140 students from the eleven Tipperary ETB schools gathered to hear talks on a range of issues and topics relevant to the audience on the day.

Chairperson of the Nenagh College Student Council, Ciara McDonnell, welcomed the delegates and their teachers on behalf of the school with Cllr. John Hogan, Chairperson of Tipperary ETB echoing the welcome on behalf of the ETB.

CE of Tipperary ETB, Ms. Fionuala McGeever, set the context of ETB education and its evolution and development over the decades to the vibrant education provider which is the modern- day ETB.

Ross Munnelly, Director of Alumni Relations at Dublin City University, delivered a very engaging message on the myriad of opportunities available to school goers through higher and further education and the strong tradition of ETB on delivering Post Leaving Cert courses and back to education initiatives.

Marguerite Kiely, Pieta House, delivered a very positive message on Mental Health, awareness, and prevention.

The Keynote speaker, Dr. Niall Muldoon, gave an inspiring talk on the voice of youth and the potential to effect real change which exists within the youth of the country.

Tipperary Youth Services spent the next part of the day in workshops with the student councils working on a vision for the future of the youth voice in Tipperary ETB schools and a strategy for beginning same.

The Congress was brought to a close by Ashling Dunphy, a student of Comeragh College, the Tipperary ETB school located in Carrick– on-Suir. Ashling shared her experiences of her work in the local community and how a persistence and focus can lead to reaching your goal. She gave many examples of initiatives she has been involved in at local, national, and international level.

Reflecting on the success of the day, School Principal, Damien Kennedy spoke of the vision within Tipperary ETB for this forum for students which will enable all the schools to embrace the student body as true partners in the education enterprise more fully.

 
Congratulations to Dr George Cunningham
We in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré would like to congratulate Doctor George Cunningham who recently received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Limerick. George received this honour for the enormous contribution that he has made both as a historian and as an author to history in Ireland. George has spent his life preserving and creating books. His contribution to preserving local history in Tipperary and Clare is immense.
On Friday 13th of October first year students in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré were treated to a talk by Dr Cunningham. George has recently donated over 3,500 books to the library in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré. We are immensely grateful to him for his continued generosity. Furthermore, a unique collaboration is underway in creating an archive of local historical sources in Coláiste Phobal which will provide our students with an opportunity to contribute to local historical research.

Roscrea Minor Hurling Team
On Saturday the 7th of October Roscrea Minor Hurling Team won the Tipperary County Final for the first time in 33 years. This was a tremendous achievement by both the players their mentors. We in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré would like to extend our congratulations to all involved. We are very proud of our students who were involved with the team. Students from Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré (past and present)who were members of the squad were as follows: Graham Fahy, Fionn Ryan, Stephen Carey (Capt), Glenn Loughnane, Colman Treacy, Owen Tynan, Liam Seacy, Dan Ryan, Vladislav Bodrovs, Eoin Harte, Darragh Heffernan, Luke Seacy, Aaron Loughnane, Kevin Moore, Darragh Doyle and Conor Nolan. Well done to you all.

