School Life

A window into the daily spirit and rich traditions of Davitt College, capturing student experiences, assemblies, themed weeks, and the vibrant community culture that makes our school unique.

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

Science and Technology Week at Davitt College

🔬 STEM Event • Science & Technology Week 2014 Science and Technology Week at Davitt College 26 February 2014 • Davitt College Castlebar The world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and here at Davitt College, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators. To celebrate Science and Technology Week, our Science and ICT Departments recently invited 6th-class students from our surrounding local National Schools to join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop. The visiting students had the opportunity to engage directly with our facilities, taking part in exciting practical activities and witnessing some spectacular scientific demonstrations led by our dedicated teaching staff. It was a fantastic event designed to spark curiosity and encourage a lifelong love of STEM subjects. “A huge thank you to all the primary schools who joined us for such an inspiring week!” ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, English, Humanities & Language, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Award-Winning Irish Poet Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Visits Davitt College

✍️ Literary Event • Guest Speaker 2014 Award-Winning Irish Poet Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Visits Davitt College 26 February 2014 In January 2014, Fifth Year English students at Davitt College were honoured with a deeply memorable visit from one of Ireland’s most significant and celebrated contemporary poets, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin. It is broadly acknowledged that her poems open many doors to multiple worlds, utilizing dense, captivating soundscapes and a distinctive magic that proves to be essential to our understanding of the world around us. Having studied her prescribed poetry in depth earlier in the academic year, the students found this firsthand encounter to be an incredibly educational and rewarding milestone. 📝 Demystifying the Leaving Certificate Syllabus Acknowledging that Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin’s work is best known for its mysterious imagery and enigmatic layers of interpretation, the Davitt College English Department sought to demystify her work by arranging the personal visit. When the students initially encountered her prescribed text, they were captivated by the thematic insights she provided on issues of a personal, mythical, and universal nature. Having the poet herself walk through the school doors to provide direct context will benefit these students immensely as they prepare for their Leaving Certificate Examination in 2015. ✨ An Inspiring Literary Exchange Upon her arrival, Eiléan highlighted the vital importance of the arts within society, speaking passionately about the power and influence that literature in all its forms can have on individual lives. She generously welcomed questions and open discussion from the students regarding her life, her creative process, and how her experiences relate to the various themes within her writing. By providing profound, unique insights into each poem on the Leaving Certificate course, she offered a deeply personal and relatable approach to the syllabus. The students found the experience both invigorating and inspirational—an extraordinary opportunity that they thoroughly enjoyed and one that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

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

Davitt College Launches Career Options 2014 Exhibition

🎯 Career Guidance • Regional Exhibition Davitt College Launches Career Options 2014 Exhibition 8 January 2014 Davitt College, Castlebar, was proud to serve as the launchpad for Career Options 2014—a premier regional event dedicated to opening doors for Senior Cycle students across the county. The exhibition provided students with comprehensive, firsthand insights into CAO degree pathways, further education courses, specialized apprenticeships, and high-demand vocational training options. 🎓 Higher Education University & IT programme insights 🛠️ Further Education PLC & Post-Leaving Cert pathways 🤝 Regional Partnership Backed by MSLETB & local educators The launch highlighted the vital collaboration between post-primary leadership, Castlebar College of Further Education, and the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), guaranteeing students leave school fully empowered with clear, actionable direction for the future. Back Row (L–R): Ms. Áine Coyne, Ms. Bernie Lennon, Ms. Tara O’Brien, Mr. Fiachra MacGabhann (Castlebar College of Further Education), Ms. Emma Nestor, and Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal, Davitt College). Front Row (L–R): Ms. Ruth Carney, Mr. Seosamh Mac Donncha (Chief Executive Officer, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board), and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal, Davitt College).

