School News

Stay up to date with the latest official announcements, weekly updates, and stories from the Davitt College community.

Core News & Information, School News, Soccer, Sports

COUNTY CHAMPIONS! First Year Girls Capture FAI Mayo Futsal Title

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⚽ Sports • County Champions COUNTY CHAMPIONS! First Year Girls Capture FAI Mayo Futsal Title 7 November 2019 • FAI Schools Soccer Huge congratulations to our First Year Girls’ soccer team, who were crowned FAI Post-Primary Schools Mayo Futsal Champions today after a spectacular tournament display right here in Castlebar! Playing with incredible pace, technical skill, and teamwork, the girls outclassed the competition to claim the county title. Futsal—the fast-paced, indoor 5-a-side version of the game—demands sharp control and quick decision-making, and our first years proved they have bags of both. Next Stop: The Connacht Finals By capturing the county crown today, the team has officially earned their place on the provincial stage. They now progress directly to the FAI Schools Connacht Futsal Finals, which will take place on November 14th at IT Sligo. They will face off against the top school champions from Galway, Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon in what promises to be an elite day of football. The management and coaches are immensely proud of the squad’s dedication and work ethic leading into today’s blitz. A massive thank you also goes out to all the traveling classmates, teachers, and parents whose fantastic vocal support from the balconies helped carry the girls across the finish line. Congratulations again to our County Champions! The whole school community is behind you as you prepare to fly the Mayo flag at the Connacht Finals next week. ⚽🏆🥇🌟👏 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, Humanities & Language, Politics & Society, Public Speaking, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Leaving Certificate Student Michael Fleming Selected for European Youth Parliament

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🇪🇺 European Youth Parliament • International Delegation Leaving Certificate Student Michael Fleming Selected for European Youth Parliament 23 October 2019 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its proudest congratulations to Leaving Certificate student Michael Fleming, who achieved the exceptional honor of being selected to represent Ireland at the international stage of the European Youth Parliament (EYP). Michael was one of just six young people chosen from across the entire country to form the Irish delegation. He travelled to Germany to participate in the prestigious 91st International Session of the European Youth Parliament, which took place in Hamburg. During the session, Michael and his fellow delegates collaborated with hundreds of peers from across Europe, engaging in intense committee work, debating pressing global issues, and drafting formal resolutions on European policy. This selection is a testament to Michael’s outstanding public speaking abilities, leadership skills, and keen interest in international affairs. The entire Davitt College community is immensely proud of his landmark achievement! 🇪🇺🎤📜🌟👏 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, Gaeilge, Humanities & Language, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Prestigious Inaugural Joe McDonagh Award for Davitt College

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🏆 National Award • Irish Culture & Heritage Prestigious Inaugural Joe McDonagh Award for Davitt College 17 October 2019 • ETBI National Awards The Education and Training Board of Ireland (ETBI) has proudly announced that Davitt College is this year’s joint winner of the ETBI National Joe McDonagh Award 2019. 🏆 Honouring a Champion of Irish Culture This prestigious award celebrates Irish culture, Irish heritage, and the Irish language. The late Joe McDonagh was a former Chief Executive Officer of Galway VEC and, more recently, the Chief Executive of the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board. He was an enthusiastic Gaeilgeoir and a passionate champion of education, the GAA, and Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. 🏅 A Winning Night in Athlone The official Awards Ceremony was held in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, on the 25th of September 2019. Students from Davitt College, accompanied by their teacher Mrs. Fiona O’Connor, were absolutely thrilled to receive the Joe McDonagh Trophy, alongside a €1,000 scholarship dedicated to the continued promotion of Irish culture, language, and heritage within the school. 🤝 Creative and Inclusive Storytelling The school’s winning entry comprised a beautifully crafted short film featuring a re-enactment of the famous Irish folklore legend, Cú Chulainn. This highly creative project was voiced over in Irish, subtitled in English, and fully signed using Irish Sign Language (ISL). With inclusivity being a paramount part of the ETBI’s ethos, our students purposefully focused their film on the inclusive use of the three recognised languages of Ireland, brilliantly showcasing our national heritage for all to enjoy. 👥 Attendees & Pictured Dignitaries Front Row (Left to Right): Caoimhe Halligan; Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal, Davitt College; Clodagh Cahill-Gilligan; Ms. Fiona O’Connor, Teacher, Davitt College; Fiona Minish, Emer Minish; Ms. Mary Madden, Director of Schools, MSLETB Back Row (Left to Right): Kolette Kucinskas; Ryan Mulligan; Dylan Loftus; Mr. Tom Grady, Chief Executive, MSLETB ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Transition Year

