School News

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

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

Davitt College Celebrates Outstanding Leaving Certificate Results for the Class of 2026

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🌟 Leaving Certificate • Academic Excellence Davitt College Celebrates Outstanding Leaving Certificate Results for the Class of 2026 August 2026 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College is delighted to celebrate an exceptional set of Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied results achieved by the Class of 2026. The results reflect the hard work, commitment and determination of students throughout their time at Davitt College, supported by the dedication of their teachers, SNAs, staff and families. A particular highlight of this year’s results was the achievement of one exceptional student, Cian Nolan, who attained the maximum possible score of 625 points, an outstanding accomplishment and a source of great pride for the entire school community. >15% 500+ Points Achieved 500 points or more >50% 400+ Points Achieved 400 points or more 80% of students achieved over 300 points. 45% of Leaving Certificate Applied students achieved the highest grade of Distinction. The excellent Leaving Certificate Applied results are a particular source of pride for the school, with almost half of LCA students achieving a Distinction, the highest possible grade. This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of the students and the staff who supported them throughout the programme. These results represent a significant achievement for the students and are a testament to the strong culture of learning, ambition and support within the school community. “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied students this year. These results reflect the dedication, resilience and determination shown by our students, as well as the commitment of our teachers, support staff and the families who have encouraged them throughout their journey. We congratulate every student and wish them every success as they embark on their chosen pathway. Comhghairdeas do chách.” — Conor O’Reilly, Principal 🌟 Academic Milestone: Davitt College student Cian Nolan who achieved the maximum 625 points, pictured with Principal Conor O’Reilly and Deputy Principals Anita Gallagher, John Bones, and William Rowan.

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Music, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Traditional Talent Shines at the Belfast Fleadh 2026

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🏆 Traditional Arts Success Medal Success for Davitt College at the Belfast Fleadh 13 August 2026 The summer has been wonderfully musical for our students, who recently showcased exceptional talent and brought home a fantastic haul of medals from the Belfast Fleadh. We are immensely proud of everyone who took to the stage to represent our school community. Roll of Honour Roisín Moran: 🥇 1st Place – Trios (12–15) Niamh Rodgers, Eva Hynes, Roisín Moran, Aoife Mongey, Luke Nolan, Alannah McDonagh, Noah Kilkenny: 🥈 2nd Place – Grúpaí Ceoil (12–15). Led brilliantly by past pupil and student teacher Cian Kilkenny. Noah Kilkenny: 🥉 3rd Place – Bodhrán (12–15) Grace Holmes: 🥉 3rd Place – Full Set Ladies (15–18) We would also like to extend a special congratulations to the Rolling Waves Over-18 Grúpa Ceoil, who placed 3rd overall—a wonderful achievement showcasing the enduring talent of some of our past pupils. Well done to all involved! Comhghairdeas to all our talented musicians and competitors representing Davitt College with distinction.

Core News & Information, GAA, Latest News, School News, Sports

End of the 75-Year Wait: Mayo’s Historic All-Ireland Triumph Celebrated at Davitt College

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🏆 Historic Sporting Achievement End of the 75-Year Wait: Mayo’s Historic Triumph 27 July 2026 Mayo are waking up as All-Ireland senior football champions for the first time in 75 years following a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Kerry 1-20 to 1-17 in yesterday’s final at Croke Park. A crucial goal from Darragh Beirne right after the restart shifted the momentum, helping Mayo weather a late surge from the Kingdom and bring Sam Maguire home to the west. Here in Castlebar, the historic triumph carries an extra-special significance for Davitt College. Our school community is bursting with pride seeing Davitt alumni Diarmuid O’Connor take centre stage in the celebrations. The excitement hits even closer to home with Colm Lynch – who just finished up at Davitt College last year and serves as the Mayo U20 captain – joining the senior squad in the thick of the historic celebrations. Adding to the wonderful family and school connection, Colm’s mother, our very own teacher Ms Siobhán Lynch, shared in the unforgettable magic alongside Colm and the cup. From the corridors of Davitt College to the hallowed turf of Croke Park, this is a summer none of us will ever forget. Congratulations to Diarmuid, Colm, management, the entire panel, and the Lynch family. Up Mayo! An historic day for Mayo and an incredibly proud moment for the Davitt College community.

