GuthSceine2012 - Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine

Guth Sce?ine 2011:Layout 1 25/05/2012 15:58 Page 1 

Guth Scéine 2012


Pobalscoil 

Inbhear Scéine 

Principal’s 

Address 

Welcome to our annual 

newsletter. I hope that you 

enjoy reading about the fantastic school year we have 

had in 2011/2012. 

It has been an amazing year with so much to report 

on. I want to start by thanking the students of 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine for their pride in their school. 

Their participation in so many activities has helped 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine develop into a remarkable 

school. Whether it is in their academic studies, sport, 

music, Arts Week, Musicals, Debates, our students do 

themselves, their families, and their school proud. I 

know that I speak for all the staff of Pobalscoil Inbhear 

Scéine in saying that we take equal pride in seeing you 

participate and excel in so many activities. 

I would like to thank our hardworking staff for their 

commitment and dedication in striving to get the best 

out of all our students. I am amazed to see the lengths 

that our staff go to, to help students attain such 

heights. On many an occasion, I have seen teachers in 

school on weekends, holidays, after school hours, etc. 

This commitment is what makes our school achieve 

such success. On behalf of students, parents, and the 

Board of Management, I applaud your efforts and 

Farewell and Best Wishes 

As the year draws to an end, it is a 

nostalgic time for students who are ready 

to leave the nest. It is also a nostalgic time 

for one of our teachers who is about to 

retire after thirty-seven years of teaching 

in Kenmare. 

Mr. David O’Dwyer has inspired many 

students over his years of teaching , both at 

Kenmare Vocational School, and at 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine. A fantastic 

Metalwork / Engineering teacher, whose 

students always achieved exceptional 

results. Mr. O’Dwyer has many 

dedication. I would also like to thank the Parents 

Association for their ongoing co-operation and 

support. Your generosity in giving so much time and 

support to your school makes it all possible. On behalf 

of all the staff, I thank you. 

Finally, I would like to say a special thanks to our 

Student Council, and our Student President – Rory 

O’Donoghue. Rory has been an inspiring leader, and 

the voice of the Student Council has been represented 

with professionalism, courtesy, and humour. I think 

that it is fair to say that Rory has a bright future ahead 

of him, and I hope in years to come he will come back 

and address the students of Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine 

in whatever high office he will undoubtedly hold. 

To all exam students, I wish you all the best in the 

forthcoming exams. I know that your hard work will 

be rewarded by excellent results. I have to mention the 

Leaving Certificate Class of 2012 – you have been a joy 

to have in Pobalscoil for the past 5 or 6 years. I will miss 

you all when you finally depart the door of Pobalscoil 

Inbhear Scéine. Please don’t forget to come back and 

visit us. You have left your indelible mark on the school. 

Now it is time for you to spread your wings and develop 

your skills in colleges, universities, and the work place. 

You will be successful in whatever you do. 

I would also like to say a special word to all the First 

Years of 2011/2012. I hope you enjoyed your first year 

with us. To all I wish you a long, happy and hot summer 

holiday. 

Dermot Healy, Principal 

characteristics that make him a stand out 

teacher; his dedication to his job, his 

loyalty to his students, his dress code, his 

ability to motivate students, and his 

personality. If any person visited Mr. 

O’Dwyer’s classroom, they would see a 

workshop full of activity, but in a very 

structured way. Mr. O’Dwyer was the best 

user of a blackboard in terms of his ability 

to draw diagrams and write beautifully, 

that I have ever seen. 

His dedication to his profession was seen 

by all his colleagues. Mr. O’Dwyer has 

always been a team player. His 

involvement in football training, school 

musicals, and his willingness to help out is 

something that will be missed. I would like 

to wish David a long and healthy 

retirement, and who knows, he might 

make a return to the stage for us in future 

musicals. 

Enjoy freedom. 


THANK YOU I would like to thank all students, teachers and parents who contributed to our 2012 Guth Scéine. Thank 

you especially to Norma Moriarty, Oonagh Comerford and Lisa O’Shea for their proof reading and corrections. 

Mairead Clifford 

Student PreSident 

As student president for the year 2011/12 it has been an honour and a privilege 

to serve the students of Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine. It has been an outstanding 

year both academically and extra circularly. Once again this school has forged 

ahead as one of the best places to go to school in the country. There have been 

so many achievements this year that I am afraid to start a list for fear of missing 

any out! Our basketball teams have once gain come to the fore this year, with most notably an All- 

Ireland final appearance for the under 19 girls. Our football teams have kept the schools name amongst 

the very top footballing names in the country. Once again the school staged a hugely successful and 

popular musical, this year titled“All you need is love”. The school has been well represented by numerous 

students at Science Olympiad qualifiers, as well as winning a model EU council debate in Dublin Castle. 

On a personal note, I would like to thank my vice president Tom O’Sullivan. We worked as a team to 

make the changes we set out to. Tom’s dedication and hard work as well as friendship were a massive 

GUTH SCÉINE 2012 ● PAGE 1 

MUSINGS 

Sr. Helen 

Recently I got a card that had a lovely iris on 

the front and it said:‘Angels take themselves 

lightly; that’s why they can fly.’It arrived at a 

moment when I felt that the world would be 

hard pressed to manage without me and it 

gave me pause. It made me think about the 

times when I get worked up about issues that 

are really not that important. It also made me 

think of things that are important but that I 

have little control over. Maybe I need to take 

those lightly too. 

These weeks leading up to exams can be 

stressful for many students. There is so much 

to be covered in so many subjects that it’s 

hard to know where to start. It can be 

overwhelming and the temptation could be 

to bury one’s head in the sand and avoid the 

issue altogether. Or else you could get so 

frazzled that nothing goes in. It’s hard not to 

make heavy weather of exams. 

There is a story that is told of a King who 

commanded that all his craftsmen and 

wise men be gathered together. He 

demanded that they should come up with 

something which when he was sad would 

Parents Association 

Newsletter 2012 

The Parents Association had yet 

another busy year. Our year started 

before school even began with our first 

ever 2nd hand uniform sale. This was a 

huge success. In September the Parent 

Association invited Breda Morgan to 

speak to the parents. There was a huge 

turnout and the feedback was 

outstanding. Our annual AGM was 

held in October and the guest speaker 

was Mairead O'Sullivan a counsellor 

currently working one day a week at 

the school. November was our first 

official meeting. We bid farewell to 

our Chairperson Antoinette Moynihan. 

Antoinette served many dedicated 

years on the committee and we wish 

her luck. 

A new committee was then elected. 

Ann Duncan and Valerie Tiffin were 

appointed chairperson and cochairperson. 

Stella Moran -treasurer 

and Bernie O’Sullivan secretary. We 

also had new parents join, including 

five who are First Year representatives. 

Along with many members whom 

have been on the committee for years. 

Ann Duncan also represents us at the 

PACCS meetings (Parent Association 

of Community and Comprehensive 

Schools) which we are affiliated to. 

make him happy, 

and when he was 

happy would 

make him sad. 

They all tried, and 

thought and 

worked, but only 

one of them came 

up with anything. It was a ring and on it 

was engraved: ‘This too will pass.’ 

Jesus told his disciples to trust in Providence. 

He said: Do not worry about tomorrow. 

Tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has 

enough troubles of its own. He said: Look at 

the lilies of the field. They neither work nor 

spin but not even Solomon in all his glory is 

robed as they are. 

So perhaps one challenge to us at this time 

is to shelve/park our worries about the future 

and savour the day. In preparing for exams 

all we can do is our very best TODAY. Today is 

all we’ve got. The best things in life really are 

free- health, friendship, laughter, beauty, joy, 

love. Perhaps we need a lightness of touch 

and the realisation that there is a wheel of 

life ‘Rotha Mór an tSaoil’. The wheel goes 

round and wherever we are on the wheel of 

fortune ‘this too will pass’. 

Ann attends monthly meetings in 

Dublin and Munster. A great deal of 

Ann’s time is given to attending these 

and we would like to thank Ann for 

this. 

