Practical & Creative Arts

Celebrating practical skills and creative expression in Home Economics, Art, Music, Wood Technology, and technical design.

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First Year Festive Showcase: Christmas Cards & Wood Technology Creations

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🎄 Student Showcase • English & Wood Technology First Year Festive Showcase: Christmas Cards & Wood Technology Creations Davitt College First Year Showcase As the winter term drew to a close, our multi-talented First Year students were incredibly busy channeling their festive creativity across different departments to craft beautiful seasonal gifts for their family and friends. ✍️ Seasonal Poetry & Christmas Cards in 1E English In the English department, students in class 1E worked exceptionally hard to compose imaginative Christmas poems and design beautifully styled seasonal greeting cards. The students combined their developing literacy skills with artistic flair to create thoughtful, heartfelt messages for their loved ones, spreading plenty of holiday cheer through the written word. 🪚 Handcrafted Decorations in Wood Technology Meanwhile, the practical rooms were buzzing with activity as First Year students put their design and manufacturing skills to the test in Wood Technology. Over several weeks, the students carefully planned, cut, and sanded beautiful wooden Christmas decorations. These custom pieces make for wonderful, lasting keepsakes that will undoubtedly hold pride of place on Christmas trees at home for years to come. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, craftsmanship, and imagination demonstrated by our First Years across both disciplines! 🎄✨🎅🪵🎁👏 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Media, Music, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, Video Hub

“Winter Song” – A Festive Performance by The Davitt College Singers

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🎶 Music & Choir • Virtual Performance “Winter Song” – A Festive Performance by The Davitt College Singers 14 December 2020 • Music Department Embracing the sentiment that “social distance doesn’t mean we are not together,” The Davitt College Singers united creatively from afar to share a very special musical message. This Christmas, our incredibly talented vocalists came together from the comfort of their own homes to record a beautiful collaborative cover of “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. Despite the physical distance, our students synchronized their voices to produce a moving, high-quality performance that perfectly captures the strength and spirit of our school community. We hope you thoroughly enjoy this wonderful performance from our exceptional students. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students, staff, families, and the wider community a happy and safe Christmas, and we look forward to a brighter year ahead! ❄️✨🎄🎶🌟👏 Watch directly on YouTube →

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, Music, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Davitt College Chamber Choir Claims Second Place at All-Ireland Festival

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🎵 All-Ireland Choral Success • Music Department Davitt College Chamber Choir Claims Second Place at All-Ireland Festival 6 May 2016 • SCCUL Enterprise Galway Choral Festival A massive congratulations to the Davitt College Chamber Choir on coming second in the All-Ireland SCCUL Enterprise Galway Choral Festival at GMIT today, 6th May 2016! Considering that this was their debut public performance, it is an absolutely outstanding achievement for the group and their Musical Director, Mrs. Claire Kennedy. “We are absolutely thrilled with our success, not only in this competition but as a choir established merely three months ago,” she said following the result. The competition, currently in its inaugural year, was held on the GMIT Galway campus. Six schools in total participated in the equal voice choral competition, travelling from Dublin, Sligo, Tipperary, and Galway. We are incredibly proud to note that Davitt College was the only post-primary school representing Co. Mayo at the event. “We entered this competition to give our students a chance to experience the many benefits of singing in a choir such as improved listening skills, teamwork, commitment, and camaraderie. Numerous studies have shown that singing in a choir reduces stress and improves mood, which in turn could have a positive impact on overall health. What we ended up with was not only a real sense of achievement but a true determination to continue our success on a vocal and personal level.” — Mrs. Claire Kennedy, Musical Director 🎶 Choir Members & Performers A special congratulations to the brilliant students involved: Ella Mongey, Clodagh Gainley, Aoife Halligan, Roisin Lennon, Roisin Callaghan, Annabelle Comer Halliwell, Roadhan McKenna, Kathryn Tiernan, Marianna Tiernan, Claire McHale, Cian Kilkenny, Megan Costello, Deirbhile Mellotte, Shannon Crouch, Natasha Nally, Htoo Htoo Lar, Johanna McDonagh, and Rebecca Kenny. A special mention also goes to Second Year student Peter Belseva, who served as their talented accompanist. The Davitt College Chamber Choir is open to all students and includes an audition process. Mrs. Kennedy is already looking forward to welcoming new members this coming September 2016! 🎤🌟👏 Davitt College Chamber Choir pictured following their fantastic second-place finish at the All-Ireland SCCUL Enterprise Galway Choral Festival. ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Transition Year

