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, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Wellbeing

Sustainable Travel: Park and Stride Scheme

🌿 Sustainable Travel • Green-Schools Initiative Sustainable Travel: Park and Stride Scheme 24 August 2023 Davitt College, in partnership with Mayo County Council, An Taisce Green-Schools, and the National Transport Authority, is proud to support the Park and Stride initiative. What is Park and Stride? Park and Stride means leaving the car about a 10-minute walk away from the school gate and making the final leg of the journey to school on foot. For parents and guardians, the walk to and from the car provides 15–20 minutes of daily physical exercise, while helping to significantly reduce traffic congestion and idling fumes directly outside our school gates. How Does it Work? Castlebar Municipal District supports the scheme by allowing registered parents and guardians to use participating local car parks free of charge (where parking charges normally apply) for a short period during school drop-off and pick-up times. Designated Morning Times: 8:00am to 9:30am (1 hour maximum) Designated Afternoon Times: 1:00pm to 4:30pm (1 hour maximum) Operating Days: Monday to Friday during school term time only. Participating Castlebar Car Parks: Castle Street Car Park Market Square Car Park Pavilion Road Car Park Town Park Car Park Spencer Street Car Park How to Register & Obtain Your Permit To avail of free parking during these windows, parents must clearly display an official Park and Stride Permit Sticker inside the front windshield of their vehicle. Complete the official registration form attached to this notice. Return the completed form to Mayo County Council: By Post: Castlebar Municipal District, Mayo County Council, Áras an Chontae, The Mall, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 WF90. By Email: Scan your completed form and email it directly to [email protected]. Once processed, annual permit stickers will be issued directly to parents through the school. 📄 Download Park and Stride Brochure ×

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

Celebrating Student Success and Achievement: Davitt College Annual Awards Ceremony 2023

