Summerhill College

Summerhill College Annual Students’ Awards Night took place on a cold and windy October 6th in Father Flanagan Hall. Once again, the organiser-in-chief of the event was the very capable, Mr. Derek Wynne.

The event recognised and acknowledged student excellence and effort. There were many award categories, ranging from academic and sporting excellence to awards for the most improved students. There were also awards for cultural and voluntary activity outside of school.

On this occasion the Student of the Year award went to Peter Mullaney while the top Sports’ Award went to Vinnie Cadden. The top Junior Cert Student award was shared by Paul Kratz, Paul Gallagher and Sean O’ Carroll.

The special guest was past pupil, Mr. Donard Gaynor, the New York based Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. Mr Gaynor left the college in 1973.

Mr Gaynor’s address was particularly well received as his inspirational words were delightfully mixed with humour. He recalled his student days in Summerhill and paid tribute to all of his teachers and especially to former college President, Bishop Thomas Finnegan, who inspired him to follow his dreams.

Mr Gaynor recounted the lasting value of his Summerhill education in both the academic and spiritual.areas. His Spanish classes with Michael Kilcoyne were put to beneficial use in his regular business contacts in South America. He spoke of his own spirituality that was nurtured in Summerhill and urged current students not to succumb to pure materialism, which was founded on nothing more than greed. He urged today’s students to be brave and follow their individual dreams, regardless of the current economic downturn.

Commenting on the new school, he recalled his involvement in fund raising for the 1970s building, which included bringing rock band Thin Lizzy to the college. He complimented Mr Mc Manus and Ms Dowd on their successful management of the school and expressed his admiration for all of the award winners.

Principal Mr. Mc Manus presented Mr. Gaynor with a Sligo landscape painting to mark the occasion. Bishop Jones was unfortunately indisposed on the night and sent his apologies. Chairman of the college Board of Management Rev. Michael Duignan took his place on the platform alongside Rev. Gerard Cryan,