Patrick Joseph Rafter, Kilkenny CBS 2 / Blown Away Scoil Cholmcille, Cork 2 / A Crash of Drums a Flash of Light Francis Street CBS 3 / 50 Years of Clounalour 3 / Tanzanian Trip St. Aidan’s CBS 4 / St. Joseph’s Secondary School Drogheda Athletes 5 / Bunscoil Iognaid Ris, An Daingean 6 / CBS Roscommon 7 / Immersion Experience St. Fintan’s, Doon 8 / Rice College, Ennis 10 / Faith Development Week St. Munchin’s Limerick 11 / CBS Secondary School Carrick-on-Suir 11 / St. Brendan’s College, Bray 12 / Bearing the Cross CBC Cork 13 / Caisleán Drimnagh Castle 14 / A Light for Every Generation Coláiste Éamann Ris, Callan 14 / ERST NI Schools 15 / Newly Appointed Teachers 15 / High School, Clonmel 16 / CBS Enniscorthy 18 / CBC Monkstown 19 / Abbey India Project 2010 20 / Lenten Campaign CBS Primary School Kilkenny 20 / Log on & Learn St. Kevin’s College Ballygall 21 / Scoil Mhuire North Mon, Cork 22 / St. Joseph’s Primary School, Fairview 22/ Edmund Rice Primary School, Belfast 23/ St. Joseph’s CBS, Drogheda 24/ Coláiste Eoin 24/ Scoil Mhuire, Marino 24/ CBS Sexton Street, Limerick 25/ The Baldy Man Fun Run CBS Tramore 26 / Rice College, Westport 27 / Ardscoil Rís, Limerick 28

‘The Seed will Grow’ Blessed Edmund Rice

Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter / Issue 3 / Autumn 2010

Fáilte

Greetings From The Edmund Rice Schools Trust

Welcome back, all of you, for the new the situations I met on a daily basis. There school year. I hope your break was were so many things I had to learn to deal relaxing and enjoyable and set you up for with. I didn’t get a lot of book-learning, but the year ahead. I did have a great education.”

I have been genuinely amazed at the His story reminded me of the writings of variety of articles that have come into Howard Gardner, the famous psychologist us from our schools. I’m delighted to and social scientist. He once told us that see so many of our students involved in there are at least seven different kinds of such a variety of different projects, and intelligences and that each person has a successes. I love their contributions – they unique blend of all those intelligences. keep me in touch with the work you do Howard Gardner has suggested more every day. As you read through the pages recently that there are even more of the latest Síol, I’m sure that you will categories of intelligence. If we add to that marvel, like me, at the diversity of the the personal and social qualities mentioned activities taking place in our schools. by Daniel Goleman, described as Scoil Cholmcille Primary School brass band, Blarney Street Cork in the new C.I.T. Cork emotional intelligence, we see how many School of Music building. See page 2. At a wedding recently I happened to sit opportunities for growth and development beside a man who was well over 80 years exist for all of our students in our schools. of age. As you can imagine, we spoke The part of my work I like best is when reaches his or her full potential. about many things but eventually our When I read the articles in Síol, and have I have an opportunity to visit one of the conversation came round to his school the privilege at times to visit some of the 97 schools in our network. It’s wonderful I congratulate all of our schools on the days and education. In fact, I listened with 97 schools in the Edmund Rice Schools to witness the flowering of potential. extraordinary work in which you have growing interest as this elderly and very Trust network, I am again reminded of When I see the wall charts and symbols been involved for the past year. My very respected businessman told me his story. my wedding companion’s story. You can of Edmund Rice I sense his vision in the best wishes to all our school communities imagine my sheer delight when I read crucial work all of our schools undertake. for the year ahead. “I left school at 13”, he said “and went to and hear of the exceptional academic The Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter work for two old uncles who had a hard- achievements of our students; my itself is an inspiring document. It helps Please visit our website www.erst.ie. We ware business and a delivery van service as amazement and joy at the personal and us to give practical expression to our will continue to update you with these well. You know, my parents couldn’t afford social development opportunities offered common identity as Edmund Rice and other interesting news items from to keep me at school. I loved school but I to our students, some of which are Schools, for the benefit of our school our schools on an ongoing basis. had to go to work. But I was lucky. I learnt evidenced in Síol; my absolute admiration communities and for the benefit of so much from my uncles’ business and for the teachers who give so generously of society. Our schools share an approach Gerry Bennett, Chief Executive more especially from all the people and all their time and expertise on a daily basis. to life, having as a goal that every person The Edmund Rice Schools Trust 2 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

Patrick Joseph Rafter…

A musical prodigy.

On Sunday 15th November, Kilkenny Patrick started violin lessons with Fiona C.B.S. Leaving Cert student and musical Warren in the Kilkenny School of Music. prodigy, Patrick Rafter auditioned for At the age of 12, he won a bursary to leader of the ‘National Youth Orchestra of study with Eyal Kless. Ireland under 24s. Following a masterclass in Italy, Patrick This prestigious orchestra is continued his studies at the Royal Irish internationally renowned, and considered Academy of Music in Dublin, winning an Ireland’s leading youth orchestra. entrance scholarship.

Auditioning against people of a far Patrick was offered a scholarship to the With thanks to Conor Mahony Photography greater age, Patrick was selected, thus Internationally acclaimed Chethams becoming the youngest ever leader of School of Music in Manchester, which this orchestra on its 40th Anniversary, he turned down, preferring to remain in aged just 18. The orchestra itself has Ireland and develop his talent under the played with many great soloists, from tutelage of Fionnuala Hunt. Evelyn Glennie to Nicola Benedetti and has been led by famed conductors such as During the past year Patrick’s development Christoph Margean and Diego Masson. has been a meteoric success. Early in the year Patrick was selected as the National Patrick began his rise to recognition with Concert Hall Young Musician of the Year the Junior under 18s Orchestra back in 2009. Subsequently in March, Patrick 2007, becoming its leader after his first completed an unprecedented hat trick of audition. He continued to lead the Junior achievements, winning all three Senior Orchestra from 2007 to 2009, holding the Under 24 categories in the Feis Ceoil. coveted ‘Olive Smith’ chair. The summer proved to be fruitful too as Born into a musical family, Patrick’s Patrick scooped the Clandeboye Young parents introduced him to the world of Musician of the Year Award 2009. The Music. His mother Maura is a pianist and Clandeboye Masterclasses are held annually teacher of national recognition, and his in Hollywood, Co. Down and rank highly as father Paddy is an operatic tenor who has an International Classical Music event. Only studied with Carlo Bergonzi and Carlo the crème de la crème need apply here. Baija in Milan for the past five years. With Patrick on violin, sister Isabelle on cello, The Clandeboye experience is an Maura on piano and Paddy on vocals, International music workshop where they founded the Rafter Family. prodigious talents participate in masterclasses with virtuosos such as This group made their official debut Andres Diaz (Cello), Barry Douglas (Piano), in the National Concert Hall on the Anne Akiko Meyers (Violin), Michel 28th of September last year. This was a Lethiec (Clarinet),Paul Neubauer (Viola) the ‘Sarasate’. Patrick Rafter is rubbing people in hospitals which he did recently resounding success, a full house and rave and Richard Watkins (Horn) adjudicate shoulders with and indeed standing on in St. Columba’s in Thomastown as part of reviews. This was followed by a sell-out and select the winners of the various the shoulders of the giants of Classical a Transition Year event organized by the concert in Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre categories. The Master violinist at the event Music. As his star continues to rise this school.The Staff and Students of the C.B.S. where this talented family of Musical this year was the internationally acclaimed modest C.B.S student is unassuming and are tremendously proud to have Patrick prowess received rapturous standing Hungarian Graf Mourja, himself a multiple always willing to lend his talent for any Rafter among its ranks and wish him every ovations. The Rafters have performed all winner of major international Musical school-based musical events, from school success in the future. across Ireland in recent times. competitions including the ‘Paganini’ and masses and Carol services to entertaining

Blown Away! With two weekly rehearsals and ample performance opportunity, the band has gone from strength to strength.

When you think of music in primary Their repertoire has progressed from schools, things like recorders, tin simple tunes in unison to quite difficult whistles and choirs come to mind. music in three parts. They play marches, However, Scoil Cholmcille in Blarney popular tunes and movie themes Street, Cork, like to do things a little such as James Bond, the Titanic and differently. Yes, they have all of the Harry Potter. The boys have had much above - as well as a rock band, guitar experience playing in front of their own group, percussion ensemble and school community and also playing in individual lessons on many instruments public. They have entertained two Lord - but also boast a complete brass band! Mayors of Cork, given a concert in the new CIT Cork School of Music building, The Brass Band began two years ago raised money for charity in Blackpool with all the boys in the current fifth Shopping Centre and have played locally class and comprises cornet, baritone and for schools, bingo nights and other euphonium players and a percussion events in the locality. section. Brass instruments are difficult to learn and many variables must be The class teachers of these 19 boys have taken into consideration: the shape of commented on how this experience the mouth and lips, physical strength, has helped build the boys’ confidence ‘A cornet player displaying how to hold and blow into his instrument.’ breath control and musicality to name and improved their social skills and but a few. Senior infant teacher and group work, all-the-while instilling generous sponsors, and - thanks to its certainly alive and kicking in Scoil conductor of the Band, Brenda Griffin, and developing a sense of pride in Bingo committee - a second brass band Cholmcille and if this school is anything was amazed at how quickly the boys themselves and their school. will be starting next month. to go by, the future of instrumental took to their instruments and how far music and choral singing in Ireland is they have come in just two short years. Scoil Cholmcille is fortunate to have Music of all genres and types is assured. Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 3

A Crash of Drums a Flash of Light! C.B.S. student wins trip to USA.

Francis St. C.B.S., Dublin

Kilkenny C.B.S. student Gary Cooke has won the trip of a lifetime to the United States February and March this year saw the and students of ‘Franner’ enthralled and of America. Gary will set his compass for Vermont straight after the rigours of his students of Francis St. C.B.S., transform thoroughly entertained. Everyone enjoyed Leaving Certificate when he flies out of Dublin Airport on June 28th. The flight itinerary into singers, dancers and all round tapping their feet to Caribbean, Western, itself is interesting ending in Vermont via Toronto and Boston. Gary will spend 12 show stopping performers as our very Disco, 1920’s Charleston and Elvis nights in America, all expenses paid, courtesy of his Award-winning Essay ‘What I Can first musical ‘Joseph and the Amazing inspired songs. Many a laugh was heard Bring to This’. Prompted by CBS teacher Jim Aherne, Gary decided to put pen to paper Technicolor Dream Coat’ took to the stage. during the Joseph and Mrs Potipahr chase and enter this National Competition run and sponsored by the Cork-based Company scene as she makes advances on Joseph, E.I.L.(Experiment in Inter-Cultural Learning). With the guidance of his English teacher The show is based on the ‘Coat of Many who spurns her. The audience was Gerard Morrissey and 700 words later, the entry was despatched to Cork. A few weeks Colours’ story of the Book of Genesis. brought to its feet as an Elvis inspired later, word arrived to the school that our very own Gary Cooke had been selected with 11 It tells the story of Joseph who through Pharaoh strutted his stuff on stage and other Irish Students, out of hundreds of entrants, to represent Ireland at the International the jealousy of his brothers due to his brought to tears as Joseph with his Youth Conference in Vermont. At this Conference young people from all over the world ownership of a coat given to him by his strong, even singing voice lead us through convene to engage in a host of seminars, workshops, discussion groups and activities of all father is sold to the Ishmaelites. As the some unforgettable songs such as ‘Any sorts concerning youth activism issues and topics. So, who said Essay-writing didn’t pay?? show progresses, he moves from being Dream Will Do’, ‘Close Every Door to Me’ It certainly did in Gary’s case. Gary is the son of Declan and Maura Cooke of Ballybur, held in slavery to becoming the most and ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’. Cuffesgrange. Everyone in the C.B.S wishes Gary a wonderful American experience. powerful man in Egypt second only to the Pharaoh. The show is sung through, with The night was a thoroughly unforgettable almost no dialogue, the narrator telling one, more West End than school musical the story through word and song, guiding as the boys sang and acted with gusto the audience gently through the story of and finesse to a full house. The musical Joseph and his eleven brothers. producer Sarah Fleming, whose hard work and expertise was the back bone ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor and inspiration to our show wishes to Dream Coat’ had the audience of parents thank everyone who was involved.

50 Years of CBS, Clounalour

On May 5th 2010, the official feast day school. Our school choir, directed by Ms of Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice, Scoil Kerins provided beautiful hymns and Mhuire na mBráithre, in Tralee, Co. Kerry music throughout. celebrated 50 years of Christian Brothers education at Clounalour. Of course the After the mass, we held a reception at the Christian Brothers have a long history in school. We raised the new ERST flag. This the town and the original CBS primary is to the best of our knowledge the first school was on Edward Street. It was on time that the flag has been raised in a the 7th of January 1960 that the Christian school in Ireland. Brothers Primary School moved from the old school, to a brand new building in the Many people took time on the day to old fair field at Clounalour. The school look at old photographs which were building was considered very modern displayed in the school. Two DVD’s were and innovative for its time and had lots of produced for the occasion, and these open spaces including a playing pitch. were both shown to the guests on the Interactive Whiteboards. The first DVD Mr. Kieran Moriarty, a former pupil and was produced by John Drummey, and former teacher in CBS, spent many hours featured many old photographs, and in the weeks preceding the celebrations, various interviews with past pupils. locating and contacting the first group These included Dick Spring, Paschal of students who attended the school. Sheehy, Ger Power, Brother O Connell These men, along with present and and Michael Mercer. The second DVD former members of staff and Board of presented life in CBS today, and featured Managements were all invited to the a lot of the activities that take place in celebrations. our school. The changes which have taken place have been extraordinary. On the day itself we celebrated with a mass at St John’s Church. All 560 The school hall was a haven of activity Top: C.B.S. singers with Ms. Kerins in students, teachers and invitees attended afterwards, when everybody gathered for St. John’s. the mass, which was concelebrated by refreshments. Old friends shared stories Above: Denis Coleman, Principal with Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy and Fr. Sean and memories, and a memorable day was Bishop Bill Murphy Hanafin, who is a former pupil of the had by all. Left: ERST flag being raised on the day. 4 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

St. Aidan’s C.B.S. Tanzanian Trip:

The account of the trip given below is written by Kevin Hogan,St. Aidan’s CBS Whitehall, Dublin 9.

On the 24th of October we left for Tanzania. I had to wake up at around 4AM to get the airport on time and was tired due to being up late the night before doing last-minute packing. At the airport everyone was fairly tired, but we were on time. We got our bags ready, checked in and said bye to our parents who we wouldn’t see for twelve days. The flight to Schipol was about 2 hours and we had some time there before getting on the flight to Kilimanjaro which was a ten hour flight, and a good opportunity to catch up on some sleep.

