Latest news with #StMary'sCollege
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wicklow student honoured for ingenious app that helps people manage diabetes
St Mary's College in Arklow student Sofiia Shevchuk with Dahab Sharaby (Teen-Turn Lead Mentor) at the Technovation Ireland Regional Pitch Event at AMD in Dublin. Photo: Robbie Reynolds Photography Sofiia Shevchuk, a third year student from St Mary's College in Arklow, received the award for her outstanding work in developing an app, SweetHealth, which allows users to easily track blood sugar, meals, activity, and mood in one place through smart AI technology providing personalised advice based on each user's data. The app also includes features like barcode scanning for diabetes supplies and accessibility options for users with vision challenges. Fourteen-year-old Sofiia was one of 65 app enterprise projects pitching at the event, which formed part of the global Technovation competition. As a result, Sofiia will be presenting her app at the global semi-finalist round later this year. As Sofiia explained, she was inspired to create the app after noticing how often people, including herself, underestimate their sugar intake, noting that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the percentage of adults living with diabetes has doubled from 7pc in 1990 to 14pc in 2022. 'After learning about the health risks of excess sugar, I wanted to create a tool that would make it easier for everyone to keep tabs on what they're consuming,' Sofiia said. Teen-Turn, an Irish non-profit organisation that provides teen girls the opportunity to gain hands-on STEM experience and support to acquire qualifications and jobs, provided Sofiia with support in developing an app for the first time for Technovation. Through a 12-week programme, Sofiia, along with other participants, received guidance from industry and academic mentors, learning skills in market research, business planning, and coding, to develop her app. 'Every session felt so uplifting and inspiring, filled with hands-on activities, lively group discussions, and genuine encouragement,' Sofiia continued. 'The mentors were always helpful, especially Yuri from Microsoft, who provided clear guidance and practical advice whenever I faced technical challenges.' Reflecting on the experience, Sofiia says she is now considering a career in science and technology, adding: 'I discovered how much I enjoy problem-solving and using technology to make a real difference in people's lives. 'In fact, the experience inspired me so much that I now want to study medicine at Trinity College, because I believe that we should help those in need and use our skills to make a positive impact on the world. 'Looking back on the day, a highlight was seeing the other teams' projects. It was inspiring to witness so many creative ideas and to learn from the diverse approaches others took. Being part of such an innovative community was truly motivating. 'After finishing my pitch and answering the judges' questions, I felt a huge wave of relief. Their encouraging words and positive feedback left me feeling accomplished, grateful, and even more passionate about continuing with my project.' When asked about her plans for the future with the app, Sofiia says she plans to add new features to the app and reach more users. 'I'm also looking forward to participating in more TeenTurn events and collaborating with others on new projects, such as developing an app for pregnancy,' she said. 'Looking ahead, I hope to grow my company and work with national government organisations to help supply medication to those in developing countries, because I believe everyone deserves access to essential healthcare. The experience has opened up so many opportunities, and I'm excited for what's next.'
Irish Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
AIL awards: Dan Goggin named Division 1A player of season
The former Munster centre Dan Goggin has been named as the Division 1A player of the season at the annual Energia All-Ireland League awards after a superb first season with St Mary's College. Goggin helped the newly promoted club earn a home semi-final in their first season back in the top flight after a seven-year absence. As well as his big ball-carrying and try-scoring exploits in his customary position of inside centre, Goggin underlined his value when moving to number eight for his team's run-in. The Men's and Women's Coach of the Year Awards went to Quenton O'Neale of Old Belvedere, the runaway Division 1B champions, and Jason Moreton of Wicklow respectively. Eilís Cahill from UL Bohemian was awarded the Women's AIL Player of the Year to augment her match-winning in the last play of the final against Railway Union. READ MORE The other divisional players of the year awards went to Nenagh Ormond's Kevin O'Flaherty in 1B, Instonians' Bevan Prinsloo in 2A, Wanderers' Jamie Kavanagh in 2B and Midleton's JB Du Toit in 2C. The Energia Possibilities Award went to Lansdowne FC, who recovered from a difficult start to win the Bateman Cup in January, which in turn was the launching pad to their surge into the semi-finals, where they lost 17-15 away to eventual champions Clontarf. Young