Tipperary Education and Training Board’s Annual Student Awards Ceremony.
Tipperary Education and Training Board held their annual Student Awards Ceremony in L.I.T., Thurles on Friday, 29th September, 2017. The awards ceremony is held annually to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the students who attended the post primary schools under the remit of the Tipperary E.T.B. Students are presented with an award and a certificate under the following categories: Best Leaving Certificate, Best Leaving Certificate Applied, Personal Achievement and Best Sporting Achievement. The awards are in recognition of the efforts of students, teachers and schools to achieve continuous improvements and excellence in their academic studies and personal development.
Students from Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré to receive awards on the night were William Cummins, Órlaith Ní Mhuireadhagh, Abigel Nagy, Cathal Nash, and Laura Walsh.
Laura Walsh received the award for Best Leaving Certificate Applied Student from Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré. Laura commenced her education at Colaiste Phobal in September 2012. From the onset she proved to be a dedicated student who worked hard to reach her potential. She displayed an excellent work ethic, being consistent in her studies and always meeting deadlines. The Leaving Certificate Applied programme provided many opportunities for Laura to demonstrate her leadership capabilities through her active role on the Student Council. Throughout the programme she demonstrated that she had an excellent relationship with all her teachers and supported her classmates whenever the opportunity presented itself. Overall Laura was an excellent student who took great care with all of her tasks and key assignments. Throughout her years in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré Laura was an absolute credit to her mother Caroline, the school and indeed herself. She was a most worthy recipient of the award and epitomised what the Leaving Certificate Applied programme is all about.
Abigel Nagy received the award for Best Leaving Certificate. Abigel started in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré in September 2011. From the outset Abigel committed herself to her studies. Even as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed first year, she had an uncanny determination to succeed and possessed a single mindedness that was admirable for her age. This determination grew over the years and the focus on her studies never wavered – she consistently received good results in her school assessments throughout her six years and performed extremely well in her Junior Certificate. Abigel is blessed with many talents. She is extremely artistic and was a major asset when called upon to prepare backdrops for our school musical. She delights in music and participated in many different musical activities. Our religion department welcomed the innovation and flair Abigel brought to the planning of our school liturgy services. She displayed diligence in everything she did and expected standards for herself, but was always modest about her achievements. Words like kindness, empathy, strength, good humour could all be used to describe Abigel. Abigel faced life every morning with a smile and teachers concur that “she was a delightful student to teach”. We at Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré were privileged to have Abigel as part of our school community for six years. She was the perfect role model for our students and we wish her health, happiness and success in the future.
William Cummins received the award for Best Sporting Achievement. During William’s six years in Coláiste Phobal he exceled in many areas with one of note being his badminton abilities. William started in first year as a beginner but improved at a rate of knots winning county titles for the Coláiste at the various age groups. He was dedicated to his sport from the start always willing to listen and attend training. As a result, he made great strides in the sport as he progressed through the school. He was always very determined and led by example. William was part of the division 1 All Ireland runners up team of 2015, in 2016 he was a member of the victorious All Ireland team and runner up again in 2017. On top of that success at club level William has gone from strength to strength working his way up through the ranks winning numerous singles, doubles and mixed titles. Throughout his time in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré William was an excellent student and we in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré wish him every success in the future.
Órlaith Ní Mhuireadhagh, Head Girl, and Cathal Nash, Head Boy for 2017, received a joint award for Personal Achievement for spearheading “Hope Week” in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré.
When the idea for a positive mental health week was rooted for January 2017 Cathal and Órlaith rose quickly and undertook pivotal leadership roles. Órlaith and Cathal chaired the weekly meetings as well as planning, organising and undertaking the administration work from September onwards. Taking on a new, unchartered project required grit, nerve and determination. During the “Hope Week” innovative activities like yoga, mindfulness, Fun Friday, a thought provoking talk from Finbar Walsh, acoustic gigs, Dreoilín sessions and free hot chocolate mornings ensured the week was a huge success. Indeed, the HOPE Group was awarded the Tipperary Garda Youth Achievement Award in recognition of their achievement. However, it was Cathal’s and Órlaith’s leadership throughout the week that impressed everyone in Coláiste Phobal. Cathal’s drive, encouragement of others and optimism energised the group; he was the perfect role model for younger students in the Coláiste. Órlaith’s thoughtfulness, steadfastness, perserverance and attention to the finer details ensured the whole process ran smoothly from start to finish. Both worked with courage and clarity which was in total keeping with the essence of what the week was about – bringing HOPE. What’s lovely about Órlaith and Cathal is that what they did – they did from the heart! They never sought any accolade or recognition and without them “Hope Week” would not have had such a powerful effect on our school community. Because of Hope Week, many of our students are taking steps to mind their mental health. Because of Órlaith and Cathal, our College learned the lesson that heart-warming things happen when good people come together.

