Our Story
1990-2000
Expansion, National Acclaim & Achievement
A Decade of Transformation in Castlebar
The 1990s marked a period of intense campus expansion, major curriculum innovations like the Leaving Certificate Applied, and groundbreaking international exchanges under the vision of our dedicated staff.
From unforgettable theatrical productions like Chicago and Guys and Dolls to legendary All-Ireland sporting finals, this era forged a proud legacy of excellence and community spirit.
Rapid Expansion
Enrolment surge leading to our major school extension.
Stage Traditions
Blockbuster productions like Chicago and Grease.
Global Links
Pioneering international exchange programmes with Wales.
National Finals
All-Ireland final appearances in GAA, debating, and swimming.
Journey Through the 1990s
Select an academic year below to explore individual milestones, historical photos, original stage productions, and athletic triumphs.
Soroptimist County Champions
The Public Speaking Team reached the All-Ireland semi-finals of the Soroptimist competition, with Maria Barrett winning the County title.
'Back to School' Musical (Feb 1991)
Transition Year students staged the original musical Back to School, compiled and written by Michael Brett, featuring a talented cast including Mary Reddington, Monica Elliot, Anita Deacy, Richard Heneghan, John King, and Myles Cresham.
Appearing on RTE's 'Blackboard Jungle'
Davitt College took part in the national television broadcast of RTE's schools programme Blackboard Jungle.
National Construction Studies Award
Patrick Needham won the prestigious National Award for Construction Studies in the Leaving Certificate examinations.
'Touchdown' TY Musical
Michael Brett wrote and produced another original Transition Year musical production entitled Touchdown.
Back-to-Back National Construction 1st Place
A remarkable achievement when Brian McGowan (student of Bernard Gallagher) won 1st place in Ireland in Leaving Certificate Construction Studies and was awarded the National Award—securing two consecutive national firsts for the school.
Soroptimist All-Ireland Semi-Final
Sorcha Brett reached the All-Ireland semi-final of the Soroptimist public speaking competition, continuing the school's debating success.
U14 County & Connacht Champions
The school's young sports squad secured both County and Connacht titles in an outstanding competitive season.
Under-16 All-Ireland GAA Finalists
Under the expert guidance of Brendan Munnelly, the U16 Gaelic football team reached the All-Ireland Final.
Caretaker Jim Fitzpatrick Retires
November 27th marked the retirement of our amiable caretaker Jim Fitzpatrick after 14 years of dedicated service (starting in Newtown in 1978 and moving to Davitt College). He was bid farewell with cheers, a presentation bicycle from students, a dinner at Breaffy House, and succeeded by Ian Callaghan.
Senior Boys GAA Connacht Champions
In March 1993, the Senior Boys GAA team won the Connacht Championship by defeating Galway champions Carraroe.
Mental Health Public Speaking Semi-Finals
The DC public speaking team reached the All-Ireland semi-finals speaking passionately on mental health topics.
National AIB Business & Finance Win
Michael Langan won the national AIB Business and Finance competition for the college.
'Reunion' Original Musical
Michael Brett wrote and produced another brilliant original school musical production titled Reunion.
First Welsh Exchange Programme
On March 15th, 1993, the first second-level exchange in Irish history brought 12 Welsh students and 2 teachers from Llanidloes, Llanfyllin and Newtown to Castlebar (initiated by Mr. Moran and Keith Harding), featuring a civic reception, Westport Youth Hostel stay, and lake canoeing.
Senior Girls Soccer Established
The Senior Girls Soccer team was officially established, expanding athletic opportunities for female students.
All-Ireland GAA Semi-Finalists
Following their Connacht title, the Senior Boys reached the All-Ireland Semi-Final, narrowly losing a thriller to Rathmore (Kerry).
European Studies Introduced to TY
Introduced to Transition Year in September 1992, the module included mini-companies, ICT training including email, work experience, and a certificate of completion awarded by the Association Examining Board.
Senior Girls GAA & Mayo County Final
Senior Girls Gaelic football was introduced, making an immediate impact by reaching the Mayo County Final.
All-Ireland Senior GAA Finalists
Davitt College reached the All-Ireland Senior GAA Final against Castletownbere, managed by Brendan Munnelly.
Vice-Principal Mary Gillivan Retires
Vice-Principal Mary Gillivan retired, leaving behind a legendary legacy famously encapsulated by her iconic teaching philosophy: "There is no such thing as a free class!"