🏆 Annual School Event Davitt College Annual Awards Ceremony 2023 25 May 2023 Davitt College, Castlebar, proudly hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday 25th May 2023, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate excellence across academics, sport, music, and extracurricular activities. Over 100 students received awards in recognition of their hard work, talent, and dedication throughout the year. The school was delighted to welcome cookbook author and recipe writer Ms. Sarah Butler as Guest of Honour to present the prizes and share her experiences with the student body. Addressing the assembled students and guests, Principal Mr. Conor O’Reilly extended his warmest congratulations, noting that the awards serve as a stepping stone to greater achievements in the future. He encouraged every student to aspire to reach their full potential and sincerely hoped they would go on to achieve their life’s dreams and ambitions. Main Award Winners 2023 Honouring the highest pinnacle achievements in character, community dedication, and student leadership across the school year. ⭐ Highest School Honour Davitt College Student of the Year Caoimhe Murphy Davitt College Annual Awards 2023 Recognising exceptional academic application, character, and school leadership throughout the year. 🛡️ Special Tribute Joe Langan Perpetual Shield Liam Egan Special Community Recognition Presented in recognition of dedicated service, warmth, and contribution shown to the entire Davitt College community. Sportsperson of the Year 2023 Honouring outstanding athletic prowess, dedication, and sportsmanship across school sporting codes. 🏆 Senior Sportsperson of the Year Senior Female: Maia Ludden Senior Male: Joe O Donnell 🏅 Junior Sportsperson of the Year Junior Female: Emma Duffy Junior Male: Jack Rava Additional Award Winners & Special Presentations 2023 Recognising core school values, exceptional peer representation, and special recognitions for 2023. 🌱✨ Core Values & Resilience Ethos Award: Felix Rowlands-Earls Resilience Award: Aine Mallon 🙌💙 Student Community Honour Student Choice Award: Laura McEllin Well done to all of our award recipients on a truly memorable and inspiring celebration of school life at Davitt College! 2023 Awards Roll of Honour Explore the complete breakdown of award winners across special honours, academic subjects, sporting achievements, and class recognitions for 2023. 🌟 Special Awards & Highest Honours View Section Ethos & Resilience Ethos Award: Felix Rowlands-EarlsResilience Award: Aine Mallon Student Community Honour Student Choice Award: Laura McEllin Special Community Tribute Joe Langan Perpetual Shield: Liam Egan Highest School Honour Davitt College Student of the Year 2023: Caoimhe Murphy 📚 Humanities, STEM & Business Awards View Section Modern Foreign Languages Junior Cycle Award: Ciara LoftusSenior Cycle Award: Finola Gillespie History, Geography & Politics Junior Cycle Award: Joseph LoftusSenior Cycle Award: Kyle O’Neill Literature Junior Cycle Award: Blake JoyceSenior Cycle Award: Anastasia Gladysheva Art Junior Cycle Award: Sophie EarleySenior Cycle Award: Maia Ludden Music Junior Cycle Contribution to Music: Aine FitzgeraldSenior Music Student of the Year: Niamh Cawley Irish Language (Gradam na Gaeilge) Junior Cycle Award: Matthew Walsh 2ASenior Cycle Award: Christopher Lennon Science, Maths & Home Economics Junior Cycle Award (Science/Maths): Cian NolanSenior Cycle Award (Science/Maths): Lughaidh SwiftJunior Cycle Home Economics Craft Award: Kellie Holmes Technology & Engineering Junior Cycle Woodwork Project: Owen McTigueJunior Cycle Engineering Project: Jason ConnorLeaving Certificate Engineering Project of the Year: Daniel FlynnLeaving Certificate Construction Project of the Year: Aaron Corcoran Business Studies, Accounting & Economics Junior Cycle Award: Eoin McDonaghSenior Cycle Award: Elliot Nolan 🏆 Sporting Achievements View Section Overall Sports Person of the Year Junior Sports Person of the Year (Girl): Emma Duffy Junior Sports Person of the Year (Boy): Jack Rava Senior Sports Person of the Year (Girl): Maia Ludden Senior Sports Person of the Year (Boy): Joe O Donnell Basketball 1st Yr Player of the Year: Conor Jordan2nd year Player of the Year: Aaron Cafferkey3rd year Player of the Year: Paw Mwee Kyei Gaelic Football 1st year boys gaelic player of the year: Oisin Harte & Conor JordanJuvenile Boys Gaelic Player of the Year: Ronan Loftus & Cian Corley ClarkJunior Boys Gaelic Player of the Year: Colm LynchMost Improved player Junior boys: Sean CosgroveSenior boys gaelic player of the year: Dylan RiceU-14 girls gaelic player of the year: Cliodhna Dowling & Grace CarrollJunior girls gaelic player of the year: Saoirse MahonSenior girls gaelic player of the year: Tara Concannon1st yr Player of the year: Ellen JoyceGirls U-14 Connaught Champions: Ellen Joyce Soccer First Year Male Player of the Year: Owen McDonaghU-15 Boys Player of the year: Nathan CookU-17 Boys player of the year: Sinteyehu KilleenU-15 Girls player of the year: Sarah-Jane KilcawleyU-17 Girls player of the year: Beth RoacheFirst Year Female Player of the Year: Sophia Birdthistle Athletics & Rugby ETB Male & Female Athlete: Katie Irwin1st yr Athlete of the Year: Isabella KearneyFemale Athlete of the year: Niamh MoranMale Athlete of the year: Aaron CafferkeyU16 rugby player of the year: Emma Jane Fahey 📖 Academic Achievement, Effort & Commitment View Section First Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication 1A: NJ Butler1B: Dzhenifer Eze1C: Iosac Butler1D: Daisy Finnerty1E: Patrick Holmes1F: Lauren Dunne First Year Academic Achievement 1A: Ava Flatley1B: Bruno Senzel1C: Surnaí Ní Cheallaigh1D: Kamila Teterycz1E: Ellen Joyce1F: Ava Cunningham Second Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication 2A: Zofia Swierczek2B: Kate Ludden2C: Christopher McManamon2D: Marie Everard Lydon2E: Katie O Malley2F: Sarah Jane Burke2G: Clodagh Timlin Second Year Academic Achievement 2A: Emma Jane Fahey2B: Aaron Rice2C: Grace Coyne2D: Niamh Moran2E: Ruby Moran2F: Daire Hughes2G: Joseph Loftus Third Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication 3A: Vismaya Vinod3B: Mischa Ginnelly3C: Emily Prendergast3D: Kate Connor3E: Ciara Donoghue3F: Saidbh Gordon Third Year Academic Achievement 3A: Rachel Heneghan3B: Laoise Walsh3C: Ciara Loftus3D: Kate O’Donnell3E: Ellen Shaw3F: Cian Nolan Fifth Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication 5A: Niamh Spellman5B: Jack Roache5C: Dean Ralph5D: Lily Scanlon5E: Caoimhe Hegarty5A1: Cillian Moore Fifth Year Academic Achievement 5A: Amanda Connor5B: Kacper Swierkowski5C: Hannah Prendergast5D: Lily Kelly5E: Caoimhe Irwin5A1: Cian Togher Sixth Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication 6A: Lani O’Brien6B: Sean Hanley6C: Liadhnan Quinn6D: Evanna Corley6E: Cillian Gordan6A1: Sophie Keavney Sixth Year Academic Excellence 6A: Miriam-Rahela Dobra6B: Cormac Connor6C: Rebecca Murray6D: Caoimhe Murphy6E: Connor Brogan6E: Austeja Alisauskaite ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, Golf, Recreational Sports, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports, Transition Year

