Wexford's Coláiste Abbáin celebrates vibrant school spirit and diverse talents with end-of-year-awards

Irish Independent

2 days ago

From first to sixth year, students were recognised for top performances across a wide range of subjects. Among the first years, Charlie Kehoe stood out with awards in History, Science, French, ICT, Visual Art, and Music, while Kelsey Furlong received accolades for English, Irish, and science. In the senior cycle, students such as Lauren Cullen and Conor Foley earned multiple academic honours, with Lauren excelling in maths, chemistry, biology, French, and Irish.
The Most Improved Student awards celebrated those who demonstrated exceptional growth. Ian Murphy (1st Year), Aoife Banville (2nd Year), Mathew Mullins (3rd Year), Riain O'Shea (Transition Year), Tiernan O'Brien (5th Year), and Conor Foley (6th Year) were honoured, alongside LCA students Conor Murphy and Sean Barron.
The top accolades went to the students who truly embodied excellence throughout the academic year. Emma Farioli Vecchioli was named Junior Cycle Student of the Year, while Philippa Coleman was honoured as Senior Cycle Student of the Year, recognising their exceptional academic records, leadership, and contribution to school life.
This year marked a landmark for Coláiste Abbáin's sports teams. The 1st Year football team won the Leinster final, while the Senior Hurling team captured the South Leinster title. The 1st Year soccer team also made headlines, winning the league and narrowly missing out on the Leinster title after a hard-fought final. Standout athletes such as Barry Sweetman, Morgan Nash Colfer, and Ella Fitzpatrick earned Player of the Year titles in football, hurling, and camogie. Erin Walsh also shone across disciplines, receiving awards in athletics and team sports.
In the arts, Lexi Rose Blanzy received the Senan Lillis Perpetual Musician of the Year award, while Philippa Coleman was named both MJ Booth Art Student of the Year and Senior Cycle Student of the Year. The school's Junk Kouture entry, Treasured Costs, was designed by Ava Kehoe and modelled by Ciara Czere, impressing judges with its creativity, sustainability, and impact. The Junior Craft Fair winners, Cian Murphy and Leon Ryan also earned recognition for their innovative Christmas wreaths.
Prefects and student leaders were also acknowledged, including Head Boy, Milo Farioli Vecchioli and Head Girls, Alyssa Kelly and Lucy Wise. The coveted Ethos Award went to Faye Hynes for embodying the school's values. Ava Kehoe and Alex Sheehan received the Transition Year and LCA Spirit Awards respectively.
Top honours included the Senior Sports Person of the Year awarded to Morgan Nash Colfer, and Junior Sports Persons of the Year jointly awarded to Mikaela Kavanagh and John Foley. Historian of the Year went to Eimear Doyle, while Gavin Ryan and James Delaney were named Agricultural Students of the Year.
The ceremony also highlighted contributions to school life beyond academics and sport. The STAR Programme acknowledged Traveller students across year groups, and the Meitheal team for 2026 was introduced, reflecting the school's commitment to leadership, inclusion, and support.
Coláiste Abbáin's Achievements Day 2025 was 'a true celebration of hard work, talent,' said Mr Dean O'Connor.
'It's our strong school spirit that makes the community proud. We'd like to congratulate all students, staff, and families involved in this year's successes,' he added.