St. Conleth's College Parents’ Associations...

St. Conleth's College

Parents’ Associations Newsletter

Senior School & Junior School | May 2017

Contents

Y ikes, another Conlethian year fly’s by. Have a look through our newsletter and you will see some of

the exciting activities that have happened in the School over recent months. And what an eventful school year it has been. A big thank you to all the parents on both Senior and Junior School parents’ association committees and indeed further afield who make all this happen.

We saw the school successfully introducing co-education with girls in each class. This has added a new and positive dimension to each year and the overall student experience. There were many achievements by individual students across a range of academic, extracurricular and sporting activities - too many to list. We have seen the early rumblings of the new School extension which will start the day after the Leaving and Junior Certificate exams finish and will provide additional facilities for students when they return in September 2017.

In the Senior School the appointment of two new Assistant Principals, Ms. Ni Aonghusa and Mr. Latvis has enhanced the ability and capacity of the school management to perform the mammoth task of running a truly great school.

And these are just the headlines punctuating a vast maze of beginnings and endings involving students, teachers, staff and parents. Our sincere thanks goes to the staff of our school who have worked tirelessly to create yet another great Conlethian Year.

We said goodbye to Mr Kelleher this year but there is no doubt that his vision and influence on the school and its graduates will live on in the lives and hearts of us all for many years to come.

We also very much appreciate all the support that the school management, teachers and staff have given to us and our teams, in particular to Ann Sheppard, Donal O’Dulaing, Angelina Hopkins, Tony Kilcommons and Dolores Kelly. We are also extremely thankful to Paul Allen for the many voluntary hours and meticulous work he puts into this production.

We hope you all have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you back in September. We wish our graduating classes success and happiness and look forward to welcoming the new students to our school in September.

Fide et Fortitudine

Michael Mansfield and Peter O’Neill, chairpersons Senior & Junior School Parents’ Associations

• Welcome

• Principal’s Message

• Student Awards

• Uniform Sale / School Photo / JS

Parents’ Talk

• Sports round up —Rugby,

Basketball, Sailing, Athletics,

Hiking, Golf, Fencing, Soccer,

Hockey, Tennis

• Chess, Debating

• 6th Year Graduation

• Summer Concerts / JS Choir

• Young Scientists / Coding Club

• TY Musical / Awards

• Sports Days

• Recipes from Chef Mark

• Student views on 5th / 1st year

• A Personal Reflection of 15

Years In St. Conleth’s

• Prep School activities

• Patents Social

• 6th Form Graduation /

Communion / Confirmation

Well where did that year go? The 2016/17 school year finale is almost upon us. St Conleth’s Secondary School walks a tight rope at this time of the year. There is giddy excitement that the long summer days are within reach. There is also the nervousness and anxiety that this is also exam time. The 6th year Graduation was a massive success. We were entertained for almost three hours by the talents of the 2017 Graduation Class. I cannot forget to mention the energetic and entertaining performance of MC Mr. Porzadny. We wish the class all the best in the Leaving Cert and beyond. We thank their parents for their support over the years. No doubt the young men and women will be back in the future to let us know how they are getting on.

By the time you read this I presume the Transition Year Show will have been a great success. We thought that the tradition of boys dressing up for female parts was over but the TYs have insisted they would carry on that tradition. We wish them well on the night.

It is not long since we welcomed girls into first year in September. The extraordinary thing is that it feels like they have been here forever. The introduction of girls to all classes in St Conleth’s has been a huge success. They have added hugely to the renowned atmosphere on the school campus.

There have been so many highlights throughout the year. The school concert was magnificent in early April. We had more participants playing a wider variety of instruments than I have ever seen or heard. School, as I have stated over and over again is all about participation. It is one of the joys of teaching to see our young men and women grow, develop, mature and share their talents with us. It is each individual’s contribution in whatever way, which makes St Conleth’s what it is.

May I take this opportunity to thank the parents for their continued support and wish everyone a restful and wonderful summer. Please God we will all be back in August to do it all over again!

Beir bua!

Dónal O Dúlaing, Senior School Principal

Senior School Principal’s Message

The fact that I am writing this means that another school year has come and almost gone. What an action packed year it has been and how quickly it has flown by. The Peace Proms in the RDS, the finals day of Leinster chess for which all four Junior School teams qualified, our talented basketball team who were runners-up in the AIJS tournament and our brilliant golf team who went one better and won the AIJS golf tournament for the first time - these are just some of my highlights since Christmas.

Other notable “firsts” were our trailblazing Conlethian girls who made their First Holy Communion and Confirmation with their classmates and made history in doing so. The beautiful singing by the individual classes and by the choir at the summer show is still fresh in our memory. Indeed, our choir continues to grow from strength to strength under the guidance of Ms. Hartnett and we have been given numerous performances to savour over the course of the year.

We will miss not having Mr Kelleher visit each class from Junior Infants to 6th Form on the last day to tell our pupils to take care over the summer holidays and to return safely for the new school year. I would like to pass on that advice in his stead. When we do return, there will hopefully be a new sports hall and auditorium for us all to enjoy. The school continues to evolve and change physically but the same family atmosphere and warm welcome will await all our pupils when they come back in September.

Tony Kilcommons, Junior School Principal

Junior School Principal’s Message

We wish all the exam students every success, especially those in 3rd year and 6th year, doing the Junior and Leaving Certificate respectively. The very best of luck to all of you in your exams.

Junior & Leaving Certificate Exams

Page 3

Mati Remi was awarded the prestigious Bank of Ireland Student of the Year award. Well done to Mati and many congratulations to the all the sixth year prize-winners listed here and prize-winners from all other classes on the following pages (TY prize winners are listed in the TY Musical page).

Sixth Year Student Awards

Bank of Ireland Sixth Year Student

of the Year Mati Remi

Music Award Sean Keane

John Kelly Award Oisin Herbots

Galileo Thermometer Sean Pettitt

Woods Bowl Aonghus Hegarty

Hamilton History Trophy

Jamie Lawless

Geography Award Isobel Nugent

IMTA Maths Participant Oscar Byrne-Carty

Art Prize John Binchy

Sports Award Colin Duffy & Shane Byrne

Maths Award (AIB) Colin Duffy

Linguists Award (Irish/French/Spanish)

Lois Kelleher

School Captain Oisin Herbots

Vice Captain Isobel Nugent

Tennis Captain Lois Kelleher

Auditor of Debates Sean Pettitt

Vice Captain Mati Remi

Debating Maiden Speakers Ross Murphy and Oisin Carvill

Art Award Sarah Long & John Binchy

Rugby Captain Ross Murphy

Basketball Girl Captain Kerri-Anne McGrath

Basketball Boy Captain Shane Byrne

Bouchier-Hayes Plate Dean McElree

Page 5

The St. Conleth’s College Annual Prize-Giving Assembly was held in the sports hall on Thursday 25th May for all prizes apart from TY and 6th Year (which were already awarded at the TY Musical and 6th Year Graduation events respectively). Well done to all prize-winners.

Student of the Year 5A Anna Celant

Student of the Year 5B Alex Murphy

Student of the Year 3B James McGowan

Student of the Year 2A Sophie Lee

Student of the Year 2B Ted O’Kelly

Student of the Year 3A Emily Mansfield

Student of the Year 1A Rory Clarke

Student of the Year 1B Eva Stylianides

Student of the Year Awards

Prize-Giving Assembly Other Awards

Creative Writing 1st Yr Oisin Power

Creative Writing 3rd Yr Liam Reilly

Creative Writing 2nd Yr Robert O'Connor

Creative Writing 2nd Yr Stephen Rockett

Creative Writing 5th Yr Rory Sweeney

Creative Writing Overall Winner Joymarita

Rajinikanth

Mark Ryan (class of 2014) presents his Ireland basketball jersey to the school

Basketball 1st Yr MIP Rory Clarke

Basketball U16 POY Luke Gilleran

Basketball 2nd Yr MIP Ciara MacNally POY Vanshika Shukla

Basketball Girls U19 MIP Anna Celant

Chess Bronze Suyash Patidar

Basketball U16 MIP Jack Doyle

Basketball U19 MIP Tommy Peers

Basketball Girls U16 MIP Lola Sweeney

SciFest Participants and winner Julia O'Callaghan

Basketball 1st Yr POY Julia Huckfeldt

Basketball 1st Yr POY Kei Ando

Basketball 2nd Yr POY Colin Bolger

Basketball 2nd Yr. MIP Neil O'Gorman, Dylan Alvez

Basketball Girls U16 POY Emily Mansfield

Legend:

