Ardscoil na Mara
Artifice 2016
Ardscoil na Mara
Artifice is an innovative education project devised by Lismore Castle Arts in
collaboration with schools through Co. Waterford.
Ardscoil na Mara were delighted to be one of the eight specially selected schools to
produce vibrant and imaginative works for this year’s exhibition which took place at
Lismore Castle.
Miss Driver (Art Teacher) and 4th year students all travelled to Lismore Castle for
the official launch of Artifice 2016 and had a fantastic night. Parents, Staff and
Management all attended the launch to support the students and admire the work
on display.
Síol Page 6
Proclamation Day
Ardscoil na Mara
Centenary celebrations commenced in
Ardscoil na Mara with the arrival of the
Third Battalion of the armed forces from
the South Kilkenny Barracks. Lieutenant
Shane Flood led a flag raising ceremony
of the Irish tricolour on the school
grounds which was accompanied by
Amhran na bhFiann, on the bagpipes.
Within the school foyer the festivities
continued amidst the bunting of green,
white and orange. Fitting tribute was
paid to national figures such as Thomas
Francis Meagher who first flew the
tricolour and Padraig Pearse who read
the Irish Proclamation of Independence
outside the G.P.O. Students then enacted
the Easter Rising of 1916 in a play where
the activities throughout Dublin were
brought to life. Traditional Irish music
echoed throughout the school as the
lyrics of Oro se do Bheatha Bhaile were
sung, a fitting choice as this was the
song that Pearse whistled on the way to
his execution. Talented poets read aloud
self -composed poetry about life in 1916.
A rendition of the poem “1916” by W. B
Yeats was delivered reminding everyone
how “a terrible beauty was born”.
Part of the 1916 commemorations
focused on making the Proclamation
of Independence relevant to the youth
of today. How better to do this than
to encourage students to draft their
version of a “Proclamation for a New
Generation, 2016”? Students read aloud
their aspirations for the future of Ireland,
ideals of equality, peace and respect.
Indeed, the romantic heroes of Ireland
were revered, history was brought
to life and the culture of Ardscoil na
Mara was enriched while celebrating
Proclamation Day.
Comóradh 1916
Gaelscoil Sáirséal, Luimneach
Faoi spéir gheal ghorm ar an 15ú Márta d’ardaigh Máirín Uí
Ruairc-Tuathaigh bratach na hÉireann ar son pobal Gaelscoil
Sáirséal. Tá Máirín bainteach leis an scoil ó thús mar bhall den
Bhord Bainistíochta agus mar mhúinteoir rince. D’oibrigh daltaí
agus foireann na scoile go dian chun clár iontach cultúrtha a
chur faoi bhráid an slua mór a d’fhreastal ar an ócáid.
Cumann Naomh
Uinseann de Pól
Gaelscoil Sáirséal, Luimneach
Bhain daltaí na scoile úsáid as a gcuid scileanna ceoil ar lá
fhuar gheimhridh chun airgead a thiomsú ar son Cumann
áitiúil Naomh Uinseann de Pól. Chan siad agus sheinn
siad carúil Nollag ar Shráid Uí Chonaill, Luimneach agus
bhailigh siad €254. Tháinig Mícheál Ó Murchú, LeasUachtarán Náisiúnta an chumainn chun na scoileann chun
an t-airgead, a fhanfaidh sa cheantar, a bhailiú.
Under a bright blue sky on March 15th, Máirín Uí RuaircTuathaigh raised the Tricolour on behalf of the Gaelscoil
Sáirséal Community. Máirín, a former member of our Board
of Management and our dancing teacher has been with us
since our foundation in 1990 and it was a great honour for us
to invite her to raise our national flag. Our pupils and staff
worked tirelessly to prepare a wonderful cultural programme in
celebration of the 1916 centenary & Proclamation Day.
Our very talented pupils took to the streets on a bright
winter’s morning just before Christmas to raise money for
the local Saint Vincent de Paul Society. They entertained
the Christmas Shoppers on O’Connell St in Limerick with
their singing and traditional music, collecting a fantastic
€254 in just 1 hour! The National Vice-President of the
SVP called to the school to collect the money and assured
us that the money our pupils raised would help needy
families in our local community.
Summer 2016 Page 7
Kilkenny Hurler Henry Shefflin Visits
CBS Secondary School in Carrick
CBS, Carrick-On-Suir
CBS Secondary School students and staff welcomed the legendary Kilkenny
Senior Hurler Henry Shefflin as he arrived with Bank of Ireland Carrick Branch
representatives to talk to senior students on the virtues of saving and sport. The
visit, organized by the school Bank of Ireland TY student management team, was a
successful drive to encourage the TY year and 5th year students to open an account
and save. Henry who works for the BOI was a welcome guest as his lifelong passion
for sport and high profile as a brilliant hurler intrigued the young students. Henry
spoke about the opportunity to save and budget from a young age under the guidance
of the School Bank incentive. He compared working with colleagues at the BOI or
indeed in any career and life experiences, as applying the same characteristics and
skillsets learned, earned and shared in the world of sports. “Hard work, training,
commitment, loyalty, passion and loving what you are doing and keeping at it, is what
drives you forward” he told the students. Henry talked about his school days and how
hurling was very much a part of his life. The transition from Ballyhale NS to the big
environment of St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny was a huge challenge to his confidence.
However he worked hard and during hurling practice he worked on his left hand side
especially at home practicing against the gable wall. “Do that hard work and extra
bit yourself and you will overcome challenges facing you,” he said. Henry praised his
Ballyhale Club, which he said supported him and his teammates throughout their
training, encouraging them to be the best they could in all walks of life. “I have had
a great hurling career and have been very lucky and fortunate. I miss it and would
love to be starting all over again”, said Henry “I am a Club player now and enjoy it
all.” He encouraged the students to balance their training with the right recovery and
right nutritional programmes and added ‘you learn more from your losses than your
victories.’ A carved hurley on a stand was presented to Henry Shefflin by the students
and Principal Billy O’Farrell thanked him for his visit and also the hard working BOI
Carrick Branch Manager Donnacha Fahey and Anne Keating BOI School Branch Coordinator, who had accompanied him. Before leaving Henry took time to talk to 2nd
year students who are in training for the U/14 Rice Cup and answered questions.
Our inaugural
action- packed
French Week
- La Semaine
Francaise
CBS, Carrick-On-Suir
Highlighting various aspects of the
language and culture, French Week
kicked off with a poster display and
competition involving First, Second and
Transition Year students. Blue, white and
red flags and bunting gave the school a
“gallic flair” throughout the week.
Transition and First year classes
sampled French breakfasts with cafe
au lait, chocolat chaud and of course
les croissants!
Talks on French cuisine and regional
specialities were given by Chef Robyn
O’Connell who brought along tasty
samples for the lads.
French at third level and beyond was
also part of the programme with a talk
on French courses in the University of
Limerick delivered by Catherine Jeanneau
from the U.L. French Dept.
The school took on the appearance of a
French village market when we welcomed
Breton Crepe expert Fabrice. All classes
got a chance to sample delicious crepes
served by Fabrice in our recently
opened canteen.
The week concluded with a visit
by a French Theatre Company who
entertained Second and Third year
classes with interactive drama sketches,
in French of course!
CBS Secondary School Students Present
Fundraise for Marie Keating Foundation
CBS, Carrick-On-Suir
A cheque for €210 was presented to Marie Keating Foundation representative,
Maeve Fitzgerald, Community Information Nurse for the Munster region, by the CBS
Secondary School Students Council on Wednesday 15th April. Funds were raised
through a recent non-uniform day organised by the Students Council and supported
by all students. A talk was given to 5th year students by Maeve Fitzgerald on cancer to
raise awareness of the disease, its many forms and the importance of early detection.
Leaflets and information on the many forms of cancer were also available to the
students along with advice on making the right choices to lead a healthy life. She
thanked the students for their kind donation to the Marie Keating Foundation Charity.
A cheque for €210, also raised from the non-uniform day, has been donated to the
charity, 3T’s (Turn The Tide of Suicide).
Síol Page 8
Well done and many thanks to French
teacher Ms. Linda Barry who put huge
effort into making this week such an
enjoyable experience for all.
CBS Secondary CBS Students Enter MSD Bright
School Welcome Ideas Competition
Guest Speaker CBS, Carrick-On-Suir
2nd year students from CBS Secondary School in Carrick-on-Suir are
Fionnbar Walsh Three
participating in MSD Bright Ideas Competition. Laurence Ahearn, Christopher Walsh
CBS, Carrick-On-Suir
Special guest Fionnbar Walsh from Co.
Kerry, the father of the late teenager
Donal Walsh who died from cancer in
May 2013, gave a poignant talk to 5th
year and TY CBS students in Carrick.
Donal, a healthy and sporty child from
Tralee had been diagnosed with Osteo
Sarcoma (bone cancer) at the age of 12
and battled his illness tirelessly, through
treatments and operations for four years
before dying at the age of 16. During this
time he fundraised to help provide age
appropriate teenage facilities in hospital
and hospice centres and raised funds of
€50,000 for St. John’s Cancer Ward in
Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in
Crumlin, which rose to €65,000 following
his death. His father spoke passionately
about his son who was angry at teenage
suicide while he tried to get as much out
of life as possible in the time he had left.
Donal wrote a heart -wrenching article,
one of many, in which he stated, “I feel
angry that these people choose to take
their life to ruin their family and to leave
behind a mess that no one can clean up
while here I am with no choice in my
sentence, trying as best I can to prepare
my family and friends for what’s about
to come and to leave as little mess as
possible.” These profound words were
taken from an article written by Donal as
a call to his peers encouraging them to
live life to the fullest. The CBS Student
Council and Principal Billy O’Farrell
thanked Fionnbar for visiting their school
and taking time to talk to the students.
They presented him with a cheque for
€200 in aid of the ‘Donal Walsh #Livelife
Foundation’ set up by his family to
promote Donal’s anti-suicide message as
well as forwarding his cause of providing
age appropriate teenage facilities in
hospital and hospice centres.
and Andrew Dermody are researching, observing, recording and investigating handson for their scientific analysis on their chosen challenge and how this may be resolved
based on their experiments and conclusive evidence.
Laurence is studying the growth of salmonella in chickens and Christopher and
Andrew are raising awareness of bovine TB among the local farming community.
The Merck Sharp and Dohme new science competition is open to all secondary school
students and the Ballydine Plant in Tipperary is fully supportive of encouraging young
students to become involved in scientific research where they can singly or collectively
study behavior and lifestyles of people, plants and animals and identify areas where
science may help them, through the use of apps, helpful devices and modifications of
these to improve their circumstances. It is hoped that this will encourage students to
take an interest in the world of science which offers potential for vast exploration in
to medical research and the development of devices to identify issues and help with
the preservation and quality of life and health for all living beings, animals, fauna and
flora for the future.
Proclamation Day Commemoration
Wexford Primary School
The centre-piece of the Proclamation
Day Commemoration Ceremonies in
CBS Primary School, Loch Garman
was the dedication of a new space
– Gairdín na Saoirse – in the newlydeveloped car park.
The Mayor of Wexford planted the last
of 16 native yew trees which represent
both the year of the Rising and
its Centenary.
The youngest girl and boy in
the school unveiled a specially
commissioned black marble plaque.
The seven-sided plaque represents the
Seven Signatories of the Proclamation
and bears the official logo of the
Centenary. The inscription on the
plaque reads ‘Cherishing all our
Children Equally’, which is inspired
by the aspirations expressed in
the Proclamation.
the parents of the late Cadet David
Jevens, a past-pupil and member of the
Air Corps who was killed in a flying
accident while training in 2009.
The school choir sang ‘Grace’ and
pupil representatives of each class read
their Class Proclamations. An outdoor
concert of Irish music, song and dance
followed the singing by the whole
assembly of Amhrán na bhFiann.
Photographs by Ger Dwyer, Caretaker
The commemoration was also
attended by four members of the
Defence Forces, three of whom are
recent past-pupils and one a mother
of a recent-past-pupil. They read the
Proclamation and were presented with
the Tri-colour which they raised to the
sound of a trumpet.
Special guests on the occasion were
Summer 2016 Page 9
All-Ireland Equestrian success for Andy
CBS Kilkenny
First year student, Andy O’Donnell, won the All-Ireland Inter-Schools Hunter Trials on
March 12th 2016. Hosted by Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, more than 170 competitors
battled it out in the Junior Competition. Andy completed the fastest clear round of
the day. On his pony, Onyx, Andy completed the 24 fence round in an impressive
4.39 minutes. Very well done, Andy. It is a great achievement.