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

Davitt College Alumni Embark on their University Journeys

🎓 Alumni Updates • Class of 2013 Davitt College Alumni Embark on their University Journeys 27 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar A number of our exceptional Leaving Certificate students from the Class of 2013 recently dropped back into Davitt College to catch up, say their final goodbyes, and express their sincere gratitude to management, teachers, and staff for supporting them throughout their six years of post-primary education. These ambitious young men and women are embarking on an exciting new chapter as they begin third-level programmes in prestigious universities and training colleges across Ireland for the 2013/2014 academic year. 💬 Fond Memories of the Davitt College Experience “I will certainly miss Davitt College. We have had some unforgettable times and we have definitely made friends for life. The Transition Year Programme was one of the absolute highlights for me.” — Hazel Lawless “Davitt College is genuinely student-centred and has a very broad range of subjects. There is a wonderful relationship between students and teachers and a great support system for everyone.” — Hannah Mulchrone “The Joe Langan Sports Hall and Gym is a huge asset to Davitt College.” — Diarmuid O’Connor 🔬 Rising Demand for Scientific Disciplines “There is definitely a strong trend towards the sciences this year. We offer all four science subjects at Senior Level: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Agricultural Science. There has been a steady increase in the uptake of these subjects over the past two to three years, and this is highly evident when you consider the competitive degree programmes our students are successfully choosing at third level.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal 📸 Class of 2013 Graduate Destinations & Pathways (Pictured L–R): • Hannah McEllin: B.Sc. General Nursing • Noel Conlon: B.Sc. Mathematical Science (NUI Galway) • Rachel Farragher: B.Sc. Environmental Science (NUI Galway) • Robbie Fadden: B.A. Accounting & Finance (DCU) • Sarah Roache: B.Sc. General Science (Trinity College) • Darren Flannery: B.Sc. Athletic Therapy & Training (DCU) • Hazel Lawless: B.Ed. Home Economics & Biology (St. Angela’s) • Diarmuid O’Connor: B.Sc. Sports Science (DCU) • Hannah Mulchrone: B.Ed. Primary Teaching (St. Patrick’s) • William Conlon: B.Sc. Agricultural Science (UCD) Missing from photograph: Aiman Elhilali (B.Sc. Pharmaceutical Science, DCU) and Eadaoin Donnelly-White (B.A. Human Rights, NUI Galway).

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Junior Cycle, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Celebrations as Students Receive Outstanding Junior Certificate Results

🎉 State Examinations • Junior Cert 2013 Celebrations as Students Receive Outstanding Junior Certificate Results 11 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar There were screams of excitement and delight at Davitt College today, Wednesday 11th September, as our students received their highly anticipated Junior Certificate results. The results across the board have been truly exceptional, with an impressive number of students achieving top marks and the vast majority of the year group securing honours across all of their subjects. 11 ‘A’s Ellen Murphy Higher Level Subjects 9 ‘A’s Norah Conlon Higher Level Subjects 8 ‘A’s Una Parkinson Higher Level Subjects “I am delighted with all of our students’ excellent results in the Junior Certificate. Our students worked very hard throughout the three years leading up to the Junior Certificate Examination and today they reap the rewards of that hard work. It is a wonderful day and we are very proud of each and every one of them.” Ms. Rowland also noted that this success is a true community effort, adding a special word of thanks to the dedicated teaching faculty and supportive parents who collectively helped make today’s achievements possible. — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal A massive well done to the entire Junior Certificate Class of 2013! ×

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

All-Ireland Hurling Success for Davitt College Student Shane Nugent

🏆 GAA All-Ireland Champions • Hurling All-Ireland Hurling Success for Davitt College Student Shane Nugent 10 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its proudest congratulations to student Shane Nugent, who achieved ultimate national success on the hurling pitch as part of the victorious Mayo Minor Hurling squad. Shane and his Mayo teammates put on a spectacular performance to defeat Monaghan in the All-Ireland Minor ‘C’ Hurling Final on Saturday, 7th September. This national title is a tremendous reward for the immense dedication, training, and sportsmanship shown by the entire panel throughout the campaign. The entire school community is immensely proud of Shane’s achievement, and we extend our warmest well done to all the players, management, and coaches involved in bringing an All-Ireland title back to Mayo! 🥇 All-Ireland Minor ‘C’ Champions Mayo Minor Hurling Panel victorious over Monaghan 🟢🔴 County Pride Celebrating grassroots hurling and athletic dedication at Davitt College Maith thú, Shane – a fantastic sporting milestone for school and county! 📸 Presentation Showcase (Pictured L–R): Mr. Danny Buckley (Teacher & Hurling Coach), Fintan Murphy (Student), Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal), Shane Nugent (All-Ireland Hurling Champion), Keith Mulchrone (Student), and Ms. Sinéad Flynn (PE Teacher).