POY = Player of the Year

MIP = Most Improved Player

Technology Prize Evan Power

French Award 1st Yr. Louis Cullen

King of the Castles Kei Ando

Debating Kinlen Cup Oisin Dowling

Debating O’Connor Cup Maxine St-Jean

Debating Bouchier-Hayes Simon Pettitt

Debating-McCarthy Cup Trevor Bolger

Debating Gardner Cup Harry Mansfield

Other Student Awards (continued)

French Award 2nd Yr. Sophie Lee

French Award 3rd Yr Jack Doyle

3rd Year Maths IMTA Joseph Downey, Oisin McGinley, Suyash Patidar, Maxime St-Jean

Maths Week Prizes Suyash Patidar (w), Nickolay Antonov, Ted O’Kelly, Alvaro Rodriguez

1st Year Maths IMTA Joymarita Rajinikanth & Trevor Bolger

Rugby 2nd Yr POY Matthew O’Farrell

Fencing League Most Improved

Rita Kelleher

Tennis POY Ciara Cole

Rugby 1st Yr MIP James Lawlor

Tennis U19 MIP Luke McKay

Rugby JCT POY Liam Reilly

Rugby JCT MIP Michael Cooke

Junior Golf Award Matthew McKeown

Tennis POY Michael Cooke

Tennis U19 POY Alex Murphy

Rugby 1st Yr POY Daniel Weatherly

Tennis-MIP Emer Healy O’Reilly

Fencing Captain Michael Li

Rugby 2nd Yr MIP Robert O’Connor

Tennis-MIP Ryan McDonnell

Fencing League Claudio Sosa, James Moriarty Smyth

Other Student Awards (continued)

Most Improved Sailor Zachary Carr

Junior Linguist Award

Oisin McGinley

Chess Bronze Suyash Patidar

Junior Music Award Manus MacGerailt

Chess Gold Utkash Kumar Gupta

Sailor of the Year Trevor Bolger

Junior Science Award 3A Suyash Patidar

Hockey POY Emily Mansfield

Athlete of the Year Lucy Coleman Black

Classics Speech Competition Joe Downey, Edoardo Donnini and Anna Celant

Athletics MIA Hannah O'Sullivan, Eliza Flynn

Junior Science Award 3B John Melia

Junior Art Prize Stephen Rockett

Hockey MIP Lola Sweeney

The always popular sale of second-hand uniforms and sports clothing / boots will be held on Friday 2nd June, which is the last day of term. This event will be jointly held by the parents’ associations of both the junior and senior school in the school hall and will begin at 8:30m and run until about 9:30am. Parents are asked to donate any unwanted, good quality school clothing to the school (boxes are available in the foyers) in the week before the sale or alternatively bring them along on the day.

The intention of the sale is three-fold: (1) provide a facility for re-cycling school clothing, (2) assist parents who are looking to purchase good quality second-hand clothing, and (3) raise funds for the local St. Vincent de Paul, who provide practical support to people most in need.

The sale will be run on a “donation box” model—whereby purchasers can donate what they think the items are worth, with all proceeds going to charity. Do come along and pick up a bargain for a worthy cause.

Second-Hand Uniform Sale: Friday 2nd June

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND—Promoting Positive Self-Esteem and Confidence in Children

Dr John Sharry will again be the guest speaker on September 11th arranged by the JSPA. Dr Sharry is a social worker and family psychotherapist with over 25 years experience as a child and adolescent mental health professional. He is co-developer of the award winning Parents Plus Programmes, and the best selling author of twelve positive psychology and self-help book for families including Positive Parenting and Counselling Children Adolescents and Families. His books have been translated into nine languages including, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Japanese. John is the weekly parenting columnist for The Irish Times and a regular contributor to the national media. John is well known for his engaging, inspirational yet informative and practical presentation style. His website: www.solutiontalk.ie

Junior School Parents’ Talk— Dr John Sharry

The all-school picture taken in May 2015 to mark the school’s 75th anniversary. The photo was taken by past pupil Charles Crimmins www.crimmins.ie So how did he do it—see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta5rUtk7FmI

All-school student photo

http://www.solutiontalk.ie

School Prizes and Awards

So what are all the prizes that are awarded and so sought after in the Senior School. Each year in May the school awards these for academic, sporting, projects and all round performance. These prizes have been added to over the years. Here is a list of the key prizes:

Bernard Sheppard Medal: This award is given for academic excellence in Sixth Year. It is presented to the student who attains the highest points in the Leaving Certificate in St. Conleth’s College each year. A trust fund was set up by the past pupils to commemorate the founder of St. Conleth’s. The medal was first awarded in 1959.

The Murph Cup: This award is given annually to the pupil who attains the highest marks in the Junior Certificate. It is presented in memory of Michael Murphy, former teacher 1940- 1996.

Bank of Ireland Award: This award is presented annually by the Bank of Ireland to the Best Overall Pupil in Sixth year. The winner is decided on by a vote of the students and their class teachers. The criteria used are participation, personal development, maturity, potential leadership, integration and commitment. First awarded in 1995.

John Kelly Award for Classics and Modern Languages: The award is given to a first or sixth year student for excellence in Classics to include Latin, Greek, Classical Studies and Modern Languages, based on a portfolio of written work in any of these areas. The award is in memory of Professor John Kelly who attended St. Conleth’s between 1939-1945, and later became a Fine Gael TD and Attorney General. It was presented to the school in 1992, The perpetual trophy is a bronze head of a Grecian youth cast by the sculptor Linda Brunker.

Galileo's thermometer: The award is given to a Sixth Year student for overall excellence in Science to include Maths, Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology or a combination of these subjects. It was presented to the school in 2000 by Dr Brian Beveridge, one of the first pupils at St. Conleth’s. He later studied Medicine and went on to become a noted consultant in London.

Woods Bowl: This award is presented for a project done in the broad context of Celtic Studies to include History, the Irish Language, Anglo Irish Literature and Art. The award was presented to St. Conleth’s by Philip Woods in 2000. It was designed with Celtic motifs and extracts from the Book of Kells and hand turned by a member of the Woods family.

Linguist Award: This award is given to a student for excellence in spoken modern languages. It has been awarded since 2008 and a trophy was commissioned by St. Conleth’s and created by past pupil Odhran Woods in 2013. The piece is two vessels hollow turned from two separate trees. One texture maple, the other ebonized oak. Both vessels face slightly towards each other as if in conversation.

Music Award: Awarded to the pupil who has contributed most in Music to the school, this award was inaugurated by the class of 2006. In 2013 the Parents’ Association commissioned a porcelain music symbol by Michelle Hannon as a perpetual award.

AIB Maths Award: This award is given for excellence in Maths. It was presented by AIB.

Debating Awards:

The McCarthy Cup: This cup was presented to the school by former pupil Gerard McCarthy in 1951 and is awarded for excellence in debating in First Year.

The O’Connor Cup: this cup was presented to the school by the O’Connor family in 1986 and is awarded for excellence in debating in Second and Third year.

The Gardner Prize: Presented by alumnus Peter Carvill in 2004 in memory of Michael Gardner, English teacher in St. Conleth’s in the sixties and early seventies. It is awarded to the best team for impromptu debating at the senior level.

The Bouchier Hayes Plate: awarded in 1971 for impromptu debating at the senior level. Presented by the Bouchier Hayes family in memory of their son, Dermot, who attended St. Conleth’s and was a former auditor of the UCD L&H Society.

Kinlen Cup: This Cup was inaugurated in 1949. It was presented to the school by Dermot Kinlen, a Conleth’s alumnus and High Court Judge. The Cup is awarded to the best individual speaker in debating at the senior level.

Art Award: This is awarded to a student in Sixth Year who in the view of the adjudicators, chaired by the Art teacher, presents the best portfolio of art work each year. The award is an inscribed Art Book.

Hamilton History Trophy: This is awarded to the student who gets the highest mark in History in the Leaving Certificate. It was presented by the parents of Nicholas, Alex and Ollie Hamilton in 2010.

JP McGilligan Award: This is awarded to the best all round pupil in Transition Year. The winner is decided on by a vote of the students and their teachers. It was presented in memory of John Patrick McGilligan by his family. JP was tragically killed in a bicycle accident in 1990 while a student in Transition Year. The trophy is a bronze sculpture of the flight of the doves cast by John Behan. First awarded in 1991

Geography Award: Awarded for excellence in Geography to a sixth year student. This is an inscribed glass globe which was first awarded in 2007.