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Music, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Grace Holmes Strikes Gold at Connacht Fleadh

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🏆 Traditional Arts Excellence Gold for Grace: A Champion at the Connacht Fleadh 13 August 2026 The stage was set, the music was fierce, and Grace Holmes delivered a performance that simply couldn’t be beaten. We are thrilled to announce that our very own Grace has struck gold, taking home the top prize in the U18 Full Set Ladies category at the recent Connacht Fleadh. It takes immense discipline to master the traditional arts, and Grace has shown exactly what that looks like. Her gold medal is the result of countless hours of practice and a genuine passion for the craft. Now, the focus shifts to the national stage. As Grace and her team head to Belfast for the upcoming All-Ireland Fleadh, they carry the full support of our school behind them. We know they will represent us with everything they have. Comhghairdeas, Grace – go make us proud in Belfast.

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

International Bronze for Isabella Kearney at the Schools International 2026

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🥇 International Athletics Excellence Historic Schools International Bronze for Isabella Kearney 18 July 2026 The Davitt College community is celebrating a magnificent athletic milestone following exceptional news from the Schools International fixture in Belfast. Our talented student-athlete, Isabella Kearney, has officially secured her first international medal, claiming a prestigious bronze in the hammer throw event. Competing against the finest young athletes from across the islands, Isabella demonstrated immense mental fortitude and competitive grit. Even while acknowledging she did not reach her ultimate personal best on the day, her tactical execution and fierce determination under pressure saw her excel when it mattered most, proudly stepping onto the international podium. This remarkable achievement reflects years of unwavering dedication, early morning training sessions, and relentless hard graft. Isabella stands as a true ambassador for her club, coaching team, and family, proving that elite success is earned through disciplined preparation. Comhghairdeas, Bella! A profoundly proud moment for Isabella, her coaches, and everyone associated with Davitt College. ✨

Core News & Information, Creative Schools, Extra-Curricular, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Design Thinking in Action: 5th Year Artists Revitalise School Courtyard

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🎨 Creative Schools Initiative Design Thinking in Action: 5th Year Artists Revitalise School Courtyard 27 May 2026 Davitt College’s 5th Year Art students have put design thinking directly into practice by transforming one of the school’s central courtyards with striking artistic flair. Embracing the core ethos of our Creative Schools journey, the students tackled the space as an architectural and visual design challenge – taking it from initial concept sketches to a vibrant, colourful mural that brightens the entire campus. Their hard work, generosity, and creative energy have been warmly praised across the school community. Special thanks go to Art teacher Ms. Joanne Hopkins and Creative Schools Coordinator Ms. Veronica Morley for guiding the project, as well as Albany Castlebar for generously sponsoring paint supplies. Phase 1 is complete, and Phase 2 will resume in September as this inspirational learning space continues to evolve! Initial Concepts & Sketches Project Model In Progress: The Work Student Achievements

Core News & Information, Gallery, Media, PE, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports, Sports Day, Sports Gallery, Wellbeing

