ffStudents from Enniscorthy CBS celebrate Proclamation Day by planting the Tricolour on Vinegar Hill.

Síol Newsletter Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Spring 2016 • Issue 11

Greetings from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Thank you for sending in to us the articles, anecdotes and Proclamation of 1916, so we in 2016 are challenged to work stories of the life of your schools. It is so energising and towards the guarantee of human dignity for all enshrined uplifting to read the many life affirming contributions that in the original Proclamation and the Proclamation for a our schools are making in your local communities, your new generation. charitable work, your real concern for justice here in , Homelessness has emerged as one of the main themes of the and throughout the world, and the celebrations, successes and Proclamation for a new generation in our schools and the positive developments in our schools. Edmund Rice Schools Trust has adopted this issue as our key This issue of Síol also records in words and pictures how our campaign this year. Edmund Rice schools marked Proclamation Day 2016. As a school Homelessness is the single most urgent, most pressing and network we have a unique association with the 1916 Proclamation. most serious issue of our time. Having a home, a place to live, Three of the seven signatories, Padraig Pearse, Seán Mac Diarmada is central to everything that makes us grow and develop as and Éamonn Ceannt were educated by the Christian Brothers. people. It is essential for our health, and especially our mental The Proclamation states that, “The Republic guarantees religious health. But, today, thousands of families across Ireland are and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its living without a place to call home – without this essential citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and human right. prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of Homelessness can and must be tackled. The Edmund Rice the children of the nation equally…”, sentiments which echo the Schools Trust schools are standing together to say that the vision of the founder of our schools, Blessed Edmund Rice and homelessness crisis must be solved. So I call on all of our the values of our Charter. students to sign the homelessness petition that will be in all of As part of the centenary celebrations, students in each of our our 95 schools in Ireland, on Edmund Rice Day, May 5th, 2016. schools developed their “Proclamation for a new generation”, By standing together we are saying that there is a better way. unveiled and celebrated on Proclamation Day. The values of There is a way to solve homelessness. Together. Edmund Rice are evident in these proclamations with themes such as everyone having a safe place to live, a welcoming place Blessings to you all. to go to school and access to health care appearing frequently. Every good wish, Just as Edmund Rice took action to address the needs of Gerry Bennett society in 1816 and the past pupils of his schools created the Chief Executive Irish flag. After the presentation we asked presented a dramatic interpretation about Honouring the the soldiers a few questions. After they the events of Easter Week. answered all our questions, they explained The flag we received was used for our heroes of 1916! about the importance of the Proclamation flag raising ceremony. On March 15th, Scoil Chiaráin CBS and how to mind a country’s national flag. we had our flag raising ceremony. A boy At the end there were refreshments for all At the start of the year each class wrote was picked from each class to read a part who attended. their own proclamation. A section from of our new school proclamation. After each proclamation was chosen and used Each class prepared their own project on that, these boys represented all pupils and to create our school proclamation for our the 1916 Rising and these were on display raised the flag. Each person who came to flag raising ceremony. In October we all for all to see. The areas covered were celebrate with us in this special ceremony gathered in Craobh Chiaráin GAA club leaders of the Rising, buildings in the got a mini Irish flag. because two army soldiers came to present Rising, life at the time, Dublin then and Robbie Codreanu and us with a copy of the Proclamation and an now and children of the Rising. Sixth class Rohit Unnikrishnan (Rang 4)

Actors in the making! Scoil Chiaráin CBS

We, the children of Scoil Chiaráin Drama you were in the middle row, you were rich. If Club went to the Smock Alley Theatre and you were on the top row you were a servant Gaiety School of Acting for a trip. We got to the people on the second row. to go on this trip because we performed Then we went to the Gaiety School of in a Talent show! So we got a trip out! Acting where we had an acting lesson We started the day by getting on the bus. with a girl named Kate. She told us how When we got off the bus, we walked to the to warm up parts of our bodies for acting Smock Alley Theatre. We got a tour of the like our voices, body and our imagination. building. The theatre was established in We had to shout out our names, then we 1662 and it used to be a church. The biggest had to act out a photograph. Then Kate room in the building used to be a place gave us a story to act out. where they put dead bodies after a funeral. We really enjoyed our day out and That is where the main shows are played. learned a lot about being an actor! There were three rows. If you were in the bottom (the pit), you were working class. If Eric Lambert and Joe Fitzgerald (Rang 5)

Síol Page 2 The teachers here at Scoil Chiaráin strive The school is packed with fun activities. Why Scoil to give the children the best education We always get to try out new things, as possible. The principal of our school, like golf, kick-boxing, rowing and much Chiaráin CBS Ms Harte, is a loving and caring person. more. Everyone has great fun playing She always tries her best to look after these games. Recently, our old backfield, is the Best every student as best as she can. She is battered and muddy, was converted into a Scoil Chiaráin CBS responsible for bringing in new initiatives brand new all-weather pitch by a company such as a yearly talent exhibition, an called Pride Sports. Boys can now use the To most, Scoil Chiaráin CBS is an average, active and green school committee, pitch before for P.E., training and athletic everyday school, but not to the pupils, healthy eating and a student council. The events. As we have just pointed out, Scoil the parents and the community. Scoil staff in our school are also great. They Chiaráin is not just an ordinary school, Chiaráin is so much more than just a give out helpful tips and advice to any it’s our school and in our school, we will primary school in Dublin. It’s a school boy in need. They help us if there is ever always say that Scoil Chiaráin CBS is the where everyone has a chance to do a problem. All grownups do their job to best school in Ireland. something great, a place where everyone the highest standard, from second class is welcome from all parts of the world, By Darren Kearney Saul and Adam Poole all the way up to Room 10, 11 and 6. no matter what race or religion they are. Flanagan (Rang 6)

mid-term. Many other students including 6th years choose to “Running for Life” run with us. Each student receives a “marathon chart” which Coláiste Choilm is stamped for every kilometer they complete. A presentation occurs at the end of the school year awarding students with The “Running for Life” programme began in September, 2014. medals/certificates for their personal achievement. This is the third very successful year of it. The objectives of this initiative are to improve our students’ physical and This programme is specifically tailored and designed for mental well-being in a society of increasing pressures on all students, not just the elite sports people. It’s not about our young people. Our hope is that the programme will also winning, but participation and personal improvement. enhance students’ self-esteem and confidence. Because of this, the initiative is a compulsory part of students’ P.E. programme. It is also in line with the The initiative draws its inspiration from two ideas: Operation Department of Education’s guidelines requesting schools to Transformation and the notion of the marathon. Students educate our students with regard to health and fitness. aim to complete a marathon distance (42km) over 5 weeks plus a “catch-up” week; 5km after school on a Tuesday More importantly we have found that students feel good and 3km at the beginning of students’ P.E. class (8km per about their achievements and about themselves. Some pupils week). Students are placed into groups according to their gain in fitness and others find that they love running and cardiovascular fitness (bleep test). Eight teacher volunteers exercise more than they ever imagined they would. What’s run with the students and lead a group each week. The T.Y. more, there is an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere class also mentor and help to lead a group and this year surrounding the runs and the rapport between teachers and we have second years also mentoring individual first year students is enhanced as students and teachers alike battle the students to help support and encourage them as they run/ same hills and the same winds! The odd day the wind is even jog/walk. We also run this programme for second years in at our backs! September of each year and then for first years after February

Summer 2016 Page 3 Zambia Immersion Project St. Fintan’s High School

Since 2013 St. Fintan’s HS has been Sables. Most live in basic makeshift involved with a Zambia Immersion mud huts and experience daily poverty Project based in Kabwe, Zambia. Kabwe that we in Ireland would find hard to is a small town situated around two comprehend. Many of them have lost hours north of Lusaka, the capital city one or both of their parents at a young of the country, with a population of just age. Despite this, they are the happiest, over 200,000 people. St. Fintan’s HS has fun-loving children that you could ever raised close to €40,000 for the project wish to meet and take great delight in since we started fundraising 4 years ago. attending the school every day. The love The money raised goes directly towards that they receive in the school acts as a the building and maintenance of a new source of hope in their lives. school in the town, called Sables, which We have visited Kabwe twice, in 2013 and benefits a large group of disadvantaged 2015, to help with the building of Sables local children (aged 7yrs – 16yrs) living and to spend time with the kids there. in the area. The children are from a local A group of teachers and Transition Year slum called Makalulu and some have to students are currently preparing to visit walk two hours every morning to reach again in June 2017.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ St. Fintan’s High School

St. Fintan’s High School, Sutton, Dublin Staged entirely ‘in house’ by the St. Fintan’s 13, staged a remarkable production of staff team of Ms Ruth Barry (Art Design & William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Set Design), Ms Louise Neylon (Costumier), Night’s Dream over three nights in March. Ms Sophie Buckley (Choreographer) and Eighteen contemporary boyband and Mr Stephen Slattery (Director), the show girlband hit songs were inserted into the played to three sold out audiences. narrative which recounts mismatched This was the tenth consecutive musical and mixed up couples in an enchanted staged with students from the TY group. wood, where the interference of some Girls from the neighbouring St. Dominic’s mischievous fairies and sprites causes Santa Sabina again filled out half the cast more problems for all! and crew membership.

Síol Page 4 Carlow 1916 Centenery Celebrations St. Fintan’s High School

Proclamation Day CBS Waterpark Waterpark CBS marked 15th March it was National Proclamation Day and each school in the country had to mark the occasion with various aspects/ themes that recognise our national identity. We began the day with our Principal Mr. Beecher explaining the significance and history behind our National Flag and then, accompanied by the 1st year students, we raised the flag at the front of our school. Later in the day the students gathered in the School Hall and as part of the novel event, they explored the last 100 years on this island, celebrating the momentous occasion through means of song, drama, music and poetry.

We were joined by guest speaker, Julie ffWaterpark Student Reads The Proclamation Phelan who gave an account of how her family had direct links to the signing of the Proclamation and she encouraged us all to trace our ancestors who were alive at the time of the ‘Rising’ to see what part they played in securing Ireland’s Independence. 5th Year student, Conor Donegan wrote a poem encompassing the events of 1916 and another 5th Year student, Nathan Carey produced a scene from the battle of the GPO which was re-enacted by our drama students. Caoimhe O’Shea performed some Irish dancing while Mr. Wheatley, Mr. Culloty, Ms. French and Stephen Nolan performed some traditional Irish music. The event concluded with all the students giving a resounding rendition of Amhrán Na Bhfiann. ffWaterpark CBS students display the National Flag with Principal Mr Tom Beecher

Summer 2016 Page 5 can get involved. They strongly encouraged all to follow their Homeless Awareness Event Facebook page ‘One Campaign for Change’ Ardscoil na Mara The Young Irish Filmmakers then aired their documentary on On the 9th March the Peace and Justice group of Ardscoil Na the issue of homelessness that they made in and this Mara, Tramore, Co. launched the ‘One Campaign for brought the event to a close. Change’ in an effort to end the homelessness crisis in Ireland. The event was truly uplifting as the passion of the young people Together with the Romero Institute of Peace and Justice, the involved was palpable but there was definitely a challenge to Peter McVerry Trust, CBS Midleton and Abbey Community all that attended. The challenge was in the startling statistics School Co Kilkenny, they have worked on designing the on homelessness in Ireland in 2016 and how these statistics are campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness among actually everyone’s responsibility. There is a need for us to walk young people around Ireland about the issue of homelessness in together on this campaign road and to get those in power to Ireland and it calls on them to be advocates for change in the take action to end the crisis. Ireland they live in. It was hoped that the outcome of the event would be to increase The event was attended by many other schools in the ERST the support for the ‘One campaign for Change ‘ and to invite network such as CBS Arklow, Coláiste Éanna, Ballyroan, other schools to join us on the road as we advocate for those in Ardscoil Rís in , Life Centre in Cork and Waterford our country who are homeless. This is already coming to light as schools such as . more schools have shown interest in joining the campaign. We were delighted to have as our keynote speaker Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, or Sr. Stan as she is affectionately known. As founder of Focus Ireland and social innovator she had so much to contribute to the event. She spoke of the reasons she founded Focus Ireland and the immense work they do. She also commended the students on their work to date but called on them to continue to pursue the issue until they see change occur. Also on the day we had two visiting exhibitions from Belfast called “Hidden Quarter and “Hidden Voices” on display. The photographic exhibition had images representing the experience of homelessness through the artistic vision of people who ffMr Paul Kelly, Deputy Principal, Midleton CBS, Dr Phil Brennan, are or were once homeless themselves. Cormac McAirt of the Romera Institute, Mount Sion, at the One Campaign For Change event in Ardscoil na Mara Westcourt Centre in Belfast talked us through the exhibition and gave input on how advocacy can be extremely powerful in making a change. The High Hopes Choir were also in attendance and they performed for us and were interviewed by Dr. Phil Brennan from the Romero institute of Peace and Justice in order to give us an insight into the reality of homelessness. Their true life stories brought to light the truth about homelessness, that no one ever wishes to be homeless and it can happen to anyone. Members of the Peace and Justice groups in Ardscoil Na Mara, CBS Midleton and Abbey Community School Co Kilkenny then ffMr Dan O’Leary, Cork Life Centre; Mr Cormac McAirt, Westcourt Centre, presented the information on the ‘One Campaign for Change’ Belfast; Ms Aoife Denton, Ardscoil na Mara; Mr Padraig Cawley, Principal, and gave an easy step by step explanation on how each school Ardscoil na Mara

Artifice 2016 Ardscoil na Mara Artifice is an innovative education project devised by Lismore Castle Arts in collaboration with schools through Co. Waterford. Ardscoil na Mara were delighted to be one of the eight specially selected schools to produce vibrant and imaginative works for this year’s exhibition which took place at Lismore Castle. Miss Driver (Art Teacher) and 4th year students all travelled to Lismore Castle for the official launch of Artifice 2016 and had a fantastic night. Parents, Staff and Management all attended the launch to support the students and admire the work on display.