Yale Book Prize: This is awarded for academic excellence and overall personal performance. It was presented by Yale Alumni Association whose representative interviews selected students from 5

th year. First awarded in 2004.

Neil Quinlan Award: This award is given to a transition year student who has stood out as someone who goes out of their way to include others. It was presented in memory of Neil Quinlan by the Parents’ Association. Neil died suddenly following a Gaisce hike in Glendalough in 2013.

Sports Award: This perpetual trophy is awarded each year for outstanding achievement in sport. It was presented to the school by the 1995 Leaving Certificate Class.

Rugby

1st Year Rugby

JCT

1st Years in Thomond Park

1st Years: 1st year rugby commenced at the start of September, where we had 25 plus students beginning their rugby in Conleths. There was a mixture of players that had played before and some that were trying rugby for the first time. A big emphasis at this level is getting to learn the game in an enjoyable environment, and I feel the players really improved on their catch, pass and knowledge of the game.

In the first half of the season we had a number of back to back wins against St. Michaels and Belvedere college which were brilliant results. In December, we enjoyed an evening in the RDS watching Leinster v Gwent Dragons, and the numbers that attended were great, and you got a real sense of team bonding from the group. Into the new year and with the break in Christmas the numbers dropped off slightly and this can happen with the pitches becoming muddy, and the weather colder. However, in fairness to the group they stuck with the training and again we had a few tough matches against bigger oppositions. In February, we travelled to Limerick to play the famous rugby school Glenstaul Abbey and also visit Thomond park. Conleths were 25 points down after 15 minutes and suddenly 15 minutes into the 2nd half we were leading the game. Unfortunately, we lost the game by a couple of tries, but it was great to see that the players had developed over the few months to make a great come back, and the day was a big success. I would really encourage the students to stick with rugby next season. Apart from the fact they are making friends, most importantly they are getting a balance of school and fitness, which is important for their well-being. A big thank you to the other coaches Barry Gleeson and Ben Doggett who provided a great support to myself and the players throughout the season.

JCT (2nd and 3rd Years): The season for the JCT commenced in early September in Old Belvedere. On average we had around 17 players training each week, and a big emphasis was put on Increasing the player's core skill levels i.e. Catch and pass. We also looked to play an expansive and quick type of game during the season to come. We started the season with a tough friendly game against Newpark, but there were glimpses of what the players could achieve. This was followed up with a brilliant win over Gonzaga B’s at the end of September which really kicked started our season. In October, we commenced our cup campaign in the Duff Cup against St. Columbas college. The game came down to the last kick which thankfully was a Conleth's one, which sent us into the next round against East Glendalough who were going to be tough opponents. Once again, the game came down to the last play where unfortunately we were beaten with a last minute try. In both games we were seen as big underdogs and we nearly pulled off two big scalps. However, it showed how much the team had developed collectively and individually. At the end of November, we played Sandford in the Duff shield, but unfortunately it was an off day for the team and they didn’t

1st Year Rugby

1st Year Rugby

JCT

JCT Rugby

Our current 6th years when they were in 1st year (2010)

SCT

show the progress they had made and were knocked out. Into the new year and it became difficult to get friendly matches for the teams with a combination of the weather and schools finishing up their rugby seasons early. We did have a very competitive match against CUS (B’s) in Sydney parade and won by 20 points. The team once again showed when they are underdogs they can really step up and perform. One really positive aspect of the group was their commitment to training each week and I know it was frustrating with the lack of games in the new year. A big thank you to Jonathan Inglis for his support during the season. Thank you to the parents for coming out to support the team during the cup. Thanks to Rian Lawlor the captain this season who was great to deal with, also a thank you to Gavin Maguire for his support with myself and the squad. Some of the players embark on a new chapter with Gavin in the senior set up next season, and I wish them the best of luck. The remaining 2nd years and 1st years from this season gone will make up the new JCT team. The future of rugby is bright in St. Conleth's college.

Louis Magee, Head of Junior Rugby

SCT (4th/5th/6th Year): After an extraordinary season with last year’s team, we hoped to keep the same rugby spark alive in Conleth's this year. We lost a huge proportion of our squad and the odds were stacked against us this season as we moved up to a higher league as well. After a tough game against De La Salle Churchtown, the team came together at RACE where we did a training camp with Johnne Murphy and aimed to become the first St. Conleth’s Team to pre-qualify for the Vinnie Murray. Our performances started to get better and better after the training camp and we went out against Skerries our 1st league game in the higher league full of confidence. The team showed amazing character after falling behind but came back to draw the game. We then went on to play Ashbourne and Mount Temple where we came away from both games with two wins and achieving our goal of pre-qualifying for the Vinnie Murray. It also put us into the quarter finals of the league against De La Salle Churchtown who had given us a beating at the start of the season. This game showed how far the team had come and we were extremely unlucky not to have won that game, only losing out to a last minute try. The team got to play in Donnybrook under lights against a well organised and much bigger side. It just wasn't our day, but the players really enjoyed the day and the occasion. We had two competitions left the Vinnie Murray plate semi final, where we put it up to Pres Bray and where we played some exciting attacking rugby. In the thirds league we were able to beat Newbridge seconds very convincingly and get into another quarter final where we lost out narrowly to a Blackrock team. It was a fantastic performance for our team. This year’s team have really kept the standard up from last year, with the new players really stepping up and gaining some very valuable experience. Overall the rugby in St. Conleth’s is looking good.

Gavin McGuire, Head of Sport

JCT Rugby

SCT

SCT

Basketball

Basketball has gone from strength to strength this year with the majority of teams reaching at least one semi-final in their respective competitions. This year’s U19 Boy’s side, led by Shane Byrne and Christian Farrell reached the semis of the All Ireland Cup where they were narrowly beaten by a very strong Galway side. Even through heavy injuries they managed to reach the semi-finals of the SDBL and the final of the Dublin Plate.

The U19 girls competed in the SDBL this year for the first time and in their first outing as a ‘C’ School were also able to reach the SDBL semi-finals after taking down perennial powerhouse Loreto Abbey Dalkey but lost out to a talented and speedy Sion Hill team.

The U16 boys had a very competitive year once again, reaching the finals of both the SDBL and the Dublin Plate where they were met with fierce competition and international calibre players in the form of St. Andrews and Portmarnock C.C. Unfortunately they were only able to come away with silver medals on the day but did themselves and the school proud in reaching the finals, and the talent they displayed.

This year saw St. Conleth’s first foray into the world of U16 girls’ basketball. While still in its fledgling stage and still short on numbers the girls only played a challenge game against a St. Columba’s side where both the girls and I got to experience Cadette basketball for the first time. Although we couldn’t come away with the W, it was a learning experience for us all and more importantly everyone enjoyed themselves and got us all excited for what’s to come in St Conleth’s girls basketball.

The 2nd year boys were another hugely successful side reaching both SDBL and Dublin Finals after in April. The team as a whole has come on in leaps and bounds since last year. You will often find at least one of them playing basketball in the new outdoor court or in the hall during lunch, break, after school and before exam season was upon us I was usually greeted by one or two of them in the morning getting shots up with Shane Byrne. As they move into U16 level hopefully they will keep up the enthusiasm and progress they’ve made this year and make a good All Ireland run.

1st year Boys and Girls had as good a year as can be expected with the boys reaching the SDBL semi-final where they lost out to the eventual winners Oakland’s Academy and the premier 1st year girls’ team coming on hugely from the beginning of the year and showing huge potential for the years to come.

Last but by no means least the Junior School has had an explosion of interest in basketball this year, most notably in 6th Form. As usual the school entered the AIJS basketball tournament hosted by Castlepark where we entered not one but two teams mostly made up of 6th Form students. One of the teams managed to succeed in getting all the way to the finals of the tournament, a feat never before done by a St. Conleth’s Junior School side, where they lost to a very strong Castlepark team.

All in all, St. Conleth’s basketball is in a very strong position for the coming year and with the addition of the new sports hall the basketball teams should have their sights firmly set on gold.

Eoin Noctor

Head of Basketball 6th Form BB team

Spotlight on the 2nd year basketball team: The 2nd year basketball team have arguably been the most successful 2nd year team that St. Conleth’s has ever produced. Reaching both the SDBL final and Dublin Plate final this year they’ve shown that the potential seen in them last year was well founded. Rarely do whole teams progress at a similar pace but as any coach will tell you, sometimes you get lucky. As I write this I now realise I have to come up with this year’s MVP and Most Improved awards soon and for once it is not going to be an easy decision. While we didn’t manage to progress through to the All-Ireland play offs we did sweep local rivals Marian College in all competitions and quite literally walk to the SDBL finals.