Transition Year Student Maria Named All-Ireland Home-Cook Hero Finalist

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🧑‍🍳 Culinary Arts • National Finalist Transition Year Student Maria Named All-Ireland Home-Cook Hero Finalist 20 November 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its massive congratulations to Transition Year student Maria, who achieved national recognition by becoming a finalist in the prestigious Easy Food Home-Cook Hero Awards 2013. Run by Ireland’s number-one food magazine, Easy Food, this national cookery competition is open to all ages. The 2013 event was the most highly contested and popular year to date, drawing thousands of entries from across the country. Only three finalists were selected for each of the ten categories based on their unique, tasty, and creative recipes. Maria was chosen to compete in the highly competitive La Scala category, where she was the only student matching skills against two seasoned adult cooks—a previous category winner and a professional food blogger. 🍳 The Dublin Cook-Off Final On Saturday, 9th November 2013, Maria travelled to Dublin to take part in a high-pressure live cook-off final at the Cooks Academy Cookery School. She prepared her signature dish under the watchful eyes of a distinguished panel of celebrity judges: Kevin Dundon Dunbrody House Catherine Fulvio Ballyknocken House Gina Miltiadou Zahra Media Group The high-octane environment was captured by TV3 cameras, recording the skills of the finalists for a special television broadcast hosted by Martin King at the Shelbourne Hotel, which aired nationally on Saturday, 16th November 2013. 🧑‍🍳 Future in the Culinary Arts Maria, a passionate Home Economics student, is keen to pursue a career in the Culinary Arts after finishing her studies at Davitt College. As a testament to her talent, she will complete her Transition Year work experience module under the mentorship of renowned TV Chef Neven Maguire at MacNean House & Restaurant in Co. Cavan. “I was very excited to be chosen to compete in this National Competition. The standard was very high and it was great to see other contestants’ interpretations of their dishes. It was also great to work alongside chefs Kevin Dundon and Catherine Fulvio. The competition gave me great experience and was a fantastic opportunity.” — Maria, Transition Year Student 📈 Continued Excellence in Home Economics This incredible achievement marks the second major success for the Davitt College Home Economics Department in recent months, following past pupil Laura Ivers’ overall victory at the Sligo Connacht Gold Cookery Competition. Academic Milestone: In 2013, 100% of our Junior Certificate Home Economics students took the Higher Level paper, with final examination results far exceeding the national average. Culinary Finalist: Davitt College Transition Year student Maria, recognized nationally at the Easy Food Home-Cook Hero Awards live cook-off in Dublin.

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Soroptimist International Castlebar Supports Music Programme at Davitt College

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🎵 Creative Arts • Community Partnership Soroptimist International Castlebar Supports Music Programme at Davitt College 9 May 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, was delighted to welcome representatives from Soroptimist International Castlebar alongside the National President of Soroptimist Ireland to celebrate a fantastic community-sponsored music initiative on campus. Soroptimist International Castlebar has generously sponsored a targeted Music Programme at the school, providing vital funds to support specialized tuition over an immersive six-week module. In addition to expert instruction, the club’s generous financial contribution went directly toward purchasing brand-new musical instruments, substantially expanding creative and performance pathways for our student body. 🎼 6-Week Module Targeted, specialized musical tuition 🎸 New Instruments Direct funding for school music equipment 🤝 Local Investment Supported by Soroptimist International During the visit, the National President of Soroptimist Ireland, Ms. Ann O’Driscoll, toured the school facilities and was treated to a wonderful live performance by the talented students currently participating in the programme. The entire school community extends its sincere gratitude to Soroptimist International Castlebar for their generous investment in our students’ creative futures. 📸 Presentation Showcase (Pictured L–R): Back Row: Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal), Ms. S. Sheridan (School Completion Programme), Mrs. Ann Collins (Soroptimist Club President), Ms. Ann O’Driscoll (National President, Soroptimist Ireland), Ms. Therese O’Grady (Soroptimist PRO), Ms. Kate McKeown (Music Generation Mayo), Jamie Ralph, Mr. Paul Kelly, Mr. Mike Cannon, Mr. Eamonn Mulderrig (Music Teacher), and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal). Front Row: Jack McEllin, Niamh Tobin, Neill Tropman, Francis Kelly, Neill Kilkenny, Aoife Halligan, and Ethan Carey.

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Transition Year

Double Gold and Overall Victory for Davitt College at Connacht Gold Junior Chef Competition

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🧑‍🍳 Culinary Arts • Double Gold Champions Double Gold and Overall Victory for Davitt College at Connacht Gold Junior Chef Competition 9 May 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is immensely proud to celebrate a phenomenal double-victory on the culinary stage, as our students captured the top honors at the prestigious Connacht Gold Junior Chef Final. The competitive live cook-off took place at St. Angela’s College, Sligo, as a flagship event of the Só Sligo Food and Culture Festival in conjunction with Connacht Gold. Out of hundreds of entries from across the province, just 18 secondary school students were selected to compete in the live final—with Davitt College proudly standing as the only school to secure two finalist places. 🏆 Overall Champion & Gold Medal Laura Ivers (Transition Year) Sautéed her way into first place to be officially named The 2013 Connacht Gold Junior Chef, winning a commissioned trophy, iPad mini, and a masterclass scholarship with TV3 resident chef Joe Shannon. Winning Menu: • Main: Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni with salad and garlic crostini. • Dessert: White chocolate and almond tray bake with homemade vanilla custard and strawberry coulis. 🥇 Senior Category Gold Medal Amy Mulchrone (5th Year) Delivered a masterclass in culinary expertise and exceptional kitchen professionalism, securing a Senior Gold Medal from the panel of professional judges. Gourmet Menu: • Main: Bacon-wrapped chicken stuffed with cream cheese & sun-dried tomatoes, with creamed mash and celeriac. • Dessert: Classic vanilla panna cotta with raspberry compote and almond biscotti. 🔬 State-of-the-Art Practical Education “In Davitt College, Home Economics has become increasingly popular in recent years. We are very fortunate to have two fully equipped, state-of-the-art Home Economics rooms, and the subject has become almost as popular with boys as it is with girls. There has been a notable increase in the number of students taking the subject at Higher Level for both the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, and our examination results continue to far exceed the national average.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal Ms. Fiona Murtagh (Home Economics Teacher): “The subject aims to equip students with core life skills. The department constantly strives to encourage creativity in the kitchen, and this competition was a fantastic opportunity for our students to display their genuine passion for cooking. We are incredibly proud of both Laura and Amy.” 📸 Culinary Triumph Showcase: Laura Ivers (Overall Junior Chef Champion & Senior Gold Medalist) and Amy Mulchrone (Senior Category Gold Medalist) celebrating their double victory at St. Angela’s College, Sligo.