Two of our members also serve on the 

Board of Management. They are Ann 

Randles and Maureen Gudgeon. We 

would like to thank them for 

representing us and working with the 

Board of Management on our behalf. 

On a final note I would like to remind 

parents that the Parent Associations 

primary function is to represent the 

views of the parents within the school 

community. We have a great working 

relationship with both the School 

Management and Students. All parents 

with children attending the school are 

automatically members. All of our 

meetings are open and we invite you to 

come along. They are normally held on 

the first Thursday of the month at 8:00 

p.m. We also have a page on the 

schools website so why not have a 

look? 

Best wishes to all students sitting 

exams. I would also like to wish 

everyone a safe and happy summer. I 

look forward to another year on the 

association and hope to see some new 

faces in September. 

Bernie O’Sullivan Secretary 

part in making the presidency such an enjoyable experience. This year has been the highlight of my five 

years in this school. It has been an enormously humbling experience to have been chosen as school 

president by my friends and peers. I have got so much out of this experience and enjoyed getting to 

know as many people as possible. I have loved every minute of representing the students and 

attempting to make a change for the better. The pride of being able to say I was your president was 

second only to coming in to school every day and working in the atmosphere you created in the school. 

The achievements listed above aside, your hard work, positive attitudes and welcoming and accepting 

nature are what I will remember. I will never forget this last year. If I could have one message to the 

students, it would be to hold your head up high and achieve every possible target you can. 

I would like to thank all the staff and students, particularly LC2’s, not just for this year; but for my five 

years here. A special mention to Ms. Piggott, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Healy for all their efforts this year. I 

wish all Junior and Leaving certs the very best of luck in the exams!! 

Is mise le meas, Rory O’Donoghue


Au reVoir to the LeAVinG Cert CLASS 2012 

As Year Head of this excellent group of students for the past five years, I must admit that I will be very 

sad to see you all depart from Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine. Most of you started out in First Year in 

September 2007 and those of you that did Transition Year are with us six years since September 2006! 

You had great times in Cappanalea in First Year, then there was the Second Year School Tour to 

Wexford, and a lot of curricular and extra-curricular activities every year for all of you (too many to 

mention) which brought a lot of success and enjoyment along the way! But above all, the most 

important thing is that you have always displayed exemplary behaviour. I have always admired and 

applauded your respectful and mannerly behaviour. 

I would like to thank all the class representatives who represented each class group each year and pay 

LeavING CertIfICate appLIed 

a special tribute to your Student Council President Rory O’Donoghue who has represented all of the 

students in a very dignified way. Well done Rory! I would also like to thank Sr Helen and Ms Veronica 

Whitehead who will be helping us organise the LC2 Graduation on Friday May 25th. 

Well done to all the Leaving Cert students- you have achieved so much and you are a credit to your 

parents, families and teachers. I am very proud to have been your Year Head as I have told you all 

umpteen times! I wish you all the best as you move on to bigger and better things in the years ahead. 

Je vous souhaite bonne chance aux examens et bon courage et bonne continuation à l’avenir! 

Happy Graduation! 

Au Revoir et Merci, 

Ms Majella Murphy, LC2 Year head 

LeAVinG CertiFiCAte 1 

Leaving Cert Year One was a big change from Third year with a lot less subjects covered in far greater detail. We parted with many of our colleagues this year through the Leaving Cert Applied and Transition 

Year programmes however we gained some stellar and humorous friends. The year got off to an excellent start when we received our Junior Certificate results, all the hard work had finally paid off. We 

took part in a retreat during the month of October which was a deep and fulfilling experience. The L.C.1 history class enjoyed a fun filled weekend in the capital. Both LC1 Geography classes went on their 

field trips this past April to a tributary on the river Bandon, this trip will be very beneficial as it is worth twenty per cent of the leaving cert Geography Exam. 

Stanley Harrington and Shane Murphy 

GUTH SCÉINE 2012 ● PAGE 2


Junior CertiFiCAte YeAr 2 

Here we are at the end of our 2nd year of Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine and Junior Cert is just around the 

corner .We had a great year between Cappanalea, arts week and the school musical. The 2nd year 

lads had a great year winning the Munster final in football and winning the All-Ireland basketball 

playoffs that were hosted at our very own school, but then they lost in the All-Ireland semi-final by 

1 point. Stephen O’Sullivan, Pat Spillane, Ray O’Shea and Brian O’Sullivan were all on the panel for 

the junior boys who got through to the Munster final. The girls also had a fantastic year winning a 

muster final in football and making the All-Ireland basketball playoffs, but losing their first game 

by a point. Another successful sporting event was the All-Ireland Athletics, Laura Hallisey, Chloe 

Hawker and Clodagh Quinlan participated and did exceptionally well! The main outing of our year 

was Cappanalea, an outdoor activity centre and we stayed nearby in local accommodation for three 

days, two nights. 

Moosa Mathibela represented our year as Romeo in our annual musical which was “Romeo and 

Juliet”. We had loads of other pupils involved from our year …some dancing, some singing, some 

acting. It was a very enjoyable show. 

Everybody is now starting to work hard on their Junior Cert projects such as Home Economics, Art, 

Woodwork, Metalwork, Music and Technical Graphics. 

We would like to thank our year head firstly Mrs Judy O’Connor for helping us up until now. Also we 

would like to thank all our class tutors, Mr McCarthy, Ms Sanford and Ms Riordan. We had a great year. 

Corina Van Deventer and Sinéad O’ Sullivan 

Second Year Students 2012 

Well, here we are! Another great year in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine. We are much more settled as it 

is our second year in the school. It is hard to imagine that we will be sitting our junior cert exam next 

year. During the year we have done many great activities both educational and entertaining. To stat 

off, in March of this year, the four classes of second year visited the Cappanalea outdoor centre near 

Killorglin. We got to do many fun activities such as kayaking, hill walking, orienteering and rock 

climbing. We spent two wonderful days there. At the beginning of the year we had a retreat day, 

which we found useful and relaxing as we had a break from the normal busy day in school. Many of 

our class mates took part in the school talent show in March. They all did exceptionally well and we 

are very proud of them!! 

Class Brid went for a trip to an organic farm in Tralee which they said was a day to remember. Class 

Caoimhe went on a history trip to Dublin and also went to see the ‘’The Hunger Games’’ earlier this 

month. As part of class Ailbe’s CSPE project, they organised a mock presidential election, which the 

whole school were able to vote in. Class Seannan went to support the Vita Cortex workers in Cork. 

A lot of the second year’s took part in this year’s musical ‘’All You Need Is Love’’. Our fellow student 

Moosa Mathibela had the honour of playing the main part of Romeo in the musical both boys and 

girls participated in sports such as basketball football and athletics and they all got very far. So 

overall second year was a great year and we hope that third year will be just as good. 

Ellen Woods & Alicja Zuk 


Junior Certificate 3 

Junior Cert is a very important year. It is made up of hard 

work, study and exams. It is important for students to 

make the right choices about subjects for Leaving Cert 

and keep their options open. Third year is a year in which 

we, as a year group, become a lot closer as it is an end of 

a cycle in school .We must begin to face our futures 

towards the end of the Junior Cert years and therefore 

begin to make some of life’s important decisions. In the 

end, we all know a little more about ourselves and we 

will never forget the good times we have had. “We are 

the masters of our fate. We are the captains of our souls.” 

By Travis Reilly, Aoife O’Shea and Goran Nikic


First Year For Me 

First year, in general for me was everything I expected it to be: 

people rushing from class to class, variety of subjects, heavy bags 

and complicated lockers. The first few weeks were the hardest. 

Trying to find where each of my classes were was the difficult part 

because I had no idea whether or not I had to go upstairs or 

downstairs so I just followed my classmates. 

After the first few months I got the hang of how to use my locker 

and where my next class was. It’s a lot of fun!! 