Cantwell wins PExpo National Title
CBS Kilkenny
On March 11 2016, fifth year student Conor Cantwell competed in PExpo 2016 in
Trinity Comprehensive School in Ballymun Dublin. There were more than 400 students
competing at the event. All projects at the competition were sports related. Conor’s
project was functional movement training in Young GAA players which won the
performance and sports psychology category. Conor also won the overall prize and
will now present to students in University of Limerick as well as at the PE Teachers
conference in Cork next October.
CBS Kilkenny golfing triumph
CBS Kilkenny
Every year, CBS Kilkenny fields a school golf team. This year, the standard is very high,
with the team recently winning the Leinster Schools Senior Matchplay Final at Carlow
Golf Club, to progress to the All-Ireland stages. Under the tutelage and guidance
of Mr. Sean Breathnach, the students have gone from strength to strength in the
schools competitions.
Well done to the winners from Bobby O’Mahony, Jack Walsh, Martin Power, Kevin
Power and Mackenzie Davin.
Technology success in CBS Tráth na gCeist
CBS Kilkenny
CBS Kilkenny
Warmest congratulations to Cathal O’Dwyer O’Brien who
received third place in Ireland in Technology in his Leaving
Certificate in 2015. Cathal’s achievement and that of his teacher
Mr. PJ McCormack was recognised at the Annual Technology
Teachers National awards on Saturday 5th March 2016 in
GMIT Galway.
Ghlac trí fhoireann ó Mheánscoil na mBráithre páirt i gcomórtas
Tráth na gCeist eagraithe ag Feachtas a bhí ar siúl i gColáiste
Pobail Osraí an tseachtain seo chaite. D’éirigh go maith leo agus
chríochnaigh ceann de na foirne ó Mhéanscoil na mBráithre
sa chéad áit. Ghlac an fhoireann sin páirte i gCraobh na
hÉireann i mBaile Átha Cliath i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016.
Chríochnaigh said sa dara áit.
This is not the first time Mr McCormack’s achievements have
been recognised nationally. Dylan Dooley was placed third
in Ireland in his Leaving Certificate Technology in 2014, and
a Department of Education Inspection report in 2014 highly
praised Mr. McCormack’s teaching methods and outcomes.
This was a fantastic achievement for Cathal who designed an
automatic tablet dispenser for use in refugee camps. Cathal is
currently studying Engineering in University College Dublin.
Síol Page 10
Comhghairdeas le Caoimhín de Baróid, Jeaic Ó Geargáin, Ultan
Ó Conraoi agusMarc Ó Coinne i gCraobh na hÉireann.
Three teams from CBS took part in the Tráth na gCeist
competition organised by Feachtas in Coláiste Pobail Osraí last
week. They got on well and one of the teams from CBS finished
in first place. That team took part in the All-Ireland Finals in
Dublin during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016, but unfortunately
missed out narrowly on first place.
Tony O’Brien RIP, friend and
benefactor of CBS Kilkenny
CBS Kilkenny
The school community is deeply saddened
to learn of the death of Tony O’Brien RIP,
friend and benefactor of the school, and
after whom the Tony O’Brien Scholarship
Fund was named.
A native of Piltown, Co.Kilkenny and a CBS
Carrick on Suir man himself, Tony lived
most of his life in Dublin but never really
left Kilkenny. His greatest thrill was to
witness his home county win yet another
All Ireland Senior Hurling Final and both
his working and leisure life were organised
around that first Sunday in September in
the hope that Kilkenny would make the
final. He was overjoyed when on a visit to
the school Mr. Matt Ruth let him hold, for
his first time, the Liam McCarthy!
Tony O’Brien was one of the leading
business executives of his day. He served
as Chief Executive of C&C for 21 years,
was Director of CRH, Past President of
IBEC and Chairman of the Review Body on
higher remuneration in the Public Service.
In 2002 he was appointed Chairman of
C&C, a position he held until his retirement
in 2010 having spent 40 years with the
group. C&C plc established the Tony
O’Brien Scholarship Fund to honour this
Kilkenny man who had contributed so
much to industry in general and to C&C
in particular. This was Tony’s wish, that
students of this school would be enabled to
attend UCD’s Quinn Business School and
perhaps follow in his footsteps. To date nine
students have been worthy winners of this
most generous and prestigious award.
New Pitch for CBS Kilkenny
CBS Kilkenny
On Monday, October 19 2015, we were delighted to welcome
Aogán Ó Fearghail, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, to
officially cut the ribbon at the redeveloped Brothers’ Field on
Stephens Street. On a day that marked the end of five years of
work and fundraising by CBS Kilkenny primary and secondary
schools, the sun shone down unseasonably and added great
enjoyment to the occasion.
For the last five years, both schools and their respective Boards
of Management have worked hard to fundraise and oversee
the redevelopment of the field into a top-class pitch. In his
address, Mr Ó Fearghail paid tribute to principals Mr Tom
Clarke, Mr Donal McCarthy and his predecessor Mr Denis
O’Reilly. Foresight, energy and determination were the main
attributes which brought the work to fruition on the day. He
told the gathered crowd that sport helped not only our physical
wellbeing, but also our mental wellbeing. He also graciously
acknowledged that he was in the county where the best hurlers
in the world lived! His address was warmly received as he
Caitríona O’Brien - RIP,
In Loving Memory of a
Dear Colleague
CBS Kilkenny
It is with great sadness that the CBS
Kilkenny community learned of the
passing of Caitríona O’Brien, a much
loved and highly respected colleague,
teacher and friend.
Caitriona passed away peacefully on
March 1st 2016 and will be sorely missed
by her friends in CBS Kilkenny. Over the
When news of his death filtered through
the school on Friday Dec 18 2015, the
students were so impressed that a man
could so value education and be so
personally generous that they wished to
form a guard of honour at his funeral
and offer their sympathies to his wife
Frances who is also a good friend of the
school, his son Shane and his extended
family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a
anam dílís.
praised the school communities, teaching staff, the Dept of
Education & Skills (DES), local businesses and supporters.
Representing the DES on the day was a great supporter and past
pupil of CBS KIlkenny, Bill Kavanagh.
To mark the opening of the pitch, CBS Kilkenny secondary
school hosted the annual Jim Langton Tournament. The son
of Jim Langton, also Jim, presented the Jim Langton cup to
the victorious team, CBS Midleton. Bishop of Ossory, Seamus
Freeman, did the honour of blessing the pitch.
Mr Clarke thanked all those who had contributed in so many
ways to the project, and remembered the many decades of
hard work and dedication which the Christian Brothers have so
generously given to the community. Mr McCarthy reiterated the
sentiments of Mr Ó Fearghail’s inaugural address as Uachtarán
Chumann Luthchleas Gael, when he said that every person in
the community plays an important role in the promotion of sport
and physical prowess in our young people. The benefits sport
brings are manifold.
Mr Eddie Holohan from the CBS Secondary Board of
Management performed his role of master of ceremonies with
ease and eloquence.
course of her twenty five years in the
school, Caitríona brought cheer, positivity
and a terrific sense of humour to her
many interactions with students and staff.
Caitríona was a highly regarded teacher
of Geography and Maths to Leaving
Certificate Higher level.
in the South East and at national level
and held many roles, including President
of the Branch. She went on to become
President of the Irish Ladies Hockey
Union from 1999-2000 and was a key
figure in the amalgamation of the two
former Unions, ILHU & IHU, in May 2000.
Among the many extra-curricular areas
in which she played a part, Caitríona
was a formidable driving force behind
the equestrian success of the school
and thoroughly enjoyed her time with
the teams over the years. Separately,
Caitriona was very involved in hockey
We extend our deepest sympathies
to Noel and Mary Ellen, and both the
O’Brien and Hayes families on their loss.
She will be very fondly remembered in
CBS Kilkenny.
Ní bheidh a leithéid inár measc arís, RIP.
Summer 2016 Page 11
Edmund Rice Autism Centre Officially Opened
CBS Roscommon
October marked an exciting new chapter
in the history of the CBS Roscommon,
with the official opening of the school’s
state of the art Autism Centre.
The event, which took place on a blustery
October morning, celebrated the amazing
transformation of the old monastery - an
historic building which had fallen into
serious disrepair - into a stunning, bright
and inspirational space. The Centre
pays homage to its esteemed past, with
many of the building’s beautiful original
features having been carefully preserved.
History merges seamlessly with
modernity throughout the Centre – it
contains a new multi-media sensory
room and classrooms which are equipped
with up-to-the-minute resources to help
students along the autistic spectrum to
achieve their potential.
Principal Ms. Fiona Gallagher, welcomed
all those who attended the event - past
and present members of the staff,
management and Board of Management
– and recounted the journey that had
occurred since the school first received
word that they had received the funding
for the Centre. She emphasised that it was
a Centre as opposed to a Unit, because
it was not a standalone entity, but an
integral part of the school community
and the CBS campus. Ms. Gallagher
commended the work of the teachers
Síol Page 12
and students who were wholeheartedly
embracing this new element of school life.
People have tended to call this the autism
unit. We are calling it as you can see the
Edmund Rice Autism Centre. A unit is one
part of a whole. The centre is at the core,
and this is now at the core of who we are
here at Roscommon CBS.
Two Kerry writers lived in Listowel, John
B. Keane and Bryan McMahon. When one
was asked did he get on with the other,
he said, we live in the same square but we
move in different circles!
This is the centre of our circle here at
Roscommon CBS.
It was the vision of Edmund Rice to
bring those in need to the centre, and
here we are keenly aware that we need
to cater and create a vibrant educational
environment for all.
It is significant that this was the Brothers’
home. How wonderful a sign of their
continuing legacy to our education. And
we want those who are educated here to
be at home.
The Centre’s first student – Dec Healy –
and his teacher Ms. Grainne Sheerin spoke
about the wide range of subjects that they
cover in the Centre. Traditional music was
provided by Alan Hill, Lennox Musa and
Roddie McGuinness. Teacher Ms. Karen
Flynn also played the accordion.
Brother Michael Heffernan cfc, a past
principal of the school and a former
resident of the old monastery spoke
about the life of Edmund Rice and the
educational legacy he had created in
Roscommon. He fondly remembered
his time within the house and was
astounded by the transformation that
had taken place there since he had
left. Another student of the Centre Paul Adetunji - presented Br. Michael
with a framed picture “Buiochas”
from Ethel Kelly, Knockcroghery in
County Roscommon.
This was followed by a tour of the
building, where Monsignor Travers gave
prayers of blessing for the new Centre. It
was then officially opened by Br. Michael
Heffernan to much applause.
Overall, it was an emotional and joyful
day for the entire school community
as they recognised and celebrated the
colossal work that went into making
this Centre a reality, and the hugely
positive impact it will have on the CBS
and its surrounding areas. The school
was privileged to be a part of such a
worthwhile and inclusive project and
look forward to seeing it grow and thrive
along with its students over the coming
years. We wish to thank all those who
helped out, including the students who
came in especially to help on the day.
Zambia Revisited
– Millimo’s story…
Oatlands College
Seventeen students and five teachers
spent two weeks working with the
Christian Brothers network in Zambia in
May 2013. Most of our time was spent in
the town of Kabwe, a town in the north of
Zambia, where Brother Stephen has built
and developed a community centre to
serve the needs of the local community.
Young people receive education and
training in the community centre and
there is a computer room in which they
can learn basic computer skills to enable
them to secure employment. I worked
with them on basic CVs and formal letters
of application as well as issues of personal
presentation, self-esteem and how to
conduct oneself in a formal interview.
One young woman, Millimo Hamukombo,
who was part of the team running the
centre wanted to explore further how she
could improve her CV and preparation
for the world of work. I discovered that
in an ideal world she would have loved
to progress onto nursing school but, due
to her personal family circumstances and
the fees of higher education in Zambia,
this would not be possible.
After my discussion with her I raised
her case with my fellow teachers and we
decided to do what we could to support
her if she were to proceed to nursing
training. Between us and supported by the
fund raising we had undertaken before
the trip we encouraged her to apply for a
place in her local nursing training school.
This she did in the summer of 2013.
Millimo is now in the middle of her
second year of her nursing training
supported by students and staff of
ffMillimo Hamukombo
Oatlands College. She has secured top
marks in every exam she has taken to
date. Before Christmas this year she
went to work for a month as a trainee
nurse to a small town in rural Zambia
called Mpunde. On her return she sent
us this report. “My experience in Mpunde
was so educational. I had the experience
of giving immunization to children from
birth up until the time they get fully
immunised. We could give them a BCG
vaccine against tuberculosis, PCV vaccine
against pneumonia, OPV vaccine against
poliomyelitis, Rota vaccine against severe
diarrhoea plus the measles vaccine.
I also learnt how to manage a pregnant
mother who came for her first antenatal
booking and how to withdraw blood for
most investigations such as RPR for syphilis,
HIV and HB. I learnt how to give them
iron supplements like ferrous sulphate and
folic acid. I could educate them on signs of
danger during pregnancy which includes
oedema of the legs, drowsiness and severe
headaches which may indicate anaemia,
which predisposes the foetus to foetal distress
due to reduced flow of blood to the placenta. I
was able to handle the delivery of four babies
competently alone though under supervision,
because we were being assessed and given
marks according to how we got on.”