Síol Page 6 Proclamation Day Ardscoil na Mara

Centenary celebrations commenced in song that Pearse whistled on the way to Ardscoil na Mara with the arrival of the his execution. Talented poets read aloud Third Battalion of the armed forces from self -composed poetry about life in 1916. the South Kilkenny Barracks. Lieutenant A rendition of the poem “1916” by W. B Shane Flood led a flag raising ceremony Yeats was delivered reminding everyone of the Irish tricolour on the school how “a terrible beauty was born”. grounds which was accompanied by Part of the 1916 commemorations Amhran na bhFiann, on the bagpipes. focused on making the Proclamation Within the school foyer the festivities of Independence relevant to the youth continued amidst the bunting of green, of today. How better to do this than white and orange. Fitting tribute was to encourage students to draft their paid to national figures such as Thomas version of a “Proclamation for a New Francis Meagher who first flew the Generation, 2016”? Students read aloud tricolour and Padraig Pearse who read their aspirations for the future of Ireland, the Irish Proclamation of Independence ideals of equality, peace and respect. outside the G.P.O. Students then enacted Indeed, the romantic heroes of Ireland the Easter Rising of 1916 in a play where were revered, history was brought the activities throughout Dublin were to life and the culture of Ardscoil na brought to life. Traditional Irish music Mara was enriched while celebrating echoed throughout the school as the Proclamation Day. lyrics of Oro se do Bheatha Bhaile were sung, a fitting choice as this was the

Comóradh 1916 Gaelscoil Sáirséal, Luimneach Faoi spéir gheal ghorm ar an 15ú Márta d’ardaigh Máirín Uí Ruairc-Tuathaigh bratach na hÉireann ar son pobal Gaelscoil Sáirséal. Tá Máirín bainteach leis an scoil ó thús mar bhall den Bhord Bainistíochta agus mar mhúinteoir rince. D’oibrigh daltaí agus foireann na scoile go dian chun clár iontach cultúrtha a chur faoi bhráid an slua mór a d’fhreastal ar an ócáid. Under a bright blue sky on March 15th, Máirín Uí Ruairc- Cumann Naomh Tuathaigh raised the Tricolour on behalf of the Gaelscoil Sáirséal Community. Máirín, a former member of our Board Uinseann de Pól of Management and our dancing teacher has been with us since our foundation in 1990 and it was a great honour for us Gaelscoil Sáirséal, Luimneach to invite her to raise our national flag. Our pupils and staff Bhain daltaí na scoile úsáid as a gcuid scileanna ceoil ar lá worked tirelessly to prepare a wonderful cultural programme in fhuar gheimhridh chun airgead a thiomsú ar son Cumann celebration of the 1916 centenary & Proclamation Day. áitiúil Naomh Uinseann de Pól. Chan siad agus sheinn siad carúil Nollag ar Shráid Uí Chonaill, Luimneach agus bhailigh siad €254. Tháinig Mícheál Ó Murchú, Leas- Uachtarán Náisiúnta an chumainn chun na scoileann chun an t-airgead, a fhanfaidh sa cheantar, a bhailiú. Our very talented pupils took to the streets on a bright winter’s morning just before Christmas to raise money for the local Saint Vincent de Paul Society. They entertained the Christmas Shoppers on O’Connell St in Limerick with their singing and traditional music, collecting a fantastic €254 in just 1 hour! The National Vice-President of the SVP called to the school to collect the money and assured us that the money our pupils raised would help needy families in our local community.

Summer 2016 Page 7 Kilkenny Hurler Visits Our inaugural CBS Secondary School in Carrick action- packed CBS, Carrick-On-Suir French Week CBS Secondary School students and staff welcomed the legendary Kilkenny Senior Hurler Henry Shefflin as he arrived with Bank of Ireland Carrick Branch - La Semaine representatives to talk to senior students on the virtues of saving and sport. The visit, organized by the school Bank of Ireland TY student management team, was a Francaise successful drive to encourage the TY year and 5th year students to open an account CBS, Carrick-On-Suir and save. Henry who works for the BOI was a welcome guest as his lifelong passion for sport and high profile as a brilliant hurler intrigued the young students. Henry Highlighting various aspects of the spoke about the opportunity to save and budget from a young age under the guidance language and culture, French Week of the School Bank incentive. He compared working with colleagues at the BOI or kicked off with a poster display and indeed in any career and life experiences, as applying the same characteristics and competition involving First, Second and skillsets learned, earned and shared in the world of sports. “Hard work, training, Transition Year students. Blue, white and commitment, loyalty, passion and loving what you are doing and keeping at it, is what red flags and bunting gave the school a drives you forward” he told the students. Henry talked about his school days and how “gallic flair” throughout the week. was very much a part of his life. The transition from Ballyhale NS to the big Transition and First year classes environment of St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny was a huge challenge to his confidence. sampled French breakfasts with cafe However he worked hard and during hurling practice he worked on his left hand side au lait, chocolat chaud and of course especially at home practicing against the gable wall. “Do that hard work and extra les croissants! bit yourself and you will overcome challenges facing you,” he said. Henry praised his Ballyhale Club, which he said supported him and his teammates throughout their Talks on French cuisine and regional training, encouraging them to be the best they could in all walks of life. “I have had specialities were given by Chef Robyn a great hurling career and have been very lucky and fortunate. I miss it and would O’Connell who brought along tasty love to be starting all over again”, said Henry “I am a Club player now and enjoy it samples for the lads. all.” He encouraged the students to balance their training with the right recovery and French at third level and beyond was right nutritional programmes and added ‘you learn more from your losses than your also part of the programme with a talk victories.’ A carved hurley on a stand was presented to Henry Shefflin by the students on French courses in the University of and Principal Billy O’Farrell thanked him for his visit and also the hard working BOI Limerick delivered by Catherine Jeanneau Carrick Branch Manager Donnacha Fahey and Anne Keating BOI School Branch Co- from the U.L. French Dept. ordinator, who had accompanied him. Before leaving Henry took time to talk to 2nd year students who are in training for the U/14 Rice Cup and answered questions. The school took on the appearance of a French village market when we welcomed Breton Crepe expert Fabrice. All classes got a chance to sample delicious crepes served by Fabrice in our recently opened canteen. The week concluded with a visit by a French Theatre Company who entertained Second and Third year classes with interactive drama sketches, in French of course! Well done and many thanks to French CBS Secondary School Students Present teacher Ms. Linda Barry who put huge effort into making this week such an Fundraise for Marie Keating Foundation enjoyable experience for all. CBS, Carrick-On-Suir A cheque for €210 was presented to Marie Keating Foundation representative, Maeve Fitzgerald, Community Information Nurse for the Munster region, by the CBS Secondary School Students Council on Wednesday 15th April. Funds were raised through a recent non-uniform day organised by the Students Council and supported by all students. A talk was given to 5th year students by Maeve Fitzgerald on cancer to raise awareness of the disease, its many forms and the importance of early detection. Leaflets and information on the many forms of cancer were also available to the students along with advice on making the right choices to lead a healthy life. She thanked the students for their kind donation to the Marie Keating Foundation Charity. A cheque for €210, also raised from the non-uniform day, has been donated to the charity, 3T’s (Turn The Tide of Suicide).

Síol Page 8 CBS Secondary CBS Students Enter MSD Bright School Welcome Ideas Competition Guest Speaker CBS, Carrick-On-Suir Three 2nd year students from CBS Secondary School in Carrick-on-Suir are Fionnbar Walsh participating in MSD Bright Ideas Competition. Laurence Ahearn, Christopher Walsh CBS, Carrick-On-Suir and Andrew Dermody are researching, observing, recording and investigating hands- on for their scientific analysis on their chosen challenge and how this may be resolved Special guest Fionnbar Walsh from Co. based on their experiments and conclusive evidence. Kerry, the father of the late teenager Donal Walsh who died from cancer in Laurence is studying the growth of salmonella in chickens and Christopher and May 2013, gave a poignant talk to 5th Andrew are raising awareness of bovine TB among the local farming community. year and TY CBS students in Carrick. The Merck Sharp and Dohme new science competition is open to all secondary school Donal, a healthy and sporty child from students and the Ballydine Plant in Tipperary is fully supportive of encouraging young Tralee had been diagnosed with Osteo students to become involved in scientific research where they can singly or collectively Sarcoma (bone cancer) at the age of 12 study behavior and lifestyles of people, plants and animals and identify areas where and battled his illness tirelessly, through science may help them, through the use of apps, helpful devices and modifications of treatments and operations for four years these to improve their circumstances. It is hoped that this will encourage students to before dying at the age of 16. During this take an interest in the world of science which offers potential for vast exploration in time he fundraised to help provide age to medical research and the development of devices to identify issues and help with appropriate teenage facilities in hospital the preservation and quality of life and health for all living beings, animals, fauna and and hospice centres and raised funds of flora for the future. €50,000 for St. John’s Cancer Ward in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, which rose to €65,000 following his death. His father spoke passionately Proclamation Day Commemoration about his son who was angry at teenage Wexford Primary School suicide while he tried to get as much out of life as possible in the time he had left. The centre-piece of the Proclamation the parents of the late Cadet David Donal wrote a heart -wrenching article, Day Commemoration Ceremonies in Jevens, a past-pupil and member of the one of many, in which he stated, “I feel CBS Primary School, Loch Garman Air Corps who was killed in a flying angry that these people choose to take was the dedication of a new space accident while training in 2009. their life to ruin their family and to leave – Gairdín na Saoirse – in the newly- behind a mess that no one can clean up The school choir sang ‘Grace’ and developed car park. while here I am with no choice in my pupil representatives of each class read sentence, trying as best I can to prepare The Mayor of Wexford planted the last their Class Proclamations. An outdoor my family and friends for what’s about of 16 native yew trees which represent concert of Irish music, song and dance to come and to leave as little mess as both the year of the Rising and followed the singing by the whole possible.” These profound words were its Centenary. assembly of Amhrán na bhFiann. taken from an article written by Donal as The youngest girl and boy in Photographs by Ger Dwyer, Caretaker a call to his peers encouraging them to the school unveiled a specially live life to the fullest. The CBS Student commissioned black marble plaque. Council and Principal Billy O’Farrell The seven-sided plaque represents the thanked Fionnbar for visiting their school Seven Signatories of the Proclamation and taking time to talk to the students. and bears the official logo of the They presented him with a cheque for Centenary. The inscription on the €200 in aid of the ‘Donal Walsh #Livelife plaque reads ‘Cherishing all our Foundation’ set up by his family to Children Equally’, which is inspired promote Donal’s anti-suicide message as by the aspirations expressed in well as forwarding his cause of providing the Proclamation. age appropriate teenage facilities in hospital and hospice centres. The commemoration was also attended by four members of the Defence Forces, three of whom are recent past-pupils and one a mother of a recent-past-pupil. They read the Proclamation and were presented with the Tri-colour which they raised to the sound of a trumpet. Special guests on the occasion were

Summer 2016 Page 9 All-Ireland Equestrian success for Andy CBS Kilkenny First year student, Andy O’Donnell, won the All-Ireland Inter-Schools Hunter Trials on March 12th 2016. Hosted by Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, more than 170 competitors battled it out in the Junior Competition. Andy completed the fastest clear round of the day. On his pony, Onyx, Andy completed the 24 fence round in an impressive 4.39 minutes. Very well done, Andy. It is a great achievement. Cantwell wins PExpo National Title CBS Kilkenny On March 11 2016, fifth year student Conor Cantwell competed in PExpo 2016 in Trinity Comprehensive School in Ballymun Dublin. There were more than 400 students competing at the event. All projects at the competition were sports related. Conor’s project was functional movement training in Young GAA players which won the performance and sports psychology category. Conor also won the overall prize and will now present to students in University of Limerick as well as at the PE Teachers conference in Cork next October. CBS Kilkenny golfing triumph CBS Kilkenny Every year, CBS Kilkenny fields a school golf team. This year, the standard is very high, with the team recently winning the Leinster Schools Senior Matchplay Final at Carlow Golf Club, to progress to the All-Ireland stages. Under the tutelage and guidance of Mr. Sean Breathnach, the students have gone from strength to strength in the schools competitions. Well done to the winners from Bobby O’Mahony, Jack Walsh, Martin Power, Kevin Power and Mackenzie Davin. Technology success in CBS Tráth na gCeist CBS Kilkenny CBS Kilkenny Warmest congratulations to Cathal O’Dwyer O’Brien who Ghlac trí fhoireann ó Mheánscoil na mBráithre páirt i gcomórtas received third place in Ireland in Technology in his Leaving Tráth na gCeist eagraithe ag Feachtas a bhí ar siúl i gColáiste Certificate in 2015. Cathal’s achievement and that of his teacher Pobail Osraí an tseachtain seo chaite. D’éirigh go maith leo agus Mr. PJ McCormack was recognised at the Annual Technology chríochnaigh ceann de na foirne ó Mhéanscoil na mBráithre Teachers National awards on Saturday 5th March 2016 in sa chéad áit. Ghlac an fhoireann sin páirte i gCraobh na GMIT . hÉireann i mBaile Átha Cliath i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016. Chríochnaigh said sa dara áit. This is not the first time Mr McCormack’s achievements have been recognised nationally. Dylan Dooley was placed third Comhghairdeas le Caoimhín de Baróid, Jeaic Ó Geargáin, Ultan in Ireland in his Leaving Certificate Technology in 2014, and Ó Conraoi agusMarc Ó Coinne i gCraobh na hÉireann. a Department of Education Inspection report in 2014 highly Three teams from CBS took part in the Tráth na gCeist praised Mr. McCormack’s teaching methods and outcomes. competition organised by Feachtas in Coláiste Pobail Osraí last This was a fantastic achievement for Cathal who designed an week. They got on well and one of the teams from CBS finished automatic tablet dispenser for use in refugee camps. Cathal is in first place. That team took part in the All-Ireland Finals in currently studying Engineering in University College Dublin. Dublin during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016, but unfortunately missed out narrowly on first place.

