{"id":35089,"date":"2026-09-22T21:15:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T20:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/?p=35089"},"modified":"2026-09-22T22:48:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T21:48:41","slug":"davitt-college-welcomes-german-ambassador-to-ireland-mr-david-gill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/davitt-college-welcomes-german-ambassador-to-ireland-mr-david-gill\/","title":{"rendered":"Davitt College Welcomes German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- ========================================== -->\n<!-- NEWS ARTICLE: GERMAN AMBASSADOR VISIT     -->\n<!-- DAVITT COLLEGE - SEPTEMBER 2026           -->\n<!-- ========================================== -->\n\n<div class=\"aen-news-article-modern german-ambassador-article\">\n\n  <div class=\"german-article-card\">\n\n    <!-- =====================================================\n         HEADER\n         ===================================================== -->\n\n    <div class=\"german-news-header\">\n\n      <div class=\"german-header-tricolour\">\n        <span><\/span>\n        <span><\/span>\n        <span><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <span class=\"german-header-pill\">\n        &#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea; German \u2022 Language \u2022 International Friendship\n      <\/span>\n\n      <h2 class=\"modern-article-title\">\n        Davitt College Welcomes German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill\n      <\/h2>\n\n      <p class=\"german-header-meta\">\n        22 September 2026 \u2022 Davitt College Castlebar\n      <\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <!-- =====================================================\n         ARTICLE BODY\n         ===================================================== -->\n\n    <div class=\"modern-body-pad\">\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           OPENING\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <div class=\"german-opening\">\n\n        <p class=\"german-story-lead\">\n          A very special morning at Davitt College saw our school community\n          welcome the German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill, for a\n          memorable celebration of language, culture and international\n          friendship.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <p>\n          The German flag flew proudly at the front of the school as students\n          and staff prepared to welcome Ambassador Gill to Davitt College,\n          marking an important occasion for our German Department and\n          particularly for the students who have chosen to study the language.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <p>\n          Hosting the German Ambassador offered our students a unique\n          opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom and\n          experience first-hand the connections that language can create\n          between people, cultures and countries.\n        <\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           MAIN OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <figure class=\"german-main-photo\">\n\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_030-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill, during his visit to Davitt College.\">\n          <img fetchpriority=\"high\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_030-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"German Ambassador to Ireland David Gill during his visit to Davitt College\">\n        <\/a>\n\n        <figcaption>\n          <strong>German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill<\/strong>\n          <span>Official visit to Davitt College \u2022 September 2026<\/span>\n        <\/figcaption>\n\n      <\/figure>\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           A SPECIAL VISIT\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <section class=\"german-story-section\">\n\n        <div class=\"german-section-heading\">\n\n          <span>A Special Visit<\/span>\n\n          <h3>Bringing Language Learning to Life<\/h3>\n\n          <div class=\"german-heading-stripe\">\n            <i><\/i>\n            <i><\/i>\n            <i><\/i>\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        <p>\n          For our German language learners, welcoming a guest of Ambassador\n          Gill&#8217;s stature was a tremendous privilege. His visit highlighted\n          the vibrant role that German language and culture play within\n          Davitt College and gave students a genuine real-world connection\n          to the language they encounter every day in their studies.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <p>\n          Rather than simply being spectators, our students were at the heart\n          of the occasion, taking an active role in welcoming the Ambassador\n          and sharing their own experiences of learning German at Davitt College.\n        <\/p>\n\n      <\/section>\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           LANGUAGE JOURNEY\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <section class=\"german-learning-journey\">\n\n        <div class=\"german-journey-intro\">\n\n          <span>Deutsch am Davitt College<\/span>\n\n          <h3>From First Words to Leaving Certificate<\/h3>\n\n          <p>\n            Students from across the school shared their language-learning\n            journeys, giving Ambassador Gill an opportunity to see the\n            progression of German at Davitt College.\n          <\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"german-journey-grid\">\n\n          <div class=\"german-journey-stage\">\n\n            <div class=\"german-stage-number\">1<\/div>\n\n            <span>First Year<\/span>\n\n            <h4>Beginning the Journey<\/h4>\n\n            <p>\n              Building confidence with the foundations of a new language and\n              discovering German culture.\n            <\/p>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n\n          <div class=\"german-journey-stage\">\n\n            <div class=\"german-stage-number\">2<\/div>\n\n            <span>Junior Cycle<\/span>\n\n            <h4>Growing in Confidence<\/h4>\n\n            <p>\n              Developing vocabulary, communication skills and an increasing\n              ability to use German independently.