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

🌟 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

🏆 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, Core News & Information, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Soroptimist International Castlebar Supports Music Programme at Davitt College

🎵 Creative Arts • Community Partnership Soroptimist International Castlebar Supports Music Programme at Davitt College 9 May 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, was delighted to welcome representatives from Soroptimist International Castlebar alongside the National President of Soroptimist Ireland to celebrate a fantastic community-sponsored music initiative on campus. Soroptimist International Castlebar has generously sponsored a targeted Music Programme at the school, providing vital funds to support specialized tuition over an immersive six-week module. In addition to expert instruction, the club’s generous financial contribution went directly toward purchasing brand-new musical instruments, substantially expanding creative and performance pathways for our student body. 🎼 6-Week Module Targeted, specialized musical tuition 🎸 New Instruments Direct funding for school music equipment 🤝 Local Investment Supported by Soroptimist International During the visit, the National President of Soroptimist Ireland, Ms. Ann O’Driscoll, toured the school facilities and was treated to a wonderful live performance by the talented students currently participating in the programme. The entire school community extends its sincere gratitude to Soroptimist International Castlebar for their generous investment in our students’ creative futures. 📸 Presentation Showcase (Pictured L–R): Back Row: Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal), Ms. S. Sheridan (School Completion Programme), Mrs. Ann Collins (Soroptimist Club President), Ms. Ann O’Driscoll (National President, Soroptimist Ireland), Ms. Therese O’Grady (Soroptimist PRO), Ms. Kate McKeown (Music Generation Mayo), Jamie Ralph, Mr. Paul Kelly, Mr. Mike Cannon, Mr. Eamonn Mulderrig (Music Teacher), and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal). Front Row: Jack McEllin, Niamh Tobin, Neill Tropman, Francis Kelly, Neill Kilkenny, Aoife Halligan, and Ethan Carey.

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

Davitt College First Year Boys Advance to All-Ireland Basketball Semi-Finals

🏀 Basketball • All-Ireland Semi-Finals Davitt College First Year Boys Advance to All-Ireland Basketball Semi-Finals 25 April 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar The First Year boys’ basketball team from Davitt College, Castlebar, are setting their sights on national glory as they prepare to capture their first-ever All-Ireland basketball title. The talented squad secured their place in the All-Ireland Semi-Final at the prestigious University of Limerick Sports Arena on May 10th, 2013, following a masterful series of playoff performances at Boyne Community School in Trim, County Meath. 🏀 The Road to Limerick Match 1 • Dominant Opening Davitt College 33 – 10 Pres Athenry An emphatic opening victory to set the tone for the playoff weekend. Match 2 • Group Decider Davitt College 24 – 21 Pipers Hill A thrilling, high-intensity encounter against the tournament favourites to top the group. Across an intensive seven-match campaign, the Mayo side showcased immense resilience, discipline, and tactical composure to earn their place among the top four post-primary teams in Ireland. 🌟 Commendation for Team and Coach School Principal Ms. Bernie Rowland praised the squad’s outstanding commitment, stamina, and dedication throughout their rigorous campaign. The entire Davitt College community extends its warmest congratulations to the panel and their dedicated coach, Mr. P.J. McTavish, wishing them the absolute best in Limerick! 📸 Team Presentation Showcase: Back Row (L–R): Mr. P.J. McTavish (Coach), Liam McEllin, Ciarán Costello, Bartek Zalewski (Captain), Emil Samko, Eoin O’Malley, and Joshua Awodibu. Front Row (L–R): James Kennedy, Bah So, Noel Geraghty, James Finnerty, Ler Lah, and Dónal Parkinson.

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