Core News & Information

The central communication hub for Davitt College. This section handles official announcements, administrative notices, enrollment details, and critical scheduling updates for the whole school community.

Core News & Information, Erasmus+, Global Programmes & Initiatives, School News

Erasmus+ Adventure in Lille & Brussels

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Erasmus+ • France & Belgium Erasmus+ Adventure in Lille & Brussels 21–24 September 2026 Davitt College students travelled to Lille and Brussels for an exciting Erasmus+ experience combining education, cultural exchange, communication and the opportunity to build new friendships across Europe. Davitt College Erasmus+ • Lille & Brussels 2026 Learning Beyond the Classroom The four-day trip gave students the opportunity to experience life and learning in a different European setting, combining visits to important European institutions with time in a French school and opportunities to explore the culture of Lille. From Brussels to Lille, each stage of the visit offered something different – encouraging students to communicate, collaborate, experience another education system and develop a greater understanding of Europe and their place within it. 01 Day One Europe in Action The Erasmus+ experience began with a special visit to the European Parliament in Brussels, giving students the opportunity to learn more about the European Union, its institutions and the role Europe plays in everyday life. It was a fitting beginning to an Erasmus+ mobility – bringing European citizenship, cooperation and international learning beyond the classroom and into a real-world setting. 02 Day Two School Life in Lille Day two brought the group to partner school Institution Sainte-Odile in Lambersart, where Davitt College students experienced school life in France, met French students and gained an insight into a different education system. The programme provided plenty of opportunities for cultural exchange and interaction, while travelling around Lille by Metro gave the group a chance to experience the city much as its residents do. Davitt College students during their Erasmus+ mobility in Lille 03 Day Three Communication, Creativity & Collaboration Communication and creativity took centre stage as students worked alongside their French counterparts at Institution Sainte-Odile. A podcasting workshop challenged students to develop their confidence and communication skills through recording, interviewing and sharing ideas. Working together provided another opportunity to make connections with French students while using communication in a practical and creative way. The programme also included lessons in the French school, presentations and feedback, giving students a genuine experience of learning alongside their peers in Lille. Learning and collaborating with students in Lille Students developing their communication skills through podcasting EU European Parliament Brussels FR School Exchange Institution Sainte-Odile MIC Podcasting Communication & Creativity LIL Exploring Lille Culture & Everyday Life Erasmus+ 2026 Learning, friendship and new experiences. The visit gave our students the opportunity to experience another culture, discover a different school environment and build connections with young people beyond Ireland. Our sincere thanks to everyone at Institution Sainte-Odile for the warm welcome extended to the Davitt College group and for helping to make the visit such a memorable Erasmus+ experience. × ‹ ›

Chess, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports

Chess is Back at Davitt College

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♟ Chess Club Chess is Back at Davitt College October 2026 The boards are out and Chess Club is back at Davitt College, with students enjoying a great first session of the new school year. Chess Club returns to Davitt College for 2026/27 A Strong Opening Move There were plenty of competitive games, impressive concentration and some early signs of the talent that will represent Davitt College in tournaments during the year ahead. Chess Club gives students the opportunity to develop their skills, challenge different opponents and enjoy some friendly competition during the school week. With tournaments on the horizon, there is plenty to look forward to as the year progresses. Every Thursday Time Lunchtime Venue Room 12 ♟ New Members Welcome Ready to make your move? Whether you’re an experienced player or just learning the game, come along on Thursday at lunchtime and join in. Bring on the tournaments. We look forward to following the progress of our chess players and seeing Davitt College represented in competitions throughout the year.

Core News & Information, GAA, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports

Junior Girls Begin Campaign with Impressive Victory

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🏐 Junior Girls GAA Junior Girls Begin Campaign with Impressive Victory 22 September 2026 Davitt College’s Junior Girls GAA team opened their 2026/27 campaign in style, recording a strong 2-11 to 1-2 victory over St. Brendan’s, Belmullet. The girls put together an excellent team performance, with scores coming from across the side as Davitt built an impressive tally over the course of the game. Betty Gibbons found the net twice for Davitt, while Clara Kelly led the points tally with five. Jenny McHale and Roisin Moran added two points each, with Ruby Murrihy also getting on the scoresheet. Davitt College Junior Girls GAA • 2026/27 Davitt College 2-11 Full Time St. Brendan’s Belmullet 1-2 Davitt College Scorers 2-11 Betty Gibbons 2-1 Clara Kelly 0-5 Jenny McHale 0-2 Roisin Moran 0-2 Ruby Murrihy 0-1 A terrific opening result for the Junior Girls and a positive start to their new schools GAA campaign. Well done, girls! 🟢 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, German, Humanities & Language, Official Visits, Politics & Society, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Davitt College Welcomes German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill

