RTE journalist gives workshop in school

RTE journalist Paul Cunningham is photographed with some of the students at his workshop in Colaiste Ide agus Iosef on being a war correspondent. The workshop provoked very interesting discussion and feedback. The workshop on Tuesday was part of the Fresh Film Festival. Student journalist Hannah McAuley interviewed Paul on life as journalist for the school yearbook.

Over 2,000 experience summer nights in Abbeyfeale

Over 2,000 experience Summer Nights in Abbeyfeale

BY  HANNAH  MCAULEY  AND  KEELY  WHITE

On Thursday and Friday the 9^th and 10^th of March, all 75 Transition Year pupils of Coláiste Íde agus Iosef came together to present their musical ‘Summer Nights’ based off the hit movie ‘Grease’ . The musical was directed and choreographed by Honor Hurley of Siamsa Tíre while Nan Howard directed the music. The show took place in the specially transformed school gym hall. Over the course of four performances, including two matinées for local primary school children and a sold-out Friday night show, the Transition Years performed for over two thousand people.

Auditions for lead roles took place in mid-October with the cast being announced in late November. Intense rehearsals began in January, directly after the Christmas break. Following months of dedicated rehearsals, which included sacrificing a day of mid-term, spending countless classes practicing songs and dances, and staying well past school hours, the cast and crew put on their musical to rave reviews from both the school and wider community of Abbeyfeale and the surrounding townlands.

Most students performed onstage while others worked hard backstage to prepare the sets and props. These students were also instrumental in the success of the production, as was the many teachers who helped with putting the production together.

When asked about their experience, all students were enthusiastic about the play:

“[The play was] definitely the highlight of Transition Year. I wish I could do it all over again,” said Rosie Connelly who played Sandy.

“The show was the highlight of T.Y., it was a great experience,” Nick Cotter, who portrayed Danny, added.

 “It was something that we never thought we would have been able to do, but we did it together and it was so much fun!” Ava Roche, who played Frenchy, told us.

“The best experience of the year by far,” Aoife Foley, a dancer, added.

 “The musical was been the highlight of the year so far. Everybody had a great time and I am so happy to have been involved in it,” Hannah McAuley, who played Ms. Lynch, said.

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, you got the best buzz from it,” Cillian Pegley, who portrayed Roger, exclaimed.

The Transition Year co-ordinator, Con Healy, was also very enthusiastic about the production and complimentary of the students involved;

“The Transition Year production of ‘Summer Nights’ was a wonderful occasion for all 75 students involved along with their school community,” he said. “The commitment and work rate of each student was second to none and was clearly evident in their performances in two matinées and two evening shows.”

“This entire process has proved to be a great bonding experience for all students, where self-confidence and leadership skills have very clearly been enhanced. It is very rewarding to see students mature, learn and grow in an educational environment which they enjoy.

To the forefront for sports analysis

The second year of a partnership between Avenir Sports and Colaiste Ide agus Iosef has seen a number of students from the school assisting with the digital analysis of Limerick G.A.A teams, including the senior and under 21 footballers and the senior camogie team. This involves the recording and analysing of matches. The students have completed an in school fully certified course using the latest technology. They can also record and analyse school matches. Hopefully some of these students might pursue this as a career in the future. Any clubs interested in getting more information on this service can contact David Kenneally (Colaiste Ide agus Iosef) at 068 30631

Summer Nights in Abbeyfeale

Summer Nights in Abbeyfeale

The Transition year students of Colaiste Ide agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale, will be performing "Summer Nights" based on the hit musical "Grease" on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th of March at 7.30p.m.  This promises to be two great nights of entertainment. This year's musical is directed by Honor Hurley and features a huge cast drawn from the 75 Transition Year Students in Colaiste Ide agus Iosef. All shows will take place in a specially transformed school gym hall and tickets are available from outlets in town and the office at the school 068-30631