Email:
Email - stpatscavan@eircom.net
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HEADLINES
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DATE
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21 Dec 04
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21 Dec 04
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..06 Dec 04
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.30 Nov 04
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06 Oct 04
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.01 Sept 04
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23 May 04
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03 May 04
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29 May 04
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23 May 04
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09 May 04
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09 May 04
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03 May 04
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2 Apr 04
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2 Apr 04
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25 Mar 04
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13 Mar 04
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7 Mar 04
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7 Mar 04
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6 Mar 04
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3 Mar 04
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28 Feb 04
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22 Feb 04
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22 Feb 04
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Fr Gerard Alwill, President of St Patrick's College from 1997 to 2004 receiving
a staff presentation at our Christmas Party.
Also present was Fr John Gilhooly who
was a member of the teaching staff from
1986 to 2004 reveiving a presentation on
his appointment as Curate to Butlersbridge,
Co Cavan.
(Left to Right) Mr Patsy Lee (Principal), Fr John Gilhooly, Rev Bishop Leo O'Reilly,
Fr Gerard Alwill, Mr Eddie Duffy (Staff Representative)Fr Alwill was a student of the College from 1965 to 1970. He was ordained in 1977 and returned to
St Patrick's as a member of the teaching staff in September 1978. Over the intervening years he taught Maths, Mechanical Drawing, Religion, Art and Computer Studies. In 1997 he was appointed President in succession
to Fr John McTiernan.Fr John Gilhooly was also a student of the College from 1972 to 1977. He was ordained in 1984 and spent two years as Chaplin in Virginia Vocational School after which he returned to St Patrick's as a member of the teaching staff. He taught Maths, Religion, History and Geography until he became College Chaplin in 1999. John is now resident Curate in Butlersbridge.
It is with fond memories that we say good bye to both men and wish them happiness in their new ventures.
St Patrick's College, in collaboration with Loreto College, Cavan and Cavan Youth Choir produced and recorded a collection of Christmas Carols in the College Chapel last December under the directorship of
Mr Kieran Tackney and Ms Winnie Hughes (Loreto College). A few copies remain for sale and can
be purchased from Mr Tackney.
Mobile Cinema comes to St Pat's
On Monday Dec 6th the Mobile Cinema arrived in
the College to allow Exam students view a number
of films which are currently being studied for their
Junior and Leaving Certificate Exams in June.
International Mathematics Olympiads.
Three students from St Patrick's College, Cavan have been short listed to take part in the International Mathematics Olympiad in 2005. The competition is a prestigious annual competition for mathematically gifted pre-university students.
The International committee has invited Patrick Kelly, Michael Hayes and Philip Maguire to attend training seminars early in 2005.
Congratulations to the boys and their math's teachers on their achievements.
In Photo are from left to right, Patrick Kelly, Michael Hayes, Philip Maguire
and Mr Patsy Lee.(Principal, St Patrick's College, Cavan.)
Visit to Cavan Box Ltd, Ballyjamesduff for Leaving Certificate art Class.
Recently a group of 5th Year Art Students visited Cavan Box Ltd, Ballyjamesduff, for a tour of the factory to view the manufactoring process.
Picture shows Mr Anslem Lovett, Managing Director, explaining one of the processes involved in box design and construction.
Mr John O' Shea Appointed as New Deputy Principal
Mr John O Shea was appointed Deputy principal on September 1st 2004. A native of Co Wexford he has taught in St Patrick's College, Cavan since 1988.
He is a teacher of Maths, Business Studies, Economics, Business and Computers.
Mr Patrick J Lee Appointed as New Principal
Mr Patrick J Lee has been appointed as the new Principal of St Patrick's College in succession to Fr Gerard Alwill who is retiring from the position.
Mr Lee has been a member of the College staff since 1967. He has taught a wide variety of subjects over the intervening years including Latin, PE, Art and English. He has been Deputy Principal since September 2000.
Patrick, better known as Patsy to his friends, is a native of Cavan town and he was a student of the College from 1958 until 1963. Having studied for his degree in Maynooth he started his teaching career in Willow Park, Dublin.