In reading Millimo’s account of her work
in Mpunde one cannot but be struck by
the level of medical support she is already
giving to the wider population after only
eighteen months of nursing training. This
is an indication of how much we, who are
so much more financially blessed than
our African brothers, can achieve with
relatively small investments of time and
energy. It should show us that even small
initiatives on our part can have huge long
term effects in the less developed parts of
our world.
Over the coming decades our work in
Oatlands in fundraising for our work in
Zambia will bear fruit in the work of the
Christian Brothers’ project which we will
continue to support. Alongside that, in
2016 Millimo Hamukombo will qualify as
a nurse and our work in supporting her
will have transformed what she will be
capable of providing to her community
during her working life.
Hopefully, when next Oatlands College
sends another group of students and
teachers to work with the Christian
Brothers in Zambia, they will see the
benefits of the work of previous student
groups from the college. We live in an
interdependent world and we may well
discover that the support that we have
freely given to our brothers and sisters in
Africa will return to us tenfold in benefits
to our own society in the years ahead.
Guys & Dolls
Oatlands College
The Transition Year students of Oatlands College and the
Dominican College Sion Hill enjoyed great success with their
March production of musical Broadway classic “Guys and Dolls”.
Oatlands College has a rich and successful musical history, with
this year’s production marking the eleventh successive year. The
boys from Oatlands have teamed up with the girls from Sion Hill
to work on a musical project. In previous years, Oatlands has
enjoyed great success with productions as diverse as Jesus Christ
Superstar, Les Misérables and Hairspray. 2016’s Guys and Dolls
featured classic Broadway hits such as “Luck Be a Lady”, “I’ve
Never Been In Love Before” and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the
Boat”, performed by over 150 TY students.
Summer 2016 Page 13
Zambia Immersion Project 1916 Commemoration Day
Coláiste Éamann Rís. Callan. Co.Kilkenny
Coláiste Éamann Rís. Co.Kilkenny
On 15th March Coláiste Éamann Rís had a commemorative
event to mark 100 years since the 1916 rising. In this event we
had songs, guest speakers, the reading of the proclamation, reenactments and the raising of the tri-colour to mention but a few
of the activities involved. The mayor of Kilkenny Joe Malone,
along with County Councillors Matt Doran and David Kennedy
attended on the day. Guest speaker on the day was Jim Meagher,
author of The Flying Columns in west Kilkenny”. Former teacher
of our school, and piper Mr. Denis Ryan, returned to play the
National Anthem at the end of the event. Among the guests
was former Principal of the school Frank McKenna, members of
Board of Management and Parents Council who all thoroughly
enjoyed the event.
Irish TV visited the school to film the special event and it aired
on TV a number of weeks later, showing all that is good in
Coláiste Éamann Rís.
Many thanks to all teachers and staff who participated in what
was a very memorable day for our school. A special mention
must be given to Mr. Hickey, Mr. Casey and Mr. Butler who
dedicated a lot of time and effort in the preparations for the day.
Gamal Abdel Nasser said of his African nation “We are a
sentimental people, we prefer a few kind words rather than
millions of dollars given in a humiliating way”
It is this warmth and welcome to visitors that will remain
central in the minds of the two teachers Martina Griffin and
James Murtagh from Coláiste Éamann Rís, Callan, Co Kilkenny
who spent their Easter holidays in Lusaka, Zambia. This trip
commenced preparation for the return immersion programme
next Easter with 15 students and third teacher Cian Ryan.
Over the two and a half weeks in Africa James and Martina
were hosted by the local Christian Brothers at the International
Spiritual Centre at Avondale, Lusaka. James and Martina
joined Br Nsamu Moonga on his daily visits to homes, schools
and orphanages.
Juvenile Hurling
U-14 Hurling in the school provided a number of wins for
Coláiste Éamann Rís. Unbeaten in the league campaign with
victories over Ramsgrange, Ballyhale and Grennan it was
looking as if the Callan boys could compete for silverware in
the South Leinster Championship. However, coming up against
a very strong Carnew side in the quarter final proved to be a
stumbling block for Coláiste Éamann Rís as they bowed out
of the competition. All panel members put in a huge effort
throughout the year training and playing challenge matches
in all sorts of conditions. The future looks bright for hurling in
Coláiste Éamann Ris!
Blessed Edmund Rice opened his whole heart to the poor;
compassion was at the heart of what he was about. Immersion
such as this is a unique and inspirational expression of the
Edmund Rice ethos. Both teachers felt privileged to have
encountered first hand victims of poverty and injustice.
Our return group of students will act as ambassadors for
their school, parishes and families as they forge links through
charitable work on farms, in schools, orphanages and housing
compounds. Preparation for our return involves two elementspreparing the students for their immersion with useful
information on African culture and a fundraising aspect.
Significant time is also given on reflections to nourish the
students’ well being, in a spiritual, physical and emotional
sense- before, during and after the trip.
We are no doubt as to the rewards that will be reaped by our
young students in terms of character building and personal
growth as a result of this trip.
In the words of Nelson Mandela-
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you
can use to change the world”
Síol Page 14
Badminton
Coláiste Éamann Rís brought a record 12 students to the
badminton competition held in the Watershed this year playing
a total of 78 games, competing at U-14, U-16 and U-19 levels.
Coach Mr D. Walton said overall it was a very successful year in
Badminton for Coláiste Éamann Rís with titles at U16 and U19
level. Badminton is just one of the many sports offered at our
school providing the pupils with a wide range of activities to get
involved in outside of the classroom.
Soar Team
Visit Coláiste
Éamann Rís
Coláiste Éamann Rís. Co.Kilkenny
On Tuesday, 23rd February, Tony Griffin
(Clare ex-hurler) visited the school with
the Soar Team. Soar creates and delivers
interactive workshops with young people
in Primary and Secondary schools
throughout Ireland. These workshops
offer young people a unique space where
they can have honest conversations about
their dreams and any challenges that
stop them from being free to be who they
want. Our group of students thoroughly
enjoyed the opportunity to express
themselves and discuss issues that arise
in the everyday life of a teenager.
What is Soar? Soar is a collective
movement which believes that there is
greatness within all young people. Soar
act on this by creating and delivering
early intervention-preventative wellness
workshops inside and outside of the
school system for young people aged 12
to 18 years from all backgrounds.
Soar believes that within all young people
is an immense greatness that often lies
beneath fear, self-doubt and a sense of
disengagement from society. The youth
of Ireland need our collective support
to believe in themselves. Soar is 100%
dedicated to playing our part in changing
this story. Soar want our young people to
be true to their hearts call, to live their
best life possible.
By empowering each young person
to take ownership of their lives and
exploring what is important to them,
Soar is igniting a major shift in attitude
amongst young people all around Ireland.
KCLR Broadcast
Live
Coláiste Éamann Rís, Co.Kilkenny
Coláiste Éamann Rís were delighted to
welcome local radio station KCLR out
to our school where they broadcasted
live for the morning. The KCLR team
interviewed pupils and staff about a
whole range of topics such as sports,
music, drama, subjects, school trips and
much more. It was a great opportunity for
the pupils and teachers to portray all the
great things that happen in our school.
The students enjoyed the opportunity
to speak on the radio and express
their views of school life in Coláiste
Éamann Rís.
Drogheda Update
St. Joseph’s CBS, Drogheda.
The boys in St. Joseph’s along with the
general school community have shown a
solid commitment to the spirit of Edmund
Rice throughout this year.
During the month of November a Copper
Hunt was initiated in the school and
over a fortnight period the brown coins
collection grew steadily. Sixth class boys
then took on the task of counting, bagging
and weighing in preparation for banking.
A very creditable €340 had been amassed
to be donated to the Edmund Rice
Development Fund. The lesson of how we
should never underestimate the value of a
little brown coin was not lost on the pupils
– from the little acorn the large oak!
Youth Centre also to sums of €350 and
€250 respectively.
In March, 6th class boys taking part
in the Louth Junior Entrepreneur
Programme, having faced the “Dragons
in the Den” chose to organise the “St.
Joseph’s School Second Hand Sale” giving
a share of the proceeds to the local “Gary
Kelly Cancer Support Centre” which very
gratefully received a cheque for €250
from the boys.
The school is also actively engaged this
year in achieving the Active Schools Flag
and our Biodiversity 5th Green Flag.
Non uniform days in the school have
benefitted Trócaire and local Boomerang
The 1916 Commemoration Day on
March 15th was a huge success as all
members of our school community were
represented at the flag raising ceremony
and the outdoor celebration consisting
of drama, poetry and song was greatly
enjoyed. It was a commendable marking
of the occasion.
Summer 2016 Page 15
ffBishop Leahy Concelebrating The Bicentenary Mass
Celebrating
200 years since
the Christian
Brothers first
came to Limerick
1816‑2016
ffThe famous “Sexton Street CBS”
Echoing the events of the centenary of
the arrival of the Christian Brothers
to Limerick in 1916, when a band led
the Congregation back up to the school
from St. John’s Cathedral, the 2016
congregation were pipped back up to
nearby Sexton Street by the CBS Pipe
Band. It is interesting to note that the
planned centenary celebrations were
Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street
2016 has been earmarked for some time
as an important occasion in the life of
the community of CBS Sexton Street,
with a number of celebrations planned to
mark the bicentenary of the arrival of the
Christian Brothers in Limerick. Central
to the celebrations planned was the BiCentenary Mass in St. John’s Cathedral,
a 600 page book entitled CBS 200 and a
Carol Service in St. Michael’s Church, the
parish in which the schools, both primary
and secondary, are located.
Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street has
and continues to have a huge influence
locally, nationally and internationally.
The Christian Brothers first came to
Limerick in 1816, Following an invitation
to Br. Edmund Rice, by the then Catholic
Bishop of Limerick, Most Rev. Dr
Charles Tuohy.
The Bicentenary Mass was the first
celebration during this important year
for the CBS Sexton Street community
and took place in St. John’s Cathedral on
Sunday 7th February 2016.
Síol Page 16
of Limerick the school has produced
and countless more entertaining and
fascinating recollections of the influence
of CBS Sexton Street.
For generations of young men CBS
Sexton Street has provided them with
an education both inside and outside the
classroom, with a strong emphasis on
the academic side of school life, balanced
with the extra-curricular activities on
the sports fields and in the area of music,
drama and art. A rich narrative of this
broad Sexton Street education illuminates
all 624 pages of this book.
What has also become evident in the
writing of this book are the strong
friendships formed between the students
of Sexton Street during their time in
this school.
curtailed as martial law was in place in
the city as a result of the events of the
Easter Rising of 1916.
CBS 200
CBS 200 - 624 pages from 1816-2016.
The book, CBS 200, gives a wonderful
account of the impact of Sexton Street on
its alumni, on its city, on its country and
further afield. Many of these memories
are retold and relived as evidenced in
the pages of this wonderful book, rich
in stories and memories about, amongst
others, Ned Daly (executed in 1916 and
educated in Sexton Street); Philip Holland
(inventor of the first working submarine
and former teacher in Sexton Street); the
many Harty Cup triumphs; the 22 mayors
CBS Sexton Street has always sought, and
continues to seek, to equip students for
life after school and does so by offering
a strong academic base coupled with a
broad extra-curricular programme where
students learn the value of working as
part of a team. CBS Sexton Street is
unique amongst secondary schools in
its sporting history in having won the
senior provincial cups in hurling (the
Harty Cup), football (Corn UI Mhuirí), the
Munster Schools Senior Rugby Cup and
the Munster Schools Senior Soccer Cup.
The school has kept at its core its mission
of providing a Catholic education in the
Edmund Rice tradition, including those of
different faiths and none.
Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street
today is a school of 500 pupils from 37
different nationalities, reflective of a
welcoming, vibrant and diverse Sexton
Street that continues to make a significant
contribution to its community. The strong
academic tradition continues and can
be seen in the 152 past pupils who have
won a JP McManus CBS Sexton Street
Scholarship since 1997 and which are
awarded to the top 8 Leaving Certificate
students each year. Success on the sports
fields continues, most recently in soccer
and athletics with many Munster and
All-Ireland Cups brought back to Sexton
Street. Music continues with the CBS Pipe
Band now over 50 years old, as well as
the school’s work with Music Generation
which is showcasing the talents of
yet another generation of singers and
musicians from Sexton Street. Those
unique school friendships continue to
be formed in CBS and will last well into
adulthood, whereby the memories of the
current cohort of Sexton Street students
will be recalled in reunions in the years
to come.