Davitt College Annual Sports Day 2026

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⚡ Action, Energy & School Spirit • Sports Day 2026 Unstoppable Energy: Epic Showdowns and Unforgettable Craic at Davitt College Sports Day 2026! 25 May 2026 • Davitt College, Castlebar From the first whistle to the final cheer, Davitt College’s Annual Sports Day 2026 exploded with electricity, laughter, and fierce yet friendly competition! Expertly orchestrated by our phenomenal PE Department, this year’s installment raised the bar completely—transforming the grounds into a high-octane arena of athletic triumph, tactical brilliance, and unforgettable school spirit. 🔥 Unmissable Highlights of the Arena: ⚽⚡ 3v3 Soccer Clashes Frenzied footwork, surgical passing, and dramatic last-minute goals lighting up the pitches. 🌊💦 Water Races High-speed panic, tactical spills, and absolute saturation guaranteed for racers and spectators alike! 🏃💨 Obstacle Courses 🪢🏆 The Main Event: Tug O’ War The legendary Teachers vs. Class of 2026 rumble. Spoiler: The teachers remain undefeated! 💪🔥 “A massive, heartfelt well done to every student and staff member who brought their A-game. The teamwork, camaraderie, and unmatched craic made this an unforgettable masterpiece of a day!” ×

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

Celebrating Success: Davitt College Honours 2026 Transition Year Graduates

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🎓 Transition Year Graduation 2026 Celebrating Success: Davitt College Honours 2026 Transition Year Graduates 25 May 2026 Huge congratulations to our TY Students of the Year 2026, Kacper Milewski and Grace Needham! The awards ceremony was made extra special with guest speaker Ms. Cora Staunton, whose inspiring words and achievements motivated all in attendance. We also proudly celebrated outstanding talent from our school production, with Oisín Toland receiving the award for Musical Best Performance and Jennis Ann Sarish recognised for Outstanding Contribution to the Stage for 2025–2026. “Well done to all our Transition Year students for their hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of you all!” Main Award Winners 2026 ⭐ Highest TY Honour Overall Students of the Year Kacper Milewski & Grace Needham Transition Year Graduation 2026 Recognised for exceptional academic application, positive leadership, and outstanding all-round contribution throughout the year. 🎭✨ Performing Arts School Production Honours Musical Best Performance: Oisín Toland Outstanding Contribution to the Stage: Jennis Ann Sarish Honouring standout stage presence, dedication, and artistic commitment to the 2025–2026 school production. ×

