School Life, Culture & Achievements

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

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

Robotics Workshop Sparks New After-School Engineering Initiatives

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🤖 STEM Innovation • Robotics & Engineering Robotics Workshop Sparks New After-School Engineering Initiatives 21 October 2024 A sincere thank you to Mr Hassan Dabbagh from ATU MakerSpace and the ATU Innovation Hubs team for facilitating an outstanding Robotics Workshop with a group of our enthusiastic Junior Cycle students this week. The interactive, hands-on session focused on mechatronics, circuit assembly, and basic automation logic, giving students an authentic taste of real-world design engineering. Armed with their new skills, our students and department mentors Mr Moylette and Mr Newcombe are officially ready to kick off the new Davitt College Robotics Club, which will begin running immediately after the midterm break. Thank you again to ATU for opening up new STEM pathways for our junior students! 🤖🔧💡✨ ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Creative Schools, Creative Schools, Extra-Curricular, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Davitt College Selected for Arts Council Creative Schools Initiative

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🎨 Arts & Culture • Creative Ireland Davitt College Selected for Arts Council Creative Schools Initiative 17 October 2024 Davitt College is thrilled to officially announce our selection for the Arts Council Creative Schools Initiative! Led by Creative Schools Coordinator Ms. Veronica Morley, this two-year flagship program puts student voice and creative design thinking at the heart of school life. Over the course of the initiative, students will collaborate with creative practitioners and staff to design innovative learning environments, lead whole-school artistic installations, and explore creative career paths across all subject areas. We look forward to an exciting journey ahead as we empower our students to shape the cultural and aesthetic landscape of Davitt College! 🎨✨🎭 ×

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

League Campaign Continues: Girls Face Charlestown in Second Round

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🏀 School Sport • Girls Basketball League Campaign Continues: Girls Face Charlestown in Second Round 15 October 2024 Well done to our Girls U16 and Senior Basketball teams who put in a massive effort today as they went head-to-head with Charlestown in the second round of the league. Both panels showed great competitive spirit and teamwork on the court as they continue to build their momentum and sharpness in the regional league structure. Dedicated Coaching Team Driving the Sport Forward Programs like this simply cannot run without outstanding volunteer support and leadership from our staff. A sincere thank you to Ms. Doherty and Ms. Quinn for their brilliant coaching, dedication, and for looking after both teams so professionally on the day. We look forward to seeing the squads back in action for the next round of fixtures! 🏀🔴🟢👏 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, Golf, Recreational Sports, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports, Transition Year

Swing Academy: TYs Take to the Driving Range

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⛳ Transition Year Sport • Golf Academy Swing Academy: TYs Take to the Driving Range 3 October 2024 Our Transition Year sports blocks went mobile this week with dedicated golf tuition sessions out at the Castlebar Driving Range. Students picked up foundational tips on grip, posture, and swing mechanics. The session offered plenty of fun, great camaraderie, and saw a few hidden talents emerging with some seriously clean strikes down the range as students tried their hand at matching the pros. A fantastic afternoon of skill-building and fresh air for our TYs! ⛳🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️✨ ×

Academic & Curriculum, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, Sports, Transition Year, Volleyball

TY Students Earn Official Volleyball Coaching Credentials

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🏐 Sports Leadership • Volleyball Ireland Coaching TY Students Earn Official Volleyball Coaching Credentials 26 September 2024 Davitt College’s sports leadership program continues to thrive. A new group of our Transition Year students stepped up today to complete the intensive Volleyball Ireland Spikeball Coaching Course. The practical workshop equipped our students with the tactical knowledge, refereeing rules, and session-planning skills required to lead active training blocks. These newly certified coaches are now fully prepared to develop the next generation of players within our school community. Well done to all involved! 🏐📋👏 ×

Awards, Core News & Information, CSPE, Erasmus+, Global Programmes & Initiatives, Humanities & Language, Politics & Society, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Wellbeing

Davitt College Celebrates Prestigious Erasmus+ School Accreditation and Flag-Raising Ceremony

