Latest news with #ColáisteBríde
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
BBC Gladiators star presents awards to students of her former Wexford school
Opening up the Junior Awards was teacher Muireann Nagle, who commended the dedication and hard work of the students all year round. "We encourage them to be inspired to reach their goals, to realise their ambitions, to develop their natural talents and to work to the absolute best of their abilities.' 'Thanks to the high calibre of our students, and our strong work ethic, Coláiste Bríde has much occasion to celebrate. Once again, we enjoy the pleasure of honouring an exceptional group of young ladies,' she added. As such, they were greatly honoured to be joined by past student Lystus Ebosele, who made history by becoming the first-ever Irish Gladiator on the revamped version of the cult classic tv show. Gladiators is a high-profile sports entertainment show where members of the public battle against the show's gladiators in an array of events to win points. Contestants eventually dwindle down through a series of heats until the quarter finals, semi-finals, and grand final. Going by the name Cyclone, she wowed audiences and made an immediate impact by winning both her bouts against the contenders in her first episode. A undeniable role model for women everywhere, she encourages fellow women to be proud of their achievements. "It's OK to want to win, and it's OK to take up space and be seen,' she said. Introducing her on the day, Ms Nagle described how her star power was evident even as a young student. "During her time at Coláiste Bríde, Lystus stood out as a dedicated student, a natural leader, and a talented athlete. After graduating, she went on to study Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences at University College Dublin, combining her passion for science with her commitment to making a difference,' she stated. ADVERTISEMENT "At the same time, Lystus has continued to pursue her sporting career with great success. And now, she's become a household name as Gladiator Cyclone on the BBC's hit revival of Gladiators, impressing audiences with her strength, energy, and determination. We are so proud of everything she's achieved — and even prouder to welcome her back to inspire our next generation of Coláiste Bríde students.' Continuing to champion those around her, Lystus encouraged the students to take pride in the awards that are the result of their time and effort. "When you are getting these awards, it highlights your strength and the effort you have put into the work you do. It is this work ethic that will carry you through and help you read your goals.' Giving insight into her career, she said: 'I have lived many lives and the plan is to live many more. To just keep doing what inspires me and what my passions are. Everyone always asks me if I enjoy what I am doing and I genuinely do. My work does not feel like work and that is something i want for everyone.' Leaving the students with some advice, she motivated students to find themselves and to live authentically, highlighting how the journey forwards starts internally. Amongst the awards, Mr Martin's second year business class were recognised for the money saving app they created and launched, which has earned them numerous awards over the last few months. Furthermore, the staff introduced another award in honour of the Mercy sisters' contribution to the creation and longevity of the school. "Sadly, some years ago saw the departure of the Mercy Sisters from Enniscorthy. In recognition of the many years of dedication to education in the town, and in particular to Coláiste Bríde, we have a special award in their honour.' !The staff award The Mercy Cup each year to a third year student who they feel has truly embodied the Mercy ethos of love and service to others. The Mercy Cup Award will acknowledge a young woman who has met the challenge of living a life where Mercy values are lived and not just spoken,' she explained. This award was presented to Crystal Connolly. Hosted by teacher Olive McGuinness, the Senior portion of the awards began with the presentation of Junior Cert certificates and awards for outstanding results. Recipients of the John Paul II Award were also awarded – the award is a faith achievement for young people, particularly those in Transition Year. It's designed to encourage participation in the Church, community, and society, helping young people enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, and social development. One of the most coveted awards of the year is the Attendance Award, given to the student who has, at most, only missed one day in the entire school year. Mr Moynihan proudly handed the award to fifth year student Jessica Mitten. Former student Katie Prunty was also celebrated for her outstanding achievement in sport through her dedication to swimming. Over the past three years, Katie has also proudly represented the school with great success at the Leinster Senior Schools Championships. "Her accomplishments are a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and resilience,' Ms McGuinness said. As a result, Katie has also been awarded a scholarship to the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis where she will be studying nutrition and joining the university swim team in August. Rounding out the ceremony, was the final award presentation by Principal Keira O'Sullivan for Student of the Year to Lauren Doyle, who was recognised for the high honour.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford student's innovative money saving app wins top award