Millie Reilly Brendan JC1 

First Year 

When I first went into first year I felt many different emotions like being ‘Excited, happy, hopeful 

and fearful’. 

I was excited to see the new building and teachers. I was happy to go into a new school. 

I was hopeful that I would make new friends. I feared that I would not have new friends. 

For me I had my brother to help me with the school rooms and rules. 

I got used to it after a while and then I didn’t have to use my time table. 

For me now, it’s easier to get around the school than on the first day!! 

The mentoring programme also helped. 

First year went by really quickly so hopefully it will, for the next year’s first years too. 

Amy Switzer. 

first Year Open Night 

A very successful open night was held on Thursday March 15th. This night gave all sixth class students from surrounding schools an opportunity to see the wonderful facilities available in Pobalscoil 

Inbhear Scéine. All staff were available on the night to answer questions and give an overview of their subject. 



POBALSCOIL INBHEAR SCÉINE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS! 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine celebrated its first 10 years on the 28th October, 2011. It first opened its doors on the 10th September, 2001, the day 

before the infamous 9/11 disaster in New York and the two events are inextricably linked for those of us whose memories go that far back! Bishop 

Bill Murphy celebrated Mass for the whole school community in the packed School Gym, with participation from Reverend Michael Kavanagh, 

Church of Ireland and Jean and Ed Ritchie from the Methodist community in Kenmare. This very special ceremony involved staff and especially 

students in many ways; a symbolic opening dance, the school orchestra, the school choir on their first big outing, as well as participation in the 

readings and liturgy throughout. Distinguished guests included Father Michael Murphy, former Parish Priest and Chairperson of the Board of 

Management, Mr Padraig O RI ordain, the current Chairperson of the Board of Management, Board members, retired Principals of the former 

schools as well as many retired Staff. 

Speeches followed from the Bishop, Mr Padraig O Riordain and Mr Dermot Healy, Principal, all of whom referred to how the school had grown 

and developed as a centre of excellence for education as well as an important part of the community of Kenmare over the last ten years. This was 

an occasion for everybody to feel proud of what has been achieved so far as well as a reminder that Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine will continue to 

evolve and live out its mission statement way into the future. 

The ceremonies concluded with a Grand 10th Anniversary Raffle for the students with several prizes of cameras, iPods and a First prize of a 

laptop which was won by Kevin Quill from LC2. 

A huge thank-you must be given to everybody who worked tirelessly to make this day so special, you are too many to mention here but your 

contribution is hugely appreciated. 

The pictures here show some of the highlights of the day. 

a New LIbrarY fOr pObaLSCOIL 

The new school library was opened in January, this year. Relocated from the 

third floor, the Old Staff room was transformed into a modern library, situated 

right at the heart of the school. 

With new shelving and seating, along with a bright colour scheme, students 

have an attractive and practical place to study as well as the opportunity to loan 

books, of course! The library has a computerised loan system which makes it 

very easy to keep an eye on everything. Pauline, our librarian has done a 

wonderful job in setting the whole place up and making it an inviting place for 

students and staff alike, while Ms Dineen keeps an eye on keeping the book 

stock up to date. 

There is a suggestion box for students on books to buy and a number of 

computers for research. Some statistics from the library….. the number of items 

in the library is 1918 and the most popular titles are …Holes by Louis Sachar, 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and How I live now by Meg Rosoff! 

We hope that the library will foster a life-long love of reading now and into the 

future and would encourage everyone to use this great facility. 

P.S. We do have a wish- list of books we hope to get for the library in the future, 

if interested, please contact the Office. 



fIrSt Year MeNtOrING prOGraMMe: 

The first things I questioned about the Mentoring Programme was what do they do, what age are they 

and did they go to the school? My perspective of it was it would help me with my locker and find my 

way about the school. It was even better when I found out that my mentor was a Leaving Cert. I liked 

the way they showed me my rooms one by one. It helped me a lot to have a mentor to ease me into 

the school’. 

Amy Switzer, JC1. 

‘I was very excited about starting school but also worried about finding my way around the school, 

trying to find the different classrooms that were on my timetable for each day. The Mentoring 

Programme helped me because my mentor showed me each room one at a time and they gave me a 

map of each building, ie the main building and D Block. It took a few weeks before I knew my way 

around the school and where I had to go. The mentors showed me where one room finished, eg 9A, and 

another one started,eg 10A. They showed me the different corridors around each level of the main 

building and the D Block. It was very helpful because now I know where every room is and have no 

trouble at all’. 

Millie Reilly, JC1. 

‘Coming into a new school you would want to make new friends. If you came into the school with a small 

class then it is hard to make friends. By being in a mentoring group with other students in your year 

you can get to know people more easily because it would be easier to make friends in a smaller group 

of people’. 

Damian O’Shea, JC1. 

Since 2005 Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine has operated a very successful Mentoring Programme. Conscious 

that the transition from primary school to second level can be a challenging time, Pobalscoil Inbhear 


Scéine has a programme in place which aims to make that transition a little easier for students. At the 

core of the First Year Transition Programme are the Mentors, who are Leaving Certificate students who 

volunteer their time to help first years settle into their new surroundings. The year began with Mentors 

meeting first years on their first day in our school and helping them read their timetables, open lockers 

and in general to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings. In each group there are three First 

Years and one Mentor. Weekly meetings were the norm for September, with meetings fortnightly from 

then on. These meetings gave students the chance to speak with their mentors, discuss any concerns 

that they may have or get extra help with understanding how to use their locker or how to read 

timetables. September also saw all first years and mentors participate in a quiz. Everybody worked in 

their mentor groups and battled through eight rounds of questions. Tomas Daly, Jonathon Kool and 

Harry O’Connor, with mentor Denis Downing, were victorious on the day. Arlene Jonker Kerry O’Shea 

and Siobhan O’Sullivan, with mentor Sarah Topham, were runners up. 

Emer O'Riordan, Guidance Counsellor. 

Many thanks to the Mentors 2011/2012: 

Michael Casey Brian Clifford Katie Cooper Molly Davies 

Denis Downing Shaunagh Downing Jennifer Egan Max Fursman 

Michael Godfrey Laura Haynes Johan Jonker Frank Wallace 

Ashlee Keane Yosta Keressens Stacey Lee Cian Long 

Katie Lynch Ann Marie Mahony Caroline McCarthy Aisling Urwin 

Sadhbh Moriarty Elaine Murphy Roisin Murphy Carmel O’Leary 

Sandra O’Shea Eibhlin O’Sullivan Eoghan O’Sullivan Sarah Topham 

Tom O’Sullivan Caitriona Rice Richard Rice Adrian Spillane 

Andrew Meagher Caoimhe Kavanagh Shauna O’Sullivan 

L.C.1 aNd J.C. 2 hIStOrY trIp tO dUbLIN 

It was an early start had by all on the morning of March 29th as we headed off for Dublin. This start was 

not appreciated by many, but I think that we all thought it was worth it in the end. After the long journey 

up, we were glad to stretch our legs on a tour around Kilmainham Gaol. Hear we got an insight into what 

it was like to live and work in a gaol. We also got to see the cells where many of the Irish rebellion leaders 

were imprisoned, the chapel, the room where prisoners were kept before their hanging, and the grounds 

where many of the men that took part in the Easter 1916 Rising were executed. That afternoon, we were 

taken to the Leinster House by our faithful bus driver companion, Verner. We got a tour of the Dáil, Seanad 

and all the famous halls of the building. We were very fortunate to meet up with our local Senator Mark 

Daly, and some of us even got to meet Senator David Norris. After this, it was back to the hotel for the usual 

fight of who got what bed, and a lovely meal. Later that evening we went to the cinema to see The Woman 

in Black. Many of us were not too keen to see this movie, and are still regretting the fact that we did. The 

next morning, after several nightmares, we headed off to Glasnevin Cemetery. This was not the most desired 

location, considering the film we had seen the night before. This cemetery was set up by Daniel O’Connell 

as a place where people of any, or no religion, can be buried. Glasnevin is the burial place of many Irish 

heroes. Some of these are Daniel O’Connell himself, Charles Stuart Parnell and Michael Collins. We followed 

this tour by visiting Croke Park. It started off with a film about the park on a match day, and then we got a 

tour of the whole grounds. We saw the dressing rooms, where the teams warm up before a match, the 

players lounge and the park itself. We were told the history behind the names on all the stands, and even 

ventured up to the top row of seats. It was then back on the bus to Verner, to begin the trip home. 