\n            <\/p>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n\n          <div class=\"german-journey-stage\">\n\n            <div class=\"german-stage-number\">3<\/div>\n\n            <span>Senior Cycle<\/span>\n\n            <h4>Language in Action<\/h4>\n\n            <p>\n              Building fluency, cultural understanding and the confidence to\n              communicate for real purposes.\n            <\/p>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n\n          <div class=\"german-journey-stage german-stage-featured\">\n\n            <div class=\"german-stage-number\">4<\/div>\n\n            <span>Leaving Certificate<\/span>\n\n            <h4>Leading the Occasion<\/h4>\n\n            <p>\n              Our Leaving Certificate students stepped forward as the main\n              speakers, helping to lead this special event.\n            <\/p>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/section>\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           STUDENTS AT HEART OF WELCOME\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <section class=\"german-story-section\">\n\n        <div class=\"german-section-heading\">\n\n          <span>Student Voice<\/span>\n\n          <h3>Students at the Heart of the Welcome<\/h3>\n\n          <div class=\"german-heading-line\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        <p>\n          Our Leaving Certificate German students took a leading role in the\n          ceremony, acting as the main speakers and demonstrating the\n          confidence and advanced language skills they have developed during\n          their years at Davitt College.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <p>\n          They were joined by students from across the year groups, who shared\n          their own experiences of learning German. Together, they allowed\n          Ambassador Gill to witness the progression of language learning in\n          our school \u2014 from the first steps taken by our youngest learners\n          through to the accomplished communication of our Sixth Year students.\n        <\/p>\n\n      <\/section>\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           LANGUAGE \u2022 CULTURE \u2022 CONNECTION\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <section class=\"german-pillars\">\n\n        <div class=\"german-section-heading\">\n\n          <span>More Than a Language<\/span>\n\n          <h3>Language. Culture. Connection.<\/h3>\n\n          <div class=\"german-heading-line\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"german-feature-grid\">\n\n          <div class=\"german-feature-card german-card-black\">\n\n            <div class=\"german-card-icon\">DE<\/div>\n\n            <span>Language<\/span>\n\n            <h4>Communication<\/h4>\n\n            <p>\n              Learning German gives students the confidence to communicate\n              beyond their own language and engage with a wider world.\n            <\/p>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n\n          <div class=\"german-feature-card german-card-red\">\n\n            <div class=\"german-card-icon\">&#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea;<\/div>\n\n            <span>Culture<\/span>\n\n            <h4>Understanding<\/h4>\n\n            <p>\n              Language learning opens a window into another culture, its\n              people, traditions and perspectives.\n            <\/p>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n\n          <div class=\"german-feature-card german-card-gold\">\n\n            <div class=\"german-card-icon\">&#x1f91d;<\/div>\n\n            <span>Connection<\/span>\n\n            <h4>Friendship<\/h4>\n\n            <p>\n              Experiences such as this remind students that languages create\n              genuine connections between people and countries.\n            <\/p>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/section>\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           CLOSING STORY\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <section class=\"german-story-section german-before-gallery\">\n\n        <p>\n          Ambassador Gill&#8217;s visit was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the\n          enthusiasm, confidence and commitment of our German students while\n          recognising the importance of language learning in an increasingly\n          connected world.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <p>\n          We were incredibly proud to showcase the talent, warmth and\n          hospitality of the students and staff of Davitt College, and we\n          sincerely thank Ambassador Gill for taking the time to visit our\n          school and engage so warmly with our students.\n        <\/p>\n\n      <\/section>\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           VISIT HIGHLIGHTS\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <section class=\"german-visit-gallery\">\n\n        <div class=\"german-gallery-heading\">\n\n          <span>&#x1f4f8; Visit Highlights<\/span>\n\n          <h3>A Special Day at Davitt College<\/h3>\n\n          <p>\n            Moments from Ambassador David Gill&#8217;s visit and the special programme\n            prepared by students and staff to mark the occasion.\n          <\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n\n        <!-- =================================================\n             ROW 1 - WELCOME\n             ================================================= -->\n\n        <div class=\"german-gallery-grid german-gallery-opening\">\n\n\n          <!-- PRINCIPAL -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_004-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"Principal Conor O'Reilly addresses the gathering during Ambassador David Gill's visit.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_004-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Principal Conor O'Reilly addressing the gathering during the German Ambassador's visit\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Principal Conor O&#8217;Reilly addresses the gathering\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n\n          <!-- MUSICIANS -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_006-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"Traditional Irish musicians perform during the special welcome for Ambassador David Gill.