Our Story
2000-2010
New Horizons, Cultural Twinning & Technological Leaps
A Decade of Innovation and Global Connection
The 2000s opened new horizons for Davitt College, marked by international cultural twinning with German schools, award-winning student social innovation, and a major digital upgrade in IT and web infrastructure.
Culminating in the long-awaited approval and groundbreaking of our modern sports hall, this era celebrated incredible artistic achievements, national Futsal and GAA titles, and an unwavering commitment to student excellence.
Cultural Twinning
Establishing German school exchanges and Comenius partnerships.
National Honors
All-Ireland titles in public speaking, Futsal, and YSI social innovation.
Tech Leaps
Launching our official website and high-speed broadband infrastructure.
The Hall Groundbreaking
Approval and construction kickoff for the €2M sports hall.
Explore the 2000s
Select an academic year below to explore individual milestones, historical photos, original stage productions, and athletic triumphs.
Staff Changes & Marie Rance Retires
Five new teachers joined us for the 2000-2001 school year: Henry Kenny, Mairead Padden, Tess Egan, David Loftus, and Orla Dempsey, while Marie Rance retired after serving since 1977.
'Grease' Staged to Capacity Crowds
Tommy O'Malley and Phil Duffy staged the musical "Grease" drawing capacity crowds. Stars included Emma Casey, Stephan Ryan, Thomas Langan, Sarah Jordan, and Denise O'Malley.
Indoor Soccer Champions & Australia Tour
The Senior girls team became indoor soccer champions and Paul Dempsey was chosen on the Connacht under-17 GAA football team to play in Australia.
Competitions Cancelled: Foot and Mouth
Unfortunately for the debating and public speaking teams, all competitions were cancelled because of the Foot and Mouth outbreak.
'How the West Wasn't Won' (March 2002)
Staged in March 2002 by Tommy O'Malley & Phil Duffy, starring John Fadden (Butch), Clare O'Mahoney (Belle), Derek Hopkins (Suntan Kid), Brian Costello (Wyatt Kid), and Shane Lawless (Doc).
U18 Boys Soccer Connacht Cup Champions
The U18 boys soccer team claimed the prestigious Connacht Cup championship title.
Davitt College Launches Website
Davitt College officially launched its digital presence on the web, connecting the school community online.
Senior Boys Connacht Final Soccer
Senior boys played in the Connacht soccer final, narrowly defeating Calasanctius College Oranmore 2–1.
'Guys and Dolls' Musical Production
Staged by Tommy O'Malley and Phil Duffy, delivering another hit theatrical performance.
Soroptimist BPW All-Ireland Champions
N. Bourke, L. Swift, and K. Walsh won the 2003 All-Ireland title in public speaking.
European Studies Competition 1st Prize
Scooped first prize across all 32 counties in Ireland, earning a trip to France to take part in a major Youth Conference with delegates from France, Sweden, Italy, Germany, and Hungary.
Realschule Hochstadt Twinning Established
School twinning established in Sept 2002 with Realschule Hochstadt in Bavaria, southern Germany, following a teacher delegation visit.
130 Graduates & Staff Exceeds 50
130 Leaving Certificate students graduated in June 2004, and the school staff grew to over 50 members.
'God Bless Archie Dean' Musical
Written by Peter Kennedy, produced by Tommy O'Malley & Phil Duffy, featuring Peter Mulligan (Archie), Richard Loftus (Toby), Caitriona Walsh (Stella), and Brian McAndrew (Nathan).
Mentoring Programme Launched
Introduced in partnership with Foróige youth officers Peter Duffy and Stephen Bourke, pairing TY mentors with First Year mentees to ease the transition into secondary school.
YSI Irish Youth Foundation National Winners
Transition Year students won the National Award at the Young Social Innovators Competition for their project 'Teen Spirit', guided by teacher Bernie Rowland and Principal Patsy Noone.
Coca-Cola Form & Fusion Design Awards
Transition Year students showcased creative talent by participating in the national Coca-Cola Form & Fusion Design Awards.
'Tin Pan Ali' Musical Staged
Produced by David Nevin, Aidan Brogan, Deirdre Gibbons, and Edel Mullin.
Choral Singing & Drama Pilot for First Years
Introduced on a pilot basis for first years under teacher Mairead Padden, culminating in a successful Christmas carol night for parents and staff.
Civic-Link Trip & Hochstadt Return Visit
Students visited Dromore High School (Co. Down) via Civic-Link with Mr. Swift & Ms. Britton, and welcomed 19 pupils and 2 teachers from Realschule Hochstadt in June 2004.
International Mathematical Olympiad Training
TY student Gerard Moran was selected to participate in the training programme for the International Mathematical Olympiad at NUI Galway and Maynooth.
