Coláiste Naomh Cormac holds annual awards ceremony

Coláiste Naomh Cormac celebrated the achievements, talents and contributions of its students at the annual Awards Ceremony.

The event, which took place on Friday, October 23, opened with a welcome from Principal, Mrs.Victoria Guinan, who reflected on another successful year for the school and congratulated students on their dedication, commitment and accomplishments.

The school was welcomed past pupil Nicholas Lalor, Chartered Physiotherapist, as guest speaker.

Nicholas spoke to students about his journey since leaving CNC, sharing valuable insights from both his professional and personal experiences.

He encouraged students to embrace resilience and perseverance when facing challenges and emphasised the importance of having supportive friends and strong relationships throughout life.

Mrs. Guinan presented the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) Excellence Awards. The LOETB Excellence in Education Award (Leaving Certificate 2026) was presented to Lucy Fitzgerald, while the LOETB Excellence in Education Award (Junior Cycle 2026) was awarded to Anna McDonald.

The LOETB Excellence in Core Values Award (Leaving Certificate 2026) was presented to Chloe Perry in recognition of her outstanding commitment to school life through her involvement in Green Schools, Book Club and her consistent hard work throughout her time in CNC. The LOETB Excellence in Core Values Award (Junior Cycle 2026) was awarded to Cliona Mannion for her contribution to school life through Sci Club, Irish debating, traditional music and camogie.

Academic excellence was further recognised through the CNC Excellence Awards. Lucy Fitzgerald received the CNC Excellence in Leaving Certificate 2026 Female Academic Achievement Award, while Jack Flaherty received the corresponding male award. Anna McDonald was recognised with the CNC Excellence in Junior Cycle 2026 Female Academic Achievement Award, while Daniel Lambe and Joseph Breslin shared the CNC Excellence in Junior Cycle 2026 Male Academic Achievement Award.

The Mary Bracken Award for Creativity was presented to Karla Mannion in recognition of her creativity and contribution to school life. The Arthur Hynes Memorial Cup, awarded for contribution to the musical life of the school, was presented by Ms. Browne to Bláthín Dooley. Ms. Browne also presented the Fáinne Award to Jack Flaherty.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Gaisce Awards to 24 of last year's Transition Year students. The awards were presented by Marion Irwin-Gowran, with certificates presented by Ms. Hoctor. These students were recognised for their commitment to the President's Award programme and the significant personal development demonstrated through their achievements.

Mrs. Keating presented the 1st Year Entrance Awards to Adam Murphy and Roisin Gleeson in recognition of their exceptional achievement in the school's entrance assessments.

Students' commitment, hard work and positive attitude were also celebrated through the Merit Awards, with a large number of students receiving recognition from their tutors. As part of the Merit Awards, a draw for two €300 vouchers took place, with Yehor Chaikovskyi and Ellie Heffernan announced as the winners.

Ms. Sullivan presented Gaeltacht Scholarships to Eimear Monaghan, Saoirse Nugent, Rosie Hynes and Lucy Molloy. She also acknowledged a significant achievement for the school with the presentation of the Gaelbhratach flag, celebrating CNC's ongoing dedication to promoting, supporting and celebrating the Irish language and culture throughout the school community.

The Grant Engineering Award 2026 was presented by Mr. Meehan to Eamonn Molloy. The Yvonne Martin Bursary was awarded to Aoibhe Longworth, Lucy Fitzgerald, Jack Flaherty and Sinéad Gleeson, while the Nicholas Lalor Bursary was presented to Luke Bracken and Cian Dillon.

One of the most prestigious honours of the day, the Sr. Virgilius Spirit of the School Award, was presented to Gillian Hayden in recognition of her outstanding contribution to school life and the positive example she has set for others.

Sporting achievements were also celebrated. The Sportsperson of the Year Award (Leaving Certificate 2026 Female) was presented by Ms. Kinsella to Caoimhe Spain, while Mr. Kennedy presented the Sportsperson of the Year Award (Leaving Certificate 2026 Male) to James Hennessy.

Special recognition was also given to the school's North Leinster Junior Hurling Championship-winning panel, with forty-one students honoured for their remarkable success during the year.

Attendance was recognised by Deputy Principal Mr. Lyons, who presented awards to students for their excellent commitment to school attendance.

Daniel Bradley and Brian Leonard were acknowledged for achieving 100% attendance, while a large cohort of students received awards for maintaining attendance rates of over 95%. In the attendance prize draw, Brian Leonard and Alison Hussey each won a €300 voucher in recognition of their outstanding attendance.

The school community extended its congratulations to all award recipients and wishes them every success in the future.