Síol Page 10 Tony O’Brien RIP, friend and benefactor of CBS Kilkenny

CBS Kilkenny Tony O’Brien was one of the leading business executives of his day. He served The school community is deeply saddened as Chief Executive of C&C for 21 years, to learn of the death of Tony O’Brien RIP, was Director of CRH, Past President of friend and benefactor of the school, and IBEC and Chairman of the Review Body on after whom the Tony O’Brien Scholarship higher remuneration in the Public Service. Fund was named. In 2002 he was appointed Chairman of A native of Piltown, Co.Kilkenny and a CBS C&C, a position he held until his retirement Carrick on Suir man himself, Tony lived in 2010 having spent 40 years with the When news of his death filtered through most of his life in Dublin but never really group. C&C plc established the Tony the school on Friday Dec 18 2015, the left Kilkenny. His greatest thrill was to O’Brien Scholarship Fund to honour this students were so impressed that a man witness his home county win yet another Kilkenny man who had contributed so could so value education and be so All Ireland Senior Hurling Final and both much to industry in general and to C&C personally generous that they wished to his working and leisure life were organised in particular. This was Tony’s wish, that form a guard of honour at his funeral around that first Sunday in September in students of this school would be enabled to and offer their sympathies to his wife the hope that Kilkenny would make the attend UCD’s Quinn Business School and Frances who is also a good friend of the final. He was overjoyed when on a visit to perhaps follow in his footsteps. To date nine school, his son Shane and his extended the school Mr. let him hold, for students have been worthy winners of this family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a his first time, the Liam McCarthy! most generous and prestigious award. anam dílís.

praised the school communities, teaching staff, the Dept of New Pitch for CBS Kilkenny Education & Skills (DES), local businesses and supporters. CBS Kilkenny Representing the DES on the day was a great supporter and past pupil of CBS KIlkenny, Bill Kavanagh. On Monday, October 19 2015, we were delighted to welcome Aogán Ó Fearghail, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, to To mark the opening of the pitch, CBS Kilkenny secondary officially cut the ribbon at the redeveloped Brothers’ Field on school hosted the annual Tournament. The son Stephens Street. On a day that marked the end of five years of of Jim Langton, also Jim, presented the Jim Langton cup to work and fundraising by CBS Kilkenny primary and secondary the victorious team, CBS Midleton. Bishop of Ossory, Seamus schools, the sun shone down unseasonably and added great Freeman, did the honour of blessing the pitch. enjoyment to the occasion. Mr Clarke thanked all those who had contributed in so many For the last five years, both schools and their respective Boards ways to the project, and remembered the many decades of of Management have worked hard to fundraise and oversee hard work and dedication which the Christian Brothers have so the redevelopment of the field into a top-class pitch. In his generously given to the community. Mr McCarthy reiterated the address, Mr Ó Fearghail paid tribute to principals Mr Tom sentiments of Mr Ó Fearghail’s inaugural address as Uachtarán Clarke, Mr Donal McCarthy and his predecessor Mr Denis Chumann Luthchleas Gael, when he said that every person in O’Reilly. Foresight, energy and determination were the main the community plays an important role in the promotion of sport attributes which brought the work to fruition on the day. He and physical prowess in our young people. The benefits sport told the gathered crowd that sport helped not only our physical brings are manifold. wellbeing, but also our mental wellbeing. He also graciously Mr Eddie Holohan from the CBS Secondary Board of acknowledged that he was in the county where the best hurlers Management performed his role of master of ceremonies with in the world lived! His address was warmly received as he ease and eloquence.

Caitríona O’Brien - RIP, course of her twenty five years in the in the South East and at national level school, Caitríona brought cheer, positivity and held many roles, including President In Loving Memory of a and a terrific sense of humour to her of the Branch. She went on to become Dear Colleague many interactions with students and staff. President of the Irish Ladies Hockey Caitríona was a highly regarded teacher Union from 1999-2000 and was a key CBS Kilkenny of Geography and Maths to Leaving figure in the amalgamation of the two It is with great sadness that the CBS Certificate Higher level. former Unions, ILHU & IHU, in May 2000. Kilkenny community learned of the Among the many extra-curricular areas We extend our deepest sympathies passing of Caitríona O’Brien, a much in which she played a part, Caitríona to Noel and Mary Ellen, and both the loved and highly respected colleague, was a formidable driving force behind O’Brien and Hayes families on their loss. teacher and friend. the equestrian success of the school She will be very fondly remembered in Caitriona passed away peacefully on and thoroughly enjoyed her time with CBS Kilkenny. March 1st 2016 and will be sorely missed the teams over the years. Separately, Ní bheidh a leithéid inár measc arís, RIP. by her friends in CBS Kilkenny. Over the Caitriona was very involved in hockey

Summer 2016 Page 11 Edmund Rice Autism Centre Officially Opened CBS Roscommon

October marked an exciting new chapter and students who were wholeheartedly Brother Michael Heffernan cfc, a past in the history of the CBS Roscommon, embracing this new element of school life. principal of the school and a former with the official opening of the school’s People have tended to call this the autism resident of the old monastery spoke state of the art Autism Centre. unit. We are calling it as you can see the about the life of Edmund Rice and the Edmund Rice Autism Centre. A unit is one educational legacy he had created in The event, which took place on a blustery part of a whole. The centre is at the core, Roscommon. He fondly remembered October morning, celebrated the amazing and this is now at the core of who we are his time within the house and was transformation of the old monastery - an here at Roscommon CBS. astounded by the transformation that historic building which had fallen into had taken place there since he had serious disrepair - into a stunning, bright Two Kerry writers lived in Listowel, John left. Another student of the Centre - and inspirational space. The Centre B. Keane and Bryan McMahon. When one Paul Adetunji - presented Br. Michael pays homage to its esteemed past, with was asked did he get on with the other, with a framed picture “Buiochas” many of the building’s beautiful original he said, we live in the same square but we from Ethel Kelly, Knockcroghery in features having been carefully preserved. move in different circles! County Roscommon. History merges seamlessly with This is the centre of our circle here at This was followed by a tour of the modernity throughout the Centre – it Roscommon CBS. building, where Monsignor Travers gave contains a new multi-media sensory It was the vision of Edmund Rice to prayers of blessing for the new Centre. It room and classrooms which are equipped bring those in need to the centre, and was then officially opened by Br. Michael with up-to-the-minute resources to help here we are keenly aware that we need Heffernan to much applause. students along the autistic spectrum to to cater and create a vibrant educational achieve their potential. Overall, it was an emotional and joyful environment for all. day for the entire school community Principal Ms. Fiona Gallagher, welcomed It is significant that this was the Brothers’ as they recognised and celebrated the all those who attended the event - past home. How wonderful a sign of their colossal work that went into making and present members of the staff, continuing legacy to our education. And this Centre a reality, and the hugely management and Board of Management we want those who are educated here to positive impact it will have on the CBS – and recounted the journey that had be at home. and its surrounding areas. The school occurred since the school first received was privileged to be a part of such a word that they had received the funding The Centre’s first student – Dec Healy – worthwhile and inclusive project and for the Centre. She emphasised that it was and his teacher Ms. Grainne Sheerin spoke look forward to seeing it grow and thrive a Centre as opposed to a Unit, because about the wide range of subjects that they along with its students over the coming it was not a standalone entity, but an cover in the Centre. Traditional music was years. We wish to thank all those who integral part of the school community provided by Alan Hill, Lennox Musa and helped out, including the students who and the CBS campus. Ms. Gallagher Roddie McGuinness. Teacher Ms. Karen came in especially to help on the day. commended the work of the teachers Flynn also played the accordion.

Síol Page 12 Zambia Revisited – Millimo’s story… Seventeen students and five teachers spent two weeks working with the Christian Brothers network in Zambia in May 2013. Most of our time was spent in the town of Kabwe, a town in the north of ffMillimo Hamukombo Zambia, where Brother Stephen has built and developed a community centre to Oatlands College. She has secured top the level of medical support she is already serve the needs of the local community. marks in every exam she has taken to giving to the wider population after only Young people receive education and date. Before Christmas this year she eighteen months of nursing training. This training in the community centre and went to work for a month as a trainee is an indication of how much we, who are there is a computer room in which they nurse to a small town in rural Zambia so much more financially blessed than can learn basic computer skills to enable called Mpunde. On her return she sent our African brothers, can achieve with them to secure employment. I worked us this report. “My experience in Mpunde relatively small investments of time and with them on basic CVs and formal letters was so educational. I had the experience energy. It should show us that even small of application as well as issues of personal of giving immunization to children from initiatives on our part can have huge long presentation, self-esteem and how to birth up until the time they get fully term effects in the less developed parts of conduct oneself in a formal interview. immunised. We could give them a BCG our world. vaccine against tuberculosis, PCV vaccine One young woman, Millimo Hamukombo, Over the coming decades our work in against pneumonia, OPV vaccine against who was part of the team running the Oatlands in fundraising for our work in poliomyelitis, Rota vaccine against severe centre wanted to explore further how she Zambia will bear fruit in the work of the diarrhoea plus the measles vaccine. could improve her CV and preparation Christian Brothers’ project which we will for the world of work. I discovered that I also learnt how to manage a pregnant continue to support. Alongside that, in in an ideal world she would have loved mother who came for her first antenatal 2016 Millimo Hamukombo will qualify as to progress onto nursing school but, due booking and how to withdraw blood for a nurse and our work in supporting her to her personal family circumstances and most investigations such as RPR for syphilis, will have transformed what she will be the fees of higher education in Zambia, HIV and HB. I learnt how to give them capable of providing to her community this would not be possible. iron supplements like ferrous sulphate and during her working life. folic acid. I could educate them on signs of After my discussion with her I raised Hopefully, when next Oatlands College danger during pregnancy which includes her case with my fellow teachers and we sends another group of students and oedema of the legs, drowsiness and severe decided to do what we could to support teachers to work with the Christian headaches which may indicate anaemia, her if she were to proceed to nursing Brothers in Zambia, they will see the which predisposes the foetus to foetal distress training. Between us and supported by the benefits of the work of previous student due to reduced flow of blood to the placenta. I fund raising we had undertaken before groups from the college. We live in an was able to handle the delivery of four babies the trip we encouraged her to apply for a interdependent world and we may well competently alone though under supervision, place in her local nursing training school. discover that the support that we have because we were being assessed and given This she did in the summer of 2013. freely given to our brothers and sisters in marks according to how we got on.” Africa will return to us tenfold in benefits Millimo is now in the middle of her In reading Millimo’s account of her work to our own society in the years ahead. second year of her nursing training in Mpunde one cannot but be struck by supported by students and staff of Guys & Dolls Oatlands College The Transition Year students of Oatlands College and the Dominican College Sion Hill enjoyed great success with their March production of musical Broadway classic “Guys and Dolls”. Oatlands College has a rich and successful musical history, with this year’s production marking the eleventh successive year. The boys from Oatlands have teamed up with the girls from Sion Hill to work on a musical project. In previous years, Oatlands has enjoyed great success with productions as diverse as Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables and Hairspray. 2016’s Guys and Dolls featured classic Broadway hits such as “Luck Be a Lady”, “I’ve Never Been In Love Before” and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat”, performed by over 150 TY students.