Over the years Patsy has shown a deep interest in and a deep commitment to St Patrick's College and to the welfare of its students. Apart from his excellent record as a teacher he trained students in athletics, he helped football coaches prepare teams for matches, he was in charge of the student tuck shop, he helped in the production of many musicals and he set up the student Radio Room, giving students experience of producing radio programmes and documentaries. He himself has produced and presented programmes on the local radio station, Northern Sound.
Mr Lee's appointment as Principal was confirmed by the Board of Management on Tuesday 18th May and was announced by Bishop Leo O'Reilly, patron and chief trustee of the College.
This is a very historic appointment as Mr Lee is the first lay principal in the 130 year history of the College. He says that he is very honoured to be appointed to this position and is deeply aware of the fine tradition of College Presidents who preceded him. During his time in St Patrick's he has worked under seven different College Presidents. He is very keen to promote the Catholic ethos of the school and wishes to further enhance the rich traditions of the College in sport, music etc. He looks forward to the introduction of new courses and, with the assistance of the Board of Management, the Parents' Association, the new Student Council and the College staff, will work towards the development of new school policies.
We wish Mr Lee every success and every blessing in his new position as Principal of St Patrick's College.
Fr Alwill to Retire after 26 Years in St Patrick's
Fr Gerard Alwill, President of the College, has confirmed that he intends to retire from the College at the end of the current academic year.
Fr Alwill was a student of the College from 1965 to 1970. He was ordained in 1977 and he returned to St Patrick's as a member of the teaching staff in September 1978. Over the intervening years he has taught quite a number of subjects including Maths, Mechanical Drawing, Religion, Art and, in more recent years, Computer Studies. It was as Computer Studies teacher that he set up the College web site as well as the original Kilmore diocesan web site. Fr Gerard also worked in a variety of positions in the College including Sub-Dean, Dayboys' Dean and College Bursar.
In 1997 he was appointed President in succession to Fr John McTiernan. As President Fr Alwill took the decision to close the Boarding School and he established the Board of Management. He also initiated the first stages of the school building project with the appointment of a Design Team by the Department of Education. During the last year he facilitated the establishment of the Parents' Association.
Committee Members of the Parents' Association make a special presentation to Fr Alwill
to mark his retirement from the staff of St Patrick's CollegeFr Alwill is now completing his 26th year on the school staff. He says that after 26 years he feels that it is now time to move on and he is looking forward to the challenge of starting a new ministry in his life. As he leaves St Patrick's, Fr Alwill is bringing to an end a 130 year old tradition of priests holding the position of College President. His successor will be a lay person, the first lay Principal of St Patrick's College. The new Principal will probably be appointed towards the middle/end of May.
Parents' Association: Successful Table Quiz
The Parents' Association held a very successful Table Quiz in the Hotel Kilmore on Thursday 22nd April.
The Quiz was very well attended and well supported with more than 40 tables occupied. It was a very successful and enjoyable evening. The proceeds of the evening go towards the equipping and furnishing of a new Materials Technology (Woodwork) Room.
Fr Alwill, the Principal, thanked the committee of the Parents' Association for organising the quiz and he also thanked all those who came along to support it.
Members of the Committee of the Parents' Association present Fr Alwill with a cheque for €4,000, the proceeds of the table Quiz
Students Presented with KEY Certificates
Ten students from St Patrick's College travelled to Belfast on Thursday 27th May to be presented with their certificates of achievement for having participated in the KEY Programme.
The certificate winners with Fr Alwill (Principal), Ms Madden and Ms Gornell (Teachers)The presentation ceremony was held in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast, and it was attended by about 600 students from schools all over Ulster, from north and south of the border. To win their certificates the students had to participate in a number of special camps during the course of the school year where they learned the basics of setting up their own businesses as well as participating in various recreational pursuits with students from other schools.
Fundraising for "People in Need"
On Friday 21st May students and staff took part in the national Telethon fundraising venture for People in Need.
All eyes on the ball as teachers set up another attackThe students paid €2 each to buy two free classes in order to watch a soccer match between a Student SRC team and a Staff team. In glorious weather the two teams battled away on the Senior Pitch and after Mr Monahan came very close to an opening goal for the teachers the students went on to score a goal before half time. In the second half the students scored another two goal before the teachers rallied and put in a strong finish, winning a penalty which they failed to convert. The full-time score was 3 - 0 in favour of the students.