It is indeed very exciting times for the
current and future students of CBS
Sexton Street as the school has been
included in the most recent Major School
Building Projects announced by the
Department of Education and Skills in
November 2015, with ambitious plans
for major refurbishment of the iconic
1820s and 1840s buildings coupled with
modern annexes.
A huge debt of gratitude is owed to all
those involved in the various Bi-centenary
celebrations for the enormous amount
of time and effort they have given to
make this a year to remember and a BiCentenary to remember for all associated
with CBS Sexton Street.
Tom Prendergast, Principal, Coláiste
Mhichíl, BS Sexton Street
Deerpark CBS
Proclaims its
Heritage
Deerpark
Tuesday 15th March 2016, or
Proclamation Day, was a very special
day as Irish schools across the country
held a series of events that marked the
centenary of the 1916 Rising. In Deerpark
CBS, a small DEIS school in the Edmund
Rice tradition on the south-side of Cork
City, the occasion was particularly
notable as, apart from the raising of the
Irish Flag at noon, students and staff held
a range of special events and activities to
proclaim their heritage.
The day was deemed a Lá Glas (a
non-uniform day when students were
encouraged to wear green rather than the
uniform) and T.F. Meagher Foundation
pin badges were sold with the proceeds
going to charity. The staff members
joined in enthusiastically on the day
and, given that the school was already
bedecked in green white and orange for
Seachtain na Gaeilge, there was a real
sense of occasion and national pride for
all concerned on the day.
In the afternoon, the entire school
gathered in the hall for the Principal’s
1916 Centenary Address. Principal Mr
Kevin Barry initially spoke about the
Irish flag and its origins and symbolism
of peace. He then outlined the main
events leading to the 1916 Rising and its
international context, the terrible loss
of life that occurred on both sides and
how the event heralded a new reality for
Anglo-Irish relations.
Mr Barry then linked how his own name
and family connection to the great Cork
Nationalist and Republican Tadhg Barry
helps him to relate personally to the
ensuing struggle for Irish independence,
ffA 1916 Centenary Address by Mr Kevin Barry,
Principal, Deerpark CBS.
even from the distance of a full century.
He also drew from his own personal
experiences working in Africa to illustrate
what it means to be Irish today and of
how we should take great pride in how
we are viewed internationally.
Mr Barry then distributed copies of the
1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic
to students. Special attention was given
to certain sections of the Proclamation
which hold particular significance for the
rights and responsibilities we each enjoy
today as citizens of a free nation.
The students were then treated to a
military display of the Irish Volunteer
uniforms, with local historian Noel
McCarthy and senior student Adam
Duggan wearing the volunteer and officer
uniforms respectively. Mr McCarthy
spoke eloquently of the history and
function of the various elements of the
uniform and of what life as a volunteer
would have been like one hundred
years ago.
The History Department then held a very
successful Tráth na gCeist (a table quiz)
for the students on the history and legacy
of the 1916 Rising. Following this, the
students and staff members ended the
commemoration by rising to sing Amhrán
na bhFiann with a new found sense of
pride and place.
ffBr Edmund Garvey & Principal Tom Prendergast
at the launch of the CBS 200 in Limerick.
ffCelebrating Proclamation Day in Deerpark CBS.
Summer 2016 Page 17
1916 Commemorative
Event
St Joseph’s Fairview
On Tuesday the 26th January, 2016, the Past Pupils Union,
under the leadership of its president, Seán Ó Connell, hosted
a well-attended and universally praised event to mark
the hundredth anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Among the
attendance at this auspicious event were the following guests:
Rev. Fr. James McInerney OFM, C.C., Rev Br. Pat Madigan,
C.F.C., the principals of St Joseph’s Primary and Secondary
Schools, O’Connell’s, Brunswick Street, Synge Street, Westland
Row and Belvedere College S.J., representative teachers and
pupils from those schools as well as the Presidents of their
respective Past Pupil Unions. There were also other invited
guests from the local parishes and Parents Councils and
so forth.
All in all, this fitting and moving commemoration was
universally enjoyed and enthusiastically praised by all those
in attendance. Mr. Cullen extended his thanks to the Principal
and staff of the Primary school for hosting the event, to Sean
O’Connell, President of St Joseph’s P.P.U. for organising such a
fitting and successful presentation. The occasion was recorded
on video for posterity. The morning ended with a light reception
hosted by St Joseph’s primary School.
CBS Boys’ Choir
St Joseph’s Fairview
The choir boys from 3rd class in preparation for the
Confirmation in St Mary’s Cathedral which was held on
Saturday, 12th March. This is an introduction to full
membership of the choir which they will join next September.
From then onwards they will participate in all choir activities
including, training in musicianship, vocal technique and
public performance.
Following a very successful and enjoyable Choir Trip to
Manchester last June and a wonderful performance at the Lions
Concert just before Christmas, the senior choir is preparing for
a very special ‘performance’ in early July - at the wedding of
former choir member, now teacher, Mr. Conor Leahy.
We would like to sincerely thank Mr. Seamus Brennan,
Choirmaster of the CBS Boys’ Choir, for his dedication, time
and generosity in sharing his expertise with the members of
the school choir over the last thirty five years. A legacy of great
memories and accomplished singers follow him and his work.
Green School 2016
Scoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny
ffPictured above clockwise from left are Mr Kevin Gillen (Primary Principal),
Mr. Gerry Cullen (Secondary Principal) Mr Seán O’Connell (President St
Joseph’s P.P.U.) and Mrs G. O’Connell with Mr Joe Duffy (RTE).
Lenten Campaign 2016
St Joseph’s Fairview
All classes organised a variety of events, from sponsored walks
and mini – marathons, to soccer tournaments.
Well in excess of €40,000 has been raised by the boys and their
families since our Lenten campaign started in 2001. To date this
year we have managed to raise approximately €2,500. We are
very proud of them for their generous spirit and commitment to
helping people less fortunate than themselves.
The great work of the Christian Brothers abroad and a variety
of our home based charities have benefited from the financial
support over the years.
Síol Page 18
In our quest to achieve our third green flag for water
conservation, the CBS Kilkenny has not only been
awarded the Green Flag, but have also been awarded
“Southern Region Water School of the Year”. The school
is one of only four primary schools chosen nationwide.
This flag is an award for all our hard work and effort with
conserving water in the school over the last two years.
The first green flag was awarded for litter and waste
management and the second green flag was in recognition
of our work conserving energy.
It is a huge achievement for the school and a testament
to the hard work and determination of Ms. Boyle and her
Green School Committee.
The green flag and the very prestigous award, together
with prize money of €750 and a trophy, will be presented
to Ms. Caroline Boyle and representatives of the school at
a ceremony in Dublin this May.
Who knows but the title of National Water School of the
Year 2016 may yet be coming to Scoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny.
Active School Flag
Scoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny
Our school is working towards achieving
an Active School’s Flag. An Active School
is a school that strives to achieve a
physically educated and physically active
school community.
We have signed up for the Laya
Healthcare Super Troopers programme
where every child receives a physical
activity homework journal and completes
exercises and activities each night with
family and friends as homework.
Designed by health and fitness experts,
it’s hoped the mix of high-intensity,
family-based exercise routines and tips
on nutrition will help school children
and parents form long-term healthier
attitudes and behaviours. Children are
encouraged to spend 10-15 minutes doing
each activity and parents are asked to
sign off each activity at the end of the
week, just as they would regular school
work. Prizes will be awarded for children
who make an effort to be active each day,
and those who show improvements in
physical activity.
4. Winter Hurling leagues are in full
swing every Tuesday and Thursday.
We have set up a number of initiatives
to get children more physically active
throughout the school day:
5. The field is open every Monday,
Wednesday and Friday for all classes
to improve their hurling skills.
1. ‘Move-It Monday’: children are
involved in aerobic exercises in their
line after both lunch breaks. Exercise
ranges from jumps, squats and jogs to
burpees.
There is a strong focus on PE at the
moment with teachers planning together
and ensuring the children get 60 minutes
of physical education each week. All ideas
are welcome and can be placed in the
‘Suggestion Box’ upstairs or downstairs
beside the Active Schools Board.
2. ‘Wake- up Wednesday’: the boys jog
or walk around the pitch at their
leisure before school and their aim is
to achieve their own potential. The
children are trying to improve the
number of laps they can do each week,
some boys are even timing their laps!
3. Children are participating in classroom
activities every Thursday at 12 o’clock.
Each class has a Go Noodle account
and they work up exercise minutes.
We would like to thank Mr. Bergin, Ms.
O’Grady and the Active School Committee
for their commitment and hard work in
ensuring the success of this initiative.
A big thank you also to Mr. Bergin, Ms.
O’Grady, Mr. Prendergast, Mr. Roberts
and Mr. Reidy for promoting hurling by
refereeing matches, coaching and helping
the boys to improve their hurling skills.
Ambassador’s Visit:
Blarney St CBS.
Blarney Street was delighted to welcome his excellency
Ambassador Séamus O’ Grady to our school yesterday. His
visit was part of the 5th class Irish Aid Awards project.
Blarney Street CBS has a long association with helping
education projects in Zambia, the most recent of which include
fundraising jumble sales, cake sales and even a whole school
musical “Joseph” with proceeds going to a school in Kabwe.
Ambassador O’ Grady spoke to the whole school about
his role as Irish Ambassador to Zambia and conducted a
Questions & Answers session with the 5th class. It was a
great honour for the school to host such a prestigious guest
and we are very grateful to Ambassador O’ Grady for taking
time out of his busy schedule to visit us. Go raibh maith agat
a Shéamuis!
Summer 2016 Page 19
CBS The Green Plans Special
1916 Centenary Celebrations
CBS The Green, Tralee
Careful planning went into the 1916 Centenary Commemorations
that took place in CBS, The Green. The inaugural “History week”
commenced on March 8th-15th and concluded in a well thought
out Proclamation Day on March 15th. Students and teachers of
the school were joined on the day by invited special guests to
remember the Rising and those executed as well as learn about
the role Kerry played in the Rising.
The Commemoration began with a welcome address and the
reading of the Proclamation by two senior students, Alan
McLoughlin and Michael Kenny. Musically gifted students of the
school played a medley of ballads associated with the Rising.
Danny Goggins sang his rendition of ‘Foggy Dew’ and Gearóid
O’ Connor read his insightful interpretation of the Proclamation
for today’s world. The role of each of the 15 men executed
at the time of the Rising and Roger Casement was discussed
in a presentation by the Transition Year Students who had
individually researched the Executed of the Rising. Generous
members of the Tralee Pipe Band offered to volunteer their
morning to pipe the group outside for the raising of a specially
commissioned tricolour.
The flag was collected at Croke Park during a ‘Flag Week’
ceremony for secondary schools from President Higgins. To
conclude the commemorations there was a lecture series given
by two local Kerry historians, (both of whom are past pupils of
the CBS) T. Ryle Dwyer and Dr. Tim Horgan, to history students
on “Kerry’s involvement in the Rising”.
Over 1,000 Pack
The Brandon To
See GAA Stars In
‘The Kube’
CBS The Green, Tralee
KERRY’S Darran O’Sullivan may be quick on the football field,
but it appears he is even more quick-witted off it as he beat his
team-mates to win ‘The Kube’.
He was joined by a host of GAA stars, radio stars and local
politicians in the Brandon Hotel where an incredible crowd
of over 1,000 people watched the CBS The Green fundraiser
sponsored by Lee Strand Protein+ Milk and Moriarty
Construction.
Darran beat Colm Cooper into second to take the top prize
of €2,000 for his chosen charity, The Irish Heart Foundation,
along with helping to raise funds for an all-weather pitch on
the grounds of CBS The Green, which was the main reason for
the event.
‘The Kube’ charity fundraiser is based on the popular UK TV
show ‘The Cube’, which challenges contestants to perform
straight forward tasks with a difficult twist inside an
enclosed area.
Along with The Gooch and Darran, taking part were James
O’Donoghue, Kieran Donaghy, Aidan O’Mahony, Marc Ó Sé,
Barry John Keane, Tomas Ó Sé, Donnacha Walsh, Tommy Walsh
and David Moran.
Representing the Kerry hurlers was last year’s Christy Ring
winning captain, John ‘Tweek’ Griffin.
Local GAA clubs, Na Gaeil, Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahilly’s,
John Mitchells, as well as St Brendan’s Basketball and
Tralee Rugby Club were also represented, along with CBS
students and teachers and Radio Kerry’s Elaine Kinsella and
Andrew Morrissey.
Eoin Liston, Mick Galwey and Ogie Moran were also there as
well as Fianna Fail TD John Brassil and Michael Healy Rae.
A great night of entertainment and loads of money raised for
The Green.
In the end there could be only one winner and Kerry GAA star
Darran O’Sullivan proved the most adept to the game to beat off
the challenge of Colm Cooper.
ffThe contestants, students and staff of CBS at the CBS The Green ‘The Kube’
event in the Brandon Conference Centre on Wednesday night.
