Coláiste Choilm holds Kearney Awards 2012

Coláiste Choilm's annual Kearney Awards night was held in the new school on Saturday, November 12. With the new school on view it was a very joyous special occasion and the school was delighted to have last year's Leaving Certificate students back among them again to receive their awards and to catch up on the latest news. The Kearney Awards Night is a very important tradition, organised by the Parents Association and sponsored by Tullamore Credit Union, at which the school acknowledges the academic achievement of its students in the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate exams. Fr Patrick Donnelly, the school chaplain started the night with the celebration of mass. Following the mass Joe Geoghegan, the Chairperson of the Parents Association, welcomed the lads, their families, sponsors and guests. This was followed with a meal and the presentation of the Awards. The recipients this year were: Leaving Cert Kearney Gold: Gavin Clarke Leaving Cert Kearney Silver: John Brophy, both of these awards were presented by Mike Davis on behalf of the Tullamore Credit Union. Frank Wynter Award for Construction Studies: Ciarán Sheridan, this award was presented by Vincent Wynters in memory of his son Francis. Anne Ryan Award for Science: John Brophy, this was awarded by Seán Ryan in memory of his wife Anne who was a science teacher in the school. The Pat Carty Award for English: Cian Farrelly, the award was presented by Mr. McManamly on behalf of the Carty family in memory of Pat who was a former teacher and Deputy Principal in the school. The Conradh na Gaeilge Award for Gaeilge: Bobby O' Dea, this award was presented by Liam O hOistín on behalf of Conradh. At Junior Cycle Mike Davis presented the Gold Medal to James Lalor and the Silver Medal to Stephen Norton. Following the presentations Mr Roddy, Principal, congratulated the recipients, their parents, primary school teachers, secondary teachers and noted that it had taken a lot of hard work by all concerned to reach this level of success and that these achievements are at the very highest levels on a national basis. Gavin Clarke responded on behalf of his fellow students and asked that everyone present observe a moment of silence for two of the students who passed away during the year. A very nice aside on the night was when Brendan Clarke, Gavin's father produced the Kearney Gold Medal that he won in 1969, a little history and tradition of their own.