Taoiseach encourages 'confidence and self-belief ' during visit to Coláiste Choilm

Former student of Coláiste Choilm Deputy Tony McCormack was among a delegation that welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Norma Foley to the Tullamore school yesterday (Monday).

There, the Taoiseach and Minister Foley encouraged this year's Leaving Certificate students ahead of the year, and also observed progress on the school's new extension, which is due to open in December.

The visitors were welcomed by principal Tadhg O’Sullivan and vice-principal Gearóid O’Regan before meeting technology teacher Joe Molloy and fifth and sixth year students in the new technology room, which recently opened as part of the completed extension.

Speaking to students, the Taoiseach highlighted the growing importance of technology and innovation across the economy. He pointed to developments taking place in the MedTech industry and encouraged students to recognise the opportunities that technological change will create in the years ahead.

However, he told students that qualifications and technical skills were only part of the story, stressing the importance of confidence and believing in their own ability. He encouraged them to look out for one another, enjoy their time in school, and to believe they are capable of achieving 'more than they might think'.

Minister Foley recalled her involvement in progressing the Coláiste Choilm extension during her time as Minister for Education. She said that while providing modern, high-quality facilities was extremely important, it was ultimately the students and staff who made a school successful.

For Deputy McCormack, the visit had particular significance as a former student of Coláiste Choilm.

“I was extremely proud to welcome the Taoiseach and Minister Foley to my old school and to see first-hand the excellent new facilities now available to students,” Deputy McCormack said.

“My message to the students was to work hard and give their studies their best, but also to remember that the Leaving Cert will not define them. There are more pathways available than ever before to build a career and become whatever you want to be. I also told them to be proud of where they come from. Coláiste Choilm has a proud tradition, and Offaly is a very special county with talented people achieving at the highest level in all walks of life,” he added.

Vice-principal Gearóid O’Regan highlighted the recent achievements of former Coláiste Choilm student and golfer Stuart Grehan in the Walker Cup, pointing to his 'self-belief and determination' as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and confidence.

On its social media platforms, the school said the Taoiseach took the opportunity to chat with students about current affairs, the importance of looking out for one another, and the great work taking place across Coláiste Choilm.

'It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage directly with national and local representatives and a chance to showcase the exciting developments happening in our school', the school said.

Deputy McCormack thanked principal Tadhg O’Sullivan, vice-principal Gearóid O’Regan, Joe Molloy, the staff and students for the welcome and said the new extension and technology facilities represented 'an important investment in the future of the school'.

Last year, work began at Coláiste Choilm on a building extension to enhance its facilities and provide an improved learning environment for students. The project was proposed to add approximately 2,000 square metres of additional space to the school.

At the time, Coláiste Choilm principal Tadhg O'Sullivan shared that the new extension would include three general classrooms, a technology room with a dedicated prep area, two science laboratories with a shared prep area, a DCG room, an art room, and a multimedia room. Additionally, a two-classroom SEN base would provide specialised learning spaces to support students with a diagnosis of autism.