Awards

Celebrating excellence, effort, and exceptional leadership among our students in academic, creative, and community fields.

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, 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 ×

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

Celebrating Success and Endeavour: 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) ×

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

Double Gold and Overall Victory for Davitt College at Connacht Gold Junior Chef Competition

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🧑‍🍳 Culinary Arts • Double Gold Champions Double Gold and Overall Victory for Davitt College at Connacht Gold Junior Chef Competition 9 May 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is immensely proud to celebrate a phenomenal double-victory on the culinary stage, as our students captured the top honors at the prestigious Connacht Gold Junior Chef Final. The competitive live cook-off took place at St. Angela’s College, Sligo, as a flagship event of the Só Sligo Food and Culture Festival in conjunction with Connacht Gold. Out of hundreds of entries from across the province, just 18 secondary school students were selected to compete in the live final—with Davitt College proudly standing as the only school to secure two finalist places. 🏆 Overall Champion & Gold Medal Laura Ivers (Transition Year) Sautéed her way into first place to be officially named The 2013 Connacht Gold Junior Chef, winning a commissioned trophy, iPad mini, and a masterclass scholarship with TV3 resident chef Joe Shannon. Winning Menu: • Main: Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni with salad and garlic crostini. • Dessert: White chocolate and almond tray bake with homemade vanilla custard and strawberry coulis. 🥇 Senior Category Gold Medal Amy Mulchrone (5th Year) Delivered a masterclass in culinary expertise and exceptional kitchen professionalism, securing a Senior Gold Medal from the panel of professional judges. Gourmet Menu: • Main: Bacon-wrapped chicken stuffed with cream cheese & sun-dried tomatoes, with creamed mash and celeriac. • Dessert: Classic vanilla panna cotta with raspberry compote and almond biscotti. 🔬 State-of-the-Art Practical Education “In Davitt College, Home Economics has become increasingly popular in recent years. We are very fortunate to have two fully equipped, state-of-the-art Home Economics rooms, and the subject has become almost as popular with boys as it is with girls. There has been a notable increase in the number of students taking the subject at Higher Level for both the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, and our examination results continue to far exceed the national average.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal Ms. Fiona Murtagh (Home Economics Teacher): “The subject aims to equip students with core life skills. The department constantly strives to encourage creativity in the kitchen, and this competition was a fantastic opportunity for our students to display their genuine passion for cooking. We are incredibly proud of both Laura and Amy.” 📸 Culinary Triumph Showcase: Laura Ivers (Overall Junior Chef Champion & Senior Gold Medalist) and Amy Mulchrone (Senior Category Gold Medalist) celebrating their double victory at St. Angela’s College, Sligo.

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

National Business Success: Davitt College Transition Year Student Wins BT Bootcamp

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💡 Enterprise & Science • National Winners National Business Success: Davitt College Transition Year Student Wins BT Bootcamp 20 March 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is incredibly proud to celebrate national entrepreneurial success, as Transition Year student Sean Murphy was named a member of the winning team at the prestigious 2013 BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp. The intensive commercialisation skills programme, held at NovaUCD, wrapped up on Friday, 8th March 2013. Devised by BT and delivered in partnership with UCD Innovation, the elite bootcamp aims to bridge the gap between business and education by equipping young innovators with the tools to transform scientific concepts into market-ready commercial ventures. 📱 Best Overall Team Award Award-Winning Project: “I.C.E. Scan Me” Sean Murphy, working alongside teammates Anna Fitzpatrick (Scol Chonglais, Wicklow), Sean Reilly (Coláiste na Coiribe, Galway), Emer Hickey (Kinsale Community College, Cork), and Aaron Hoffmann (Luttrellstown Community College, Dublin), captured the coveted Best Overall Team Award. About the Innovation: I.C.E. Scan Me is a groundbreaking medical database designed to be rapidly and securely accessed by first responders during a medical emergency using a personalized QR code. Evaluated by a highly selective judging panel from across corporate business and academia, Sean’s team was chosen for their exceptional progress, viable model, and commercial insight throughout the week. 🎓 Summer Research Placements Winners receive research and innovation scholarships across NUI Galway, UL, UCD, and Ulster University. 🚀 NovaUCD Partnership Delivered in collaboration with UCD Innovation to accelerate commercialization skills. 💡 Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow “A key innovation output of Ireland is a new cohort of creative, innovative, and skilled students, formed in an environment of research, discovery, and entrepreneurship, who will go on to be the leaders of tomorrow. I trust that the week has challenged the participants’ thinking and will assist them in understanding the key steps they must implement in order to transform their innovative ideas into commercially viable products and services.” — Professor Peter Clinch, UCD Vice-President for Innovation 📸 Presentation Showcase: Mr. Jim Higgins MEP presenting Davitt College students Jack McEllin, Sean Murphy, and Conor Reilly with their Young Scientist accolades. Photo Credit: © Ken Wright Photography 2013

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, STEM

Record-Breaking Success and Silicon Valley Win at the 2013 BT Young Scientist Exhibition