Having three club players on a school team will always make a huge difference. Luke, Colin and Mark have shown great leadership this season bringing their knowledge and experience to the team and have picked them up and got everyone involved when the team needed it most. Dylan Alves and Matthew O’Farrell have been welcome additions this year, raising the average height by several inches and making their presence known each time they check in to the game (not always intentionally) and Adam Regan’s ball handling skills have shown flashes of pure brilliance since joining the squad. As a coach it’s an encouraging thing to be able to go in to the hall or out to the yard knowing that at least two of your players (especially newer players) will be practicing and I will gladly take no credit for the boys’ successes this year because of the extra work they have put in.

Great players make those around them better and as the whole team continues to progress the way they are I can confidently say they can all be great players.

Eoin Noctor, Basketball Coach & Past Pupil

2nd year BB team

Rowena Bolger and the Royal St. George Yacht Club put on some excellent sailing tuition in May. The 5th and 6th form students had a blast learning in the club optimist dinghies. The weather held up with fair winds and good sailing conditions.

Sailing

Mr. Keenan’s track and field boys were at it again, but this time at the East Leinsters, there were also some Conlethian girls there to show them how it was done! Fifth Year Lucy Colman-Black shook up the competition with her mighty shot putts and then lit up Morton Stadium with her smile as she received her Bronze Medal. This storied athletics venue also witnessed our boys relay team making it to the semi-finals and dozens of Conlethian athletes giving it their all in a variety of events, from the long jump to the race-walk. It was a great accomplishment for the boys and a ringing endorsement of Mr. Keenan and Mr. Maguire’s efforts to mix athletics into the sports schedule this past few years.

Athletics

Hiking

TY students who completed their Gaisce Hike in April. The seven+ hour, 27km hike was from Crone Wood to Glendalough including an overnight in the Glendalough hostel.

Well done to all the students who took part.

The St. Conleth’s students that participated in the AIJS hosted by St. Conleths in May

Fencing has seen yet another great year in St. Conleth’s. The sport has seen a great revival in the school, which in no small part is due to the efforts of the school Fencing Capitan Michael Li and school fencing Maître David Couper. Michael set up and ran the new St. Conleth’s Fencing League during the course of the year, the League took place on the Friday at the end of each term and was a great success.

Twenty two fencers took part from the Junior and senior School spanning from 6th form to 6th year dueling each term to become the overall school champion. The competition was fierce and the skills on the piste demonstrated the fencing talent within the school. Claudio Sosa Smatrala (1st year) won the trophy, with Luke Sherlock from 6th class coming second and Oisin Herbots and James Moriarty Smith coming Joint 3rd. Congratulations to all the participants and hopefully we will see more duel it out next year.

The school also now boasts two national champions, Claudio Sosa Samatrala and Luke Sherlock, in the U14 and U12 categories. As a result of their achievements both Luke and Claudio have been awarded an Adrian Lee and Partners Fencing scholarship for 2017. These scholarships are based solely on competitive fencing performance to date and potential to perform in the future. Our other competitive fencers all ranked highly, with third formers Myles Moriarty-Smyth placing 3rd and Matthew Sherlock 4th in the U10s, James

Moriarty-Smyth had a final ranking of 4th in the U14s despite missing some of the season due to injury.

The Fencer of the year went to Michael Li, for his dedication and hard work throughout the year in promoting Fencing within the school. Also a big thank you needs to go to David Couper our fencing coach and Catherine Chambers for helping out with the organisation of the league.

Fencing

Golf

The St. Conleth’s junior school golfers have worked hard all year at their coaching lessons in Leopardstown and playing in their local clubs. Louis McGovern, Charlie Kennedy, Jamie Kennedy and Johnny Corr took first place at the AIJS annual golf competition in Delgany golf club hosted by St. Gerard's. This was a great day for our golfers and the event was followed by lunch in the golf club.

In the senior school the Golf team are starting to look good for a very young team. Mark McKeown, Eoghan Fitzmaurice, Jamie McMahon and Matthew McKeown played some good golf and will get better over the next few years and will hopefully be challenging for silverware soon.

Junior School Golf champions

Fencing Champions

Page 19

Annual Goblet of Fire Staff v 6th year soccer match: yet again the teachers retain the Goblet, following a 2-2 draw with the students.

Football takes place after the rugby season has finished with first years playing football on the Astro on Thursdays, 2nd & 3rd year on Wednesday and the Senior Cycle super-league on Fridays. The super-league has really exploded over the past few years with over 50 students taking part in the League.

The 3rd years played a friendly game against John Scottus and had over 17 players playing and came away with a 5 - 0 victory to end a great year of sport for the school.

Junior Socceroos! Only in the Junior School Annual Internal Soccer League could you find a final pairing of Boca Juniors V Falkirk! And the students tried hard to emulate their namesakes, with ‘Falkirk’ playing a rather dour but effective Scottish style and the ‘Boca’ boys opting for samba soccer! Mr. Keenan started with the Prep School in early morning, then 5th and 6th Form mid-morning and 2nd-4th Forms in the afternoon. There were thrills, spills and a few tears and tantrums. Only some players received medals but all received juice and crisps, which made it worthwhile for everyone involved. A big thank-you to Mr. Keenan and the parents who lent a helping hand!

Soccer

The Goblet of Fire: Staff v Student Soccer

Page 20

5th year Soccer

Junior School Soccer

As Always Mr Keenan keeps the tennis coaching and this year we had Our first win by a girls team in St. Conleth’s. The senior Girls team won their first league game for the

school. The senior team lost out by a game when trying to book their place in the semi finals. While the Minor and Junior team played extremely well but were just unlucky.

Since the decision for St Conleth's to become co-educational, there has been talk of setting up a sport for girls on parallel to rugby for the boys. From excited conversations in the locker room we concluded that hockey was the clear favourite. This initiative was then put into action in early February. The first ever St. Conleth's hockey training session was held on the Astro turf pitch in Herbert park. So far it has been a great success! With a team of about twenty girls stretching from first to sixth year, not only is it building hockey skills but also friendships and team spirit throughout all age groups.

Starting our training in the middle of the hockey season left us without a coach, but we were lucky to have Ms Leary from the junior school who kindly volunteered to take on training during the search. With tireless work from Mr Maguire and club players within the school, we happened to track down not one but three highly qualified coaches! Sophie, Emma and Aideen train and play in division 1 club hockey, and have been working with St. Conleth's every Tuesday after school for the past six weeks. Straight after being given three wonderful coaches, another present arrived for the hockey players of St Conleths. We received thirty pink balls and a brand new kit of cones and goalie gear. To end the season and try out our new supplies, we decided to put what we had learned to the test in a friendly 8 aside match against John Scottus.

Unfortunately, we were not victorious with a 2-0 loss. While we might not have been winners of the match, our spirits were not dampened as over the past four months we have bonded as a team and put in place a good skill level among all players. This foundation will allow us to come back and join the Leinster Hockey league next September, watch this space!

Emily Mansfield (3rd year)

Hockey

Tennis

Senior Girls Hockey team

Senior School tennis team

Junior School Tennis

As you can see there is a huge amount of sports on offer for such a small school and it wouldn't be possible without the help from all the teachers, coaches, parents and students. So a big thank you to everyone for helping keep sport at the heart of St. Conleth’s College.

Junior school: 2016/17 was a very strong chess year for St. Conleths.  There were four teams representing the school in the Leinster Primary Schools Chess League - two teams in Division 1 and two teams in Division 2.  The A team were runners-up in Division 1, with the newly-promoted B team finishing in fifth place (separated from third only by the narrowest of margins!) 

There were two St Conleths teams in the annual All-Ireland Chess for All competition - the A team finished runners-up with the second team, comprising mostly of 2nd formers, finishing a very respectable 12th.  There was another runner-up place finish for the chess team in the All-Ireland schools chess finals in May.  The team finished the year on a high with a win at an Alex Baburin team competition. 

Well done to all the chess players for such a fantastic year - and best of luck to Eoin Hunter who will be representing Ireland at U-14 level at the annual Glorney Gilbert Chess championship (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales & France) in Wales in July. 

Chess Teams : Eoin Hunter, Richard Sheahan, Johnny Corr, Jamie Kennedy, Andrew Morgan,

Louis McGovern, Luke Timlin, Sean Caldwell, Richard Caldwell, Luke Sherlock, Jude Moes, Liam Hunter, Alex Corrigan, Charlie Kennedy, Patrick Coleman, Michael Sweeney.

