On Friday before mid term students, teachers and parents from Banagher College Colaiste Na Sionna celebrated a most prayerful Mass in St. Rynagh’s Church. As always every detail was meticulously attended to as readers representing all years confidently and clearly played their parts. The school choir was superb as were the individual musicians who added so much to the beauty and reverence of the occasion. Fr. Pierre welcomed everyone and spoke in a relevant and meaningful way to the packed congregation.
When Mass concluded it was time to present a collection of well earned and much deserved awards. Principal, Mr. P. Scales welcomed everyone and acted as a most efficient master of ceremonies.
The following list of recipients walked to the ambo to hear their individual citations being read by class tutors and then to received their awards from former Principal, Mrs. N. Kennedy.
Grace Byrne – Overall Senior Student of the Year
Grace’s quiet disposition, strength of character, self-motivation and positive outlook to school life made Grace an example to all the school. Grace was a very competent but unassuming student. She excelled in her studies and was rewarded with the outstanding result of 550 points. Grace is held in the highest regard by staff and students alike.
Sharon Donohue - Valerie Hayes Award
It is difficult to confine Sharon’s talents, skills and attributes to paper. To be honest she was involved in every aspect of school life and gave fully of herself in everything she did. She performed beautifully in the school choir, was a proactive member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and represented our school in Lourdes in her ever dignified, caring, respectful and natural warm way. Sharon is a fantastic girl and was popular with staff and students alike.
Thank you for your gift of friendship and all that you have contributed to our school.
Francis Hynes - Construction Studies Student of the Year LC2E
To excel in an area of natural talent is expected. To exceed one’s own high standard is truly outstanding. The ‘Construction Studies’ Award is given this year for craftsmanship, unfailing response to instruction and diligence in work practice. Francis Hynes is very deserving of this award.
Engineering Student of the Year - Damien Kelly LC2B
A young man who developed his skills with enthusiasm. He matched aptitude with endeavour in his self propelled pursuit of perfection.
This award is for optimum achievement in the field of Engineering and deservedly goes to Damien Kelly.
Eve Kennedy - Extra Curricular Activities Award LC2B
During her secondary school years, Eve was a committed and diligent member of the school Ladies Football teams. Playing in either defence or forwards, Eve always gave 100%. Last year Eve captained the Senior Ladies Football team to a Leinster title win and her leadership skills were excellent. She also regularly coached some school teams as a follow on from a club coaching course that she did complete and was always a dependable link between staff and players. Eve has chosen to do a Nursing Course in U.L.
Soracha Moran - Keating Cup Award 1D The Keating Cup is awarded to the First Year student who obtains the highest marks in Mathematics at the end of First Year. Congratulations to Soracha on her fantastic achievement in Maths Studies 2009.
Stephen Quirke - Transition Year - Student of the Class
Excellence is not an act but a habit”. This describes Stephen’s contribution to Transition Year. Stephen consistently applied himself to all activities reaching two All-Ireland Finals with his team in the process. Stephen’s positive disposition and appetite for work make him a worthy winner of the inaugural Nora Kennedy Transition Year ‘Student of the Year’ Award.
Muireann Windsor McGlynn – Overall Junior Student of the Year Award
An exemplary student and accomplished musician, Muireann is a most worthy recipient of the overall ‘Junior Student of the Year’ award. Her outstanding Junior Cert. results are a testament to her self-motivation and great ability. They are enhanced by her enthusiasm, excellent behaviour and positive outlook towards all school activities. Muireann is an exemplary young lady held in the highest regard by staff and students alike.
Nicola Cleary - Student of the Class LC2A
Nicola was an excellent, hardworking young lady who approached school life in a conscientious and dedicated manner. She applied herself to her studies and achieved excellent results of which she can be very proud. We wish her well in her college studies.
Daniel Coughlan - Student of the Class LC2A
Daniel was dedicated and devoted to his studies throughout his five years in secondary school. He approached school life in a positive manner and consistently worked hard. He was always respectful and friendly to his fellow students and teachers. He was very successful in his Leaving Cert. Exam and we wish him well in his studies in college.
Rebecca Egan - Student of the Class LC2A
Rebecca was a very friendly and hardworking young lady. As a result of her hard work she excelled in her studies and achieved excellent Leaving Cert. results. Her friendly and courteous manner made her very popular among staff and her fellow students. We wish her well in her college studies.