Ciaran Kelly and Shane Garry contribute to Ms Gornall's collection bucketA total of €1176 was raised
We say a special word of thanks to the organisers, (Ms Gornall, Ms Madden & Mr O'Callaghan), to the teams, to the referee (Mr O'Shea) and, above all, to everyone who contributed to the collection.
Well done everbody!
Past Student Published his Memoirs
Finbarr Corr, a past student of the College has published his memoirs in a book called "A kid from Legaginney".
As the title of the book suggests, Finbarr is a native of Legaginney, near Ballinagh, Co Cavan. He was a student of St Patrick's College from 1949 until 1954. In his book he recalls his youth in Legaginney, his years in St Pat's and his time in the seminary. He served as a priest for 28 years in America before leaving the ministry, marrying and becoming a therapist. His book takes us through his life journey from student to priesthood to therapist.
On Friday 7th May Finbarr visited the College to mark the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of his class. He presented the President, Fr Gerard Alwill with a copy of his book and, in return, Fr Alwill presented him with a copy of the late Fr Gallogly's History of St Patrick's College. Fr Gallogly and Finbarr were classmates in St Pat's. On the next day, Saturday, he signed copies of his book at the Crannog Book Shop in Cavan. Pictured left, we see Finbarr in the book shop with a copy of his newly published book and a copy of the history of St Patrick's College.
His book has won much acclaim from the critics. Frank McCourt, the author of Angela's Ashes describes it as "warm and leavened with the gentle breezes of kindness, humour and compassion". He goes on: "We don't often get the inside story of a priest's life, though I think we need to know now, more than ever, that there are men and women of the cloth doing God's work. So here it is, a memoir of a man doing just that, a man with a great heart and a writing style that draws you in as if you were sitting by his fireside, listening. Listening and being moved."
In Ireland copies of A Kid from Legaginney are available from the Crannóg Book Shop (Cavan) and Eason's (Dublin). In the USA copies may be ordered through the Barnes and Noble web site.
Wonderful Choral-Orchestral Concert in the College
The choirs of St Patrick's College and Alexandra College Dublin presented a marvellous evening of music and song in the new Conference Centre, St Patrick's College, on Saturday night, 8th May.
The Conference Centre was absolutely packed for the performance which included works such as Zadok the Priest, Dvorak's Mass in D, Panis Angelicus, The Anvil Chorus, O Fortuna and, the climax of the evening, the main theme from Riverdance. Apart from the massed choirs, many students presented solo performances and there were presentations from the College Jazz Band and the Traditional Irish Group.
John Farrelly (Right) on clarinet. P J Kennedy (Left) on flute
Declan McGoldrick playing 1st Movement, Bach's Violin Concerto in A Minor
The large attendance thoroughly enjoyed the evening's music and showed its appreciation by giving a prolonged standing ovation at the end of the concert.
College President, Fr Alwill, speaking after the concert, congratulated Ciaran Tackney and Evelyn Hearns on the wonderful performance and thanked them for their commitment and hard work. He also welcomed Marian Healy, the Principal of Alexandra College. This was the second year that the two colleges had collaborated in this way and, given it's marvellous success, he suggested that it might become an annual event with concerts in Cavan and Dublin. He also reminded the audience that the Conference Room was, in it's earlier days, the Student Refectory and, during the 1950's and 1960's, was the venue for many of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas presented by the students of that time.
Finally, Liam Maguire, on behalf of the choristers and musicians of the College, made a surprise special presentation to Fr Alwill on the occasion of his retirement from the College.
Visitors from Holland
On Wednesday 24th March a group of secondary school principals and agricultural school principals from Holland visited St Patrick's College. The visit was arranged through Mr Michael Swords from the Teagasc Agricultural College, Ballyhaise.
The visitors were welcomed to the College by the President, Fr Gerard Alwill, Mr Patsy Lee (Deputy Principal) and Mr Edward O'Callaghan (teacher of Agricultural Science). In welcoming them, Fr Alwill outlined briefly the history of the College and the development of secondary education in Ireland.