Summer 2016 Page 13 Zambia Immersion Project 1916 Commemoration Day Coláiste Éamann Rís. Callan. Co.Kilkenny Coláiste Éamann Rís. Co.Kilkenny On 15th March Coláiste Éamann Rís had a commemorative event to mark 100 years since the 1916 rising. In this event we had songs, guest speakers, the reading of the proclamation, re- enactments and the raising of the tri-colour to mention but a few of the activities involved. The mayor of Kilkenny Joe Malone, along with County Councillors Matt Doran and David Kennedy attended on the day. Guest speaker on the day was Jim Meagher, author of The Flying Columns in west Kilkenny”. Former teacher of our school, and piper Mr. Denis Ryan, returned to play the National Anthem at the end of the event. Among the guests was former Principal of the school Frank McKenna, members of Board of Management and Parents Council who all thoroughly enjoyed the event. Irish TV visited the school to film the special event and it aired on TV a number of weeks later, showing all that is good in Coláiste Éamann Rís. Many thanks to all teachers and staff who participated in what was a very memorable day for our school. A special mention must be given to Mr. Hickey, Mr. Casey and Mr. Butler who dedicated a lot of time and effort in the preparations for the day. Gamal Abdel Nasser said of his African nation “We are a sentimental people, we prefer a few kind words rather than Juvenile Hurling millions of dollars given in a humiliating way” U-14 Hurling in the school provided a number of wins for It is this warmth and welcome to visitors that will remain Coláiste Éamann Rís. Unbeaten in the league campaign with central in the minds of the two teachers Martina Griffin and victories over Ramsgrange, Ballyhale and Grennan it was James Murtagh from Coláiste Éamann Rís, Callan, Co Kilkenny looking as if the Callan boys could compete for silverware in who spent their Easter holidays in Lusaka, Zambia. This trip the South Leinster Championship. However, coming up against commenced preparation for the return immersion programme a very strong Carnew side in the quarter final proved to be a next Easter with 15 students and third teacher Cian Ryan. stumbling block for Coláiste Éamann Rís as they bowed out Over the two and a half weeks in Africa James and Martina of the competition. All panel members put in a huge effort were hosted by the local Christian Brothers at the International throughout the year training and playing challenge matches Spiritual Centre at Avondale, Lusaka. James and Martina in all sorts of conditions. The future looks bright for hurling in joined Br Nsamu Moonga on his daily visits to homes, schools Coláiste Éamann Ris! and orphanages. Blessed Edmund Rice opened his whole heart to the poor; compassion was at the heart of what he was about. Immersion such as this is a unique and inspirational expression of the Edmund Rice ethos. Both teachers felt privileged to have encountered first hand victims of poverty and injustice. Our return group of students will act as ambassadors for their school, parishes and families as they forge links through charitable work on farms, in schools, orphanages and housing compounds. Preparation for our return involves two elements- preparing the students for their immersion with useful information on African culture and a fundraising aspect. Significant time is also given on reflections to nourish the Badminton students’ well being, in a spiritual, physical and emotional sense- before, during and after the trip. Coláiste Éamann Rís brought a record 12 students to the badminton competition held in the Watershed this year playing We are no doubt as to the rewards that will be reaped by our a total of 78 games, competing at U-14, U-16 and U-19 levels. young students in terms of character building and personal Coach Mr D. Walton said overall it was a very successful year in growth as a result of this trip. Badminton for Coláiste Éamann Rís with titles at U16 and U19 In the words of Nelson Mandela- level. Badminton is just one of the many sports offered at our school providing the pupils with a wide range of activities to get “Education is the most powerful weapon which you involved in outside of the classroom. can use to change the world”

Síol Page 14 movement which believes that there is Soar Team greatness within all young people. Soar KCLR Broadcast act on this by creating and delivering Visit Coláiste early intervention-preventative wellness Live workshops inside and outside of the Coláiste Éamann Rís, Co.Kilkenny Éamann Rís school system for young people aged 12 Coláiste Éamann Rís were delighted to Coláiste Éamann Rís. Co.Kilkenny to 18 years from all backgrounds. welcome local radio station KCLR out On Tuesday, 23rd February, Tony Griffin Soar believes that within all young people to our school where they broadcasted (Clare ex-hurler) visited the school with is an immense greatness that often lies live for the morning. The KCLR team the Soar Team. Soar creates and delivers beneath fear, self-doubt and a sense of interviewed pupils and staff about a interactive workshops with young people disengagement from society. The youth whole range of topics such as sports, in Primary and Secondary schools of Ireland need our collective support music, drama, subjects, school trips and throughout Ireland. These workshops to believe in themselves. Soar is 100% much more. It was a great opportunity for offer young people a unique space where dedicated to playing our part in changing the pupils and teachers to portray all the they can have honest conversations about this story. Soar want our young people to great things that happen in our school. their dreams and any challenges that be true to their hearts call, to live their The students enjoyed the opportunity stop them from being free to be who they best life possible. to speak on the radio and express want. Our group of students thoroughly their views of school life in Coláiste By empowering each young person enjoyed the opportunity to express Éamann Rís. to take ownership of their lives and themselves and discuss issues that arise exploring what is important to them, in the everyday life of a teenager. Soar is igniting a major shift in attitude What is Soar? Soar is a collective amongst young people all around Ireland. Drogheda Update St. Joseph’s CBS, Drogheda.

The boys in St. Joseph’s along with the little brown coin was not lost on the pupils Youth Centre also to sums of €350 and general school community have shown a – from the little acorn the large oak! €250 respectively. solid commitment to the spirit of Edmund In March, 6th class boys taking part The school is also actively engaged this Rice throughout this year. in the Louth Junior Entrepreneur year in achieving the Active Schools Flag During the month of November a Copper Programme, having faced the “Dragons and our Biodiversity 5th Green Flag. Hunt was initiated in the school and in the Den” chose to organise the “St. The 1916 Commemoration Day on over a fortnight period the brown coins Joseph’s School Second Hand Sale” giving March 15th was a huge success as all collection grew steadily. Sixth class boys a share of the proceeds to the local “Gary members of our school community were then took on the task of counting, bagging Kelly Cancer Support Centre” which very represented at the flag raising ceremony and weighing in preparation for banking. gratefully received a cheque for €250 and the outdoor celebration consisting A very creditable €340 had been amassed from the boys. of drama, poetry and song was greatly to be donated to the Edmund Rice Non uniform days in the school have enjoyed. It was a commendable marking Development Fund. The lesson of how we benefitted Trócaire and local Boomerang of the occasion. should never underestimate the value of a

Summer 2016 Page 15 ffBishop Leahy Concelebrating The Bicentenary Mass ffThe famous “Sexton Street CBS”

Echoing the events of the centenary of of Limerick the school has produced Celebrating the arrival of the Christian Brothers and countless more entertaining and to Limerick in 1916, when a band led fascinating recollections of the influence 200 years since the Congregation back up to the school of CBS Sexton Street. from St. John’s Cathedral, the 2016 For generations of young men CBS the Christian congregation were pipped back up to Sexton Street has provided them with nearby Sexton Street by the CBS Pipe an education both inside and outside the Brothers first Band. It is interesting to note that the classroom, with a strong emphasis on planned centenary celebrations were came to Limerick the academic side of school life, balanced with the extra-curricular activities on 1816‑2016 the sports fields and in the area of music, drama and art. A rich narrative of this Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street broad Sexton Street education illuminates 2016 has been earmarked for some time all 624 pages of this book. as an important occasion in the life of What has also become evident in the the community of CBS Sexton Street, writing of this book are the strong with a number of celebrations planned to friendships formed between the students mark the bicentenary of the arrival of the of Sexton Street during their time in Christian Brothers in Limerick. Central this school. to the celebrations planned was the Bi- Centenary Mass in St. John’s Cathedral, CBS Sexton Street has always sought, and curtailed as martial law was in place in a 600 page book entitled CBS 200 and a continues to seek, to equip students for the city as a result of the events of the Carol Service in St. Michael’s Church, the life after school and does so by offering Easter Rising of 1916. parish in which the schools, both primary a strong academic base coupled with a and secondary, are located. broad extra-curricular programme where CBS 200 students learn the value of working as Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street has part of a team. CBS Sexton Street is and continues to have a huge influence CBS 200 - 624 pages from 1816-2016. unique amongst secondary schools in locally, nationally and internationally. The book, CBS 200, gives a wonderful its sporting history in having won the The Christian Brothers first came to account of the impact of Sexton Street on senior provincial cups in hurling (the Limerick in 1816, Following an invitation its alumni, on its city, on its country and Harty Cup), football (Corn UI Mhuirí), the to Br. Edmund Rice, by the then Catholic further afield. Many of these memories Munster Schools Senior Rugby Cup and Bishop of Limerick, Most Rev. Dr are retold and relived as evidenced in the Munster Schools Senior Soccer Cup. Charles Tuohy. the pages of this wonderful book, rich in stories and memories about, amongst The school has kept at its core its mission The Bicentenary Mass was the first others, Ned Daly (executed in 1916 and of providing a Catholic education in the celebration during this important year educated in Sexton Street); Philip Holland Edmund Rice tradition, including those of for the CBS Sexton Street community (inventor of the first working submarine different faiths and none. and took place in St. John’s Cathedral on and former teacher in Sexton Street); the Sunday 7th February 2016. Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street many Harty Cup triumphs; the 22 mayors today is a school of 500 pupils from 37

Síol Page 16 different nationalities, reflective of a welcoming, vibrant and diverse Sexton Deerpark CBS Street that continues to make a significant contribution to its community. The strong Proclaims its academic tradition continues and can be seen in the 152 past pupils who have Heritage won a JP McManus CBS Sexton Street Deerpark Scholarship since 1997 and which are Tuesday 15th March 2016, or awarded to the top 8 Leaving Certificate Proclamation Day, was a very special students each year. Success on the sports day as Irish schools across the country fields continues, most recently in soccer held a series of events that marked the and athletics with many Munster and centenary of the 1916 Rising. In Deerpark All-Ireland Cups brought back to Sexton CBS, a small DEIS school in the Edmund Street. Music continues with the CBS Pipe Rice tradition on the south-side of Cork ffA 1916 Centenary Address by Mr Kevin Barry, Band now over 50 years old, as well as City, the occasion was particularly Principal, Deerpark CBS. the school’s work with Music Generation notable as, apart from the raising of the which is showcasing the talents of even from the distance of a full century. Irish Flag at noon, students and staff held yet another generation of singers and He also drew from his own personal a range of special events and activities to musicians from Sexton Street. Those experiences working in Africa to illustrate proclaim their heritage. unique school friendships continue to what it means to be Irish today and of be formed in CBS and will last well into The day was deemed a Lá Glas (a how we should take great pride in how adulthood, whereby the memories of the non-uniform day when students were we are viewed internationally. current cohort of Sexton Street students encouraged to wear green rather than the Mr Barry then distributed copies of the will be recalled in reunions in the years uniform) and T.F. Meagher Foundation 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic to come. pin badges were sold with the proceeds to students. Special attention was given going to charity. The staff members It is indeed very exciting times for the to certain sections of the Proclamation joined in enthusiastically on the day current and future students of CBS which hold particular significance for the and, given that the school was already Sexton Street as the school has been rights and responsibilities we each enjoy bedecked in green white and orange for included in the most recent Major School today as citizens of a free nation. Seachtain na Gaeilge, there was a real Building Projects announced by the sense of occasion and national pride for The students were then treated to a Department of Education and Skills in all concerned on the day. military display of the Irish Volunteer November 2015, with ambitious plans uniforms, with local historian Noel for major refurbishment of the iconic In the afternoon, the entire school McCarthy and senior student Adam 1820s and 1840s buildings coupled with gathered in the hall for the Principal’s Duggan wearing the volunteer and officer modern annexes. 1916 Centenary Address. Principal Mr uniforms respectively. Mr McCarthy Kevin Barry initially spoke about the A huge debt of gratitude is owed to all spoke eloquently of the history and Irish flag and its origins and symbolism those involved in the various Bi-centenary function of the various elements of the of peace. He then outlined the main celebrations for the enormous amount uniform and of what life as a volunteer events leading to the 1916 Rising and its of time and effort they have given to would have been like one hundred international context, the terrible loss make this a year to remember and a Bi- years ago. of life that occurred on both sides and Centenary to remember for all associated how the event heralded a new reality for The History Department then held a very with CBS Sexton Street. Anglo-Irish relations. successful Tráth na gCeist (a table quiz) Tom Prendergast, Principal, Coláiste for the students on the history and legacy Mr Barry then linked how his own name Mhichíl, BS Sexton Street of the 1916 Rising. Following this, the and family connection to the great Cork students and staff members ended the Nationalist and Republican Tadhg Barry commemoration by rising to sing Amhrán helps him to relate personally to the na bhFiann with a new found sense of ensuing struggle for Irish independence, pride and place.

ffBr Edmund Garvey & Principal Tom Prendergast at the launch of the CBS 200 in Limerick. ffCelebrating Proclamation Day in Deerpark CBS.

Summer 2016 Page 17 1916 Commemorative Event St Joseph’s Fairview On Tuesday the 26th January, 2016, the Past Pupils Union, under the leadership of its president, Seán Ó Connell, hosted CBS Boys’ Choir a well-attended and universally praised event to mark St Joseph’s Fairview the hundredth anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Among the The choir boys from 3rd class in preparation for the attendance at this auspicious event were the following guests: Confirmation in St Mary’s Cathedral which was held on Rev. Fr. James McInerney OFM, C.C., Rev Br. Pat Madigan, Saturday, 12th March. This is an introduction to full C.F.C., the principals of St Joseph’s Primary and Secondary membership of the choir which they will join next September. Schools, O’Connell’s, Brunswick Street, Synge Street, Westland From then onwards they will participate in all choir activities Row and Belvedere College S.J., representative teachers and including, training in musicianship, vocal technique and pupils from those schools as well as the Presidents of their public performance. respective Past Pupil Unions. There were also other invited guests from the local parishes and Parents Councils and Following a very successful and enjoyable Choir Trip to so forth. Manchester last June and a wonderful performance at the Lions Concert just before Christmas, the senior choir is preparing for All in all, this fitting and moving commemoration was a very special ‘performance’ in early July - at the wedding of universally enjoyed and enthusiastically praised by all those former choir member, now teacher, Mr. Conor Leahy. in attendance. Mr. Cullen extended his thanks to the Principal and staff of the Primary school for hosting the event, to Sean We would like to sincerely thank Mr. Seamus Brennan, O’Connell, President of St Joseph’s P.P.U. for organising such a Choirmaster of the CBS Boys’ Choir, for his dedication, time fitting and successful presentation. The occasion was recorded and generosity in sharing his expertise with the members of on video for posterity. The morning ended with a light reception the school choir over the last thirty five years. A legacy of great hosted by St Joseph’s primary School. memories and accomplished singers follow him and his work.