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🇩🇪 German • Language • International Friendship Davitt College Welcomes German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill 22 September 2026 • Davitt College Castlebar A very special morning at Davitt College saw our school community welcome the German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill, for a memorable celebration of language, culture and international friendship. The German flag flew proudly at the front of the school as students and staff prepared to welcome Ambassador Gill to Davitt College, marking an important occasion for our German Department and particularly for the students who have chosen to study the language. Hosting the German Ambassador offered our students a unique opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience first-hand the connections that language can create between people, cultures and countries. German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill Official visit to Davitt College • September 2026 A Special Visit Bringing Language Learning to Life For our German language learners, welcoming a guest of Ambassador Gill’s stature was a tremendous privilege. His visit highlighted the vibrant role that German language and culture play within Davitt College and gave students a genuine real-world connection to the language they encounter every day in their studies. Rather than simply being spectators, our students were at the heart of the occasion, taking an active role in welcoming the Ambassador and sharing their own experiences of learning German at Davitt College. Deutsch am Davitt College From First Words to Leaving Certificate Students from across the school shared their language-learning journeys, giving Ambassador Gill an opportunity to see the progression of German at Davitt College. 1 First Year Beginning the Journey Building confidence with the foundations of a new language and discovering German culture. 2 Junior Cycle Growing in Confidence Developing vocabulary, communication skills and an increasing ability to use German independently. 3 Senior Cycle Language in Action Building fluency, cultural understanding and the confidence to communicate for real purposes. 4 Leaving Certificate Leading the Occasion Our Leaving Certificate students stepped forward as the main speakers, helping to lead this special event. Student Voice Students at the Heart of the Welcome Our Leaving Certificate German students took a leading role in the ceremony, acting as the main speakers and demonstrating the confidence and advanced language skills they have developed during their years at Davitt College. They were joined by students from across the year groups, who shared their own experiences of learning German. Together, they allowed Ambassador Gill to witness the progression of language learning in our school — from the first steps taken by our youngest learners through to the accomplished communication of our Sixth Year students. More Than a Language Language. Culture. Connection. DE Language Communication Learning German gives students the confidence to communicate beyond their own language and engage with a wider world. 🇩🇪 Culture Understanding Language learning opens a window into another culture, its people, traditions and perspectives. 🤝 Connection Friendship Experiences such as this remind students that languages create genuine connections between people and countries. Ambassador Gill’s visit was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enthusiasm, confidence and commitment of our German students while recognising the importance of language learning in an increasingly connected world. We were incredibly proud to showcase the talent, warmth and hospitality of the students and staff of Davitt College, and we sincerely thank Ambassador Gill for taking the time to visit our school and engage so warmly with our students. 📸 Visit Highlights A Special Day at Davitt College Moments from Ambassador David Gill’s visit and the special programme prepared by students and staff to mark the occasion. Principal Conor O’Reilly addresses the gathering Traditional Irish musicians welcome our special guest Special Irish dancing performance Students address Ambassador Gill in German Sharing their German language-learning journey German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill Cathaoirleach Ger Deere, Ambassador David Gill and Councillor Blackie Gavin Ambassador Gill with German teachers Maria Carey, Kayleigh Walsh and Geraldine Clinton Ambassador Gill with Principal Conor O’Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones Ambassador David Gill with German teacher Maria Carey Ambassador David Gill with German teachers Kayleigh Walsh and Maria Carey Ambassador David Gill with Principal Conor O’Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones Ambassador David Gill with Carmel Flynn, who baked a special cake to mark the occasion 🇩🇪 Ein besonderer Tag für Davitt College Vielen Dank, Herr Botschafter! A memorable celebration of language, culture and international friendship at Davitt College. × ‹ ›

Core News & Information, GAA, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports