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🇪🇺 Global Outlook • Erasmus+ Accreditation Davitt College Celebrates Prestigious Erasmus+ School Accreditation and Flag-Raising Ceremony 4 September 2024 Davitt College, Castlebar, has officially been recognised as an Erasmus+ Accredited School, marking a major milestone in the school’s commitment to internationalised education. This prestigious status, awarded as part of the European Union Erasmus+ Programme (2021–2027), secures long-term funding for the school to participate in cross-border educational mobility and collaborative European projects. To celebrate this achievement, students and staff gathered for an official flag-raising ceremony. The Erasmus+ flag was hoisted at the front of the school building, where it now flies proudly as a symbol of the school’s global outlook and interconnected learning environment. Driving Educational Excellence Across Europe This formal accreditation opens up incredible pathways for the entire Davitt College community, including: Student Exchange Programmes: Giving students the unique opportunity to experience European cultures, practice modern languages, and collaborate on shared academic initiatives with partner schools across the EU. Professional Development: Enabling teaching staff to engage in international training and job-shadowing, bringing innovative European pedagogical methodologies straight back into Castlebar classrooms. Inclusive Initiatives: Securing dedicated resources to support diverse learners and ensure equitable access to international experiences for all students. The flying flag stands as a daily reminder of the school’s dedication to broadening horizons, fostering European citizenship, and preparing students to thrive in a globalised world. 🇪🇺🌍✨ Pictured: Mr. Conor O’Reilly (Principal), Ms. Anita Gallagher (Deputy Principal), Ms. Stephanie Kelly & Mrs. Maria Carey (Erasmus+ Coordinators), Ms. Annette Newell (Erasmus+ Committee / MFL Dept), accompanied by Ms. Stephanie Kelly’s First Year CSPE class. ×

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

Inspiring Leadership: Andy Moran Guest of Honour at Davitt College Transition Year Awards 2024

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🏆 Student Excellence & Performing Arts Davitt College Specialist & Performing Arts Awards Annual Awards Presentation Davitt College is immensely proud to honour our students who have demonstrated extraordinary passion, leadership, and stagecraft across communication, community contribution, and the performing arts. From inspiring oratory and active citizenship to standout theatrical excellence on stage, these awards recognise students who bring our school community to life through exceptional dedication and talent. Youth Leadership & Public Speaking Honouring outstanding character, citizenship, and articulate advocacy within the school and wider community. 🌟 Character & Leadership Outstanding Young Person Award Recipient: Byron Cleary Davitt College Annual Presentation Awarded in recognition of exceptional positive influence, initiative, and proactive leadership within the student body. 🎙️ Oratory Excellence Debating & Public Speaking Award Recipient: Gabrielle Kilcourse Davitt College Annual Presentation Recognising formidable forensic argumentation, articulate discourse, and confident presentation on the competitive speaking stage. School Musical & Performing Arts Accolades Celebrating outstanding artistic execution, stage presence, and tireless commitment to the annual production. 🎭✨ Stagecraft & Artistry Musical: Best Performance Award Recipient: Lucy O’Brien Recognition: Stellar theatrical delivery, vocal skill, and commanding stage presence throughout the production. 👏⭐ Commitment & Ensemble Musical: Most Dedicated Award Recipient: Ellen Shaw Recognition: Relentless rehearsal work ethic, team leadership, and unwavering commitment to whole-cast success. A massive congratulations to Byron, Gabrielle, Lucy, and Ellen on their richly deserved honours! 🏆🎭🎙️👏 ×

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

CONNACHT CHAMPIONS! First Year Girls Seal Provincial Glory in Milebush Thriller

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🏆 FAI Schools Connacht Final • Division Two Glory 🏆 CONNACHT CHAMPIONS! First Year Girls Seal Provincial Glory in Milebush Thriller 22 May 2024 • Umbro Park, Milebush History was made at Umbro Park, Milebush yesterday as our First Year Division Two Girls’ Soccer team captured the Connacht Provincial Title after an unforgettable, heart-stopping penalty shootout victory over a formidable Gortnor Abbey side. From the first whistle to the absolute final kick, this match was a spectacular showcase of post-primary football. Both sides brought an incredible level of intensity, leaving everything on the pitch in front of a captivated crowd of travelling supporters, families, and friends. The Match: Drama from Start to Finish The game itself was a masterclass in determination. After a fierce, end-to-end battle during regular time, the scoreboard sat locked at a nail-biting 2-2 draw. With neither side willing to back down, the match pushed into extra time. The tension in Milebush was palpable. Both teams fought valiantly through tired legs, but with defenses holding rock-solid under immense pressure, the deadlock couldn’t be broken. It meant the ultimate test of soccer nerves and skill: a penalty shootout. ⚽ Elite Composure Under Pressure Amidst a wave of cheers and gasps from the sidelines, our girls showed world-class composure. Player after player stepped up with massive bravery. When the final winning penalty was expertly buried into the back of the net, it sparked pure, joyous celebration on the pitch and across the stands. Davitt College were Connacht Champions! A Word From the Coaches Coaches Ms. Kearns and Ms. Donoghue expressed just how immensely proud they are of this historic group of players: “ From the very beginning of the season, your skill and determination shone through. Each goal, tackle, and pass was a testament to the hard work and dedication you have put into training and previous games. The way you supported and encouraged each other, both on and off the field, exemplifies the true spirit of teamwork. You have made your school, your coaches, and yourselves very proud. — Ms. Kearns & Ms. Donoghue, Team Management Transition Year Leadership A massive share of credit for this provincial success goes to our outstanding Transition Year student mentors: Alannagh Keaveney, Caitlin Loftus, Katie Heaney, and Rachel Heneghan. These TY leaders have been an invaluable asset to the management team all season. From running structured training drills and organizing match-day warm-ups to providing crucial motivation, tactical advice, and positive energy from the dugout, the First Year squad and their coaches are incredibly grateful for their dedicated assistance. Thank You to the Davitt Community Finally, the team and coaches would like to extend a huge thank you to all the supporters, families, and friends who traveled to Milebush yesterday and cheered the girls on throughout the campaign. Your vocal encouragement all year has been our twelfth player on the pitch! Once again, a massive congratulations to our First Year Connacht Champions. We look forward to celebrating many more successes with this incredibly talented group in the future! 🏆🔴🟢⚽✨ ×