Green School 2016 Scoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny In our quest to achieve our third green flag for water conservation, the CBS Kilkenny has not only been awarded the Green Flag, but have also been awarded ffPictured above clockwise from left are Mr Kevin Gillen (Primary Principal), Mr. Gerry Cullen (Secondary Principal) Mr Seán O’Connell (President St “Southern Region Water School of the Year”. The school Joseph’s P.P.U.) and Mrs G. O’Connell with Mr Joe Duffy (RTE). is one of only four primary schools chosen nationwide. This flag is an award for all our hard work and effort with conserving water in the school over the last two years. Lenten Campaign 2016 The first green flag was awarded for litter and waste St Joseph’s Fairview management and the second green flag was in recognition of our work conserving energy. All classes organised a variety of events, from sponsored walks and mini – marathons, to soccer tournaments. It is a huge achievement for the school and a testament to the hard work and determination of Ms. Boyle and her Well in excess of €40,000 has been raised by the boys and their Green School Committee. families since our Lenten campaign started in 2001. To date this year we have managed to raise approximately €2,500. We are The green flag and the very prestigous award, together very proud of them for their generous spirit and commitment to with prize money of €750 and a trophy, will be presented helping people less fortunate than themselves. to Ms. Caroline Boyle and representatives of the school at a ceremony in Dublin this May. The great work of the Christian Brothers abroad and a variety of our home based charities have benefited from the financial Who knows but the title of National Water School of the support over the years. Year 2016 may yet be coming to Scoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny.

Síol Page 18 Active School Flag Scoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny

Our school is working towards achieving and those who show improvements in 4. Winter Hurling leagues are in full an Active School’s Flag. An Active School physical activity. swing every Tuesday and Thursday. is a school that strives to achieve a We have set up a number of initiatives 5. The field is open every Monday, physically educated and physically active to get children more physically active Wednesday and Friday for all classes school community. throughout the school day: to improve their hurling skills. We have signed up for the Laya 1. ‘Move-It Monday’: children are There is a strong focus on PE at the Healthcare Super Troopers programme involved in aerobic exercises in their moment with teachers planning together where every child receives a physical line after both lunch breaks. Exercise and ensuring the children get 60 minutes activity homework journal and completes ranges from jumps, squats and jogs to of physical education each week. All ideas exercises and activities each night with burpees. are welcome and can be placed in the family and friends as homework. ‘Suggestion Box’ upstairs or downstairs 2. ‘Wake- up Wednesday’: the boys jog Designed by health and fitness experts, beside the Active Schools Board. or walk around the pitch at their it’s hoped the mix of high-intensity, leisure before school and their aim is We would like to thank Mr. Bergin, Ms. family-based exercise routines and tips to achieve their own potential. The O’Grady and the Active School Committee on nutrition will help school children children are trying to improve the for their commitment and hard work in and parents form long-term healthier number of laps they can do each week, ensuring the success of this initiative. attitudes and behaviours. Children are some boys are even timing their laps! encouraged to spend 10-15 minutes doing A big thank you also to Mr. Bergin, Ms. each activity and parents are asked to 3. Children are participating in classroom O’Grady, Mr. Prendergast, Mr. Roberts sign off each activity at the end of the activities every Thursday at 12 o’clock. and Mr. Reidy for promoting hurling by week, just as they would regular school Each class has a Go Noodle account refereeing matches, coaching and helping work. Prizes will be awarded for children and they work up exercise minutes. the boys to improve their hurling skills. who make an effort to be active each day,

Ambassador’s Visit: Blarney St CBS. Blarney Street was delighted to welcome his excellency Ambassador Séamus O’ Grady to our school yesterday. His visit was part of the 5th class Irish Aid Awards project. Blarney Street CBS has a long association with helping education projects in Zambia, the most recent of which include fundraising jumble sales, cake sales and even a whole school musical “Joseph” with proceeds going to a school in Kabwe. Ambassador O’ Grady spoke to the whole school about his role as Irish Ambassador to Zambia and conducted a Questions & Answers session with the 5th class. It was a great honour for the school to host such a prestigious guest and we are very grateful to Ambassador O’ Grady for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us. Go raibh maith agat a Shéamuis!

Summer 2016 Page 19 CBS The Green Plans Special Over 1,000 Pack 1916 Centenary Celebrations CBS The Green, Tralee The Brandon To Careful planning went into the 1916 Centenary Commemorations that took place in CBS, The Green. The inaugural “History week” See GAA Stars In commenced on March 8th-15th and concluded in a well thought out Proclamation Day on March 15th. Students and teachers of ‘The Kube’ the school were joined on the day by invited special guests to CBS The Green, Tralee remember the Rising and those executed as well as learn about the role Kerry played in the Rising. KERRY’S Darran O’Sullivan may be quick on the football field, but it appears he is even more quick-witted off it as he beat his The Commemoration began with a welcome address and the team-mates to win ‘The Kube’. reading of the Proclamation by two senior students, Alan McLoughlin and Michael Kenny. Musically gifted students of the He was joined by a host of GAA stars, radio stars and local school played a medley of ballads associated with the Rising. politicians in the Brandon Hotel where an incredible crowd Danny Goggins sang his rendition of ‘Foggy Dew’ and Gearóid of over 1,000 people watched the CBS The Green fundraiser O’ Connor read his insightful interpretation of the Proclamation sponsored by Lee Strand Protein+ Milk and Moriarty for today’s world. The role of each of the 15 men executed Construction. at the time of the Rising and Roger Casement was discussed Darran beat into second to take the top prize in a presentation by the Transition Year Students who had of €2,000 for his chosen charity, The Irish Heart Foundation, individually researched the Executed of the Rising. Generous along with helping to raise funds for an all-weather pitch on members of the Tralee Pipe Band offered to volunteer their the grounds of CBS The Green, which was the main reason for morning to pipe the group outside for the raising of a specially the event. commissioned tricolour. ‘The Kube’ charity fundraiser is based on the popular UK TV The flag was collected at Croke Park during a ‘Flag Week’ show ‘The Cube’, which challenges contestants to perform ceremony for secondary schools from President Higgins. To straight forward tasks with a difficult twist inside an conclude the commemorations there was a lecture series given enclosed area. by two local Kerry historians, (both of whom are past pupils of the CBS) T. Ryle Dwyer and Dr. Tim Horgan, to history students Along with The Gooch and Darran, taking part were James on “Kerry’s involvement in the Rising”. O’Donoghue, , Aidan O’Mahony, Marc Ó Sé, Barry , Tomas Ó Sé, Donnacha Walsh, Tommy Walsh and David Moran. Representing the Kerry hurlers was last year’s winning captain, John ‘Tweek’ Griffin. Local GAA clubs, Na Gaeil, Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahilly’s, John Mitchells, as well as St Brendan’s Basketball and Tralee Rugby Club were also represented, along with CBS students and teachers and Radio Kerry’s Elaine Kinsella and Andrew Morrissey. , and Ogie Moran were also there as well as Fianna Fail TD John Brassil and Michael Healy Rae. A great night of entertainment and loads of money raised for The Green. In the end there could be only one winner and Kerry GAA star Darran O’Sullivan proved the most adept to the game to beat off the challenge of Colm Cooper.

ffThe contestants, students and staff of CBS at the CBS The Green ‘The Kube’ event in the Brandon Conference Centre on Wednesday night.

Síol Page 20 CBS The Green Team High School Target Wins All‑Ireland Positivity & Resilience Badmiton Title High School, Clonmel Wednesday 24th of February saw the launch of the High Schools CBS The Green, Tralee Positivity & Resilience week. In attendance was Mr. Alan TRALEE has new All-Ireland champions after CBS The Green’s Quinlan, former International Rugby Player, who shared his own Under 14 team won in Gormanstown College in Co Meath. story around Mental Health and gave the boys fantastic positive advice on navigating the difficult years of being a teenager. Alan Having won the county and provincial championships over was followed later that day with a visit from Henry Shefflin, the past few months, the team of Sean Kennedy, Kevin Griffin, the former Kilkenny hurler who talked to the boys about Seamus Bradley, David Smith along with team managers Aine perseverance, goal setting and getting up after a fall. Knightly and Billy Lacey travelled to the Royal county for the finals. During this week the Student Leadership team launched the revived and redesigned student anti bullying Charter and Played on the round robin system, the Tralee school first met classroom rules and the BOM publish the revised Anti Bullying Castlebar, the Connacht champions and triumphed by 5 games Policy on the school website. A number of initiatives are to 1. ongoing this week e.g. Anti-Bullying workshops, Random Acts Next in line were Coleraine, the Ulster kingpins and the Kerry of Kindness Tree & Positive Mental Health Assemblies. The boys came out on top by 4-2. Finally they met Kilkenny, the theme of the week is Positivity & Resilience. The message to the Leinster champions and what an encounter this proved to be school community is clear, the High School want their students with no quarter asked or taken. to know what Positive Mental Health looks like, recognise when they need help, know where to get it and understand After a torrid battle the sides finished level on three games each. that difficult times are part of life and that the skill of getting However, on the total points accumulated after the three games up after a fall is paramount. Having achieved the Amber Flag Tralee were declared All Ireland champions by five aces status last year the High School are committed to continuing to support parents in their role by the development of Positive Mental Health strategies and building resilience amongst their student population.

ffCBS The Green U14 Badminton team, who were victorious in the All-Ireland ffMs Karen Steenson (Principal), Alan Quinlan, Henry Shefflin and Jerry final (pictured here prior to going to the finals). From left: David Smith, O’Dwyer (Deputy Principal) and students from The High School Clonmel. Kevin Griffin, Seamus Bradley, Sean Kennedy and coach Aine Knightly

3 Year Class’s Walk For Jack High School, Clonmel The 3rd year class walking St. Declan’s Way in memory of their classmate, Jack Hogan, who passed away last June. They were also fundraising for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. All at the High School Clonmel are very proud of them. Special thanks to Mr Tom Kenna & class Heaney for organising this event. Jack would have loved it.

Summer 2016 Page 21 It was a great honour for the students of Lennon’s ‘Imagine’, an anthem for a Bunscoil Bunscoil McAuley Rice to commemorate new generation. the Easter Rising of 1916 and to raise the The students reminded all present of McAuley Rice National Flag with pride, in unison with how our history and our future can schools across the country. Commemorates be celebrated: The students were joined by members ‘We are grateful for our past, we of the Board of Management,Parents’ 1916 are thankful for our present and Association, school staff, Fr. Dalton and Bunscoil McAuley Rice we are hopeful for our future. and members of the Irish army past and present, including Lieutenant Caroline Dawson, her father Michael Dawson who played the pipes for the occasion and Thomas Mackey. The children of sixth class read out their ‘Proclamation for a New Generation’. Fr. Dalton blessed the flag and it was raised by John Croke together with James Ahern from Junior Infants and Hannah Keher from 6th class. The students sang the National Anthem and finished off the ceremony with John

Street Project and ‘Make a Book’ exhibition with the JCSP 1916 Celebration library and woodwork department. Their wooden tenement was CBS James’s Street displayed in the Dublin City Council Offices on Wood Quay, and on O’Connell Street on Easter Monday, and is now residing in CBS James’s Street hosted a wonderful celebration to mark the the Botanic Gardens. Centenary of 1916 by having a Pop-Up Museum and invited guests to an event to reflect and celebrate the Easter Rising. All teachers and students are embracing the 1916 commemorations, through their own subjects and cross In attendance were the Lord Mayor, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, former curricular projects including the Pop-up Museum and Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, ERST Head of Governance Helen remembering our historical past. On the day, after speeches by O’Brien and members of the Board of Management, alongside Principal Paul Mac Entee, Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh and the students, parents, staff and friends of Jamebo. The Pop-up students commemorating the lives of young people a century Museum was the work of students and staff as a cross curricular past, the two youngest members of the school community held DEIS initiative to learn and appreciate the impact of the Rising the Proclomation and raised the flag while Amhrán na bhFiann in the Dublin 8 area. was sung proudly. The Pop-Up Museum, called ‘Jamebo Remembering 1916’ It was a particular honour to have Former Taoiseach Liam involved posters, recreated artefacts, photographs, replicas Cosgrave in attendance on the 43rd Anniversary of his term as of the chalice and paten that were used in Kilmainham Gaol, Taoiseach. Former students and brothers John and Frank Lawlor along with cardboard replicas of the streets and surroundings attended, both members of Scouting Ireland and of which John in 1916. It was quite poignant that the children of 2016 were is the current CEO. The celebrations ended with the Parents remembering not only the locality, the historical figures but also Council Easter Raffle, and refreshments in the JCSP library the 40 children who lost their lives over the 6 days of the Rising. which also hosted the Maths department powerpoint on the The work of the first year students in particular, remembered numbers of the revolution. one of those children, Joseph Murray through their Sackville

Síol Page 22 ages and details of the deaths of 39 na bhFiann was then sung by all in Proclamation Day young people who were killed during attendance. Five students, Liam Bradley, Coláiste Phádraig, CBS Lucan the Easter Rising. Each individual card James Kebana, Brendan McCann, John was then read out on the loudspeaker Regan and David Zrielskis, then stepped As part of the National Proclamation to nearly 600 students gathered in the up to read a section of the Proclamation. Day to commemorate the 1916 Rising in school yard as the balloons were released Dáire Byrne then read out a re-imagined schools across the country, our students individually into the air. A 40th balloon, student version of the Proclamation took part in a series of symbolic and this one white, was released to symbolise which reflected their hopes, dreams and moving events on Tuesday 15th March. peace as well as everyone else who died expectations for contemporary Ireland. The Government-sponsored initiative saw in the Rising. It was a very solemn and The students are to be highly commended every educational institute receive a flag moving occasion which our students for their attentiveness, respect and and a copy of the Proclamation read out respectfully remained completely silent complete co-operation throughout the by Pádraig Pearse in front of the GPO a and reflective for. Two students were afternoon’s events. Well done also to century ago. The day’s events, superbly selected to raise the two special flags, the students for the many fantastic organised by Mr. Sweetman and Ms. delivered to all schools, on specially posters and projects they put together Kelly, started after lunch as 40 students installed flagpoles on the school grounds. in their history classes and displayed all walked slowly from nearby Woodies, First year Sam Keogh raised the Irish around the school. The whole school was through Roselawn Estate and into the Free State Flag while sixth year Dean O’ transformed into an educational tour of school holding aloft green balloons. Brien raised the Tricolour while suitable the 1916 Rising. Attached to the balloons were the names, music played in the background. Ámhrán

Soccer dramatic but well deserved win for our team. With Ross Strong outstanding in midfield and a defence superbly marshalled Our u17 soccer team won the Tom Ticher Junior Leinster Cup by Paul Cleary and Emmet Allen, Lucan were the better team on Wednesday 2nd March, 2016 after defeating Wexford CBS throughout and only fine goalkeeping prevented the team 2-1 in a dramatic and pulsating encounter held in the grounds from winning more comfortably. The victory represented the of Arklow Town FC. Tiredness was a slight concern for our 6th Leinster Cup for the school since 2007 and the 9th major players heading into the final having played the quarter final title in all age groups since 2012 (4 Leinster Cups, 4 Dublin and semi final at the end of February but an early goal from Leagues and 1 All Ireland title). The team, under the guidance the impressive Yasser Mahrouk was just the tonic the team of Mr. Rafter and Mr. Tarpey, advanced to the National Final on needed to soothe any concerns of a sluggish performance. Monday 14th March where they were unfortunately beaten 2-1 Wexford CBS fought back well to equalise with just 4 minutes by Calasanctius College Oranmore but they can look back with remaining. With extra time looming Conor Maguire fired home pride on another glorious sporting achievement for the school from close range in the dying seconds of normal time to seal a in winning the prestigious Junior Leinster Cup.