Davitt College Students Selected as Webwise Student Ambassadors

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🛡️ Leadership • Webwise Ambassador Programme Davitt College Students Selected as Webwise Student Ambassadors 1 October 2019 • Transition Year Leadership A massive congratulations to Davitt College Transition Year students Kollete Kucinskas and Damien Lydon, who have been proudly selected as Webwise Student Ambassadors! 💻 Promoting Internet Safety As part of this fantastic national initiative, Webwise Ireland will provide Kollete and Damien with comprehensive online webinars and offline training. This expert guidance is designed to empower our students to step into leadership roles and promote vital safer internet campaigns right here within the Davitt College community. Well done to Kollete and Damien on taking up such an important and positive initiative for the school! 🌐📱🛡️👏✨ ×

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

Davitt College Graduates Celebrate Success As They Begin University

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🎓 Alumni • University Destinations Davitt College Graduates Celebrate Success As They Begin University 2 September 2019 • Class of 2019 Alumni A number of our exceptional Leaving Certificate students from the Class of 2019 recently dropped back into Davitt College to say their final goodbyes and express their gratitude to management, teachers, and staff for supporting them throughout their six years of post-primary education. These ambitious young men and women are now embarking on an exciting new chapter as they begin their chosen third-level courses in prestigious universities and training colleges across Ireland for the 2019/2020 academic year. It was wonderful to catch up with our graduates and hear about their diverse paths, spanning fields across science, business, the arts, and practical trades. The entire community at Davitt College is incredibly proud of their achievements and wishes each of them the absolute best in their university studies and future endeavors! 🎓🏛️📚🌟👏 ×

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

Davitt College Chosen for International GLOBE Science Programme

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🌍 International Science • GLOBE Programme Davitt College Chosen for International GLOBE Science Programme 1 September 2019 • Science Department Davitt College was incredibly proud to be one of only 13 schools in the country chosen to run the prestigious International GLOBE Programme during the 2018/2019 academic year. 🌍 A Global Scientific Initiative The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Programme is an international science and education initiative. It provides students and the public worldwide with the unique opportunity to participate directly in data collection and the scientific process, contributing meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. Originally announced on Earth Day in 1994, GLOBE brings together students, teachers, scientists, and community members to collaborate on inquiry-based investigations. The ultimate goal is to better understand, sustain, and improve the Earth’s environment at local, regional, and global scales. 🔬 Real-World Data Collection As part of this fantastic initiative, Transition Year students at Davitt College took on the responsibility of recording specific weather conditions—including air pressure, rainfall, cloud cover, and temperature—over a three-month period, subsequently uploading their accurate results to the international GLOBE database. This highly sought-after opportunity allowed our students to deeply understand local weather conditions and their wider impact on climate change, all while directly informing scientists around the world of the exact weather patterns right here in Castlebar! 🌍🌡️📊🔬✨ ×

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

IT Sligo Delivers Hands-On Chemistry Workshop at Davitt College

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🔬 STEM Education • Advanced Chemistry Workshop IT Sligo Delivers Hands-On Chemistry Workshop at Davitt College 21 January 2019 • Science Department Dr. Fiona McArdle, Senior Lecturer, and Ms. Mary Connolly, Technical Officer, from the School of Science at IT Sligo recently visited Davitt College to deliver the highly engaging ‘Spectroscopy in a Suitcase’ (SIAS) workshop. 🔬 Advanced Analytical Science The aim of this workshop is to give students a practical introduction to advanced analytical chemistry equipment, namely FTIR and UV/Vis spectrometry. Spectroscopy in a Suitcase gives secondary school students the rare chance to learn about spectroscopy through hands-on experience. As well as covering the core principles of spectroscopic techniques, the activities use real-life contexts to demonstrate exactly how these methods are applied in the professional world. 💼 Industry-Standard Equipment This type of advanced equipment is widely used in local chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and environmental laboratories. Valued at approximately €30,000, these machines are typically beyond the reach of secondary schools. Thankfully, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) generously funded the equipment, with IT Sligo acting as one of six host Third Level colleges contracted to deliver this fantastic service to schools in the North West of Ireland. 🕵️‍♂️ Real-World Forensics The workshop was expertly tailored for both Fifth and Sixth Year students currently taking Leaving Certificate Chemistry, as spectroscopy is a key topic on the syllabus. It was also delivered to Transition Year students who are currently considering their Senior Cycle subject options. Using exciting forensic science scenarios, the workshop placed a strong emphasis on encouraging pupils to consider studying chemistry at Third Level, successfully highlighting the fantastic local and national career opportunities available with STEM qualifications. 🧪📊🎓✨ ×