The visitors from Holland in the Demonstration Room after the presentation from Declan McGovern and Peadar Harten.
Also in the picture is Mr O'Callaghan.The group then went to the Demonstration Room where Mr O'Callaghan and two students, Declan McGovern and Peadar Harten spoke to visitors about Agricultural Science in the College and about the projects they do as part of their course. The visitors were very impressed by the two students and their contribution.
All-Ireland Success for Swimmers
After their marvellous success in the Ulster Schools Championships, the students representing St Patrick's College have scored notable success in the All-Ireland Secondary Schools Swimming Championships held in Galway in early February. The team from the College consisted of Peter Cullivan, Conor McClarry, Michael Coyle, Robert Maloney-Derham and Conor Hayden.
Robert was first reserve finalist in his individual events of 100 m backstroke and 200 m Medley. But the highlight of the team's achievements was their success in the relay events. They won the bronze medal in the Under-14 200 m Medley in a time of 2.13.47. In the final of the Freestyle Relay , won by St Colman's, Claremorris, in a schools record time, the St Pat's lads took the silver medal position in a magnificent time of 1.58.48.
Congratulations and well done to the team on a very fine achievement.
Past Student is World Champion
Congratulations to past student Paul Brady was has recently become world champion in handball.
Paul, who comes from Mullahoran, won the title when he defeated David Chapman in the largest prize money event in the history pro-handball, Handball's Ultimate Showdown Final. The scores were 11-13, 11-6, 12-10, 11-6.
Paul was down 4-8 in the third game and it looked as if Chapman was going to take control of the game but he fought back to take the game 12-10. Chapman again took a 6-2 lead in the fourth game but Brady scored 6 points without reply and went on to win 11-6.
Paul in action in the final. David congratulates Paul. Paul is presented with the chequeAfter the match Paul was presented with a cheque for $50,000.
This is a marvellous achievement for Paul and we heartily congratulate him him.
Handballer of the Year Award
As a result of this success Paul was awarded the
GAA-Vodaphone All-Stars Handballer of the Year Award.
At a special ceremony in the Westin Hotel, Dublin, Paul (right of picture) was presented with the award by GAA President, Mr Sean O'Cheallaigh.
Pictured with Paul at the award ceremony is Fr John Gilhooly.
Fr John was Paul's coach and mentor during his time in St Patrick's College.
Warm Send-Off for Padraic
We congratulate Fifth Year student Padraig O'Reilly on being selected to play on the Irish Under-18 Compromise Rules Team to play Australia at Easter.
Padraig, who plays his football with Ballinagh, was a member of last year's successful Rannafast team. He has also played with Cavan county teams at various levels including U-16, minor and U-21. Last year he was selected to play for Ireland in the U-17 International test against Australia. He will join the Irish team as they head off to play three games against Australia during the Easter holidays. They will play three games in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
Before he left for Australia Padraic was given a number of special presentations by students and staff on the last day of term before the Easter holidays.
Padraic's fellow students in Fifth Year congratulate him and wish him success in Australia
Head Prefect, Fergal Slowey, made a presentation on behalf of his fellow students in Fifth Year.
Football coach and teacher, Mr J J Reilly made a presentation on behalf of the teaching staff of the College. He complimented Padraic on his commitment and his dedication to the game, stating that Padraic has an outstanding sporting future, whether it be in Ireland or Australia.
College President, Fr Gerard Alwill also made a presentation on behalf of the school.
Padraic's father, Declan, was guest of honour for the special occasion.
Mr JJ Reilly, Fr Alwill, Padraic, Declan O'Reilly (Padraic's father), Sean McKiernan, Fergal Slowey and Mr Patsy Lee.
We wish Padraig and the rest of the Irish team every success in the test series.
Junior Tour to Spain
This year's Junior Tour travelled to Spain.
During the February mid-term break a group of forty students visited many of the fine attractions in Barcelona such as La Sagrada Familia, the Aquarium, the Novcamp Stadium and the Olympic Swimming Pool. But the high point of the tour, in more senses than one, was the visit to the hilltop town of Monsterrat with it's famous monastery.