Chess

Senior School: Senior School Chess Club: The Chess Club meets every Tuesday at lunchtime in Room 3. New members are most welcome. It is run on a "just turn up" basis and it caters for all levels, including teaching the basics to anyone who has never played chess before.

At the start of the year we usually enter two teams into the Leinster Schools Chess Association competition (at minor and junior levels). This year our minor team made it to the semi-final which was a great achievement. The team was Anthony Steyn, Guy Fields, Ethan Lee and Adam Rafter.

During the last school term, the chess club gets extended to several times a week to cater for the school knock-out chess tournament. This year about 100 students took part in the tournament and a first year (Utkarsh Gupta) beat a TY student (James Tempany) to win in the final.

Looking forward to welcoming new members in September 2017. For any information on the Chess Club, just speak with Ms. Ni Aonghusa, Assistant Principal, Senior School.

Senior Chess

1st Year Chess

Chess Champions

Even as the building is somewhat demolished and rebuilt, even as teachers and students come and go and even as we bid farewell to Mr. Kelleher after many years of service, debating has always been and will continue to be a strong Conlethian tradition, as well as excelling in the field is a tradition that we are proud to embrace.

All levels from novice to veterans had experience this year and this welcomed new achievements. Particular congratulations are sent out to our exceptional Junior Cycle debaters; Frank Knowles and Joseph Downey who had a fantastic victory at the Irish round of the Cambridge Union Schools Debating Championship early this year. The two went on to earn other accolades that certainly carry bragging rights, such as Knowles and Downey winning Best Overall Speaker and Second Best Speaker respectively at the Loreto College – St. Stephen’s Green’s Mace in October. These two will become household names in no time at this rate and will undoubtedly be reporting victories for years.

The Senior Cycle debaters had also made names for themselves after two Conleth’s teams reached the UCD Mace finals which was ultimately won by Harry Mansfield and Tomás Clancy (following in his father’s debating footsteps from 25 years ago). This is the fourth year Conleth’s teams have retained the UCD senior cycle title and this number will hopefully grow next year. Additional congratulations to Conor Power for reaching the Leinster School’s prepared debates final after much time sacrificed and hard work put in.

The new auditor of debates, Oisin Dowling, hopes to see similar success in the coming year but also implores new debaters to try their hand and encourages them not to be embarrassed or nervous. Two sixth years gave tremendous speeches in the Kinlen Cup debate 10 days before graduation having never done so before in their academic career. The school always welcomes those that are eager and hopes more will grasp the opportunity.

Auditor of Debates Oisin Dowling

Debating

Page 23

UCD Mace winners

Frank Knowles and Joseph Downey

3rd Year Maxime St-Jean wins UCD Leinster Junior Debating

Page 23

The 6th year Graduation was held on Friday 19th May in the school hall, which was beautifully decorated with our newest St. Conleth’s themed bunting. Fifth years helped out in their uniforms and there was also a visit from several past pupils. Some of the highlights were:

• The passing of Mr. Kelleher was mentioned by several speakers and his presence was greatly missed on the night. The principal, vice-principal and all the teachers were present on the night.

• The form teachers Mr Porzadny and Mr Carville shared the presentation.

• There was a video link from their former rugby coach “Busch” from his car in the South African plains (see below)

• At the start of their student video Dan Ram (world known serial Entrepreneur) appeared and gave an inspirational speech to huge student applause.

• To break the ice when Students entered initially on the way to receive their graduation rings, they were greeted by a full screen picture of themselves as 5 – 7 year olds.

• The liturgical aspect of the evening was handled superbly by Mr Hickey.

• There were four nominees for every prize. It was similar to the Oscars when the winner was announced.

• First years came up with a new award this year. This was a cup cake presented to Isobel Nugent in recognition of her kindness and help to settle them into first year.

• There was a significantly large music class this year and Ms de Bhál was presented with a bouquet of flowers on account of her inclusiveness for the graduation ceremony.

• Vice-Captain Mati Remi focussed on coming from abroad and settling into the family and rugby team of St. Conleth’s

• Vice-Captain Isobel Nugent speculated on where everybody would be in forty years’ time to great amusement.

• School Captain Oisin Herbots gave a wide ranging talk on being in St Conleth’s.

• Mr Ó Dúlaing responded by reflecting on how fast the six years goes by.

• Ms. Ann Sheppard closed the proceedings. She too remembered Mr Kelleher.

• There was a beautiful wine reception hosted by the school after the ceremonies.

• The parent’s association (SSPA) had organised a meal in Avalon restaurant (over Donnybrook Fair). About 30 parents attended and a great night was had.

• The students adjourned to the RDS where they had invited all the teachers for a meal.

Sixth Year Graduation

Graduation Class 2017

Page 24

The following is the speech that Oisin Herbots, school captain, gave at the graduation.

“Quality not quantity” those were Ms Shepard’s first words to me.

Her words capture the essence of what I want to say here tonight: quality not quantity. She was referring to Conleths being a small school but producing outstanding students. To me her words can be applied to many aspects of the school. One of those being the amount of time we spent here. What’s crucial is the quality of the experience we’ve had and not the quantity or length of time we’ve spent in the school. Some people have spent 12 years here others only 2, however what matters is how we spent our time: what we learned and what we didn't learn (but hopefully will learn before the leaving cert rolls around); what we did and didn't do and above all the friends for life we made. That is key; it is these friendships that make our school experience exceptional. In twenty years’ time you're not going to remember what Odysseus' dog was called or what De Moivre's theorem is; God bless you if you do! However what we will remember are our friends.

Yes it is scary that our time at St Conleths is coming to an end. No more: Mr Latvis’s after school study, or Mr Porzandy’s Loup Garout or Mr Gallagher’s crossword or Mr Killen’s Friday tea and cakes to help and reassure us …. Although we're leaving this... this Conleths family and are heading out into a new world filled with dangers and drama; we do so with trusted friends and with a school that will always be there for us. As my Sicilian girlfriend, who I met here would say “Conleths is la Cosa Nostra of Irish schools”. Not because we’re gang members but because we are all a big family – once a Conlethian always a Conlethian.

I can still recall the day I joined this big family. Walking into 2nd class and meeting the wonderful Ms Kelly who epitomises the family atmosphere here at St Conleths. And you know what Ladies and Gentlemen, I can still see those friendly faces of the boys who welcomed me into this family in the crowd now.

That's what makes Conleths unique: LA FAMILIA. That IS WHAT many of the larger schools do not have; our friendship will remain and we will look after each other; we will always be able to go back to our Alma Mater. I see the friendships between us every day walking down those corridors, I saw it at the Captains Party and I see it again tonight. If “Friends”, the TV show taught us anything, it was how friends are there for each other. So hold on to those dearest friendships because they will last and us friends will be there to laugh and cry with you but also support you till the end.

Another group of people that we shouldn't forget tonight are the ones that made it all possible: our parents. If it weren't for your good decisions we wouldn't be here tonight. I know from my own personal experiences that this year would have been so much harder without my own parents. They helped me succeed in so many ways and I'm a happier person because of them. So if I had a glass of champagne with me now I'd raise it in honour of my parents and all the parents here tonight. Thank you for all the support you've given us and even though we rarely show it, we do love you.

I would like to thank my vice-Captains Mati and Isobel for all their input this year. We accomplished some fantastic work.

I’d also want to mention the support staff who work behind the scenes to ensure the school is always functioning well. Thank you Willy, Dolores and Ann Cramp. You’ve been here longer than I have and in years to come I hope to see you here again.

Finally I want to say to you, the students, my friends thank you. It has been an honour getting to know each and every single one of you and representing you as your school captain. This has been such a memorable year and I hope you will remain my friends for the many years to come.

Before I finish; there is one last person I want to thank O Captain my Captain, Mr Kelleher. I hope, we, the year of 2017, will make you as proud of us as we are of you.

Despite the fact that none of us have any drinks (well not yet anyway) I’d like to make one last toast, my grandfather's favourite:

May the roof above us never fall in, and us friends gathered below never fall out.

School Captain’s End of Year Speech

School Captain Oisin Herbots

School Vice Captain’s End of Year Speech

Our year was very recently asked where do we see ourselves in 10 years time? The obvious answer is prettier, smarter and significantly wealthier. But as I look around the room I realise our enormous potential. In ten years time…

• Ciara McCracken will have invented a life saving app.