Munster's Cathal Quaid was awarded the Community Hero Award for 2025. Along with many other jobs within the club, Cathal is the minis coach to the under-8s, assistant secretary, and was pivotal in structuring a pathway for the under-21s team for next season. The Ireland Women's team head coach Scott Bemand and Women's Scrum Coach Denis Fogarty, along with the Ireland Men's and British & Irish Lions Assistant Coaches John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman, were among those in Bective Rangers clubhouse to announce the recipients of the Energia All-Ireland League awards. Awards & Winners: Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division Player of the Year 2024/25: Eilís Cahill, UL Bohemian Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 1A Player of the Year 2024/25: Dan Goggin, St Mary's College Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 1B Player of the Year 2024/25: Kevin O'Flaherty, Nenagh Ormond Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2A Player of the Year 2024/25: Bevan Prinsloo, Instonians Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2B Player of the Year 2024/25: Jamie Kavanagh, Wanderers Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2C Player of the Year 2024/25: JB Du Toit, Midleton Energia AIL Coach of the Year Awards Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division Coach of the Year 2024/25: Quenton O'Neale, Old Belvedere Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division Coach of the Year 2024/25: Jason Moreton, Wicklow Energia AIL Community Hero Award Cathal Quaid, Young Munster Energia AIL Referee of the Season Dan Carson Energia AIL Possibilities Award Lansdowne FC
RTÉ News
01-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Dan Goggin and Eilís Cahill claim top All-Ireland League awards
Dan Goggin and Eilís Cahill claimed the top prizes at the Energia All-Ireland League awards on Thursday night. St Mary's College hybrid centre / back row Goggin was named Division 1A Men's Player of the Year, while UL Bohemians' final hero Cahill won the Women's Player of the year prize. The pair were presented with their awards at Thursday's ceremony at Bective Rangers FC. Former Munster centre Goggin was instrumental in his debut season for Mary's, taking the men's prize ahead of Conor Kelly from Clontarf, Jack Kelleher of Cork Con, and Lansdowne's Andy Marks. Having retired from professional rugby in 2024, the Limerick native pitched up at Templeville Road where he starred both in the centre and at number 8 over the course of the campaign. The Templeogue club narrowly missed out on a place in last Sunday's final after being beaten by Cork Constitution in the play-offs, but it was a remarkable season for Mark McHugh's side, who finished second in the table in their first season back in Division 1A. Cahill was named women's player of the year after capping off an incredible season by scoring the winning try for Bohs in Sunday's dramatic final against Railway Union. The tighthead prop was in lethal form for Fiona Hayes' side, scoring 18 tries in total which helped UL to a second AIL title in a row, and saw her pip Railway pair Caoimhe McCormack and Lindsay Peat, as well of Wicklow's Beth Roberts. Quenton O'Neale was named Men's Coach of the Season after guiding Old Belvedere back to Division 1A with a dominant 1B title success, winning 15 of their 18 games, while Wicklow's Jason Moreton was named coach of the Season in the Women's AIL. Women's Division Player of the Year: Eilís Cahill, UL Bohemian Men's Division 1A Player of the Year: Dan Goggin, St Mary's College Men's Division 1B Player of the Year: Kevin O'Flaherty, Nenagh Ormond Men's Division 2A Player of the Year: Bevan Prinsloo, Instonians Men's Division 2B Player of the Year: Jamie Kavanagh, Wanderers Men's Division 2C Player of the Year: JB Du Toit, Midleton Men's Division Coach of the Year: Quenton O'Neale, Old Belvedere Women's Division Coach of the Year: Jason Moreton, Wicklow AIL Community Hero Award: Cathal Quaid, Young Munster AIL Referee of the Season: Dan Carson AIL Possibilities Award: Lansdowne FC
Irish Independent
23-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wicklow student shares struggles with identity - ‘For so long, I existed in the in-between'
Born in Ireland to a South African mother and a Nigerian father, St Mary's College, Arklow student Divine Luke-Letlhake said that 'for so long, I existed in the in-between' as she delivered a moving speech about the puzzle of her identity and the three cultures, histories and perspectives woven into who she is. The speech came at a ceremony that crowned St Mary's College the first Wicklow school to be awarded 'Champion School of Sanctuary' status, which rewards institutions displaying the highest level of inclusion 'For so long, I existed in the in-between,' she said. 'Too South African for Nigeria, too Nigerian for South Africa, too Irish for either. The world wanted a single answer, a neat little box, and I had none to give. 'But then I found something different – here, in my school. A place where culture wasn't a barrier but a bridge. A place where my differences weren't questioned but celebrated. A place where I didn't have to prove my belonging – it was simply given. 