St Patrick's College, Cavan.
College News 2011
Many more news items from this school year can be found on our old news 2010 page.

Pictured below is PJ Rudden who was recently appointed President of Engineers Ireland.
Cavan County Council hosted a Civic Reception in his honour on 25th November 2011.
A native of Laragh, Stradone, he was educated at Laragh National School and St. Patrick's College .
PJ sat his Leaving Certificate in 1971 and qualified in Civil Engineering from UCD in 1975.
The school salutes this past pupil on the honours bestowed on him for his services to engineering in Ireland.

Front Row: Jack Keyes County Manager Cavan County Council, Sean McKiernan Chairman Cavan County Council,
PJ Rudden, Celia Rudden.
Back Row: Eugene Reilly, Pat Smith, Val McCaul, friends attending civic reception.





St. Patrick’s College: First Cavan School to Participate in the Link Schools Programme

First year students and teachers from St. Patrick’s College are taking part in an exciting development education programme which will see them ‘linked’ with a school in rural Uganda. 

The Link Schools Programme: Partners in Development is coordinated by Link Community Development (LCD) and enables Irish schools to form partnerships with schools in Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and Uganda.  The programme can be used to introduce development education into the classroom whilst also creating a friendship and correspondence between Irish and African schools. 

All First year classes were given a presentation on what life is like for their peers in Uganda and on the work that LCD are doing there to improve education opportunities.  The next step will be to complete themed development resources provided by LCD.  As well as the resources, LCD will facilitate the school in sending mailings to their partner school three times a year, enabling correspondence between students and allowing them to engage in a piece of work with their partner school based around a curriculum subject. This will allow the first year students a unique opportunity to gain some insight into the similarities and differences that exist between them and young people in rural Africa. 

The First year students are looking forward to preparing their first mailing to send to Uganda, introducing themselves to their partner school and are eagerly awaiting the mailing being sent to them from Uganda.

 Green Schools Committee present Green Schools Fortnight
We are working towards achieving our first green flag.  This year’s Green Schools Committee is made up of 3rd year and TY students: Lorcan Sheridan, Evan Bourke, Ryan Guilfoyle, Conor O’ Reilly, Niall Lawlor, James Dolan, Declan Smith, Paul King, Luke O’Dea, Breffni O’ Brien and Gerald Olwill.  Congratulations to all of them for the hard work they have put into preparing this event.

The Green Schools Committee organised a Green Schools Fortnight which took place in  December as part of our school’s Green Flag application.  This built on the work the Committee have done over the past two years since the Green Schools was set up in 2009. 

Events included an interactive litter and waste workshop for 1st years ran by the visiting ‘Bin It Live Team’ from the Litter Task Force.  Other activities included lessons during CSPE classes presented by TY students on Green Schools, the environment and recycling.

At present the committee are holding an Art competition open to all 1st and 2nd year students, the themes for posters are ‘Litter’ or ‘Recycling’.  Other events planned include a group litter pick up, a litter monitoring programme, a mobile phone collection for the Jack and Jill Foundation, and a new recycling programme which TY students will be involved in. 

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Pictured below are student representatives Darren Callery, Colm Reilly, Conor Mc Dermott and Mark McMahon with their Religion teachers Mr james Brady, Ms Jane Craig-Elliot and Ms Ann Burke, presenting food parcels to Mr Tom Byrne
from the Society of St Vincent de Paul. The parcels were collected from the student body by the 5th year pupils.
(Report by Cian O'Reilly)

First year students had a big surprise on their last day of school before their Christmas holidays when to their surprise
Santa Clause arrived laden with gifts for them all. They were treated to a party, movie and a sing song with Santa.
A big thanks to Ms Marie Henry and Mr Tony Prunty who were instrumental in organising Santa's visit
at his busiest time of the year.

Pictured below are Mr Gerry O'Rourke (Cavan Co Council) with Ms Murphy and her CSPE class at a workshop
conducted recently on Litter and Waste Management in conjunction with European week for Waste Reduction.