When we got off the plane the first thing we noticed was a massive wave of warmth and humidity hit us. We went into the small airport and collected our luggage, then left in a van for the nun’s centre where we were staying. It was night and we couldn’t see much on the Above: St. Aidan’s students and their Sinon partners on Safari; below: Niall and Kevin tutoring at Food, Water, Shelter. long trip to the centre but saw some of the local wildlife. When we reached the as it was very rural and all of the people are pretty much constantly complaining it centre the nun’s were really friendly and were traditional Maasai, and lived in was a shock to the system. The different showed us where our rooms were. We the traditional villages which we visited perspective and attitude to everything was were all tired so we went to bed pretty also. The thing that surprised me a bit huge, and in a lot of ways, even though much straight away when we got there. was they were so open and welcoming, many of the people were in poverty and We had to set up mosquito nets and take for some reason I expected the Maasai technically we have a lot ‘more’ than them, anti-malaria pills before we went asleep. to be private and more wary but they I’d say they were a lot more happy than couldn’t have been more friendly, a trait some people in Ireland. The people there Over the next few days we would go to common in Tanzanian people based on my obviously have learned to appreciate the school and do a different activity each experience. Father John, who was from small things which is something I think day. We were paired up with students in Belfast and had been in Tanzania for over would be good for everyone. the school and all of them were really ten years told us a bit about the Maasai friendly and helpful. We became really culture and how modern culture and In Ireland people are generally considered there. The trip was definitely worth it - all close to them in the short time we were Christianity sometimes collide with the untrustworthy until proven otherwise, the fundraising, planning and at times there also. Some of the things we did over traditional Maasai culture, but many of the opposite is true in Tanzania. Things stress, definitely paid off. Being exposed the days were visiting an orphanage, a the Maasai are adapting and he said their are completely different in Ireland though to a completely different way of thinking remand centre and Food Water Shelter, a culture was constantly changing lately. than they are in Tanzania obviously, so was something that I took away from it, self-sustainable village for single mothers Many traditions are being discontinued you can understand why people would and hope to use later in life. to live in. due to modern ways such as education for think like this, but being in Tanzania females, the spread of Christianity etc. really did show us all how different For all of us it was an amazing trip and Food Water Shelter is a ‘village’ based things can be, for better or worse. Now we all learnt a lot on it, and got a lot on ‘permaculture’. This means that The parish also ran a school and had that I’m back home, to be honest it is out of it. It was something that I’d say the village relies entirely on itself to boarding for some of the students, we easy to get sucked back into your routine will stand by me for the rest of my life sustain itself and has no impact on the stayed overnight once and the priests and nearly forget about everything that and we all had an amazing time while area around it. They used a system of (who were all from Ireland) told us a lot happened, but it’s good to step back and there, and met some amazing people and collecting rainwater and purifying it, about what it was like being there for so remember what it was like while we were experienced some amazing things. growing their own crops and raising long and they all agreed that the people Directors & Chief Executive of the Edmund Rice “It was something that I’d say Schools Trust - will stand by me for the rest of my life”

their own animals. They also had a of Tanzania are some of the friendliest very effective waste management people you will ever meet. We again system which meant no negative effects experienced this first-hand when we happened outside the area. The waste played a football match against the school was also re-used for compost. All the team, they were competitive yet friendly systems are quite basic and not hi-tech & welcoming. The ‘pitch’ which was really yet extremely effective. FWS was set up just two goalposts on the massive flat as a place for single mothers to get shelter landscape around the area was amazing on the condition that they agreed to take to play on due to it being sunset, this was care of up to 5 orphans. The houses are a scene I will never forget. You could see also lo-tech yet innovative, there is no air as far as the horizon with nothing else in conditioning or vents etc, rather the smart sight but the sun setting. architecture of the roofing cools the air coming into the houses. FWS also tutors Another thing I also enjoyed was just being some of the young local children in maths in the local town, Arusha. I was constantly & english with help from the volunteers reminded of the completely different on a weekly basis. attitude people had there. Everyone is much Back Row: Left to Right: Br. Mark Mc Donnell, Gerry Rowley, more relaxed and happy in general. People Gerry Bennett (Chief Executive), Willie Pat Hallihan, Geoff Meagher. On another day we also visited the SMA are constantly telling you ‘hakuna mattata’ Seated Left to Right: Catherine Mc Donagh, Pat Diggins (Chairperson) fathers, who ran a parish in the Tanzanian which is Swahili for ‘no worries’. It’s hard & Helen Ó Murchú (Vice Chairperson) countryside. This was very interesting to describe but in Ireland where people Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 5

St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda Athletes win the National Finals in the Cross Country 2010 The Big Race of the Day - the 6K The 6km course was flat, dry and running very fast, four laps of it would require a It was an unforgettable day for Drogheda at the Irish Schools cross country finals lot of turns. The opening lap was tightly packed as the pace of the race gradually at Cork IT. St. Joseph’s athletes completed what has been a magnificent season by increased. Pre race favourites Munster champions Douglas were having their 3rd winning the senior title for the first time in their history. run on the course and held a slight lead on that opening lap with four athletes in the top 30. However Carl Dunne (a pre race doubt with a head cold) and Jake Mc For St Joseph’s this was a culmination of a lot of hard effort over several seasons and the Donnell were up in the leading 10. Norbert Feeney, Tadgh Berkery, and Fergal winning of a second schools title was vindication (Junior 2007 ) of the pedigree of one Barnes were just outside the top 40 (over 100 went to post ). St Aidens, Enniskillen, of the finest teams to emerge from this area in recent times. The annexing of the senior and Knockbeg were all in touch. The pendulum swung the Joeys way as Feeney title cements their place in the all time champions in the Newfoundwell annals of sport. produced a great 2nd lap, bringing his team mates into contention. St Joseph’s can look back with pride on their contribution to schools athletics; 3 Irish titles,(1987,2007,2010 ) Team Silver 2003, Team Bronze 1993,1995, 2001, 2002 and not As the 3rd lap began the Joeys held forgetting all those who have been selected to represent the school’s international teams. a narrow lead, down the field. Sean Mc Keever, Conor Young, and Cathal The 2009/10 cross country season stretches back to September where this team Khan were doing trojan work making place second in New Balance Oceanstate championship a result that despite it’s point scoring very difficult for their disappointment was to prove the spur to greater things as the season unfolded. rivals. Carl Dunne was in inspirational Thereafter began a ‘grand slam’ of performances with the Drogheda schools title form, moving from 8th to 7th to 6th (October, for the 5th time ) CBS All Ireland (November, the 9th title in 11 years), by 5000m, Jake kept his composure St Pauls Invitational (December). North Leinster (Jan ‘10 the 5th in row)Leinster in 17th place, with Feeney, Berkery champions (Feburary) and rounding it all off with the senior boys title on March 13th and team captain Barnes all in the top 40. With a commanding but not unassailable lead, it needed a final 1000m of relentless courage to secure the most coveted trophy in Irish school’s athletics. There was no collapse in those final 1000m. Dunne finished off in 5th, a truly remarkable effort at his first season in this grade, and leading his team in the best possible fashion, Mc Donnell (23rd) was winning his 2nd national title in 6 days having starred for Raheny juniors on the previous Sunday. Berkery 41st and Feeney 43rd sealed the deal with a very gutsy final burst. It took a little while before the results were processed. But when the electronic scoreboard flashed 1st St Josephs CBS 113, it set a great tide of celebration in train. The Big Race with Carl Dunne and Back L to R: Cathal Khan, Conor Young, Tadhg Berkery, Carl Dunne, Jake Mc Donnell, Jake Mc Donnell in the early stages Norbert Feeney. Front L to R: Sean Mc Keever, Feargal Barnes

“A New Landscape… A This year took our teachers of Religious New Vision” Education and Ethos teams to the Osprey Hotel in Naas for our annual conference. The theme of our conference was, “A Go to the people New Landscape … A New Vision” which highlighted the beginning of a new Live among them era or re-founding moment within the Edmund Rice schools. It is indeed a new Start with what they know landscape....a new vision as we as teachers focus on our role as spiritual leaders and And when the deed is done how comfortable are we that.

The mission accomplished The conference provided an opportunity for RE teachers, members of ERST team, Of the best leaders they will say BOM’s and Principals to step back from the daily pressures and experience the We did it optimism and energy which comes from a new landscape and a new vision. Ourselves Dr. Tony Hanna, our keynote speaker, Lao Tsu provided an insightful and thought provoking overview of Catholic education today and the vital importance of the work in which we are engaged at this time of change, challenge and transition. Fr. Pascal McDonnell provided food for our souls and left us refreshed and renewed at Left - left to right: Dr. Tony Hanna & Fr. the end of the conference. Pascal Mc Donnell (Rossnowlagh) both guest speakers with Fiona Gallagher And, of course, a vital part of having any (Edmund Rice Schools Trust) conference is the contact with our friends and colleagues for that essential mutual Above andf far left - R.E. teachers who support. attended conference in March 2010 6 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

Bunscoil Iognaid Ris, An Daingean

Rísíní ag rince! (Kurt agus Cian) Droichead a dhearadh Sa Ghairdín

Sa Phictiúr is féidir linn Eoin agus Lúcás Buachaillí ag cur prataí ar an 26ú Márta a fheiscint. Fuair siad dhá bhosca agus leathanach. Dhein siad an páipéar a chur Chuireamar na prataí seo san earrach. ar an dhá bhosca. Chuir siad €0.05c ar an Tugtar “Sharps Express” ar na prataí seo. leathanach agus coiméad sé suas é. Nuair ‘First earlies’ is ea iad agus táimid ag súil a chuir siad níos mó airgead ar bhris an go mbeidh prátaí nua againn tar eis dhá droichead. Bhí sé an lag! seachtain déag. Chuireamar prátaí anseo anuraidh freisin agus níor usaideamar aon aoileach orthu. Ní rábhadar ró- mhaith agus cheapamar go rabhadar níos lú ná mar a rabhamar ag súil leis. I mbliana chuireamar leasú feirme agus leasú saorga, 17-6-12, agus beimid ag súil le fomhair bhreá.

Droichead a dhearadh

Bhí ar na buachaillí teacht le chéile agus a smointe féin a úsáid chun droichead nua a dhearadh. Dhein Colin agus Deividas clár adhmaid ar an mbun. Chuir said rollaí Dhein Eoin agus lúcás droichead níos leithris in airde ar sin agus dhein siad an láidre a dhéaradh. Fuair siad leabhar droichead féin le cairt chlár. D’úsáid siad láidir in ionad an leathanach. D’éirigh go suipeanna agus téad chun an imeall a hiontach leo. Bhí an droichead I bhfad chríochnú. níos láidre. Anois bhí siad ábalta I bhfad Thug an múinteoir gloine folamh dúinn. níos mó airgead a choiméad slán ar an Ansan dhoirteamar ‘Seacht-Suas’ isteach ndroichead!! ann. Chuireamar rísíní isteach ceann ar cheann. Thosaigh siad ag rince agus ag Heileacaptar le Páipéar Ag Cur Síolta pocléimneach istigh sa ‘Seacht-Suas’. Bhí an sport acu! Sa phictiúr tá Seán agus Ben ag gearradh We planted five pumpkin seeds in a seed amach an heileacaptar. Dhein an tray on 13th April 2010. Three seeds have Aer agus Uisce múinteoir an teimpléad a photocóipeáil come up today April 2010. When they are agus bhi siad ábalta é a ghearradh ansin. bigger we will plant them in the garden. Bhí na páisti ag plé agus ag déanamh D’fhill siad an páipéar san áit ceart agus We need to protect them from the cold for imscrúdú ar conas is féidir le haer agus chuir siad fáiscín páipéar ar an mbun a little longer. The temperature today is 17 uisce a bhogadh. chun méachan a thabhairt do. Ansan bhí Celcius but we still get frost at night. This siad ullamh chun eitilt! would kill pumkins especially when they Dheineadar feain páipéir agus dheineadar are used to the warmth of the classroom. imscrúdú ar na saghasanna rudaí a d’fhéadfaí a bhogadh le feain páipéir. Dheineadar imscrúdú ar faiscín páipéir, cás pin luaidhe, leabhar scoile, balún agus cleite. Chláraigh na leanaí torthaí an imscrúdú.

Droichead eile

Is é Seán, Daragh agus Seán a dhein an droichead seo a dhearadh. Fuaireadar bosca brógán agus bosca calóga arbhar. Ghearr said an bosca calóga arbhar I dhá leath agus d’úsáid siad an bosca bróg mar bhonn. Ghreamaigh siad na boscaí le chéile. Chuir siad rialóir ann mar bhóthar agus chuir siad isteach comharthaí bóithre agus fear bréige chun an droichead adhéanamh níos deise. Ag Bogadh Rudaí

Bhí na páistí ó rang a dó ag plé agus ag iniúchadh conas a chuirfeadh dromchlaí éagsúla isteach ar an bhfad a raghaidh carr. Thástáladar an carr ar dromchlaí éagsúla-cairpéad, páipéar, urlár, tíleanna, bord a bhí leibhéal, bord a bhí an fánán cuid beag agus bord ago raibh an fánán ardaithe piosa mór.

Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 7

C.B.S. Roscommon – International Young Ambassador of the 21st Century:

Shane continues to pick up the Young Ambassador titles. By Mairead O’Shea

Young Oran man Shane O’Brien has won A Leaving Cert student at Roscommon use the bursary award to help finance the prestigious title of Lions International CBS, Shane is a son of Michéal and Rita further publications of the 4U youth Young Ambassador of the 21st Century. O’Brien from Oran. He has worked on the magazine will donate part of his winnings 4U magazine since 2007. The quarterly to flood victims in the area. The eighteen-year-old was representing publication sees 3,000 copies distributed to Roscommon Leo Club in the final of the secondary schools throughout the county. A large crowd of family, friends and British Isles and Ireland category of the members of the Lions and Leo Club competition. Shane won the nationwide Speaking to the Roscommon Herald, a travelled to England to support Shane. event in Ireland at the end of January clearly delighted Shane said: “I was fairly Scramogue natives, Lena O’ Malley and he went on to compete in England confident going into the competition and Mick Lyons of the Roscommon last week. He beat off stiff competition because our magazine has been a great Association in Birmingham also turned from eleven other finalists from England, success, it’s all about promoting positive out in support. Shane was accompanied Scotland and Wales to be crowned the mental health and suicide awareness by his parents Michéal and Rita, overall winner. He will now go forward amongst teenagers. I think our project friends, fellow Leo Club members, Leo to the European stage of the Young probably had more room for expansion Club leaders Eileen Hester, Kathleen Ambassador competition, which takes than some of the others as the 4U Shanagher and Ciaran Mullooly and Lions place in Bologna, Italy this November. magazine circulates to thousands of Club President Gerry Finn. young people and schools all over the Shane received the honour for his work county. We are also hoping to circulate Shane arrived into Dublin airport but he on the 4U youth magazine, the 4U it in Athlone IT; it was a pilot project for was back in school in the CBS on Monday radio show on Ros F.M. and a plethora Roscommon but I think the judges saw morning as he prepared for his Leaving of other community and civic projects. the nationwide potential of the magazine Cert mocks. A special gathering also Interviews took place on Saturday and and it was so unique and innovative.” took place in Gleeson’s Townhouse in a gala ball took place on Saturday night Roscommon town for the homecoming in Birmingham with the presentations to Shane also picked up a cheque for £1,500 celebrations. winners on Sunday morning. as part of his overall prize. He plans to

CBS students embrace Fairtrade Fortnight in Roscommon town

By Mairead O’ Shea

Students from Roscommon CBS embraced the recent Fairtrade Fortnight by promoting The CBS students also had a stand at products with the Fairtrade logo as well as organising some novelty events. the Farmers’ Market on Friday with free Fairtrade coffee and Fairtrade products Roscommon town received its status as a Fairtrade town in February 2008 with many available locally. Thanks were extended shops and restaurants now offering a range of Fairtrade products. to the Abbey Hotel, the Tatie Hooker for supplying hampers and produce and Products such as coffee, tea, bananas, cocoa, rice, sugar, juice and clothes are on sale Gleeson’s Townhouse for supplying the around Roscommon town. complimentary coffee.

The Transition Years of Roscommon CBS carried out a poster and flyer blitz in shops in Transition Year students also held a game of Roscommon to promote Fairtrade products. The students also conducted a survey to 5 a side soccer wearing Fairtrade t-shirts and see how many more Fairtrade products were available. using a Fairtrade football. The referee was dressed as a Fairtrade banana!. “The boys of the CBS secondary school did their part to promote fair-trade by distributing information flyers and conducting a survey of local shoppers. They found All junior and senior classes in the CBS many people knew about fair-trade. Just 16% of people had not heard of fair-trade, studied Fairtrade in the recent weeks as part 84% had, 40% don’t buy fair-trade but 60% do. Only 12% of people surveyed thought of the Geography programme. it was a bad idea while 88% said it was a good idea. Only 48% of businesses knew Roscommon was a Fairtrade town,” said Fairtrade committee member in Roscommon “The students and Mrs Partner, their teacher, hope it helped remind everyone that town Liam Stephens. Roscommon is one of the first Fairtrade towns in the west and many shops offer a range of Fairtrade products,” said Mr Stephens.

In a time of deepening recession worldwide, trade is needed more than ever in the developing world and through supporting Fairtrade you can help the most vulnerable in society by giving them a fair price for their produce.

In a novel way to promote Fairtrade products, Fairtrade Worldwide has urged people all over the world to swap their regular purchases like tea and coffee for Fairtrade marked items in an effort to increase the profile of such products.

The Fairtrade committee of Roscommon would like to sincerely thank all those people in Roscommon who buy Fairtrade products and support this very worthy cause. Check out fairtrade.ie for more information.

With thanks to Roscommon Herald who kindly allowed us to reprint articles and pictures.

Left: Transition Year students from CBS Roscommon pictured at a five-a-side football match in aid of Fairtrade.

