School Life, Culture & Achievements

A look inside the daily spirit of Davitt College, capturing student experiences, assemblies, themed weeks, and community spirit.

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. ✨

Athletics, Extra-Curricular, School Life, Culture & Achievements, Sports

Historic International Sweep: Davitt Athletes Blazing a Trail to Belfast!

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🏆 International Athletics Selection Historic International Sweep: Davitt Athletes Blazing a Trail to Belfast! 26 June 2026 What a breathtaking summer it has been for the Davitt College Track & Field department. We are absolutely flying with pride today as we celebrate a truly historic week of international selection, national podiums, and record-breaking performances from our elite athletes. Our standout thrower, Isabella (Bella) Kearney, has officially been selected to represent Ireland for the second consecutive year, booking her place on the national squad for the upcoming SIAB Schools International Athletics Championship at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast! The 2026 Campaign: From Sligo to the Provincial Peak This spectacular international call-up is the ultimate culmination of an athletic campaign that has seen our squad dominate the track and field all season long. The Sligo Statement (24 April): Our season ignited at Sligo ATU, where a fantastic, highly motivated panel of Davitt College students represented the school with immense pride, determination, and flawless sportsmanship, securing qualification slots across the board. The Connacht Finals Sweep (3 May): Moving onto Day 1 of the Connacht Schools Track & Field Championships in Sligo, our elite throwers put on a masterclass. Aisling Henderson launched a fantastic 30m throw to secure a brilliant Minor Hammer Silver Medal, while Isabella Kearney completely dominated the field, capturing Intermediate Hammer Gold with a massive throw over 52 meters to punch her ticket to the All-Irelands in Tullamore. Sligo ATU Gallery Conquering the Prestigious Tailteann Games That elite momentum brought three of our most dedicated young athletes—Clodagh Tunney, Benjamin Byrne-Dempsey, and Isabella Kearney—to the prestigious interprovincial Tailteann Games in Carlow on June 19th. This event brings together the absolute best U17 athletes in Ireland to battle for a spot on the international squad. Isabella Kearney delivered the performance of a lifetime in the hammer circle. Stepping into the ring under immense pressure, Isabella unleashed a sensational, explosive throw to claim the National Silver Medal—smashing her lifetime best to set a monumental new Personal Best (PB) of 54.33m! Tailteann Games Gallery We extend our congratulations to Clodagh, Benjamin, Aisling, and Isabella for representing Davitt College with exceptional distinction throughout the season, and we wish Bella the very best of luck in Belfast. An historic international selection and a phenomenal achievement for Davitt College athletics.

Combat Sports, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, Sports

Davitt College Welcomes the Irish International Taekwondo Tournament 2026!

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🏆 International Martial Arts Event Davitt College Hosts the Irish International Taekwondo Tournament! 26 June 2026 The mats are down, the flags are raised, and the atmosphere is electric. We are absolutely delighted to officially welcome the Irish International Taekwondo Tournament 2026 to Davitt College! Over the coming days, our campus transforms into a buzzing hub of world-class martial arts action. We are incredibly proud to welcome talented athletes, dedicated coaches, supportive families, and international officials from right across Ireland and far beyond to Castlebar. A Celebration of Skill, Discipline & Sportsmanship This prestigious tournament promises to be an extraordinary showcase of speed, focus, and technical excellence. Watching competitors step onto the mats after months—and years—of unseen sacrifice is a true inspiration to our entire school community. To every single competitor preparing to line out: we wish you the absolute best of luck. May your hard work, sharp focus, and perseverance shine through in every round. Keeping an Eye on Our Local European Champions The tournament holds an extra special meaning for the school community this year. Coming right off the back of their historic medal hauls at the European Championships in Portugal last month, Davitt College’s own Ana Dobre and Chelsea Ward will be taking to the mats on home soil. A Word of Thanks A massive tournament like this doesn’t just happen. We want to extend a huge thank you to the brilliant team of organizers, volunteers, and instructors—including our local partners at Mango Martial Arts Academy—who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring an event of this scale to life. We hope all our visiting athletes and families enjoy their time at Davitt College and experience the very best of hospitality here in Castlebar. Let the tournament begin!

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.

Charity, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports, Swimming

Swim Team Raises Over €1,200 for Sunflower Children’s Hospice

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💙 Community Spirit • €1,200 Raised for Charity Swim Team Raises Over €1,200 for Sunflower Children’s Hospice! 2 May 2026 True team performance isn’t just measured by medals won or personal bests recorded in the pool—it is also defined by leadership, compassion, and community impact. Yesterday, the exceptional students of the Davitt College Swimming Team proved exactly that, organizing a phenomenal school-wide Jersey Day that captured the incredible generosity and community spirit of our entire school body. Over €1,200 Raised for a Meaningful Cause Thanks to the tireless organizing efforts of the swim squad and the fantastic backing of our students, staff, and management, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that over €1,200 was raised in a single day! Every cent collected goes directly to support the invaluable work of the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, providing vital care, comfort, and specialized support to children and their families during incredibly challenging times. Training for the Ultimate Test: Swim the Shannon 360km This massive school fundraiser builds directly on the announcement from April 30th, highlighting our elite squad members from Castlebar Swimming Club who are preparing for a grueling athletic challenge. On Saturday, 16th May, our athletes will dive into the water at the Lough Lannagh Complex to participate in the monumental Swimathon-Swim the Shannon 360km event. Taking on a massive distance test like the Swimathon requires immense physical endurance and mental toughness. Knowing that they are swimming to back up such a vital charity will undoubtedly provide a massive boost when those late-stage meters get tough. A Message from School Management “Super well done to our entire swimming panel on organizing such a flawless, high-energy fundraiser. Your outstanding teamwork, deep compassion, and community spirit truly make a difference. You are an absolute credit to Davitt College, and we wish you the absolute very best of luck as you take to the water for the Swimathon on May 16th!” A massive thank you to every student who wore their club or county colors, and to everyone who donated to support this brilliant cause. Davitt College at its absolute best! ×

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