🇩🇪 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. × ‹ ›