Above: Transition Year students, Cathal Dolan, Eoin Menton and David Butler pictured selling Fairtrade products at the Farmers’ Market in Roscommon town. 8 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

St. Fintan’s CBS, Doon, Co. Limerick Immersion Experience 2009

10 students and 4 teachers from St welcoming and really appreciated that Fintan’s CBS have returned to school we had come to visit them. There are 400 “…the Irish boys replied by singing following an unforgettable experience students in the secondary school, 75% on our Immersion project in Kenya. of them being sponsored as there is no Galway Girl. When they forgot the We spent two weeks working in Br. access to free education. Our students Beausang school in Embulbul, outside were immediately struck by the attitude words half way through you can Niarobi, where we learned a lot about towards education. These students really Kenyan life and culture while coming valued the fact that they were getting an imagine their surprise when the class face to face with extreme poverty and the opportunity to go to school and really social injustice so widespread across the work hard. The standard in subjects like joined in and gave them the words.” developing world.. maths was similar to our Higher level maths. The students were ambitious The experience began when we left Cork and most held out hope of going on to airport on Saturday, October 17th. After university. However in reality very few of a 9 hour flight we arrived in Nairobi via them will get the opportunity. Heathrow. On arrival we were picked up by Peter our guide for the two weeks and The school was built in 2002 by Fr Kevin of people could be seen, all involved Stapleton and Owen Roche worked in brought to the Christian Brothers house Mc Garry a priest from Belfast. On in one kind of enterprise or another, the Special needs classroom and were in Embulbul, approximately 1 hour from leaving Embubul he handed the school whether trying to sell fruit to passers by really struck by the experience. In the Nairobi airport. After a short rest we over to the Christian Brothers. It is now or carrying an assortments of loads on words of Pa, ‘ as soon as the door opened were brought for a tour of Ngong village. run by a community of Australian and carts either pulled by donkeys or often by a little girl ran straight into Owen’s arms It was raining heavily, the first rain they African brothers. The school principal is a person between the shafts of the cart, and didn’t leave him for the rest of the had got in over a year and quite cold. As a Kenyan, Br Francis and Br Julius also day’. The boys also enjoyed taking the we trudged up the hill we were wading teaches in the school. Peter and Tom, our guides brought us on younger classes for PE and also playing a through mud that stuck to our clothes and a tour of the city centre. They warned soccer game against the senior students. shoes like treacle. Standing on the hilltop At lunch time we made our way to the us to stay with them as muggings in the Unfortunately, like the singing they we could see the large expanse of slum front of the school where lunch was being city are a constant hazard, especially for taught us a lesson here also. dwellings, a high density of makeshift served. Three local ladies cook lunch white people. They brought us to Uhuru galvanise shacks. On the dirt track there for the 400 students and 20 teachers park where many people were relaxing in On Saturday, we brought the 8th class, were cattle, goats, donkeys, people, cars, each day on large pots over a fire. Lunch the sunshine. We went to the top of the the senior class in the Primary school on busses, 2 water trucks stuck in the mud consists of a dish of maize and beans, IKCC building from where we could see a school tour. They were so excited and - utter chaos!, prompting one of the boys known locally as Githeri. We basically right across the city. requested that we take them to Rock City, to remark, ‘everything is everywhere lived on this for the two weeks we were an amusement park. The night before here’ Some children took an interest in there. This meal is probably the only meal On Wednesday we were back in school. we prepared treat packs for each. Next us, the strange white people, and began most students get each day. The Form 4 exams were beginning today. morning they were all waiting for us following us around. They were dressed We were surprised to see an armed guard outside the church. Before departing we in rags, dirty, barefooted and shivering The Form 4 exams (our Leaving Cert) outside the door and even more surprised met the local priest, Fr Con Murphy from with the cold. They held our hands and were due to begin on Wednesday and to hear that he had struck a student with Kilmichael in County Cork. Excitement walked with us through the village. We the Form 4 students were cleaning their the rifle. The newspaper the next day was at fever pitch as most of these boys made our way to the street market where desks, scraping off any writing with pieces reported that an official delivering exam and girls come from very deprived we bought some fruit and vegetables. We of glass in preparation for the exam. papers had been shot and the papers backgrounds and had never been taken had been cautioned to haggle as there stolen. Cheating is widespread throughout anywhere before. They sang songs was one price for locals and another for While the boys were in class we visited the exams and emergency papers are throughout the journey. mzungus like ourselves. the staffroom and met some of the regularly used. Our students were mixing teachers. Most of these were from slum very well with their new classmates When we arrived at Rock City, we On Monday we got up early to be in areas themselves and were not well off. A and learning a lot about Kenyan life couldn’t believe our eyes. The amusement school for 8am. Kenyan students are teacher’s pay in the Secondary school is and customs. We bought some gifts for centre consisted of one old swinging boat, required to be in school at 7, they took the equivalent to €160 per month. the teaching staff, ties for the men and chairoplanes and bumpers that did not pity on us on the first morning. On arrival scarves for the ladies, there was much work. There was a tiny, uneven grass excitement when we distributed these. patch for them to play football. However the children taught it was wonderful We spent the next few days in the and very soon a football game was in Primary school. The boys found this progress. The game was interrupted on exercise so rewarding. They prepared many occasions as the ball was kicked classes on Ireland-geography, history, out on to the road. Passing motorists culture, interests, music etc. which they obligingly stopped and returned it. We really enjoyed presenting to the students. then stopped for the snack and later rides Each class sang many songs for us and on the swinging boat and chairoplanes. the Irish boys replied by singing Galway Perhaps the best fun was had on the Girl. When they forgot the words half way bumpers. They weren’t powered on but through you can imagine their surprise that did not deter the excited youngsters, when the class joined in and gave them they pushed each other around. They the words. They had learned it when had never seen anything like this before. St David’s Artane had visited them last We then took them to lunch, goat stew year. They then proceeded to sing Molly and rice. The flies descended on the food Malone. We were really struck by their putting off the weak Irish constitutions love of and their talent at music. One but the Kenyans didn’t leave a morsel. of the teachers, Ben taught music and Goat is a great treat for them. One little played the guitar and prepared the choir. boy went around collecting the bones, we were greeted by John Fisher the Tuesday was a public holiday, Jomo They put on a tremendous show for us at which were well picked at this stage Deputy Principal and our students were Kenyata day. The school was closed so we masses later in the week. and put them in his pocket. No doubt allocated a classroom each. Continuous took a trip into Niarobi. Central Niarobi is bringing them home for the rest of his Assessment exams were taking place similar to any city in the developed world, The school itself was a series of family. We then proceeded to Splash, a and our lads were thrown in at the with skyscrapers reminiscent of New galvanised buildings. There was gravel swimming pool. Most of them had not deep end having to sit the exams. Poor York. However on travelling out we could on the floor and this led to a lot of dust been swimming before and they really Owen and Miguel found themselves look right down over Kibera slum, where in the classroom. We brought a series enjoyed it. Our boys generously gave their sitting the Swahili paper. Very soon over 1 million people live in 1 square of educational posters with us and swimming togs to some students who did we discovered that our hosts were very mile of shanty dwellings. Huge throngs these brightened up the classrooms. Pa not have any. Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 9

This day was one of our highlights as it was gratifying to see these children getting an opportunity to enjoy themselves so much with activities that we would take for granted.

We were up early on Sunday morning and down at the parish church for 8 am mass. The school choir was performing and what a spectacle they put on! Mass for us was never as eventful with, singing, clapping, dancing, chanting. Mass lasted two hours but nobody was bored. After mass, the students of the secondary school were waiting to bring us to their homes. We split up into groups and walked through the village. Most homes were tiny tin huts, but great preparations were made for our visit. The first home I visited belonged to a girl called Rispa. She was 17 years old and lived on her own. Her parents and older brother had died and her home consisted of one tiny room with just space for a bed and a study desk and chair. She had made tea and pancakes for us. We visited many such homes and in each we were made so welcome. We had to eat in each home, probably the only food they had got. David, the extremely talented drummer from the school choir brought us to his house. Again it was no more than a tin shack. On arrival a couch was brought they just did not want us to leave. We Before leaving Doon, we had heard about a What is the Third World Immersion in from the house next door as were next visited a large school of 1600 pupils Dublin nun who had relations in Doon. She Programme? cups and bread. His mother welcomed in the Reuben Centre. This was a centre is Sr Mary Killeen. She runs a school also us and David prayed before serving the set up to provide food, medical clinics, in Mukuru, looking after children from the This is a programme to raise awareness food, thanking God for bringing these school and training centre for the poor slum. She founded this school in 1994 after among Irish secondary school students visitors to his home. This was a really of Mukuru slum. There had been an a battle with the government to remain ---- and to provide opportunities to visit special day for us as we got to meet the outbreak of cholera the previous week on the site where she had been squatting. the developing world. Immersion projects families of the students and got to see and 12 people had died. We were amazed This school caters for 1100 Primary school are organised by the Christian Brothers to first hand the difficult living conditions at the scale of the operation managed by children.. There is also a secondary school various centres in Africa and in India. they experienced. They were particularly an Australian Christian Brother, Barry and counselling centre. She works here grateful to us for the sponsorship Callan. Here was an elderly gentleman with Fr Manuel, a Spanish priest and Sr Why did we get involved? programmes, without which their living his life in the slum and running a Barbara from Dublin. Sr Mary was away children could not go to school. huge voluntary programme. One class we when we visited but we were given a tour As a Christian Brothers school we went into had 96 students. They were all of the centre by Sr. Barbara. were given the opportunity to become On Monday morning we visited some working away quietly without a teacher! involved. I saw it as a great opportunity other schools. We drove to a rural school, We visited the HIV clinic where we saw On Wednesday we were guests of honour to give our students a most valuable St Andrews in Nkaikmunyro. This area the great strides being made to treat at the school mass. Once more we were experience that will stay with them was even more poverty stricken than and prevent this horrific virus that has treated to a wonderful occasion of music, throughout their life and may in many Embulbul. We went into classrooms caused so much devastation in African song, dance and prayer. We felt we had ways be life changing for them. where rows and rows of ragged children communities. This was perhaps the to contribute something and Miss O’ Shea once more entertained us with song. We toughest day we experienced. The boys had put the boys through their paces What are we going to do going forward? spent quite a bit of time here playing were particularly upset by the news of the preparing some songs. We could never with these children and talking with cholera outbreak and felt bad that they compete with the talent of the Kenyans, Having witnessed at first hand the work their teachers. When it was time to go could not interact with the children. but we did well with renditions of ‘He’s being done to help the poor in all the got the whole world in his Hands’ and schools we visited, we realise the great a song picked especially for our new benefit education can bring to these friends ‘The time of your life’ The deputy people. As the vast majority of these principal presented certificates to us to students cannot go to school without mark our visit. sponsorship we now will try to convince people in Ireland to sponsor a child to Our last two days were set aside for go to school. €210 per year will pay for a us to unwind and relax a little before child to go to secondary school and €80 returning home. On Thursday we went on will help a child to attend Primary school. a safari to Nakuru Park and on the Friday, We are going to set up a bank account having made one last visit to the school in AIB, Doon to which those who wish to say our goodbyes we travelled to to become involved can set up a direct Nairobi, visiting Bomas Centre where we debit of €18 per month. If you can afford witnessed a celebration of Kenyan culture to donate your contribution will be life and then on to Carnivore restaurant changing for one child in Embulbul. where we enjoyed a meal of every kind of meat you could think of. After two weeks The Team on maize and beans it tasted good. Teachers Eddie Bourke, Mary O Shea, On Saturday morning we were collected Fidelma O Reilly, Jason Carrig for the last time by Peter, Stanley and The boys were particularly upset by Tom and brought to Nairobi airport. We Students Patrick Stapleton, Jason Ryan, were all looking forward to going back to Miguel O Riordan, Bill Creamer, Martin the news of the cholera outbreak and our families but there was also a feeling Byrne, Conor Sheahan, Killian Stokes of regret that a wonderful experience was Rodrigues, Owen Roche, Jim Dawson, felt bad that they could not interact coming to an end. All of our 10 students Conor Browne. with the children. vowed they would be back. 10 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

Rice College Ennis Aims high

Rice College has had yet another eventful Sport year! We have had it all – Ice, snow, floods Sport is a big part in our school. All year as well as our usual academic menu. Our round our students have been training rugby players & Hurlers did us proud hard to make it to the top. They have let on the sports field, while our singers & nothing stop them from giving it their musicians were outstanding. Fundraising best, and when defeated they have come has played a big part this year, with all back with their heads held high ready to years doing their bit to raise some sort of battle again. money we believe to be €10,000+ raised over the last year for various charity We have a wide range of sport that takes causes. Once again parents and teachers place through out our school that fits all have been pleased with the high levels ages including hurling, rugby, football, achieved in both the Junior and Leaving swimming, tennis and basketball. Cert exams. Above all it is a happy school a place where learning and fulfilment of Our rugby panel have been training hard potential is paramount all year round but still maintain a high level of fun in the sport. While we may Transition Year take our sport seriously, we encourage The TY students organised a highly our team players to have fun while on successful school concert this year as well the field and not to get down when as participating in it. They dabbled in the things go wrong. We have been in many art of home economics, Car mechanics and matches since the academic year began. interviews. They have sampled the subjects Although it hasn’t quiet been what we on the Leaving Certificate course and now have expected we are still proud of our have a complete understanding for what is team players for the skills they put into required in the years ahead. They can now their games. We will come back next year make an informed decision regarding their stronger and more prepared than before… subject choice for next year. Music Fundraisers to school. The New Year did not begin Our Transition Year students have taken As per usual our music students have This year our Students have participated with warm front. With temperatures well part in a number of group bonding excelled themselves this year. They in a lot of Fundraising events. Our L.C.V.P. below zero and the ice several millimetres sessions including trips to the Burren held a school concert that took place in class started the “hoodie project”. In this thick on the ground, our students slipped, Activities centre, Killary Harbour November. For weeks before the concert project they sell hoodies with the school slid and skated to get to school. adventure centre and Adare Manor. they practised extremely hard in class crest on it and then donate the profits to During the year they have taken part and also sacrificed their lunch times charities like “Clare Haven”. Our third Rice College is a proud school with a in sports and leisure based activities. so that they could perform to the best year C.S.P.E. class organised a charity reputation for high academic achievement. TY students take surfing as one of their of their abilities. Their hard work and fun-run and donated the proceeds to the Learning together and developing as subjects. They could either choose surfing dedication paid off as the concert was Jinja hospice Uganda. As well as that our people is at the forefront of all activity or body boarding. Students were also a sensation. They sold out both nights fifth year and TY students also organised and above all this is done in a caring given the chance to go ice skating and despite the problem of the floods at that a charity fun-run and donated it to environment. We look forward to many have some fun. The TY programme in time. Throughout the year they have S.O.F.T., Clare Haven and Father Molloy’s more years with this positive attitude. Rice College is a unique exceptional participated in many masses such as Ecuador fund. Other boys from the programme that has benefited and will the St. Patrick’s Day mass. Rice college same year voluntarily waxed their legs continue to benefit students for many music students have done the school and dyed their hair for the Irish Cancer years to come. proud this year. Society. We also raised funds for the Above: Leg waxing for Cancer. people of Haiti following the earthquake disaster. These fundraisers were an Far left: Rice College, Ennis raising immense success and they were enjoyed money for Uganda. The money went to by all who took part. development out there.

Grapevine Far left: School Concert This year’s Grapevine has been a Below left: rollercoaster right from the start but Well done to Rice College, Ennis on their the hard work has paid off in the end. firsttime entering a rugby competition in Our committee really enjoyed being a this school. They got to the junior final! part of this year’s magazine. Many new things were added that have not been Below: Grapevine magazine seen before for example, our team have decided to give our 6th years a treat. We inserted 1st year photos with the final year photograph so that the students could see how they have changed over the years and we hope this will be a good surprise. Every year our teams have created a one of a kind magazine and we hope that this tradition will live on.. Our students have gained skills such as, time management, editing, advertising, communication and computer skills. We are proud of our magazine.

Floods and the big freeze! As you may be aware this academic year has not been without its hardships. In November 2009 Ireland experienced a flood like no other. However our students persevered and made it into school. Some waded through water as high as their knees to make sure they could get Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 11

Faith Development Week

St. Munchin’s, Limerick

“To commemorate the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice St. Munchin’s C.B.S, Limerick held their third annual Faith Development Week. It ran for three days from May 5th to May 7th. We began the week by creating a sacred space in honour of Blessed Edmund Rice. The children brought pictures, prayers and books, which were displayed next to the May Altar for the whole month.

Throughout the week each class teacher reminded the children of the life of Edmund Rice and the legacy he has left us. The boys were encouraged to try especially hard during the week to live life as he did.

Each morning the school came together to say a decade of the Rosary. We held a school mass on the Wednesday with our Parish Priest Fr. Mc Namara. The boys sang hymns, read prayers and parents joined us for the celebration.

The second day was marked by celebrating other world religions. Boys from 3rd class presented information on Up, up and away… Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. The rest of the school found this fascinating.

On the final day we ended the week on a high. 15 balloons were released into the sky, each one carrying a different hope and dream for the boys’ futures. This was a very special moment and perfectly closed a very calm, spiritual and fulfilling week for all at St. Munchin’s.”

Transition Events in the CBS Secondary School, Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary

Jamie Torpey and David Dunne, also in photo Miss Jean Forbes Cooke- Lecturer Tipperary Institute of Technology (Business Department) TY Students who came second in the national final of the TY get up and go competition in Naas on May 5th. Both students set up and ran a company called T & D Designs which manufactured wooden products such as candle holders, 40 / 60 year calendars and clocks. This company came third in the Jamie Torpey Miss South Tipperary Enterprise Awards and second in the University College Cork TY business Jean Forbes Cooke competition run in conjunction with the Cork Chamber of Commerce. and David Dunne

Serve

On Thursday 13th May, the Fifth Year students of C.B.S. Secondary School, Carrick-on-Suir took part in SERVE’s national day of solidarity and fundraising, which takes place each year in May. The Fifth Year students conducted a flag day at various locations around Carrick such as Clery’s Newsagents and the Post Office on Main Street, Abbey Stores in Carrick Beg and Costcutters in Ballylynch, from 9.00am to 12.00 noon. A total of €317.04 was collected on the day. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

Well done to students who raised €317.04 for serve. Second mini company from CBS Carrick on Suir.