Congratulations to Abigel, Cathal, Laura, Órlaith and William on your awards. Everyone in Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré is very proud of all your achievements and wish each of you every happiness in the future.

Students are presented with an award and a certificate under the following categories:

• Best Leaving Certificate,
• Best Leaving Certificate Applied,
• Personal Achievement and
• Best Sporting Achievement.

The students have all received their post primary education at one of the eleven ETB schools in Tipperary namely;

• Newport College;
• Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir;
• Nenagh College;
• Coláiste Chluain Meala, Clonmel;
• Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn, Clonmel;
• Borrisokane Community College;
• Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir;
• Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré;
• Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town;
• Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed., Thurles; and
• Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule

These awards are in recognition of the efforts of students, teachers and schools to achieve continuous improvements and excellence in their academic studies and personal development.

Ms. Fionuala McGeever, Chief Executive of Tipperary ETB opened the ceremony by welcoming the Chairperson, Director of Schools, Guest Speakers, TETB Members, TETB Staff Members; Principals, Deputy Principals and Staff from the eleven schools, award recipients, their families and friends.

Cllr. John Hogan, Chairperson of Tipperary ETB welcomed all in attendance and congratulated Fionuala and the staff of Tipperary ETB on their excellent work providing quality education and training services throughout the County. He expressed his gratitude for his invitation to the event and wished the students, teachers and staff of Tipperary ETB all the best in the future and hoped that they would all go on to continue to do great things.

Mr. Terry Twomey, Vice President Academic Affair & Registrar LIT spoke and extended his apologies on behalf of President of LIT, Professor Vincent Cunnane who could not attend the event due to prior work commitments abroad. He commended the excellent work being done by Tipperary ETB and spoke of his delight that Tipperary ETB chose the LIT, Thurles campus as the venue for their Annual Student Awards. He congratulated the award recipients and encouraged them to go on and achieve great things.

Ms. Fionuala McGeever then invited the room to stand with her to welcome the special guest for the evening, All Ireland winning, Tipperary Ladies Football Manager Mr. Shane Ronayne and, Tipperary Ladies Football Captain Samantha Lambert. Fionuala spoke of the wonderful achievements achieved by these two guests on a personal, sporting and work basis. Mr. Ronayne is currently a teacher in Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, and Samantha teaches in Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir. Samantha herself received the TETB award for Best Sporting Achievements in Colaiste Dun Iascaigh in 2009. Shane and Samantha both spoke of their recent sporting successes and on the importance of finding the right balance between work and play. Samantha congratulated the recipients on their success and encouraged all to keep pushing forward, aim high and achieve big.

The Chairperson of Tipperary ETB, Cllr. John Hogan and Chief Executive Ms. Fionuala McGeever presented the awards to the recipients, calling on the Principal of each School to present their citations about each of the recipients. The awardees were as follows:

Ms. McGeever then closed the ceremony by thanking all for attending this momentous occasion. She congratulated the students and wished them well for the future.  She gave some inspiring words for each of the recipients. She encouraged all students to get involved in their local communities wherever they may settle in the future and asked them to remember “excellence is not an act but a habit”. She also paid tribute to their teachers, parents/guardians and thanked them for choosing and ETB education for their children.

Munster Camogie Blitz

On Wed, October 4th our u16 team travelled to Borrisoleigh to the Munster 7’s blitz. The girls played 3 matches. First up was Borrisoleigh and our girls had a convincing win with 7-6 to 0-3, with captain Leah, Niamh, Jess, Emily and Siobhan scoring. Our second match was against Kilfinane, Limerick and we were unlucky in this game. Thirdly, we gave Newport a run for their money and won 3-4 to 0-1, with Jess, Niamh, Leah and Sadhbh getting the scores. Well done to Niamh Hayes who caught a puck out and hit it straight into the back of the net from midfield. As we didn’t win all 3 games, we didn’t progress to the Munster final. We are extremely proud of our girls who played great camogie and look forward to the next match.