Síol Page 20
CBS The Green Team
Wins All‑Ireland
Badmiton Title
CBS The Green, Tralee
TRALEE has new All-Ireland champions after CBS The Green’s
Under 14 team won in Gormanstown College in Co Meath.
Having won the county and provincial championships over
the past few months, the team of Sean Kennedy, Kevin Griffin,
Seamus Bradley, David Smith along with team managers Aine
Knightly and Billy Lacey travelled to the Royal county for
the finals.
Played on the round robin system, the Tralee school first met
Castlebar, the Connacht champions and triumphed by 5 games
to 1.
Next in line were Coleraine, the Ulster kingpins and the Kerry
boys came out on top by 4-2. Finally they met Kilkenny, the
Leinster champions and what an encounter this proved to be
with no quarter asked or taken.
After a torrid battle the sides finished level on three games each.
However, on the total points accumulated after the three games
Tralee were declared All Ireland champions by five aces
ffCBS The Green U14 Badminton team, who were victorious in the All-Ireland
final (pictured here prior to going to the finals). From left: David Smith,
Kevin Griffin, Seamus Bradley, Sean Kennedy and coach Aine Knightly
High School Target
Positivity & Resilience
High School, Clonmel
Wednesday 24th of February saw the launch of the High Schools
Positivity & Resilience week. In attendance was Mr. Alan
Quinlan, former International Rugby Player, who shared his own
story around Mental Health and gave the boys fantastic positive
advice on navigating the difficult years of being a teenager. Alan
was followed later that day with a visit from Henry Shefflin,
the former Kilkenny hurler who talked to the boys about
perseverance, goal setting and getting up after a fall.
During this week the Student Leadership team launched the
revived and redesigned student anti bullying Charter and
classroom rules and the BOM publish the revised Anti Bullying
Policy on the school website. A number of initiatives are
ongoing this week e.g. Anti-Bullying workshops, Random Acts
of Kindness Tree & Positive Mental Health Assemblies. The
theme of the week is Positivity & Resilience. The message to the
school community is clear, the High School want their students
to know what Positive Mental Health looks like, recognise
when they need help, know where to get it and understand
that difficult times are part of life and that the skill of getting
up after a fall is paramount. Having achieved the Amber Flag
status last year the High School are committed to continuing
to support parents in their role by the development of Positive
Mental Health strategies and building resilience amongst their
student population.
ffMs Karen Steenson (Principal), Alan Quinlan, Henry Shefflin and Jerry
O’Dwyer (Deputy Principal) and students from The High School Clonmel.
3 Year Class’s
Walk For Jack
High School, Clonmel
The 3rd year class walking St. Declan’s
Way in memory of their classmate, Jack
Hogan, who passed away last June. They
were also fundraising for Aoibheann’s
Pink Tie. All at the High School Clonmel
are very proud of them. Special thanks
to Mr Tom Kenna & class Heaney for
organising this event. Jack would
have loved it.
Summer 2016 Page 21
Bunscoil
McAuley Rice
Commemorates
1916
Bunscoil McAuley Rice
It was a great honour for the students of
Bunscoil McAuley Rice to commemorate
the Easter Rising of 1916 and to raise the
National Flag with pride, in unison with
schools across the country.
The students were joined by members
of the Board of Management,Parents’
Association, school staff, Fr. Dalton and
and members of the Irish army past and
present, including Lieutenant Caroline
Dawson, her father Michael Dawson who
played the pipes for the occasion and
Thomas Mackey.
Lennon’s ‘Imagine’, an anthem for a
new generation.
The students reminded all present of
how our history and our future can
be celebrated:
‘We are grateful for our past, we
are thankful for our present and
we are hopeful for our future.
The children of sixth class read out their
‘Proclamation for a New Generation’. Fr.
Dalton blessed the flag and it was raised
by John Croke together with James Ahern
from Junior Infants and Hannah Keher
from 6th class.
The students sang the National Anthem
and finished off the ceremony with John
1916 Celebration
CBS James’s Street
CBS James’s Street hosted a wonderful celebration to mark the
Centenary of 1916 by having a Pop-Up Museum and invited
guests to an event to reflect and celebrate the Easter Rising.
In attendance were the Lord Mayor, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, former
Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, ERST Head of Governance Helen
O’Brien and members of the Board of Management, alongside
the students, parents, staff and friends of Jamebo. The Pop-up
Museum was the work of students and staff as a cross curricular
DEIS initiative to learn and appreciate the impact of the Rising
in the Dublin 8 area.
The Pop-Up Museum, called ‘Jamebo Remembering 1916’
involved posters, recreated artefacts, photographs, replicas
of the chalice and paten that were used in Kilmainham Gaol,
along with cardboard replicas of the streets and surroundings
in 1916. It was quite poignant that the children of 2016 were
remembering not only the locality, the historical figures but also
the 40 children who lost their lives over the 6 days of the Rising.
The work of the first year students in particular, remembered
one of those children, Joseph Murray through their Sackville
Síol Page 22
Street Project and ‘Make a Book’ exhibition with the JCSP
library and woodwork department. Their wooden tenement was
displayed in the Dublin City Council Offices on Wood Quay, and
on O’Connell Street on Easter Monday, and is now residing in
the Botanic Gardens.
All teachers and students are embracing the 1916
commemorations, through their own subjects and cross
curricular projects including the Pop-up Museum and
remembering our historical past. On the day, after speeches by
Principal Paul Mac Entee, Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh and
students commemorating the lives of young people a century
past, the two youngest members of the school community held
the Proclomation and raised the flag while Amhrán na bhFiann
was sung proudly.
It was a particular honour to have Former Taoiseach Liam
Cosgrave in attendance on the 43rd Anniversary of his term as
Taoiseach. Former students and brothers John and Frank Lawlor
attended, both members of Scouting Ireland and of which John
is the current CEO. The celebrations ended with the Parents
Council Easter Raffle, and refreshments in the JCSP library
which also hosted the Maths department powerpoint on the
numbers of the revolution.
Proclamation Day
Coláiste Phádraig, CBS Lucan
As part of the National Proclamation
Day to commemorate the 1916 Rising in
schools across the country, our students
took part in a series of symbolic and
moving events on Tuesday 15th March.
The Government-sponsored initiative saw
every educational institute receive a flag
and a copy of the Proclamation read out
by Pádraig Pearse in front of the GPO a
century ago. The day’s events, superbly
organised by Mr. Sweetman and Ms.
Kelly, started after lunch as 40 students
walked slowly from nearby Woodies,
through Roselawn Estate and into the
school holding aloft green balloons.
Attached to the balloons were the names,
ages and details of the deaths of 39
young people who were killed during
the Easter Rising. Each individual card
was then read out on the loudspeaker
to nearly 600 students gathered in the
school yard as the balloons were released
individually into the air. A 40th balloon,
this one white, was released to symbolise
peace as well as everyone else who died
in the Rising. It was a very solemn and
moving occasion which our students
respectfully remained completely silent
and reflective for. Two students were
selected to raise the two special flags,
delivered to all schools, on specially
installed flagpoles on the school grounds.
First year Sam Keogh raised the Irish
Free State Flag while sixth year Dean O’
Brien raised the Tricolour while suitable
music played in the background. Ámhrán
Soccer
Our u17 soccer team won the Tom Ticher Junior Leinster Cup
on Wednesday 2nd March, 2016 after defeating Wexford CBS
2-1 in a dramatic and pulsating encounter held in the grounds
of Arklow Town FC. Tiredness was a slight concern for our
players heading into the final having played the quarter final
and semi final at the end of February but an early goal from
the impressive Yasser Mahrouk was just the tonic the team
needed to soothe any concerns of a sluggish performance.
Wexford CBS fought back well to equalise with just 4 minutes
remaining. With extra time looming Conor Maguire fired home
from close range in the dying seconds of normal time to seal a
na bhFiann was then sung by all in
attendance. Five students, Liam Bradley,
James Kebana, Brendan McCann, John
Regan and David Zrielskis, then stepped
up to read a section of the Proclamation.
Dáire Byrne then read out a re-imagined
student version of the Proclamation
which reflected their hopes, dreams and
expectations for contemporary Ireland.
The students are to be highly commended
for their attentiveness, respect and
complete co-operation throughout the
afternoon’s events. Well done also to
the students for the many fantastic
posters and projects they put together
in their history classes and displayed all
around the school. The whole school was
transformed into an educational tour of
the 1916 Rising.
dramatic but well deserved win for our team. With Ross Strong
outstanding in midfield and a defence superbly marshalled
by Paul Cleary and Emmet Allen, Lucan were the better team
throughout and only fine goalkeeping prevented the team
from winning more comfortably. The victory represented the
6th Leinster Cup for the school since 2007 and the 9th major
title in all age groups since 2012 (4 Leinster Cups, 4 Dublin
Leagues and 1 All Ireland title). The team, under the guidance
of Mr. Rafter and Mr. Tarpey, advanced to the National Final on
Monday 14th March where they were unfortunately beaten 2-1
by Calasanctius College Oranmore but they can look back with
pride on another glorious sporting achievement for the school
in winning the prestigious Junior Leinster Cup.
Basketball
Many congratulations to our u16 Basketball team who were
crowned u16A National Cup Champions after a dramatic
45-44 win against St. Malachy’s Belfast in a pulsating and
nerve wracking encounter at the National Basketball Arena
in Tallaght on Monday 25th January 2016. Roared on by our
raucous supporters, the team showed incredible resilience and
fight to recover from 6 points with just 3 minutes remaining
to snatch victory in the dying seconds thanks to team captain
Kris Arcilla who displayed nerves of steel to sink two free
throws with just 3 seconds left on the clock. The win was the
school’s 5th major basketball title in just 3 years with a lot of
this particular panel being responsible for most of the victories.
There were also brilliant scenes back in the school as everyone
was watching the game on a live stream so this really added
to the sense of occasion. Lucan’s u16 Irish International Kris
Arcilla was awarded MVP while his International team-mate
Max Amadasun top scored for the team with 16 points. Brian
Monaghan had a brilliant game and added a vital 7 points while
Kabir Akanbi scored some crucial late baskets. Samuel Mohamed
also scored 2 important baskets as the team claimed their 15th
successive win in all competitions at “A” grade this campaign.
Congratulations to the team and to mentors Mr. Gray and Ms.
Gough who have done brilliant work with the team all year. The
team were given a guard of honour by our students back in the
school and rarely has such an honour been more deserved.
Summer 2016 Page 23
The Small School with a
Proud Tradition and a Big Heart
Ennistymon
On Friday 6th November at 8.00pm the
CBS community in Ennistymon- staff,
parents and students past and presentgathered together to acknowledge
and celebrate the achievements of our
students in the State examinations
last June.
When our students enrol with us they are
young boys, when they leave us five or six
years later they are men ready to embark
on adulthood. While we celebrate their
results both at Junior Cert and Leaving
Cert level we understand that so much
work other than academic has brought
the students to this evening.
At CBS Ennistymon we are a community.
From the time the boys first join that
community we want them always to feel
safe, valued and challenged to be the best
students they can be. As part of our Open
Night each year, we invite two parents
and two students along to talk about
their experience of CBS Ennistymon to
prospective parents and students. The
sense of belonging and community came
across strongly in all of their addresses.
One mother quoted her son as saying
“You’re not there long before it feels
like family”.
Our 1st year students are assigned
student mentors on their first day in
school with us. All students in the school
have an assigned class teacher, year tutor
and dean of discipline. Along with this
the school has a learning centre and an
extensive range of supports for students
with additional learning needs. The
school also has a guidance counsellor and
a school counsellor on staff to look after
Síol Page 24
the boys at all stages of their time with us.
Sport of course is a central and abiding
feature of life at the monastery. Gaelic
Games are synonymous with our
school. The school has produced many
Inter County footballers over the years
including Alan Clohessy, Lawrence
Healy, David Keane, the Rouines, Niall
and Kieran Considine, the O’Keeffes,
Keelan Sexton and many more. We are
proud that three of our current students
Paul Tubridy, Cormac Murray, James O’
Connor and three past students Seán O’
Brien, Enda O’ Gorman and Eoin O’ Brien
were on the Miltown Malbay panel that
won the recent County Championship.
Hurling was only introduced to the
school in 2001. Since then the “small
ball” has enjoyed great success such as
Clare Colleges titles in 2008 and 2009.
Past pupil Cathal Malone won an AllIreland U21 Hurling medal with Clare in
2013. Last year under the captaincy of
Jason McCarthy our senior hurlers were
Munster D Champions.