Two TY pupils Evan Ryan and Alex Lonergan who set up and managed a company called “ The Hive”. This company produced and sold beeswax rolled candles and beeswax furniture polish. This company won many awards: 2nd overall in the Overall winners in the senior category of the South Tipperary Enterpise Awards national Final of the TY Get Up and Go Competition in Naas in May for the quality of their products. 12 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

St. Brendan’s College Bray, Co. Wicklow

Basketball Arena on the 14th of April and The duration of the committee stage was we take great pride in their achievements. 5 days where all the committee members They lost the first game by 42-38 against discussed the topic in great detail. The Virginia College, Cavan but recovered to committee then prepared a resolution win convincingly against Presentation which outlined the problems and the Athenry. Alas, as Virginia won both proposed solutions. The resolution was their games they progressed ahead of St. then put forward to all the delegates and Brendan’s. guests at a conference in General Assembly which lasted two days. Ben was selected However, it has been a fun and enjoyable by his fellow committee members to basketball season where the team has deliver the defence speech to the general showed a marked improvement and can committee, which was a great honour for look forward to next season and to raising him and St. Brendan’s College. Only fifteen the profile of St. Brendan’s basketball in defence speeches are delivered and there the eastern region even further. Well done is great pressure on those people to deliver to all involved with special mention to the speech in three minutes and in such a Junior Madide, Francis Aristosa and Paul way that the resolution will be passed by Dagbay who were of tremendous help in the delegates present. After his speech, the preparing the team before each game resolution was debated upon and passed unanimously by the delegates present. This The team: speech was also distributed to all members U19 Wicklow\Wexford League Champions they beat O’Connell’s CBS 33 – 32 in Back Row (l to r): Matthew O Shea, Lukas of the European Parliament proper. 2010 overtime in the quarter finals, Drimnagh Zilinskas, Blazej Kosznik, Rick Walshe, Castle 34 – 22 in the semi-finals and Royce Doronila, Following Ben’s return from Helsinki, St Brendan’s: 2 Lucan Community College 40 – 22 in he received the news that following his Barry Kinsella the final to become Eastern Regional excellent performance there, he has Ger Pender Champions for 2010. Well done to Mr been selected to go to Frankfurt with St Killian’s: 1 Fitzpatrick and all the team and best of nine other Irish delegates to debate at luck in the All-Ireland’s. the 64th session of the European Youth 1. Dan Hayes Parliament during the summer of 2010. 2. Sean Plunkett Young Entrepreneur/Mini-Company This is another huge honour for Ben and 3. Ruadhan Stokes G Pender, B Kinsella & Projects at St. Brendan’s College in Bray. the whole school community here at St. H Douglas (cpt): Well done to all the Transition Year Brendan’s College and we wish him the 4. Rhys Gorman students who took part in the mini- very best of luck. 5. Paul Rice company project. There were some 6. Barry Kinsella great ideas which showed that St. Advisor to the Ombudsman for Children 7. Cian McGoldrick Brendan’s is not short of budding Ben was also selected as an advisor to 8. Hugh Douglas (cpt) entrepreneurs. Special school prizes the Ombudsman for Children, Emily 9. Ger Pender went to Gary Delaney, Lukasz Nowicki, Logan. He was appointed after a 10. Luke Walsh Owen McNaughton, Jordan Flood and selection process involving more than 11. Killian O’Carroll Aaron Vaughan for their projects while 3,000 applicants. The selection process the two projects which were selected involved interviews, presentations and St. Brendan’s College, Bray, Under 19 to go forward to the next stage of the Front row (l to r): Robert McDonald, Alex submissions. As one of her advisor’s, Soccer Team – Wicklow/Wexford League competition were submitted by a) Sean Flynn, Sean Batutay, Ceejay Alvarico, Ben’s job is to ensure that the decisions Champions 2010. Hanratty and Jack Kennedy and b) Vaughn Bongala, the Ombudsman makes reflect the best Congratulations and well done to the Chris Carroll, Nathan Cardin and Hugh Absent: Guisseppe Sinagoga. interests of children. As part of his under 19 Soccer team who defeated Douglas. The regional finals were held role, Ben has travelled around Europe Arklow 3 – 1 in the semi-final of the in the Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire St. Brendan’s Bray, Co. Wicklow Junior to discuss children’s rights as well as Wicklow /Wexford league to qualify where Jack Kennedy and Sean Hanratty Basketball team who became Eastern continuing to meet with the Ombudsman. for the final. The final was played on were runners-up with their company – Regional Champions. Thursday March 11th in glorious sunshine “Journal Personalisation” which involved at the grounds of Arklow Celtic where a personalising the school journals for the European Youth Parliament large contingent of supporters from St. students in the local Primary schools. Ben English, a sixth year student at St. Brendan’s cheered their team to a fine Well done to all involved and their co- Brendan’s College, Bray was selected to 2 – 1 victory over their local rivals St. ordinator, Mr O’Brien. represent his school and Ireland in the Killian’s Community School. Well done to European Youth Parliament. He was one the team and their manager Mr Bergin on St. Brendan’s College, Bray, Co. Wicklow. of 18 students selected out of more than a fantastic performance and achievement U19 Wicklow\Wexford League Champions 200 participants which gave him the for the school. 2010: Junior Basketball opportunity to attend the 62nd international The St. Brendan’s College Junior session which was held in Helsinki in 2010 National Indoor Schools Basketball Team has enjoyed a great October 2009. 300 Participants from 31 Archery Champions season this time around. The team consists countries around Europe including non- Congratulations to the St. Brendan’s of 1st and 2nd Year players who trained member states such as Russia, Norway and Archery team who are the 2010 National really well and with great enthusiasm Belarus took part. At each session, a group Indoor Schools Champions following their during the off-season. The team showed of 9 Irish students acted as ambassadors display in the finals held at St. Michael’s, great commitment and development in for Ireland representing their country and Aliesbury Road. They also won the team the run-up to the league campaign and schools at the highest level of the European event on the day. The All-Ireland School’s stormed to the top with some convincing Youth Parliament. Champions are Davy Hill, Rory Plunkett victories against North Dublin teams Boyle, Sean Tobin, Richard Quinlan and such as Pobail Scoil Neasan, St. Vincent’s While in Helsinki, Ben was a member of Shane Murphy. Well done to their coach CBS and Gaelcholaiste Reachrann. The the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and mentor Bernie Barry and her team. team qualified as a seeded team for the and was faced with the question: regional play-offs and won in good fashion Junior Basketball Champs at St. Brendan’s despite the difficult opposition offered by “Following the second referendum College, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Drimnagh Castle, Dublin. in Ireland on the Lisbon Treaty: how Congratulations to the 1st and 2nd year should the EU implement the new treaty Ben English, 6th Year St. Brendan’s basketball team who topped their group The team qualified for the C League provisions in its pursuit to forge an ever College, Bray and qualified for the regional finals where All-Ireland Play-Offs in the National closer union in a global world order”. Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 13

Bearing the Cross Costello have been described as the most beautifully toned and expressive choral Christian Brothers College Cork groups to emerge within the college over recent years. Their rendition of ‘God so loved the world’ brought tears to many as the cross was lifted high over Calvary. On the 23rd and 25th March last, Christian Brothers College Cork presented The role of Jesus was played by Michael a fully staged presentation of a Passion Lordan, (who had never acted before) and Play, ‘Bearing the Cross’. proved to be a young man of exemplary acting, leadership and peer influence The production staged by the Religious to all those involved in the production. Education department in co-operation Michael’s portrayal of a crucified Christ with the Transition year programme saw elevated on the cross captured the over seventy fourth year students and emotions of so many audience members several teachers undertake a mammoth during both performances. The role task to ensure that the show was to be a of Judas and his moral dilemma was success. played with much depth and delivery by Ronan O’Connor. This young man left Rehearsals began in September 2009 and the audience spellbound as he fought saw all the participants being involved internally with the betrayal of a friend. in many and varied roles such as cast, The role of Mary was captured beautifully production, technical, public relations, by resource teacher, Ms Teresa Nolan who programme design, management and created such emotion and feeling both other aspects of production development. through her dialogue and vocal presence In that spirit then, it is even more firm resolve to complete the project has within the role. Bearing the Cross has been a unique important to acknowledge how the thought this director so much. opportunity for the Transition Year production has awakened in so many of Through this production, I have been students of CBC to grow and be our students, how the real person of the The production which took place on two honoured to journey with so many of challenged in a dynamic of teamwork, Christ is alive and active amongst us. stages within the school hall (which was our students. I regard young people personal development, management skills ‘Bearing the Cross’ has brought scripture converted to the city of Jerusalem through as the very kernel of what is good and and essentially realising a goal. to life, and in a world where the place of the work of the students) was further nourishing within society, a group who Christ continues to be challenged. The enhanced by an original score written must be supported, respected and listened The last several days of Christ’s life on story of Jesus last five days on earth from by teacher Michael Selby Bennett’s and to, a group who have so much to offer. earth are played out against a backdrop Jerusalem to Calvary being acted out by Cillian Williamson, a fifth year student Bearing the Cross can be regarded as of the everyday experience of life. If we sixteen year old young men has certainly at the college. Their haunting eastern a production which was to show the take time to actually pause and consider challenged a perception of Christianity, melodies through a full orchestra were intrinsic good and unique giftedness of the true essence of the passion scripture, the spiritual life of Jesus and has opened to transport the audience to the site young people, a presentation which will we may realise how the human spirit of many hearts to Jesus as human, a man of Jerusalem and Calvary. The college leave a positive and profound mark on the Jesus Christ is alive, renewed and truly who like all of us has suffered, a man of choir, (numbering over 40 students from lives of so many young people throughout amongst us. How many of us have been compassion and a man who invites us to first to fifth year) led by Ms Catherine their lives. betrayed, as Jesus was by Judas, how simply ‘be’. many have been crucified through pain, suffering, challenge or loss, how many After one-hundred rehearsals, lots have been denied by others, denied of meetings, sound and lighting rig and not recognised for who we are, installation, stage production, scenery as Peter did not recognise the Christ? design, extensive costume research and If we consider our very existence and learning a lot of dialogue, ‘Bearing the fundamentally ask the question, have I Cross’ was to emerge as a production gone with the crowd and not spoken out described by one student as, “something for the disadvantaged, have I stood on I will never forget for all my life”. From the sidelines as others were condemned? the very outset it was so important that If we can understand how the human the students ‘owned’ all aspects of the story is embedded within the answers to production and essentially through all of these questions, we can then truly consultation with the director had embrace the story of the Passion and thus extensive input across all aspects of the loving compassionate Christ. The the developing project. The show was events of Holy Week cannot be regarded produced by Eoin Roche and Daniel therefore as some abstract story which Coughlan whose unique and gifted took place over 2000 years ago in a far presentation talents, dedication, sincerity away place, but rather as a living, moving and professionalism at all times ensured act of ‘life’ being embraced, held and that when challenges arose (as they did realised each day for all. each day) they were dealt with thoroughly through consultation and analysis. Their

Scoil Cholmcille, Blarney Street C.B.S. & Aisake O’ Hailpin:

On Thursday 3rd June, Cork Hurler Aisake O Hailpin raised Blarney Street C.B.S. third green flag.

All the staff and boys were dressed in green to celebrate the occasion. The school brass and percussion band performed for him and pupils from Junior Infants presented Aisake with a C.D. of music that the boys had recorded themselves, a school pen and a little ash sapling that he could plant in a pot at home so that he could grow his own hurley for the All Ireland final!! The boys in Blarney Street are crazy about sport and the environment. Visit Scoil Cholmcille, Blarney Street at http://cholmcillecbs.scoilnet.ie/blog Happy faces as Aisake O’ Hailpin helps Blarney Street C.B.S. Cork raise their 3rd green flag. 14 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

Caisleán

Drimnagh Castle’s Traditional Irish Music Group

This year has seen the establishment of a Traditional Irish Music Group at Drimnagh Castle. The Group are called Caisleán. Students involved represent all Year Groups from 1st to 6th. Founded last October, Caisleán meet on Mondays and Thursdays to practice and learn new Irish tunes which were then linked to form ‘sets’ and arranged to enhance the music and allow full participation of the musicians. Caisleán have been very fortunate to draw on the experience of Sixth Year, Paul Cummins. Paul is an accomplished ‘Box’ (accordion) player. His in-depth knowledge of the traditional music scene is a real help in ensuring the Caisleán Group are up to the mark in terms of their performance. Paul is accompanied by guitarists Colm Drennan, Adam Morrissey enriches the variation of the tune. The blend of instruments expresses This Spring Caisleán have performed at and David McCabe. the individual interests of the students. Seinn in the new Theatre in the Dublin The central part of the Group is the flute Variation has been provided by Dyllan on City Council Offices at Wood Quay. The Together they work out chordal and whistle playing of Third Years Donald the Low Whistle and Seán Barron on the Group were very well received and made accompaniment and backing for the Abuka, Seán Barron, Warren Farrell, Dyllan flute. The skilful whistle playing of Daniel, a lasting impression on all who were various tunes which form the sets. This Kelly, Daniel Murphy and First Year, Emmet Donald and Warren is the mainstay of each present. The Group have also performed really adds to the quality of the Group’s Farrell. These students spend many hours tune. It is around their playing that the at Drimnagh Castle during Seachtain na sound as it gives depth and driving practising, arranging and perfecting the tunes are based. Emmet has demonstrated Gaeilge. Their energy and enthusiasm for rhythm to the overall performance. tunes and sets the Group had decided to what can be achieved through endless Irish Music is at the heart of their success. The guitarists are also assisted by Luke play. Warren’s considerable experience of hours of practice. In just six months he has Caisleán are an inspiration to those who Foley of Transition Year. Luke’s guitar classical music in the Royal Irish Academy become an accomplished whistle and flute enjoy music and appreciate the very best performances differ in that he plays is invaluable in improving the timing, player. His dedication is an example to all of the Irish Tradition the melodies of the tunes. This further arrangement and structure in performance. who aim to succeed.

Drimnagh Castle Peace & Justice Group Catholic Schools - A Light for Every Generation.

Food for Thought, Food for Life Catholic Schools Week 2010 was celebrated from January 31st to February 6th. This was an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous contribution that The Peace and Justice Group aims to raise awareness of global issues of the lives of those our Catholic Primary and Post Primary Schools make not just to Irish society but to less fortunate than ourselves. This year the Group, together with Trócaire, have focused the mission of the Church. on the harsh reality of poverty in Zimbabwe and Rwanda. While Ireland and the Northern Hemisphere are in the grip of a tough recession, families in Africa face even greater Catholic schools are committed to the education and formation of the young hardship due to a difficult situation intensified by the economic failure of the part of the person in every aspect of their lives. Thus Catholic Schools are light for parents, ‘Developed’ Countries. pupils, staff and society in every generation. In selecting this theme we are clearly connecting the vision of Catholic Education with the mission of the Gospel, to bring The experience of Poverty is more easily seen through the lives of individual people. It is the light of Christ to the world and to allow that light to shine through and in all for this reason that the Group presented a case study on the life of Domitille, a 6 year old that we do in Catholic Schools. Rwandan girl. This theme reminds us that we are constantly challenged to let that light shine for Domitille’s family survives on just €1 a day. Her parents, Triphone and Frodouald eat just the present generation and this will remain part of our task for future generations. once so their 8 children will have two ‘meals’. Domitille’s favourite meal is rice and beans It also allows us to remember with great gratitude all those who through their work but she rarely gets that. Instead, the common dish is cassava, a root vegetable similar in establishing schools and places of education brought the light of Christ to many to potato. Domitille begins and ends her day by helping her sister, Violette, carry heavy generations of Irish people in the past. water drums from the well a few kilometres distant. The family share their living space with a neighbour’s cow. This helps them raise money from the charge for sheltering the Courtesy of www.kandle.ie cow. It is this money which feeds the family.

Trócaire assist families like Domitille’s all over the world. This assistance provides education, health care, food and shelter for the world’s poorest people. Your support for Our Campaign to tackle Global Poverty is making a real difference in the lives of children like Domitille.

Bishop Seamas Freeman pictured with Fr Willie Purcell and Leaving Cert students from Coláiste Éamann Rís Callan after he met with them to launch National Catholic School’s Week in the school.

Pictured are Deputies White, Aylward, Hogan and McGuinness and Senator John Paul Phelan with Principal Frank McKenna and third year CSPE students from Coláiste Éamann Rís Callan . The Carlow-Kilkenny politicians were in the school to address and answer questions from the third year CSPE classes. Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 15

Omagh CBS Retain The brilliant O’Neill continued to execute MacCormack Cup sublime scores after the restart as the Tyrone students tightened their grip.

Omagh CBS 0-14 St Mary’s Magherafelt 1-8 Conor Kearns kept Magherafelt in touch from frees, but when McCrory brought his tally to three, Omagh went four clear, despite a tally of ten second half wides, Omagh CBS did just enough to hold on seven in the third quarter of domination. for victory in the Ulster Senior Colleges McCormick Cup final at the Athletic The Derry lads were right back in it when Grounds in Armagh. Kearns scored a brilliant solo goal in the 58th minute, but Omagh responded with The sides were level three times in the two unanswered points. first half, with some well-taken scores from Magherafelt’s Aaron Devin and Scorers—Omagh: R O’Neill 0-5 (0-2f), Omagh’s Ronan O’Neill. R Grugan 0-4 (0-1f), C McCrory 0-3, S Tierney, J McCullagh 0-1 each. But the CBS boys finished the half strongly, Conan Grugan, Colly McRory Aodhan O’ Donnell holds the McCormack and O’Neill helping them to a 0-7 to 0-5 Cup. Picture courtesy of Jim Dunn @ interval lead. Ulster Herald.

