17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
In pictures – St Peter's Wexford students prepare for next chapter following graduation mass and awards
Marking the end of their school days, Principal John Banville hoped some of the values that St Peter's College sought to instil in their students would serve them well as they move onto their next phase in life.
"As you get ready to leave secondary school and make your own way in the world, I invite you to take a little bit of the positives that I hope you experienced here and carry them with you on your journey,' he said.
"We value truth, honesty, integrity and justice. These may seem very loose terms to you now at 19 years of age, but believe me, those values never wear out. So, please keep your eyes open and look out for those who may not be as fortunate as you are – or for those who may be experiencing a particularly tough phase of their lives.
"Please don't leave anyone behind – be kind and lend a hand if you can at all.'
This was certainly something picked up on by Senior of the House, Scott Murphy, who wished his classmates all the very best in the weeks ahead facing into exams.
"Now, nearing the end, we are preparing to step out into the world beyond these walls. But as we do, we carry with us the lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the countless memories that will forever remain a part of who we are.'
Bishop Ger Nash celebrated the end of year Mass, assisted by Chair of the Board Fr Odhrán Furlong and College Chaplin Fr Billy Swan, all of whom wished the students the very best in the upcoming exams and for the future.
Following Mass, it was time for the awards. Teachers had a difficult decision to make in terms of overall Student of the Year with Niall Byrne, Niall Furlong, Scott Murphy, Harry Murphy, Robert Lynam and Eoin Mongan all nominated.
The eventual winner was Brownswood native Niall Byrne, son of Andrew and Barbara. It was noted that he is an exceptional musician, meitheal leader, student council member and is very popular with both staff and students alike.
The Colm McLoughlin Memorial Award, in memory of former student who passed away from sudden adult death syndrome in 1996, is presented to the student who managed the highest mark in science in the Junior Cert. This year, it went to Eoin Dean.
Eight students qualify this year for the Bishop's Gold Medal - based on achieving at least two Distinctions in their Junior Cycle Examinations. Gold medals were awarded to: Owen Crosbie, Billy Cunningham, Eoin Dean, Aaron Hosey, Cian Lehane, Oisin McCarthy, Fionn O'Connor and Rohan O'Leary.
Members of the student's council, meitheal leaders and the senior and sub-senior of the house were also honoured for their contributions to the school community.
This year's Disce Prodesse award for outstanding service to the school community went to Adrian Drwalweski, while Past Pupil's Union (PPU) achievement awards were handed out to All-Ireland coastal rowing winners Killian Lett McGuinness and Liam Bohan; Niall Corish who represented Ireland in World Kickboxing Championships earning a bronze medal; Graham Brady Rodgers who represented Ireland in the canoe polo world championships and pentathlete Páidí Kavanagh who has represented Ireland internationally.
The Fintan Cleary Perpetual Cup for achievements in music went to singer and instrumentalist David Kirwan, while Senior Sportsman of the Year went to Emmet Cousins, who won 7 Leinster swimming titles and has his eyes firmly set on qualifying for the LA Olympics in 2028.
In terms of sporting achievements, captain of the U19 basketball team Daniel Walsh was honoured following the team's promotion to the B competition, while there were also acknowledgements of the dedication of Senior Football Captain Rian Ormonde and Senior Hurling Captain Niall Furlong.