 Basketball

Scoil Ruáin v FCJ Bunclody

Scoil Ruáin’s Cadet team played FCJ Bunclody in Ballon Sports Centre on Friday, the 29th of September. The starting five were Eimear Boland (captain), Emma Shelly, Katie Mc Cormack, Ciara Lyons, and Chloe Healy. The girls finished off the 1st quarter on a impressive scoreline of 14-4. The second and third quarters involved Leah Maguire, Eabha Fitzgerald, Molly Maher, Inez Noonan, Aoibheann Mc Grath and Amy Webster and it was a much tighter affair with FCJ battling back. The girls held on to their lead to win 42-33. Great leadership was shown by Eimear Boland, Emma Shelly, Katie Mc Cormack and Chloe Healy to lead the team to victory. Next up we face Callan at home on Monday, the 2nd of October.

Scoil Ruáin’s Senior team also played FCJ Bunclody. The senior team consisted of Lauren Dowling, Gráinne Horan, Eimear Lanigan, Sophie Ryan, Méibh Maher, Katelyn Reilly, Maria Hayes and Eimear Boland. The girls put on a impressive display and led throughout. Great team effort and deserving winners on a score line of 42-8.

On Monday, the 2nd of October. St. Brigid’s of Callan travelled to Scoil Ruáin to play both our Cadet and Senior teams. The Cadet fixture was a tight affair with the girls just 5 baskets in front in each quarter but the girls rallied as a team and pulled away with an impressive win of 51-31. Emma Shelly was our leading scorer sinking 11 baskets. Great determination and fight was shown by each of our ten players. Panel: Eimear Boland (captain), Emma Shelly, Eabha Fitzgerald, Ciara Lyons, Chloe Healy, Inez Noonan, Aoibheann Mc Grath, Amy Webster, Katie Mc Cormack, Molly Maher.

Our Seniors were also victorious on a score line of 41-29. Chloe Healy was called in to replace Sophie Ryan on the panel due to illness. All players put on an impressive display and have made it two wins from two. Panel: Méibh Maher, Eimear Lanigan, Grainne Horan, Lauren Dowling, Katelyn Reilly, Maria Hayes, Chloe Healy.

Senior Football

Our senior footballers has a great win over Ballingarry in the first round of the u18.5 county senior football championship on a score line of 4-12 to 3-8.

Senior Hurling

Our senior hurlers had a good game against Thurles CBS B team and ran out winners on a score line 3-14 to 2-12.

Under 16.5 Hurling

Well done to our u16.5 hurlers who beat Tramore in the second round of the Munster Championship.  The Scoil Ruáin boys led from start to finish and ran out comfortable winners.  Scoil Ruáin 8-13 Tramore 1-12.

Excitement was palpable in Coláiste Mhuire last week as our students received their excellent results. We wish them the very best as they progress on to Leaving Cert. Cycle and Transition Year.

 HURLING:

Our 1st & 2nd year hurling teams played a challenge match last Thursday against St. Joseph’s Borrisileigh in what transpired to be an enthralling game of hurling that saw Coláiste Mhuire edge out a late victory. This was our 1st outing of the season at this grade and mangers Mr. Gleeson & Mr. Fanning deemed it an impressive performance with players excelling on the day such as Odhran Donaghy, Eoin Craddock, Seán McGrath, James Dwyer, Ronan Carroll, Stephen Healy and Aidan Ryan. Onwards and upwards!

 SCHOOL MUSICAL:

Rehearsals are in full swing presently as students prepare for this year’s annual musical. Productions of Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed school musicals in recent years have been central to the calender of life at our school and thoroughly enjoyed by all involved. With excellent guidance under Ms. Wallace, Ms. Geaney & Ms. Martin, this year’s musical ‘Bring it On’ promises to be a production not to be missed! 