Talented musicians from the CBS perform at the Tráth na gCeist Ghael Waterfront Hall Belfast. Linn - Buaiteoirí

Comhghairdeas le Peadar Ó Coinn, Seán Ó Miacháin, Beinidict Mac an Ghirr agus Aarron McCallan in Year 13 was chosen by CCEA to perform his GCSE Ensemble piece Mícheál Mac Eochaidh a bhain Tráth na at the Waterfront hall on Friday 26 February. He played a version of ‘Alive’ by Pearl Jam. gCeist Shinsir Ghael Linn ar na mallaibh. Aarron, who plays the drums was accompanied on stage by Michael Hodkinson on Bass, Ryan Murphy on vocals and Corey Mathers on Guitar. Congratulations to Peter Quinn, Sean Meehan, Benedict McGirr and Michael Score is an annual showcase of outstanding examination performances by learners McCaughey who recently won Tráth na entered for GCSE and GCE Music examinations. At Score, some of the best and most gCeist Ghael Linn interesting music from schools is performed, enjoyed and celebrated at a national level in front of an impressive audience of almost 300, held annually in the Studio of Belfast’s Waterfront Hall. The event is sponsored by Dawsons, one of the longest-serving music retailers in the UK. This year’s event took place on Friday, 26 February 2010. CBS Students donate to the 2009 ‘Shoe Box Appeal’

On Monday 30th November 2009 Michael McGirr (Chairman of the Spirit of Paul McGirr Trust) collected 112 shoeboxes and two football kits from the Christian Brothers Grammar School.

The shoe boxes filled by Year 13 and 14 students will be sent to Zambia as Christmas presents for the children of Lusaka. Included in the picture is Michael McGirr, Mrs M McKenna (Head of Year 14), Mr Quinn (Head of Year 13) and a representation of Year 13 and 14 students.

Aarron McCallan. Photo Courtesy of Judith Browne @ Ulster Herald.

Newly Appointed Teachers

Newly appointed teachers who attended an Edmund Rice Induction day in Mallow. Included Newly appointed Teachers attending an Edmund Rice Schools Trust Induction Day in Callan, in picture is Sean Burke (Schools Support Services – seated on left) Co. Kilkenny. Included in picture is Helen O’ Brien (Governance Co-ordinator), Edmund Rice Schools Trust. 16 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

High School produce best display yet to claim historic first title -

Jubiliant scenes as Clonmel students win All Ireland crown. All Ireland Colleges Senior Football ‘B’ Final Clonmel High School 1-10, St Attracta’s (Sligo) 0-12 by Michael Heverin.

History was made last Friday on one of the greatest days in the proud sporting life of Clonmel High School.

The one point win over St Attracta’s from Tubbercurry in Co Sligo in the All Ireland Colleges Senior Football ‘B’ final at Portarlington was the school’s first All Ireland football title.

And it was achieved in style with a display of bravery, commitment and team work that made the side worthy champions.

They were pushed all the way by the Connacht champions who led by four points during the first half and were still ahead as the pulsating contest headed into the final quarter.

But the only goal of the game swung the tie in Clonmel’s favour and they held out for a famous victory.

With High School trailing by two points, 0-8 to 0-6, and struggling to bridge a gap that had been there since half time, Robbie Fitzpatrick was introduced as a blood sub and he made a decisive impact. Gearóid Buckley retains possession while under pressure. Photo: John D Kelly/The Nationalist.

In one of the game’s best moves, he made vital ground down the left half wing before as Tipp football celebrated its second great passing to the unmarked Liam Boland who occasion in ten days following the Munster finished to the net with aplomb. final success of the u-21 footballers with High School midfielder Aldo Matassa Fitzpatrick was soon back on the bench adding the Colleges medal to the Munster but the Commercials player had played one picked up with Tipperary. a huge part in fashioning a High School lead that they retained to the end. Matassa had another towering game and along with Gearoid Buckley gave High Boland pointed two frees in the next three School a midfield advantage. minutes to push the Clonmel lead out to three points, 1-8 to 0-8, but the final Matassa was central to High School quarter was anything but plain sailing as taking a 3rd minute lead when he began the Sligo boys put in a big finish. the move that led to a foul on Billy Hewitt and the Ardfinnan player picked himself St Attractas had the lead down to two up to point the free. Hughie Marren points, 1-10 to 0-11, as the game went equalised in Sligo’s first attack a minute into added time and one final flourish later. Liam Boland from a free restored High School team, Clonmel who won under 13 All Ireland final. threatened a goal. the High School advantage in the 6th minute but alarmingly it was to be their and he hit two superb points from play, the other end when Sligo launched a But High School defended heroically – last score for twenty minutes. using the stiff breeze in Sligo’s favour to lightening counterattack. unfortunately for Shane Taylor a little good advantage. too exuberantly as he was sent off for his St Attracta’s hit five points without reply Hewitt opened High School’s second half part in curbing Sligo’s final attack. High to lead 0-6 to 0-2 after nineteen minutes High School were in danger of seeing account from a free after he had been School lined the goal for Sligo’s last free and it could have been worse if goalkeeper the tie run away from them but they did fouled in the 36th minute. The Ardfinnan but ace marksman Brian Egan took his Paul Nolan hadn’t brought off a great save remarkably well to bring the margin back player was then wide from play and a free point and there wasn’t enough time for from Marren in the 9th minute. to just two points by half time, a scoreline before Fitzpatrick’s brief introduction to another attack. that would have been a huge confidence the action helped turn the tie in Clonmel’s However centre half forward Joseph boost at the break after they had struggled direction with Boland’s vital goal in the The final whistle set off wild celebrations Rogers was the real Sligo dangerman for so long midway through the half. 43rd minute. He then pointed frees in the 45th and 46th minutes to push the lead to In the 26th minute Hewitt pointed a free 1-8 to 0-8. after he had been fouled himself and three minutes later pointed from play after good The momentum was now very much with work from Liam Carey and Shane Power. High School and when Brian Egan from a free reduced the margin, it was back to Cathal Brennan replied with a Sligo three points again when Fitzpatrick, now point but the final action of the half saw in permanently, pointed following a vital Boland pulled back when through on intercept from Buckley that broke up a goal and he pointed the free to make 0-7 Sligo move. to 0-5 at the break. The Sligo boys came back strongly and High School had wind advantage in the Egan choose to shoot over the bar when second half but it was the Tubbercurry a goal might have been on and when he boys who extended the lead when pointed a free with four minutes left the Marren pointed four minutes in. Carey margin was down to one, 1-9 to 0-11. had Clonmel’s first chance in the second half but the move broke down and it But Clonmel finished strongly and Hewitt Captain Jonathan Ryan surrounded by team mates. Photo: John D Kelly/The Nationalist. needed a brilliant save from Nolan at pointed a free after he had been fouled Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 17

Players told to ‘stand up and be counted and they did just that’

By: Michael Heverin

High School coaches Tony Gleeson “We struggled in the past for big and Chris Allen set their players a midfielders but now we have two test - produce your best display of the powerhouses and that was a great campaign, battle for every ball and help for us. Aldo had a great game never give up - and they passed with again and was called into the Tipp flying colours. u-21 panel after our Munster final win over Midleton. Gearoid also worked And a performance full of passion and tirelessly and won great breaking ball. pride won the ultimate honour - an All Ireland title, the very first for the “Fullback and captain Jonathan Ryan school. also did really well on their main threat upfront Brian Egan who scored Gleeson and Allen were as ecstatic as freely in earlier games but Jonathan is their students when the final whistle a fantastic footaller” blew at Portarlington at about 4.20pm on Friday. Principal and former Dublin footballer Shay Bannon paid tribute to the “What a fantastic game and what a commitment of the teachers and thrill to win our first All Ireland title”, students. exclaimed Gleeson. Wing forward Tom Kirwan shows the determination that won the day for the High School. “The football they played was as good Photo: John D Kelly/The Nationalist. “The pressure was really put on them as anything you would see. They are a but they didn’t lie down.They showed very committed and dedicated bunch great heart and maturity. They knew of players and I hope they keep going and it took a great save from Sligo keeper High School – Paul Nolan, Jamie Peters, they had to play their best football to because they can go a long way. The John O’Hora to deny Shane Power a goal. Jonathan Ryan, Michael Quinlivan, Shane win”. panel of 32 gave a commitment even Taylor, Adrian Maguire, Bill Maher, Gearoid before the school year started and they Sligo had the final score with Egan’s Buckley, Aldo Matassa, Shane Power, Billy And he believed that the pain of a deserved what they got today. It could pointed free but time had run out on their Hewitt 0-5, 0-4 frees; Tom Kirwan, Liam previous defeat had played its part in be a golden age for Tipp football if all brave effort. Boland, 1-4, 0-3 frees; Liam Carey, Shane the historic win. these fellows stay together”. Fagan. Subs – Robbie Fitzpatrick 0-1 for All seventeen High School players used Carey; Emmet Ryan for Fagan. “As group when they won at u-15 we Star forward Billy Hewitt said it was were heroes on the day. The defence was St Attracta’s – John O’Hora, Conor Gorman, knew we had a good side but above all great to end the year with an All rock solid in the face of a determined James Connolly, Cian O’Dowd, Raymond the making of this team was last year’s Ireland title. “We are fit and knew we Sligo attack, midfield controlled their area Connolly, James Kelly, Jason Matthews, defeat in the Frewen Cup when they had enough to keep going and had and the attack never stopped running and Cian Killoran, Denis Coffey, Ciaran lost by a point and knew they shoud more in the tank. We are a real team. probing to create the vital openings. Brennan, Joseph Rogers 0-3, 0-1 free; have won by three or four. They were We started training in September and Cristoir Davey, Cathal Brennan, Brian Egan too confident and today they learned have had our ups and downs since Indeed the entire panel has written itself 0-6, 0-5 frees; Hughie Marren 0-2. Subs – from that”, he said. then but it’s great to play well on a big into High School history. Cathal Curlis for Ciaran Brennan; Padraic day like this”. Leonard for Cathal Brennan. He paid tribute to the youngster of Referee - Sean Carroll (Westmeath). the team, fifteen year Tom Kirwan, Wing back Shane Taylor was sent who belied his tender years in such off in the closing stages as the High company; to Shane Fagan who played School defence came under pressure so well despite carrying an injury into but he had no regrets. “I didn’t mind the game; and to Robbie Fitzpatrick getting the red card and making the who made such a huge impact as sacrifice for the team. We had a lot of blood sub. heartbreak from Munster finals in the last two years and it was great to win Chris Allen said he was confident at this. We showed great character when half time when the side trailed by two we came back from four down in the points but it could have been much first half”. more after a difficult opening thirty minutes. His Commercials team mate Michael Quinlivan was another outstanding “We got the last point before half time defender on the day. “We did really and I thought the momentum was with well against the breeze in the first us. In the second half we put pressure half to be only two points down at the High School team that won the Under 15A Munster football championship – Corn Uí Mhoráin on all over the field and said there was break. Our defence was strong and we no way they would come back at us. held them well”.

“We kept the tempo up and we had With kind thanks to Michael Heverin some unbelievable performances. The and Nationalist Newspaper who kindly players were tired at half time but allowed us to us this article. they put in another thirty minutes of www.nationalist.ie football. High School Clonmel “We told them to keep taking their points and keep the scoreboard ticking High School won All Ireland Senior B over and not to frustrate themselves by football in April. In addition they are going for goals.” Munster under 15 A title holders and and played under 16 ½ Munster A final He was thrilled with the display of against St Brendan’s. Well done to all. Aldo Matassa and Gearoid Buckley at midfield.

High School team that won the Under 15B Munster hurling championship – Corn an Phiarsaigh 18 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

Echoes from QRS trip to CBS Enniscorthy, County Wexford!!!

It was on the cold midnight flight on the Monday the 15th of March 2010 was the 12th of March 2010 that three teachers; D-day - our first day in school at CBS Sr. Bernadine Ngozi, Mary Bockarie and Enniscorthy Ireland. Mohamed B. Sannoh from Queen of the Rosary Girls Secondary school (QRS) – WAHOO!!! What a brilliant surprise??? Bo, Sierra Leone set out for St Mary’s CBS We just had no idea of the amount of Enniscorthy in Ireland. preparation and energy put in for our visit by the Principal Mr. John Ryan, teachers It was all about our long standing and and students of CBS to make our visit to cherished link between QRS and CBS that St. Mary’s CBS an unforgettable one. As began in 2007. QRS has always joyfully we entered the school grounds there was John Cullen & Mary Bockarie John Cullen & Mary Bockarie played host to our beloved friends at a very beautiful sign board in honour of Enniscorthy until 2009 when our lovely our link which filled our hearts with joy. friends felt we too could make it a date As we entered through the main door with them across the Atlantic Ocean; at CBS we saw the beautiful portraits of seven hours flight away from them. the three of us visiting CBS Enniscorthy Ireland for the 1st time. Our hearts Could we ever forget our greatest almost exploded with joy. The hospitality transition from what seemed to be an of the teachers and pupils of CBS towards oven into what seemed to be a freezer as us could not be measured. There was a we stepped out of the airport at Heathrow great reception for us organized by the at 6:30am and Dublin on Saturday the school. We felt very much honoured with 13th of March 2010 at about 5:30pm? all the efforts put together. Our lovely Could the warm hospitality of our lovely boys at CBS had a great presentation friends ever be forgotten? As we stepped for us. Some boys danced Irish Jigs and out of Heathrow Airport, Sheila and later we had some Irish dance lessons Justin brought out all the warm clothing ourselves. The Irish traditional music we needed to wrap us up and keep us too was excellent. What about Dean and warm. We had a good meal and were his lovely chickens? The beautiful and soon on our way to Enniscorthy. magnificent projects of the construction and engineering students! The artists For ten days we found a new home a and scientists among the lovely boys! Our Mohamed & Sister Ngozi happy one indeed. A place where we felt love and regards goes to them all for their welcomed, good and honoured. A million warmth, hospitality and beautiful smiles aimed to enrich both schools. end of our visit we have begun to set our thanks to Sheila, her husband and lovely all the time. priorities for QRS. We have highlighted children and Annette who provided the In all our interactions it became very and decided to embark on some pertinent accommodation, hospitality and comfort Even though we were meeting people for clear to us all that the world is one. We key issues such as: we needed to make our experience with the first time it was hardly noticeable. each bring something unique into the CBS and Ireland a memorable one. We were with one heart and mind as we world. Therefore we each have something - Strengthening the Discipline in the school. were incorporated into their activities for to offer to others. All this was only to usher us into the real those ten days. Most teachers came up - Reduce class size from the next academic thing - our date with CBS Enniscorthy!! to us on a friendly note inviting us into There were moments of great challenge year for effective classroom management On Sunday the 14th of March 2010 we their classes to share about our school, when we could see clearly the big gaps were welcomed by the entire Catholic educational system and country and that exist between CBS & QRS especially - Improvement on our environmental Church community in St Aidan’s to also listen to their own sharing on on the provision of learning facilities and and personal hygiene which was agreed Cathedral in Enniscorthy. It was great similar issues, challenges and cultural infrastructures. In the face of this we look upon by both schools to embark on for as we were able to meet with a few differences. We asked questions of into the future with hope and confidence. this year. These are some of the fruits individuals who had also worked and concerns and also answered questions For success starts in the heart and when that our visit to CBS Enniscorthy is served in Sierra Leone before the war. of concern from the pupils and teachers. we get our priorities right we will be half beginning to yield at QRS. This explains why it is a friendly link way there. Coming back to QRS at the It is worth noting that for these ten days our hosts thought it fit that we would have at least a general idea of what Ireland looked like. We visited other counties like Dublin, Kilkenny, and Waterford. We went bowling and joined the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It was all great fun and a cultural learning experience too.

One of the most interesting visits for me was our visit to the Edmund Rice Centre in Waterford. It was a time to understand clearly the history of the Christian brothers and their place in our link between QRS and CBS Enniscorthy. Our meeting with the niece of the late Br. Senan Kerrigan made our whole experience so real and meaningful. I was also able to meet with the founding Sisters (Holy Rosary) of QRS, and get the first hand story of how QRS came into existence in Bo. History needs to be re- told. As such it has to be made right.