Pictured below is Ms Jen Murphy from Trocaire who conducted a workshop on Climate Change
with Mr Duffy and Mrs Fitzpatrick's 3rd Yyear CSPE classes on thursday 10th Nov 2011.
Also in picture are the finance committees from both classes who presented Ms Murphy with a cheque for €100.

St Pat's past pupils gather and reminisce for 50 year reunion.
Pictured below are pupils from the class of 1956-61 back at St Pat's for their 50 year reunion on 29th October 2011.
Back l-r; Tom Young, Dannyy Fay, Fr Colm Hurley, Paddy Travers, Tom Flynn, Seamus Brady and Joe Gilchrist.
Middle l-r; Paul Dolan, Gene Bannon, Jimmy Lee, Noel McGovern, Brian Boylan, Sean T Reilly, Aidan Gorby,
Brian McIllheny, Kevin Smith, Emanuel Kennedy, Gerry Fitzmorris, Bernie Smith representing Patsy Smith,
Padraig Smith, Cathal Toal and Jimmy O'Reilly.
Front l-r; Paddy O'Reilly, Terry Smith, Malachy Clarke, Tommy Monahan, Liam Mc Niffe (Principal),
Bishop Leo O'Reilly, Pat Harey, Brendan Young, PJ Cusack, Michael Leahy and Fr Phil Brady.

Francis Moore wins Entrance Scholarship to Trinity College Dublin.
Congratulations to Francis Moore, pictured with principal, Dr Liam McNiffe, who won an Entrance Scholarship
to Trinity College, Dublin based on his excellent Leaving Certificate results.

St. Pat’s student wins Science scholarship

Pictured below is Sean Connolly who was awarded a Naughton Science Scholarship recently, being congratulated by Principal Dr Liam Mc Niffe. The award is given for students who excel in Science and are pursuing  science , technology or engineering at college.

Congratulations to Andrew Creamer and Dennis Frimpong on their recent athletics success.
Andrew (left) took Gold Ulster Schools U17 boys 100mt
Gold All Ireland Schools U17 boys 100mt
Gold Tailteann Games Inter boys 100mt
Bronze SIAB Schools International boys 100mt
Dennis won silver in the Ulster Schools Long Jump and Bronze in the High Jump. He also represented Ulster in the Tailteann Inter Provincials in June. He won bronze in the Ulster Multi-Events last September.

More Success for Transition Year in St Patrick’s College.
Mark Mahon, a TY student 2010/11 achieved great success in the third national competition of Careersportal.ie. He presented a report on his work placement in Social Care, for which he was awarded third place in the country in the Transition Year category. He attended the official awards ceremony in the Department of Education and Skills on Tuesday 27th September accompanied by his family and Transition Co-ordinator Ms Gwen Brady.


Mark Mahon,   Mr Sean Sherlock TD(Minister for Training and Skills), Ms Gwen Brady(TY Co-ordinator)

Pictured above are the students from St Pat's who travelled to Lourdes to help out on the Kilmore Diocesan Pilgrimage in May 2011. They were accompanied by teachers Mr Shane Fitzpatrick, Fr Kevin Fay, Mr Ray Hogan, Ms Caroline Smith, Ms Ann Burke and Ms Annmarie Madden.

St Patrick's College, class of '71 reunion.

The St Patrick's College class of 1966-71 met forty years after their Leaving Certificate at a reunion on Saturday Sept 17th. Everyone assembled at the college to attend a memorial mass in the chapel for the deceased members of the class - Noel Mc Ginnity, Noel Mc Enroe and Martin Brennan. They then retraced their steps around the school with principal Dr Liam Mc Niffe, visiting classrooms, parts of the old and new wings and the study hall. The final part of the day took place in the Kilmore Hotel, Cavan.
Seated back left to right - P.J. Rudden (Dublin), EugeneDeane (Enniskillen), Cathal Magee (Wicklow), P.J. Fitzpatrick (Tullamore), Dr Liam Mc Niffe (Principal), John Brady (Crosskeys), Hugo Murphy (Dublin), Pat Cox (Galway), Tom Burns (Ballinamore) and Fr Liam Kelly (Denn).
Front l-r - Eugene Reilly (Cavan), Gerry Mc Govern (Botswana), Paddy Conaty (Cavan), Frank Brennan, brother of the late Martin Brennan, Frank King (Virginia), David Hickey (Dublin), Val Mc Caul (Belturbet), Dympna Gilsenan and Kathleen Young, sisters of the late Noel Mc Ginnity, Ann Byrne sister off the late Martin Brennan, Ann-Marie and Leonie McEnroe, mother and daughter of the late Noel McEnroe, Kieran O'Keeffe (Sligo), Michael Smith (Shercock), Michael McNiffe (Kildare) and Oliver Leddy (Redhills). Missing from photo are - Eamonn Gillic (Oldcastle), Felim Kiernan (Granard) and Paddy MCGill (Drogheda).