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

Mayo GAA Star Padraig O’Hora Guest of Honour at Davitt College Annual Awards 2024

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🏆 Annual School Event Mayo GAA Star Padraig O’Hora Guest of Honour at Davitt College Annual Awards 2024 21 May 2024 Davitt College, Castlebar, proudly hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 21st May 2024, gathering students, staff, and families to celebrate an inspiring year of achievement across academics, sport, music, and extracurricular activities. The school was honoured to welcome Mayo GAA star Mr. Padraig O’Hora as Guest of Honour. Sharing words of encouragement and motivation, he spoke with students about dedication, teamwork, and resilience before helping to present the awards to over 100 students who received well-deserved recognition for their hard work, commitment, and positive contributions to school life throughout the year. “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.” — Mr. Conor O’Reilly, Principal Congratulations to everyone recognised during a truly special and memorable celebration of the Davitt College community! Main Award Winners 2024 Honouring the highest pinnacle achievements in character, community dedication, and cherished school tributes. ⭐ Highest School Honour Overall Students of the Year Female: Hannah Prendergast | Male: Daniel Tigue Davitt College Annual Awards 2024 Recognising exceptional academic application, character, and school leadership throughout the year. 🛡️🕊️ Special Memorial Tribute Joe Langan Perpetual Shield In Loving Memory of Kacper Swierkowski Presented to & Accepted by the Sixth Year Class A deeply moving and poignant tribute awarded in honour and cherished memory of Kacper, accepted on his behalf by his Sixth Year classmates and friends. Sportsperson of the Year 2024 Honouring outstanding athletic prowess, dedication, and sportsmanship across school sporting codes. 🏆 Senior Sportsperson of the Year Senior Female: Hannah Prendergast Senior Male: Lucas Kenny 🏅 Junior Sportsperson of the Year Junior Female: Cliodhna Dowling Junior Male: Ronan Loftus Additional Award Winners & Special Presentations 2024 Recognising core school values, student voice, and exceptional perseverance. 🌱✨ Ethos & Personal Resilience Ethos Award: Yaroslav Protsenko Resilience Award: Mark Dawson 🙌💙 Student Community Honour Student Choice Award: Felix Rowland-Earls 2024 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: Yaroslav ProtsenkoResilience Award: Mark Dawson Student Community Honour Student Choice Award: Felix Rowland-Earls Special Memorial Tribute Joe Langan Perpetual Shield: In memory of Kacper Swierkowski (Received on his behalf by the 6th Year Class) Highest School Honour Female Student of the Year: Hannah PrendergastMale Student of the Year: Daniel Tigue 📚 Humanities, STEM & Business Awards View Section Modern Foreign Languages Junior Cycle Award (French): Katie O’Malley Junior Cycle Award (German): Ruby Moran Senior Cycle Award (French): Jack Roache Senior Cycle Award (German): Jasdeep Kaur History & Geography Junior Cycle Award (History, Geography & Politics): Aaron Cafferkey Senior Cycle Award (History, Geography & Politics): Sean Moran Politics & Literature Junior Cycle Award (Literature): Matthew Walsh Senior Cycle Award (Literature): Saoirse Hauttmann Art Junior Cycle Award: Zofia Swierczek, Surnaí Ní Cheallaigh Senior Cycle Award: Sarah Dunne, Iona McDonnell Music Junior Cycle Student of the Year: Niamh Moran Senior Cycle Student of the Year: Jack Roache Irish Language (Gradam na Gaeilge) Junior Cycle Award: Isabella Kearney Senior Cycle Award: Sarah Bright Science, Maths & Home Economics Senior Cycle Award (Science/Maths): Katlyn Nally Junior Cycle Award (Home