Our sincere thanks go to the entire CBS community for all their gifts to us and a well organized send-off party. God bless you all!!! CBS Enniscorthy entertaining teachers from QRS Sr. Bernadine Ngozi. Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 19

Teacher This year alone has been the most exciting and enjoyable of my career, and Focus that is quite a record! I am at home in Monkstown. Together with the buzz and A Year in Review:. energy in the corridors and staffroom, I have come to witness a real sense of belonging here. The many important events and projects in motion can give May I begin a review with a short a clear indication of how Edmund Rice introduction. My name is Tom Farrell continues to influence our work today. and since September, I have been working with the staff and students of Mr Tom Farrell, CBC Monkstown Park, CBC Monkstown as the newly appointed Co. Dublin. School Chaplain. Having graduated from St. Fintan’s High School in Sutton, I went Mission Mass on to study and train in All Hallows Our year began with a very important College, Dublin. Throughout, my journey Mission Mass on October 18th and was has taken me from intense retreat work televised from RTE Studios. The theme on our doorstep to the far reaches of the centred on our collective Mission as schooling system in Melbourne, Australia. celebrant Fr Aylward was joined by pupils of St David’s Christian Brothers School, Erik Goulding who travelled to Lusaka in June plays a set at the Barryfest Gig in aid of One of the questions people often ask Artane and our young men from CBC Zambia. me revolves around my decision to work Monkstown, under the banner of the in the pastoral field, and for this there Edmund Rice Schools Trust. are more questions than answers. Quite O’Connell. Br. Ger visited our school to failed to make our seventh first in a simply, that is to say that I believe I have Social Work in CBC Monkstown address students about the life of Blessed row but came in a strong third with our a faith strong enough to influence others Weekly Transition Year social placements Edmund Rice. He gave a very insightful junior team in first overall. Well done to and make the message of Christ more continue to take our students from account of the life of Blessed Edmund students and their inspirational coach Mr. attractive. Secondly – I love to work with the locality of retirement homes in and connected well with the students, Jim Finnegan. young people. Monkstown parish – to the far reaches of bringing in his modern experience Cherry Orchards Life Centre Early School of what it means to work with the And Finally In fusing faith with post-modern culture, Leavers Project. This experience and hard underprivileged both throughout the I would also like to welcome Fr. Michael I realise that these two passions fit work helps our students to connect with world and on our doorstep. Coady to St. Patrick’s Parish. Over the perfectly. In order for others to grasp other people who form the many different past ten months, Fr. Michael has worked what it means to have faith and to make walks of life in our society. Athletics and Edmund Rice Games closely with our school and brings with faith attractive for young people, it helps It has been a hard fought year for the him a very warm and inviting presence. to have the energy and awareness of the Track and Field Athletics Team who I would like to take this opportunity young people themselves. In Ireland, continue to clean up with 5 students to thank Fr. Michael for his support there are thousands of pastoral workers making the All Irelands in 2009 and 3 in reaping many rewards since our who strive every day to achieve this, and students qualifying for the Leinster Cross- introduction to Monkstown. being one of the many – it can be very Country Finals 2009. CBC took a massive challenging in terms of keeping up to haul of medals at the East Leinsters over And on that note may I quote Mother speed with trends. So cutting back to a the 4-5th of May in Irishtown including Teresa in preparation for the year ahead. definitive answer – I believe that this is 9 gold, 7 silver, 4 bronze and several 4th In all our relationships, in the workplace, the path I must take in life. and 5th places as all eyes and hopes are at home, on the streets, familiar and on the closing weeks. CBC Monkstown unfamiliar, let us remember that “…each Since my arrival last September, I have A group of 5th Year students on a retreat now waits for Saturday 5th June 2010, one of them is Jesus in disguise,” and in very much grown with CBC Monkstown and enjoying the weather on a Trust walk where 5 of our men have qualified for the the lat year alone I have met Him in our and I am very positive in terms of the in Glendalough recently. All Ireland Track and Field. Meanwhile, corridors many, many times. mission at hand. In promoting the moral, in the 2010 Edmund Rice Games there spiritual and personal needs of students, I The Nature of School Retreats was yet another superb performance Wishing you all a very successful year, stand by our mission statement, working School retreats came with a slight twist by CBC Monkstown. Unfortunately we Tom Farrell. with students as whole persons, and this year as all students were taken to the helping them to be present to their body, beautiful valley of Glendalough. In what mind and soul. As Chaplains, we need was a first outdoor venture, the retreats to be available to engage with students received very positive feedback in that on both a personal and spiritual level. it gave students a chance to spend some Through Liturgy, prayer gatherings, quality time out together, reflecting on meditation, counselling and creating their personal journey up to now. school/parish links, we hope to offer students and staff an open door and the Feast Day of Edmund Rice possibility to grow in relationship with We had the great pleasure of celebrating oneself and one another. this special day in our history with the very welcomed presence of Br. Ger

Zambian Immersion Project 2010

Staying with the theme of Mission, both Transition Year and 5th Year students have worked effortlessly over the past year for the cause of the Zambian Immersion Project 2010. Under the guidance of Project Manager, Ms. Helen O’Connor, 14 students Annual School Musical travelled to Zambia in early June 2010. Fundraising began in earnest as we had a shorter cycle of fundraising before the group embarked on their journey to Zambia. This year, our Transition Year students performed the stage show Les Misérables. Receiving great acclaim, the musical was directed under the ever-watchful eye Already, coffee mornings, charity dinners, cake sales, church gate collections, golf of Mr. Brian Dooley and was brought to life by the students of CBC and Loreto events and sponsored rowathon’s and other events have got us up and running. And Foxrock. Among those in the full capacity audience was Peter McGuire from The not forgetting those closer to home, the Zambian Immersion Team have also helped Irish Times. He wrote ““Forget ‘Glee’ or ‘High School Musical’ – there’s more laughter to donate part of their cause to The Cherry Orchard Life Centre, giving witness to the and romance in the CBC/Loreto production of ‘Les Miserables.’ real message of Edmund Rice. 20 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

Abbey India Project 2010 Home Economics, Hindi and Khasi (the local language). The earlier part of the day, they work in a vocational programme enabling them to move into employment At present there are 7 Transition Year and be self-sufficient. In this programme students in the Abbey CBS School, they receive instruction in such skills Tipperary preparing to travel and be as commercial cooking, confectionary, involved in Providence School, Shillong, tailoring, gardening, candle-making, India next October/November as part of beauty care, paper-making, screen- the Abbey India Project. They follow in printing, computers, rexine and the footsteps of five previous groups who computers. The work of Providence is travelled every second year since 2000. The so identifiable with the work of Edmund present group of students are Peter Hayes Rice on the streets of Waterford in 1802. (Kingswell), Brenton Dewick (Rossmore Village), Cathal Devlin (Ballinlard), The Abbey Students Turlough Heffernan (Clonmel), Liam O Dea (Pallasgreen), Alan Ryan (Kingswell Road) The 7 lads will be involved in Providence and Damien Bourke (Bansha). They will be School every afternoon teaching English The seven Abbey students of the Abbey India Project at present preparing for the two weeks accompanied in this Immersion project by conversation, reading and writing to a work in Providence School, Shillong, India. Back Row: Cathal Devlin (Ballinalard), Alan teachers Michael Leahy and Richard Walsh. group of 3 or 4 children at a time. The Ryan (Kingswell Road), Liam O Dea (Pallasgreen); Middle Row: Turlough Heffernan children of Providence are so eager to (Clonmel), Damien Bourke (Bansha); Front Row: Peter Hayes (Kingswell) and Brenton It was in 1999 that the Abbey set up a learn and continually look for more Dewick (Rossmore Village) link with St Edmunds, Shillong (another homework before leaving each evening CBS school), 6000 feet up in the hills of on their 1 - 1½ hour walk along rough north-east India. Initially, the students winding paths to their single-roomed students have spoken of their experiences area on Saturday July 24 with a bucket were involved in a variety of Third World homes of tin and timber. Such teaching collection in the major towns. Previously, activity – school for the blind, school for is demanding on the lads but the “ It was the most enjoyable and most he did a solo cycle circuit of all Ireland the deaf, workshop for deaf/blind and positive spirit of the children makes it so rewarding work that I have ever done.. for Providence (32-IRELAND-32 in 2006) with physically handicapped as well as in rewarding and worthwhile. The necessary The change in my own thinking has been and in 2008 a 58 day cycle across USA Providence. In recent years, their efforts preparation each evening is no longer turned on its head……for the better.” (To Providence ..for Providence). have centred totally on Providence School. regarded as a chore or a burden. “The value of the two weeks there has been At the end of the Summer, fundraising The Project is founded on the vision Every morning the roles are reversed indescribable. I learned more than I taught” will centre on a greyhound Buster Race of Edmund Rice – liberation and and it’s the older children of Providence and as before great support is expected empowerment through education. Part that are the teachers and we are the “I do feel I’ve made a difference though and some lucky punter will come away of their long preparation involves study pupils. This is serious instruction in one it might be very small. I gave a lot, but if with a fatter wallet. of the life and spirit of Edmund Rice, an element of the vocational programme and the truth be told, at the end of it all I got awareness of Mother Teresa and her work it highlights the fact that Third World a lot more back.” But, fundraising isn’t the only focus of (whose centres we will visit in Calcutta), work is as much about receiving as it is preparation. The seven students, in their acquiring an understanding of the Indian about giving, about learning as it is about “It has made me a much better person. preparation have looked into the life and way of life and that of the Shillong area teaching. Often it is a case of learning I have a broader vision of the Third spirit of Edmund Rice, into the mission in particular and an understanding of the from their (often) more wholesome World. I now see life from a different of Mother Teresa especially in Calcutta nature of Third World work. attitudes to life and living rather than perspective.” and into Shillong and its area. They are we tending to impose our usual Western preparing for their work and activity in Providence is a school for marginalized materialistic values to their situation. Between now and Oct/Nov a number of Providence school and also for the periods children set up on the campus of St events will happen in order to raise the of reflection, sharing, journaling and daily Edmund’s. These are the children of very With this two-way role, a great respectful necessary funds to cover the basic travel preparation. The work done now will in poor migrant workers and resident on the relationship builds up over the two weeks and basic accommodation involved. time bear fruit for both the lads themselves edges of Shillong. They cannot afford the much to the benefit of both parties. and for the children in Providence. few rupees necessary for uniform and books On the final day in Providence before Previously, great support was given to the etc in order to attend a free state school. leaving, many genuine tears are shed… Dog Nights and other sponsored events. Over the years, excess funds over and on both sides. above those required for travel out Providence started as an after-school After Easter 2010, a 5-week Silver Circle and back are left in Providence and group by Br Steve as his Class 10 Beneficial was held within the school community earmarked for some particular aspect of (Leaving Cert) class gave some of their to raise funds and received widespread the school’s care for the children. time instructing a group of 17 children Abbey India Project is not a trip, a school support. in their a-b-c and I-2-3 on a one-to-one tour, an exchange or merely an adventure. More details about the Providence, the basis. The Abbey and its students have It is a period of total involvement and At the end of July, Dick Walsh, Abbey Project and testaments by participating proudly been involved with Providence immersion in the way of life and work, India Project coordinator walked the students over the years are to be found on ever since 2000 and have done their part which soon loses its novelty and makes walk as regards obtaining funding for www.abbeyindia.com. in developing it into a 7 teacher (qualified demands on generosity, energy and the Project and Providence. On July 22 teachers) school of over 250 children (5- an open heart. An essential part of the he sets out on a solo cycle from Mizen 15 years) housed in disused buildings of Project is a daily period of reflection Head all the way up to Malin Head St Edmund’s. Each afternoon the children on their experiences, sharing insights arriving there on July 28. His route study subjects such as English, Science, within the group and journaling. Previous passed through the school catchment

Lenten Campaign 2010 – CBS Primary School, Kilkenny

Despite the current recession, the pupils travelling to Lesotho this summer with events include a readathon and sponsored of Kilkenny CBS Primary have just a christian youth group to help build an walks. To date the pupils of CBS Primary donated €3,980 to various charities. orphanage. Maria Brett who is a student have raised approximately €35,000 for Edmund Rice Development received teacher, will spend eight weeks teaching various charities. We commend parents, €1,500, the Jack and Jill Foundation in Uganda this summer. Maria was pupils and teachers of the school for their €750. The O’Neill Centre (Enable Ireland) presented with a cheque for €200. commitment to those in need and we give received €300 and The King of the a special thanks to campaign organiser Castle (local based charities) €300. The This year is the pupils’ tenth consecutive Mr. Donal McCarthy. Irish Cancer Society received €250, St. year to raise funds during Lent for those Vincent de Paul €230 and Parkinson’s less fortunate than themselves. The boys Asssociation of Ireland €250. The boys came up with some very inventive ways of Adults, Left to Right Mr. Donal McCarthy, Mr. Denis O’Reilly (Principal), Catherine also presented Adam Nolan who is a past raising the funds. They and their teachers Terry (Jack and Jill Foundation), Vanessa Moss and Br. Clem McAdam (Edmund Rice pupil of the school and is currently in the organized tournaments in uni-hoc , futsal, Development), Maria Brett and Adam Nolan. CBS Secondary with €200. Adam will be dodgeball and old-style skittles. Other Front Row Pupils Nicky Burke Hayes, Niall Flanagan and Tom Quinlan. Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 21

Log On & Learn at St. Kevin’s College, Ballygall

Log on & Learn programme is taking place every Monday in St. Kevin’s College, Ballygall, Dublin. It is a 6 week programme aimed at TY students helping older members of the community to start using a computer and to develop skills in key areas such as email, saving photos, booking holidays & concert tickets etc. It is a very practical course which also develops leadership skills in our ‘ young teachers!’.

Well done to all.

Kilkenny C.B.S. athletes to the four in Rice Schools competition

Wednesday the 21st of April proved to be a date of particular significance for Kilkenny CBS Athletics, a day that will be recalled for some time to come. PE Teacher Mary Sinnott assembled a raiding party of Track and Field Athletes and headed to Dublin to compete in the Rice Schools Athletics Championships which took place at the Morton Stadium in Santry. The Competition is staged annually and is open to all Christian Brothers Schools from all corners of the island of Ireland. This year over 20 Schools were represented on the day at Ireland’s premier Track and Field venue. The boys from the CBS competed in 7 Track events and 4 Field events at both Under 17 and Senior levels. These guys were David Hoban (TY student) with Brian Dunne (receiving cert ) not intent on merely taking in the Dublin scenery on an unseasonably sunny April day. They were quickly into their stride and went on to collect a stunning 4 titles out of the available 6 in the Under 17 Track events. Transition Year student John Murphy continued his recent progress by clinching the 1500m and 3000m titles. Ian Boland, David McGeary, Brian Delaney and John Murphy teamed up and bagged the Medley Relay. If Murphy was proving to be the outstanding individual performer, our 4 x 100m Relay team were the day’s outstanding team performers. Stephen Tynan joined forces with Boland, Delaney and McGeary and they annihilated the opposition scorching their way to victory in truly facile fashion.

At Senior level CBS had 3 competitors in Brendan Manning (100m and Javelin), Michael O’Sullivan (High Jump) and Peter Walsh (Shot Putt and Javelin). All three acquitted themselves very well and a further 3 titles were secured here. O’Sullivan headed the field in the High Jump and Peter Walsh collected two ‘golds’ in the Shot and Javelin. The extent of these boys’ success is remarkable when one considers that collectively they won no less than 7 of the 11 Competitions they participated in. Well done to each and everyone of them on an outstanding display of talent and determination. Congrats also to Ms. Sinnott for her efforts.

Kilkenny CBS Cross Country Star this gruelling discipline. The whole School Community at CBS is proud Over the past few weeks CBS student of his efforts and wish him further John Murphy (Transition Year) has success for the future. emerged as a future star of Cross Country running. John, a son of Fintan With thanks to Kilkenny People Dylan Norton & Brendan and Siobhain of Maddoxtown who only who kindly allowed us to use this took up Cross Country seriously a year information. ago, has competed with distinction in recent school competitions. In the South Leinster Schools Competition on Feb 3rd John came second in a field of 110 competitors over a 4500m course at Carlow Hurling Club. From there he proceeded to the Leinster Schools Cross Country Finals at Dublin City University finishing a very creditable 3rd again over 4500m. John’s placing here was a comfortable qualifying position for the All Ireland Cross Country Schools hosted by Cork Institute of Technology in Cork City. On Saturday March 13th, out of a bumper field of 140 runners, John showed true grit and determination to finish a close th7 . With further coaching with his school, his local club Gowran AC and the expertise of Kilkenny City Harrier’s coach Ned Nolan, John has all the credentials and Luke O’Connor & Betty talent to make a name for himself in 22 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

Scoil Mhuire, North Mon, Cork

Basketball victory for Scoil Mhuire, North Mon, Cork:

Congratulations to Scoil Mhuire Fatima, North Mon, Cork to their top class Basketball team on their wonderful victory won in Neptune Stadium in February. Despite close competition they won through their section an in a mamoth final, pipped Carraig na bhFear by a single point in the Final. A special word of praise and thanks to their dedicated and talented coach Gary Noonan, one of our own past pupils!

Deich mBlian Ag Fás!

What is it that the seanfhocal says? - “From little acorns do mighty oak trees grow”.