Pictured below are Fionnan Tierney, Yassen Asad, Mark Thornton Connolly , Conor Bates
Liam Connolly and Martin Eluvathingar, having just received their Junior Cert. results at St. Patrick’s College. The boys accumulated a grand total of almost 40  A’s between them.

Dr. Liam Mc Niffe, Principal, stated that the College was very pleased with the overall results of its 112  students who sat the Junior Cert. last June. The exam is  very important for all students from the high flyers who achieve a string of As to the more modest, but just as creditworthy, achievement of the hard working student of average ability who realises his potential.
Plans are in place to change the Junior Cert.  This is welcome. However, it is vitally important that it is replaced with something of significance. The Junior Cert, for all its flaws, is a rite of passage for young people. It rewards work and effort. It gives students a sense of achievement. It helps them to decide what subjects to pursue for Leaving Cert. It also focuses students’ minds and consequently helps them to study. Imagine the prospect for parents and teachers trying to motivate some students in September of Second Year, with no State exam until Leaving Cert. 

Principal. Dr. Liam Mc Niffe expressed delight at the results of all the students in the College.
There was a smaller Leaving Cert. class of only 93 students this year, due to a big increase in the number
opting to follow Transition Year two years ago. Despite this, the results were on a par with other years. 
Dr. Mc Niffe wished all students the best of luck in their chosen future paths and congratulated 
the parents, and staff as well as the students on their great success.

Congratulations to Francis Moore and Sean Connolly  having just received their Leaving Cert. results at St Patrick’s College Cavan. They achieved an outstanding 13 A’s between them. Francis hopes to study pharmacy and Sean hopes to study medicine.

Principal, Dr. Liam Mc Niffe expressed delight at the results of all the students in the College.
There was a smaller Leaving Cert. class of only 93 students this year, due to a big increase in the number
opting to follow Transition Year two years ago. Despite this, the results were on a par with other years. 
Dr. Mc Niffe wished all students the best of luck in their chosen future paths and
congratulated  the parents, and staff as well as the students on their great success.

Congratulations to Michael McMahon, Cathal Bogue, Daniel Talbot and Stephen Conaty
after receiving their Leaving Cert results, well done.




Congratulations to Sean Fitzsimons, Alan Brady, James Galligan and Killian Devine
after receiving their Leaving Cert results, well done.

Recently a group of students went to Maynooth for a media training course accompanied by Ms Marie Henry (Guidance Counsellor). Upon arrival they were divided into two groups, a production team, and a technical team. The production team included a producer, presenters, news and sports readers and special guests. The technical team were given jobs such as director, floor manager, vision mixer, soundmen, cameramen and graphics co-ordinators. The students recorded their own live programme on the day and gained a valuable insight into the world of media production.

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Pictured below are students Sean Fitzsimons, Francis Smith and Shane Conaty with Mr Alan Finan (Chairperson Parents Committee) and Dr Liam Mc Niffe (Principal). The three boys were presented with prizes for being the top fund raisers for the Pedal for St Pat's 30K cycle which took place on Sunday 8th May. Shane recieved a new mountain bike for his efforts in raising the largest sponsorship. Many thanks to the College Parents Association for all their continued hard work, Breffni Wheelers who escorted the students on their cycle and to Clark's Superstore, Cavan for sponsorship. Almost €3000 was raised.