Economics): Joseph Loftus Technology & Engineering Junior Cycle Award (Woodwork Project): Nicola Janda Junior Cycle Award (Engineering Project): Marie Lydon Everard Senior Cycle Award (Engineering Project): Lucas Kenny Senior Cycle Award (Construction Project): Dylan Rice Business, Accounting & Economics Junior Cycle Award: Oisín Butler Senior Cycle Award: Mark McVann 🏆 Sporting Achievements View Section Overall Sportsperson of the Year Junior Female: Cliodhna Dowling Junior Male: Ronan Loftus Senior Female: Hannah Prendergast Senior Male: Lucas Kenny Basketball U19 Boys: Cian Reddington First Year Girls: Clara Kelly Second Year Girls: Ellen Joyce U16 Girls: Eabha Donnelly Gaelic Football First Year Boys: John Connor Juvenile Boys: Brian O’Donnell Junior Boys: Conor Loftus Junior Boys (Most Improved): Daniel Matthew Senior Boys: Kylum Chambers First Year Girls: Aoife Gannon U14 Girls: Anna Mangan Junior Girls: Hannah Hauttmann Senior Girls: Roisin Duffy Soccer First Year Male: Zac Bristow U16 Boys: Ricardas Seskus First Year Female: Beth Murrihy U15 Girls: Grace Carroll U17 Girls: Treasa Conway Senior Girls: Rebecca Moran Athletics ETB Athletes: Clara Kelly & Allanagh Bourke First Year Athlete: Benjamin Byrne-Dempsey Female Athlete of the Year: Ciara Philbin Male Athlete of the Year: Ben Fitzsimons Badminton & Volleyball Girls Player of the Tournament (Badminton): Abigail Lane Boys Player of the Tournament (Badminton): Evin Jose Saji Senior Volleyball: Yaroslav Protsenko Table Tennis, Swimming & Chess Swimming Representatives (Connacht Silver 4x50m): Saoirse McCaffrey, Clara Kelly, Ruby Rennick, Charlotte Langan Senior Chess: Markus Senzel Junior Boys Chess: Kacper Milewski Junior Girls Chess: Victoria Denst 📖 Academic Achievement, Effort & Commitment View Section First Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication Class 1A: Grace Holmes Class 1B: Kaya Jelinska Class 1C: Saoirse McCaffrey Class 1D: Paul English Class 1E: Cian McDonnell Class 1F: Andrii Filipovskyi Class 1G: Jake Doherty-Sweeney First Year Academic Achievement Class 1A: Alannah Bourke Class 1B: Zac Bristow Class 1C: Sam Loftus Class 1D: Tiana Millar Class 1E: Dorothy Stepkowska Class 1F: Guilherme Osterne Boer Silva Class 1G: Ruairi Connor Second Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication Class 2A: Jennis Sarish Class 2B: Kayla Gibbons Class 2C: Clodagh Keane Class 2D: Daniel Kuzmicz Class 2E: Katie Cusack Class 2F: Grace Zhang Second Year Academic Achievement Class 2A: Grace Webb-Floyd Class 2B: Beatrice Dobre Class 2C: Aisling Forkan Class 2D: Daisy Finnerty Class 2E: Alannah Curley Class 2F: Kayla Cummins Santo Domingo Third Year Effort, Commitment & Dedication Class 3A: Cian Corley Clarke Class 3B: Ava Duffy Class 3C: Aoibheann Conway Class 3D: Maya Fahy Class 3E: Katie O’Malley Class 3F: Sarah Jane Burke Class 3G: Ryan Quinn Third Year Academic Achievement Class 3A:

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

Home Runs and Ice Creams: TYs Shine in the Sun

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☀️ Senior Cycle • Transition Year Sports Day Home Runs and Ice Creams: TYs Shine in the Sun 16 May 2024 Glorious sunshine and high energy swept across the school pitches today for our Transition Year Rounders Tournament. The event delivered perfect conditions for some massive hitting, clean fielding, and a brilliant competitive buzz across the entire year group. After a series of tight knockout rounds, the grand final came right down to the wire, showcasing tremendous teamwork, athletic grit, and great sportsmanship from all involved. The victorious champions wrapped up a classic TY summer day out in style—celebrating with well-deserved ice creams in the sun! ⚾🍦☀️🏆👏 ×

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