Since the introduction of Basketball,
we have taken part in three All Ireland
Basketball Finals, U16 and U19 and
won the All Ireland Basketball Final in
2010 with an U19 Team. Basketball has
been going from strength to strength,
with players involved in Irish Teams and
squads and in the North-West Regional
Teams. Ciarán Devitt has played on the
Irish International team. A number of
our past students have gone on to play
basketball at university level. James Leigh
has just made the u17 Regional West
basketball team 2015
Golf is also played in the CBS. Our junior
team brought the school its first ever
golfing victory last year when Jonathan
Keane, Niall O Sullivan and Darragh
Connelly won the West Munster Schools
Junior Golf Championship.
Athletics are also a feature at the school
and this year the school hosted an
athletics workshop with Br. Colm and Ian
Kiprop, international coaches of Olympic
gold medallist David Rudisha.
Recently, two of our students, Joseph
Miniter and Eoin Rouine received
Community games all-stars awards. Of
course, while these are the main sports
played in the school there are a number
of other sports played each year also.
But not every student is interested in
sports and we have an extensive program
of liberal arts with engagement in song
writing, poetry and short-story writing.
We produce an annual school concert and
a school magazine. We have a traditional
music group with fiddles, flutes,
concertinas, banjos, accordions, guitars
and tin whistles and of course the school
rock bands!!
We have a cutting edge technology club
and the school has invested heavily in
technology over the past few years.
Our Guest of Honour on the Awards
night was Dr Alan Hynes director of
The Collaborative Centre for Applied
Nanotechnology (CCAN). Alan is himself
a past pupil of the school. He spoke about
how the education he had received in
the CBS had travelled with him through
his life and his career and praised his
teachers, a number of whom were present
on the night. He also touched on how
important it was to think creatively in
business and science and again praised
the education he had received in CBS.
Thanks to generous support from the
Tomar Trust and from Great National
Hotels, last year’s students received
bursaries in excess of €9,000 as well as
laptops, pen sets and certification.
Dr Hynes was joined by Mr Eddie Bourke
of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, in
acknowledging the many achievements
of our students at both Junior and Senior
cycle, Mr Bourke reminded us on the
night that CBS Ennistymon is part of the
larger CBS family of schools. He spoke
about the evidence of a strong school
spirit evident in CBS Ennistymon.
On the night we also celebrated the
recent refurbishment of our school. The
current secondary school was built in
the 1970s. By the 1980s the school had
outgrown its facilities. The first prefabs
arrived on site in the 1980s with more
arriving during the ‘90s. The addition of
the old Christian Brothers primary school
building during the first decade of the
century helped to alleviate the demands
for more space and for specialist rooms.
But by last year the school was once again
crying out for additional classrooms
and the original prefabs were in very
poor repair.
We are understandably proud of the fact
that over 95% of our students secured
places at Third Level. Among the courses
being studied by our students are;
Financial Maths, Law & Accounting,
Environmental Science, Arts, Primary
Teaching, Science Teaching, Construction
Teaching, Business , Computer
Programming , Civil Law, Social Care
and Music Technology and Production.
However, while we choose to celebrate the
fantastic academic success enjoyed by our
students, we also rewarded those boys who
persevered, who improved, who stretched
themselves and supported their friends and
truly lived up to the Edmund Rice spirit.
Proclamation
Day
Ennistymon
The students and staff of CBS Ennistymon
joined together to celebrate the centenary
of 1916 in glorious spring sunshine.
Standing outside in respectful silence
students and teachers presented work on
the history of the flag, the 1916 rising and
the leaders of the uprising. Other students
read the proclamation in English and
in Irish and then a number of students
read their poems on a new proclamation.
These poems were written during an
eight week poetry/song writing workshop.
And being a Clare school, of course there
was music and song.
The Principal addressed the boys briefly
and challenged them to take the skills
and talents they have developed in their
homes and schools to take on the next
100 years of the state and to realise
some of the goals expressed in the
proclamation not yet reached.
The raising of the tri-colour and the
minute silence that followed was for
many the highlight of the afternoon.
The matter was raised by Deputy Pat
Breen in the Dáil last November and the
need for action was acknowledged by
the Minister for Education and Skills,
Jan O Sullivan. Funding was secured
for the removal of the four existing
prefabs and their replacement with eight
new rooms: 2 resource rooms and 6
additional classrooms.
Work commenced on the project late in
the summer and it was a race to ensure
that the new classrooms would be ready
for students by September. Thankfully the
new classrooms, garden area, footpaths,
play area and covered walkway were
completed for the beginning of the new
school year.
During this time the school building
also underwent some renovation with
changes to the corridors, the creation
of a new general purpose area and
the refurbishment of the computer
room and Design and Communication
Graphics (DCG) lab. In keeping with the
school’s dedication to digital literacy
and expansion an additional computer
room was added and the entire IT system
within the school was overhauled and
updated. Thanks were extended to Mr.
P Beirne, Builder, for his work on the
project and to Castlecabin, FSL Security,
Formula Networks, Janus Design and
Purtill Engineering.
The Board of Management, staff and
students of CBS Ennistymon are excited
to meet the challenge of providing
excellence in teaching and learning in our
3rd Century on the Monastery site.
Green Schools Success – Another
Step in an Interesting Journey
Ennistymon
A Greens schools committee was set up to lead a school-wide change of attitude
towards our school building and its role in our lives. The committee worked
tirelessly for 18 months with the student body, staff and school management.
The school got two compost bins in operation to help reduce our waste going
to landfill, and dedicated recycling bins were placed strategically throughout
the school and on the school grounds to further highlight the importance of
maintaining a clean environment. Our waste bills from our service provider were
monitored to track and measure our footprint on what we recycle and what goes
to landfill.
We attended a green schools seminar in Clare County Council headquarters
in Ennis recently and gained great tips and ideas. A member of Clare County
Council’s environment section attended our green committee meetings from time
to time and monitored how we were doing and discussed progress to date.
All students were kept up to date with our designated green notice board.
Links were forged with businesses, residents and the local tidy towns committee.
Slowly at first, things began to change but once the process had started it gathered
momentum. It became common to see ‘Monastery boys’ out picking up litter
around the school, waste sorting and recycling or composting waste. This effort
and improvement culminated in a recent successful green schools inspection. But
not ones to rest on their laurels the committee are already making plans for phase
two of school improvement - water conservation. Well done to all of the students
and staff for their work and commitment to this project.
Summer 2016 Page 25
JP Mc Manus raises the 4th Green Flag at Doon CBS
Doon CBS
There was a certain air of expectation
and excitement as the pupils of our
school awaited the arrival of the very
distinguished and well known celebrity
Mr. J.P. Mc Manus. Mr. Mc Manus was
invited to the school to hoist our fourth
Green Flag.
Mr. Sean Hartigan the Education
Officer with An Taisce also joined in the
celebrations and commended the pupils
and staff of the school for their trojan
work on gaining the fourth Green Flag.
Mr. Mc Manus was accompanied by Mr.
Noel Earley. Before the ceremony he
spoke to all the pupils individually and
asked us what we would like to do when
we finish school.
Our Green Flag was attained by reducing
our carbon footprint. We cycled and
walked to school on Wednesdays.
Four pupils from the school travelled to
the Silver Springs Hotel to collect the flag
on behalf of the school while the 5th and
6th Class pupils wrote a letter to Mr. Mc
Manus inviting him to the school to raise
the flag.
Mr. Mc Manus sponsors the Limerick
hurling and Football teams. He has a big
interest in horses.
initiative – organised by the JP McManus
Foundation – which saw thousands
roll up their sleeves for the good of
their community.
“In order to obtain our fourth Green Flag
which is for travel, we had a number
of events such as WOW (Walk on
Wednesdays) and cycling to school. Staff
also took pupils on a number of nature
walks. In previous projects we had a big
emphasis on litter and water with pupils
taking home their own disposable waste.
“A water well was sunk in the school
grounds and we now have our own
supply of clean water,” said Br Dormer,
who added that these were just a “sample
of our efforts to instil in the boys an
awareness of the importance of caring for
the environment”.
He thanked Elizabeth Breen, Green
Schools co-ordinator, her hard-working
committee, all the pupils, parents, staff
and Mr McManus for attending.
Mr McManus told the boys that the future
cleanliness of the county and country
is going to be in their hands. “It is great
to look around the classrooms and yard
and see how tidy you keep it. I’m sure
you keep your bedrooms clean at home,”
he joked.
“It is appreciated by us older people. We
know the effort it takes, and it is a big
effort, to keep the place tidy. I know you
will continue to do it.
Thank you again for inviting me, it was
a pleasure. I met all the young lads.
They are a credit to the community and
school and I’m sure your parents are very
proud,” said Mr McManus, who brought a
Limerick lapel pin for everyone.
He also picked the names of Tommy Ryan
and Emmet Roche out of a hat. They
won a Limerick jersey signed by JP and a
hurley autographed by the 2015 Limerick
minor hurling panel.
Conor Kelly, sixth class, was chosen to
jointly raise the flag due to his work on
the green schools committee. A course
on cycle safety and how to fix a puncture
was very beneficial he said. Sean
Hartigan, of An Taisce, said the travel flag
boiled down to avoiding driving to school
and Doon was a fine exponent.
This was a great day for our school.
JP McManus raised our flag and said the
pupils are a credit to the school. Men
from Doon raised many white flags for
the triumphant Limerick U21 hurlers in
recent months - but now it was time for a
green one.
JP McManus hoisted the fourth Green
Flag of Doon CBS Primary School on
Friday. Fifth and sixth class pupils wrote
to him and all signed the letter. Before
the ceremony Mr McManus spoke to
every boy in the school.
“They are such a lovely bunch of young
students. I know we will have a lot of
them wearing the Limerick jersey in the
future. From speaking to them, they all
aspire to be inter-county hurlers,” said
Mr McManus.
Br James Dormer, principal, said they
asked Mr McManus to do the honours
due to his interest in the environment.
The Christian Brother referred to the
inaugural Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC)
Síol Page 26
ffJ.P Mc Manus with staff of the Doon CBS Primary school. Front row: Joanne O’ Connell (Deputy
Principal), Br. James Dormer (Principal), Mr. J.P. Mc Manus, Ms. Elizabeth Breen. Back row: Mary O’
Dwyer, Denis Moloney, Cormac Heffernan, Caroline Coleman, Kay Byrne.
Golden Mile Event
Doon CBS
Pupils from Doon CBS with Hurling sensation Conor Whelan at
our Golden Mile Event as part of our Active Schools Week.
The Justice League
Coláiste Éanna
The Justice League in Colásite Éanna was created on foot
of our India Immersion Programme visit to Kolkata in
2014. The Justice League seeks to raise awareness about
justice issues and to undertake fundraising. Some of
the activities the Justice League are actively involved in
include:
Support and fundraising for a local national school library.
The school which has DEIS status has many children from
difficult backgrounds.
Support and fundraising for Sophia House which is a
charity that works with homeless women and children.
The main involvement has been in working with Sophia’s
newest project in Churchtown, Dublin.
Involvement with the Thomas F. Meagher charitable
community fund.
Giving presentations to all class groups in the school on
anti-bullying and the work of the Anti-bullying Team.
Giving presentations and creating awareness of the value
of water as a resource in the world.
Organisation and distribution of Christmas hampers.
Membership of the Justice League is open to all students
in the school and meets weekly. 15 members of the League
who were in Transition Year went to Taizé, France for a
week at the end of May 2015 and a further 20 TYs are
travelling to Taizé in May this year.
The motto of the Justice League comes from St. Francis;
Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words…….
The Politics Society at
Coláiste Éanna
Coláiste Éanna
ffDoon CBS 5th and 6th Class Confirmation Candidates at Birthplace of
Edmund Rice in Callan Co. Kilkenny.
Indoor Hurling Championships
Doon CBS
4th class pupils won the Indoor Hurling competiton. They are
photographed with their trainer and teacher, Mr. Heffernan.
The Politics Society is emerging from a frenetic period
of activity over the past months. In the weeks leading up
to the General Election it invited candidates from all the
political parties and independents to its weekly lunchtime
meetings. Members of the Politics Society attended the
count in the RDS for the General Election. There has been
a voter registration campaign for the past three years and
many sixth year students have voted for the first time as a
result. The Politics Society has invited the Representative
for Scotland from the British Embassy to address them
over the implications of the ‘Brexit’ referendum and are
planning a field trip to visit the Houses of Parliament in
London in September. Boys from Coláiste Éanna are also
very involved in the European Youth Parliament and two
senior students have represented Ireland last year and two
other students have been selected to represent Ireland this
year. Coláiste Éanna hosted the Leinster regional session
of the European Youth Parliament in October 2015 and
will host again next year.
Summer 2016 Page 27
ARTiculation
Regional Heats
Dungarvan CBS
Lismore Arts 2016
Fifth Year student, Tadhg Cosgrove
recently represented Dungarvan CBS
in the Waterford Regional Heat of the
Lismore Castle Arts’ public speaking
competition ARTiculation in Garte Lane.
