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A large crowd gathered in the Michael Quirke P.E. building on Friday 19th of May for the St Ailbe’s Annual Awards ceremony, to celebrate the achievements of the student body over the previous academic year.
Some of the highlights included sporting heroes, students with perfect attendance, young entrepreneurs, the Peer/Friendship award, the ETB Core Values award, Leadership award, Transition Year and Academic awards and the prestigious Student of the Year award.
St. Ailbe’s Student of the Year Award went to 6th year student, Niamh Lonergan. Niamh is pictured receiving her award from School Principal, Mr. Ruaidhri Devitt.
Following a very busy year on the sporting front, which included teams in Rugby, Soccer, Basketball, Gaelic Football, Hurling and Camogie, Tennis, Athletics, Equestrian, Golf and Swimming, many of the students were acknowledged for their commitment and dedication in representing their school in one or a number of sporting pursuits.
From first years such as Darragh Hogan, Paddy Cavanagh, Taylor O’Toole and Bronagh Hennessy, to the major sports awards of the day, the sports personality award, which was won by Koby Quinn and Keeva Bailey Moloney, the school expressed its pride in all students who took part in activities.
Following on from this, the entrepreneurial award looked to reward Transition Year students who went above and beyond the call of duty, in identifying a product, developing it, marketing and selling it.
This year’s winners were ‘Sock-it Pocket’, a sports product marketed by the able trio of Abi Ryan, Grace Hogan and Katie Ryan. We might see them on the Late Late in years to come!
The Arts award, celebrating students who display an obvious talent in the Visual Arts and Literature, was awarded to 6th year student Jade Lyons and 2nd year student Erika Arra.
One of the most valued awards, the attendance prize, was presented to a very large number of students for their perfect attendance. These included first year Sarah Ryan, second year Joshua Coppens, third year Molly O’Sullivan, fifth year Katelyn Beary and 6th year Eliza Ullah.
Next up was the Peer/Friendship award, which is organised and supported by the Parents Council. It’s aim is to encourage and foster companionship and loyalty amongst the students of St. Ailbe’s.
Ms. Roisin Kiely, representing the Parents Council, awarded the accolade to Keeley Ryan and Jayden Hanrahan from first year, Katelyn Ryan second year, Gavin Nugent third year, Rhys Dillon TY, Bendeguz Kovacs-Plesko 5th year and Jade Lyons 6th year.
Each student was nominated by their year group as students who demonstrated the above virtues on a daily basis. The ETB Core Values award has become one of the highlights of the awards ceremony in recent times.
The recipients are nominated by the staff for representing the values of the school; excellence, respect, equality, care and the importance of community. This year’s junior prize went to the very capable Betty L’Herrou, while 6th year Abbie Shannon took home the senior honour.
Towards the conclusion of the ceremony, St. Ailbe’s honoured one student from each year to celebrate their marvellous academic achievements throughout the year.
In first year, the award went to Emma Ryan, while Gaddiel Del Rosario claimed the second year award. The third year award went to Caoimhe Sexton, while Harry Looby was winner of the Best Junior Certificate from the previous year. Amelie Lang was awarded top spot in fifth year, while Abi Ryan and Mollie Moore were presented by their TY year head, Ms. Long, with their Transition Year Student Award. Both girls were well deserving recipients this year.
Finally, following two weeks of thought and debate, our 2024 Student of the Year was announced.
The St. Ailbe’s staff came to the conclusion that 6th year student, Niamh Lonergan, was a very worthy recipient, displaying the traits of consistency, resilience, commitment, high standards and care for others.
The school views many of these characteristics as the foundation for such a prestigious award. St. Ailbe’s would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Niamh, whose family we know will be very proud of her.
Finally, St. Ailbe’s would like to thank all their students and families for being part of another special year in the life of our school and look forward to another successful year in 2024/25.