• Oisin Herbots will still be selling waffles

• Shane Byrne will probably be playing in the NFL

• Colin Duffy will be doing your taxes

• Niamh Gunning will be competing against Karl Lagerfeld for designer of the year

• Mati Remi will have started at least 10 companies

• Cillian Ryan’s hair will have been every colour of the rainbow

• Holly Stanley will be scuba diving off the coast of somewhere exotic.

Our promising future had been shaped by everyone in this room tonight. We credit St. Conleth’s especially for teaching us not only how to succeed in the leaving cert but also how to be kind, confident, forward thinking individuals. St Conleths is a place where individuality is celebrated.

We would like to thank the teachers for creating an extremely nurturing learning environment where our participation is valued. We are so grateful for your encouragement over the last number of years.

Mr Carvill and Mr Porzadny have been exceptional form teachers to us. They don’t miss a trick and they seem to always volley between stressing us out and calming us down.

As I look out at the crowd there’s a face missing. Mr Kelleher. Each of you have your own memories of him, but the girls will remember sitting in the canteen at the start of the year at the girl’s breakfast when he came to speak to us. He suggested that we would be better suited to the four seasons and he also told us that he was unsure if Ms Killen’s name was spelt with “ing” at the end.

I would like also to thank our parents we know how hard you all work to give us the opportunity to attend St Conleths and we appreciate it very much.

I want to thank the 5th years here tonight helping. Next year it will be your turn so enjoy all the funny moments along the way.

I will always have fond memories of my time here in St Conleths from heated football matches on the astro to biology quizzes in lolly and cooks. I have made some incredible friends along the way. We are a year that supports each other. We might not show up for a normal school day but we wouldn’t miss a teacher vs student match. I would like to leave you with some word of wisdom from Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg if you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship don’t ask what seat just get on.

School Vice Captain Isobel Nugent

Page 26

I first moved to Ireland back in 2006 when I was half the height and double the width. It was an incredibly difficult time as I did not have a clue how to speak English and after leaving most of my family back home, I could not imagine a life where I lived so far away from them. Little did I know the following year I would be welcomed into a new one.

To sum up my 11 year journey in this speech would be an impossible task. It’s a journey filled with so many characters, so many memories and so many lessons. I think any person that had an opportunity to be a student in St Conleths College would agree that this is so much more than just a school.

It is the students and teachers that give this school such a wonderful personality. It is hard to imagine that in a weeks’ time I will never again walk past the sixth year corridors, be greeted with a traditional “g'morning Mati” from Aongus, then walk past Eoin Noctor's office to see Gav pretending to do some work. Finally in our form class of 2.2 would be the early birds or as I like to call them the 625's, hard at work. Ozzie would be there too sometimes...

Every school day began one of two ways either with a stand-up comedy show from Mr. Carvill or a cool meditation from Mr. Porzadny. I don’t think we could have been luckier to have you both as our mentors. Having teachers that bring such compassion and enthusiasm into everything they do is something that will reflect on the students life’s as they are though valuable lessons of what makes a great character.

I think it’s those little things that I will miss the most. Those Monday morning's, those walks to Baggot Street at lunchtime or the tangents that Mr. Latvis would have, steering away from the topic so much, to a point where it actually becomes quite impressive to observe. It will not be the important events that I will recall to but rather everything in-between.

I feel it’s necessary to mention our rugby team. It’s a funny thing how I miss complaining about the rainy, muddy blisteringly cold trainings. Our rugby team was more than a team, it was a brotherhood in which for six year on the fields of Wanderers we experienced victories, we suffered defeats, but through it all we did not play for ourselves, we played for each other. Gavin, you coached me for 11 years now. You thought the team more than just rugby, you thought us how with the small team and limited players we had, we were still capable of achieving great things as long as we had ambition and trust in one another.

It is important to never take what we have for granted. I think if something great happens to you everyday it stops being unique. You stop seeing it for what it really is has become a norm. I feel that way about my time in St. Conleths. Only looking back at everything collectively I truly want to say thank you. To my classmates whether you were here for 12 years, six years or two, it has been not only a pleasure to know you all but it has become such a staple to my daily routine to be amused by your familiar faces I know there will be a big void inside of me always recalling to those days when we were all still together.

School Vice Captain Mati Remi

See the graduation video : http://bit.ly/2rscNRU

School Vice Captain’s End of Year Speech

Music is always a huge part of life at the school each year. Our talented sons and daughters are never more visible than when it comes to performing and this is demonstrated regularly in St. Conleth’s through the regular school concerts, the monthly buskers corner, school assemblies, the TY musical, performances at the graduation ceremonies and the wonderful choirs. Music is now firmly ensconced in the hearts of the students and there is never a shortage of performers as in the recent summer concert with various performers doing classical music, rock, singing, bands, etc.

St. Conleth’s Summer Concert

Page 28

Junior School Choir

A choir was established without too much fanfare in the junior school during the 2015/16 school year under the direction of the newly arrived Music Maestro Ms Emer Hartnett. Little did we know what an impact it would make in such a short space of time. The initial reports from the boys were that the selection process was quite rigorous, and to make the cut you really had to be able to hold a note.

In that first year the choir was confined to fifth and sixth class and they sang impressively at a number of functions during the year. The choir really made everyone sit up and notice when they gave a truly remarkable performance at the summer concert at the end of the year, culminating in a rousing rendition of "The Rhythm of Life" with complex harmonies and moving melodies. We now know this was a choir with talent and attitude! During the 2016/17 year, the choir has built on the success of that first year.

They expanded to take in some of the younger classes and even acquired a few girls, while still having a pretty tough audition process. For the choir and the parents who were lucky enough to be there, the highlight was undoubtedly the Peace Proms in the RDS on the 5th of February 2017. On that night the St Conleth's Junior School Choir joined 2000 other children from 52 school choirs on stage, with a full orchestra and a capacity crowd of 4000 people. It is unlikely that anyone who was present will ever forget the experience of that 2 hour avalanche of sound, excitement and sheer joy.

The Junior School Choir has really made its mark and long may it continue. Thank you Emer Hartnett!

JS Choir at the RDS

Senior School Coding Club

This is an after school activity which takes place on Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:30pm.

Every student is welcome and student members normally work away on different projects. All students learn how to use Scratch. This is an educational visual coding environment developed by MIT and is suitable for beginners. Some students enter the Irish Computer Society Scratch competition every year. Last year one of the TY projects made it to the finals and won an award. Some students go on to learn html or python coding also, depending on their interests.

Looking forward to welcoming new members in September 2017. For any information on the Coding Club, just speak with Ms. Ni Aonghusa, Assistant Principal, Senior School.

The current sixth form class have certainly done their bit for science over the last two years. In January 2016, the then fifth form class had their first outing in the hallowed halls of the RDS at the Young Scientist Exhibition (Primary Science Fair). Overseen by Mr. Sheridan, after lots of surveys, scientific experiments, calculations and graphing of results the day arrived when fifth form told the world the answer to the big question - "should you brush your teeth before breakfast or after breakfast"? (The answer is "before" by the way!) The boys did Conleths proud on the day. The results and information were provided in a clear and eye catching way & the stand was one of the most popular in the whole exhibition. The boys were really excellent at explaining and demonstrating their project to the hundreds of interested visitors to our stand.

Buoyed by their success, the now sixth class boys were once again selected to exhibit in the RDS in the 2017 Young Scientist exhibition. Overseen by Mr Kilcommons, this year their project focussed on one of the real strong points in St. Conleth’s chess! The intriguing title of their project was "Can you teach primary school kids how to play chess in 30 minutes". 17 children and 17 parents volunteered to act as guinea pigs and get a 30 minute chess lesson from the four 6th form chess team members. The rest of the class helped out with surveys and research. The ground-breaking experiment showed that total beginners could learn the basics of chess in 30 minutes. All of sixth form took turns manning the stand in January in the RDS and once again the confident, knowledgeable and articulate Conleth's boys (and girl!) did us proud. Expect to see some of this class winning prizes in the secondary school section of the Young scientist exhibition in in years to come and making it big with their inventions and discoveries!

Young Scientists

Neil Quinlan Award Daniel Lawless

JP McGilligan Award Eoin Fitzmaurice

TY Awards

The TY Musical has to be one of the most fun events in the St Conleth's school year calendar. And the TY students of 2017 certainly pushed out all the stops to put on a superb performance. This year's production was the wonderful "School of Rock" and yes of course it was the boys who wore the frocks!

