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.

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Business & Enterprise, Core News & Information, Junior Cycle, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Davitt College Students Honoured for Junior Certificate Business Excellence

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Davitt College, Castlebar, celebrated further academic success as a group of top-performing students were presented with certificates of achievement from NUI Galway, recognizing their exceptional Junior Certificate results. The students recorded a Grade A in their Higher Level Business Studies Examination, placing them among an elite group of just 250 students from throughout Connacht to receive this prestigious regional honor. The presentations, held in association with the Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland (BSTAI), were made at a special ceremony on the university campus, which was proudly attended by invited parents and school faculty. The entire school community extends its warmest congratulations to these young women on their outstanding academic diligence and business acumen! 📸 Presentation Showcase Pictured at the NUI Galway ceremony are:

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Launches Career Options 2014 Exhibition

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🎯 Career Guidance • Regional Exhibition Davitt College Launches Career Options 2014 Exhibition 8 January 2014 Davitt College, Castlebar, was proud to serve as the launchpad for Career Options 2014—a premier regional event dedicated to opening doors for Senior Cycle students across the county. The exhibition provided students with comprehensive, firsthand insights into CAO degree pathways, further education courses, specialized apprenticeships, and high-demand vocational training options. 🎓 Higher Education University & IT programme insights 🛠️ Further Education PLC & Post-Leaving Cert pathways 🤝 Regional Partnership Backed by MSLETB & local educators The launch highlighted the vital collaboration between post-primary leadership, Castlebar College of Further Education, and the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), guaranteeing students leave school fully empowered with clear, actionable direction for the future. Back Row (L–R): Ms. Áine Coyne, Ms. Bernie Lennon, Ms. Tara O’Brien, Mr. Fiachra MacGabhann (Castlebar College of Further Education), Ms. Emma Nestor, and Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal, Davitt College). Front Row (L–R): Ms. Ruth Carney, Mr. Seosamh Mac Donncha (Chief Executive Officer, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board), and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal, Davitt College).

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.

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Latest News, School Life, Culture & Achievements, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Graduate Hannah McEllin Awarded Prestigious All-Ireland Scholarship

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🎓 Academic Honour • National Scholarship Davitt College Graduate Hannah McEllin Awarded Prestigious All-Ireland Scholarship 20 November 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is immensely proud to announce that past pupil Hannah McEllin has been honoured with a highly coveted 2013 All-Ireland Third-Level Scholarship in recognition of her exceptional results in the Leaving Certificate examination. The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the University of Limerick, where the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, T.D., was present alongside the sponsor of the scholarship scheme, Mr. J.P. McManus. The distinguished Guest of Honour for the event was Ryanair Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael O’Leary. 125 National Recipients Selected across the 32 counties of Ireland €32M Philanthropic Fund Funded entirely by sponsor J.P. McManus 1,300+ Total Beneficiaries Supporting students throughout third-level 🎓 National Recognition for Academic Excellence Now in its sixth year, the highly competitive scheme provides vital financial assistance to top-tier, high-achieving students who completed their Leaving Certificate or A-Level examinations in 2013. The prestigious awards are strictly administered by the Department of Education and Skills in the Republic of Ireland and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, ensuring that only the highest academic benchmarks across both jurisdictions are recognized. The entire school community at Davitt College extends its warmest congratulations to Hannah on this landmark milestone and wishes her continued success throughout her third-level studies! Award Presentation: Hannah McEllin receives her All-Ireland Third-Level Scholarship from Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan T.D., alongside sponsor Mr. J.P. McManus and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal, Davitt College).