The History tour was a very informative one with great insight into the country’s past, particularly over the 

past 200 years or so. Everybody enjoyed the trip and we all returned home with a little more knowledge of 

our Irish history. Thanks ever so much to Mr. Rogers and Ms. Sanford for organising such a wonderful trip 

and here hopes another History Tour in 2013. 

Anna O Sullivan LC 1 paSt pUpILS Share theIr fUrther 

edUCatION & thIrd LeveL 

experIeNCeS: 

tY Science egg drop experiment 

This year we were delighted to welcome back a number of past pupils who spoke with students 

about their study pathways since leaving Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine and their future plans. 

Former president Josh Crosbie spoke with students in September about the Radio Broadcasting 

course he undertook for two years in Colaiste Stiofan Naofa in Cork city. He told students how 

undertaking a ‘vox-pop’as part of a Leaving Cert Applied Assignment spurred him on to look in 

depth at broadcasting. Having successfully completed his course in CSN he is now studying in 

the University of Sunderland. 

In February, as part of Engineers Week 2012, Keith O’Sullivan informed potential engineering 

students on the new and emerging engineering sectors which can supply career 

opportunities following their degree. Keith, who holds an Honours Bachelor of Civil Engineering 

Degree and also a Masters Degree is currently in the middle of a PhD in offshore engineering and 

ocean energy. 

Amanda McCarthy, who holds a FETAC Level 5 Award in Nursing Studies, met interested students 

in March and informed them about her Nursing Studies course in Tralee Community College 

and also spoke in great detail about her present course of study. Amanda is presently in third year 

in the Social Care Degree in IT Tralee. She told students about the topics of study in the course, 

her work placements and also brought along some of her notes and textbooks to show students 

what they will study in the course. 

As well as past pupils visiting to inform students on their courses, students also benefitted from 

the visits and informative presentations given by representatives from ITT, CIT, Mary Immaculate 

College Limerick, Shannon College of Hotel Management, UCC, Tralee Community College and 

Pallaskenry Agricultural College. As always we are very grateful for the time these colleges give 

to come and visit and speak with our students. 

Emer O’Riordan, Guidance Counsellor


traNSItION Year 

tY – ChINeSe CLaSSeS 

We did a course in Chinese for 10 weeks 

before Christmas. We were doing this 

because China is rapidly growing as a 

business economy, so getting a head start 

will help a little in the future. We were the 

first school in Kerry to have Chinese as a 

TY subject. 

It was taught by Angie Baily from Tralee. 

We were taught how to say hello, goodbye, numbers 1-10 and to name our family members. We 

were also taught about Chinese culture. We also did basic conversation in class. This involved 

“hello”, “how are you?”, “what is your name?” and “who are your family members?” 

In the final week we got to go to a Chinese restaurant where we ordered a dinner in Chinese only. 

I got a prawn cocktail and thought it was delicious. 

In the end, I thought that the Chinese classes were interesting and quite important for getting a 

taste of what Chinese is like. I would definitely recommend it to others. 

Bryan O’ Shea 

SCratCh 

In March we learned how to use Scratch which is a computer program in which you create basic 

animations and computer games. We did those classes in March for 3 Wednesdays and 1 Tuesday. 

The person who taught us about Scratch was Paul Collins who teaches in IT Tralee. At the beginning 

we learned the basics which were how to add a sprite (which is a two-dimensional character, 

image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene.), changing its costume, changing 

background and basic commands. In later classes we learned how to use the sprites and we learned 

how to change the sprite’s appearance, make a text appear above it, making it move by mouse by 

click, by using the keyboard or making it move by itself. In the last class we each did a basic game 

.The course was fun and easy to do. I would recommend this program to other TY classes. 

Alex Piotrowicz. 

KeNMare’S hIddeN treaSUre 

On the 30th of March the T.Ys’ hard work paid off. It was the day Friday of the Easter holidays and 

the atmosphere was electric. The whole school gathered into the P.E hall to watch some of the 

most talented people the school has to offer. The T.Y students spent hours brainstorming ideas 

about the Talent show and came up with a pirate themed talent show called “Kenmare’s Hidden 

Treasure”. It contained talents such as singing, dancing, yo-yo tricks, piano, guitar, violin and even 

Kung Fu. There were a total of 19 competitors and it was judged by Nick Ryan, Claire Bambury and 

our own Mrs Lisa Ahern. All the transition years wore pirate themed costumes and in Art class we 

made decorations to liven up the P.E hall. Mayra Kerssens and Michael Keane did a magnificent job 

of presenting. It was a tough job for the judges to decide the winners but they came to a conclusion 

of 1st place Vada Randles, 2nd place Tara Viscardi and 3rd place Anna O’Connor. 

Mayra Kerssens and Caoimhe Downing 


vISIt Of rOSaLba GavIrIa tOrO 

tO pObaLSCOIL INbhear SCéINe 

Rosalba Gaviria Toro, a Columbian Trade Union activist and President of the Women’s Movement 

for Peace and Human Rights was detained and imprisoned on the 9th March, 2009. She was 

released on 3rd June, 2011, after being absolved of the charges of “rebellion” and “serious 

conspiracy to commit a crime”. 

Prisoners in Colombia include trade unionists, student activists, community and indigenous 

leaders, human rights defenders and academics – all imprisoned for their opposition to the 

Colombian regime. Most are jailed without trial, though in some cases people are convicted and 

face up to 40 years in prison for “rebellion”. 

It is alleged that many people are shot and killed by the authorities – including ordinary 

peaceful civilians whose land and property is confiscated by the government. 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions Global Solidarity Committee organised a campaign to put 

pressure on the Colombian Authorities to release Rosalba Gaviria Toro. This involved writing to 

the Colombian Embassy in London to request the release of Rosalba. 

Two students from Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Ellie Gudgeon and Annie Cooper became hugely 

involved in this movement. They photocopied 400 letters, got them signed by fellow students 

and teachers and organised simple fundraising to cover the cost of stamps. 

They posted three letters every day for a period of months to the Colombian Embassy. They also 

contacted the Irish Congress of Trade Unions who informed Rosalba and her family. Rosalba 

wrote to the girls from Villa Cristina Women’s Prison in Quindio , Colombia . She stated “I look 

forward to meeting you and thanking you in person”. 

It seemed unlikely that she would be freed. Due to external political pressure, she was released 

and visited Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine on December 5th. 

Ellie and Annie received a Garda Achievement Award for their efforts. 

atLaNtIC aIrfIeLd adveNtUre 

On the 9th of March, we made a unique excursion to the Atlantic Airfield Adventure in Shannon. 

Departing from the school at a fresh 7am in the morning, we could hardly wait to be introduced 

to the wonderful world of aviation. 

We were promised informative talks and wild adventures throughout the day. Our first talk 

came from an Air Traffic Controller, working for the Irish Aviation Authority. This talk was 

presented brilliantly, and instilled in our minds the benefits of choosing aviation as a future 

career sector. We then had a female commercial pilot teach us, with the aid of witty video 

tutorials, the basics of aerodynamics. 