Junior Boys Make Winning Start to the Season

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🏐 Junior Boys GAA Junior Boys Make Winning Start to the Season 21 September 2026 Davitt College’s Junior GAA boys got their 2026/27 campaign off to the perfect start with a fantastic victory over Our Lady’s, Belmullet. The team produced an excellent performance in their opening game of the new season, playing some brilliant football and working hard for one another throughout the match. It was a very encouraging start to the campaign and a well-deserved result for the group as they begin another busy season of schools GAA action. Davitt College 7-9 to 2-8 Our Lady’s, Belmullet Davitt Scorers Mel Walsh McManamon 2-5 Zac Bristow 0-2 John Connor 1-1 Sean Graven 2-0 Brian Loftus 2-0 Rory Brogan 0-1 Congratulations to all the players and coaches on a superb opening-day victory. Maith sibh go léir! 🟢

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, School News, Transition Year

Adventure, Challenge and Teamwork for TY at Shannon River

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🌊 Transition Year • Learning Beyond the Classroom Adventure, Challenge and Teamwork for TY at Shannon River 15 September 2026 Transition Year is about discovering what happens when students step beyond the familiar — and our TY students did exactly that during an action-packed day at Shannon River Adventure Centre. From kayaking and water-based activities to challenges requiring teamwork, communication and a willingness to give something new a try, the day provided an ideal opportunity for students to learn in a completely different environment. There was plenty of fun along the way, but experiences like this are also an important part of the Transition Year journey: encouraging students to become more confident, independent and comfortable taking on new challenges. The TY Experience Confidence Grows Outside the Comfort Zone 💪 Challenge Trying unfamiliar activities encourages students to take positive risks and discover what they are capable of achieving. 🤝 Teamwork Shared challenges strengthen communication, cooperation and the relationships students build throughout Transition Year. 🌱 Confidence Meeting a challenge, giving something a go and succeeding together helps students grow in confidence and independence. Just as importantly, days like this give students time to enjoy one another’s company, strengthen friendships and create the shared memories that make Transition Year such a distinctive part of school life. It was a brilliant day of activity, laughter and learning — and a fantastic start to the many experiences still ahead for this year’s TY group. New challenges, new experiences and plenty of memories made — exactly what Transition Year is all about.

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Leaving Cert, Past Pupils, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Celebrating the Class of 2026

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🎓 Class of 2026 • Life After Davitt Celebrating the Class of 2026: New Beginnings and Bright Futures September 2026 There was a very special welcome at Davitt College as members of the Class of 2026 returned to the school — this time with their Leaving Certificate journey behind them and an exciting new chapter about to begin. Our Guidance Team were delighted to welcome the students back and have the opportunity to celebrate their excellent Leaving Certificate results. More importantly, it was a chance to catch up, hear about their plans and discover where life after Davitt is taking them. For a year group that shared so much of their secondary school journey together, the next stage will take them along many different paths — each shaped by their own interests, talents and ambitions. The Next Chapter Different Pathways. Shared Ambition. 🎓 Higher Education Beginning degree programmes and pursuing new academic opportunities. 📚 Further Education Developing specialist knowledge and practical skills for future study and careers. 🛠️ Apprenticeships Combining workplace experience with professional training and recognised qualifications. 🚀 Tertiary Education Taking advantage of new pathways connecting further and higher education. What makes the Class of 2026 particularly worth celebrating is not simply a set of examination results, but the range of futures now opening before them. Success after secondary school does not follow one route, and we are proud to see our graduates progressing through Higher Education, Further Education, Apprenticeships and Tertiary Education. Each destination represents years of work, personal growth and perseverance. As our students move into new colleges, training environments and workplaces, they carry with them the friendships, experiences and memories built during their years at Davitt College. While their time as Davitt College students has come to an end, they will always remain an important part of our school community. We look forward to hearing where their journeys take them in the years ahead. To every member of the Class of 2026: be ambitious, embrace the opportunities ahead and never underestimate what you are capable of achieving. Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh go léir! ☘️

Academic & Curriculum, Business & Enterprise, Core News & Information, School News, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Students Inspired by Business Leaders at Accelerate

