Summerhill College

Champion in the Classroom
Summerhill College Notes

All-Ireland win for Public Speaking Team
In the famous Edmund Burke Theatre of Trinity College Dublin the Summerhill College Public Speaking team won the All-Ireland final of the Mental Health Public Speaking competition for the first time since 1992. Summerhill’s finest emerged victorious over the other two finalists: Athlone Community College, Colaiste Eoin from Hacetstown, Co. Carlow The winning team featured Thomas Endersby, Cian Tuohy, Barry Brennan and reserve speaker Kieran Blake. Mentor to this great team was Rev. Gerard Cryan.

The topic for the final was: Our Mistakes Challenge Us. Our aspirations inspire us. Our choices define us.

Bishop’s Visit
Bishop Christy Jones paid a day long visit to the college on April 1st. This was the most recent in a series of such visits for the bishop, who has recently submitted his resignation to Pope Benedict. On his arrival he was welcomed by Principal Mr. Tommy Mc Manus, Deputy Principal, Margaret O’ Dowd, Rev, Gerard Cryan and college chaplain, Mr. Paul Keogh.

He joined staff members for morning coffee break before celebrating mass for the Leaving Certificate students. Later in the day he met with various groups including those involved in pastoral care, religious instruction as well as members of the Student Council. He also visited the college’s Autism Unit. After school he met with members of the college Board of Management.

Workmen on Site
The sight of workmen undertaking preliminary work in connection with the new school project has gladdened the heart of many. The work of demolishing the handball alleys and the laying of foundations for the temporary accommodation were among the first jobs on the schedule. The actual construction work will commence over the summer months with the classrooms being available for occupation in September 2012.

International Recognition
Congratulations to First Year student Ronan Anderson on being selected to represent Ireland at this year’s Wise Schools’ Swimming International, The event was held in the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin and Ronan emerged with a medal from his endeavours .

Earlier this year, Ronan won an Irish title in the breaststroke event. His talents are not confined to the swimming pool however as Ronan won the Minor race in the schools’ regional cross-country event in Sligo Race Course earlier this year and he was a member of the North Sligo indoor –relay team which won the All-Ireland finals. (pic of Ronan in Irish outfit)

Brothers Triumph
Congratulations to First Year student Michael Sweeney on winning a Connacht title in boxing. Michael won the provincial title in the 33Kgs category and now is waiting for his All-Ireland semi-final challenge.

Michael’s brother, Martin recently reached the All-Ireland quarter final in his weight category. Well done to both Sweeney boys.

Record Breakers
Summerhill students Cian Mc Bride, Ryan Mc Cormack, Ronan Anderson, Daire Mc Closkey and Odhran Gildea recently won the All_Ireland Indoor relay championships held in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

The boys set a record in winning the event in which they represented the North Sligo Athletic Club. Cian Mc Bride also won a silver medal in the 800 metres.

Basketball
Well done to the First year Basketball team on coming in first position in the North West School’s competition and on qualifying for the All-Ireland playoffs.

All-Ireland Senior Golf
The Summerhill College 5 man match Play team is in training for the All Ireland Schools’ final. Mr Cronin’s charges have a great record of success in the past and are eagerly awaiting their trip to the Seapoint Club in Co. Louth. We wish them well in the competition.

Athletics
Mr. Pat Tuohy recently organised an athletic competition for Junior students, which proved really popular.
Fastest Minor 100m Sprinters were : Philip Hamilton, Thomas Mullaney ,Oisin Kelly.Shay Doherty, Shane McCallion ,Oisin Conway, Kyle Cawley, Odhran Gildea,, Aaron Flynn, Cian Mc Bride. Lorcan Long, Aaron Clerkin and Ryan Mc Carrick

Jack Gilligan was fastest Minor 1500m. Aaron Mc Cormack and Mark Connolly were fastest Minor 800mConor Mc Goldrick was fastest Junior 800m.