College principal tells of pride in the students

St Brendan’s College Leaving Certificate students Mark Sheahan, Craig Boyle O’Sullivan, Ronan Buckley and, at back, Darragh Cremins and Cillian Hickey.
Pictures: Michelle Cooper Galvin

THE principal of St Brendan’s College in Killarney said the school is extremely proud of the great achievements and potential of the students currently finalising their revision for the rapidly approaching Leaving Cert exams.

Seán Coffey thanked the class of 2021 for their contribution to the school throughout their time there and he wished them well as they approach their examinations and the next exciting stage in their lives.

Thomas and Seamus Connelly, Sean O’Sullivan and Conor Dennehy at their graduation day celebrations

In keeping with public health guidance, this year’s graduation event involved a re-thinking of the process of marking the culmination of six years of second level for the students involved.

The students themselves organised a range of activities for the day that was in it, including a competitive outdoor soccer league, a table quiz and an awards ceremony with various recipients recognised in a variety of categories.

Jack O’Connell, Harry Buckley, James Kennelly and, at back, Ben Flavin, Mark Sheahan, Oisin Walsh and Cathal Griffin

Mass was celebrated by college chaplain, Fr Jim Lenihan in the school chapel and the service was broadcast to the sixth year students in their classrooms. Head boy, Cillian Hickey and Mark Sheahan reminisced on their six years at the college, reinforcing the brilliant experiences they have had but how the pandemic limited so much of school life this year.

Michael O’Meara and Naoise Daly with, at back, George Griffin, Caleb Russell and Oisin Walsh

Principal Coffey and Year Head, Ed O’Neill, presented each student with a pack which included past pupils’ ties which will serve to bond the sixth years as a class group and symbolise their link to St Brendan’s College.

Following the speeches the students enjoyed an afternoon barbeque in the glorious May sunshine with photographs taken and memories shared among students and teachers of their time together.