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_006-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Traditional Irish musicians performing during Ambassador David Gill's visit\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Traditional Irish musicians welcome our special guest\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n\n        <!-- =================================================\n             PERFORMANCE FEATURE\n             ================================================= -->\n\n        <div class=\"german-gallery-performance\">\n\n\n          <!-- IRISH DANCING - PORTRAIT -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item german-gallery-portrait\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_017-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"A special Irish dancing performance formed part of the welcome for Ambassador David Gill.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_017-594x1024.jpg\" width=\"594\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Special Irish dancing performance during Ambassador David Gill's visit\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Special Irish dancing performance\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n\n          <!-- STUDENT GERMAN ADDRESS 1 -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_026-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"Davitt College students address Ambassador David Gill in German.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_026-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Davitt College students addressing Ambassador David Gill in German\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Students address Ambassador Gill in German\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n\n          <!-- STUDENT GERMAN ADDRESS 2 -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_028-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"Students share their German language-learning journey with Ambassador David Gill.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_028-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Students sharing their German language-learning journey with Ambassador David Gill\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Sharing their German language-learning journey\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n\n        <!-- =================================================\n             AMBASSADOR FEATURE\n             ================================================= -->\n\n        <div class=\"german-gallery-single\">\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item german-gallery-wide\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_033-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill, during his visit to Davitt College.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_033-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"German Ambassador David Gill during his visit to Davitt College\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n\n        <!-- =================================================\n             GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS\n             ================================================= -->\n\n        <div class=\"german-gallery-grid german-gallery-groups\">\n\n\n          \n\n         \n\n        <\/div>\n\n\n        <!-- =================================================\n             COMMUNITY & STAFF\n             ================================================= -->\n\n        <div class=\"german-gallery-grid german-gallery-community\">\n\n\n          <!-- 045 -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_045-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"Cathaoirleach Ger Deere, Ambassador David Gill and Councillor Blackie Gavin.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_045-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cathaoirleach Ger Deere, Ambassador David Gill and Councillor Blackie Gavin\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Cathaoirleach Ger Deere, Ambassador David Gill and Councillor Blackie Gavin\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n\n          <!-- 046 -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_046-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"Ambassador David Gill with German teachers Maria Carey, Kayleigh Walsh and Geraldine Clinton.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_046-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ambassador David Gill with German teachers Maria Carey, Kayleigh Walsh and Geraldine Clinton\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Ambassador Gill with German teachers Maria Carey, Kayleigh Walsh and Geraldine Clinton\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n\n        <!-- =================================================\n             MANAGEMENT & GERMAN DEPARTMENT\n             ================================================= -->\n\n        <div class=\"german-gallery-grid german-gallery-final\">\n\n\n          <!-- 047 -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_047-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"Ambassador David Gill with Principal Conor O'Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_047-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ambassador David Gill with Principal Conor O'Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Ambassador Gill with Principal Conor O&#8217;Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n\n          <!-- 048 -->\n\n          <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_048-scaled.jpg\" class=\"german-lightbox-link\" data-caption=\"Ambassador David Gill with German teacher Maria Carey.\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_048-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ambassador David Gill with German teacher Maria Carey\">\n            <\/a>\n\n            <figcaption>\n              Ambassador David Gill with German teacher Maria Carey\n            <\/figcaption>\n\n          <\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/section>\n\n<!-- =================================================\n     ADDITIONAL VISIT HIGHLIGHTS\n     ================================================= -->\n\n<div class=\"german-gallery-grid german-gallery-community\">\n\n  <!-- GERMAN TEACHERS -->\n  <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n    <a\n      href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_051-1024x683.jpg\"\n      class=\"german-lightbox-link\"\n      data-caption=\"Ambassador David Gill with German teachers Kayleigh Walsh and Maria Carey.