But there was a "never before" element in the mix this year. Last September, St. Conleth's opened its doors to Transition Year Girls for the very first time and if "School of Rock" is anything to go by, it's a fantastic development.

What an amazing battle of the bands, it was! We had Abba, The Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Laurence and His Ladies, Queen, Led Zeppelin or should that be Zed Leppilin! Nail-biting decision-making for celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, and David Williams.

Not to mention the uptight principal Ms. Mullins, who everyone suspects has a deep down love for rock n roll after all. There was also some amazing instrumentals including drums, electric guitar and piano complimented by a sound system that was super too.

The theatre sets, made by the students themselves, were simply wonderful. All of the students showed amazing talent and hard work in their production of "School of Rock". They did themselves, their teachers and parents proud.

And while the boys may have worried that the girls would steal the show, they needn't have. It was a performance of fun fuelled rivalry all the way! A huge thank you to Musical Director, Ms. DeBhal. Take a bow one and all!

TY Musical

Page 31

St. Conleth's Senior School Sports day was held in the Irishtown stadium on Tuesday 16th May. Mr. Keenan as usual, was commander in chief; Gavin Maguire master of ceremonies; the Parents’ Association organising the food; the teachers, now old hands at their various athletic stations; and of course, the stars of the show, our sporty students who spent the day running, jumping, walking, throwing and hopping their way to glory.

Senior School Sports Day

Page 32

There was great excitement in the Prep School yard the week before Sports Day as both Junior and Senior Infants were practicing with Ms. Kelly and Ms. Murphy for the 4 races that they would all compete in.  When the day came they were all ready.

First up was the Racket and Ball race and then the Beanbag and Spoon race and despite a few beanbags falling off the spoons and balls going flying, everyone made it over the line in no time.

Next up was the Sack Race followed by the Running race which everyone got a well-earned medal for. Finally, the Welly Throwing race was great fun when wellies went in all directions.  After all the events everyone wished Harrison a Happy Birthday and children and parents tucked into amazing cupcakes from Dawn.

Prep School Sports Day

Junior School Sports Day

Page 33

Dear Parents, I would like let you have some short recipes for some simple meals that are easy to make. These are nutritious, versatile, easy to make and popular with the students. They would be especially good for Junior and Leaving Cert students to make while studying for exams at home.

Mark Mc Colgan, Head Chef

Recipes from St. Conleth’s Chef Mark

Chicken, black bean and mango burritos

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts diced

• Zest of 1 lime very finely grated

• 2 tsp of ground cumin

• 1 fat garlic clove pureed

• Sunflower oil Method:

1. In a bowl stir the lime, cumin and garlic with enough oil to make a loose mixture

2. Mix this through the diced chicken and leave aside

Putting your burrito together

1. When you are ready to eat, cook some brown rice, fry your chicken and warm your beans

2. Gently warm some tortillas in the oven

3. You can put the ingredients on in any order you like, I usually go rice, beans, chicken and salsa but it's up to you

4. You can add many other things such as - spinach, rock-et, grated cheese or change the chicken to fish, beef or pork

5. Try tomato salsa instead of mango or go vegetarian with roasted peppers and onions

6. Hugely versatile to suit everybody's taste

Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 big and juicy mango, peeled and diced

• 1 crunchy red apple cored and diced

• A quarter of a red onion very finely diced

• A bunch of coriander leaves chopped

• 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tsp maple syrup Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside

2. The smaller you can dice the apple and mango the better

Chicken Marinade

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts diced

• Zest of 1 lime very finely grated

• 2 tsp of ground cumin

• 1 fat garlic clove pureed

• Sunflower oil Method:

1. In a bowl stir the lime, cumin and garlic with enough oil to make a loose mixture

2. Mix this through the diced chicken and leave aside

3. When ready to eat, strain off any excess liquid and fry on a medium/hot pan

Refried Beans

Ingredients

• 2 tins of black beans, drained and liquid reserved

• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground fennel

• 1 onion finely diced

• 1 tbs tomato puree

• a little oil Method

1. Heat the oil in a sauce pan and gently fry the garlic and onions

2. When soft add in the spices and fry for 30 seconds

3. Add the beans and half the reserved liquid and allow to gently bubble

4. Roughly mash with a potato masher and stir in the tomato puree

5. Gently bubble for 5 minutes. The bean mixture should be thick enough not to wet the tortilla.

Guacamole

Ingredients:

• 1 large or 2 small avocados

• 1 half clove of garlic pureed with a little salt

• Lemon or lime juice Method:

1. Mash the flesh of the avocado in a bowl with a fork and stir in the garlic

2. Stir in the juice and season to taste

3. Cover and set aside until needed. The citrus will stop it browning for a good few hours

5th year had the potential to be a strange year for everyone, both new and old. Being the year that it was, it was kind of inevitable. I am of course talking about the introduction of girls to the year (and of course the entire school as of September 2016). However, everyone settled in quickly with the girls adjusting to the characters and personalities of the year and the boys facing the first year of their school life in a mixed year. I think it’s fair to say everyone had a splendid time.

As for individual achievements we had Lucy Colman Black win a bronze medal in the all Dublin’s athletics final, we had Anna Celant win a 2nd prize at the Classical Association of Ireland teachers’ annual speech competition, I got my first short film premiered at a film financing fundraiser, we had all five of our St. Conleth's speakers make it to the semi-finals of the Leinster Schools debating competition with Conor Power making it to the final.

We also had the girls tennis team break from their group for the first time in St Conleth's history, we had the SCT team qualify for the Vinnie Murray cup, Harry and Simon took a clean sweep of firsts in the UCD Law Society Mace in 2017, we had Harry go to the Oxford Schools debating finals and we established a girls hockey team for the first time. There are probably many, many more happenings which I have failed to include, but all of this proves that our year has excelled both inside and outside the classroom this year.

All of this should have us well prepared for the Leaving Cert next year and I don’t think I could have a better group of people to do it with.

Rory Sweeney 5B

5th year – could have been a strange year

Despite all the exams, there have been some good times including a retreat, busker’s corner, a performance by the Irish Military Marching Band, supporting the under 16’s basketball team in their final and a rugby trip to Limerick. This year was also the first time that the Chess Club got to the top four in the Leinster Finals.

The Retreat is the one event that stands out for most of us. An entire day spent bonding, meditating and debating about God in rooms that were relaxing and exactly what we needed after exams.

At the start of the month we went to watch the Under 16s play in the South Dublin, basketball final. We tried our best to be loud and supportive. We sang many well-known chants and songs from Euro 2016 and the six nations. It was an amazing day despite the narrow loss.

Our trip to Limerick was great. We got a tour of Thomond Park and played a great game of rugby against Glenstal Abbey. We got Subway and Burger King on the way home.

Only yesterday, the Army Band came to the school. They played multiple songs, they engaged with us by teaching us about instruments we had never seen before. The best part was when they asked us to come up and conduct the orchestra and play some instruments.

And so, through the blood-soaked, deafening halls that we call school, we’re all excited for the next adventure……

A view form 1A

All buckled up, unsure of what to expect, the class of 1B set off for St Benildus Pastoral Care Centre. Only 20 minutes later, but enough sweets to last for a month, our bus came to a stop where a sign with our school logo welcomed us for a day of reflection and fun.

The first activity that our leaders Conor, Beth and Eugene presented to us was a video about a man having a bad day; suddenly he is given a pair of glasses that show him what other people are going through. Everybody thinks only of themselves instead of looking around them. That was the message of our day’s retreat: ‘we are all equally important’.

Then they laid a round carpet on the ground, put candles on it and a mirror. The set-up looked quite creepy as if we were asked to join their cult! But then one of them picked up the mirror and showed everyone their reflection. By just looking at someone you never see the full picture, their emotions and one could never know what someone is going through.

The break was quickly upon us and so was the tea and biscuits galore, as well as the football match of the year, boys against girls. After a close match, it all ended in a draw (although others claim that the girls won in a frenzy!) ready for the rematch at lunch.

In groups the lights were dimmed and we laid down on cushions. That’s when the meditation started. We guessed that it would be relaxing, but not that it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster! With soothing music playing in the background, we were asked to picture a man on a beach, to whom we could tell any problems we had. We were told that the man loved us and we were honoured. There was not a whisper in the room, just the soft sound of the voice of the leader and a few sniffles! It was a powerful experience.

With a peaceful mind we finally wrote a wish or a thought on a piece of paper and folded it. It was in the final part of our stay in the oratory, that, one by one, we placed our wishes in a box, more aware of ourselves, focused and relaxed.