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💼 Business • Enterprise • Career Learning Davitt College Students Inspired by Business Leaders at Accelerate 11 September 2026 Davitt College students had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the world of business, enterprise and innovation at Accelerate, an inspiring event organised by Castlebar Chamber at Breaffy House Resort. The event brought students face-to-face with some of Ireland’s most experienced and influential business figures, offering a valuable insight into entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and the journeys behind successful organisations. Opportunities such as this play an important role in helping students connect their classroom learning with the wider world of work. Hearing directly from business leaders allows young people to see the variety of pathways available to them and to understand the ambition, resilience and creativity that underpin successful careers. Learning from Leaders in Business Entrepreneurship & Digital Media Niall McGarry Founder of Joe.ie and Fabric Social. Aviation & Regional Development Joe Gilmore Ireland West Airport. Technology & Leadership Cathriona Hallahan Former Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland. Enterprise & E-Commerce Ciaran Crean Co-founder of Mick’s Garage. For our students, the evening provided much more than an introduction to successful companies and careers. It offered an opportunity to hear the stories behind those successes — the ideas that sparked new ventures, the challenges encountered along the way and the determination required to turn ambition into achievement. We are delighted that our students were able to take part in such a valuable local event and engage with people operating at the highest levels of Irish business. Experiences like Accelerate encourage students to think confidently about their own futures and to recognise that innovation, enterprise and opportunity can begin with a single idea. An inspiring evening of ideas, ambition and opportunity — and a valuable glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead for our students.

Combat Sports, Core News & Information, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports

Anna Dobre Earns First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo

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🥋 Martial Arts Excellence Anna Dobre Earns First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo 2 September 2026 Years of training, discipline and determination have culminated in a major achievement for Davitt College student Anna Dobre, who has earned her First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Anna achieved the prestigious grade through Mango Martial Arts Academy, marking an important milestone in a journey that has demanded far more than technical ability alone. Reaching Black Belt level represents sustained commitment, resilience and the determination to continue improving through countless hours of training. It is a tremendous personal achievement for Anna and one that the entire Davitt College community is delighted to celebrate with her. 29 Black Belts A remarkable Davitt College tradition spanning approximately four decades A Proud Davitt Tradition Anna Joins a Remarkable Legacy Anna’s achievement also continues a proud martial arts tradition within Davitt College. Over approximately 40 years, 29 Davitt College students have now progressed to Black Belt level — an extraordinary record of commitment, perseverance and sporting excellence across generations of students. Beyond the Belt Discipline That Reaches Beyond Sport A Black Belt is not simply an award earned on one particular day. It reflects the habits developed over years — showing up consistently, responding to setbacks, accepting challenge and having the patience to improve one step at a time. These are qualities that extend far beyond martial arts, and Anna can be immensely proud of what she has accomplished. Her achievement is a wonderful example to other students of what sustained effort and dedication can make possible. Congratulations, Anna, on an outstanding achievement — your dedication, discipline and perseverance have been richly rewarded. Maith thú, Anna! 🥋

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Leaving Cert, Past Pupils, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

From LCA to Electrical Apprentice: Megan Rumley Begins Her Next Chapter

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⚡ LCA • Career Pathways From LCA to Electrical Apprentice: Megan Rumley Begins Her Next Chapter 2 September 2026 A huge congratulations to Megan Rumley, LCA Class of 2026, who has taken the next exciting step in her career by beginning an Electrical Apprenticeship. Having completed her Leaving Certificate Applied programme at Davitt College, Megan is now putting her skills into practice while continuing to learn, develop and build a career in the electrical trade. Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to combine practical workplace experience with structured learning and recognised qualifications. For Megan, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter and the opportunity to develop her skills in a highly valued and rewarding profession. 🛠️ Learning in Practice Building Skills for the Workplace Megan will develop practical expertise on the job while continuing her education and professional training as an electrical apprentice. 🚀 Life After Davitt A Pathway Beyond School Megan’s progression highlights the wide range of opportunities available to LCA students as they move into employment, further training and apprenticeships. We are incredibly proud to see our LCA graduates progressing confidently into the world of work and further training. Megan is a fantastic example of how the Leaving Certificate Applied programme can open doors to meaningful and exciting career pathways beyond school. Everyone at Davitt College wishes Megan every success as she begins this new chapter. We have no doubt that she will bring the same commitment and determination to her apprenticeship that she demonstrated throughout her time at Davitt College. Best of luck, Megan — an exciting career lies ahead! ⚡

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