Ten years ago in October 2000, following have learned from, grown with and a request from a distressed and distraught progressed because of our Asperger boys. parent at her wit’s end because no school Our school is a livlier, more-inclusive, would accept her son, a new class opened happier and more understanding place in in St. Joseph’s Primary School, Fairview. which to go to school, either as a pupil or This was no ordinary run-of-the-mill as a staff member. The rest of the school class but a dedicated special class to cater community have our Asp boys to thank for the needs of pupils with Asperger’s for that. Syndrome. Nowadays most people are familiar with Asperger’s thanks perhaps You may talk the talk about ethos and to the “Curious Incident of the Dog in the legacy of Edmund Rice, about what the Nightime” or Jodi Picoult’s “ House it is that defines a Brothers’ school. Rules” or the increasing media publicity I’m proud to say that Joey’s walks the for people with Asperger’s. Such was not walk - the pupils, Asp and mainstream - the case in 2000 when it’s fair to say that epitomise everything that I understood a Disasters bring out the best in Scoile Mhuire, North Mon, Cork: few people had much knowledge of the Brothers’ school to be about: nurturing, condition and even fewer cared about it. encouraging and caring for the underdog, It is always that disaster brings out the best in people. Certainly the terrible the downtrodden and the weakest earthquake in Haiti had that effect in the Mon. By giving up their lunches, organising In the ten years since the ground- amongst us. cake bakes and cake sale the boys of the Mon raised €1,502 to help out. Many thanks breaking opening of the state’s first class to the parents and teachers who supported them but thanks especially to the boys for Asperger’s pupils our one class with The past ten years must surely have themselves and their generosity. the four trailblazing pupils became two been the greatest in the history of the classes and, by the time you read this, school - a revolution, a transformation, will have become three classes with an a re-dedication to the aims and ideals Asp. enrolment of eighteen. of Edmund Rice. The years have been great fun - we’ve many hilarious tales to One of our first pupils has, at the time of tell - rewarding and successful beyond writing, just graduated and is preparing anything we could have dreamed about for his Leaving Certificate having become in the Autumn of 2000. What more could the first of our Asp pupils to go through we ask for? Joey’s from Second Class to Leaving Certificate. Le cúnamh Dé he will be Footnote: followed in the years to come by many, many more. Recently, my Dad died. In the weeks and days leading up to his death we talked We are immensely proud of the part and talked to while away the hours Joey’s has played in transforming the waiting for the inevitable. I happened to lives of these pupils and their families. talk about the great success of the Asp When other schools turned away these initiative in Joey’s. I suppose I was fishing ‘Special Needs’ pupils because “they’d for compliments but instead of the pat be too much trouble”, “cause too much on the back I was told “ I’d expect no less paperwork”, “lower the tone of the from a Christian Brothers’ school”. That school” and other such ridiculous excuses, says it all. the door to Joey’s was opened by a wonderful man - An Br. B.C. Ó Murchú. Pádraig Óg Ó Fainín Bealtaine 2010 Pupils who were simply miserable, lost and Scoil Iosaif na mBráthar. bullied in other schools found a welcome and found a school where they could participate in and enjoy a full, broad and balanced education. They have all, without exception, made considerable progress in overcoming the difficulties their condition presents yet whatever Joey’s has given these pupils is nothing to what they have given Joey’s - both staff and other pupils Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 23

New Lodge Schools Cluster and the Visit of the President

Edmund Rice Primary School, Pim Street, Belfast

One of the five key elements of the parents have been involved in various Edmund Rice Schools Trust is ‘promoting aspects of the project. The partnership partnership in the school community.’ with statutory, voluntary and especially Edmund Rice Primary School in North community organisations have been Belfast has made a tremendous effort to essential to the success of the project. achieve this by setting up a cluster with three local schools to work with parents. On 28th January the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, and her husband Dr In September 2007 the New Lodge Martin McAleese came to North Belfast Schools Cluster was created when the to celebrate the success of parental principals of Edmund Rice Primary partnership in the community. The School, Star of the Sea Primary School, president was warmly welcomed by New Lodge Nursery and Victoria Nursery children of the four local schools and was came together to develop a more effective very impressed when two parents, who approach for working with parents. A were involved in the project, spoke about parents centre was established on the the impact on their lives. The parents grounds of Edmund Rice Primary School gave a personal account of how the to become a community resource to help project has developed their confidence, build on school approaches to involving improved their relationship with their and supporting parents. This centre is children, encouraged learning and funded by Extended Schools and has brought lasting benefits to themselves helped develop the capacity of the wider and their families. The president gave an community by facilitating a needs led inspiring speech in which she recognised education programme for parents. the courage of the parents in taking up the opportunity to learn new skills to help The parents centre has become a hub of their children. She remembered a quote the community with daily courses and from her grandmother that ‘what we workshops running throughout the year. instil in our children is engraved for life’ Approximately 50 courses and workshops which she felt illustrated the impact that have taken place so far and hundreds of parents have on their children.

FaithConnect Visit of Holocaust Survivor to C.B.S. Roscommon

FaithConnect is an interactive website The school community in C.B.S. Ireland, which aims to educate and for Senior Cycle Religious Education. Roscommon were privileged to host inform young people about the horrors of FaithConnect was developed in partnership by the visit of Holocaust survivor Mr Tomi racism and intolerance towards minority a team from Veritas and Mater Dei Institute Reichental, who visited the school on communities. of Education, led by Orla Walsh and Enda Thursday 8th March 2010 to speak to Donlon. Though suitable for any Senior Cycle our Senior students about his personal The students present felt privileged class, I would like to describe my experience experiences as a child in the , Belsen / to hear first hand his and his family of using FaithConnect with a Transition Year Bergen concentration camps which were experiences at the hands of the Fascist class during the pilot phase of this project. under Nazi rule. Nazi regime operating at the time in his homeland of Slovakia. The school As with many subjects, it can be challenging to design a TY RE programme. I was very Mr Reichental was invited to the C.B.S community would like to express their happy to give FaithConnect a chance because it offered a completely different approach as part of a schools programme run sincere thanks to the Parents Council for to teaching RE – the break from the ordinary that Transition Year needs. While initially by the Holocaust Educational Trust of organising the event. the pupils’ enthusiasm centred around the use of ICT, they soon became drawn into the excellent RE content of the programme. The pupils greatly enjoyed using the site and benefited from the space it gave them to work at their own pace and spend more time on their interests within a topic. They produced good written work in their online workbook, journal and blog. They really enjoyed the group tasks of Outcome 2 and 3. I never felt that the ICT overshadowed the content. In fact, I would say that I covered more in TY with FaithConnect than in previous years.

At the outset of the project I was apprehensive about the skills that I would need to teach this ICT-based programme. I also wondered whether the computer room would present too many distractions to my class group. Now, having used FaithConnect for two years, I can say that the ICT aspect of the course did not present any problems. Though time in the computer room can be difficult to secure, my experience has indicated that it is not necessary to spend all class periods in the computer room. Indeed, it can even be better to spend one class period a week in the classroom discussing the content using a data projector. It also benefits the teacher that the programme comes fully formed. It can, of course, be adapted and added to, but during busier times of the year FaithConnect significantly reduces the preparation time of the teacher.

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the pilot phase of FaithConnect not only for its transformation of my TY RE programme but also for the confidence it has given me to bring ICT into other areas of my teaching. As many subjects are increasing their use of ICT, it is great to see RE at the forefront of this development with FaithConnect. I strongly recommend the programme to any teacher. I intend to continue using it in the coming year and I am delighted that it will be available in Irish in September, making the programme an invaluable resource for the Gaelscoil.

Bríd Ní Chuirtín, Coláiste Eoin L-R M/s L De Buitleir History Dept, Mary Molloy Parents Council, Patrick O ‘Hanlon School For further information or to order FaithConnect for your school, contact Ailís Travers Principal, Guest Speaker Mr Tomi Reichenstall, John Kelly , Parents Council, Carol Hoare , Tel: 01 8788 177 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.faithconnect.ie History Dept C.B.S. Roscommon. 24 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

The Languages of St Joseph’s Coláiste Eoin Scoil Mhuire Marino

The pupils of St Joseph’s C.B.S Sunday’s Micheal O Dowd, a past pupil of our Anuraidh, bhí Coláiste Eoin, scoil lán Scoil Mhuire Marino has been a hive of Gate, worked for many weeks on an school agreed to visit us to launch the Ghaeilge i ndeisceart Átha Cliath ag activity since we returned at Easter. Our Intercultural Project entitled “The booklet and C.D. Our principal Mr Hussey ceiliúradh daichead bliain ar an bhfód. feet haven’t touched the ground such has Languages of St Joseph’s”. The project welcomed him to the school and took him Tharla eachtraí iontacha i rith an been the wide variety of activity taking was the brainchild of E.A.L teacher Ms on to visit some of our classrooms. During cheiliúrtha, go háirithe cuairt Uachtarán place. Angela McCarthy, assisted by H.S.C.L a brief ceremony in the school hall, the na hÉireann, Máire Mhic Ghiolla Íosa co-ordinator, Ms Sarah Bradley and was mayor presented a representative of each ar an gcoláiste agus ceolchoirm na Mr. Kilbride’s class raised over €450 funded by the school and Louth Leader of our 16 classes with a copy of the pack n-iarscoláirí. and asked the Principal to present it to Partnership who allocate a grant to and spoke about the happy memories of Br. McDonald to aid his work in Africa. schools working on projects to celebrate his own school days and also the wealth Tá spiorad agus dúthracht dhaltaí an Tommy Mac was delighted to accept. Intercultural Week. A mention must of diversity that exists in our school today. choláiste faoi bhláth arís i mbliana also be given to the many parents who agus a thoradh seo le feiceáil i réimsí Ms. Cooney’s class were busy collecting assisted their sons at home in preparing Up to forty boys were involved in writing, spóirt, ceoil, díospóireachta agus money for the unfortunate victims of the the pages of the booklet and in helping recording and assembling the pack and obair charthanachta. Tá peileadóirí Haiti earthquake and they raised over the boys to practise for the recordings. each child in the school was offered agus iománaithe an choláiste ag €600. the opportunity to enter a competition déanamh éachta i gcomórtais Átha The project pack consists of a booklet and to design the cover of the booklet. It Cliath agus Laighean. Bhain an Our school concert began on May 18th a C.D giving a basic introduction to the is intended that “The Languages of St fhoireann díospóireachta shóisearach and ran for three nights. It was wonderful language spoken by our school population. Joseph’s” will be used in classrooms as a babhta ceannais na hÉireann amach to see staff, parents and pupils work flat There are 23 languages listed and each teaching and learning tool and also as an sa díospóireacht Ghaeilge agus tá an out to produce a memorable concert. Such page in the book corresponds to a track expression of the pride that we have in fhoireann díospóireachta Gearmáinise was the splendour of the 6th classes as on the C.D. Each page displays a different the diversity of our school population. In i mbabhta leathcheannais na hÉireann. they “rocked “ their audiences with killer language from Arabic to Yoruba and this way every pupil of St Joseph’s C.B.S Chuir daltaí na hIdirbhliana léiriú performances of Queen that on the final outlines the numbers 1-10, the days of the will be able to benefit from and have bríomhar, ceolmhar de Chuisle an Cheoil, night, they received a standing ovation.. week, months of the year and basic words. access to this project. bunaithe ar The Sound of Music, ar stáitse roimh Cháisc agus chonaic thart ar We had no sooner finished and put away The school was honoured when His The boys involved exhibited a tremendous 2,000 duine an léiriú seo. our make-up and our costumes, than we Worship, the mayor of Drogheda, Mr amount of dedication, hard work and headed for Croke Park as our two school maturity whilst working on this project. Is gné de shaolna scoile í an obair hurling teams played in both Junior and We in St Joseph’s are as proud of them as charthanachta atá ina croílár Senior Division 1 Finals. Believe it if you they were to be involved in showcasing the d’imeachtaí na bliana. Is iontach an teist can, after two heart stopping, pulsating wealth of languages spoken in our school. í ar dhearcadh na ndaltaí an toradh games we emerged victorious and headed a bhíonn láithreach ann ar achainí ar for Marino laden with silverware. Not Sarah Bradley bith a dhéantar orthu. Bhailigh daltaí since 1938 had this feat been achieved H.S.C. L. co-ordinator sinsearacha an choláiste breis agus and no other school outside of Marino St Joseph’s C.B.S €6,000 do Chumann na Croise Deirge has achieved the Division 1 double. It was Sunday’s Gate chun tacú leo siúd a bhí ag fulaingt a day that will live long in the memory. Drogheda de bharr na dtuilte i lár na tíre. Ní Huge praise must go to Mr Rabbitte and Graduation Class St. Joseph’s 2010 raibh aon mhoill ar na daltaí tar éis Mr. O Byrne for the superb work they did Nollaig ach oiread. Chuireadar os cionn throughout the year and had the boys at €2,000 i dtreo na n-íobartach i Hiti concert pitch in Croke Park. St. Joseph’s CBS, Secondary School, Fairview, Dublin 3, achun cabhrú lena bhfuascailt ón stró agus ón anró a bhuail iad de bharr an Phew, the holidays can’t come quick Log On, Learn Programme. crith talún tubaisteach a tharla ann. Is enough, I hear some teachers say, and trícheolchoirma d’eagraigh Comhairle I must say each and everyone of them na nDaltaí ina raibh seacht gcinn de deserve a well earned rest. Now it’s bhannaí scoile páirteach a cnuasaíodh an graduation time for the 6th and soon we t-airgead seo. will bring down the curtain on a year full of high’s.

From January 2010 to April 2010, on Transition Year students for the eight- the initiative of Mr. C. Oonan Deputy week course. The Transition Year students Principal, St. Joseph’s Secondary School instructed their senior partners in the use ran a Log On, Learn Programme for the of computer in the modern world. The local senior citizens in the area. The course finished on the 21st April 2010, course was facilitated by Mr. M. Timmons. when the school Principal Mr. G. Cullen The participants were teamed up with presented a certificate to each participant.

Make your Mark Global Entrepreneurship Week is a Studies students were required ‘to come Challenge 2009 worldwide celebration of enterprise, run up with a new and innovative business by over 75 countries around the world idea that takes its inspiration from involving over three million people. something local. The business could be a Formally known as Enterprise Week, product or a service - as long as it’s a ‘cool’ 1200 schools and colleges took part in the creation and makes money’. This team has been selected to represent UK last year. the Western area in the Northern Ireland Our teams came up with ideas such as Final in the W5, Odyssey Pavillion, Kick-starting Global Entrepreneurship double sided jerseys, an environmentally Belfast on Friday 27th November 2009 Week, the Make your Mark Challenge friendly paint balling activity, CD to were then selected to represent Northern is the UK’s largest one-day enterprise replace textbooks, a recycling business Damon Rodgers, Nial Daly, David Butler, Ireland in the UK Finals on Thursday 10th competition for 14-16 year olds. and a thermal gel radiator. Eoin Devine & Charlie McAnae. December 2009. The competition develops skills such as creativity, team work and communication. The Year 11 Business Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 25

Limerick CBS 2-2 St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny (Limerick CBS win 5-4 on penalties)

C.B.S. Sexton Street, Limerick

Sudden Death penalties was all that stood between success and failure for the students of Limerick CBS and St. Eunan’s College.

The Schools couldn’t end the stalemate after 90 minutes of competitive play and the lottery of penalty kicks were to decide their faith.

It took a tremendous effort from the Limerick lads to battle back on two occasions to claim the coveted All Ireland title as they were 1-0 down and 2-1 in arrears during the course of the game. by Daire McDaid nearly led to a precious Limerick CBS: St. Eunan’s College: winner. Keeper O’Connor had just enough Niall O’Connor, Roy Hartigan, Dean Shaun Patton, Ronan Sweeney, Keelan Playing a captain’s role Gorman time to palm the ball off the head of Phillips, Eoin McDonnell, Sam Mullins O’Donnell, Sean Hume, Oisin Carr, Dale turned supplier for Donegal’s first real McDaid to avert the danger. (Capt), Kieran Bennett, Trevor Hogan, Gorman (Capt), Ryan McConnell, Jordan opportunity of the afternoon.. The ball Niall McNamara, Soran Abid, Jamie McBride, Daire McDaid, Paddy O’Loan, drifted high into the danger zone for Extra time saw both sides spoil an Bromell, Christopher Hogan Glen McNulty McConnell to climb highest. His headed opportunity of a match winner. Gerard effort glanced off the crossbar. Patton came close two minutes in, while Subs: Shane Walsh for Bromell (41), Subs: Gerard Patton for McNulty (62), seconds later Soran Abid saw his effort James Walsh for McNamara (90+), Noel Jason Doherty, Anthony Ward, Luke This early effort was cancelled out almost sail over the upright. Whyte, Kevin Slattery, Adam Lawlor, Bonnar for O’Donnell (30), Joe Davies, immediately at the other end of the park. Jason Collins, Craig Downs Gary McDaid, Ryan Gildea, Ryan Brogan, Soran Abid played Jamie Bromell onside The last of the action in the second half Mark McGale for him to then go one on one with Keeper saw Daire McDaid make a speedy run Teacher: Shane O’Sullivan Patton. Bromell’s close range effort was forward on goal. His effort tailed off to Teachers: Michael Harkin & easily saved by the Bonegee net minder. the right and wide much to the relief of Gerard Faulkner the Limerick following. The Ulster side dominated much of the play in the first quarter and were Penalty kicks were to decide the winner rewarded with a fine goal on 16 minutes. and Limerick were nominated to go first.