Academic & Curriculum, Charity, Core News & Information, Music, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Davitt College Pupils Sing to Make a Difference for Childline

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💙 Community & Charity • Student Leadership Davitt College Pupils Sing to Make a Difference for Childline 31 January 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its warmest congratulations to talented student musicians Ethan Carey and Cathal Noonan, who represented the school spectacularly as Connacht/Ulster-West finalists in the popular “Our Schools Got Talent” competition. The high-stakes regional final took place before an enthusiastic crowd at the TF Royal Theatre on Sunday, 27th January 2013, where both performers did their school immensely proud with a magnificent live musical showcase. 🎤 Charity In Action Student-Led Campus Concerts Inspired by the cause, Ethan and Cathal organized a series of lunchtime live gigs with fellow Davitt College contestants, rallying the entire school community behind the ISPCC and Childline. Funds Raised €500+ For ISPCC Childline 🎭 TF Royal Theatre Finalists Competing at provincial level, the duo demonstrated exceptional musicianship, stage presence, and confidence on one of Castlebar’s premier stages. 🤝 National Impact Directly supporting the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) and their critical, 24-hour national childline support lines. Well done to Ethan, Cathal, and all the pupils and staff who lent their talents and generosity to such a vital cause! 📸 Presentation Showcase (Pictured L–R): Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal), Ethan Carey (Finalist), Cathal Noonan (Student), Ms. Fiona Jennings (Regional Volunteer Organiser, ISPCC), and Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal).

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, English, Humanities & Language, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Renowned Author Gabriel Rosenstock Inspires Students at Davitt College

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🎨 Creative Arts • Cross-Curricular Literature Renowned Author Gabriel Rosenstock Inspires Students at Davitt College 5 January 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, was incredibly fortunate to welcome the celebrated Irish translator, playwright, poet, and children’s author, Gabriel Rosenstock, for a special guest visit and creative workshop. Organized in conjunction with the Indian Cultural Festival at the Linenhall Arts Centre, the visit provided an inspiring intersection of literature, visual art, and world heritage for our Junior Cycle students. ✍️ Creative Collaboration Exploring Aphorisms & Visual Art In preparation for the visit, Second Year students from Ms. Morrissey’s Gaeilge class and Ms. Silke’s Art class collaborated on an innovative project studying Mr. Rosenstock’s collection of aphorisms—crafting their own written insights and vibrant visual artwork in response. Gaeilge & Poetry Visual Arts 🌏 Global Culture & Creative Inspiration During his session with the students, Gabriel Rosenstock reflected on his prolific literary career and the profound creative inspiration he has gathered from his extensive travels across India. The interactive discussion offered students a rich understanding of international traditions while seamlessly bridging language study with artistic expression. 📸 Guest Author Showcase: Celebrated writer and poet Gabriel Rosenstock pictured with Davitt College Second Year students following their cross-curricular art and Gaeilge creative workshop.

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Music, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Davitt College Choir Performs at Holy Rosary Christmas Carol Service

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🎶 Performing Arts • Community Choral Service Davitt College Choir Performs at Holy Rosary Christmas Carol Service 5 January 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar The talented members of the Davitt College School Choir brought wonderful festive cheer to the local community as they took center stage at the annual Christmas Carol Service in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. The special service was a magnificent celebration of music, prayer, song, and dance, offering our students a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with musicians and performers across the parish and celebrate the true spirit of the season through choral excellence. 🎼 Community Showcase Parish Musical Celebration The Davitt College choir shared the altar with an inspiring cross-section of Castlebar’s vibrant musical groups, creating an uplifting and harmonious community event: ✨ Church of the Holy Rosary Daily Choir ✨ Parish Folk Group ✨ Castlebar Gospel Choir ✨ Local National School Choirs Comhghairdeas to all the choir members and music faculty for representing Davitt College so beautifully! 📸 Choral Performance Showcase: The Davitt College School Choir performing at the Church of the Holy Rosary Christmas Carol Service in Castlebar.

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