Stephanie Barry - Student of the Class LC2A
Stephanie was a wonderful student who achieved her potential in Banagher College Coláiste na Sionna. She was diligent, hard working and helpful to her fellow students and always respectful to her teachers. We wish Stephanie well in her future studies.
Mary Coughlan - Student of the Class LC2A
Mary was an excellent young lady who worked extremely hard during her five years in Banagher College Coláiste na Sionna. She achieved 485 points in her Leaving Cert as a result of her hard work and determination. She was also an excellent sportswoman, representing the school on numerous occasions. She has a fantastic personality and was always respectful to her fellow students and teachers. She is currently in college and we wish her well in her studies and future career.
Kieran Coughlan - Student of the Class LC2A
Kieran was dedicated and devoted to his studies throughout his five years in secondary school. He approached school life in a positive manner and consistently worked hard. He was always respectful and friendly to his fellow students and teachers. He was very successful in his Leaving Cert. Exam and we wish him well in his studies in college.
Nadine Delaney - Student of the Class LC2A
Nadine was a polite, mannerly and hard working young lady in her five years in Banagher College Coláiste Na Sionna. She was respectful to her teachers and fellow students. She worked hard at her studies and achieved her potential in all aspects of school life. We wish her well in her college.
Sharon Donohoe - Student of the Class LC2A
Sharon was an exceptional student in her five years in Banagher College Coláiste Na Sionna. She became Head Girl in her final year and excelled in her studies achieving 490 points in her Leaving Cert. She is also a very talented musician and took part in all school musicals events. She is now studying primary teaching and with her fantastic caring personality combined with her musical talent and great intellect she will make a great N.S. teacher.
Liam King - Student of the Class LC2B Liam King was a consistent dedicated and independent worker. This work effort is reflected in his exceptional results. Liam achieved 490 points in his Leaving Certificate and is studying Creative Writing with Arts in NUIG.
Eve Kennedy - Student of the Class LC2B
Eve was Deputy Head Girl in her final year at Banagher College Coláiste na Sionna. She was captain of the school football team and represented the school as a Youth Helper on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in May 2008. Eve was at all times good humoured and helpful towards both her fellow students and teachers. She achieved an excellent Leaving Certificate with 450 points and is studying Intellectual Disability Nursing at The University of Limerick.
Stephen Flannery - Student of the Class LC2B
Stephen Flannery was part of a group that represented the school on a Transition Year tour to Australia in 2007. A popular student with both staff and pupils Stephen was committed to all sports especially hurling he played a vital part in many hurling matches in his position as fullback and full forward. Stephen is studying Wood Science and Technology at The University of Limerick.
Damien Kelly - Student of the Class LC2B A Head Boy in his final year at Banagher College Coláiste na Sionna Damien carried out his duties with great care diligence and good humour. He will be remembered by many of us for the role he took in school shows over the years. Damien is working as an Apprentice Electrician with ESB Networks and is unable to be with us today due to work commitments.
Róisin McIntyre - Student of the Class LC2C Róisin is an excellent student and a natural leader. As captain of the camogie team she showed determination, skill and dedication, attributes she carried easily into the classroom. Her positive outlook to life and school work endeared her to both staff and school mates.
Donna McDonagh - Student of the Class LC2C Donna is a determined young lady whose hard work and commitment was evident on the field of play and particularly in relation to her studies. Dependable, responsible and unassuming, Donna has much to be proud of.
Laura McManus - Student of the Class LC2C
Laura immersed herself in school life from day one. She excelled on stage and at games yet still found time to achieve an excellent Leaving Certificate of 500 points. Her bubbly nature, friendly smile and work ethic combined to make her a joy to teach.
Niall Meaney - Student of the Class LC2C
Niall was one of the most positive students to have come through our doors. He was always enthusiastic, upbeat, helpful and fun to be around. He ensured that the trip to Australia was a memorable one for all involved and kept everyone smiling. You will be missed.
Áine Stones - Student of the Class LC2D Aine’s pleasant disposition and positive attitude are exemplary. Áine proved to be reliable and efficient in any task that was required of her. She is a student who was at ease with both staff and students and displayed a gentle manner which was an example to others. Áine is a polite, approachable and mannerly young lady.