Basketball Many congratulations to our u16 Basketball team who were crowned u16A National Cup Champions after a dramatic 45-44 win against St. Malachy’s Belfast in a pulsating and nerve wracking encounter at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on Monday 25th January 2016. Roared on by our raucous supporters, the team showed incredible resilience and fight to recover from 6 points with just 3 minutes remaining to snatch victory in the dying seconds thanks to team captain Kris Arcilla who displayed nerves of steel to sink two free throws with just 3 seconds left on the clock. The win was the school’s 5th major basketball title in just 3 years with a lot of this particular panel being responsible for most of the victories. There were also brilliant scenes back in the school as everyone was watching the game on a live stream so this really added to the sense of occasion. Lucan’s u16 Irish International Kris Arcilla was awarded MVP while his International team-mate Max Amadasun top scored for the team with 16 points. Brian Monaghan had a brilliant game and added a vital 7 points while Kabir Akanbi scored some crucial late baskets. Samuel Mohamed also scored 2 important baskets as the team claimed their 15th successive win in all competitions at “A” grade this campaign. Congratulations to the team and to mentors Mr. Gray and Ms. Gough who have done brilliant work with the team all year. The team were given a guard of honour by our students back in the school and rarely has such an honour been more deserved.

Summer 2016 Page 23 The Small School with a Proud Tradition and a Big Heart Ennistymon

On Friday 6th November at 8.00pm the the boys at all stages of their time with us. Golf is also played in the CBS. Our junior CBS community in Ennistymon- staff, team brought the school its first ever Sport of course is a central and abiding parents and students past and present- golfing victory last year when Jonathan feature of life at the monastery. Gaelic gathered together to acknowledge Keane, Niall O Sullivan and Darragh Games are synonymous with our and celebrate the achievements of our Connelly won the West Munster Schools school. The school has produced many students in the State examinations Junior Golf Championship. Inter County footballers over the years last June. including Alan Clohessy, Lawrence Athletics are also a feature at the school When our students enrol with us they are Healy, David Keane, the Rouines, Niall and this year the school hosted an young boys, when they leave us five or six and Kieran Considine, the O’Keeffes, athletics workshop with Br. Colm and Ian years later they are men ready to embark Keelan Sexton and many more. We are Kiprop, international coaches of Olympic on adulthood. While we celebrate their proud that three of our current students gold medallist David Rudisha. results both at Junior Cert and Leaving Paul Tubridy, Cormac Murray, James O’ Recently, two of our students, Joseph Cert level we understand that so much Connor and three past students Seán O’ Miniter and Eoin Rouine received work other than academic has brought Brien, Enda O’ Gorman and Eoin O’ Brien Community games all-stars awards. Of the students to this evening. were on the Miltown Malbay panel that course, while these are the main sports won the recent County Championship. At CBS Ennistymon we are a community. played in the school there are a number From the time the boys first join that Hurling was only introduced to the of other sports played each year also. community we want them always to feel school in 2001. Since then the “small But not every student is interested in safe, valued and challenged to be the best ball” has enjoyed great success such as sports and we have an extensive program students they can be. As part of our Open Clare Colleges titles in 2008 and 2009. of liberal arts with engagement in song Night each year, we invite two parents Past pupil Cathal Malone won an All- writing, poetry and short-story writing. and two students along to talk about Ireland U21 Hurling medal with Clare in We produce an annual school concert and their experience of CBS Ennistymon to 2013. Last year under the captaincy of a school magazine. We have a traditional prospective parents and students. The Jason McCarthy our senior hurlers were music group with fiddles, flutes, sense of belonging and community came Munster D Champions. concertinas, banjos, accordions, guitars across strongly in all of their addresses. Since the introduction of Basketball, and tin whistles and of course the school One mother quoted her son as saying we have taken part in three All Ireland rock bands!! “You’re not there long before it feels Basketball Finals, U16 and U19 and like family”. We have a cutting edge technology club won the All Ireland Basketball Final in and the school has invested heavily in Our 1st year students are assigned 2010 with an U19 Team. Basketball has technology over the past few years. student mentors on their first day in been going from strength to strength, school with us. All students in the school with players involved in Irish Teams and Our Guest of Honour on the Awards have an assigned class teacher, year tutor squads and in the North-West Regional night was Dr Alan Hynes director of and dean of discipline. Along with this Teams. Ciarán Devitt has played on the The Collaborative Centre for Applied the school has a learning centre and an Irish International team. A number of Nanotechnology (CCAN). Alan is himself extensive range of supports for students our past students have gone on to play a past pupil of the school. He spoke about with additional learning needs. The basketball at university level. James Leigh how the education he had received in school also has a guidance counsellor and has just made the u17 Regional West the CBS had travelled with him through a school counsellor on staff to look after basketball team 2015 his life and his career and praised his

Síol Page 24 teachers, a number of whom were present Thanks to generous support from the Work commenced on the project late in on the night. He also touched on how Tomar Trust and from Great National the summer and it was a race to ensure important it was to think creatively in Hotels, last year’s students received that the new classrooms would be ready business and science and again praised bursaries in excess of €9,000 as well as for students by September. Thankfully the the education he had received in CBS. laptops, pen sets and certification. new classrooms, garden area, footpaths, play area and covered walkway were Dr Hynes was joined by Mr Eddie Bourke On the night we also celebrated the completed for the beginning of the new of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, in recent refurbishment of our school. The school year. acknowledging the many achievements current secondary school was built in of our students at both Junior and Senior the 1970s. By the 1980s the school had During this time the school building cycle, Mr Bourke reminded us on the outgrown its facilities. The first prefabs also underwent some renovation with night that CBS Ennistymon is part of the arrived on site in the 1980s with more changes to the corridors, the creation larger CBS family of schools. He spoke arriving during the ‘90s. The addition of of a new general purpose area and about the evidence of a strong school the old Christian Brothers primary school the refurbishment of the computer spirit evident in CBS Ennistymon. building during the first decade of the room and Design and Communication century helped to alleviate the demands Graphics (DCG) lab. In keeping with the We are understandably proud of the fact for more space and for specialist rooms. school’s dedication to digital literacy that over 95% of our students secured But by last year the school was once again and expansion an additional computer places at Third Level. Among the courses crying out for additional classrooms room was added and the entire IT system being studied by our students are; and the original prefabs were in very within the school was overhauled and Financial Maths, Law & Accounting, poor repair. updated. Thanks were extended to Mr. Environmental Science, Arts, Primary P Beirne, Builder, for his work on the Teaching, Science Teaching, Construction The matter was raised by Deputy Pat project and to Castlecabin, FSL Security, Teaching, Business , Computer Breen in the Dáil last November and the Formula Networks, Janus Design and Programming , Civil Law, Social Care need for action was acknowledged by Purtill Engineering. and Music Technology and Production. the Minister for Education and Skills, However, while we choose to celebrate the Jan O Sullivan. Funding was secured The Board of Management, staff and fantastic academic success enjoyed by our for the removal of the four existing students of CBS Ennistymon are excited students, we also rewarded those boys who prefabs and their replacement with eight to meet the challenge of providing persevered, who improved, who stretched new rooms: 2 resource rooms and 6 excellence in teaching and learning in our themselves and supported their friends and additional classrooms. 3rd Century on the Monastery site. truly lived up to the Edmund Rice spirit. Proclamation Green Schools Success – Another Day Ennistymon Step in an Interesting Journey Ennistymon The students and staff of CBS Ennistymon joined together to celebrate the centenary A Greens schools committee was set up to lead a school-wide change of attitude of 1916 in glorious spring sunshine. towards our school building and its role in our lives. The committee worked tirelessly for 18 months with the student body, staff and school management. Standing outside in respectful silence The school got two compost bins in operation to help reduce our waste going students and teachers presented work on to landfill, and dedicated recycling bins were placed strategically throughout the history of the flag, the 1916 rising and the school and on the school grounds to further highlight the importance of the leaders of the uprising. Other students maintaining a clean environment. Our waste bills from our service provider were read the proclamation in English and monitored to track and measure our footprint on what we recycle and what goes in Irish and then a number of students to landfill. read their poems on a new proclamation. These poems were written during an We attended a green schools seminar in Clare County Council headquarters eight week poetry/song writing workshop. in Ennis recently and gained great tips and ideas. A member of Clare County And being a Clare school, of course there Council’s environment section attended our green committee meetings from time was music and song. to time and monitored how we were doing and discussed progress to date. The Principal addressed the boys briefly All students were kept up to date with our designated green notice board. and challenged them to take the skills Links were forged with businesses, residents and the local tidy towns committee. and talents they have developed in their Slowly at first, things began to change but once the process had started it gathered homes and schools to take on the next momentum. It became common to see ‘Monastery boys’ out picking up litter 100 years of the state and to realise around the school, waste sorting and recycling or composting waste. This effort some of the goals expressed in the and improvement culminated in a recent successful green schools inspection. But proclamation not yet reached. not ones to rest on their laurels the committee are already making plans for phase The raising of the tri-colour and the two of school improvement - water conservation. Well done to all of the students minute silence that followed was for and staff for their work and commitment to this project. many the highlight of the afternoon.

Summer 2016 Page 25 JP Mc Manus raises the 4th Green Flag at Doon CBS Doon CBS

There was a certain air of expectation initiative – organised by the JP McManus and see how tidy you keep it. I’m sure and excitement as the pupils of our Foundation – which saw thousands you keep your bedrooms clean at home,” school awaited the arrival of the very roll up their sleeves for the good of he joked. distinguished and well known celebrity their community. “It is appreciated by us older people. We Mr. J.P. Mc Manus. Mr. Mc Manus was “In order to obtain our fourth Green Flag know the effort it takes, and it is a big invited to the school to hoist our fourth which is for travel, we had a number effort, to keep the place tidy. I know you Green Flag. of events such as WOW (Walk on will continue to do it. Mr. Sean Hartigan the Education Wednesdays) and cycling to school. Staff Thank you again for inviting me, it was Officer with An Taisce also joined in the also took pupils on a number of nature a pleasure. I met all the young lads. celebrations and commended the pupils walks. In previous projects we had a big They are a credit to the community and and staff of the school for their trojan emphasis on litter and water with pupils school and I’m sure your parents are very work on gaining the fourth Green Flag. taking home their own disposable waste. proud,” said Mr McManus, who brought a Mr. Mc Manus was accompanied by Mr. “A water well was sunk in the school Limerick lapel pin for everyone. Noel Earley. Before the ceremony he grounds and we now have our own He also picked the names of Tommy Ryan spoke to all the pupils individually and supply of clean water,” said Br Dormer, and Emmet Roche out of a hat. They asked us what we would like to do when who added that these were just a “sample won a Limerick jersey signed by JP and a we finish school. of our efforts to instil in the boys an hurley autographed by the 2015 Limerick awareness of the importance of caring for Our Green Flag was attained by reducing minor hurling panel. the environment”. our carbon footprint. We cycled and Conor Kelly, sixth class, was chosen to walked to school on Wednesdays. He thanked Elizabeth Breen, Green jointly raise the flag due to his work on Schools co-ordinator, her hard-working Four pupils from the school travelled to the green schools committee. A course committee, all the pupils, parents, staff the Silver Springs Hotel to collect the flag on cycle safety and how to fix a puncture and Mr McManus for attending. on behalf of the school while the 5th and was very beneficial he said. Sean 6th Class pupils wrote a letter to Mr. Mc Mr McManus told the boys that the future Hartigan, of An Taisce, said the travel flag Manus inviting him to the school to raise cleanliness of the county and country boiled down to avoiding driving to school the flag. is going to be in their hands. “It is great and Doon was a fine exponent. to look around the classrooms and yard Mr. Mc Manus sponsors the Limerick hurling and Football teams. He has a big interest in horses. This was a great day for our school. JP McManus raised our flag and said the pupils are a credit to the school. Men from Doon raised many white flags for the triumphant Limerick U21 hurlers in recent months - but now it was time for a green one. JP McManus hoisted the fourth Green Flag of Doon CBS Primary School on Friday. Fifth and sixth class pupils wrote to him and all signed the letter. Before the ceremony Mr McManus spoke to every boy in the school. “They are such a lovely bunch of young students. I know we will have a lot of them wearing the Limerick jersey in the future. From speaking to them, they all aspire to be inter-county hurlers,” said Mr McManus. Br James Dormer, principal, said they asked Mr McManus to do the honours due to his interest in the environment. ffJ.P Mc Manus with staff of the Doon CBS Primary school. Front row: Joanne O’ Connell (Deputy The Christian Brother referred to the Principal), Br. James Dormer (Principal), Mr. J.P. Mc Manus, Ms. Elizabeth Breen. Back row: Mary O’ inaugural Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC) Dwyer, Denis Moloney, Cormac Heffernan, Caroline Coleman, Kay Byrne.

