Latest news with #KillarneyCommunityCollege


Irish Independent
24-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
See photos as Killarney school holds their annual end of year awards night
The awards day at Killarney Community College has now become an annual tradition in the college and it gives the whole school community an opportunity to reflect on some of the achievements of the students. Awards were presented across a range of categories: academia, technology, culture, languages, leadership, ethos, sports, attendance and extra-curricular activities amongst others. Awards Coordinator Selma Dineen said of the day: 'The Annual Awards Ceremony is a cherished tradition that acknowledges the dedication, perseverance, and talent exhibited by individuals within the school community. It serves as a platform to honour remarkable accomplishments across a wide range of categories.' Throughout the afternoon, a series of prestigious awards were presented to deserving recipients who had excelled in various domains. Each award displayed the unique talents, achievements, and contributions of individuals who have made a significant impact within the school community. The LCA Student of the Year award went to Brian O' Connell. LCA Year Head Mr John Keane stated 'Throughout LCA, he excelled in every task, credit, and interview, showing dedication and excellence at every turn. His wit and good humour were a tonic for both classmates and teachers alike.' Dylan Tucker was voted by the teachers as the Student of the Year. Dylan was commended for his 'respectful nature, maturity, and down-to-earth spirit, he stands as a shining example to all. Always ready with a kind word and a warm smile, he lifts the spirits of everyone he meets.' The prestigious Principal's Award went to Laura Bradley. In Ms Loughnane's speech she stated 'Killarney Community College sees your resilience, your kindness, your steady presence. We see the way you navigate the world with grace and assurance. It is an honour to recognise and celebrate the incredible young person you are and the leader you will become.' Victoria Pierog and Grace Foley were presented with the award for Senior Living the Ethos. They were awarded this as they have been constantly involved in promoting the school ethos of 'Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion' throughout their years studying in the college. Other awards on the day included Sports Awards which went to Clodagh Moriarty who was awarded the Senior Sports Award for her excellent contribution to sports and sporting achievements. The Junior Sports Awards meanwhile went to Emer O Connell and Jake Coffey. There were a number of new awards this year including the Year Head award which was presented to Kerri Breen Riordan and Mateusz Pfister. Kerri was described as 'a vibrant, positive presence in our school community, known for her ever-present smile, bubbly personality, and boundless enthusiasm'. Mateusz was the second recipient of the Year Head award as 'Over his five years at Killarney Community College, he has demonstrated exceptional growth, both personally and academically. ADVERTISEMENT On presenting the Awards, Principal Stella Loughnane commended all award recipients and the wonderful teamwork of the teachers and staff for the awards event. "We firmly believe that recognizing and celebrating achievements is crucial to fostering a culture of excellence and inspiring future generations," said School Principal Stella Loughnane. "Our Annual Awards Ceremony is a momentous occasion that not only acknowledges outstanding achievements but also motivates students to strive for their personal best. We are immensely proud of the winners and the entire school community for their dedication and commitment,' she added.


Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
High-achieving Kerry students win scholarships that will cover duration of undergraduate studies
Ruairi Bourke from St Patrick's Secondary School in Castleisland, Darragh O'Keeffe from St Michael's College in Listowel and Matthew Noonan Daly from Killarney Community College were each honoured at the All-Ireland Scholarships Awards Ceremony in University Concert Hall at University Limerick on Friday, April 25. Li Chen of St Brigid's Presentation Secondary School in Killarney and Orna O'Leary of Presentation Secondary School Milltown were also recipients of the scholarship award. The talented students will each receive €6,750 per annum for the duration of their studies, courtesy of the scholarship. The sponsor of the Scholarship Awards, JP McManus, was in attendance at the ceremony. Mr McManus said he was honoured to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of the 125 students who were honoured. 'To date, 1,924 students have received an All-Ireland Scholarship and 1,382 of those students have since graduated from university,' he stated. 'Today is a very special occasion for the class of 2024, their families, friends, and teachers. We wish them all the very best as they pursue their studies and university and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years to come.' The guest of honour at the event was Cuan Mhuire Bruree CEO, Sr Agnes Fitzgerald. The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Patrick O'Donovan, and director of skills, strategy and policy at the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, Graeme Wilkinson, were also present. The All-Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 and provide financial support to gifted students pursuing third-level education. ADVERTISEMENT The third-level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest-achieving students per year, with a minimum of two students from each county. The recipients must meet a further set of criteria, including attending a non-fee-paying school and be in receipt of a third level education maintenance grant from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) or be in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance in Northern Ireland. The scholarship offers full academic financial support for the duration of the students' third level studies.