MAYOR of Kerry Cllr Niall Kelleher advised students at his alma mater to be the best they can be in life and to never give up on their dreams.
He was the guest speaker at this year’s Student of the Year Awards and he delivered a rousing address, encouraging all students that if they find something they don’t like in life, or come across a situation they are not happy with, then do something about it.
The mayor attended Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore between 1998 and 2002 – the new school’s first year following amalgamation – and he became head prefect. He was later appointed to the school’s board of management.
Cllr Kelleher, who joined principal Denis Kerins on the awards podium, encouraged the students to be the best they can be and to take action when they encounter things they don’t agree with in life and not leave it to others to do something about it.
“Maybe that person others rely on to do something about it can be you. If we play a part, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, then life will be better all around. We all need to do something about it,” the mayor said.
“Not everybody can land on the moon – but we can all reach for the stars. I would encourage you all to be ambitious and, remember, education is the most powerful weapon you can use to make a difference.
“There are no limits to success just like there are no limits to your dreams,” Mayor Kelleher added.
Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra is a modern co-educational secondary school established in 1998 with the amalgamation of St Mary’s Presentation Convent Secondary School and Rathmore Vocational School.
Picture: Eamonn Keogh
This year’s award recipients were:
Leaving Certificate Student of the Year: Michelle Brosnan.
Academic Excellence in the Leaving Cert: Elisha Hanrahan, Niamh Finnegan, Jessica Walsh, Caitrin Jones, Katie Buckley and David Dineen.
Junior Certificate Student of the Year: Joshua O’Sullivan.
Leaving Cert Applied Student of the Year: Shauna McElligott.
Transition Year Student of the Year: Liam McSherry.
Exceptional Excellence in Activities Outside of School: Yasmin O’Brien and Chloe McCarthy. (camogie) and Tara O’Leary and Caoimhe Guerin Crowley (basketball).
Enterprise Award: Liam McSherry and Danny Finnegan.
Spirit of the Community: Elaine Nagle, Ava Harty and Cathal Bradley (Lourdes volunteers).
Endeavour Award: Ben Murphy (cycling).
Sliabh Luachra Arts Award: Seán Burke O’Donoghue (youth parliament).
Outstanding Achievement in School Sports: Danielle O’Leary (football), Tara O’Leary and Ciara Hickey (basketball) and Owen Fitzgerald (on behalf of the boy’s senior football team).
STEM Award: Katie Shields (science).
Spirit of the School Award: Eabha Dwyer and Jake Fleming.
Sporting Excellence: Paul O’Leary (swimming).
Active Citizenship: LCA students with Sliamb Luachra Men’s Sheds.
Creative Award: James Darmody, Daniel Herlihy and Ian O’Connor (Adhmad Timber Crafts).
Áine Casey Memorial Trophy: Cian Sheehan.
Paud O’Leary Memorial Trophy: Under 14 boys’ basktballers.
Innovation Award: Daniel Collins, James Darmody, Daniel Herlihy and Luke Tyndall (TY-related activity).
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