Síol Page 26 Golden Mile Event Doon CBS The Justice League Coláiste Éanna Pupils from Doon CBS with Hurling sensation Conor Whelan at our Golden Mile Event as part of our Active Schools Week. The Justice League in Colásite Éanna was created on foot of our India Immersion Programme visit to Kolkata in 2014. The Justice League seeks to raise awareness about justice issues and to undertake fundraising. Some of the activities the Justice League are actively involved in include: Support and fundraising for a local national school library. The school which has DEIS status has many children from difficult backgrounds. Support and fundraising for Sophia House which is a charity that works with homeless women and children. The main involvement has been in working with Sophia’s newest project in Churchtown, Dublin. Involvement with the Thomas F. Meagher charitable community fund. Giving presentations to all class groups in the school on anti-bullying and the work of the Anti-bullying Team. Giving presentations and creating awareness of the value of water as a resource in the world. Organisation and distribution of Christmas hampers. Membership of the Justice League is open to all students in the school and meets weekly. 15 members of the League who were in Transition Year went to Taizé, France for a week at the end of May 2015 and a further 20 TYs are travelling to Taizé in May this year. The motto of the Justice League comes from St. Francis; Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words……. The Politics Society at Coláiste Éanna Coláiste Éanna ffDoon CBS 5th and 6th Class Confirmation Candidates at Birthplace of The Politics Society is emerging from a frenetic period Edmund Rice in Callan Co. Kilkenny. of activity over the past months. In the weeks leading up to the General Election it invited candidates from all the political parties and independents to its weekly lunchtime Indoor Hurling Championships meetings. Members of the Politics Society attended the Doon CBS count in the RDS for the General Election. There has been a voter registration campaign for the past three years and 4th class pupils won the Indoor Hurling competiton. They are many sixth year students have voted for the first time as a photographed with their trainer and teacher, Mr. Heffernan. result. The Politics Society has invited the Representative for Scotland from the British Embassy to address them over the implications of the ‘Brexit’ referendum and are planning a field trip to visit the Houses of Parliament in London in September. Boys from Coláiste Éanna are also very involved in the European Youth Parliament and two senior students have represented Ireland last year and two other students have been selected to represent Ireland this year. Coláiste Éanna hosted the Leinster regional session of the European Youth Parliament in October 2015 and will host again next year.

Summer 2016 Page 27 ARTiculation Regional Heats Dungarvan CBS Fifth Year student, Tadhg Cosgrove recently represented Dungarvan CBS in the Waterford Regional Heat of the Lismore Castle Arts’ public speaking competition ARTiculation in Garte Lane. Tadhg’s presentation was well executed on the day. However he did not reach the final. Tadhg was commended by Regional Heat Adjudicator, WIT lecturer Fionnuala Brennan, on the day for his outstanding presentation on Van Gogh’s Starry Night and in particular his link with the topic of Mental Health. Well done to Tadhg who certainly displayed public speaking skills Lismore Arts 2016 that would put any politician to shame! Dungarvan CBS

The date was the 14th March and the Sisters (Waterford, Wexford & Kilkenny) destination for a bus of thirty Transition bid to become the European Capital of Year students from CBS Dungarvan was Culture in 2020 and he spoke about the Lismore Castle. It was evening time when importance of events like these and how the gallery in Lismore Castle, which young people should get involved because featured all entries submitted by TY it will be big for their future. students, was opened for Artifice 2016 The winners of the two different prizes and when we arrived. Most students were then announced, with a girl from six different schools in Waterford, from the Ard Scoil and a girl from the ffRegional Heat Adjudicator, WIT lecturer (including Ard Scoil na Deise, Blackwater Meanscoil picking up the accolades. Fionnuala Brennan presenting Tadhg with his Community School & Meanscoil san certificate of participation. Overall though, it wasn’t about winning, Nioclas) had made a piece of art to be it was more about being proud to stand displayed in this gallery and a great beside a piece of art that you had created evening was had up at Lismore, with while also being able to discuss yours and everyone in formal outfits. 1916 Celebrations be open to look at others’ creations. Dungarvan CBS Eamonn from Lismore Arts, who was MC A brilliant night was had at this for the night, gave an introductory speech Students from the Drama Club tremendous facility in Lismore Castle before thanking a few people and inviting performed a re-enactment of the and I think all parents were very happy Michael Quinn to speak. Michael Quinn execution of the rebels by the (and possibly shocked!) with their was a representative from The Three British soldiers. The proclamation children’s artwork. was also read by Frank Heffernan, Transition Year student. Following on from this the Irish Flag was raised and the National Anthem was sung by all of the students. The celebration ended with a Proclamation written by Transition Year Student, Liam Buck which outlined the hopes and dreams for the future of Ireland.

Síol Page 28 Grandparent’s Day at CBS Primary CBS Primary, Tralee CBS Primary Tralee opened its doors to the grandparents of the school community in February. The students were so excited and proud to bring their Nanas and Grandads to school for the morning. The morning began with a celebratory prayer service in the school hall, where students sat with their grandparents and gave thanks for them. The grandchildren blessed their grandparents and expressed their thanks for having them in their lives. After the service, the teas and coffees were flowing as well as the stories and memories which were shared. Many of the grandparents were past pupils of the school and enjoyed seeing all of the changes and developments since their school days. We enjoyed listening to stories of their primary years and the children in particular were amazed at how different things were in the past. Friendships were also rekindled on the day, as Nanas and Grandads recognised some of their old school friends. The day was a fabulous reminder of how important our grandparents are to us all, and we hope that all of the Nanas and Grandads left the school feeling loved, cherished and celebrated. We encouraged them not to wait until next year for their next visit!

depicting their school life, and how happy Donal Walsh Live they were to be together and having fun learning. Their winning video can be Life National viewed at https://vimeo.com/94754911. The awards concert was held in the Film Competition Brandon Hotel and was a fantastic CBS Primary, Tralee celebration of life, with inspirational words from Dónal’s family members The fifth class pupils at CBS Primary and people who knew him best. We also were delighted to learn that their video enjoyed music from Hermitage Green, had been shortlisted for an award at Chapter 2 and other up and coming the Donal Walsh Live Life National Film acts. The day was hugely enjoyable and Awards earlier this year. The task for inspiring, and we all look forward to the competition was to create a short taking part again next year and helping film using the theme “Our World”. The to spread Dónal’s message. students chose to create a short video

Spring has Sprung CBS Primary, Tralee One of the first signs of spring at CBS Primary Tralee is the school garden coming to life again. Last month has seen it become a haven of activity, as the Junior Infants were the first gardeners to start planting this year. With the help of Mr Begley, we prepared and weeded our garden to make it suitable, and decided to plant onions together. We loved planting our own bulbs and are checking every day to see if there is anything peeping out of the soil. We are planning for more planting over the next few weeks as the weather improves, and have chosen to plant potatoes, carrots, beetroot, peas and lettuce this year. We also hope to expand our herb garden to appeal to all the senses. We are enjoying watching all of the lovely visitors to our garden, but we must make sure our scarecrow is in tip top shape to keep the crows away from our bulbs!

All Ireland Schools Cross Country Naas CBS Congratulations to the Junior boys under 15 team who finished in second place in the All Ireland Schools Cross Country in Sligo on March 5th, especially to Matthew Whelan, Mikey Lawlor and Josh Derham. Mathew Whelan also qualified for the Irish School boys team.

Summer 2016 Page 29 Zambian Immersion 2015 CBS Thurles

“Life-changing, inspirational, enlightening”, these were some where we first experienced traditional Zambian culture. Later of the words that us 8 students and 3 teachers used to describe we visited the Tipperary Plots which gets its name from the kind our journey of a lifetime to Mufulira, Zambia. Our Zambian donations of CBS Thurles down through the years. This is a huge Immersion Project commenced in early May 2014 when students agriculture project in the village of Murundu where over 70 were asked to submit essays to be considered for the project. acres of irrigated land is used to grow various crops throughout After going through a tough interview and fundraising process the year. During our time in Murundu we also got a tour of the 8 students were chosen as Diarmaid Meagher, Alex Murphy, the area and it was in this village that we witnessed the true Fionn McCartan, James Hammersley, Daniel Matthews, William poverty of the country. Families living in very poor conditions, Creedon, Darragh Byrne and Eugene Ryan while the 3 teachers trying to make homes out of anything they can get their Oliver Kelly, Teresa Hogan and Caroline Ahearne led the group. hands on like wood, pallets or any type of sheeting to protect During the next year and a half many fundraisers occurred themselves from the sun or rain and kids with little clothing, including cake sales, sponsored cycles, church-gate collections, left a harrowing feeling with us and made us think of all the two formal balls, table tennis tournaments, a tractor run, Easter things we take for granted in Ireland like a house, electricity raffles and table quiz. We managed to bring over €17,000 and heating. which went directly to the people of Zambia through Brother Another day we visited the orphanage which is run by the Michael O’Donoghue and the Christian Brothers, thanks to Mercy sisters. Here we played games, sang and danced with the the generosity of the pupils and staff of CBS Thurles and the children and while it felt heart-warming to put a smile on their local community. faces we couldn’t help but think of how lonely and difficult the We left Thurles to embark on our journey on the 13th of lives of these children must be. We had similar feelings when October, 2015. An early morning bus journey was followed we visited the elderly housing in Mufulira. This was a daunting by a 7 hour flight to Dubai where we would then change over experience as we met people who had no families to look after to travel an 8 hour flight to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. them and many were deaf, blind or had serious disabilities. This Honestly, we were shocked when we arrived in Zambia. The is where we truly came to appreciate what we have in Ireland as conditions in the capital city were poor, poverty seemed high this visit left a harrowing chill on every single one of us. and there was no comparison between the facilities here at Religion plays a big part in the lives of the Zambian people. home and the Zambian infrastructure and facilities. It was here Not only do they value religion but it is also a form of comfort where we met Brother Michael O’Donoghue who is a former and hope for them. We couldn’t get over the great work the principal of CBS Thurles and we then faced an 8 hour bus various religious organisations do in Zambia and it was a great journey to reach our final destination of Mufulira. experience for us to see the similarities and differences between Upon our arrival to Mufulira we were kindly welcomed by the mass in Ireland and Zambia. local community. The enthusiasm and optimism was evident Over the course of our trip we have made bonds and memories on their faces and this, accompanied by their kindness made with the people of Mufulira and Murundu that we will never our arrival to Mufulira very special. On our full first day in forget for the rest of our lives. We have learned so much from Mufulira we visited the Chibolya Primary school which has over Br. Michael and how the Christian Brothers live their lives that 370 students. Br. Francis and Br. Lubasi both teach here and our it has changed our values greatly. We now truly appreciate what eyes were opened as to how the young Zambian children place a we have here in Ireland and begin to realise all the things that huge emphasis on getting the best education they possibly can, we take for granted. The trip has put a huge emphasis on the as they see it as the best chance they have of improving their value of relationships and made us question the need for all lives. The importance of relationships was highlighted as we saw the modern technology we have in our lives today. To see the how just by spending a small amount of time with the children enthusiasm, optimism and pride that the Zambian people have put a smile on their faces. shown has inspired every single one of us and has made this trip We sang songs and danced with the pupils and it was here a once in a life time experience.