\"\n    >\n\n      <img loading=\"lazy\"\n        src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_051-1024x683.jpg\"\n        width=\"1024\"\n        height=\"683\"\n        loading=\"lazy\"\n        decoding=\"async\"\n        alt=\"Ambassador David Gill with German teachers Kayleigh Walsh and Maria Carey\"\n      >\n\n    <\/a>\n\n    <figcaption>\n      Ambassador David Gill with German teachers Kayleigh Walsh and Maria Carey\n    <\/figcaption>\n\n  <\/figure>\n\n\n  <!-- SCHOOL MANAGEMENT -->\n  <figure class=\"german-gallery-item\">\n\n    <a\n      href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_052-1024x683.jpg\"\n      class=\"german-lightbox-link\"\n      data-caption=\"Ambassador David Gill with Principal Conor O\u2019Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones.\"\n    >\n\n      <img loading=\"lazy\"\n        src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_052-1024x683.jpg\"\n        width=\"1024\"\n        height=\"683\"\n        loading=\"lazy\"\n        decoding=\"async\"\n        alt=\"Ambassador David Gill with Principal Conor O'Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones\"\n      >\n\n    <\/a>\n\n    <figcaption>\n      Ambassador David Gill with Principal Conor O\u2019Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones\n    <\/figcaption>\n\n  <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<!-- SPECIAL CAKE -->\n<div class=\"german-gallery-single\">\n\n  <figure class=\"german-gallery-item german-gallery-wide\">\n\n    <a\n      href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_057-1024x683.jpg\"\n      class=\"german-lightbox-link\"\n      data-caption=\"Ambassador David Gill with Carmel Flynn, who baked a special cake to mark the occasion.\"\n    >\n\n      <img loading=\"lazy\"\n        src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GermanAmbassadorVisitSept2026_057-1024x683.jpg\"\n        width=\"1024\"\n        height=\"683\"\n        loading=\"lazy\"\n        decoding=\"async\"\n        alt=\"Ambassador David Gill with Carmel Flynn, who baked a special cake to mark the occasion\"\n      >\n\n    <\/a>\n\n    <figcaption>\n      Ambassador David Gill with Carmel Flynn, who baked a special cake to mark the occasion\n    <\/figcaption>\n\n  <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n      <!-- ===================================================\n           FINAL CLOSING CARD\n           =================================================== -->\n\n      <div class=\"german-closing-callout\">\n\n        <div class=\"german-closing-flag\">\n          &#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea;\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div>\n\n          <span>Ein besonderer Tag f\u00fcr Davitt College<\/span>\n\n          <h3>Vielen Dank, Herr Botschafter!<\/h3>\n\n          <p>\n            A memorable celebration of language, culture and international\n            friendship at Davitt College.\n          <\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<!-- ========================================== -->\n<!-- LIGHTBOX                                   -->\n<!-- ========================================== -->\n\n<div id=\"german-visit-lightbox\" class=\"german-lightbox\">\n\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"german-lightbox-close\" aria-label=\"Close image\">\n    \u00d7\n  <\/button>\n\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"german-lightbox-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous image\">\n    \u2039\n  <\/button>\n\n  <div class=\"german-lightbox-content\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"german-lightbox-image\" src=\"\" alt=\"\">\n\n    <div id=\"german-lightbox-caption\" class=\"german-lightbox-caption\"><\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"german-lightbox-next\" aria-label=\"Next image\">\n    \u203a\n  <\/button>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   ARTICLE SHELL\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.aen-news-article-modern.german-ambassador-article {\n  width: 100%;\n  max-width: 1200px;\n\n  margin: 30px auto;\n  padding: 0 20px;\n\n  font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n}\n\n.german-ambassador-article *,\n.german-ambassador-article *::before,\n.german-ambassador-article *::after {\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n}\n\n.german-article-card {\n  overflow: hidden;\n\n  background: #ffffff;\n\n  border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n  border-radius: 24px;\n\n  box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04);\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   HEADER\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-news-header {\n  position: relative;\n\n  overflow: hidden;\n\n  padding: 48px 40px 45px;\n\n  background:\n    linear-gradient(\n      135deg,\n      #0f2015 0%,\n      #1a3825 100%\n    );\n\n  text-align: center;\n}\n\n.german-header-tricolour {\n  position: absolute;\n\n  left: 0;\n  right: 0;\n  bottom: 0;\n\n  height: 4px;\n\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);\n}\n\n.german-header-tricolour span:nth-child(1) {\n  background: #181818;\n}\n\n.german-header-tricolour span:nth-child(2) {\n  background: #dd0000;\n}\n\n.german-header-tricolour span:nth-child(3) {\n  background: #ffce00;\n}\n\n.german-header-pill {\n  display: inline-block;\n\n  margin-bottom: 17px;\n  padding: 7px 17px;\n\n  background: rgba(255, 206, 0, 0.12);\n  color: #ffdc52;\n\n  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 206, 0, 0.32);\n  border-radius: 50px;\n\n  font-size: 11px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n}\n\n.german-news-header .modern-article-title {\n  max-width: 980px;\n\n  margin: 0 auto 15px auto !important;\n\n  color: #ffffff !important;\n\n  font-size: 36px !important;\n  line-height: 1.25 !important;\n  font-weight: 800 !important;\n\n  letter-spacing: -0.5px !important;\n}\n\n.german-header-meta {\n  margin: 0 !important;\n\n  color: #cbd5e1;\n\n  font-size: 14px !important;\n  font-weight: 500;\n\n  letter-spacing: 0.5px;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   BODY\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-ambassador-article .modern-body-pad {\n  padding: 45px;\n}\n\n.german-opening,\n.german-story-section {\n  color: #334155;\n\n  font-size: 17px;\n  line-height: 1.8;\n}\n\n.german-opening {\n  margin-bottom: 38px;\n}\n\n.german-opening > p,\n.german-story-section > p {\n  margin: 0 0 25px 0 !important;\n}\n\n.german-opening > p:last-child,\n.german-story-section > p:last-child {\n  margin-bottom: 0 !important;\n}\n\n.german-story-lead {\n  margin: 0 0 26px 0 !important;\n  padding-left: 21px;\n\n  color: #0f2015 !important;\n\n  border-left: 4px solid #dd0000;\n\n  font-size: 19px !important;\n  line-height: 1.7 !important;\n  font-weight: 600 !important;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   MAIN OFFICIAL PHOTO\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-main-photo {\n  margin: 0 0 45px 0 !important;\n\n  overflow: hidden;\n\n  background: #ffffff;\n\n  border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n  border-radius: 18px;\n\n  box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.08);\n}\n\n.german-main-photo a {\n  display: block;\n\n  overflow: hidden;\n\n  cursor: zoom-in;\n}\n\n.german-main-photo img {\n  display: block;\n\n  width: 100%;\n  height: auto;\n\n  transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\n}\n\n.german-main-photo:hover img {\n  transform: scale(1.015);\n}\n\n.german-main-photo figcaption {\n  position: relative;\n\n  padding: 15px 18px;\n\n  background: #0f2015;\n  color: #ffffff;\n\n  border-top: 3px solid #f59e0b;\n\n  text-align: center;\n}\n\n.german-main-photo figcaption strong {\n  display: block;\n\n  margin-bottom: 3px;\n\n  color: #ffffff;\n\n  font-size: 14px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n}\n\n.german-main-photo figcaption span {\n  display: block;\n\n  color: #d7e0d9;\n\n  font-size: 12px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   STORY SECTIONS\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-story-section {\n  margin-bottom: 44px;\n}\n\n.german-section-heading {\n  margin-bottom: 20px;\n}\n\n.german-section-heading > span {\n  display: block;\n\n  margin-bottom: 7px;\n\n  color: #254b2e;\n\n  font-size: 11px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 1.2px;\n}\n\n.german-section-heading h3 {\n  margin: 0 0 11px 0 !important;\n\n  color: #0f2015 !important;\n\n  font-size: 26px !important;\n  line-height: 1.3 !important;\n  font-weight: 800 !important;\n\n  letter-spacing: -0.4px !important;\n}\n\n.german-heading-line {\n  width: 60px;\n  height: 4px;\n\n  background: #254b2e;\n\n  border-radius: 3px;\n}\n\n.german-heading-stripe {\n  display: flex;\n\n  width: 72px;\n  height: 4px;\n\n  overflow: hidden;\n\n  border-radius: 3px;\n}\n\n.german-heading-stripe i {\n  flex: 1;\n}\n\n.german-heading-stripe i:nth-child(1) {\n  background: #181818;\n}\n\n.german-heading-stripe i:nth-child(2) {\n  background: #dd0000;\n}\n\n.german-heading-stripe i:nth-child(3) {\n  background: #ffce00;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   LANGUAGE JOURNEY\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-learning-journey {\n  margin-bottom: 44px;\n  padding: 32px;\n\n  background: #f8fafc;\n\n  border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n}\n\n.german-journey-intro {\n  max-width: 760px;\n\n  margin: 0 auto 30px auto;\n\n  text-align: center;\n}\n\n.german-journey-intro > span {\n  display: block;\n\n  margin-bottom: 7px;\n\n  color: #254b2e;\n\n  font-size: 11px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 1.3px;\n}\n\n.german-journey-intro h3 {\n  margin: 0 0 10px 0 !important;\n\n  color: #0f2015 !important;\n\n  font-size: 25px !important;\n  font-weight: 800 !important;\n\n  letter-spacing: -0.4px !important;\n}\n\n.german-journey-intro p {\n  margin: 0 !important;\n\n  color: #64748b;\n\n  font-size: 15px !important;\n  line-height: 1.7 !important;\n}\n\n.german-journey-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);\n\n  gap: 14px;\n}\n\n.german-journey-stage {\n  padding: 23px 20px;\n\n  background: #ffffff;\n\n  border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n  border-radius: 15px;\n}\n\n.german-stage-number {\n  width: 35px;\n  height: 35px;\n\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n\n  margin-bottom: 17px;\n\n  background: #0f2015;\n  color: #ffffff;\n\n  border-radius: 50%;\n\n  font-size: 13px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n}\n\n.german-journey-stage > span {\n  display: block;\n\n  margin-bottom: 5px;\n\n  color: #254b2e;\n\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n}\n\n.german-journey-stage h4 {\n  margin: 0 0 9px 0 !important;\n\n  color: #0f2015 !important;\n\n  font-size: 16px !important;\n  line-height: 1.35 !important;\n  font-weight: 800 !important;\n}\n\n.german-journey-stage p {\n  margin: 0 !important;\n\n  color: #64748b;\n\n  font-size: 13.5px !important;\n  line-height: 1.6 !important;\n}\n\n.german-stage-featured {\n  background: #fffdf4;\n\n  border-color: #e3c44b;\n}\n\n.german-stage-featured .german-stage-number {\n  background: #ffce00;\n  color: #181818;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   LANGUAGE \u2022 CULTURE \u2022 CONNECTION\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-pillars {\n  margin-bottom: 44px;\n}\n\n.german-feature-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);\n\n  gap: 18px;\n}\n\n.german-feature-card {\n  padding: 26px;\n\n  background: #f8fafc;\n\n  border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n}\n\n.german-card-black {\n  border-top: 4px solid #181818;\n}\n\n.german-card-red {\n  border-top: 4px solid #dd0000;\n}\n\n.german-card-gold {\n  border-top: 4px solid #ffce00;\n}\n\n.german-card-icon {\n  height: 34px;\n\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n\n  margin-bottom: 12px;\n\n  color: #0f2015;\n\n  font-size: 23px;\n  font-weight: 900;\n}\n\n.german-feature-card > span {\n  display: block;\n\n  margin-bottom: 5px;\n\n  color: #64748b;\n\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 1.2px;\n}\n\n.german-feature-card h4 {\n  margin: 0 0 9px 0 !important;\n\n  color: #0f2015 !important;\n\n  font-size: 18px !important;\n  font-weight: 800 !important;\n}\n\n.german-feature-card p {\n  margin: 0 !important;\n\n  color: #64748b;\n\n  font-size: 14px !important;\n  line-height: 1.65 !important;\n}\n\n.german-before-gallery {\n  margin-bottom: 0;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   VISIT HIGHLIGHTS\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-visit-gallery {\n  margin: 50px 0 44px 0;\n  padding-top: 37px;\n\n  