Sports

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

Anna Dobre Earns First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo

/

🥋 Martial Arts Excellence Anna Dobre Earns First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo 2 September 2026 Years of training, discipline and determination have culminated in a major achievement for Davitt College student Anna Dobre, who has earned her First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Anna achieved the prestigious grade through Mango Martial Arts Academy, marking an important milestone in a journey that has demanded far more than technical ability alone. Reaching Black Belt level represents sustained commitment, resilience and the determination to continue improving through countless hours of training. It is a tremendous personal achievement for Anna and one that the entire Davitt College community is delighted to celebrate with her. 29 Black Belts A remarkable Davitt College tradition spanning approximately four decades A Proud Davitt Tradition Anna Joins a Remarkable Legacy Anna’s achievement also continues a proud martial arts tradition within Davitt College. Over approximately 40 years, 29 Davitt College students have now progressed to Black Belt level — an extraordinary record of commitment, perseverance and sporting excellence across generations of students. Beyond the Belt Discipline That Reaches Beyond Sport A Black Belt is not simply an award earned on one particular day. It reflects the habits developed over years — showing up consistently, responding to setbacks, accepting challenge and having the patience to improve one step at a time. These are qualities that extend far beyond martial arts, and Anna can be immensely proud of what she has accomplished. Her achievement is a wonderful example to other students of what sustained effort and dedication can make possible. Congratulations, Anna, on an outstanding achievement — your dedication, discipline and perseverance have been richly rewarded. Maith thú, Anna! 🥋

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

/

🏆 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.

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

International Bronze for Isabella Kearney at the Schools International 2026

/

🥇 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!

/

🏆 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!

/

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

Davitt College Annual Sports Day 2026

/

⚡ 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!” ×

Hurling, Sports

Delaney and Greally Goals Seal Dramatic Semifinal Victory

/

🏑 Mayo GAA U17 Hurling Delaney and Greally Goals Seal Dramatic Semifinal Victory 22 May 2026 What a performance! A massive congratulations to Brian Loftus and the entire Mayo GAA U17 Hurling panel on an incredible victory in the Celtic Challenge semifinal, punching their ticket straight to the final. It was a high-stakes, intense battle on the pitch, but Mayo’s grit and clinical execution paid off when it mattered most. Explosive, crucial goals from Conn Delaney and Dylan Greally ultimately broke the opposition and sealed a fantastic win for the lads. The entire Davitt College community is buzzing with pride for Brian and the squad. Rest up, reset, and bring on the final!

Combat Sports, Sports

European Masters: Ana Dobre & Chelsea Ward Dominate the Continental Stage!

/

🥇 European Champions • Historic International Triumph European Masters: Ana Dobre & Chelsea Ward Dominate the Continental Stage! 7 May 2026 The Irish flag flew high in Portugal last weekend, and it was two of Davitt College’s own elite athletes leading the charge. We are bursting with pride today as we extend our massive congratulations to Ana Dobre and Chelsea Ward, who put on an absolute masterclass while representing Team Ireland at the Taekwondo European Championships! Standing Tall Against Europe’s Elite To give you an idea of the sheer scale of this achievement, our students lined up against a massive field of 690 elite competitors from every corner of the continent. Under intense pressure on the international stage, both martial artists displayed world-class technique, tactical brilliance, and unparalleled composure. Their combined medal haul is nothing short of historic: Official Medal Breakdown Ana Dobre 🥇 2x European Champion (Gold) 🥈 2x European Silver Medals Chelsea Ward 🥇 1x European Champion (Gold) 🥈 1x European Silver Medal 🥉 1x European Bronze Medal Dedicated to the Craft This extraordinary level of success does not happen by accident. It is the direct result of tireless dedication, sacrifice, and the elite mindset both girls bring to the mats day in and day out. Both Ana and Chelsea train locally with Mango Martial Arts Academy, working under the expert guidance and mentorship of instructors Mr. and Mrs. Bardwell. Their success is a credit to their families, their coaches, and the entire community here at Davitt College. Next Stop: The Home Advantage! The competitive journey doesn’t stop here. This phenomenal European run sets the perfect stage for their next major challenge. Both athletes will be stepping back onto the mats right here on home soil this summer. We want to wish Ana and Chelsea the absolute best of luck as they prepare for the Irish International Taekwondo Tournament, which will be hosted right here in Castlebar this coming June! We know the whole town will be there to cheer them on. ×

Golf, Sports

Tara Quigley Claims Podium Spot in Connacht Schools Golf

/

⛳ Regional Golf Excellence • Podiums Finish Tara Quigley Claims Podium Spot in Connacht Schools Golf 5 May 2026 A fantastic sporting milestone for Davitt College today on the regional circuit. Huge congratulations to Tara Quigley, who secured an impressive 3rd place finish in the highly competitive Connacht Schools U15 Golf Tournament. Facing a top-tier field of young golfers from across the province, Tara’s brilliant performance was a masterclass in composure and course management—a testament to her immense hard work and dedication to the game. ×

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

/

💙 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! ×

Scroll to Top