Due to the size of our TY group, we had to be split for the remainder of the day to complete the 

rest of our activities. Whilst one group was taken to the flight simulator lesson, the other was 

brought for a tour of the museum, lectured from another professional and given a small amount 

of time to eat lunch in the incredible aviation-styled eating area. The flight simulator was 

perhaps what everyone was looking most forward to, and needless to say, everyone felt the time 

flew! The experience was both educational and exciting, as professional pilots were on hand to 

instruct and help. It wasn’t a case of winging it or flying solo, as we were all put in pairs, placing 

our trust in our co-pilots! The third and final talk that coincided with the flight stimulator was 

given by an aeronautical engineer. The décor of the small eating area was marvellous, including 

airplane seats and tables on which to have our packed lunches! The museum was equallyimpressive, 

displaying everything from a Boeing 737 cockpit to a spacesuit! We all found the 

day to be a great, illuminating experience, certainly a day to remember for all T.Y. students.


CINeMa trIp tO “the hUNGer GaMeS” 

On Thursday March 29th, Ms.Moriarty brought our English class to Killarney Cinema to “The Hunger Games”. 

We left for Killarney at 7o’clock and the movie was scheduled to begin at 8. We were out of the cinema at 

heading home for around 10o’clock. 

The movie was exceptional and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. If it wasn’t for Ms.Moriarty we would have never 

gone to see it so, Thank You Ms.Moriarty. Annie Cooper 

wOrK experIeNCe: 

Work experience is a big part of Transition Year as some people choose Transition Year as a year to 

discover what you would like to do when you leave school. 

Our guidance councillor Miss O’ Riordan told us we would be going on work experience twice, our 

first one would be in November and the second work experience was in February. 

All the students who went on work experience found it very helpful as to whether they would 

consider that job as a future career. 

On my first week of work experience I went to Kenmare golf club as a green keeper I found this very 

interesting but I wouldn’t consider it a future job option for me when I leave school. 

On my second week I went to Adrian Galvin accountant’s office I really enjoyed this and learned a 

lot! I would consider this as a job option. 

In my opinion work experience is very helpful part of helping you decide what you want to do when 

you leave school. 

Conor Maye 

the drIvING daY 

The Driving School of Excellence came to us on the 24th of February. We started our day by going 

to the computer room to test our knowledge on the driving test exam. We all did fairly well but 

nobody passed as none of us had studied it. We were then told we had a budget of 5000 euros. We 

had to use this money to buy a car and also tax and insure it. This was a harder task then I thought 

as the insurance was so high which gave us very little spending money for a decent car. 

In the afternoon we were split into three groups. Our group started by playing games with beer 

goggles which made it very hard as you were seeing double of everything. We could hardly run or 

kick a football or throw a tennis ball into a bucket. 

We then learned how to change a tyre which was much easier than it had looked. After we had all 

changed a tyre we then moved on to what we all had been waiting for the driving. 

We all got to do a 2 lap circuit of the road behind the school. This was very enjoyable as everybody 

did it and it wasn’t as hard as we had expected. Some of us had driven before and some of us hadn’t 

but we all enjoyed the day. 

Cormac Daly and Conor Harrington 

LearNING SpaNISh 

Karate 

For two weeks in January, local karate instructor Sensei Damian Healy 

came to Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine to give Transition Year students a taste 

of what karate is all about. The second dan Sensei (with a little help 

from me) showed the Transition Year students a variety of self-defence 

moves. He showed us the best way to protect ourselves if we were ever 

attacked. The classes were not only extremely fun but were of great 

benefit to us as well. We were all very lucky to have this opportunity to 

learn such a useful martial art. This is the first time karate has been 

taught in the school and hopefully it’s not the last. 

Caoimhe Downing 

Hola that is Spanish for hello! That was just one of the things we learned. We were 

taught by two native Spaniards Marta and Maria- you might have seen them! They 

were only here for two months sadly but we learned a lot. We took Spanish class 

instead of French and German for three weeks. The first session was for the people who 

did French and I was a part of that group. It started simple enough, they talked about 

what part of Spain they were from and which cities were their favourite but then they 

would burst into Spanish which was hard to understand but they explained afterwards 

what it meant. We then went on to food and ordering food here is example of some 

foods, el desayuno which means breakfast, de la cena- the evening meal and buen 

provecho- enjoy your meal! 

Well that was Spanish …I enjoyed it 

Me llamo 

David O’Connor T.Y student 


LONdON 2012 

It was 4 o’clock in the morning of Saturday the 5th of May 2012 when twentyseven 

TY students and three teachers (Mr.Rogers, Ms.O’Neill and Ms. Sanford) set 

off for Cork Airport, on the first leg of our London 2k12 Trip. 

We boarded the plane for our 8:05 flight and within two hours we had arrived 

at Stanstead. We were met our tour guide and jumped on board our coach for 

our bus tour of London. Sights we saw included Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, 

Buckingham Palace and the impressive Olympic Stadium. 

Arriving at our accommodation, the Meininger Hyde Park Hotel, shortly after, 

we got comfortable with our new home for the next three days and after dinner 

we headed for the Abbey Victoria Theatre in the West End to see the unbelievable 

production “Wicked”. 

On Saturday the 6th we spent the entire day in Thorpe Park. It was a deadly day, 

sprinting from one rollercoaster to the next. A small group of us went to see the 

hidden treasure that London had to offer as being in a theme park all day didn’t 

tickle their taste buds. 

Monday the 7th was a gloomy day as it was our last in London. When our bags 

were packed we headed for the coach which brought us to Madame Tussaudes 

Wax Museum, where we met all the “celebrities”! 

When our time in the museum came to an end we took off for the London Eye, 

which took us nearly half an hour but we got to see London from a bird’s eye 

view. 

To everyone’s delight we were allowed a couple of hours to spend the remainder 

of our money (if we had any that is) in the West Fields Shopping Centre. 

Our flight was scheduled for the evening so for one last time we boarded the 

coach and headed for Stanstead leaving the sights of London behind us. 

Annie Cooper 

LaCe MaKING 

We were chosen by our school to participate in the 150th anniversary of the Poor Clare Order 

of nuns in Kenmare making lace. Four students from transition year have learned how to 

make lace in the unique Kenmare style. The project involves the girls in the community 

making a tapestry completely from lace. The design involves simple and difficult stitches. 

Each triangular section shows the different activities that the nuns taught the local girls. 

These activities include music, art, literature, cooking and many more. As it is the Year of 

Volunteering we have decided to work in the girl’s school and the lace shop in Kenmare to 

work on the pieces with them. The project will be hung in the new primary school in 

Kenmare. Many of the stitches we are using have been around since the day it started, the 

stitches involve the chord stitch, shell stitch, Brussels stitch, Spanish stitch, etc. The project 

hopefully will be finished this year to be put into the new primary school of Kenmare. 

Transition year students, 

Caitlin O’ Mahony, Rose Kennedy, Caoimhe Downing and Ceira Whitling. 

fIrSt aId 

Our TY group was separated for our “Introduction to First Aid course, the “T”class doing the course on 

the 19th of April and the “Y” class doing it on the 26th of April 2012. 

Our certified instructor was Ms. O’Sullivan Green and the course was great fun and we learnt many 

valuable lessons like: 

• CPR 

• The signs and symptoms and how to take action in the case of a stroke 

• How to bandage, clean and strap wounds 

• How to put someone in the recovery position 

• How to help someone who is having an epileptic episode or an asthma attack 

• And much more! 

We all really enjoyed this activity because we undertook both practical and theory lessons. 

We all had a great laugh too! 

Shauna Reilly and Vada Randles


debating 

Overall our second year experience 

was a good one to remember. 

Everyone had a chance to try 

something new and show their 

talents and skills. This year we tried 

Debating. All four classes debated 

against each other and learned how 

to speak in front of a crowd. Ailbe 

and Seannan were both very successful winning two debates each Caoimhe 

and Brid won one . So Ailbe and Seannan were into the final ,there was even a 

plaque being sponsored for the event by RVR .The topic for the final debate is 

“Barbie is an Icon” .Both teams are very strong on the Ailbe team were Molly 

Knightley ,Patrick Leatannuer ,Jordan Langley and Corina Van Deventer .On the 

Seannan team were Cliona Lucey ,Daniel O’Riordan ,Aine Holmes and Darren 

Maye. However there can only be one winner and class Seannan were victorious 

on the day. Corina Van Deventer and Sinéad O’ Sullivan 

MS readathON 

A First Year readathon organised by Ms. Dineen raised €477 for MS Ireland. 