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

Davitt College Alumni Embark on their University Journeys

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🎓 Alumni Updates • Class of 2013 Davitt College Alumni Embark on their University Journeys 27 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar A number of our exceptional Leaving Certificate students from the Class of 2013 recently dropped back into Davitt College to catch up, say their final goodbyes, and express their sincere gratitude to management, teachers, and staff for supporting them throughout their six years of post-primary education. These ambitious young men and women are embarking on an exciting new chapter as they begin third-level programmes in prestigious universities and training colleges across Ireland for the 2013/2014 academic year. 💬 Fond Memories of the Davitt College Experience “I will certainly miss Davitt College. We have had some unforgettable times and we have definitely made friends for life. The Transition Year Programme was one of the absolute highlights for me.” — Hazel Lawless “Davitt College is genuinely student-centred and has a very broad range of subjects. There is a wonderful relationship between students and teachers and a great support system for everyone.” — Hannah Mulchrone “The Joe Langan Sports Hall and Gym is a huge asset to Davitt College.” — Diarmuid O’Connor 🔬 Rising Demand for Scientific Disciplines “There is definitely a strong trend towards the sciences this year. We offer all four science subjects at Senior Level: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Agricultural Science. There has been a steady increase in the uptake of these subjects over the past two to three years, and this is highly evident when you consider the competitive degree programmes our students are successfully choosing at third level.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal 📸 Class of 2013 Graduate Destinations & Pathways (Pictured L–R): • Hannah McEllin: B.Sc. General Nursing • Noel Conlon: B.Sc. Mathematical Science (NUI Galway) • Rachel Farragher: B.Sc. Environmental Science (NUI Galway) • Robbie Fadden: B.A. Accounting & Finance (DCU) • Sarah Roache: B.Sc. General Science (Trinity College) • Darren Flannery: B.Sc. Athletic Therapy & Training (DCU) • Hazel Lawless: B.Ed. Home Economics & Biology (St. Angela’s) • Diarmuid O’Connor: B.Sc. Sports Science (DCU) • Hannah Mulchrone: B.Ed. Primary Teaching (St. Patrick’s) • William Conlon: B.Sc. Agricultural Science (UCD) Missing from photograph: Aiman Elhilali (B.Sc. Pharmaceutical Science, DCU) and Eadaoin Donnelly-White (B.A. Human Rights, NUI Galway).

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Junior Cycle, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Celebrations as Students Receive Outstanding Junior Certificate Results

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🎉 State Examinations • Junior Cert 2013 Celebrations as Students Receive Outstanding Junior Certificate Results 11 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar There were screams of excitement and delight at Davitt College today, Wednesday 11th September, as our students received their highly anticipated Junior Certificate results. The results across the board have been truly exceptional, with an impressive number of students achieving top marks and the vast majority of the year group securing honours across all of their subjects. 11 ‘A’s Ellen Murphy Higher Level Subjects 9 ‘A’s Norah Conlon Higher Level Subjects 8 ‘A’s Una Parkinson Higher Level Subjects “I am delighted with all of our students’ excellent results in the Junior Certificate. Our students worked very hard throughout the three years leading up to the Junior Certificate Examination and today they reap the rewards of that hard work. It is a wonderful day and we are very proud of each and every one of them.” Ms. Rowland also noted that this success is a true community effort, adding a special word of thanks to the dedicated teaching faculty and supportive parents who collectively helped make today’s achievements possible. — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal A massive well done to the entire Junior Certificate Class of 2013! ×

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

All-Ireland Hurling Success for Davitt College Student Shane Nugent

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🏆 GAA All-Ireland Champions • Hurling All-Ireland Hurling Success for Davitt College Student Shane Nugent 10 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its proudest congratulations to student Shane Nugent, who achieved ultimate national success on the hurling pitch as part of the victorious Mayo Minor Hurling squad. Shane and his Mayo teammates put on a spectacular performance to defeat Monaghan in the All-Ireland Minor ‘C’ Hurling Final on Saturday, 7th September. This national title is a tremendous reward for the immense dedication, training, and sportsmanship shown by the entire panel throughout the campaign. The entire school community is immensely proud of Shane’s achievement, and we extend our warmest well done to all the players, management, and coaches involved in bringing an All-Ireland title back to Mayo! 🥇 All-Ireland Minor ‘C’ Champions Mayo Minor Hurling Panel victorious over Monaghan 🟢🔴 County Pride Celebrating grassroots hurling and athletic dedication at Davitt College Maith thú, Shane – a fantastic sporting milestone for school and county! 📸 Presentation Showcase (Pictured L–R): Mr. Danny Buckley (Teacher & Hurling Coach), Fintan Murphy (Student), Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal), Shane Nugent (All-Ireland Hurling Champion), Keith Mulchrone (Student), and Ms. Sinéad Flynn (PE Teacher).