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

Inspiring Success: Charlie Lambert and Liam Egan Guest of Honour at Davitt College Awards 2018

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🏆 Annual School Event • Awards Ceremony 2018 Inspiring Success: Charlie Lambert and Liam Egan Guest of Honour at Davitt College Awards 2018 22 May 2018 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, proudly hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 22nd May 2018, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate an extraordinary year of success across academics, sport, music, and extracurricular activities. The school was honoured to welcome esteemed Guests of Honour Mr. Charlie Lambert, Sports Co-ordinator with the Mayo Sports Partnership, and Mr. Liam Egan, Public Speaking and Debating Mentor, who joined in recognising the exceptional talents of the student body. Over 100 students received awards during a ceremony that highlighted a particularly successful year for the school, with many students achieving Local, Regional, and All-Ireland accolades across a wide variety of disciplines through their hard work, creativity, and commitment. “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.” — Principal Ms. Bernie Rowland Main Award Winners 2018 Honouring the highest pinnacle achievements in character, leadership, and community dedication across the school year. ⭐ Highest School Honour Davitt College Students of the Year Rachel Kelly & Dara Kelly Davitt College Annual Awards 2018 Recognising exceptional academic application, character, and school leadership throughout the year. 🛡️ Special Tribute Joe Langan Shield Saoirse Walshe Special Community Recognition Presented in recognition of dedicated service, warmth, and contribution shown to the entire Davitt College community. Sportsperson of the Year 2018 Honouring outstanding athletic prowess, dedication, and sportsmanship across school sporting codes. 🏆 Senior Sportsperson of the Year Senior Sportsperson: Noel Geraghty 🏅 Junior Sportsperson of the Year Junior Sportsperson: Maia Ludden Congratulations to everyone in the Davitt College community on a truly memorable and inspiring celebration of student achievement! ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Engineering, Extra-Curricular, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, STEM, Transition Year

Davitt College Selected for EA Robot Games Competition 2018

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🤖 STEM & Robotics • EA Robot Games Davitt College Selected for EA Robot Games Competition 2018 16 May 2018 • Transition Year Technology Davitt College first introduced Sumo Robots to the Transition Year Programme back in 2013, and the initiative has grown from strength to strength ever since! 🤖 Building the Future Sumo Robots is an exciting Engineering and Technology module designed to introduce students to the rapidly emerging fields of robotics and electronics. The students learn an incredible amount during the hands-on process of building their projects—from studying the history of robotics right through to the intricate 3D printing of their very own custom-designed robots. 🏆 The EA Robot Games Following months of preparation, Davitt College was incredibly proud to have seven teams selected to enter the highly competitive EA Robot Games, which were held in Galway on Wednesday, 9th May 2018. “The competition at the end of all this hard work is a great reward for them. They have so much fun on the day of the finals that it feels more like a celebration of their effort than a competition. It’s also satisfying as their teacher to see students having so much fun learning. This competition really shows the students the real-life applications of STEM subjects and how they might enjoy studying them in their future.” — Mr. Padraic McTaibheis, Engineering Teacher ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Engineering, Extra-Curricular, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, STEM

Davitt College Students Find Success at National SciFest Competition 2018

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🔬 STEM • National SciFest Awards 2018 Davitt College Students Find Success at National SciFest Competition 2018 15 May 2018 • Science Department It was an outstanding day for the students of Davitt College at this year’s SciFest Competition, held at the Sligo Institute of Technology on Wednesday, 9th May 2018. The school had six brilliant projects entered into the competition and took home three Major Awards on the day, including a Special Award. The aim of SciFest is to encourage a love of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths through active, collaborative, and inquiry-based learning. The event is generously funded by the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme, Intel Ireland, and Boston Scientific. 🏆 Award-Winning Innovations Our students performed exceptionally well, showcasing their creativity and scientific knowledge under the expert mentorship of Davitt College Science Teacher, Ms. Fiona O’Connor. Transition Year student Michael Fleming attracted much attention from the judges, successfully winning the Intermediate Technology Category with his highly innovative project, “Talking Robots”. Fellow Transition Year students Keith Mulchrone, Shane Dyra, and Olivia Fahey won the coveted SciFest BioPharmaChem Ireland Chemistry Award for their collaborative project, “Water, A Fuel of the Future”. To top it off, the talented trio also took First Place in the Intermediate Physical Science Category. 👩‍🏫 Teacher Recognition The success did not stop with the students. Mrs. O’Connor was officially recognised by the judging panel for her absolute excellence in science education and was proudly awarded the RSC School Chemistry Award by the Royal Society of Chemistry Education Division. Congratulations to all the students and teachers involved! 🧪🤖💡🌟👏 ×

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