SUCCeSS at the SaLterS 

feStIvaL Of CheMIStrY 

Four of our First Year students represented the school at the Salters Festival of 

Chemistry on 9th May. They were Stephanie Burns, Marguerite O Riordan, Sophie 

Daly and Joey Quinn. Held in UCC, the day consisted of two scientific challenges 

with 32 teams competing to solve a Crime and a University Challenge, using the 

methods of forensic science. Our team came first in the University Challenge which 

was a great achievement. They won digital clocks for themselves and sets of 

scientific models for the school. They also enjoyed a Science Magic Show, hosted 

by Mr Declan Kennedy, well known college lecturer. Well done to all four! 

LeavING 

CertIfICate 

vOCatIONaL 

prOGraMMe 

The LCVP is a programme which runs 

alongside the traditional Leaving 

Certificate and focuses on two main 

areas- Enterprise Education and 

Preparation for the World of Work. It is assessed through a portfolio of work and a formal written 

exam. The portfolio, which is worth 60% of the total marks, contains a Curriculum Vitae, Enterprise 

Plan, Career Investigation Report, Summary Report, Work Experience Diary and a Recorded 

Interview. 

This has been another busy year for all those involved in LCVP, both in LC1 and LC2. LC2 students 

began the year concentrating on their various Enterprise Projects. Throughout October students 

organised and ran Raffles, Bake Sales, fun competitions such as ‘Guess the number of sweets in 

a jar’ and ‘Guess the weight of the cake’. The primary aim of these was to raise money for their 

chosen charity as well as gaining an understanding of what is involved in organising and running 

NOtre SéJOUr à 

LOUrdeS 

On a passé six jours à Lourdes du 2 au 7 

septembre en septembre 2011.C’était une 

bonne expérience! Three pupils- Laura Duncan, 

Katie Harrington and Sadhbh Moriarty were 

selected to work as full-time carers with the 

Kerry Diocesan Pilgrimage in Lourdes last 

September. I accompanied the three girls and 

worked as a part-time carer. It was a very 

worthwhile trip and we all worked very long hours. We made a lot of new friends and came home exhausted! 

We would like to thank Sr. Helen for organising the trip for us as we thoroughly enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere 

of Lourdes. 

Majella Murphy, French Teacher 


"aG dUL GO dtí aN 

GhaeLtaCht..." 

Bryan O'Sullivan & Emma Rice 2nd year, winners of the Pobalscoil 

Inbhear Scéine 

Gaeltacht Scholarships 2012. 

It is hoped that the school will be able to offer students this scholarship 

again in the coming years. 

“Bainigí sult as an dturas Bryan & Emma". 

JC2 Class Support the vita Cortex workers 

an enterprise. Since November all LC2 students have been working very hard on preparing for their 

written exam which takes place in early May every year. 

Leaving Certificate Year 1 students began the year by compiling their Curriculum Vitaes and also 

undertaking an investigation into a career of interest to them. Having completed these items 

they then got the opportunity to participate in visits out to enterprises of interest to them. We 

are very grateful to Dan McCarthy and all in Kenmare Co-operative Mart for hosting one group 

and giving them a very informative and interesting insight into the work of the Mart. The second 

group visited Muckross Farm and saw first-hand what is involved in running such a successful 

tourism enterprise. 

Having completed these tasks students ran a number of enterprises, including a very successful 

Student-Teacher Basketball match. Money raised from these enterprises will go toward nominated 

charities, as well as paying for an interview skills workshop for LC1 students. This skills workshop 

will be held in advance of the Recorded Interviews. These are videotaped interviews where the 

student is questioned on their LCVP activities, their out of school interests and their after school 

ambitions. Students will also have the opportunity to speak on their learnings from their work 

experience placement. As always we are very grateful to all local employers who provide 

employment and support our students while on work experience. 

Emer O'Riordan & Noreen O’Neill


GOrtbraCK farM 

During March, my class, my CSPE teacher Mrs. Comerford, two Spanish teachers and 

I went to Gortbrack Organic Farm just outside Tralee. We decided to visit Gortbrack 

Farm as a part of a CSPE project to learn more about biodiversity, environment and 

organic food. 

When we arrived at the Farm we were greatly by Ian who is the owner. He invited us 

into one of the tunnels where we sat and talked about organic farms, biodiversity, 

our carbon footprints and what we could do to help the environment and make our 

food healthier. 

We then went for a tour around the farm. We looked at all the different vegetables 

Ian had growing on the farm, the different types of trees and we also saw ducks, 

hens and Ian’s very friendly dog, Lola. 

We then found a field mouse in one of the traps that was set day the day before and 

after looking at it for a while and talking about the different creatures we could find 

around the area we left it go. 

Then we went feeding the donkey and the Kerry cow named Q with parsnips and 

carrots. 

After we went to the pond and went fishing to see if we could find any shrews or 

tadpoles. My friend Patricia and I caught a huge Shrew. Then we started throwing 

sticks in the pond and played fetch with Lola. 

Then we went up to the bog to look at bog plants and returned to the tunnel to have 

some lunch. After lunch we continued our tour of the farm, taking pictures and 

looking at all the flowers and vegetables growing in the tunnels and in the gardens. 

We also got to try the herbs and vegetables. 

Before leaving we helped Ian by carrying plants up to the gardens near some of the 

cabins and planted them for him. We left the farm at half past one. We thanked Ian 

for the lovely tour and we went to Tralee Museum to see the Medieval Experience. This 

was a tour through a typical medieval village showing what life was like during that 

time. 

Then we had some time to go shopping in Tralee. The visit to the farm really helped 

us learn more about the importance of Organic farms and biodiversity. We left Tralee 

at four o clock and went home. It was a very interesting day and I really enjoyed it. 

Natasha Riordan 

GreeN SChOOL 

This year has been a quiet year for the Green School committee. We are working 

towars our 6th Green Flag - we are in year one of a two year programme. The 

school continues with Composting and the students are making use of the 

new bins purchased last year, keeping the school premises litter free. The 

Transition Year Class have been litter picking in the grounds every week as part 

of their Gasce Award and have done a great job. A part of the lawns at the back 

of the school is being allowed to grow into meadow and we will observe the 

“biodiversity” here as part of the work towards our new flag. Also some 

members of the Green School are taking part in Butterfly surveying for 

Butterfly Ireland. This involves surveying the types and frequency of butterflies 

in a specific area. This information then goes to complete a picture of Butterfly 

activity in Ireland for 2012. Green Day is on May 18th this year...once again a 

no-uniform day and Fair Trade chocolate and Tea for sale to raise funds for the 

Green School and the ISPCC and raising awareness of Biodiversity. 

the Gaisce award 

Well done to the TY pupils who will 

receive their Gaisce Award in May. A 

special thanks to our guest speakers 

Noel Crowley (Tidy Towns), Peggy 

Fitzgibbon (Kerry Hospice Foundation) 

and Margaret Spillane (Kenmare 

Hospital) for inspiring the pupils to get 

involved in local community projects 

and fund-raising activities during the 

year. 

Majella Murphy 

(TY Social Class) 


eU COUNCIL debate 

On the 9th of March 2012, Andrew Meaghar, Michael Keane and I took part in a model EU council debate 

in Dublin Castle hosted by the European Commission representation in Ireland. The proposal we debated 

was the introduction of a financial tax. The school was represented in this debate last year, so luckily we 

got the chance to send a team again. After many people stated that they wanted to be in the team, our 

names were picked out. It was good fortune that the people selected had an excellent knowledge of the 

issue in question to begin with. Over the February Mid-term the team came together to decide on a position 

to take. We were representing Latvia and decided to be against. 