border-top: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n}\n\n.german-gallery-heading {\n  margin-bottom: 25px;\n}\n\n.german-gallery-heading > span {\n  display: block;\n\n  margin-bottom: 6px;\n\n  color: #254b2e;\n\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n}\n\n.german-gallery-heading h3 {\n  margin: 0 0 7px 0 !important;\n\n  color: #0f2015 !important;\n\n  font-size: 26px !important;\n  line-height: 1.3 !important;\n  font-weight: 800 !important;\n\n  letter-spacing: -0.4px !important;\n}\n\n.german-gallery-heading p {\n  max-width: 720px;\n\n  margin: 0 !important;\n\n  color: #64748b;\n\n  font-size: 14.5px !important;\n  line-height: 1.65 !important;\n}\n\n\n\/* STANDARD TWO-COLUMN GALLERY ROW *\/\n\n.german-gallery-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));\n\n  gap: 18px;\n\n  margin-bottom: 18px;\n}\n\n\n\/* PERFORMANCE LAYOUT *\/\n\n.german-gallery-performance {\n  display: grid;\n\n  grid-template-columns: 0.78fr 1fr 1fr;\n\n  gap: 18px;\n\n  margin-bottom: 18px;\n}\n\n\n\/* SINGLE FEATURE *\/\n\n.german-gallery-single {\n  margin-bottom: 18px;\n}\n\n\n\/* INDIVIDUAL PHOTO CARD *\/\n\n.german-gallery-item {\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n\n  min-width: 0;\n\n  margin: 0 !important;\n\n  overflow: hidden;\n\n  background: #ffffff;\n\n  border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n\n  box-shadow: 0 7px 18px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.055);\n\n  transition:\n    transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1),\n    box-shadow 0.35s ease;\n}\n\n.german-gallery-item:hover {\n  transform: translateY(-4px);\n\n  box-shadow: 0 15px 30px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.1);\n}\n\n.german-gallery-item > a {\n  display: block;\n\n  height: 310px;\n\n  overflow: hidden;\n\n  background: #eef2ef;\n\n  cursor: zoom-in;\n}\n\n.german-gallery-item img {\n  display: block;\n\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 100%;\n\n  object-fit: cover;\n  object-position: center;\n\n  transition: transform 0.45s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\n}\n\n.german-gallery-item:hover img {\n  transform: scale(1.025);\n}\n\n\n\/* CAPTIONS *\/\n\n.german-gallery-item figcaption {\n  flex: 1;\n\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n\n  min-height: 61px;\n\n  margin: 0 !important;\n  padding: 12px 14px;\n\n  background: #0f2015;\n  color: #ffffff;\n\n  border-top: 3px solid #f59e0b;\n\n  text-align: center;\n\n  font-size: 13.5px !important;\n  line-height: 1.4 !important;\n  font-weight: 600 !important;\n}\n\n\n\/* PORTRAIT IRISH DANCING *\/\n\n.german-gallery-portrait > a {\n  height: 470px;\n\n  background: #0f2015;\n}\n\n.german-gallery-portrait img {\n  object-fit: contain;\n\n  background: #0f2015;\n}\n\n\n\/* PERFORMANCE LANDSCAPE IMAGES *\/\n\n.german-gallery-performance\n.german-gallery-item:not(.german-gallery-portrait) > a {\n  height: 470px;\n}\n\n\n\/* WIDE AMBASSADOR IMAGE *\/\n\n.german-gallery-wide > a {\n  height: auto;\n}\n\n.german-gallery-wide img {\n  height: auto;\n  aspect-ratio: 3 \/ 2;\n\n  object-fit: cover;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   CLOSING CARD\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-closing-callout {\n  position: relative;\n\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: auto 1fr;\n\n  gap: 20px;\n  align-items: center;\n\n  overflow: hidden;\n\n  padding: 27px 30px;\n\n  background:\n    linear-gradient(\n      135deg,\n      #0f2015 0%,\n      #1a3825 100%\n    );\n\n  border-radius: 16px;\n}\n\n.german-closing-callout::after {\n  content: '';\n\n  position: absolute;\n\n  left: 0;\n  right: 0;\n  bottom: 0;\n\n  height: 4px;\n\n  background:\n    linear-gradient(\n      90deg,\n      #181818 0%,\n      #181818 33.333%,\n      #dd0000 33.333%,\n      #dd0000 66.666%,\n      #ffce00 66.666%,\n      #ffce00 100%\n    );\n}\n\n.german-closing-flag {\n  font-size: 39px;\n  line-height: 1;\n}\n\n.german-closing-callout span {\n  display: block;\n\n  margin-bottom: 4px;\n\n  color: #ffdc52;\n\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 800;\n\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 1.3px;\n}\n\n.german-closing-callout h3 {\n  margin: 0 0 5px 0 !important;\n\n  color: #ffffff !important;\n\n  font-size: 21px !important;\n  font-weight: 800 !important;\n}\n\n.german-closing-callout p {\n  margin: 0 !important;\n\n  color: #cbd5e1;\n\n  font-size: 14px !important;\n  line-height: 1.6 !important;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   LIGHTBOX\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n.german-lightbox {\n  position: fixed;\n\n  inset: 0;\n\n  z-index: 999999;\n\n  display: none;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n\n  padding: 40px 90px;\n\n  background: rgba(8, 24, 15, 0.94);\n\n  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);\n  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(4px);\n}\n\n.german-lightbox.is-open {\n  display: flex;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-content {\n  max-width: 1200px;\n  max-height: 90vh;\n\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  align-items: center;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-content img {\n  display: block;\n\n  max-width: 100%;\n  max-height: 78vh;\n\n  width: auto;\n  height: auto;\n\n  object-fit: contain;\n\n  border-radius: 10px 10px 0 0;\n\n  box-shadow: 0 20px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45);\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-caption {\n  width: 100%;\n  max-width: 100%;\n\n  padding: 13px 18px;\n\n  background: #0f2015;\n  color: #ffffff;\n\n  border-top: 3px solid #f59e0b;\n  border-radius: 0 0 10px 10px;\n\n  text-align: center;\n\n  font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 13px;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n  font-weight: 600;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-close,\n.german-lightbox-prev,\n.german-lightbox-next {\n  position: absolute;\n\n  appearance: none;\n  -webkit-appearance: none;\n\n  padding: 0;\n\n  border: 0;\n\n  color: #ffffff;\n\n  cursor: pointer;\n\n  font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-close {\n  top: 22px;\n  right: 30px;\n\n  background: transparent;\n\n  font-size: 42px;\n  line-height: 1;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-prev,\n.german-lightbox-next {\n  top: 50%;\n\n  width: 52px;\n  height: 