UL history competition

Four students from Colaiste Ide agus Iosef received prizes last week for their winning entry in a 1916 Centenary Film Documentary Competition, a national competition, organised by University of Limerick History Department. 

The judges commented  that "The winning film ‘Women of the Rising: A Detailed Account of the Life of Countess Markievicz’ (1868-1927) not only gives us a measured account of her biography, but, nine decades after the death of Countess Markievicz, it also draws attention to the prominent role many women (and not just those from Irish elite society), played in Irish politics and in the Easter Rising whether as individuals or in organisations such as Cumann na mBan."

The presentation took place in the Special Collections section at the Glucksman Library, UL. Prof Anthony McElligott gave the presentation address, followed by the prize giving ceremony performed by Assistant Dean Michael J. Griffin. The winners were Sarah Cusack, Katelyn Broderick, Sarah Delaney and Amy Browne (who was unable to attend the prize-giving). The students were accompanied by their teacher Mr Shane Curtin and Principal Mr Liam Murphy.

Last year the nation commemorated and celebrated the centenary of the Easter Rising 1916, in which the Department of History at UL took an active role, locally, regionally and nationally. A particular highlight of their activities was the organisation of a national symposium in November by Dr Vincent O’Connell: examining the changing interpretation of the two seminal events of 1916 in Irish and British history; The Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme. ‘In the Name of Future Generations: Approaches to the Meaning of 1916 in 2016’. As part of their prize, a member of the winning Abbeyfeale team, Sarah Cusack opened the symposium in St Mary's Cathedral. 

Photo above shows

Prof Anthony McElligott (Head of Department of History at UL), Mr Liam Murphy (Principal, Colaiste Íde agus Iosef), Dr Michael J. Griffin (Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, AHSS) and Dr Vincent O'Connell (Department of History, UL) with Sarah Cusack, Katelyn Broderick, Sarah Delaney at the recent awards ceremony for the 1916 Centenary Film Documentary Competition.

The school's award also made it into the University of Limerick newsletter

Leaving Cert Graduation 2017

"Pathways to the Future" was the theme of this year's Leaving Certificate Graduation ceremony in Colaiste Ide agus Iosef. Joined by their parents, friends and members of the wider school community the Leaving Cert students marked their final day in the community college with a special ceremony. The ceremony commenced with previous Ceannaire from the school speaking and this was followed by a mass. 

Principal Liam Murphy, in his address to the Leaving Certificate students wished them the best of luck in their exams. He said it was important for students to retain a sense of perspective and to do their best.

He invoked the words of tennis legend Arthur Ashe when he addressed the students,

‘Start where you are

Use what you have

Do what you can’

Mr. Murphy complimented the students on the theme of their graduation which was “Pathways to the future”

He remarked that it was a thoughtful and memorable theme.  He wished the students well on their new paths quoting John F Kennedy whose 100^th birthday anniversary is on May 29^th of this week.

‘Change is the natural law of life and

those who look only to the past or

present are certain to Miss the future’

He concluded by thanking the parents and teachers for their support of the students over the course of their time in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef as he wished the students every success in their exams and future career choices.

Each student was then presented with their graduation certificate before the final awards were presented. This year for the first time, four Peer awards were given for students who their peers had recognised for special contribution. A special guest of honour at the ceremony was Ms Sadie McGarry who presented the Award named after her daughter, The Sarah McGarry Memorial Award to sportsperson of the year Rowanna McNulty.

Day Care Centre Presentation

Students and staff at Colaiste Ide agus Iosef presenting a cheque to the local Day Care Centre. The money was raised following a basketball and rugby blitz in the school. 

Abbeyfeale win in Munster Post Primary Blitz

Two teams of footballers from Colaiste Ide agus Iosef participated in a Munster Post Primary blitz last week. The 22 footballers under the guidance of their teachers, Catherina O Callaghan and Julia Kennedy competed in the day long competition against 60 other teams from all over Munster.