Local Tipperary secondary school hosts inaugural awards ceremony
St Joseph's College, Borrisoleigh hosted their awards night recently
St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh were delighted to host their inaugural Awards Ceremony recently.
They say it was a wonderful celebration of their students’ skills, talents, and achievements.
The guests of honour were two former students.
Edel Ryan, a qualified radiation therapist, who has excelled in her field, spoke with great passion about her career but also pursuing the opportunities that life offers and following her dream to one day returning to the farm where she grew up.
She now shares her time between her job in Limerick and the farm.
Secondly, David O’Connell, the local pharmacist, is also a former student of St Joseph’s College, although not local to the area.
Not the most academic, by his own admission, he loved his time in the school and made friends for life.
He spoke of the opportunity to study abroad and ironically found himself back in the parish of Borrisoleigh, when he took over his own practice in 1999.
Both guests had words of inspiration to share with the students and were very well received.
The awards ceremony was sponsored by the Parents Council, who were very generous in providing all of the awards, thirteen of which were presented.
The first awards presented on the day were in acknowledgement of the success achieved by some of the school teams.
First Year girls' soccer and U15 girls' soccer teams achieved unprecedented success in their competitions, both under the management of Sean O’Shea.
Mr McCormack recognised the effort and success of the First Year hurling team.
The proud tradition of hurling at St Joseph’s College will continue well into the future.
The first of the individual awards were in recognition of sporting achievements.
Billy O’Brien and Micheal Collins were the worthy recipients, in recognition of their involvement in school county panels throughout the years.
Both are remarkable in their field and great role models for the school’s younger players.
The excellence in project work award went to Ava Seymour.
Across her subject range, Ava showed wonderful commitment to the standard of her project work.
The Outstanding Contribution to School Life award was presented to Aoife Kennedy.
Ms Cahill recognised her academic achievements, extracurricular involvements and her influence on our school community.
She spoke about Aoife’s ability to question in class, where her arguments were iconic.
She has represented the school in BT Young Scientist, concerts, choirs and debating.
The apprenticeship award was presented to Jack Ryan by Roisin Comerford, a member of the Comerford family, owners of OMC.
In his introduction Mr Collins spoke of the local family-run company who are sponsoring the apprenticeship award for the worthy recipient.
Jack has displayed great work ethic, strong character and was described as a good solid young man, easy to get along with.
The apprenticeship award is about promoting values and skills outside of academia.
Roisin spoke so positively about her impression of St Joseph’s College when she arrived and the wonderful things she was hearing about the students.
The Excellence in Sport Award was presented to Ronan Ryan.
Ronan has represented his school and club Nenagh Olympic in the athletics field for a number of years, excelling at local, provincial, national and international level.
Emer Moroney was the very deserving recipient of the Excellence in Music award.
Presenting the award, Ms Ryan spoke of how she plays with beauty, feeling and technical skill.
Born with musical talent, Emer spends long hours of practice which have transformed her into the excellent musician she is today.
The Excellence in Performing Arts award was presented to Keelan Chute.
His roll of honour speaks for itself; three-time world champion.
The Contribution to the Community Award was received by Aoife Ryan.
Ms Gorey described Aoife as a student who exemplifies the values of kindness, concern for others, and a willingness to volunteer.
She demonstrates passion and spirit that positively impacts the school community and the local community.
Throughout TY she volunteered in the primary school, the church ceremonies at Christmas and Easter, and has helped out at the active retirement club.
She demonstrates empathy and a positive attitude to junior students in particular.
A very popular choice for the Academic Progress award was Lar Stapleton, a character of charm and kindness, a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm since his first days in secondary school, he oozes positivity and warmth.
He has always displayed a willingness to take advice on board, apply changes, and strive to improve.
His future employers will no doubt witness his drive to improve, his consistency and commitment and most importantly how he treats others.
The Academic Student of the Year recipient, Maeve Healion, has impressed across all subject areas.
She has demonstrated excellence, but this award is not simply about grades.
It embodies perseverance, determination, motivation, curiosity and an outstanding work ethic.
She displays a calm, unassuming, and consistent manner.
The final award of the day is the Spirit of School Award.
This presentation includes a perpetual trophy, sponsored by our Parent’s Council.
This award will be presented each year to the student who embodies the values that Mr McCarthy championed, such as kindness, leadership, inclusivity, community spirit, and a deep commitment to the care and wellbeing of others.
It will serve not only to honour his incredible contribution to the school community but also to inspire future students to carry on his legacy, to lead with the same heart and integrity.
It is fitting this year that Mr McCarthy presented this award as it is felt that the recipient displays all the qualities that reflect our retiring principal.
Mr McCarthy called it the “just get on with it award”.
Orlaith McLoughlin is, in Mr McCarthy’s words, a student who doesn’t do fuss, has a great ability to work over the years, getting to know people, she is always inclusive and friendly to everyone.
He described Orlaith as a student who gets the most out of themselves, a girl who is a ray of sunshine with an inclination to always smile.
The final presentation of the day was made on behalf of the Parent’s Council to Mr McCarthy, by chairperson Clodagh O’Flynn.
She described Kevin as a steady, guiding presence at the heart of this school.
The parents wished to find a way to honour, not just in words but with something lasting, that reflects not only his work, but also who he is.
A symbolic gift was presented, one that is living, lasting, and rooted in meaning.
Clodagh and Chloe (Parents Council) presented Mr McCarthy with a royal purple tree, striking in its beauty and presence, reflective of his leadership.
Its vibrant colour stands out, not to overpower, but to uplift, much like how he led, not for attention, but always for the betterment of others.
It is also a tree of resilience, strength and quiet dignity, in Clodagh’s words.
She described Kevin as the calm voice, the steady hand, the catalyst for peace, understanding and unity in a growing, diverse school community.
In closing, Clodagh wished that the tree would grow tall and beautiful in years to come, a living symbol of the roots planted by Kevin, and the countless lives he has touched.
She thanked Kevin, with deep respect, admiration, and heartfelt gratitude, and wished him every happiness in his well-earned retirement.