52px;\n\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n\n  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);\n\n  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);\n  border-radius: 50%;\n\n  transform: translateY(-50%);\n\n  font-size: 39px;\n  line-height: 1;\n\n  transition:\n    background 0.2s ease,\n    border-color 0.2s ease;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-prev {\n  left: 25px;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-next {\n  right: 25px;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-prev:hover,\n.german-lightbox-next:hover {\n  background: #dd0000;\n\n  border-color: #dd0000;\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   TABLET\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n@media (max-width: 1000px) {\n\n  .german-journey-grid {\n    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-performance {\n    grid-template-columns: 0.8fr 1.2fr;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-performance\n  .german-gallery-item:last-child {\n    grid-column: 1 \/ -1;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-performance\n  .german-gallery-item:last-child > a {\n    height: 360px;\n  }\n\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   SMALL TABLET\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n@media (max-width: 900px) {\n\n  .aen-news-article-modern.german-ambassador-article {\n    padding: 0 10px;\n  }\n\n  .german-news-header .modern-article-title {\n    font-size: 26px !important;\n  }\n\n  .german-ambassador-article .modern-body-pad {\n    padding: 28px;\n  }\n\n  .german-feature-grid {\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n  }\n\n  .german-lightbox {\n    padding: 50px 65px;\n  }\n\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   MOBILE\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n@media (max-width: 700px) {\n\n  .aen-news-article-modern.german-ambassador-article {\n    margin: 20px auto;\n  }\n\n  .german-news-header {\n    padding: 38px 22px 36px;\n  }\n\n  .german-news-header .modern-article-title {\n    font-size: 23px !important;\n  }\n\n  .german-header-pill {\n    font-size: 9.5px;\n    line-height: 1.4;\n  }\n\n  .german-ambassador-article .modern-body-pad {\n    padding: 20px;\n  }\n\n  .german-story-lead {\n    font-size: 17px !important;\n  }\n\n  .german-section-heading h3,\n  .german-gallery-heading h3 {\n    font-size: 22px !important;\n  }\n\n  .german-main-photo {\n    border-radius: 14px;\n  }\n\n  .german-learning-journey {\n    padding: 24px 18px;\n  }\n\n  .german-journey-grid {\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-grid,\n  .german-gallery-performance {\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-performance\n  .german-gallery-item:last-child {\n    grid-column: auto;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-item > a,\n  .german-gallery-performance\n  .german-gallery-item:not(.german-gallery-portrait) > a,\n  .german-gallery-performance\n  .german-gallery-item:last-child > a {\n    height: 245px;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-portrait > a {\n    height: 430px;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-wide > a {\n    height: auto;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-wide img {\n    height: auto;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-item figcaption {\n    min-height: 0;\n\n    padding: 11px 13px;\n\n    font-size: 12.5px !important;\n  }\n\n  .german-closing-callout {\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n\n    padding: 25px 23px;\n  }\n\n  .german-closing-flag {\n    font-size: 32px;\n  }\n\n  .german-lightbox {\n    padding: 60px 14px 30px;\n  }\n\n  .german-lightbox-content img {\n    max-height: 70vh;\n  }\n\n  .german-lightbox-prev,\n  .german-lightbox-next {\n    top: auto;\n    bottom: 18px;\n\n    width: 44px;\n    height: 44px;\n\n    transform: none;\n\n    font-size: 31px;\n  }\n\n  .german-lightbox-prev {\n    left: 18px;\n  }\n\n  .german-lightbox-next {\n    right: 18px;\n  }\n\n  .german-lightbox-close {\n    top: 15px;\n    right: 18px;\n  }\n\n}\n\n\n\/* =========================================================\n   VERY SMALL MOBILE\n   ========================================================= *\/\n\n@media (max-width: 430px) {\n\n  .german-news-header {\n    padding-left: 17px;\n    padding-right: 17px;\n  }\n\n  .german-ambassador-article .modern-body-pad {\n    padding: 17px;\n  }\n\n  .german-gallery-portrait > a {\n    height: 390px;\n  }\n\n}\n\n\/* Prevent lightbox caption flashing before image loads *\/\n\n.german-lightbox-content img,\n.german-lightbox-caption {\n  opacity: 0;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-content img.is-loaded,\n.german-lightbox-caption.is-loaded {\n  opacity: 1;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-content img {\n  transition: opacity 0.18s ease;\n}\n\n.german-lightbox-caption {\n  transition: opacity 0.18s ease;\n}\n\n<script>\n(function() {\n\n  function initGermanVisitGallery() {\n\n    var lightbox = document.getElementById('german-visit-lightbox');\n\n    if (!lightbox) {\n      return;\n    }\n\n    var links = Array.prototype.slice.call(\n      document.querySelectorAll('.german-lightbox-link')\n    );\n\n    var lightboxImage = document.getElementById('german-lightbox-image');\n    var 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{\n        closeLightbox();\n      }\n\n      if (event.key === 'ArrowLeft') {\n        showImage(currentIndex - 1);\n      }\n\n      if (event.key === 'ArrowRight') {\n        showImage(currentIndex + 1);\n      }\n\n    });\n\n  }\n\n\n  if (document.readyState === 'loading') {\n\n    document.addEventListener(\n      'DOMContentLoaded',\n      initGermanVisitGallery\n    );\n\n  } else {\n\n    initGermanVisitGallery();\n\n  }\n\n})();\n<\/script><\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea; German \u2022 Language \u2022 International Friendship Davitt College Welcomes German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill 22 September 2026 \u2022 Davitt College Castlebar A very special morning at Davitt College saw our school community welcome the German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill, for a memorable celebration of language, culture and international friendship. The German flag flew proudly at the front of the school as students and staff prepared to welcome Ambassador Gill to Davitt College, marking an important occasion for