'Grease' Staged & Music Curriculum
The musical Grease was staged by Michael Brett, and music officially became a core part of the Davitt College curriculum.
Enrolment 701 & Extension Work
School enrolment stood at 701 students, and construction work officially began on the new school extension.
U15 Boys GAA County Champions
The U15 boys Gaelic football team captured the County Final championship title.
Mayo Young Engineer of the Year
Leaving Certificate student Brendan Judge won Mayo Young Engineer of the Year for his winning project featuring a moving toy carousel with secondary mechanical motion and music.
Welsh Exchange Programme Continues
In April 1994, 16 Senior Cert students and 2 teachers from Newtown High visited Davitt College, touring the Bellacorick wind farm and Foxford Heritage Centre before returning the visit to Wales in May alongside a 5th year group visiting Llanfyllin.
Eimear McBride Accepted to London Drama Centre
Leaving Cert student Eimear McBride was the only Irish applicant and the youngest (at 17) accepted among 500 global auditionees for 25 spots at the prestigious London Drama Centre (whose patrons include Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sean Connery).
EU Commissioner Padraig Flynn Visits
European Studies students received their AEB Certificates from EU Commissioner Pádraig Flynn, joined by Principal P. Noone, Castlebar Urban Council Chairman Paddy McGuinness, coordinator Andy Ryan, and teacher I. McGowan.
Soroptimist Regional Finals 3rd Place
Representing Mayo with her entertaining speech on "Behind every great man is a greater woman", Caroline Cresham finished 3rd at the Regional Finals held in Sligo Grammar School on February 17th, 1994.
Leaving Cert Class Fashion Show
The Davitt College Leaving Certificate class organized and hosted a vibrant school fashion show.
Senior Girls Basketball Mayo Champions
Coached by Miss Owens, Miss Fleming, and Mr. O'Malley, the senior girls panel captured the Mayo Finals after overcoming Ballyhaunis and Charlestown.
Successful College Extension Campaign
Following a successful campaign supported by parents, staff, public representatives, and students, a major school extension sanctioned by Education Minister Niamh Breathnach opened in September 1994 to eliminate overcrowding.
RTE Blackboard Jungle Quarter-Finalists
In August 1994, Davitt College represented the school on RTE's Blackboard Jungle. After group 9 victories over Presentation Thurles, Charleville, Blackrock, and Cabra, the team reached the national quarter-finals under mentor Mr. Munnelly.
'A Slice of Saturday Night' Musical
Transition Year students staged A Slice of Saturday Night, produced and directed by Michael Brett, with musical direction by Phil Duffy and dialogue coaching by Ruth Phelan.
Senior Boys GAA County Champions (3-in-a-Row)
The Senior Boys GAA team defeated Crossmolina to claim their third consecutive County Championship title.
Debs Committee Fashion Show
The student Debs Committee hosted a spectacular school fashion show to fundraise for their upcoming celebrations.
Mayo Mental Health Public Speaking Champions
The Davitt College public speaking team won the Mayo final of the Mayo Mental Health Association of Ireland competition, pictured with tutor Liam B. Egan and Principal Patsy Noone alongside association representatives and adjudicators.
Official School Opening (1995)
Davitt College celebrated its official school opening in 1995, with Minister for Education Niamh Bhreathnach, T.D., officiating the historic ceremony.
'The Graduate' Foodstore Opens in Castlebar
A groundbreaking entrepreneurial venture launched between Davitt College students and local Castlebar businessmen, establishing 'The Graduate' foodstore.
Debating & Soroptimist All-Ireland Semi-Finals
Orla Cunningham reached the finals of the Soroptimists, and the debating team reached the All-Ireland semi-finals of the Business and Professional Women's Club competition.
Junior Boys GAA All-Ireland Finalists
The Junior Boys reached the All-Ireland Vocational Schools Final in Ballinasloe against Lisnaskea. Watch Full Match Video.
U16 Boys Soccer Connacht Cup Champions
The U16 boys soccer team captured the Connacht Cup title in style with a resounding 6–1 victory over St. Paul's Oughterard.
All-Ireland Schools Swimming Championships
The Davitt College swimming squad proudly represented the school in high-level competition at the All-Ireland School's Championships.
'Little Shop of Horrors' Musical (1995)
The theatrical tradition continued with a stellar production of Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Michael Brett with musical direction by Phil Duffy.
Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) Introduced
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme was officially introduced at Davitt College, providing practical vocational pathways for senior cycle students.