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

Celebrating Excellence: Davitt College Annual Awards Ceremony 2026

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🏆 Annual School Event • Awards Ceremony 2026 Davitt College Annual Awards Ceremony 2026 14 May 2026 • Davitt College Castlebar The Joe Langan Sports Hall was filled with pride, celebration, and community spirit as Davitt College hosted its annual Awards Ceremony for the 2025–2026 academic year. The event served as a wonderful showcase of the incredible dedication, talent, and resilience shown by our students right across the school community. From top-tier academic achievements and stellar attendance records to outstanding representations in sports, arts, and extracurricular pursuits, every corner of student life was recognised. “A special highlight of the day was welcoming our guest of honour, MEP Maria Walsh, alongside representatives from our proud sponsors, First Choice Credit Union. Their presence and encouraging words added a truly inspiring touch to the celebrations, reminding our students that hard work, community engagement, and ambition open doors to incredible futures.” Main Award Winners 2026 Honouring the highest pinnacle achievements in character, community dedication, and student leadership across the school year. ⭐ Highest School Honour Overall Students of the Year Female: Ciara Donohue | Male: Paddy O’Brien Davitt College Annual Awards 2026 Recognising exceptional academic application, character, and school leadership throughout the year. 🛡️ Special Tribute Joe Langan Perpetual Shield Pádraic Moran Honouring our retiring school caretaker Presented in recognition of many years of dedicated service, warmth, and care shown to the entire Davitt College community. Sportsperson of the Year 2026 Honouring outstanding athletic prowess, dedication, and sportsmanship across school sporting codes. 🏆 Senior Sportsperson of the Year Senior Female: Katie Heaney Senior Male: Ronan Loftus 🏅 Junior Sportsperson of the Year Junior Female: Aoife Gannon Junior Male: Zac Bristow Additional Award Winners & Special Presentations 2026 Recognising core school values, exceptional peer representation, and special recognitions for 2026. 🌱✨ Core Values & Special Commendations Tara Coen: Ethos Award Zofia Swierczek: Special Recognition Award 🙌💙 Student Community Honour Byron Cleary: Student Choice Award 2026 Awards Roll of Honour Explore the complete breakdown of award winners across special honours, academic subjects, sporting achievements, and class recognitions. 🌟 Special Awards & Highest Honours View Section Ethos & Special Recognition Ethos Award: Tara CoenSpecial Recognition Award: Zofia Swierczek Student Community Honour Student Choice Award: Byron Cleary Special Community Tribute Joe Langan Perpetual Shield: Pádraic Moran Highest School Honour Female Student of the Year: Ciara DonohueMale Student of the Year: Paddy O’Brien 📚 Humanities, STEM & Business Awards View Section Modern Foreign Languages Junior Cycle Award: Guilherme Osterne Boer Silva, Eve ShimozataSenior Cycle Award: Kate O’Donnell, Kate Connor History & Geography Junior Cycle Award (History): Martha Concannon-McDonnellSenior Cycle Award (History): Stephen StauntonJunior Cycle Award (Geography): Jake Doherty-SweeneySenior Cycle Award (Geography): Rachel Heneghan Politics & Literature Junior Cycle Award (Literature): Paul EnglishSenior Cycle Award (Literature): Leah Kate GallagherSenior Cycle Award (Politics): Claire Gillardy Art Junior Cycle Award: Divine Mercy Inyanda IghoSenior Cycle Award: Ellen Shaw Music Junior Cycle Award: Catherine ReillySenior Cycle Award: Saoirse MoranOutstanding Contribution to Music: Áine Fitzgerald Irish Language (Gradam na Gaeilge) Junior Cycle Award: Emily ChenSenior Cycle Award: Surnaí Ní Cheallaigh Science, Maths & Home Economics Junior Cycle Award (Science/Maths): Alannah BourkeSenior Cycle Award (Science/Maths): Cian NolanJunior Cycle Award (Home Economics): Saoirse McCaffreySenior Cycle Award (Home Economics): Ryan Kilbane Technology & Engineering Junior Cycle Award (Woodwork): Beth MurrihySenior Cycle Award (Construction): Caitlín LoftusJunior Cycle Award (Engineering): Matthew KellySenior Cycle Award (Engineering): Jason ConnorSenior Cycle Award (DCG): Sophie Earley Business, Accounting & Economics Junior Cycle Award: Jessica DolanSenior Cycle Award: Kate O’Donnell 🏆 Sporting Achievements View Section Overall Sportsperson of the Year Junior Female: Aoife Gannon Junior Male: Zac Bristow Senior Female: Katie Heaney