Carrick-on-Shannon Community School news

Reporters: Caoimhe Ffrench, Michael Fallon, Grace Collins, Aisling McFadden

Irish Debating
Our Irish Senior Debate Team competed in the Comórtas Díospóireacht An Phiarsaigh 2023 CRAOBH RÉIGIÚNACH which was the Regional Final on Monday, 6th of March. The Senior Team consists of Emmanuela Peter-Olabiyi, Jamie Corcoran and Callum Corcoran.
The motion they had to argue was “Ba cheart cosc iomlán a chur alcól sa tír seo” which means we should put a complete ban on alcohol in this country. The students and their teacher Ms. Niamh McCabe spent two weeks preparing for the debate and rehearsing their speeches. The debate was the highest standard I had seen so far in this competition. Everyone's pronunciation and communication were on point, and it was a very tough competition.
Unfortunately, they did not win but our team could not have done any better and we hope to see them perform again next year.

Fairtrade Fortnight
Tuesday saw a mighty turnout with local schools including Carrick-on-Shannon Community School and others displaying beautiful posters celebrating fair trade fortnight. They, with others in the procession, made their way down main street finally gathering in the market yard. Here they shared poems and music to celebrate the occasion. A huge thanks to everyone who helped in the organisation of this day. Hopefully this fortnight will highlight to people that every little bit goes a long way.

World Book Day
Thursday the 2nd saw great excitement around the school as students took part in a number of activities celebrating World Book Day. Congratulations to all the winners below. Who knows the next Heaney, Shakesphere or Yeats could be amongst you.
Design a Bookmark: Aisling Wyse (2nd year), Lucy Maloney (2nd Year) and, Sara Lubienska (1st Year) - joint places.
Book Review Competition: Charlotte White (3rd Year), Kara Cosgrove (3rd Year).
Six Word Story Competition: Katherine Paykosh (6th Year), Matthew Murtagh (5th Year).

Enterprise Awards
The day that all the transition years were working so hard for finally arrived on Tuesday the 7th in the Bush Hotel. The day of the County Final of the Student Enterprise Awards. In the days leading up to it hours were spent making the finishing touches to posters and projects. A huge well done to all four finalists. It takes courage, grit and determination to get a business off the ground and these businesses have it in bucket loads.
A special congratulations to ‘Strings n’ Things’ on winning a “Special Merit” award at this year's Student Enterprise Awards. Stay tuned next week for a special report. And a very big thank you to Ms Connolly and Ms Harris for all of your hard work with the companies this year.

Girls Football
Successful trip for our U14 girls team and their coaches Ms. Guckian and Ms. Byrne's on Wednesday who beat Glenamaddy CS. Well done and best wishes in your next game ladies.

World Cup Final
After the semi-finals in the Carrick Cup which took place on Tuesday the 7th, it will be France and Argentina who play in the final, mirroring the real World Cup final that took place in December. Germany and Brazil were knocked out in the semi finals, with Germany just losing on penalties after a close 3-3 draw. Brazil claimed victory over Germany in the play-off for third place, but congratulations to all teams who participated and made it this far.

Working 9 to 5
Our TYs are out in the big bad world this week on work experience. We would like to thank all the businesses and organisations that have yet again welcomed in our students. We are very lucky to have such a helpful community around us. We cannot wait to read all about it when they get back.

English Trip
There was no “Double, double, toil and trouble” from our LC English students this week as they set off to the Royal Theatre to see Macbeth. Nothing beats live theatre. Thanks to Ms Fallon, Ms Finn and Ms Walshe for organising the day.

Gigs and Reels
The TYs were very busy this week teaching the first years some Irish dances during their music classes. Great introduction to Seachtain na Gaeilge.