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

Academic Distinction: Top Leaving Certificate Results for Hannah McEllin

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🌟 Leaving Certificate • Academic Distinction Academic Distinction: Top Leaving Certificate Results for Hannah McEllin 10 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is absolutely thrilled to celebrate outstanding academic excellence within our graduating class, as Leaving Certificate student Hannah McEllin achieved a phenomenal 615 points in her final examinations. Reaching the elite 615-point milestone places Hannah in the very highest percentile of candidates nationwide—a remarkable reflection of her relentless dedication, work ethic, and academic talent across her six years of post-primary education at the school. School Principal Ms. Bernie Rowland and Deputy Principal Mr. Ger King met with Hannah on campus to extend their heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the entire school community, board of management, and teaching faculty. 615 Points Leaving Certificate Result Top-tier national standing and academic excellence 🎓 Third-Level Pathway Embarking on the B.Sc. in General Nursing Comhghairdeas, Hannah – wishing you continued brilliance throughout your third-level studies! 📸 Academic Excellence Presentation: Leaving Certificate high achiever Hannah McEllin (centre) pictured on campus with Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal) and Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal) following her phenomenal 615-point achievement.

Awards, Core News & Information, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Celebrating Excellence: Davitt College Annual Awards Ceremony 2013

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🏆 Annual School Event • Awards Ceremony 2013 Celebrating Excellence: Davitt College Annual Awards Ceremony 2013 30 May 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College hosted our highly anticipated Annual Awards Ceremony today, celebrating the outstanding achievements and hard work of our student body. We were privileged to welcome Mr. Charlie Lambert, Mayo Sports Partnership Co-ordinator, as our special guest of honour for the occasion. It was a truly memorable event, beautifully enhanced by superb musical performances from the school choir. Throughout the ceremony, over 200 students were officially recognised for their excellence across a wide range of disciplines, receiving awards for academic brilliance, sporting prowess, and unwavering dedication to school life. “A special and well-deserved congratulations goes to our Overall Students of the Year, Noel Conlon and Haregewaren Tilahun. Both students were honoured for their exceptional commitment, enthusiastic participation, and overwhelmingly positive contribution to the Davitt College community.” Main Award Winners 2013 ⭐ Highest School Honour Overall Students of the Year Noel Conlon & Haregewaren Tilahun Davitt College Annual Awards 2013 Honoured for exceptional commitment, enthusiastic participation, and overwhelmingly positive leadership throughout their time at Davitt College. 🏆 Athletic Excellence Senior Sportsperson of the Year Orlaithe Walsh Bank of Ireland Sports Award Presented by Michael Gallagher and Charlie Lambert (Mayo Sports Partnership) for outstanding sporting prowess and athletic achievement. 2013 Awards Roll of Honour 📚 Academic Milestones & Year Group Awards View Section Fintan Murphy: 5th Year Student of the Year (Presented by Ms. Elaine Mortimer, Year Head) Una Parkinson: 3rd Year Student of the Year (Presented by Ms. Catriona O’Donnell) Andrey Connolly: Exceptional Achievement in First Year Award Holly Logan & David Gavin: Academic Achievement in the Junior Certificate 2012 Aoife O’Connell & Michael McDonagh: Effort and Commitment in 6th Year Award (Presented by Mr. Ger Munnelly & Ms. Maria Carey) 🛠️ Construction, Engineering, Music & Enterprise View Section David Walshe: Leaving Certificate Engineering Project of the Year & Leaving Certificate Construction Project of the Year (Presented with Mr. Ger Munnelly) Junior Certificate Construction Project Winners: Ben Studnicka, Sandu Zmeu, Séamus Tiernan, and Seamie Lally Niall Kilkenny: Senior Music Student of the Year (Presented by Mr. Eamonn Mulderrig) Séamus Tiernan: Junior Music Student of the Year (Presented by Mr. Eamonn Mulderrig) Claire McDonagh, Sharon Mangan & Ornaith Hopkins: Bank of Ireland Award for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Skills (Presented by Geraldine King, BOI) 🏅 Sporting Achievements View Section Orlaithe Walsh: Bank of Ireland Senior Sportsperson of the Year Conor McDonnell: Junior Hurling Player of the Year (Presented by Mr. Charlie Lambert, Mayo Sports Partnership) ×

