Gallen C.S. held its annual Academic Awards Ceremony in the school on Friday 23rd of October last. The ceremony recognised those students both past and present who have excelled in the academic sphere. Guests of Honour on the day were Ms. Ann Beirne of Ferbane Credit Union, Ms. Michelle Sugrue, Mr. Kevin Gavin Chairperson Gallen CS Board of Management, Mrs. Mary McLoughlin BOM, Mrs. Geraldine Keena, Chairperson Gallen CS Parents Association and Mrs. Mary Dunican Gallen CS Parents Association.Mrs. Finnegan welcomed all present and in her introductory speech she referred to the fact that students don’t stumble into academic excellence by accident that it’s all about diligence , dedication and sacrifice.
The First Year Awards with the criteria being best results in 7 subjects in Summer Tests 2015 went to Claire Kenny [ St Patricks] and Kate Kenny [ St Brigid’s]. The girls were presented with their beautifully inscribed book replete with citations by Mrs. Mary Dunican and Mrs. Aideen Jordan.
The Second Year Awards with the criteria being best results in 7 subjects at Higher Level in Summer Tests 2015 went to Thomas Kerr [ St Manchans] and Colin Wren and Enda Coughlan [ St Diarmuids]. The students were presented with beautifully inscribed books with citations by Mrs. Geraldine Keena and Mrs. Frances Scully Deputy Principal.
Awards were presented to the four students who received the top results in their Junior Certificate: Natalia Hanczka, Bronagh Coughlan and Michael Wren. Ferbane Credit Union has sponsored a new Junior Cycle Excellence Award for the student who receives the outstanding results at Junior Certificate. Tara Dunican was the first recipient and well deserved winner of this award for her commitment to achieving excellence in the Junior Certificate. Ms Ann Beirne of Ferbane Credit Union presented Tara with the perpetual Cup and her own glass trophy. . Gallen CS wishes to thank Ferbane Credit Union for sponsoring this award and for all its commitment not just to education in Ferbane but for its service to the wider community over the years.
Mrs Finnegan thanked the CEO of Laois Offaly ETB, Joe Cunningham for his sponsorship of two awards which students have already benefitted from. Certificates were presented on the day to acknowledge this sponsorship. The Laois Offaly ETB Gaeltacht Scholarship went to Roisin Egan and Caoimhe Kenny. Mrs Noreen Sheehan, Head of the Irish Department read the citation as Gaeilge and the certificate was presented by Mrs. Mary McLoughlin.The Laois Offaly ETB Euro Language Scholarship went to Therese Cosgrove and Ellee Mc Evoy with the certificate being presented by Mrs. Mary McLoughlin.
The Gallen CS Board of Management Gaeltacht Scholarship went to Sara Madden with Mrs. Noreen Sheehan [Teacher Representative on Board of Management] presenting Sara with her certificate.
Moving on to Senior cycle the Fifth Year Winners based on the based results in their summer tests last Maywere Roisin Egan and Ellee Mc Evoy with the awards presented by Mrs Geraldine Keena.
A Leaving Certificate Gold Award went to Tommy Molloy for his hard work, tenacious spirit and dedication in doing his best. Tommy was presented with his award by Mrs. Alma Killian and Mrs. Fidelma Dermody two teachers working in the Cluny Centre.
The Leaving Certificate Excellence in Ag Science and Biology went to Liam Cooper for his hard work, application and in depth knowledge of the subject. Ms .Anne Marie Brennan and Ms. Noirin Buckley, his teachers presented Liam with his award.
The Leaving Certificate Excellence in Biology Award for her in depth knowledge of the subject went to Chloe Cahill. Chloe was presented with her award by Ms. Noirin Buckley. Chloe is now studying in the University of Coleraine.
The Leaving Certificate Excellence in Music and Geography went to Zoe Rooney for her all round excellence in these subjects. Zoe was presented with her award by Ms. Deborah Reynolds [Head of Music Department] and Ms. Aoife Kelly of the Geography Department. Zoe is studying Music this year in UCC.
The Leaving Certificate Excellence in Construction Award for his knowledge and craftsmanship went to Anthony Seery with Mr . Micheál MacCartain presenting Anthony with his award.
The John Sugrue Memorial Cup for Art with the award based on best Leaving Certificate result and imagination , skill , creativity , willingness to learn and participation in class went to Faye Keenaghan. Faye was presented with the cup by Ms. Michelle Sugrue. Ms Sugrue spoke warmly of her brother John and family memories of second level education in Ferbane. Mrs Finnegan thanked the Sugrue family for their dedication, generosity and commitment to our school.
The Gallen Community School Scholarship with the criteria being those students who received over 500 points in Leaving Certificate 2015 went to Celine Cimon and Emma Phelan. Both girls are great ambassadors for our School and were presented with a trophy and scholarship by Mrs. Ursula Finnegan. Celine is studying in UCD and Emma is studying in NUI Maynooth. The Board of Management Scholarship and Trophy was then presented to the student who received outstanding Leaving Certificate results. At 570 points in his Leaving Certificate, Colin Kenny was the recipient of this award. Colin is now studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics and is a worthy winner of this award for his dedication to excellence. The award was presented by Mr. Kevin Gavin and Mrs Finnegan.
With the awards ceremony concluded , Mr. Kevin Gavin addressed all present. Mr Gavin spoke about the power of positive thinking citing attitude , skill and knowledge as the three key factors in developing a successful winning mentality. Success is strictly up to you Mr Gavin reminded the audience.
Mrs Scully , Deputy Principal in the concluding address thanked all those who worked hard to make the Academic Awards such a success. She thanked the Guests of Honour , Mrs Finnegan , staff , parents , students past and present and the caretaking staff for having the presentation area in immaculate condition. She thanked Mrs Evelyn Breen in sourcing all the awards with great diligence and the students with Ms Reynolds who provided the entertainment before the ceremony. A wonderful afternoon concluded with the customary refreshments.