Pictured below are the College First year Inter County League winners with Dr Liam Mc Niffe (principal),
Mr Shane Fitzpatrick and Ms Ann Burke (team coaches).

The Power of the Field, an adaption of J.B Kean's play The Field was performed by Transition Year students on April 14th to a packed audience. The evenings entertainment was produced and directed by TY co-ordinator Ms Gwen Brady with music directed by Mr Ciaran Tackney and set designed by Mr Leon Lynch. Set Construction, Leon Lynch, Gerard Gunne, Declan Burns. Make-up, Aine Martin, Tara Hanley, Ashling Prichard. Booking, Geraldine Smith, Orla Keogh. Admissions, Marie Henry, Fiona Brady, Anne-Marie Madden. Hall Prep, John Smith, Tommy Dawson. Publicity, Gwen Brady, Anne Fitzsimons. Programme, Aaron Lynch. Music, Fiachra Mc Goldrick, Matthew Mc Kenna, Philip Bogue, Padraig Sweeney, Ronan Sweeney, Seamus Tierney, Conor Connolly, Fergus Bogue, Donal Cooney, Gareth Tierney, Daniel Hacket, Pauric Donnelly, Aaron Van Haaster, Sean Van Haaster, Cian Conde.
This was a production where the students took full control of all aspects on stage and bach stage. It was a riviting production with strong acting delivered from all cast members. The music which accompanied this production, played a vital role in tying all the scenes together.

Gary Tyler, Cian Duffy, Ciaran Reilly, Donal Reilly, Colm O'Reilly, Seamus Tierney, Liam Fitzsimons, Conor Bannon.

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Ciaran Briody, Cian Duffy and Donal Reilly >>>>>>>>>>>>Francis Smith as William Dee.

Artist Sylvia Grace Borda discussing the theory and history behind the Camera Obscura to fifth year stuents at the "Seeing and Being in the Landscape" exhibition at Bluewall Gallery, Cavan. (April 2011)

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Pictured above left is Joe Keenan, (Gallery Director) demonstrating the camera obscura image inside the specially constructed room in the gallery. On the right the students were given the opportunity to use a camera obscura made from cardbord boxes.



Pictured above are students from Loreto College, Cavan and St Pat's before their trip to Dail Eireann with Fr Kevin Fay (left) and Ms. McGlade (right). The students were involved in fundraising for the Lent Trocaire appeal.

Pictured below are 5th year sudents from the art classes of St Pat's and Royal School, Cavan who took part in a Peace III Cultural Diversity Mural Project with artists Nik Purdy, Denise Smyth, Grainne Smith and supervisor Breffni O'Reilly. The project was co-ordinated by Breffni Clarke, Cavan Co Council with art teachers Olivia Burns (Royal School) and
Leon Lynch (St Patrick's College). A huge thanks to Nik, Denise, Grainne and Breffni for all their hard work and enthusiasm. Nik's art work can be viewed at www.blowdesigns.com

Padraig, Conor, Francis and Vincent. ......... ...................Razwan
Students from both schools worked on each schools project.

The St Pat's mural will be sited (in three sections) in the stairwell in St Killian's wing.

The mural for the Royal School, Cavan will be sited in an outside court yard area on school grounds.

All Ireland Soccer Finlaists
Photos below are from the All Ireland U18 final against De la Salle, Waterford.
St Pat's in the yellow jeserys.

Pictures below show some action moments from the Ulster Final between St Pat's and St Columba's.
St Pat's beat St Columba's 6-5 in penalties.
The team went on to beat Summerhill College, Sligo 1-0 which now puts them into the All Ireland final.


Joe Masterson saves another one.

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...................................................................Mr Edward O'Callaghan (team coach) with Conor Higgins (team Captain).

St Patricks College Cavan win Senior Ulster Cup in thrilling fashion

01/03/2011

A sun drenched Ballyshannon provided the venue for the 2010/11 Senior Ulster school boy’s final
between St Patricks College Cavan and St Colombas of Stranorlar. The Donegal team also contested
the final last year and started the game as clear favourites. Indeed it was the Donegal side who
made the brighter start putting immense pressure on the Cavan midfield and defence. Ten minutes
into the game and the incessant pressure eventually paid dividends for the Donegal men. The move
began from midfield with the ball quickly sweeping wide. The result was a beautiful crossfield ball
which was half volleyed to the roof of the Cavan net. A brilliant and fair result for the Stranorlar side
after such a dominant opening.