Tadhg’s presentation was well executed
on the day. However he did not reach the
final. Tadhg was commended by Regional
Heat Adjudicator, WIT lecturer Fionnuala
Brennan, on the day for his outstanding
presentation on Van Gogh’s Starry Night
and in particular his link with the topic of
Mental Health. Well done to Tadhg who
certainly displayed public speaking skills
that would put any politician to shame!
Dungarvan CBS
The date was the 14th March and the
destination for a bus of thirty Transition
Year students from CBS Dungarvan was
Lismore Castle. It was evening time when
the gallery in Lismore Castle, which
featured all entries submitted by TY
students, was opened for Artifice 2016
and when we arrived. Most students
from six different schools in Waterford,
(including Ard Scoil na Deise, Blackwater
Community School & Meanscoil san
Nioclas) had made a piece of art to be
displayed in this gallery and a great
evening was had up at Lismore, with
everyone in formal outfits.
Eamonn from Lismore Arts, who was MC
for the night, gave an introductory speech
before thanking a few people and inviting
Michael Quinn to speak. Michael Quinn
was a representative from The Three
Síol Page 28
Sisters (Waterford, Wexford & Kilkenny)
bid to become the European Capital of
Culture in 2020 and he spoke about the
importance of events like these and how
young people should get involved because
it will be big for their future.
The winners of the two different prizes
were then announced, with a girl
from the Ard Scoil and a girl from the
Meanscoil picking up the accolades.
Overall though, it wasn’t about winning,
it was more about being proud to stand
beside a piece of art that you had created
while also being able to discuss yours and
be open to look at others’ creations.
A brilliant night was had at this
tremendous facility in Lismore Castle
and I think all parents were very happy
(and possibly shocked!) with their
children’s artwork.
ffRegional Heat Adjudicator, WIT lecturer
Fionnuala Brennan presenting Tadhg with his
certificate of participation.
1916 Celebrations
Dungarvan CBS
Students from the Drama Club
performed a re-enactment of the
execution of the rebels by the
British soldiers. The proclamation
was also read by Frank Heffernan,
Transition Year student. Following
on from this the Irish Flag was
raised and the National Anthem
was sung by all of the students.
The celebration ended with a
Proclamation written by Transition
Year Student, Liam Buck which
outlined the hopes and dreams for
the future of Ireland.
Grandparent’s Day at CBS Primary
CBS Primary, Tralee
CBS Primary Tralee opened its doors to the grandparents of the school community in
February. The students were so excited and proud to bring their Nanas and Grandads
to school for the morning. The morning began with a celebratory prayer service in the
school hall, where students sat with their grandparents and gave thanks for them. The
grandchildren blessed their grandparents and expressed their thanks for having them
in their lives. After the service, the teas and coffees were flowing as well as the stories
and memories which were shared. Many of the grandparents were past pupils of the
school and enjoyed seeing all of the changes and developments since their school days.
We enjoyed listening to stories of their primary years and the children in particular
were amazed at how different things were in the past. Friendships were also rekindled
on the day, as Nanas and Grandads recognised some of their old school friends. The
day was a fabulous reminder of how important our grandparents are to us all, and we
hope that all of the Nanas and Grandads left the school feeling loved, cherished and
celebrated. We encouraged them not to wait until next year for their next visit!
Donal Walsh Live
Life National
Film Competition
CBS Primary, Tralee
The fifth class pupils at CBS Primary
were delighted to learn that their video
had been shortlisted for an award at
the Donal Walsh Live Life National Film
Awards earlier this year. The task for
the competition was to create a short
film using the theme “Our World”. The
students chose to create a short video
depicting their school life, and how happy
they were to be together and having fun
learning. Their winning video can be
viewed at https://vimeo.com/94754911.
The awards concert was held in the
Brandon Hotel and was a fantastic
celebration of life, with inspirational
words from Dónal’s family members
and people who knew him best. We also
enjoyed music from Hermitage Green,
Chapter 2 and other up and coming
acts. The day was hugely enjoyable and
inspiring, and we all look forward to
taking part again next year and helping
to spread Dónal’s message.
Spring has Sprung
CBS Primary, Tralee
One of the first signs of spring at CBS Primary Tralee is the school garden coming to
life again. Last month has seen it become a haven of activity, as the Junior Infants were
the first gardeners to start planting this year. With the help of Mr Begley, we prepared
and weeded our garden to make it suitable, and decided to plant onions together. We
loved planting our own bulbs and are checking every day to see if there is anything
peeping out of the soil. We are planning for more planting over the next few weeks as
the weather improves, and have chosen to plant potatoes, carrots, beetroot, peas and
lettuce this year. We also hope to expand our herb garden to appeal to all the senses.
We are enjoying watching all of the lovely visitors to our garden, but we must make
sure our scarecrow is in tip top shape to keep the crows away from our bulbs!
All Ireland Schools Cross Country
Naas CBS
Congratulations to the Junior boys under 15 team who finished in second place in
the All Ireland Schools Cross Country in Sligo on March 5th, especially to Matthew
Whelan, Mikey Lawlor and Josh Derham. Mathew Whelan also qualified for the
Irish School boys team.
Summer 2016 Page 29
Zambian Immersion 2015
CBS Thurles
“Life-changing, inspirational, enlightening”, these were some
of the words that us 8 students and 3 teachers used to describe
our journey of a lifetime to Mufulira, Zambia. Our Zambian
Immersion Project commenced in early May 2014 when students
were asked to submit essays to be considered for the project.
After going through a tough interview and fundraising process
the 8 students were chosen as Diarmaid Meagher, Alex Murphy,
Fionn McCartan, James Hammersley, Daniel Matthews, William
Creedon, Darragh Byrne and Eugene Ryan while the 3 teachers
Oliver Kelly, Teresa Hogan and Caroline Ahearne led the group.
During the next year and a half many fundraisers occurred
including cake sales, sponsored cycles, church-gate collections,
two formal balls, table tennis tournaments, a tractor run, Easter
raffles and table quiz. We managed to bring over €17,000
which went directly to the people of Zambia through Brother
Michael O’Donoghue and the Christian Brothers, thanks to
the generosity of the pupils and staff of CBS Thurles and the
local community.
We left Thurles to embark on our journey on the 13th of
October, 2015. An early morning bus journey was followed
by a 7 hour flight to Dubai where we would then change over
to travel an 8 hour flight to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.
Honestly, we were shocked when we arrived in Zambia. The
conditions in the capital city were poor, poverty seemed high
and there was no comparison between the facilities here at
home and the Zambian infrastructure and facilities. It was here
where we met Brother Michael O’Donoghue who is a former
principal of CBS Thurles and we then faced an 8 hour bus
journey to reach our final destination of Mufulira.
Upon our arrival to Mufulira we were kindly welcomed by the
local community. The enthusiasm and optimism was evident
on their faces and this, accompanied by their kindness made
our arrival to Mufulira very special. On our full first day in
Mufulira we visited the Chibolya Primary school which has over
370 students. Br. Francis and Br. Lubasi both teach here and our
eyes were opened as to how the young Zambian children place a
huge emphasis on getting the best education they possibly can,
as they see it as the best chance they have of improving their
lives. The importance of relationships was highlighted as we saw
how just by spending a small amount of time with the children
put a smile on their faces.
We sang songs and danced with the pupils and it was here
Síol Page 30
where we first experienced traditional Zambian culture. Later
we visited the Tipperary Plots which gets its name from the kind
donations of CBS Thurles down through the years. This is a huge
agriculture project in the village of Murundu where over 70
acres of irrigated land is used to grow various crops throughout
the year. During our time in Murundu we also got a tour of
the area and it was in this village that we witnessed the true
poverty of the country. Families living in very poor conditions,
trying to make homes out of anything they can get their
hands on like wood, pallets or any type of sheeting to protect
themselves from the sun or rain and kids with little clothing,
left a harrowing feeling with us and made us think of all the
things we take for granted in Ireland like a house, electricity
and heating.
Another day we visited the orphanage which is run by the
Mercy sisters. Here we played games, sang and danced with the
children and while it felt heart-warming to put a smile on their
faces we couldn’t help but think of how lonely and difficult the
lives of these children must be. We had similar feelings when
we visited the elderly housing in Mufulira. This was a daunting
experience as we met people who had no families to look after
them and many were deaf, blind or had serious disabilities. This
is where we truly came to appreciate what we have in Ireland as
this visit left a harrowing chill on every single one of us.
Religion plays a big part in the lives of the Zambian people.
Not only do they value religion but it is also a form of comfort
and hope for them. We couldn’t get over the great work the
various religious organisations do in Zambia and it was a great
experience for us to see the similarities and differences between
mass in Ireland and Zambia.
Over the course of our trip we have made bonds and memories
with the people of Mufulira and Murundu that we will never
forget for the rest of our lives. We have learned so much from
Br. Michael and how the Christian Brothers live their lives that
it has changed our values greatly. We now truly appreciate what
we have here in Ireland and begin to realise all the things that
we take for granted. The trip has put a huge emphasis on the
value of relationships and made us question the need for all
the modern technology we have in our lives today. To see the
enthusiasm, optimism and pride that the Zambian people have
shown has inspired every single one of us and has made this trip
a once in a life time experience.
Croke Cup Success
CBS Thurles
Regardless of the result in the final, the Croke Cup was destined
to come to CBS Thurles as the final was contested by two
teams from the school. It was the first time in the history of
this Tipperary U 15 competition that 2 teams from the same
school were in the final. Both teams had success over Nenagh,
Templemore, Carrick on Suir and Clonmel on their way to the
final. The teams were captained by Darren Flood and James
Synnott. The final provided the crowd with a very entertaining
spectacle that, perhaps fittingly, ended in a draw. The final score
was 3-12 to 2-15
Griangrafanna Scoil
Iognáid Rís Daingean
uí Chúis, Ciarraí
Scoil Iognaid Rís Dingle
All Ireland
Basketball success
CBS Thurles
CBS Thurles under 16 basketball team enjoyed enormous
success this year, winning both the Midlands League and the
National Cup competitions and finally capturing the League
Final. This recent success is testament to the growth of the sport
in the school over recent years
ffJPG 061:Duaiseanna Gaolainne do Seachtain Na Gaeilge
1916 commemoration
Bunscoil Ennis
As part of their 1916 commemoration, the 6th class
children of CBS Primary School, Ennis, took part
in an ‘Artist in Schools’ project with local sculptor
David O’Rourke. The project was funded by Clare
County Council.
The students extensively researched significant Dublin
buildings of the 1916 Rising. They then recreated the
building designs using 3D modelling software and printed
the replicas using the school’s 3-D printer. The printed
buildings were presented on a street map of Dublin.
ffJennifer Healy and Brian Mc Nulty, 6th Class, both of whom had
relatives involved in the 1916 Rising.
ffJPG 056: An leabhar “Walking through Dingle” á
láinseáil ag rang 5 agus 6 don togra J.E.P
ffJPG 001: Brat na hÉireann á bhronnadh ag Arm na
hÉireann ar Scoil Iognáid Rís
Summer 2016 Page 31
Break Time in Buenos Aires
Blarney St CBS.
It’s spring in Buenos Aires and my wife, Nan, and I are enjoying
a career break here with our twelve-year-old son, Darragh.
Luckily, the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) had been
developing links between Christian Brothers Schools. A new
initiative Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB)
sought to share the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice and promote
partnership between schools nationally and internationally.
Through this initiative, an opportunity arose to base myself in
Buenos Aires for six months.
So we took the plunge, leased out our house and took Twain’s
advice to ‘throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’
Our school is Cardinal Newman College, a Christian Brothers
College situated just outside Buenos Aires. It operates in the
Edmund Rice tradition and values academic achievement, faith
formation, sport, community and parental involvement.
We needn’t have been nervous about fitting in. We received the
most heart-warming welcome from staff and students. They
were really delighted we had come to their school; they hugged
and kissed us on the cheek. Both the men and women!
The school community is enchanted by Ireland and is very
curious about Irish history and customs.. Many staff have Irish
surnames. Valerie Murray teaches 5th grade, Maria Kenny
teaches 6th. The school secretary is Maureen Flynn.
Teachers have different qualifications here depending on the
course studied so most are only qualified to teach either in the
Spanish section or the English section.
I work mornings in the secondary and spend my time preparing
small groups for Oral English exams such as IELTS or Trinity.
I do team-teaching and substitute work too so it’s very varied.
Later, in the primary I support the Principal and DP who are
very interested in Blarney Street’s reading initiatives; they’ve
asked me to talk to the staff about Graded Readers, Station
Teaching and Reading Recovery.