Ian Durkin Wins Connacht Hurdles Record
Ian Durkin won the Connacht Colleges championship hurdles in record-breaking time.
Principal Succession: Patsy Noone & Ioseph McGowan
Patsy Noone retired after 19 years as Principal (and teaching since 1966), succeeded by Ioseph McGowan as Principal.
Ioseph McGowan Appointed Principal
Ioseph McGowan took office as Principal on September 1st, having previously taught Economics and served as TY Coordinator since 1989.
'Thank Abba for the Music' & YSI Showcase
Produced by Del Mullin & David Nevin in Feb 2006. TY students also exhibited their 'Lifewise' healthy lifestyle project at Citywest, Dublin for YSI.
Tribute to Joe Langan
The school community mourned the passing of former principal and VEC CEO Joe Langan, whose contribution to education in County Mayo VEC was legendary.
Michael Davitt Legacy Celebrations
Davitt College celebrated the historic milestone honoring the school's namesake.
MS Readathon Fundraising
Students raised €1,300 for MS Ireland, presented to John McDonald by Lisa Hyland, Siobhan Duffy, and tutor Bernie Rowland.
'Fame' Musical Staged
Produced by David Nevin and Phil Duffy, bringing high-energy dance and music to the school stage.
Alan Dillon Wins First All-Star
Former DC student and Mayo captain Alan Dillon won his first All-Star award in 2006 (and a second in 2012).
EYP Ireland Regional Finals
Ruth Callaghan and Marie Walsh received student awards for reaching the regional finals of EYP Ireland 2007.
Minister Mary Hanafin Approves Sports Hall
After a 27-year campaign, Education Minister Mary Hanafin approved the new school Sports Hall during her September 2006 visit.
School Completion Project Begins
The school completion project officially commenced to support student retention and engagement.
Ian Durkin Junior Boys 80m Hurdles (11.88s)
Ian Durkin won the junior boys 80m hurdles in an impressive time of 11.88s.
DC Radio Goes Live with Community Radio Castlebar
TY students went live on air on December 5th with Peter Killeen of Community Radio Castlebar, guided by English teacher Ms. Rowland.
MS Readathon & School Library Success
Junior Cycle students raised €1,000 for the MS Society of Ireland through the annual Readathon while utilizing the 3,000+ book school library.
BOI National Student Award Finalists
Caoimhe Geraghty and Leigh Burke were named finalists in Bank of Ireland's National Student Awards, recognizing performance in academic, art, sport, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Ladies Connacht Finalists & Senior Boys A Title
First ever Connacht Final appearance for the Ladies Team (captained by Sinéad Murphy). Senior Boys won the Senior A Vocational Schools title, and U15 Boys won the County A title.
Senior & U15 Boys GAA Squads
Squad photo celebrating the Senior A and U15 A County Championship successes under managers Mr. Nevin, Mr. Toland, and Mr. Hopkins.
Big Brother / Big Sister Mentoring Flourishes
With Foróige leaders Sarah Sheridan and Steven Burke, mentors and mentees enjoyed trips to Croke Park, Turlough Museum, and a county quiz in Claremorris.
Adi Roche Visit & Chernobyl Fashion Show
Following a visit by Adi Roche, TY students organized a sponsored walk and a professional fashion show at the Welcome Inn Hotel under teacher Ms. Carol Abel, raising nearly €2,000.
National Credit Union Poster Winner
Caoimhe Geraghty won 1st prize in the National Credit Union Poster Competition (14-17 years category), featuring in the 2008 calendar.
Major IT & CAD Infrastructure Upgrade
Expanded with a third computer room for CAD graphics, digital data projectors, and laptops installed across all classrooms alongside teacher training.
'Queen in Concert' TY Show (May 2008)
An energetic Queen tribute concert performed by Transition Year students on May 9, 2008, with musical direction by Phil Duffy.
Ray Moylette Wins European Boxing Medal
6th year student Ray Moylette won a medal at the European boxing championships and later secured world-class honors.
Irish Junior Maths Competition Finalists
First year math students reached the national finals, with Hannah McEllin winning first place.
Rachel Marovatsanga Wins Disney Trip
First year student Rachel Marovatsanga became the Children's Miracle Network Champion, winning a trip to Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Karen Students from Burma Arrive (Dec 2007)
Davitt College warmly welcomed refugee students from Burma into the school community.
U14 Boys Win Mayo First Year 'B' Championship
The First Year Gaelic Team won the Mayo Post Primary First Year "B" Competition for 2008, trained by Mr. Aidan Brogan and Mr. Niall O'Connor.
Órfhlaith Breathnach Wins EIL Award
TY student Órfhlaith Breathnach won the EIL Intercultural Learning Travel Award, earning a 10-day delegation trip to Hong Kong.
An Gaisce President's Bronze Awards
23 Davitt College students received their Bronze Gaisce Awards and medals at a ceremony in Breaffy House Hotel on May 15, 2008.