County & Connacht Champions
The Senior Boys GAA team triumphed by winning both the County and Connacht Championships, advancing all the way to the All-Ireland Semi-Finals.
John Paul II Merit Awards
Davitt College students were honored with prestigious John Paul II Merit Awards for their exceptional contributions to school and community life.
MWR Debate Finalists & Soroptimist County Title
The debating team reached the grand finals of the MWR debates, while Toni Bourke proudly captured the County title in the Soroptimist public speaking competition.
'Chicago' Musical (Feb 1997)
In February 1997, students staged Chicago, marking Michael Brett’s legendary final show as producer and director for Davitt College.
German Added to Curriculum
German was formally introduced as a modern foreign language option, expanding the academic language curriculum for students.
Student Council Established
The official Student Council was established, giving students a formal representative voice in school organization and activities.
All-Ireland Semi-Finals in Debating
The Soroptimists reached the All-Ireland semi-finals, and the debating team advanced to the All-Ireland semi-finals of the Concern Debates.
'Guys and Dolls' Musical (1998)
Tommy O'Malley produced and directed Guys and Dolls, featuring musical direction by Phil Duffy in an unforgettable stage production.
National Art & Creative Writing Wins
Joyce O'Boyle won a Merit Award at the National Art Competition, and Paul Staunton won First Prize in the national creative writing competition.
Brian McCaffrey Wins National Swimming Gold
Brian McCaffrey won gold at the school's swimming championships, setting the fastest time in Ireland for U16 100m freestyle (54.97) and placing 3rd in the international school finals in Scotland.
Connacht Champions & All-Ireland Finalists
The Senior Boys GAA team won the Connacht Championship and reached the All-Ireland Final, narrowly losing to Holy Trinity Tyrone after a dramatic replay.
U16 Girls Indoor Soccer Champions
The U16 girls indoor soccer squad dominated the competition to capture the championship title.
UNICEF Fundraising by TY Mini Company
Transition Year Mini Company students channeled their entrepreneurial skills into raising substantial funds for UNICEF.
'Oklahoma' Musical Production
The school staged Oklahoma, produced by Tommy O'Malley with musical direction by Phil Duffy.
'The Graduate Privilege Card' Launched
Launched by Transition Year classes 4A and 4B as a marketing project, offering students up to 20% discounts across local Castlebar retail outlets while supporting the school and local commerce.
Representing Ireland in Liverpool
As part of the European Studies programme, Transition Year students Michael Murray, Sean Walsh, Annette Jennings, and Margaret Corcoran represented Ireland at a Human Rights Arts Festival in Liverpool.
First Irish Schools Swimming Champion
Brian McCaffrey became Davitt College's first-ever Irish Schools Swimming Champion in a landmark athletic achievement for the school.
Calderstone Exchange & 'West Side Story'
Calderstone Comprehensive School (Liverpool) presented The Playboy of the Western World at Davitt College. When Davitt students visited Liverpool, they staged West Side Story (produced by Tommy O'Malley and Phil Duffy), featuring Fergal McBride, Rosemary Joyce, Amanda Corbett, Maria Griffin, and Gearoid Muldowney.
All-Ireland Finalists & Joe McDonagh Visit
Captained by Paul Coady, the senior football team reached the All-Ireland Final. GAA President Joe McDonagh visited the school to present medals. Debaters also reached All-Ireland semi-finals in three separate competitions.
Civic-Link Project & Senior Girls Indoor Soccer Champions
The Senior girls team became indoor soccer champions, and the school continued its 4-year partnered Civic-Link project with St. Mary's College Irvinestown under Bernie Rowland.
Expansion, Acclaim & Achievement
The 1990s marked a period of major campus expansion, innovative curriculum developments like the Leaving Certificate Applied, and pioneering international exchange programmes with Wales. This era also saw unforgettable stage productions such as Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and Oklahoma alongside legendary All-Ireland sporting finals.
Milestone Highlights
- Rapid enrolment growth leading to our major school extension.
- Blockbuster musical theatre productions including Chicago and Guys and Dolls.
- All-Ireland final appearances in GAA, swimming, and debating.
“I am conscious of the profound influence secondary school has on the lives of young people... Davitt College is a place where you can have all of your children educated in the same environment. It is a trust that we will endeavour to justify.
Uncover the 2020s Chronicle
Discover recent milestones, contemporary campus evolution, and the ongoing tradition of excellence as we enter the modern chapter of Davitt College history.
View 2020s Archive →