our German Department and particularly for the students who have chosen to study the language. Hosting the German Ambassador offered our students a unique opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience first-hand the connections that language can create between people, cultures and countries. German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill Official visit to Davitt College \u2022 September 2026 A Special Visit Bringing Language Learning to Life For our German language learners, welcoming a guest of Ambassador Gill&#8217;s stature was a tremendous privilege. His visit highlighted the vibrant role that German language and culture play within Davitt College and gave students a genuine real-world connection to the language they encounter every day in their studies. Rather than simply being spectators, our students were at the heart of the occasion, taking an active role in welcoming the Ambassador and sharing their own experiences of learning German at Davitt College. Deutsch am Davitt College From First Words to Leaving Certificate Students from across the school shared their language-learning journeys, giving Ambassador Gill an opportunity to see the progression of German at Davitt College. 1 First Year Beginning the Journey Building confidence with the foundations of a new language and discovering German culture. 2 Junior Cycle Growing in Confidence Developing vocabulary, communication skills and an increasing ability to use German independently. 3 Senior Cycle Language in Action Building fluency, cultural understanding and the confidence to communicate for real purposes. 4 Leaving Certificate Leading the Occasion Our Leaving Certificate students stepped forward as the main speakers, helping to lead this special event. Student Voice Students at the Heart of the Welcome Our Leaving Certificate German students took a leading role in the ceremony, acting as the main speakers and demonstrating the confidence and advanced language skills they have developed during their years at Davitt College. They were joined by students from across the year groups, who shared their own experiences of learning German. Together, they allowed Ambassador Gill to witness the progression of language learning in our school \u2014 from the first steps taken by our youngest learners through to the accomplished communication of our Sixth Year students. More Than a Language Language. Culture. Connection. DE Language Communication Learning German gives students the confidence to communicate beyond their own language and engage with a wider world. &#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea; Culture Understanding Language learning opens a window into another culture, its people, traditions and perspectives. &#x1f91d; Connection Friendship Experiences such as this remind students that languages create genuine connections between people and countries. Ambassador Gill&#8217;s visit was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enthusiasm, confidence and commitment of our German students while recognising the importance of language learning in an increasingly connected world. We were incredibly proud to showcase the talent, warmth and hospitality of the students and staff of Davitt College, and we sincerely thank Ambassador Gill for taking the time to visit our school and engage so warmly with our students. &#x1f4f8; Visit Highlights A Special Day at Davitt College Moments from Ambassador David Gill&#8217;s visit and the special programme prepared by students and staff to mark the occasion. Principal Conor O&#8217;Reilly addresses the gathering Traditional Irish musicians welcome our special guest Special Irish dancing performance Students address Ambassador Gill in German Sharing their German language-learning journey German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill Cathaoirleach Ger Deere, Ambassador David Gill and Councillor Blackie Gavin Ambassador Gill with German teachers Maria Carey, Kayleigh Walsh and Geraldine Clinton Ambassador Gill with Principal Conor O&#8217;Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones Ambassador David Gill with German teacher Maria Carey Ambassador David Gill with German teachers Kayleigh Walsh and Maria Carey Ambassador David Gill with Principal Conor O\u2019Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones Ambassador David Gill with Carmel Flynn, who baked a special cake to mark the occasion &#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea; Ein besonderer Tag f\u00fcr Davitt College Vielen Dank, Herr Botschafter! A memorable celebration of language, culture and international friendship at Davitt College. \u00d7 \u2039 \u203a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":35133,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_angie_page":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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Gallagher","author_link":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/author\/dgallagher\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/category\/academic-curriculum\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Academic &amp; Curriculum<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/category\/core-news-information\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Core News &amp; Information<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/category\/academic-curriculum\/humanities-language\/german\/\" rel=\"category tag\">German<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/category\/academic-curriculum\/humanities-language\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Humanities &amp; Language<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/category\/school-life-culture-achievements\/official-visits\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Official Visits<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/category\/academic-curriculum\/humanities-language\/politics-society\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics &amp; Society<\/a> <a 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The&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35089","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35089"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35089\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35176,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35089\/revisions\/35176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}