The Junior Tour visits Monserrat near Barcelona in Spain.
Alan Plays for Ireland
Alan O'Riordan, a Fifth Year student in the College, has been selected to play for the Irish Under-18 schoolboys soccer team.
He recently played in the Ireland .v. Scotland game in Dundalk which resulted in a 1 - 1 draw.
In the coming weeks the Irish lads will play three more games, away to Wales and England and at home to New Zealand.
Alan was a member of the College soccer team that reached last year's schools Cup Final. He is a regular on the Shelbourne Under-17 and Under-21 teams.
Battle of the Bands
The College Assembly was packed out on Friday last, 5th March, for the Battle of the Bands.
Organised by Mr Tackney, the school Music teacher, the Battle of the Bands was a competition for student bands. Four bands took part in the competition and the members of the audience voted for the winner. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Stevie Dee. Stevie is a past student of the College, better known in those days as as Steven Brady.
The four bands were The Do-Littles, Overdrive, The Screamin' Leads and The Flyin' Fish Monkeys. Most of the musicians and singers were College students, though some came from the neighbouring schools.
The Flyin Fish Monkeys
Christopher O'Reilly, Damien Smith, Adam Gibbons, Tommy Payralbe and Darren PruntyThe Flyin' Fish Monkeys were voted the top band and took the Euro 300 prize.
The guest artists for the evening were The Significant Seven, three of whose members are past students; Daire O'Reilly on Sax, Cormac McCann on piano and Paul McCann, Bass.
Ulster Handball Champions
Congratulations to Darren O'Reilly and Patrick Brady who recently won the Ulster Colleges Under-17 Doubles Championship in handball. We also congratulate their trainer, Fr John Gilhooly.
In the final they defeated St Mary's College, Belfast, 21 - 13 and 21 - 06.
The St Pat's lads now go into the All-Ireland championships, the finals of which will be held on Sunday 7th March. We wish them all the best in the finals.
Enrolment Day
Enrolment Day for intending First Year students took place on Saturday, 13th March.
Intending First Years and their parents/guardians were invited to attend the College and to receive information about the school, its courses, its activities and its facilities.
Traditionally, Enrolment Day was combined with Open Day when prospective students and their families had an opportunity to tour the school, to visit the various subject rooms and to view the displays of student work and projects.
This year, however, due to the on-going building works, the tour could not take place.
Enrolment took place in the new Conference Room, the Refectory as it was formerly called. The new students had an opportunity to enrol, to view some student projects from the Art and Woodwork classes and to speak to staff and students about school life, subjects etc.
It was a very successful day and 106 new pupils enrolled for next year.
There are still some vacancies so anyone considering enrolling a son into First Year or into any other year-group up the house should contact the College at (049) 436 1888.
Please visit our special
Declan Tours California with Orchestra
Declan McGoldrick, a Third Year student, has won a place on the cross-border orchestra of Ireland. This orchestra consists of eighty young people for the border counties. They have already performed in many prestigious venues in Ireland but they are currently touring California.
Declan had to make a rushed departure from his Mock-Junior Cert exams in order to fly out with the orchestra on 13th February. Their schedule is very busy with intensive rehearsals for eight concerts and visits to Disneyland and San Francisco. They return to Ireland February 23rd.
Declan is actively involved in musical activities within the College having featured as a soloist for concerto movements with guest orchestras on several occasions. He is also involved on the jazz band, the traditional Irish group and in the choir. Declan, who is also a member of the Cavan County Youth Orchestra, is tutored in violin by Ms Sue Donohoe.
Further Success for College Quiz Team
The College Quiz Team has got off to a good start in the TCH All-Ireland Schools Quiz.
The team consists of Malacy McKeever, David O'Reilly, Michael Hayes, Andrew Norry, Thomas Broe and Niall Galligan.
They succeeded in winning their way through the first two rounds of the competition recording victories over Ardee Community School and St Mary's, Dundalk.
The team has now made further progress, defeating St Macartan's, Monaghan, to reach the last 16 teams in the competition and then defeating Newry, thus reaching the quarter-finals of the competition. They next play St Joseph's, Galway for a semi-final place.
We wish them every success as the competition progresses.