However, ironically, the goal had a settling affect on the Cavan team. Five minutes after the early
goal, Cavan struck back. The ball was picked up at the edge of the box by centre forward Craig
Murphy ,he turned and twisted the Stranorlar defence before beautifully passing to fellow striker,
the crafty Darragh McVeety to score his seventh goal of the campaign. Suddenly there was a sense
of belief in the Cavan team. With Cathal Bogue at the centre Pat’s were able to start moving the ball
into better positions. Dividends started to pay and Cavan struck again, this time a penalty awarded
when the on rushing Mcveety was taken down in the box. The penalty then expertly slotted to the
net by Craig Murphy. The game had now swung in favour of the Cavan team and confidence started
to grow.

At half time St Pat’s led 2-1 but were well aware of the potential pressure to come. And come it
did. The Stranorlar men started the second half with tremendous spirit forcing the Cavan men into
making mistakes. Again the pressure paid and the Donegal men were awarded their first penalty of
the afternoon which they proceeded to score. The teams, now level, continued to battle each other
and the heat of the afternoon. Indeed this incredible battle continued to swing too and fro in favour
of both teams all afternoon, no team willing to surrender. On several occasions both teams came
close, none so much as the magnificent effort by the Pats centre forward Craig Murphy. Again the
move started on the wing and was met by Murphy who bycycle kicked, only to see his effort crash
against the Colomba’s crossbar.

Ninety minutes had passed and Michael Gallagher, the referee, signalled the beginning of extra time.
Again both sides pushed hard to find a winner, but it was the Cavan side who now appeared to have
made the breakthrough. Four minutes into extra time St Pats were awarded a corner after some
excellent attacking play. Jonathan Leddy, one of St Pat’s Irish internationals struck the corner into
the Colomba’s box. Rising highest in the box the imperious Paul Graham headed the ball to the roof
of the Donegal net. The Cavan men now felt that their reward was very close, but again, very quickly
their dreams were shattered. Three mintues later St Colomba’s were awarded another penalty.
Again, one of the Colomba’s midfielder stepped up to cooly slot the ball to the corner of the Cavan
net. Again the referee blew his final whistle to signify the end of the game and the preparation of
the penalty shootout.

The shoot out had begun and the tension on both sides was palpable. Unfortunately, St Pat’s missed
their fourth penalty. Now, the advantage was with the Donegal men, the Cavan team’s hopes fading
fast. It is at times like this that every team needs its heroes and Cavan needed a hero to save their
chances. Up stepped Jo Masterson to dive to his left and save Colomba’s fourth penalty. The Cavan
team elated, there was still hope. Daniel Talbott stepped up to expertly score the fifth penalty
for St Pat’s. Now again Masterson faced another penalty, this time he dived to his right, making a
brilliant save. The game was over and St Pat’s team and supporters were delirious. An incredible
achievement against the odds for the Cavan side.

Yes, it was a heroic performance by the Cavan side but special attention must be given to some of
the players. Paul and Andy graham were masterful in defence while Craig Murphy was magnificent
along with his striking partner Darragh McVeety in attack. Jonathan Leddy, Cathal Bogue and Ryan
Reilly brilliant in midfield. However, the man of the match award could only go to one player, Jo
Masterson. Not only did the goaly save many strikes during the game but it was his penalty saves
which ultimately landed the Cavan side victory. St Pat’s now march on to an All Ireland semi final
where they await the Connaught champions.

Edward O Callaghan.

Andrew and Paul represent Ireland at the Schools International competition in Cardiff

Congratulations to Andrew Creamer (3rd year) and Paul Sexton (2nd year) who represented Ireland at the Schools International competition in Cardiff in the U16 60m hurdles. Both recorded personal best times in the competition on 30th January 2011 with Andrew wining silver in the competition. They were competing against several of the top ranked UK athletes in that age group who come from Wales. The race was one of the fastest for several years in the competition with the winner breaking the Celtic record.