These awards shines a spotlight on schools making a real difference in social, financial, and environmental success and celebrates students driving change through fundraising, volunteering, activism, and mentoring. This year's ceremony took place in Croke Park recently and was hosted by digital creator, presenter, and teacher John Sharpson. The winners receive a cash prize for their projects with the following breakdown; €10,000 for the overall winning school, €2,000 for mixed/large groups, €1,250 for small groups, €500 for individuals, plus additional prizes. Coláiste Bríde were thrilled to receive the overall award for the Junior Small Group Financial for the saving app they created with their business teacher Josh Martin. The students initially received funding of €1,000 from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to promote financial literacy among young people in Ireland and decided to create an app called 'Money Smart Services.' It includes a savings tracker facility and also lots of information about a range of money topics such as currency exchange, tax, insurance, using an ATM, sustainability and much more. According to Mr Martin, the students have all been working tirelessly since November; spending some lunchtimes researching young people's money concerns, researching the most common topics, gathering information and then designing an app that is suitable and appropriate for teenagers. The judges commended the girls for their dedication to creating a comprehensive tool, complete with a savings tracker and essential financial information tailored for 11-15 year olds. The judges also particularly appreciated the apps focus on sustainability and their commitment to community outreach and extending its relevance to further groups. Speaking on the awards, Orlaith Ryan, chief customer officer at AIB, said: 'I want to congratulate all the winners of the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards. We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by schools and young people across Ireland through the AIB Future Sparks School Impact programme. These awards not only offer students a chance to engage in a new form of learning outside of the regular syllabus, but also inspire students to continue to make a positive impact on their local communities.'
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Talented Wexford actors impress in their production of ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan'
Written by Martin McDonagh, the tale is a dark comedic story centred on orphan Billy Claven, who is physically disabled, and is pitied by the local community. When a Hollywood film crew arrives on a nearby island, he sees an opportunity to escape his stifling environment and make a life for himself. A big and challenging element to the story is the cast of local residents who throughout the plot tell wild and exaggerated stories, a reflection of the islander's hunger for gossip and meaning outside the mundane perimeters of their everyday lives. Nonetheless, the young cast took it in their stride, perfectly encapsulating each character and standing out amongst the tall tales. 17-year-old Billy Stafford stepped seamlessly into the role of Billy Claven, having got into drama through Fintan Kelly's acting classes. Before this leading role, he played Padraic Pearse in The Plough and the Stars. A sixth year student in Coláiste Bríde with a love for the arts thanks to her father Fintan, Jennifer Kelly confidently took on the role of Helen McCormack in her third production with the company. Over the years, she has been in numerous short films and has various theatre credits to her name. Sam Doran was first bitten by the acting bug in transition year when he took part in an one-act play and now in his sixth year of secondary school, his love for performance has only grown with him taking on the role of Bartley McCormack – Helena's brother with a neverending sweet tooth. 14-year-old Mary, and sister to Jennifer, has had her fair share of onstage and backstage roles before assuming the role of mammy in this production. Despite her young age, she has previously worked in the assistant stage management of the Enniscorthy Musical Society's Happy Days as well as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. With an affinity for music, she is a strong guitar player who hopes to also learn the ukulele, harmonica, tin whistle, banjo and keyboard. From the young age of eight, 17-year-old aspiring actress Niamh Lawlor took her first steps onto the local panto stage and never left. Having participated in a number of theatre training programmes, Niamh was more then ready to perform her version of Eileen Osbourne, Billy's Aunt and local store owner. Joining her on stage was 17-year-old Ava Duffy who honed her crafts in The Playboy of the Western World and The Plough and the Stars before she assumed the role of Billy's Aunt who has a habit of talking to stones. ADVERTISEMENT Having over ten years of experience on stage, young Caoimhe was an excellent choice to bring to life the character of Babby Bobby, while 15-year-old Grace Boland encapsulated local docter, Dr. McSharry. Rounding out the cast was passionate Éanna O'Reilly, who used his love for Irish, music, literature, film, and drama, to embrace the role of nosy newsman Johnnypateenmike. And last, but certainly not least, no production can run smoothly without an expert stage manager working their magic behind the scenes. Anna Boyce proved her strength in making sure each actor shined without any technical difficulties. With her wide-array of passions in visual arts, acting, and music, as well as behind the scenes experience with the Enniscorthy Musical Society, Anna was in her element throughout the three night run.