The debate was fiercely contested by ourselves and the 26 other teams in attendance. I gave the first 

speech, Andrew was on rebuttals and Michael took critical notes. In the end the judges decided that our 

defiance against the directive, our well thought out answers and clear speech made us worthy of the 

victory. It was a hugely proud moment for all involved. It was a team effort and could not have been 

possible without the team effort and camaraderie we had together. 

Our prize is to take a class of 24 students plus two teachers to Strasburg where we will act as Irish delegates 

in the Euroscola project. 

A massive thank you to Ms Comerford and my two team mates, Andrew and Michael. 

Strasbourg here we come!! 

Rory O’Donoghue 

Garda visit – Brendan Class CSPE project 

We invited Garda Mark O Regan to visit our class and speak to us about being a Garda in Kenmare. The class 

had prepared for the visit and everybody had a specific job on the day, including the serving of refreshments! 

We asked him lots of questions and he showed us handcuffs! He explained about his training and his posting 

to Kenmare only 2 months earlier. He told us about exciting car chases and the routine aspect of his job. We 

also tried on his hat! We learned a lot and really enjoyed meeting him.


aLL YOU Need IS LOve 

The School musical “All you need is Love” was a collaboration of the writing skills of Shakespeare, the Beatles and six students and 1 former student of the school. Together they produced a script 

and score that the cast of students (and teachers) worked with to stage the event that was “the school musical”. The shows took place on January 26th, 27th and 28th to packed houses. The 

audience were treated to big dance numbers such as “Get Back”, “Strawberry Fields”and “I saw her standing there”and a medley of Beatles songs to finish the show with numbers such as “Yellow 

Submarine”and“Baby you can drive my car”to a show stopping rendition of“ Hey Jude”. The whole show was made possible with cooperation and assistance from lots of members of staff especially 

the hard working caretakers Teddy and Declan. Rocky and his Racoons (aka staff members) performed a version of “Hard Days Night” in what has become a tradition in the musical, that of “ What 

are the teachers going to sing?”. The fabulous cast of students can be really proud of all the hard work they put in during rehearsals and Ms Whitehead and Ms Comerford have produced a show 

that delighted audiences and had Beatles songs ringing around the school for weeks. 

winners of JC2 Science Quiz LCa Camping trip 



ArtS Week 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine hosted Arts Week from 20th – 30th March 2012. It has 

become an annual feature of school life with many interesting visiting artists and 

exhibitions. This year’s line-up promised to be as enthralling as ever. On Thursday, 

22nd March Luka Bloom performed to an audience of music students and on 

Thursday 29th March, the writer Anna McPartlin gave writing workshops to 

students. She also judged the writing competition. 

Other highlights of the week included lunch time gigs, films, yoga, ceili dancing, 

face painting, music recitals and opera moments. 

Arts week, now in its seventh year continues to provide an opportunity to 

showcase the creative talents of students. The wide variety of arts activities 

include painting, photography, film, writing, poetry, dance and music including 

the launch of this year’s Leaving Cert Sessions CD. 

Arts week is an exciting, energizing, invigorating and entertaining experience. 

The Luka Bloom concert was spectacular; students were entertained for nearly 

two hours by the talented musician. He spoke before performing each song. He 

told pupils that writing songs was about celebrating life, feelings or the people 

you live with. It was not about making money. He informed them that writing 

from the heart was an effective way to produce good songs. He also answered 

audience questions; one answer was an explanation of his stage name. “Luka” 

came from a Suzanne Vega song and “Bloom” came from James Joyce. He also 

asked for and played special requests such as“Pedal On”and spoke about cycling 

around the ring of Kerry. He is nearly finished recording his latest album entitled 

“This New Morning”. 

Ms. Ann Piggott 

ArtS Week MuSiC 

During Arts Week there were many and varied performances by a large number 

of Pobalscoil`s students. A big plus was the glorious weather which allowed for 

joyful outdoor performances by performers such as Red Elephant, Aisling Urwin, 

Matty Adams and Brian Murphy. . Opera moments were broadcast every day 

before break. Peggy Healy`s traditional musicians performed and entertained a 

number of times including the Summer Bash concert. 

The Summer Bash concert in the Carnegie Arts Centre has become a wonderful 

annual event and the students always rise to the occasion. The winners of this 

year`s composition competition were announced by Tom Dean. Tara Viscardi won 

the song section and Harry O`Connor won the instrumental section. 

Transition year ran a fantastic talent competition “Hidden Talents” attended by 

the whole school. The judges were Ms. Aherne, Claire Bunbury and Nick Ryan. 

After a highly entertaining 2 hours, Vada Randles was announced the winner. 

Peggy Healy and James Kelleher brought Arts Week to a great finish with the Ceili 

Mor attended by a large number of students and staff. 

MiChAeL CoLLinS - THE MUSICAL 

On December 1, 40 students from the cast of “All you need is love” headed to 

Siamsa Tire in Tralee for the wonderful musical based on the last years of Michael 

Collins` life, written and composed by Bryan Flynn. The show was performed by 

Tralee musical society and it was a fantastic evening`s entertainment with 

wonderful songs, music, dance and drama. The students met with many of the 

cast afterwards including Muiris Crowley and Jack Healy. Their performances and 

the whole production were an inspiration to our students. Many compliments 

were received about the Kenmare students who represented their school so well. 

SChooL Choir 

The school choir started with auditions in September. The maximum number of 

the choir is 25, drawn from non-exam classes. The first performance of the choir 

was at the 10th anniversary celebration of the school on October 28th in which 

they sang “May the road rise to meet you” and “Standing on the shoulders” with 

Ms.Aherne. The school choir has sung in all school masses since then, at the 

Christmas concert, Arts week concert and the talent show. End of year events for 

the choir include a trip to Cork International choral festival, a workshop and 

concert. 

CoMPoSition WorkShoP 

Past pupil and music graduate, Athoulis Tsiopani conducted a composition 

workshop for senior students on April 18th. It was a follow on from a previous 

workshop undertaken last year. It was an educational, exciting and challenging 

session. We wish Athoulis every success with his post graduate composition 

studies in Edinburgh University. 

Veronica Whitehead 

the VAnBruGh QuArtet 

On the 10th of November last year, this school was fortunate enough to host the famous RTÉ Vanbrugh String 

Quartet, who are one of Ireland’s most famous string quartets. The quartet played various pieces of various genres, 

and gave a short and concise introduction to each of them. They also gave students the opportunity to use the“hands 

on” approach, in which one student learnt to conduct and another learnt to play basic cello, and joined in with the 

rest of the quartet. They played some very famous and moving pieces by composers such as Mozart and Beethoven, 

and also played some oriental pieces, and closer to home, some tunes by an Irish composer. They then held a sort of 

Q & A afterwards where students asked questions about the musicians careers, choice of music etc. Before the quartet 

left, several students had photographs taken with the famous four. Later that day, the quartet performed in Kenmare’s 

Carnegie Theatre and played some great music. This concert showed the immense skill and virtuosity of the four. Let’s 

hope they come again soon! 

Harry O’ Connor, JC1 



awards Night Ceremony 

at pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine 

There was a great sense of expectancy and excitement at 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine in Kenmare on Thursday 27th of October 

2011 before the Annual Awards Ceremony. 

Several students received recognition for their achievements in a 

wide range of activities including academic achievement, Art, 

Music, Green School, Engineering, Public Speaking, Debating, 

Penmanship, Enterprise, Athletics, Football, Basketball and Rugby. 

In a thoughtful and inspiring address the Principal, Mr. Dermot 

Healy thanked every student for their contribution during the 

year. He said that he was very proud of them and that he was 

delighted they were all using their talents to full potential. He 

reminded us that we are celebrating 10 years since Pobalscoil 

Inbhear Scéine opened its doors for the first time in 2001 

Ms. Maureen Foley took us through the awards which have 

become an outstanding milestone in the students’academic lives. 

Aoife Godfrey was chosen as 2011 Student of the Year. She was 

described as an extremely focused and determined student who 

had a very positive effect on the school. She impressed everyone 

that worked with her generosity of talents and good humour. She 

was always gracious and always wore a smile. 