Surf, Sand, and Fairways: TYs Conquer Enniscrone

🌊 Transition Year • Outdoor Adventure & Sports Surf, Sand, and Fairways: TYs Conquer Enniscrone 24 May 2023 • Enniscrone, Co. Sligo Our Transition Year students headed to the coast yesterday for an action-packed, multi-sport outdoor adventure in Enniscrone. The group split their time between the Atlantic waves for an immersive surfing clinic and the fairways to sharpen their short-game skills on the golf course. Sun, sport, and outdoor adventure made for a classic TY trip to remember! 🏄‍♂️⛳☀️🌊👏 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Soccer, Sports, Transition Year

Celtic & Castlebar Primary School Link Programme Wraps Up a Fantastic Success

⚽ School Link Programme • Community Sports Celtic & Castlebar Primary School Link Programme Wraps Up a Fantastic Success 12 May 2023 • Castlebar Primary School & Castlebar Celtic F.C. We are incredibly proud to have run our school link programme over the last few weeks—an initiative that has been a major goal for a long time, with Castlebar Primary School proving to be the absolute perfect partner for Castlebar Celtic F.C. to work with. The programme focused on giving young kids a brilliant, active introduction to the game. Throughout the weeks, participants learned the core fundamentals of football, stayed highly active, and for some, experienced the joy of playing football for the very first time. Early Engagement & Inclusivity A massive driving force behind this initiative is changing how and when children get involved in club sport. Traditionally, most kids have their first taste of club football at an older age, typically around 8 or 9 years old. By launching this school link programme, the goal was to break down those barriers and give a much wider range of children the opportunity to play football at a younger age, fostering a love for the sport right inside the school environment. Building Local Foundations A huge thank you goes out to every coach, teacher, and volunteer who worked behind the scenes to make this inaugural programme such a resounding success. This is just the beginning of a brilliant partnership, and we are really looking forward to building even deeper relationships with schools and families across the local community in the future! ⚽🟢⚪🤝✨ ×

Basketball, Core News & Information, School News, Sports

Then and Now: Davitt College Celebrates 40 Years of Basketball Excellence with Historic Anniversary Match

🏀 School History • 40th Anniversary Celebration Then and Now: Davitt College Celebrates 40 Years of Basketball Excellence with Historic Anniversary Match 6 May 2023 History walked back onto the court as part of our milestone 40th-anniversary celebrations. In a brilliant “Then and Now” reunion, members of the legendary 1983/84 U16 Girls All-Ireland Championship squad laced up their runners once again to face off against a spirited team of Davitt College teachers. It was a fantastic, high-energy afternoon of hoops that perfectly bridged the school’s decorated sporting past with its present. Decades after capturing the ultimate national prize for the school, the returning champions showed they hadn’t lost their touch, trading clinical baskets and tactical plays with the staff in a highly competitive scrimmage. Past Meets Present in High-Octane Scrimmage The event wasn’t just about the scoreboard – it was a true celebration of community. With plenty of fresh faces getting involved on the court and a brilliant atmosphere in the stands, the afternoon was filled with shared stories, rolling laughs, and great memories. A massive well done to everyone who took part, organised the day, or came down to cheer from the sidelines. Bringing four decades of basketball heritage full circle on the court proved exactly why the sport remains such a vital, vibrant part of the school spirit. Here’s to the next 40 years of hoops! 🏀🏆🎉✨👏 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Humanities & Language, Past Pupils, Politics & Society, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Law & Politics Scholar Aisling Walsh Honoured at UCD Entrance Ceremony!