The concepts are very new to them so they found the PDST
website a great resource. The school has introduced station
teaching so at least I feel that my visit has been of some value
My wife, Nan, has taken a break from teaching and has relaxed
and been involved with some of the school’s work to support the
needy in the barrios.
The three of us are enjoying the experience in our own way.
There is a huge social divide in Argentina so Newman is very
aware of its Edmund Rice Ethos and has many pastoral and
social justice projects in operation. We have had the lovely
experience of helping out in a less fortunate school nearby that
Newman supports.
Darragh is having a ball. I see him outside now smiling with
his buddies in the playground. I hope that twenty years from
now, he will have happy memories, friends and new skills from
his travels in Latin America. The three of us are having a great
break, it hasn’t disappointed, Mr Twain!
Síol Page 32
Edmund
Rice Schools
Celebration Day
Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar
It was with great pride and pleasure
that myself and two other students
from Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar had the
opportunity to represent our school at the
Edmund Rice Schools Celebration Day on
the 8th of March 2016. Accompanied by
our teacher Mrs. Hourican, we travelled
to O’Connells secondary school in Dublin
to meet other students and teachers
also representing their Edmund Rice
School and showcase what we have
been doing within our school to promote
and preserve the ideas of Edmund Rice.
The main thing that struck me over
the course of the day was the positivity
and friendship shown by every student,
teacher and Brother that was there. It
was amazing to see everybody interacting
and mixing with one another regardless
of who they were and what school they
came from. I’m sure Edmund himself
would have been proud!
From a personal point of view, I found
it inspiring listening to the tireless time
and work that is being put in by students
and teachers of other schools on a
local, national and in some cases even
an international scale. To see students
coming up with projects and charitable
works in the name of Edmund Rice 172
years after his death is truly amazing and
some of the stories that were told really
put life into perspective.
Myself and my two classmates also
got the chance to stand up in front
of everybody and describe what our
school have been doing to preserve the
vision of Edmund Rice. This was a great
opportunity to showcase what we have
been doing over the last number of years
to help those who may be less fortunate
than us. One of our main projects over
the last few years is our work with St.
Brigid’s primary and secondary school. St.
Brigid’s educates children with general
learning disabilities and our aim over the
last few years was to visit the students
on a weekly basis and to create art-work
and projects alongside them. At first, they
were shy but as the weeks went on and
friendship and communication grew, we
began to really get to know the students
in a way I never expected to. Hearing
some students talk about how they had
been excluded from groups and teams
because of their disabilities really made
us realise that what we were doing was
actually having a positive impact on their
lives. Seeing the smiles on their faces
and their contentment with working
alongside us really made us feel that all
was worthwhile. Over the last few years
we have done projects based on Gullivers
Travels and lamh signing but our most
recent was a mosaic depicting the story of
the Children of Lir. This was particularly
effective as this myth is based in our
locality so we all had a good idea of
what we were working with before we
even began.
Apart from our work with St. Brigid’s,
we also do regular charity work for the
Saint Vincent de Paul, TEAM, Goal and
the Simon Community. Over the past
year alone, we have had jersey days,
non-uniform days, bag-packing in local
supermarkets, food and clothes collection
schemes, bake sales and many more. This
encourages the continuation of Edmund
Rice’s vision of social justice and equality
while also helping those in our locality
who are less fortunate than us. The work
that has been done in our school over the
last few years has been exceptional and
we plan to continue and build on this
work in the coming years. It is amazing
to think that 172 years on from his death,
Edmund Rice’s vision is still being carried
out within our school.
All Ireland Senior
‘B’ Hurling
Champions 2016
Abbey School Tipperary
Abbey CBS Tipperary 2-19
St. Louis Ballymena 2-13
Easter Monday proved to be historic
on a number of fronts as the Nation
celebrated the 100th Anniversary of
the Easter Rising. The Abbey School in
Tipperary Town celebrated winning its
third All Ireland Senior ‘B’ hurling title
in Semple Stadium Thurles. The Abbey
were pushed all the way to extra time
by a superb St. Louis Grammer School
Ballymena to go with the Abbey’s two
previous titles in 1992 and 2002.
Beaten in the All Ireland Senior B
Football final in 2015, the Abbey boys
were not willing to let this title slip
from their grasp and having trailed the
St. Louis’s boys for much of the game,
when the match was in the melting
pot the Abbey boys showed great
character and resolve to take the game
to extra time.
In extra time the fitness and strength
of the Abbey team showed through
and finished with a brace of goals
from Daire Egan and his teammate
Shane Power, who showed tremendous
strength and resolve to play a storming
game at centre forward having
tragically buried his sister Fiona just
the day before the final. A fitting
tribute to his sister who supported
Shane and the Abbey in the previous
games including the semi-final
win over Johnstown Kilkenny just
weeks earlier.
Huge credit goes to the boys and
their coaches Kieran Hickey, Jim
Ryan and Darragh O’Donovan who
were richly rewarded for the extra
training sessions and games during the
Christmas and mid-term break.
Summer 2016 Page 33
Bicentenary
Celebrations
CBS Thurles
We in CBS Thurles are celebrating our Bicentenary this year.
Our school was founded in 1816 by William and Thomas Cahill.
The composite monastery and school was situated in what was
then known as Pudding Lane.
To mark this wonderful achievement, we will be holding a
number of events over the year.
The first event held was Thurles CBS All Stars V Tipperary –
Bicentennial Exhibition Match, held on January 17th @ 2pm in
The Ragg, Thurles
The Thurles CBS All Stars joint managers were Pat Henderson
and Fr. Tom Fogarty. Pat Henderson from Fenians won a Dean
Ryan medal (Munster under 16.5) in 1960, five All-Irelands as
a player, three as manager, two all-stars and hurler of the year
1974. Fr Tom Fogarty from Moyne-Templetuohy has managed
Tipperary at Minor, Under 21 and Senior level and also
managed the Offaly Senior Hurlers.
There was an 80 page Memorabilia Programme produced for the
occasion while there was a Primary Schools students exhibition
game at half-time with over 90 children taking part.
Past pupils who played with Tipperary or Kilkenny seniors, or
were on training panels, made up the Thurles CBS All Stars
panel. Over 40 past pupils of All Stars were available which Pat
Henderson and Fr. Tom Fogarty had to choose from reflecting
the huge range of talent which has gone through the school
down through the many generations. The match provided
fantastic entertainment for a very large crowd on the day. The
Tipperary team were victorious on the day with a win of 0-14
to 1-7.
‘A Guide to Apps’
St. Aidan’s Whitehall
Every minute of every day, a certain number of the older members of our society
drift further away from us and feel more isolated. As the world of technology speeds
ahead at breakneck speed, many elderly people are left behind.
So many daily tasks today depend on technology, and most of these require a
certain level of IT experience. Checking the voting register, paying a bill or simply
communicating with friends and family have become more and more difficult to
carry out for a large number of people.
With this is mind, a groups of us St Aidan’s CBS TY students in conjunction
with DCU Intergenerational Learning Programme launched ‘A Guide to Apps’.
This booklet is aimed at helping those who struggle with IT access to commonly
used apps on Apple and android devices. It gives simple and clear step-by-step
instructions on using the apps. We compiled the booklet after carrying out focus
groups with groups of senior citizens and launched it on Thurs, 10th March.
At the moment, we just have hard copies of the booklet but we hope to soon launch
an iBook version which can be easily accessed by anyone who requires it. The
entire project was a hugely enjoyable one for us and took us to the national finals of
Young Social Innovators. Hopefully, the fruits of our labour will be of use for years
to come.
Síol Page 34
Proclamation Day
Cycle To Lourdes
CBS Enniscorthy
CBS Enniscorthy
CBS students James Fortune and Ryan Murray cycled to
Lourdes on Tuesday 15th March without ever leaving the
school grounds. The two students came up with the idea
of cycling to Lourdes on a stationary bike to raise funds
for their upcoming pilgrimage to Lourdes. They set off
on Tuesday morning by cycling a half hour each and they
were well supported by their fellow students and teachers
who also cycled for ten, fifteen or thirty minute slots
during the day. By the end of the day they had cycled 258
kilometres, the equivalent of the sea distance between
Ireland and France.
The boys went to Lourdes with the Enniscorthy Group 94
section of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust on Easter Sunday and
they had a memorable and rewarding pilgrimage.
Proclamation Day in the CBS Enniscorthy began with a group
of transition year students retracing the historic steps taken
back in 1848 when the National Tricolour Flag was flown for the
first time in Vinegar Hill. Thomas Francis Meaghar raised the
tricolour in Waterford in March 1848 but it is believed that the
Tricolour flag was also flown from the top of Vinegar Hill during
the same week in March 1848.
The CBS students carried the flag from the CBS school to
Vinegar Hill on Tuesday morning and then continued in
procession to the Atheneum where the Tricolour was flown
during the Rising in Enniscorthy in 1916. The flag was the
centre point of the Proclamation Day ceremony in St Mary’s
CBS where it was raised at 12 noon followed by a reading of the
Proclamation. The Proclamation was read by three students who
have achieved many public speaking plaudits over the years,
namely, Pierce Sinnott, David Manley and Colm Corcoran.
In a further link with the past, the flag was raised in the school
by two students who have a direct family connection with the
participants of the Rising in Enniscorthy. Ronan O’Leary, a first
year student, had a great grandfather, John Doyle, in the rising
while sixth year student, Diarmuid Byrne, also had a great
grandfather, James Doolan, involved in the Rising.
The ceremony at noon was witnessed by all the students and
teachers in the school and was attend by local dignitaries
Mr James Browne T.D, Mr Paddy Kavanagh, Chair of the
Enniscorthy district of Wexford County Council and councillors
Keith Doyle and Johnny Mythen.
Summer 2016 Page 35
Midleton CBS Students “Heroes for the Homeless” Sleepout
Midleton CBS
On Thursday February 11th, a total of 42
Midleton CBS student volunteers from
4th and 5th year braved the cold and the
rain as they staged a sponsored “12hour Sleepout” in aid of the Cork Simon
Community on the CBS grounds.
Kitchen experience before they were
given an opportunity to move inside the
school building for a few hours’ sleep on
the bare floor on cardboard, on mats and
sleeping bags - much like a squat or a
homeless hostel.
The “Heroes for the Homeless” event
as it was called, was aimed at raising
awareness of the issues surrounding
homelessness and gave participants
an opportunity to experience some of
the struggles of homeless people for
themselves. Cork Simon visited the school
on two occasions during the previous
week to conduct workshops with the
students prior to the hosting of the event.
At the conclusion of the event every
participant was given a breakfast roll and
tea at 8am before they washed and put
on their school uniform to face into the
normality of a regular school day.
Approximately half of the sleepout group
travelled to Cork City as part of their
“Heroes” experience to walk the streets
and visit the familiar hangouts and
gathering places of the city’s homeless.
Their experience on the city streets
helped reinforce the message and the
reality of what homelessness is actually
like for those trapped in its grip. Upon
returning to the school the boys joined
with the other student “Heroes” outside
the entrance for the sleepout experience.
In the early hours of the morning all
participants were provided with hot
soup and bread in a simulation of a Soup
Published at Áras Éamainn Rís
Meadow Vale
Blackrock
Co. Dublin
A94 YN96
Tel: 01 289 7511
Students quickly realised how difficult
it was for them and just how it would be
for a homeless person to try and function
somewhat normally in a job or occupation
while sleeping rough every night. The
students had roughed it for just one night
in a controlled and relatively comfortable
environment and found it difficult
to manage next day. It was easy to
understand how alcohol or drug addiction
or mental health issues or a combination
of all could quickly lead to a chaotic
lifestyle on the streets if someone were to
find themselves in such circumstances.
The “Heroes for the Homeless” event
forms part of a national campaign for
schools in the Edmund Rice Schools Trust
which was launched by Fr. Peter McVerry
a number of weeks ago in the Edmund
Rice Centre in Waterford. It is called
Tel: 01 289 7511
Fax: 01 289 7540
e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.erst.ie
“One Campaign for Change” and aims
to advocate for the homeless, to raise
awareness and gather as many signatures
as possible over the coming months from
students and their families across Ireland
to a petition calling for an end to the
homeless crisis in our country.
The One Campaign intends to use
social media as much as possible as a
means to reach the youth of Ireland
and get them involved. The social
media aspect of the campaign was
launched at the beginning of March.
The One Campaign will conclude on
the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice
on May 5th when it is planned to have
representatives from all participating
schools throughout the country hand
thousands of signed petitions on behalf
of the homeless to representatives of the
newly formed Government to address the
homeless crisis.
Students from Midleton CBS were invited
to participate in a Homeless Photo
Exhibition and Concert hosted by Ard
Scoil na Mara in Tramore on March 9th.
The Waterford High Hopes Choir also
participated.
Our thanks to all the students who
participated in the homeless sleep-out
experience.