SPORTING ACTIVITIES:

Life outside the classroom is becoming very busy as students are engaging in the vast array of activities on offer during lunchtime and after school. Thanks to teaching staff & external coaches, students are enjoying Hurling, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Basketball, Rugby, Badmington, Table Tennis etc.. Many thanks to all who commit their time and share their expertise in these extra-curricular activities.

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Templemore College of Further Education kicked off the academic year with a busy and fun filled Fresher’s Day on Friday 1^st September. Over 400 full time adult students took part in events such as ‘Minute to Win it’ team challenges, table quiz and ‘The Cube’ challenge. The students received complimentary ‘goodie bags’ containing lots of student discounts, promotions and freebies. Fresher’s Day was initiated a number of years ago in the college and aims to engage students with the college environment and with each other in a fun and positive way. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to get familiar with the college campus, meet the teachers and staff and get to know their class peers. The Student Union supports and funds this annual event. The principal and staff at Templemore College wish all of their students a happy and successful year ahead!

Templemore College of Further Education is still enrolling.

To secure your place as soon as possible then contact the college at

0504-31007 or apply online at www.tcfe.ie

Photo – Winning Team from the ‘Minute to Win it Team Challenges’

Makeup Artistry Students at Templemore College – (left to right) –

Amy Buckley, Chantelle Regan, Christine Cleary, Shannon Reilly, Jasmine Fitch

A big congratulations and well done to our Junior Cert Class of 2017 who achieved excellent results last Wednesday. We wish them all every success in their future studies.

Ploughing Championships

Transition Year and Fifth Year students are attending this year’s ploughing championships in Tullamore on Wednesday 20th September accompanied by their teachers. It is a day that is always greatly enjoyed by all.

Transition Year

Transition Year in Scoil Ruáin has begun in earnest for the academic year 2017/18. On September 4^th the 32 students, including 4 international students, travelled to Coláiste Acla for 2 night’s activities all as Gaeilge. The students stayed with a Bean an Ti who looked after their needs for the 3 days. They participated in Cliff Diving, Bog Snorkelling, Cliff Hiking and Surfing on Keel Beach. Each night after a nutritious meal they had a ceili in the hall where they fine-tuned their Rinci Gaelacha. As with previous years the care and professionalism of the staff and management at the Coláiste was exemplary. Great bonds have been formed already and the students are ready for the year ahead.

This year Scoil Ruáin will produce Grease – a school musical for all to enjoy. Auditions have taken place and the cast have been identified. Many hours of rehearsals are ahead of the group before they perform for the paying public on Wednesday 8^th and Thursday 9^th November in the school. It is full steam ahead for everyone until then.

 Classes for Parents and Guardians

An 8-week Cookery Demonstration Class will begin on Wednesday 4^th October in Fethard Community Hall 10am to 12 noon. It will cover such things as cooking on a budget, special diets and healthy eating ideas to mention a few. Classes cost 5 euro per class and all are welcome. For more information or to book your place contact Margaret on 087 6536374.

We would like to welcome Mr. James Williams who has been appointed as Principal of Scoil Ruáin. James has taken over the position from Mr. Gerry McGill who has moved to Carlow. We wish both James and Gerry every success in their new positions. We are all looking forward to working with James in Scoil Ruáin in the years to come.

Congratulations on Leaving Cert Results

Congratulations to all our Leaving Cert students who received their results this year. We wish them every success and happiness as they begin the next chapter in their lives.

Cead Mile Fáilte

We welcome our International students to Scoil Ruáin. It is a pleasure to have students from such a variety of countries including Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Germany who have come to study in Scoil Ruain for this academic year. We wish them a very successful year in Scoil Ruáin and are looking forward to learning as much about their culture as they are about ours.

Transition Year

Our Transition years have spent the last 3 days in Coláiste Acla as part of their induction programme to Transition Year. As well as practicing their Irish they also developed their team building skills. A great time was had by all.