'Here, I am not just Irish. Not just South African. Not just Nigerian. I am all of them, fully and proudly.' Intent on creating an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive, especially for students seeking sanctuary, a committee of St Mary's students and teachers signed up for the Schools of Sanctuary initiative – which supports schools in making inclusion a central part of their identity – in March last year. After enlisting the commitment of the whole school community, students and faculty set about threading the sanctuary message through the fabric of the school, embedding it in the curriculum and recognising all faiths, religious festivals and languages, with the sanctuary committee displaying a flag for each of the school's nationalities in a prominent place. Over the past year, the school has hosted a myriad of insightful and colourful cultural events and excursions, including a 'Wear Red Day' fundraiser in aid of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, and a hugely popular Culture Day, which saw 60 students share 39 different cultures through posters, flags, artefacts, videos, and traditional food and dress. As part of their remit to share the sanctuary message, students from a neighbouring school were invited, with St Mary's TY students recording interviews on the day before posting them on social media. ADVERTISEMENT In November, following devastating flooding in Spain, the school hosted a bake sale that raised €143 for impacted communities, with two of the school's Spanish students receiving a letter of acknowledgement from the Irish Red Cross. Marking a special day on its sanctuary journey, St Mary's recently welcomed visitors for their School of Sanctuary monitoring visit, which culminated in the award of Champion School of Sanctuary status. Hosting representatives from Schools of Sanctuary Ireland, teachers and students from a Champion School of Sanctuary, SETU and Carlow College staff, Sanctuary ambassadors, and Schools of Sanctuary co-ordinator Tiffy Allen, the event saw the student committee lead a tour, sharing the many ways the school celebrates inclusion, and diversity. Among the highlights of the day was the cultural showcase, which featured a vibrant flag parade, personal stories, poetry recited in various languages, dance, and a sharing of cultural traditions. Reflecting on the school's journey and its champion status, teacher Karen Fanning praised the school's commitment to the initiative, including the St Mary's Sanctuary team, which comprises 40 students and four teachers – herself, Goretta Rochford, Deirdre Dalton and Eimear Kavanagh. 'It was a proud moment for everyone at the school when we welcomed our guests for the Sanctuary monitoring day, where we were delighted to receive our Champion Schools of Sanctuary status,' she said. 'We're the first school in Wicklow to get champion status, and it's a big achievement for the school to get that. 'Once you become a School of Sanctuary, the next stage is getting awarded a Champion School of Sanctuary, which involves a monitoring day where a team from Schools of Sanctuary comes in, walks around and checks out if the atmosphere is one of inclusion. They look for things like if there are flags for all nationalities, and if there is an acknowledgement of all cultures and signs in different languages. 'The students put on a showcase for the visitors, which included students from other schools, parents, local politicians, and representatives from Ceist and the board of management. 'We have 38 nationalities in the school, so we had a flag parade. Some students spoke, including four girls from Syria who had to leave because of the war, with other girls giving little facts about their culture and a lot of them reading in their own language. 'The staff are immensely proud of their brave and talented students who took to the stage with confidence and pride in their identity. It was student-led and student-run, and they deserve so much credit. 'When we started this initiative, we didn't know what way it was going to go, but as the months have gone on, we've realised how much it means to the students involved just to tell their story and to have a space to be heard,' Karen said. 'Now, the ethos of the School of Sanctuary is embedded in all aspects of school life. It is reflected in our commitment to inclusion, welcome, and respect — evident in every classroom, during break and lunchtime, and throughout the wider school community. 'We have hosted so many fantastic events during this journey, and while big events are important and give students a chance to share their unique culture, our aim is inclusion every day, not just the big days. 'We want all in our school community to understand that all are welcome here regardless of their immigration status. This is not a short-term project, this is a culture we will achieve and maintain over time. 'We couldn't have achieved all this, or our champion status without the support of the entire school community. A big thanks to the sanctuary team and our principal Aidan Ward, who was fully behind the initiative from the outset and supported it in every way possible.'