The lead was short lived as Kieran Eunan’s took an early advantage as Bennett equalised four minutes later. A Limerick’s third spot kick nicked the mix up between the Eunan’s centre half post. With their fifth and final kick of and keeper found Bennett with a golden the game, the Eunan’s faithful had the opportunity to keep the dream alive for opportunity to secure victory but it wasn’t Shane O’Sullivan’s side. to be as the young centre half missed.

Eunan’s were gaining momentum just Sudden death penalties ensued with before the interval and Limerick’s Niall Soran Abid making no mistake as his shot O’Connor pulled off two great saves while punched the top corner and the success the last of the action saw Soran Abid’s was sealed when Niall O’Connor saved effort from twenty yards out drift wide of Eunan’s attempt ensuring a sensational the marker. win for O’Sullivan’s side. Prayer room for Coláiste Mhichíl

The second half saw the perfect start for This is the second soccer trophy this year In February 2008, Mr. Noel Earlie, principal and Elizabeth Quinn, Deputy-principal St. Eunan’s as 90 seconds in, substitute for the Limerick School having overcome along with Eamon O’Connor and myself met with the An Tobar team with a view to Luke Bonner tested keeper O’Connor, the St. Peter’s College, Dunboyne in the Post making an application to the Brothers for a grant of €15,000 to establish a prayer initial strike was blocked but the playful Primary Schools U13 Futsal Finals earlier room within the school. McDaid was on hand to slot the second this year. Four players who starred on attempt past the grounded keeper in a that occasion include Shane Walsh, Jamie Coláiste Mhichíl was successful in its application and was in fact, the last school packed penalty area. Bromell, Soran Abid and Eoin McDonnell. in Ireland to benefit from such a grant. Mr. Earlie and the board of management facilitated this venture by designating a classroom for this purpose. On top of the Similar to their first half performance, The quartet were well assisted in today’s generous grant by the Brothers, Coláiste Mhichíl received voluntary contributions to Limerick came right back into the game victory by Captain Sam Mullins, Niall enable this project to start. Work commenced in March, 2009 and was spearheaded with the side’s level for a second time two McNamara, Chris Hogan,Dean Phillips by Mr. Eamon O’Connor who along with Pat Carey, Mark Shanahan and other minutes later. A superb solo effort from and keeper Niall O’Connor. teachers, gave of their free time over the summer to undertake a lot of the Trevor Hogan saw him zip past Sweeney construction work. and Carr. He then used excellent ball Next on the horizon for the All Ireland control to side step the on rushing Patton Champions, Limerick CBS will be the Mr. Fergus Costello, liturgical design artist was commissioned by the Brothers to to slot into an empty net. opportunity to represent FAI Schools work on this project. Using bog oak, red oak, spalted beech and a hand-crafted in a five nation tournament organised tabernacle made from chesnut, Mr. Costello achieved wonderful results. The prayer Five minutes later, substitute Shane by the Schools Association Football room was officially opened on the 27th of August, by Fr. Noel Kirwan and Fr. Chris Walsh delivered an inviting ball for International Board. O’Donnell of St. Michael’s parish. Coláiste Mhichíl considers itself very fortunate to Christopher Hogan to have a whack at. have such a serene place, which is at the heart of the school. The room is open to The youngster’s attempt had too much students and staff alike to facilitate peaceful moments of contemplation. pace on it as it climbed past the crossbar. Elizabeth Hayes. Jordan McBride’s long range effort on 53 CBS SEXTON STEET minutes was ambitious but the follow up 26 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

The Baldy Man Fun-Run in aid of CBS Tramore.

Every year at Christmas, when the tide is sponsorship on their behalf. The local out, the Baldy Man Fun-Run takes place GAA Centre hosted the presentation of on the prom and the beach in Tramore. prizes after all the competitors were given soup and sandwiches (sponsored by a Despite the title, the Fun-Run is not local publican who is also a past pupil of confined to those who no longer require the school). haircuts! The eponymous hero of the title is actually the name of the highest Both my sons competed and were sand hill at the bottom of the 3 mile long rewarded for their endurance by receiving beach; its peak resembles the coiffure the last prize… for finishing last…they challenged visage of a baldy man! A local showed up 15 minutes late, managed to hostelry also carries the name. take a much longer route and finished long after everyone had gone home! They The Run is the brainchild of a local were suggestions that they had gone to businessman and his wife: Michael and the wrong Baldy Man i.e. the Baldy Man Ann Flynn who have long associations Pub!!! Thankfully this was not the case. with the school and who offered the run Presentation of cheque from Michael Flynn, Organiser (centre) to Pat McEvoy to the school as a fundraising event this The Fun Run was a great boost to our (Principal) and members of the Parents Council. year. To date they have collected in the resources and we are using the funds region of €90,000 for local charities. to purchase another Inter Active White Board and to upgrade our computers in The Parents Co. took the Fun Run on the Computer Room. board and organised the highly successful event targeting various people to run/ The run was a one off event and we were walk the 10km course on the beach and very grateful to be offered it this year. to raise sponsorship on behalf of the One off events are not necessarily a bad school. Running clubs were approached thing as a unique fund raiser garners and they also participated at a cost of local imagination and can be very €20/competitor. In all about 350 people profitable. Novelty will always capture participated and our target of €8,000 was the imagination and people will always almost reached. There were 28 prizes be more generous in donating to an event for the competitors and the Parents Co. they have never given to before. also collected these prizes; so the actual cost of running the event was quite By the way…many Baldy Men actually did small. Quite a number of our past pupils participate; because of the cold, however, participated and we also encouraged their exposed nates remained covered. the school teams to enter a team of 3 and they, in turn, encouraged their By the way I was frozen standing on the Participants in the Baldy Man Run 2009 fellow team members to organise some beach for 2 hours!!!

Something sweet about arts education:

Smartieproject is an arts education scale. The then created a personal comic initiative established in 2006 to develop strip of their morning routine using tangible links of teaching and learning drawing media of their choice. between the Arts Education Departments at Coláiste Mhuire, MIE and local primary They further responded with some schools. The projects are usually of four explorative magnified still life drawing of weeks duration with the aim giving ordinary morning objects such as a bowl back to local schools for facilitating our of cereal, toast on a plate, a butter knife students’ on their many school placements and fork, a mug, a tube of tooth paste, a as part of their initial teacher training. tooth brush and a comb using charcoal Smartieproject facilitates collaboration and chalk pastels. They appraised their between lecturers and primary teachers to magnified drawings in relation to content, plan and facilitate creative arts education scale, form and process. based projects with their class group. It also affords children the opportunity The children carved an object from to use our studio space facilities and to their own life and experience in soap experience life at third level. as a lead in into understanding the concept of ‘taking away’ to ‘reveal’ form This year’s the project was organised with wooden hand carving made tools. and facilitated by artists and lecturers They appraised their mini sculpture in Clodagh Mac Donagh and Niamh Synnott relation to content, form and process. with the assistance of photographer They investigated carving, carved objects and admin assistant Denise Linden. The and work by Michelangelo in light of two class groups involved were from O’ his famous quote ‘I saw the angel in the Connell’s CBS, Summer Hill and Scoil marble and carved until I set him free’. Mhuire BNS, Marino. This project used Our morning routine – three dimensional large scale foam sculptures Claes Oldenburg’s large scale outdoor They then explored translating their large sculptures as inspiration for collaborative scale drawings into three dimensional Finally, they embellished their sculptures were afforded the opportunity to learn large scale foam sculpting inspired by the large scale foam sculptures with the with acrylic paint having first explored about the project upon their return from theme of ‘My morning routine’. assistance of an adult. It was a process colour mixing techniques by Roy teaching practice. of ‘negotiated’ sculpting whereby the Lichenstein. Each week the class teacher The children first looked at and responded children guided the adult in revealing seized opportunities to integrate the Michael Flannery, Senior Lecturer in to Oldenburg’s sculptures through talk the overall form of their ‘morning routine theme with other subject areas. The Education (visual Arts) and discussion. They appraised his work object’. They further refined the sculpture project concluded with an exhibition of Article reproduced with thanks to Marino in relation to content, process, form and with children’s scissors. work in their schools and our students Institute of Education Issue 3 / Autumn 2010 / 27

Westport “Town of Tomorrow” competition

Rice College quartet scoops coveted Google competition. sponsored by Westport Town Council in association with the Mayo News

The 3D design competition, now in its third year, challenges students from Westport’s three secondary schools to remodel - using advanced Google SketchUp software - a section of Westport town in any way they wish.

Sponsored by Westport Town Council, in association with The Mayo News, the competition was judged this year by Daniela Brica, the European 3D Captain for Google Earth based in Zurich, 1 and Craig Powell from Google Earth’s Colorado office. It is the only competition in the world that is judged by Google experts.

The proceedings were hosted by Westport Town Clerk, Ann Moore, who first introduced Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Cllr. Myles Staunton.

The Cathaoirleach said he was once again very excited to see one of the world’s biggest companies, Google, being so hands on and involved in every way in the Town of Tomorrow competition.

Editor of The Mayo News, Michael Duffy, paid tribute to former editor of the paper, Denise Horan for her integral role in setting up the competition with chief organiser, Brendan Hafferty and Peter FUTURE MINDED: The Town Of Tomorrow Hynes, Westport Town Manager. Competition overall winners Evil Monkey - Version 2 from Rice College, are pictured Mr. Brendan Haverty, co-ordinator of the with their prizes, from left: Patrick competition, then introduced samples of McNamara, teacher; Ann Moore, Westport the entries of each of the seven teams, Town Clerk; Owen Geoghegan, team which were shown on the big screen member; Brendan Hafferty, competition at the cinema. A team member from organiser; Darien Roache, team member; each of the seven teams then talked the CIIr Myles Staunton, Cathaoirleach, sizeable attendance through what they Westport Town Council; Nathan Horgan, tried to achieve with their remodeling of team member; Peter Hynes, Westport Town Westport town. Manager; James Shawe, team member; Michael Duffy, Editor, The Mayo News and It was then over to Daniela Brica Michael Rabitte, Deputy Principal, Rice from Google, who via video link (see College. mayonews.ie for video), announced this year’s winners from her base in Zurich. Daniela had planned to be in Westport for the announcement of the results but was RESULTS grounded by the air travel chaos due to Abbey Win National Quiz Iceland’s volcanic ash. WINNERS: “Evil Monkey - Version 2” Darren Roache, James Shawe, Owen A team from the Abbey C.B.S., Tipperary won the National Final of the Concern And amid much tension, Daniela Geoghegan and Nathan Horgan. “Know Your World” Quiz held in Dublin recently. This annual event is open to announced this year’s winner of the second - level schools all over Ireland and the questions are mainly of a general Town of Tomorrow competition as “Team RUNNERS UP: “The Muppets” knowledge nature. However there is a significant number of questions in each round Evil Monkey Version 2” for “exceptional Michael Deane, Danny Strutt, Keelan on Developmental and Third World Issues. The Abbey students led from start to creative integration of botanical features Moran and Cathal MacReamoinn. finish and St. Muredachs Ballina and St. Kierans College, Kilkenny were in second with elaborate rooftop gardens design, and third places respectively. and features such as modernized library, THIRD PLACE: “Seabiscuit” Westport Arts Theatre, expansive Paul Meehan, Pete Ryder, Aaron The Quiz Master was RTE presenter Colm Ó Mongáin and pictured with the trophy skate park, snooker hall and overall Southgate and Shane Walsh. are (front) Kevin O’Halloran, Luke Corcoran and Stephen Barry, (back) Garret beautification of the town, while keeping Hickie, Turlough Heffernan and Michael O’Dwyer. traditional aspects intact. We felt that ROOFTOP GARDENS: Cathaoirleach of their approach made for an interesting Westport Town Council, Myles Staunton, example of relaxing outdoor quality was particularly impressed with the of time and increased community winners use of the rooftops on Bridge enjoyment. Well done.” Street to create ambient gardens.

It was left to newly appointed County Manager, Mr Peter Hynes, to conclude proceedings, firstly by stating that he hoped he would be invited back to next year’s competition, even though he was leaving his role as Westport Town Manager. 28 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter

Harty Congratulation!

What a year it has been for hurling in Ardscoil Rís, Limerick!

This year’s competition placed us in a very tough group with Midleton CBS, St. Colman’s Fermoy and Cashel CS. After playing out a draw with Midleton, Ardscoil topped the group with wins over St. Colman’s and Cashel. They then defeated Templemore CBS in the quarter final setting up a mouth-watering repeat of last year’s semi final against a fancied St. Caimin’s side. This time Ardscoil didn’t disappoint and after a comprehensive 10 point victory, 0-16 to 0-6, the school progressed to their first ever Dr Harty Cup Final. And what an epic this turned out to be! Taking on the reigning All Ireland and Harty Cup Champions Thurles CBS, Ardscoil showed no nerves Mayor of Limerick, Councillor Kevin Kiely, hosted a Civic Reception for the Ardscoil Ris, Limerick Harty Cup panel to mark the school’s historic for the big occasion and a big crowd in victory in this competition and also the Limerick Schools Hurling Championship. MacDonagh Park, Nenagh were treated to a highly entertaining final, finishing in conclusion to one of the hardest fought college Kilkenny in Thurles. The first half emails and messages of congratulations a draw, 1-12 each, with John Fitzgibbon Harty campaigns in the history of the proved to be a nervous affair for both sides received by the school from Limerick people equalising in the final moments with a competition. This time Ardscoil prevailed but Ardscoil took the lead in the second all over the country. The Harty team’s free from the narrowest of angles. and the coveted Dr Harty Cup would rest half and were in a commanding position achievements were also recognised with a on Shannonside for the first time since after goals from Brendan O’Connor and Civic Reception by Mayor Kevin Kiely, and The replay was highly anticipated and 1993. Ardscoil started the brightest with John Fitzgibbon along with a brilliant awarded the Peter Clohessey Sports Star of neither team failed to deliver. This game a goal from Kevin Downes and built up a point from Martin Moroney left us 5 points the Month and the Limerick Leader Person will go down as one of the best Harty Cup lead they would not relinquish. Further up entering the last 10 minutes. However of the month award. finals on record, the teams deadlocked goals from Brendan O’Connor and Mark the intensity of playing five massive games again despite two ten-minute periods of Ryan and wonderful performances from in as many weeks began to take its toll The success and progress of the school extra time been played. In normal time all over the park resulted in a huge and as the Ardscoil players began to tire in Hurling is very evident over the last Ardscoil were reduced to 14 men when outpouring of emotion as the school the Kilkenny lads used the space as only few years but none of this success would influential captain Cathal McInerney was claimed their first title ever on a 3-15 to Kilkenny forwards can, and eventually ran be possible without the efforts of all the red-carded but Ardscoil refused to throw 0-14 scoreline. out winners, 2-11 to 2-8. teachers involved in coaching hurling in in the towel and finished an epic game of the school as well as the support of the colleges’ hurling with another Fitzgibbon Following this great victory, Ardscoil Following the Harty Cup success Ardscoil Principal, Deputy Principal, Board of equaliser from underneath the stand advanced to play Kilkenny CBS in the went on to defend their Limerick Colleges Management, Staff, Parents and Clubs. in normal time. Despite starting extra semi final of the Dr Croke Cup. After an Senior Hurling Title with wins over We express our thanks to all of those time stronger with a sublime goal from immensely hard-fought game Ardscoil Dromcollogher and Charleville CBS. This mentioned and a special word of thanks to Declan Hannon it was Ardscoil that again emerged victorious and made the school’s is the third year in a row that the school all the students of the school and to past levelled the game as the seconds ran out. first appearance in an All Ireland Senior has been crowned Keane Cup champions. pupils who turned out in large numbers to Colleges Final and the dream of bringing support us this year and made the occasion So the teams met for a third occasion home the Dr Croke Cup by taking on the The success of the team has been of the finals in particular so memorable. in a packed MacDonagh park to bring a aristocrats of colleges hurling, St. Kierans acknowledged by the huge number of cards,

Eoin Fahey Scholarship Ardscoil All-Rounder!

Kevin Keane with Mr Pat Cox (past-pupil) at the recent awards night in Ardscoil Eoin Fahey, Leaving Certificate student Pictured at the awards ceremony in Rís, Limerick. Kevin received awards for being a member of the Harty Cup and of Ardscoil Ris, Limerick in 2009 Trinity College Dublin are: Dr. B.A. The Limerick Colleges Hurling Championship panel, a leader on the Encounter design_ www.reddog.ie received an award for achieving the Murray, Vice President of the Institute Programme, French Student of the Year and the Bobby Byrne Memorial Cup for highest mark in Ireland in Chemistry in of Chemistry, Eoin Fahey, recipient and excellence in English. his Leaving Certificate examination. Eoin Brid de Brún, Principal. is currently studying medicine at U.C.G.

Published at Áras Éamainn Rís Tel: 01 289 7511 Editorial Team Meadow Vale Fax: 01 289 7540 Tony McCann Blackrock e-mail: [email protected] Brenda Walsh Co. Dublin web: www.erst.ie Natasha Kearns