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🏆 STEM • Silicon Valley Prize Winners Record-Breaking Success and Silicon Valley Win at the 2013 BT Young Scientist Exhibition 20 January 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College achieved a landmark result at the 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, qualifying a record four projects for the national finals at the RDS in Dublin. This historic achievement mirrors the findings of a recent Department of Education and Skills Inspectorate report, which commended Davitt College as “a very progressive school and a true learning community where the widespread use of Information Communications Technology has revolutionised teaching and learning.” 🤖 Silicon Valley Winner ‘The World at Your Fingertips’ Jack McEllin, Conor Reilly & Sean Murphy (Mentor: Mr. Aaron Tonry) The TY team engineered a bespoke Robotic Glove acting as a high-precision computer mouse, designed for future commercial applications across the music and physiotherapy sectors. 🏆 Major Accolades Won: • Analog Devices Travel Award 2013: All-expenses-paid trip to present to researchers in Silicon Valley, California. • 3rd Prize: Technology Intermediate Group. • €2,500 School Grant for science equipment & Perpetual Trophy. 🧩 Social Science ‘How Board Games Can Help Autism’ Andrey Connolly (First Year) First Year student Andrey Connolly earned high praise for his thorough, compassionate research. Andrey designed, developed, and rigorously tested a bespoke board game specifically tailored to support children on the autism spectrum. 🌟 Ministerial Commendation: Warmly commended by An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D., who took a keen personal interest in the real-world accessibility and developmental impact of Andrey’s game design. 🇮🇪 High-Profile RDS Demonstrations During the exhibition, the Davitt College students demonstrated their working prototype directly to An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D., and shared a lively demonstration with RTÉ broadcaster Ryan Tubridy. RDS Dublin 2013 📸 RDS Award Presentation Showcase: Pictured with their winning project ‘The World at Your Fingertips’ are Davitt College students Sean Murphy, Jack McEllin, and Conor Reilly, alongside Mr. Colm O’Neill (CEO, BT Ireland) and An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D. at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2013. Photo: Chris Bellew / Copyright © 2013 Fennell Photography

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

National Business Success: Davitt College Entrepreneurs Reach Junior Dragon’s Den Final

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💼 Student Enterprise • National Finalists National Business Success: Davitt College Entrepreneurs Reach Junior Dragon’s Den Final 5 January 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its warmest congratulations to student entrepreneurs Ornaith Hopkins, Shannon Mangan, and Claire McDonagh, who reached the absolute pinnacle of student enterprise at the weekend. The talented trio represented the school spectacularly under their student enterprise company name, Fíor Dhathanna, competing in the prestigious National Finals of the Junior Dragon’s Den in Dublin. 🐉 National Pitch Stage Company: Fíor Dhathanna Reaching the live national final required extensive market research, financial planning, product development, and exceptional communication skills to face a panel of seasoned corporate dragons in Dublin. 🌟 Key Enterprise Competencies: Rigorous commercial & market feasibility High-stakes public speaking & pitching Creative design & branding strategy Well done to Ornaith, Shannon, and Claire on this landmark achievement – the future of Irish business is bright! 📸 National Enterprise Showcase: Davitt College student entrepreneurs Ornaith Hopkins, Shannon Mangan, and Claire McDonagh representing Fíor Dhathanna at the National Finals of the Junior Dragon’s Den in Dublin.

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

Presidential Recognition: Eighteen Davitt College Students Honoured at An Gaisce Ceremony

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🎖️ Civic Leadership • The President’s Award Presidential Recognition: Eighteen Davitt College Students Honoured at An Gaisce Ceremony 18 December 2012 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, proudly celebrated the outstanding civic, personal, and physical achievements of eighteen dedicated students at a prestigious regional An Gaisce (The President’s Award) ceremony held at GMIT Castlebar. Guided and supported by their President’s Award Leader (PAL), Ms. Emer Whyte, the students were commended for stepping well outside their comfort zones to challenge themselves across community involvement, personal skills, physical recreation, and an adventurous journey. 🥈 Silver Award Recipients 7 Medals Lorcan McEllin, Hannah Mulchrone, Aoife Deacy, Christopher Walsh, Éadaoin Donnelly White, Róisín McNally, and Ailish McDonagh. 🥉 Bronze Award Recipients 11 Medals Fintan Murphy, Suzanne Murray, Elaine Dunbar, Nicole Williams, Michelle Kelly, Shane Nugent, Patrick Kilcoyne, Michael Nolan, Niall Kearns, Tessa Geraghty, Rachel Farragher, and Ivana Connor. 🟢🔴 Special Guest Presentation Accolades were officially presented by Andy Moran (Captain, Mayo Senior Football Team) and Mr. Hugh MacConville (An Gaisce), who commended the students’ resilience, teamwork, and voluntary community service. GMIT Castlebar 📸 Presentation Showcase: Davitt College Silver and Bronze An Gaisce Award recipients celebrating at GMIT alongside Mr. Andy Moran (Mayo Senior Football Captain), Ms. Emer Whyte (PAL), and Mr. Hugh MacConville (An Gaisce).

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