Awards, Core News & Information, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, TY-Awards

Pioneering Paths: Davitt College Transition Year Awards Ceremony 2013

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🌟 Transition Year • Awards Ceremony 2013 Pioneering Paths: Davitt College Transition Year Awards Ceremony 2013 23 May 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Transition Year continues to be a vibrant and transformative pillar of student life at Davitt College, offering young people unique opportunities to cultivate leadership, build new competencies, and engage deeply with the wider community. We were delighted to welcome MEP Jim Higgins to our special ceremonies to celebrate the diverse talents, determination, and hard work of our Transition Year cohorts. Across this memorable academic year, students immersed themselves in a rich curriculum of specialized modules and extracurricular initiatives. “From mastering digital safety, computer programming, and peer mentoring to launching entrepreneurial ventures through ‘Build a Bank’, completing Gaisce awards, and achieving certifications in FAI coaching, our students constantly rose to the challenge. The cohort proved that Transition Year at Davitt College is truly about dreaming, daring, and doing.” Main TY Award Winners 2013 ⭐ Highest TY Honour Student of the Year Holly Logan Presented by Jim Higgins MEP Awarded for exceptional overall contribution, outstanding academic work ethic, and positive school leadership across the full Transition Year programme. 🍳 Culinary Distinction Junior Chef Challenge Champion Laura Ivers Connaught Gold Junior Chef Competition Honoured as both the Senior Category Winner and Overall Champion for outstanding culinary creativity and professional standard technique. 2013 Transition Year Roll of Honour 🏆 Special Recognition, Science & Creative Arts View Section Holly Logan: Transition Year Student of the Year Award (Presented by Jim Higgins MEP) Jack McEllin, Sean Murphy & Conor Reilly: Young Scientists Award (Presented by Jim Higgins MEP) Laura Ivers: Connaught Gold Junior Chef Challenge (Senior Category & Overall Champion) Liam Higgins: Public Speaking Award (Presented by Jim Higgins MEP) Melissa Duffy: Contribution to Art Award (Presented by Jim Higgins MEP) Aisling Gallagher: Contribution to the School Musical (Presented by Jim Higgins MEP) 🏅 Sporting Triumphs & Coaching View Section Oran Scully: Sportsperson of the Year Award (Presented by Jim Higgins MEP) Emer Tolan: Sportsperson of the Year Award (Presented by Jim Higgins MEP) FAI Coaching Certification: Official FAI Kick Start Coaching Certificates presented by Jim Higgins MEP 📜 Leadership, Technology & Module Certifications View Section Gaisce Presidential Awards: Presentation of Gaisce Award Certificates with Jim Higgins MEP Computer Programming Course: Certification of completion for specialized programming modules ECDL Certification: European Computer Driving Licence certificates presented to participating students Internet Safety Module: Completion certificates in online digital safety awareness Peer for Peer Course: Student mentoring and leadership programme certification AIB ‘Build a Bank’ Team: Special recognition for enterprise development and school bank operations School Musical Cast & Crew: Certificate presentation for participating production members ×

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