Senior Male: Ronan Loftus Basketball First Year Boys: Naoise CreshamSecond Year Boys: Colm BrettU16 Boys: Brian LoftusU19 Boys: Craig SioseFirst Year Girls: Ella CourtneySecond Year Girls: Róisín MoranU16 Girls: Clara Kelly Gaelic Football First Year Boys: Gavin PageJuvenile Boys: Cathal StauntonJunior Boys: Michael McTigueSenior Boys: Padraig McKeownFirst Year Girls: Ruby MurrihyU14 Girls: Sorcha KeavneyJunior Girls: Ellen JoyceSenior Girls: Helen Murrihy & Saoirse Mahon Soccer First Year Male: Shane SibandaU15 Boys: Max LydonU17 Boys: Brian O’DonnellU19 Boys: Aaron HopkinsFirst Year Female: Clodagh FitzgeraldU15 Girls: Áine KissaneU20 Girls: Sarah-Jane Kilcawley Athletics ETB Male Athlete: Gytis GanusauskasETB Female Athlete: Ailbhe BurkeFirst Year Athlete: Aisling HendersonOverall Athlete: Benjamin Byrne-DempseyBest Newcomer Athlete: Kyle Kelly-Hanley Badminton & Volleyball First Year Boys (Badminton): Dean KeavneyPlayer of the Tournament (Badminton): Mo Tong XuSenior Volleyball: Jason ConnorJunior Boys Volleyball: Evan VenclovasJunior Girls Volleyball: Kayla Duffy Table Tennis, Swimming & Chess Male Table Tennis: Jake Duffy SaiveFemale Table Tennis: Leona Duffy SaiveSwimming Representatives (2026): Clara Kelly, Norah Shaw, Alannah Curley, Saoirse McCaffrey, Ruby Rennick, Jack Rice, Jamie Walsh, Matthew WalshJunior Girls Chess: Adrianna ZlotekJunior Boys Chess: Joshua WrightSenior Chess: Daniel Kuzmicz 📖 Academic Achievement, Effort & Commitment View Section JCSP Recipients Adam King, Bipasha Chetri, Chelsea Maughan, Cian Collins, Cian McDonnell, Denis Sobol, Dhanvi Vivekanandan, Divine Mercy Inyanda Igho, Dominka Cichaczewska, Grzegorz Kubot Jr, Harry Farrell-Scahill, Jamie Edmunds, Jennifer McHale, Jessica Corrigan, Katelyn Dawson Conaty, Kyla Woronko, Luphumlo Landu, Maya Brodecki, Nicole Ferris, Noah Bracken, Patryk Kasza, Tamim Belkheyar First Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication Class 1A: Aradhana JenicaClass 1B: Stella MensaiteClass 1C: Anahka SreejithClass 1D: Gavin PageClass 1E: Ahmed MohamedClass 1F: Ella CourtneyClass 1G: Maria Osterne Boer Silva First Year Academic Achievement Class 1A: Emma KilboyleClass 1B: Brigita LyzinClass 1C: Aisling HendersonClass 1D: Dean KeavneyClass 1E: Alba Sanchez ShielClass 1F: Andreas CretuClass 1G: Harry Reilly Second Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication Class 2A: Samuel GavinClass 2B: Stephen ConnorClass 2C: Colm BrettClass 2D: Caitlyn GallagherClass 2E: Kelley McDonaldClass 2F: James Bourke Second Year Academic Achievement Class 2A: Mateuz BartoszweskiClass 2B: Aliyah MusepaClass 2C: Edweena ShibiClass 2D: Sarah ScottClass 2E: Michaela KilkoyneClass 2F: Adam Henderson Third Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication Class 3A: Jessica CorriganClass 3B: Noah BrackenClass 3C: Sophianna BrettClass 3D: Norah ShawClass 3E: Megan DaveyClass 3F: Catherine ReillyClass 3G: Ciara O’Malley Third Year Academic Achievement Class 3A: Morgan MclellandClass 3B: Kyle Kelly-HanleyClass 3C: Sam LoftusClass 3D: Jack RiceClass 3E: Dorothy StepkowskaClass 3F: Guilherme Osterne Boer SilvaClass 3G: Ruairi Connor Fifth

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

Transition to Tyro: Our New School Management App

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📱 School Management • Platform Update Transition to Tyro: Our New School Management App 11 May 2026 As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing communication and streamlining school administration, Davitt College is excited to announce our transition to Tyro, a next-generation school management information system (MIS). We successfully migrated from VSware in late May 2026. This foundational step was carried out in preparation for a full, comprehensive school release moving into the upcoming academic year, ensuring our entire community benefits from a more modern, efficient platform. What This Means for Parents and Guardians Detailed informational notices and setup instructions have been sent out to parents and guardians. The Tyro platform brings attendance tracking, assessment insights, and school communications together into one seamless digital experience. Access Your Portal Parents can access the portal directly to check notices, student progress, and attendance updates. Open Tyro Portal We thank our entire school community for your cooperation during this transition as we build an even stronger foundation for teaching and learning at Davitt College.

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