Síol Page 30 Croke Cup Success CBS Thurles Griangrafanna Scoil Regardless of the result in the final, the Croke Cup was destined Iognáid Rís Daingean to come to CBS Thurles as the final was contested by two teams from the school. It was the first time in the history of uí Chúis, Ciarraí this Tipperary U 15 competition that 2 teams from the same Scoil Iognaid Rís Dingle school were in the final. Both teams had success over Nenagh, Templemore, Carrick on Suir and Clonmel on their way to the final. The teams were captained by Darren Flood and James Synnott. The final provided the crowd with a very entertaining spectacle that, perhaps fittingly, ended in a draw. The final score was 3-12 to 2-15 All Ireland Basketball success CBS Thurles CBS Thurles under 16 basketball team enjoyed enormous success this year, winning both the Midlands League and the National Cup competitions and finally capturing the League Final. This recent success is testament to the growth of the sport in the school over recent years ffJPG 061:Duaiseanna Gaolainne do Seachtain Na Gaeilge

1916 commemoration Bunscoil Ennis As part of their 1916 commemoration, the 6th class children of CBS Primary School, Ennis, took part in an ‘Artist in Schools’ project with local sculptor David O’Rourke. The project was funded by Clare County Council. The students extensively researched significant Dublin buildings of the 1916 Rising. They then recreated the building designs using 3D modelling software and printed the replicas using the school’s 3-D printer. The printed ffJPG 056: An leabhar “Walking through Dingle” á buildings were presented on a street map of Dublin. láinseáil ag rang 5 agus 6 don togra J.E.P

ffJennifer Healy and Brian Mc Nulty, 6th Class, both of whom had ffJPG 001: Brat na hÉireann á bhronnadh ag Arm na relatives involved in the 1916 Rising. hÉireann ar Scoil Iognáid Rís

Summer 2016 Page 31 We needn’t have been nervous about fitting in. We received the Break Time in Buenos Aires most heart-warming welcome from staff and students. They Blarney St CBS. were really delighted we had come to their school; they hugged and kissed us on the cheek. Both the men and women! It’s spring in Buenos Aires and my wife, Nan, and I are enjoying a career break here with our twelve-year-old son, Darragh. The school community is enchanted by Ireland and is very curious about Irish history and customs.. Many staff have Irish Luckily, the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) had been surnames. Valerie Murray teaches 5th grade, Maria Kenny developing links between Christian Brothers Schools. A new teaches 6th. The school secretary is Maureen Flynn. initiative Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) sought to share the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice and promote Teachers have different qualifications here depending on the partnership between schools nationally and internationally. course studied so most are only qualified to teach either in the Through this initiative, an opportunity arose to base myself in Spanish section or the English section. Buenos Aires for six months. I work mornings in the secondary and spend my time preparing So we took the plunge, leased out our house and took Twain’s small groups for Oral English exams such as IELTS or Trinity. advice to ‘throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. I do team-teaching and substitute work too so it’s very varied. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’ Later, in the primary I support the Principal and DP who are Our school is Cardinal Newman College, a Christian Brothers very interested in Blarney Street’s reading initiatives; they’ve College situated just outside Buenos Aires. It operates in the asked me to talk to the staff about Graded Readers, Station Edmund Rice tradition and values academic achievement, faith Teaching and Reading Recovery. formation, sport, community and parental involvement. The concepts are very new to them so they found the PDST website a great resource. The school has introduced station teaching so at least I feel that my visit has been of some value My wife, Nan, has taken a break from teaching and has relaxed and been involved with some of the school’s work to support the needy in the barrios. The three of us are enjoying the experience in our own way. There is a huge social divide in Argentina so Newman is very aware of its Edmund Rice Ethos and has many pastoral and social justice projects in operation. We have had the lovely experience of helping out in a less fortunate school nearby that Newman supports. Darragh is having a ball. I see him outside now smiling with his buddies in the playground. I hope that twenty years from now, he will have happy memories, friends and new skills from his travels in Latin America. The three of us are having a great break, it hasn’t disappointed, Mr Twain!

Síol Page 32 than us. One of our main projects over Edmund the last few years is our work with St. All Ireland Senior Brigid’s primary and secondary school. St. Rice Schools Brigid’s educates children with general ‘B’ Hurling learning disabilities and our aim over the Celebration Day last few years was to visit the students Champions 2016 Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar on a weekly basis and to create art-work Abbey School Tipperary and projects alongside them. At first, they It was with great pride and pleasure were shy but as the weeks went on and Abbey CBS Tipperary 2-19 that myself and two other students friendship and communication grew, we St. Louis Ballymena 2-13 from Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar had the began to really get to know the students opportunity to represent our school at the Easter Monday proved to be historic in a way I never expected to. Hearing Edmund Rice Schools Celebration Day on on a number of fronts as the Nation some students talk about how they had the 8th of March 2016. Accompanied by celebrated the 100th Anniversary of been excluded from groups and teams our teacher Mrs. Hourican, we travelled the Easter Rising. The Abbey School in because of their disabilities really made to O’Connells secondary school in Dublin Tipperary Town celebrated winning its us realise that what we were doing was to meet other students and teachers third All Ireland Senior ‘B’ hurling title actually having a positive impact on their also representing their Edmund Rice in Semple Stadium Thurles. The Abbey lives. Seeing the smiles on their faces School and showcase what we have were pushed all the way to extra time and their contentment with working been doing within our school to promote by a superb St. Louis Grammer School alongside us really made us feel that all and preserve the ideas of Edmund Rice. Ballymena to go with the Abbey’s two was worthwhile. Over the last few years The main thing that struck me over previous titles in 1992 and 2002. we have done projects based on Gullivers the course of the day was the positivity Travels and lamh signing but our most Beaten in the All Ireland Senior B and friendship shown by every student, recent was a mosaic depicting the story of Football final in 2015, the Abbey boys teacher and Brother that was there. It the Children of Lir. This was particularly were not willing to let this title slip was amazing to see everybody interacting effective as this myth is based in our from their grasp and having trailed the and mixing with one another regardless locality so we all had a good idea of St. Louis’s boys for much of the game, of who they were and what school they what we were working with before we when the match was in the melting came from. I’m sure Edmund himself even began. pot the Abbey boys showed great would have been proud! character and resolve to take the game Apart from our work with St. Brigid’s, From a personal point of view, I found to extra time. we also do regular charity work for the it inspiring listening to the tireless time Saint Vincent de Paul, TEAM, Goal and In extra time the fitness and strength and work that is being put in by students the Simon Community. Over the past of the Abbey team showed through and teachers of other schools on a year alone, we have had jersey days, and finished with a brace of goals local, national and in some cases even non-uniform days, bag-packing in local from Daire Egan and his teammate an international scale. To see students supermarkets, food and clothes collection Shane Power, who showed tremendous coming up with projects and charitable schemes, bake sales and many more. This strength and resolve to play a storming works in the name of Edmund Rice 172 encourages the continuation of Edmund game at centre forward having years after his death is truly amazing and Rice’s vision of social justice and equality tragically buried his sister Fiona just some of the stories that were told really while also helping those in our locality the day before the final. A fitting put life into perspective. who are less fortunate than us. The work tribute to his sister who supported Myself and my two classmates also that has been done in our school over the Shane and the Abbey in the previous got the chance to stand up in front last few years has been exceptional and games including the semi-final of everybody and describe what our we plan to continue and build on this win over Johnstown Kilkenny just school have been doing to preserve the work in the coming years. It is amazing weeks earlier. vision of Edmund Rice. This was a great to think that 172 years on from his death, Huge credit goes to the boys and opportunity to showcase what we have Edmund Rice’s vision is still being carried their coaches Kieran Hickey, Jim been doing over the last number of years out within our school. Ryan and Darragh O’Donovan who to help those who may be less fortunate were richly rewarded for the extra training sessions and games during the Christmas and mid-term break.

Summer 2016 Page 33 Bicentenary Celebrations CBS Thurles We in CBS Thurles are celebrating our Bicentenary this year. Our school was founded in 1816 by William and Thomas Cahill. The composite monastery and school was situated in what was then known as Pudding Lane. To mark this wonderful achievement, we will be holding a number of events over the year. The first event held was Thurles CBS All Stars V Tipperary – Bicentennial Exhibition Match, held on January 17th @ 2pm in The Ragg, Thurles The Thurles CBS All Stars joint managers were and Fr. Tom Fogarty. Pat Henderson from Fenians won a Dean Ryan medal (Munster under 16.5) in 1960, five All- as a player, three as manager, two all-stars and hurler of the year 1974. Fr Tom Fogarty from Moyne-Templetuohy has managed Tipperary at Minor, Under 21 and Senior level and also managed the Offaly Senior Hurlers. There was an 80 page Memorabilia Programme produced for the occasion while there was a Primary Schools students exhibition game at half-time with over 90 children taking part. Past pupils who played with Tipperary or Kilkenny seniors, or were on training panels, made up the Thurles CBS All Stars panel. Over 40 past pupils of All Stars were available which Pat Henderson and Fr. Tom Fogarty had to choose from reflecting the huge range of talent which has gone through the school down through the many generations. The match provided fantastic entertainment for a very large crowd on the day. The Tipperary team were victorious on the day with a win of 0-14 to 1-7.

‘A Guide to Apps’ St. Aidan’s Whitehall Every minute of every day, a certain number of the older members of our society drift further away from us and feel more isolated. As the world of technology speeds ahead at breakneck speed, many elderly people are left behind. So many daily tasks today depend on technology, and most of these require a certain level of IT experience. Checking the voting register, paying a bill or simply communicating with friends and family have become more and more difficult to carry out for a large number of people. With this is mind, a groups of us St Aidan’s CBS TY students in conjunction with DCU Intergenerational Learning Programme launched ‘A Guide to Apps’. This booklet is aimed at helping those who struggle with IT access to commonly used apps on Apple and android devices. It gives simple and clear step-by-step instructions on using the apps. We compiled the booklet after carrying out focus groups with groups of senior citizens and launched it on Thurs, 10th March. At the moment, we just have hard copies of the booklet but we hope to soon launch an iBook version which can be easily accessed by anyone who requires it. The entire project was a hugely enjoyable one for us and took us to the national finals of Young Social Innovators. Hopefully, the fruits of our labour will be of use for years to come.

Síol Page 34 Proclamation Day Cycle To Lourdes CBS Enniscorthy CBS Enniscorthy CBS students James Fortune and Ryan Murray cycled to Lourdes on Tuesday 15th March without ever leaving the school grounds. The two students came up with the idea of cycling to Lourdes on a stationary bike to raise funds for their upcoming pilgrimage to Lourdes. They set off on Tuesday morning by cycling a half hour each and they were well supported by their fellow students and teachers who also cycled for ten, fifteen or thirty minute slots during the day. By the end of the day they had cycled 258 kilometres, the equivalent of the sea distance between Ireland and France. The boys went to Lourdes with the Enniscorthy Group 94 section of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust on Easter Sunday and they had a memorable and rewarding pilgrimage.

Proclamation Day in the CBS Enniscorthy began with a group of transition year students retracing the historic steps taken back in 1848 when the National Tricolour Flag was flown for the first time in Vinegar Hill. Thomas Francis Meaghar raised the tricolour in Waterford in March 1848 but it is believed that the Tricolour flag was also flown from the top of Vinegar Hill during the same week in March 1848. The CBS students carried the flag from the CBS school to Vinegar Hill on Tuesday morning and then continued in procession to the Atheneum where the Tricolour was flown during the Rising in Enniscorthy in 1916. The flag was the centre point of the Proclamation Day ceremony in St Mary’s CBS where it was raised at 12 noon followed by a reading of the Proclamation. The Proclamation was read by three students who have achieved many public speaking plaudits over the years, namely, Pierce Sinnott, David Manley and Colm Corcoran. In a further link with the past, the flag was raised in the school by two students who have a direct family connection with the participants of the Rising in Enniscorthy. Ronan O’Leary, a first year student, had a great grandfather, , in the rising while sixth year student, Diarmuid Byrne, also had a great grandfather, James Doolan, involved in the Rising. The ceremony at noon was witnessed by all the students and teachers in the school and was attend by local dignitaries Mr James Browne T.D, Mr Paddy Kavanagh, Chair of the Enniscorthy district of Wexford County Council and councillors Keith Doyle and Johnny Mythen.

Summer 2016 Page 35 Midleton CBS Students “Heroes for the Homeless” Sleepout Midleton CBS On Thursday February 11th, a total of 42 Kitchen experience before they were “One Campaign for Change” and aims Midleton CBS student volunteers from given an opportunity to move inside the to advocate for the homeless, to raise 4th and 5th year braved the cold and the school building for a few hours’ sleep on awareness and gather as many signatures rain as they staged a sponsored “12- the bare floor on cardboard, on mats and as possible over the coming months from hour Sleepout” in aid of the Cork Simon sleeping bags - much like a squat or a students and their families across Ireland Community on the CBS grounds. homeless hostel. to a petition calling for an end to the homeless crisis in our country. The “Heroes for the Homeless” event At the conclusion of the event every as it was called, was aimed at raising participant was given a breakfast roll and The One Campaign intends to use awareness of the issues surrounding tea at 8am before they washed and put social media as much as possible as a homelessness and gave participants on their school uniform to face into the means to reach the youth of Ireland an opportunity to experience some of normality of a regular school day. and get them involved. The social the struggles of homeless people for media aspect of the campaign was Students quickly realised how difficult themselves. Cork Simon visited the school launched at the beginning of March. it was for them and just how it would be on two occasions during the previous The One Campaign will conclude on for a homeless person to try and function week to conduct workshops with the the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice somewhat normally in a job or occupation students prior to the hosting of the event. on May 5th when it is planned to have while sleeping rough every night. The representatives from all participating Approximately half of the sleepout group students had roughed it for just one night schools throughout the country hand travelled to Cork City as part of their in a controlled and relatively comfortable thousands of signed petitions on behalf “Heroes” experience to walk the streets environment and found it difficult of the homeless to representatives of the and visit the familiar hangouts and to manage next day. It was easy to newly formed Government to address the gathering places of the city’s homeless. understand how alcohol or drug addiction homeless crisis. Their experience on the city streets or mental health issues or a combination helped reinforce the message and the of all could quickly lead to a chaotic Students from Midleton CBS were invited reality of what homelessness is actually lifestyle on the streets if someone were to to participate in a Homeless Photo like for those trapped in its grip. Upon find themselves in such circumstances. Exhibition and Concert hosted by Ard returning to the school the boys joined Scoil na Mara in Tramore on March 9th. The “Heroes for the Homeless” event with the other student “Heroes” outside The Waterford High Hopes Choir also forms part of a national campaign for the entrance for the sleepout experience. participated. schools in the Edmund Rice Schools Trust In the early hours of the morning all which was launched by Fr. Peter McVerry Our thanks to all the students who participants were provided with hot a number of weeks ago in the Edmund participated in the homeless sleep-out soup and bread in a simulation of a Soup Rice Centre in Waterford. It is called experience.

Published at Áras Éamainn Rís Meadow Vale Blackrock Tel: 01 289 7511 Co. Dublin Fax: 01 289 7540 A94 YN96 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01 289 7511 web: www.erst.ie