Newschool gets green light.

St Patrick's College got the official go ahead for its new school building when
Minister Brendan Smith turned the first sod on site last Friday 17th December 2010.
Pictured fron left to right are Rev Fr Ray Brady (Trustee), Mr John O'Shea (Deputy Principal),
Dr Liam Mc Niffe (Principal), Minister Brendan Smith TD, Rev Bishop Leo O'Reilly and
Rev Fr Dan Sheridan (Bord of Management).

St. Patrick’s College: Building on Tradition

The Tanaiste and Minister of Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan, has authorised the Board of Management of St. Patrick’s College to commence construction of the new school. Building will begin in the next few weeks and is expected to take eighteen months to two years to complete.
As well as having  general classrooms the new state of the art school, catering for 625 students, will include the following specialist rooms:  Science labs (3),  metal work , woodwork (2) , design and communication graphics,  art, religion, computer, guidance, learning support, music, as well as a very large sports hall, including gym, library and large canteen.
The school will remain under the patronage of the Bishop  Leo O’ Reilly and the Trustees of the Kilmore Diocese. It will be built on what was called the Intermediate pitch, facing the main pitch, on the existing school grounds.

The beautiful neo- Gothic facade, originally built in the early 1870s, and traditionally associated with the College, will remain intact. This was mainly used by boarders until 2000, when boarding ceased. It was totally unsuited to the needs of a modern school. The Diocese of Kilmore undertook a major renovation and restoration  project and converted the building into a beautiful Pastoral Centre. For the last six or seven years the College has only used a few rooms, for administration purposes, in this building. The ‘new wing’ consisting of five storeys was built during the war years in the early 1940s. Five classrooms and an assembly hall were added in the late sixties and early seventies. St. Augustine’s wing was added in 1984. When the new school is completed, the ‘new wing’ of five storeys, as well as Killian’s five classrooms will be demolished. St. Augustine’s , which will be  in close proximity to the new school, will remain  intact and will be of great benefit with its existing three science labs, and other facilities.
The tendering process was carried out under the Department of Education and Skills strict guidelines, which stipulate that the project be awarded to the company that submits the lowest viable tender. Glenman Corporation, from Glenamaddy in Co. Galway secured the contract to build the new school.

Commenting on the final go-ahead from the Department, the school Principal, Dr. Liam Mc Niffe, expressed absolute delight at the news. He stated that a number of people had been working for a long time to reach this position. He thanked Bishop Leo O’ Reilly for his continuing support for this project, as well as  Minister Brendan Smith who has been a keen advocate of the new school.  The present Board of Management, under Fr. Dan Sheridan has been actively involved in furthering the project. Dr. Mc Niffe  also expressed gratitude to  previous Presidents/Principals of the College, Rev. John Mc Tiernan, Rev. Gerard Alwill, and Mr. Patsy Lee who all played a vital role in getting us to this stage today. He also praised the Parents’ Association, whose fundraising for ICT, gym and library resources means that the school will hopefully hit the ground sprinting in two years time.
Dr Mc Niffe concluded that amid the national gloom and fear, the prospect of such fine educational facilities was particularly welcome. It is hoped that the eight million euro project will employ between seventy and one hundred workers at the height of its construction.

Unfortunately some of the trees along the walk to the sand courts had to be removed. The new school will be sited to the right of the photo which was up to recently, Junior Pitch.

Pictured below are members of St Patrick’s College, Cavan, Choir, Jazz Band and Ttraditional Irish Band members with their music teacher Ciaran Tackney after their Christmas Concert on Thursday night Jan6th. The first part of the concert was a medoly of Christmas Carols  with the College Choir and soloists Louis Courtney and Glen Farrelly while part two included Irish Traditional music, Jazz, Classical and Popular with soloists Sean Van Haaster, Sean Finan, James Cartwright, Liam Van Der Spek, Glen Farrelly, Cathal Tierney, Precious Okpaje and Daniel O’Neill.