Public Speaking Gold Medal Plaque
Shauna Clarke and Órfhlaith Breathnach received the Gold Medal Plaque for Public Speaking from adjudicator Mr. Francis Brennan.
Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue Visits School
Visited Davitt College in April 2008 for "Oireachtas in the Classroom" with Junior Cert CSPE students, accompanied by Enda Kenny T.D., John O'Mahony T.D., and Senator John Carty.
Pioneer Essay Competition Success
Talissa Walsh placed Third in the Connaught Pioneer Essay Competition, and Seán Denning won First in the Regional Section.
Ian Durkan Wins BOI School Award
Ian Durkan (5th Year) excelled in the U-18 60m hurdles (2nd in Nenagh) and 1st place in Intermediate 100m hurdles at Connaught, receiving the Bank of Ireland School Award 2008.
Work Finally Starts on Davitt College Hall
Following a thirty-year wait, work officially commenced in September 2009 on the €2 million Joe Langan Sports Hall, marked by a turf-cutting ceremony with school staff, public representatives, and the Langan family.
Hannah McEllin Wins BOI Junior Award
Hannah McEllin won the Bank of Ireland Junior Award for academic excellence.
Spirit of Community Award
Davitt College was formally awarded the prestigious Spirit of Community Award for student volunteerism.
U14 County Champions GAA
The U14 boys Gaelic team captured the County Championship title.
'Reeling in the Years' Musical Production
Students performed musical hits spanning from the 50s to the 00s in an incredible theatrical showcase.
Noel Feeney & Rowshan Haji Win Sweetman Award
Won the Sweetman Trust Award for best results in Social Education in their Leaving Certificate Applied Examination, earning an annual trip to Strasbourg.
Comenius EU Partnership Agreement
Signed a multilateral partnership agreement with Holly Lodge Girls' College (Liverpool) and Istituto D'Istruzione Superiore 'V Moretti' (Roseto, Italy).
Aaron Donnelly Wins Trinity Entrance Exhibition Award
Former student Aaron Donnelly selected for an Entrance Exhibition Award by Trinity College Dublin while studying Medicine.
School Completion Service Continues
The South Mayo School Completion Project (SCP), coordinated by Sarah Sheridan with project worker Sam Giusti, continued to provide invaluable in-school and after-school support for students at risk of leaving early.
German Exchange Programme with Realschule Höchstadt
Organised by Maria Carey, Davitt College welcomed students and teachers from Realschule Höchstadt and Herzogenaurach in November 2008, followed by a return trip to Germany in December.
Partnership with IUFM in Montpellier
Davitt College established an educational partnership with IUFM in Montpellier, France.
U15 Boys GAA Mayo Champions
The U15 boys Gaelic football team captured the Mayo Championship title.
U14 Boys Connacht Futsal Finalists
The U14 boys reached the Connacht Futsal Finals in a fantastic competitive run.
U14 Girls All-Ireland Futsal Champions
The U14 girls team claimed the All-Ireland Futsal Championship title.
U14 Girls Win Tom Tigue Cup
The U14 girls basketball team won the prestigious Tom Tigue Cup.
Euroscola Programme in Strasbourg
On February 23, 2010, 25 TY students visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg to debate integration alongside 18 EU member states.
Shane Walsh Named All-Ireland Youth Volunteer
Shane Walsh was named All-Ireland Youth Volunteer of the Year at the 4th annual Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards ceremony in Cork.
Slovak Ambassador Visit & Principal Bernice Rowland
Slovak Ambassador Mr. Buzek visited Davitt College on May 17th to meet Slovakian students, under the leadership of newly appointed Principal Bernie Rowland.
Government Broadband Pilot Scheme
Davitt College was selected to participate in the government's high-speed broadband pilot scheme for schools.
Comenius Programme Final Stage
TY students completed the final leg of their Léargas-funded Comenius European project, following previous trips to Liverpool and County Antrim.
New Horizons, Cultural Twinning & Technological Leaps
The 2000s opened new horizons for Davitt College, marked by international cultural twinning with German schools, award-winning student social innovation, and a major digital upgrade in IT and web infrastructure. This era culminated in the long-awaited approval and groundbreaking of our modern sports hall, celebrating incredible artistic achievements, national Futsal and GAA titles, and an unwavering commitment to student excellence.
Milestone Highlights
- Launch of international cultural twinning with German schools.
- National-award winning student social innovation projects.
- Groundbreaking of the Joe Langan Sports Hall & major ICT upgrades.
“An education at Davitt College combines the best teaching, learning and caring environment for all students.
Step Forward to the 2010s Archive
Explore subsequent developments, modern campus transformations, and the continuing legacy of achievement in the next era of Davitt College history.
Explore 2010s Archive →