Sinead Ryan – Student of the Class LC2D
Sinead has always been a mature, dependable motivated student. She is an all-rounder who displayed commitment to both her school life and extra curricular involvement. She earned all our respect for her maturity, her composed manner and her determination. Sinead has really grown from strength to strength over the years and is definitely not a star that twinkles but one that shines.
Claire Redmond - Student of the Class LC2D
Claire is an extremely talented young lady. As a musician she was part of Tullamore Town Band and all school musical activities. Claire has a very assertive, positive and balanced approach to any task she undertakes. She is clear-headed and fair and is very comfortable with both staff and students.
Leanne Minnock - Student of the Class LC2D
Leanne is an exceptionally motivated young lady. She is pleasant, hardworking and approached school life in a conscientious and dedicated manner. Leanne set a positive example to fellow students and was polite and courteous at all times. Her diligence, maturity and focus rewarded her in her achievements both academically and in the wider curriculum.
Áine Reddin - Student of the Class LC2D
Áine combined responsibility and school spirit with courtesy for staff and fellow students alike. Her consideration and respect for all made her an excellent role model for other students. As a staff, we commend Áine for her pleasantness, her sense of fun, her lady-like disposition and her diligence as a student. We wish Áine the very best in future endeavours.
Nicole Robinson – Student of the Class LC2D
Nicole is an exceptionally diligent, motivated young lady. She displays terrific organisation and planning skills. She is a decisive person who works well with people but equally can work on her own initiative. Nicole has excelled in her studies and having spent five years with us is thoroughly deserving of her outstanding 510 points.
Dean Regan – Student of the Class LC2D
Dean is a terrific young man. He never gives up and has earned the respect of both staff and students for his tremendous qualities of persistence and diligence. Dean has always been a most respectful, polite, courteous and pleasant young man. We are delighted that Dean has chosen to continue his studies in our school. We wish him every success in the future and we salute him for being a gentleman.
Grace Byrne – Overall Senior Student of the Year
Grace’s quiet disposition, strength of character, self-motivation and positive outlook to school life made Grace an example to all the school. Grace was a very competent but unassuming student. She excelled in her studies and was rewarded with the outstanding results of 550 points. Grace is held in the highest regard by staff and students alike.
Grace Lyons - Student of the Class LC2E
For her pleasant, obliging and gracious manner. Grace was always co-operative and helpful to both staff and students. Not satisfied with an excellent Leaving Certificate last year, Grace decided to make a valuable contribution to the Leaving Cert. Repeat Class. Grace received 480 points in Her Leaving Certificate. She is truly an inspiration to others.
Linda Madden - Student of the Class LC2E
Linda worked consistently during her Repeat Leaving Certificate year. She displayed determination and diligence throughout the year. Linda has been awarded for her efforts by achieving the points necessary for her chosen course. We wish you every success in your future career.
Crystal Kennedy LCA2 Student of the Class
From the moment Crystal joined LCA she was committed to the course and dedicated to her tasks. Crystal was always enthusiastic, cheerful and willing to help with any task assigned to her. She was always good humoured and was never reluctant to question any aspect of her course or challenge her teachers but always in the nicest possible way. She achieved a distinction in her LCA course which is a fantastic achievement. At present Crystal is enrolled on a FETAC Business and Secretarial Course. We wish you all the best with this course and future career.
Áine Finnegan LCA2 Student of the Class
Áine Finnegan was a wonderful student. She was dedicated to her studies and to her completion of her tasks and the LCA Programme. Áine was organised and diligent throughout the two years of LCA. She always completed her tasks with the utmost care. Her distinction in the LCA Programme is attributed to her 100% dedication and attention to detail. Áine has a huge interest in hairdressing and is hoping to pursue this as a career. We wish you all the best with whatever path in life you choose.
Niamh Flannery 2C; Rebecca Martin 2C; Ciara McCormack 2D - Enterprise Award
Funky Folders was a very confident, creative and highly motivated group of students. They successfully took a business from the idea stage, through market research, to production, selling, record keeping, management and finally writing a comprehensive report on their activities. They showed great organisational and planning skills juggling school work with their busy business schedule. They proudly represented Offaly in the National Finals held last May.
Heartiest congratulations to all those worthy winners. The afternoon concluded with refreshments for everyone in Banagher College Colaiste Na Sionna.