Back on the bus, M&Ms rolling down the aisle, we finally started our trip back to reality. Getting back to St Conleth’s 10 minutes before the final bell and being allowed to go home right away, was enough to make us wish for another retreat at St Benildus! A true success!

The students of 1B

1st Year Retreat

Paraphrasing John Lennon –

“Imagine there’s no Luas,

It is easy if you try,

No mobile phones around us,

Above us only sky.

Imagine all the people we met along the way.

Aha-ah”

15 years ago, into the parlour we went for the big interview with Mr Kelleher. With the pictures in the room we guessed that an interest in rugby would go a long way in passing the test (no problem there!). Stronger than that was an impression of family and nurturing that our children would benefit from. It also helped that he gave them sweets and our sons sprang out of the interview.

On the first day when Michael and David went into the school, there was a United Nations feel to the school. There were Ukrainian, Indian, South African, American, French, Dutch and other Nationalities in their classes. In November one of the American parents brought in a big Turkey and all the trimmings to celebrate Thanksgiving. They acted out the original pilgrim story to the great delight of all the boys. Another international event was the Indian night as fundraiser. Indian food, costume, music, culture was celebrated under tents and to the aroma of burning incense.

For David’s first communion (at the height of the Celtic tiger), what did the parents think would be a good idea? The answer of course is a stretch limousine to bring them around the block of prestigious Dublin 4. Around the same time the Birthday parties reached their dizzying heights by one being had in L’Ecrivain. We also got used to getting gourmet burgers from sous chefs at the aforementioned L’Ecrivain for the annual school sports day every year.

Our piano at home is loaded with Maths awards. Not least of which is Matthew (our youngest) who on entry into St Conleth’s was put forward to compete in the school maths competition in Castleknock. We sent him without a battery for his scientific calculator but he still managed to finish fifth.

Sports was the focus for Michael’s (our eldest) year. Becoming rugby captain of the schools SCT team was a dream come true. The whole class went on strike to get more sport at one point. Michael made the Leinster schools section A team. However, undoubtedly the highlight was the appearance in the final for the first time in (nobody seemed to know) years in the Mc Mullen Cup. Leading with 3 minutes they conceded a try. They made their way back upfield but were unlucky no to score. The team was devastated. One of the by-products for us was an invite to the Leinster awards ball in the Mansion House where St Conleth’s were picked as Leinster most improved school of the year 2012.

Consolation was to come in 2016 (4 years later) when he was the assistant coach to the team who won the Mc Mullen cup. For all our years supporting the team this was like they had finally collected the Holy Grail.

We have had three very different sons who went through the school. We are delighted with the way the three of them have turned out. We hope they do the school proud.

Thanks for all the friends we as a family have met through St Conleth’s. Sadly, we have lost some along the way—Mr Kelleher, Andrew Clarke, Brendan O’Dea, Ms Brotelande, Noel Sommerville, Viktor Zorin, Mrs Dalton, Dr Maharaj, Richard Hannaford, Mrs Kelleher. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha

Philo and John Hassett

A Personal Reflection of 15 Years In St. Conleth’s

Budding Builders! It has been a busy term in Senior infants as the architects,

engineers and builders of the future set out to build Pyramids and Sky

Scrapers. Working as a team, the construction site got quite messy at times,

but they pulled it off and built masterpieces for everyone to see , well only long enough until it was demolished the next day! If the builders in June run into problems with the

Kevin Kelleher Wing they know who to call....

Farm Fun With spring in the air, the Senior Infants were busy learning how a farms

works. They were herding up the animals and collecting the crops to sell at the

market. Meanwhile at the farm shop, the shopping trolley was full, business was brisk and the cash register was ringing. The boys traded items and made sure everything was

been sold for a profit.

‘The Restaurant’ with a Senior infants twist ‘The Restaurant’ came to Senior

Infants last month and Chef Harry, had his work cut out from himself. Michael and Jamie, two very hungry customers were

keeping Luke, the busy waiter, on his toes with their orders for some tasty (but

plastic) lunch. With the main courses completed, back in the kitchen, Harry was

preparing some yummy deserts of strawberry and ice cream to get his 5 stars

from two happy customers. (see Senior Infants The Restaurant Michael, Jamie and

Luke and Senior Infants The Restaurant Chef Harry pictures attached)

Prep School Activities

Judo: Maxime St-Jean in 3rd year took part in the All Ireland U16s Schools competition. He was participating in the Under 60kg category and took home the Gold. A fantastic achievement.

Referee delivers: Nigel Owens lives up to his promise to Joe Downey, the Conleth's 3rd Year ball boy who was yellow carded by the ref. Joe received his signed jersey. See what happened here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU0XpArzmG8

Shot-Putt winner: Lucy Colman-Black with her East Leinster Bronze medal for the shot-putt at Morton Stadium (National Athletics Stadium) in Santry in April.

PPU Facebook—with the new influx of our almost past pupils there are now 1,350 past pupils and teachers on the PPU Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/stconleths.ppu). Surely its the biggest closed PPU group in Ireland?

Page 39

Other Activities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU0XpArzmG8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU0XpArzmG8

https://www.facebook.com/stconleths.ppu

https://www.facebook.com/stconleths.ppu

In what has become a favourite annual event, the parents’ social event was once again held in the magnificent Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire on Friday March 24th. The combined efforts of both the Junior and Senior school Parents’ Associations meticulously planned the event and preparations were done with the help of the wonderful staff of the Yacht Club, creating an intimate setting with a strong St Conleth’s theme with our Green Black and Yellow logo carried throughout.

The buffet meal included a beef or chicken dish, with a wide variety of accompaniments but the pièce de résistance of course was the very impressive Hog Roast which certainly created a talking point. Another talking point was the slide show of all the photos taken during the year.

The photos show a great night was had by all so make sure you get your tickets early next year.

Parents’ All School Social Event - Royal Irish Yacht Club

Well, our Sixth Formers may not quite be members of that mysterious group of elites who secretly control the world but we like to think that they have proven, over the course of the year and especially during their challenging Confirmation preparation course, that they are the best and brightest young Catholic gentlemen around! And let us not forget Agustina, who made history as the first girl ever confirmed at St. Conleth’s. The celebrant of the sacramental mass at St. Mary’s was the Very Reverend Enda Cunningham and the ceremony captured perfectly the significance of this important step in the

development of our chosen faith and ethos. James Clancy read a thought-provoking Communion Reflection and he and his classmates gave the occasion its due importance and respect. Afterwards, the party moved to Marco Pierre White’s restaurant in Donnybrook and the select few who made it in to school on Friday were treated to hot chocolate in Insomnia, a rollicking ramble around the city and the Senior School Concert in the afternoon!

Junior School Confirmation

6th Form Confirmation Class

6th class graduation was an emotional affair on 25 March. Mr Kilcommons and Ms Kelly hosted a delightful evening at the school with singing, piano playing and drama performed by the boys. This was followed by a slide show with photos going back to the early days in senior infants aged 6 and 7 resulting in tears and laughter as the boys and parents reminisced.. the evening ended with a big game of soccer in the yard with chocolate cake and pizza.. Mr Kilcommons had a hard job ending the party late that evening.

6th Form Graduation

Second Form’s First Holy Communion took place on a sunny Saturday on May 6th, last. Another first that day

was the fact that there were two girls to celebrate the Sacrament that day with the boys in St. Con-leths! The girls were beautiful in white dresses alongside the boys in their smart blazers. Our chap-lain, Fr. Fachtna celebrated mass in St. Mary’s, Haddington Road, and he has got to know the chil-dren as they progressed through the year. Parents, families, godparents, grandparents, teachers and Ms. Ann Sheppard all returned to the school afterwards for a welcome tea/coffee and lovely spread put on by the parents of 3rd Form. A memorable day for all!

Junior School First Holy Communion

Communion Class

© 2017 St. Conleth’s College Senior School Parents’ Association and St. Conleth’s College Junior School Parents’ Association

Our postal address: St. Conleth’s College, Clyde Road, Dublin 4, Ireland

School Communications

Next Newsletter

This is our last newsletter for the academic year—we hope you enjoyed it. Our next edition will be published in the first term of 2017/18. If you have any articles, photos or suggestions for content, please send to your class representative or your can email them to [email protected]

Production of this newsletter is done by the parents’ association committee members with the assistance of other parents, teachers and students on a voluntary basis. If you would like to assist in any small way, it would be greatly appreciated as many hands make light work. Please contact your class representative if you are interested in supporting this publication.

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please contact your class representative.

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