🎓 Alumni Success • Academic Excellence Law & Politics Scholar Aisling Walsh Honoured at UCD Entrance Ceremony! 30 March 2023 • University College Dublin A massive congratulations to our past student Aisling Walsh (Leaving Certificate Class of 2022) who was officially presented with a prestigious academic award at the University College Dublin Entrance Scholars Ceremony! This special university celebration recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of elite incoming students across the country who secured 560 points or more in their Leaving Certificate exams. Aisling’s phenomenal results are a testament to her incredible work ethic, dedication, and passion for social sciences during her time here at Davitt College! Aisling is currently pursuing her passion for justice and governance by studying for her Degree in Law and Politics within the world-class UCD School of Law. We are incredibly proud to see our graduates thriving at the highest academic levels. The entire school community wishes Aisling continued, brilliant success as she continues to shape her future legal and political path in Dublin! Keep shining, Aisling! 🎓✨👏 ×

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

Commemorating ETB Week: A Decade of Multi-Denominational Education

🏫 ETB Excellence • 10-Year Milestone Commemorating ETB Week: A Decade of Multi-Denominational Education 27 February 2023 • Davitt College & Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB This week, Davitt College joins Education and Training Boards across the country to celebrate ETB Week, marking exactly ten years since the formal establishment of the ETB sector. As the largest provider of multi-denominational education in Ireland, the 16 national ETBs serve as a vital cornerstone for inclusive, modern learning within our local communities. Throughout this week-long celebration, our Religious Education department is showcasing the diverse and essential services that ETBs provide nationwide. From Community National Schools and Colleges to adult, youth, and further training facilities, the sector remains fully committed to nurturing spaces where every learner is valued. To mark this historic decennial milestone, our students are participating in a series of special classroom initiatives and reflective activities designed to highlight our core values of care, equality, and community. We are incredibly proud to play our part in this national network of learning and look forward to the next decade of educational excellence! 🏫🌟📚🤝✨ ×

Community Games, Core News & Information, Recreational Sports, School News, Sports

Double Podium: Rounders Crews Take National Gold and Bronze

⚾ Community Games • National Finals Rounders Crews Take National Gold and Bronze 12 October 2022 • University of Limerick Davitt College students proved their pedigree on the national stage today during a spectacular showcase at the Community Games National Finals held at the University of Limerick. In the U15 championship, second-year athletes Ronan Loftus and Michael McTigue spearheaded a relentless Breaffy side to capture the ultimate prize—National Gold. Minutes later on the adjacent pitch, our first-year contingent of Ryan Reilly and Noah Lynn locked down the defensive lines to secure a hard-fought National Bronze Medal in the U13 tournament. A phenomenal double-podium day for the school community! 🥇🥉⚾🏆👏 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, Golf, Recreational Sports, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports, Transition Year

Expert Golf Tuition for Transition Year Groups

⛳ Transition Year • Golf Coaching Expert Golf Tuition for Transition Year Groups 11 October 2022 • Castlebar Driving Range Our Transition Year students enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of golf tuition today with PGA Professional Aiden Moran at the Castlebar Driving Range. It was a brilliant opportunity for the group to access expert coaching, pick up pro alignment tips, and refine their swing mechanics. The students put in a great shift, showcasing rapid improvement and excellent focus throughout the session. ⛳🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🎯👏 ×

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

Sporting Excellence and Academic Achievement: Kathryn O’Sullivan Guests at Davitt College Annual Awards 2022

🏆 Annual School Event • Academic & Sporting Excellence Sporting Excellence and Academic Achievement: Kathryn O’Sullivan Guests at Davitt College Annual Awards 2022 25 May 2022 • Davitt College, Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, proudly hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 25th May 2022, gathering students, staff, and families to celebrate outstanding achievements across academics, sport, music, and extracurricular activities. The school was honoured to welcome Mayo Ladies GAA Team Captain Ms. Kathryn O’Sullivan as Guest of Honour. Sharing her experiences on leadership, dedication, and teamwork, she inspired the student body with her address before helping to present the awards. Over 100 students received well-deserved recognitions for their hard work, commitment, and positive contributions to school life throughout the year. “These awards are a mere stepping stone to greater achievements in the future. I sincerely hope that the students will go on to achieve their life’s dreams and ambitions, and I encourage all students to aspire to achieving awards in the future.” — Mr. Conor O’Reilly, Principal Main Award Winners 2022 ⭐ Highest School Honour Overall Students of the Year Female: Susan Murphy | Male: Patrick Loftus Davitt College Annual Awards 2022 🌱✨ Ethos & Community Core Values & Resilience Ethos Award: Donavan McHale Recognition & Resilience: Ukrainian Students Sportspersons of the Year 2022 🏆 Senior Sportsperson of the Year Senior Female: Leah Conway Senior Male: Cian Lynch 🏅 Junior Sportsperson of the Year Junior Female: Emma Duffy Junior Male: Colm Lynch 2022 Awards Roll of Honour 🌟 Special Honours Student of the Year: Susan Murphy & Patrick LoftusEthos Award: Donavan McHaleResilience Award: Dawid Stencel, Cara Halligan ×

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