Rory O’Donoghue, the President of the Student Council addressed 

the audience and shared with us the role of student President and 

his experience as a student in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine. 

The evening concluded with refreshments and photos. We all 

hope that the Annual Awards will become bigger and better each 

year. 

annual awards 

outstanding Academic Achievement 

Category recipient 

Leaving Certificate Thomas Hayes 

Ciara Crowley 

Conor Finnegan 

Sharon O’Sullivan 

Leaving Certificate Applied Patricia O’Brien 

Martina Palmer 

Junior Certificate Rachel Topham 

Anna O’Connor 

Ceira Whitling 

Caoimhe Downing 

Special Academic Awards 

Business / Enterprise Award Daniel Smith 

John Hayes 

Art Daniel Quinn 

Star of the Musical Aisling Urwin 

Music Jordan Bagot 

Conor Finnegan 

Engineering Leaving Cert. 2010 Ciarán Twomey 

Science Thomas Hayes 

Penmanship Award Rory O’Donoghue 

Gabriela Ferenc 

Green School Rachel Topham 

Sports – individual & team events 

Athletics Rachel Hawker 

Athletics Team Laura Hallissey 

Clodagh Quinlan 

Chloe Hawker 

Alice O’Reilly 

Shot Putt Aodhán Coakley 

Basketball 

Best Overall U/19 Niall O’Sullivan 

Best Overall U/16 Dara O’Shea 

Best Overall 1st Year Ciarán Lucey 

Ladies Senior Ann Marie Mahony 

Ladies Junior Elizabeth Moriarty 

Ladies 1st Year Clodagh Quinlan 

Footballer of the Year 

Football Ladies Senior Shona Spillane 

Football Ladies Junior Denise Burns 

Football Ladies 1st Year Orla Randles 

Football Boys Intermediate Cian Hallissey 

Football Boys Senior Kevin O’Sullivan 

Football Boys Junior Stephen O’Sullivan 

Rugby Stephen O’Donoghue 

Team Events Boys Basketball: 1st Year Boys 

Team Awards 

Junior Football Team 

Munster Final Runners-up: First Year Girls 

The Dan Cahill Perpetual Shield Elaine Healy Rae 

Year head Awards 

Niamh O’Sullivan 

Claire Twomey 

Bryan O’Shea 

Rory O’Donoghue 

Ella Tuohy 

Gradam Scéine Awards 

Sarah Topham 

Laura Duncan 

Alex Cullen 

Helen O’Sullivan 

Patricia O’Brien 


Travis Reilly 

Eugene O’Sullivan 

Daniel Smith 

Anna Linnell 

transition Year Award 

Jeremiah Shea 

Voluntary Work (Lourdes) 

Laura Duncan 

Katie Harrington 

Sadhbh Moriarty 

Bank of ireland to present Certificates & Awards 

Best Attendance 2010/2011 

Ciarán Crowley 

Moosa Mathibela 

Séan O’Shea 

Niamh O’Sullivan 

Orla Randles 

Ellen Woods 

Alicja Zuk 

David Crowley 

Mikayla Keating 

Dara O’Shea 

Daniel O’Sullivan 

Shane O’Sullivan 

Jake Smith 

Claire Twomey 

Elliot Ward 

Daniel Smith 

Micheál Kelly 

Carmel O’Leary 

J. J. Riordan 

Aoife Godfrey 

Amy Riordan 

Tara Woods


JUNIOr fOOtbaLL 

The junior ladies football team were relatively successful again this year. In the Post Primary 

Kerry County ‘B’ league, Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine overcame Castleisland Community College 

and Coláiste Ide in the group stages. As a result of topping the group Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine 

had home advantage in the County semi-final against Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore. 

This game was played in the beautiful grounds of Templenoe GAA pitch on a wet and windy 

day and ended in a draw. The replay was played in Rathmore GAA grounds and unfortunately 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine lost by 3 points. 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine also competed in the Post Primary Munster Junior ‘C’ competition. 

Unfortunately in the group stages of this competition, Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine met tough 

competition and were beaten by Loretto, Clonmel and narrowly by St. Josephs Presentation, 

Castleisland. As a result of these defeats Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine would not get the same 

chance as last year to compete for the Munster‘C’Cup and had to settle instead for the Munster 

‘C’plate. In the semi-final of the plate Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine overcame Hazelwood College. 

On Friday, 23rd March Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine set off to play Laurel Hill in Ballybricken GAA 

Pitch, Co. Limerick in the Munster‘C’Plate final. The game was definitely a game of two halves. 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine played with the wind in the first half and led at half time. Laurel Hill 

played with the wind in the second half and Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine had to dig deep in the 

final minutes to secure the win. Denise Burns captained the team and Clodagh Quinlan received 

the Player of the Match Award. 

LadIeS trIp tO LIMerICK 

On Friday, 23rd March the Junior Ladies football team captured 

the Junior‘C’Munster Plate title. After the game the panel enjoyed 

a tour of Thomond Park and that night the team stayed in the 

Castle Oaks Apartments in Limerick City. The following day, the 

group had a fun filled day in the UL activity Centre, the group 

participated in canoeing, kayaking, high ropes course, team 

challenges and hill walking. A great weekend was had by all and 

they all arrived back to Kenmare on Saturday evening exhausted. 

Denise Burns, 

Captain of Junior Girls Football Team 


SeNIOr fOOtbaLL 

Our senior girls competed in the Kerry Ladies Post Primary Schools Senior ‘C’ Championship 

again this year. It was a short season for Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine as they received a bye in the 

first round of the competition and played Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee in the next round. 

Unfortunately, the Pobalscoil girls were unable to overcome Mounthawk in Tralee. 

Subsequently Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine are now out of the cup competition, but had a chance 

to play in the plate competition where they met Presentation Milltown in the semi-final. 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine overcame Milltown on a comfortable score line in Templenoe GAA 

pitch. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine played I.S.K in the county plate final in Spa GAA grounds on 

Wednesday, 14th March on a glorious sunny day. The Pobalscoil girls were ahead at half time 

and worked hard again in the second half to win the game on a score line of 3.18 to 2.06. Claire 

O Sullivan captained the team and accepted the trophy on behalf of her team. 

fIrSt Year GIrLS fOOtbaLL bLItz 

Our first year girls participated in the annual 1st year football blitz on Wednesday May 2nd 2012 

in Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork. Unfortunately Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine encountered tough 

competition in this 7 a side competition and were unable to be victorious on the day. Panel: 

Niamh O’ Sullivan, Louise Doyle, Sophie Daly, Caitriona Harrington, Saoirse Hayes, Helena O’ 

Sullivan, Caoimhe O’ Connor, Sandra O’ Sullivan, Georgia O’ Brien, Denise Reilly, Maria Randles, 

Saidhbhe O’ Shea, Celina Horgan and Tara Murphy. 

Senior Team 

Clodagh Quinlan Player of the Match


LaSt 16 tO LaSt 4 IN the 

COUNtrY fOr aLL 

bOYS baSKetbaLL teaMS 

Boys Basketball in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine reached another 

milestone in its history by qualifying all the boys teams for the All- 

Ireland playoff stages for the first time ever. This means that the four 

teams reached the last 16 in the country in their division and for the 

second year boys they took it to the next level by making it to the last 

4 in the country contesting the All-Ireland Semi Final. 

First up the U19 Boys and the seven stalwarts of the Team (Colm 

O’Sullivan, Brian Clifford, Cian Long, Denis O’Neill, Eoghan O’Sullivan, 

John Hayes and Stanley Harrington) all seven having played school 

basketball since first year. Shane O’Sullivan the only other leaving 

Certificate on the team came back from his sabbatical from 

Basketball in L.C.1 to captain the team for the league duration. These 

eight were supported by Conor Harrington, Kieran O’Donoghue, 

Johnie Breen, Finbar Quill and John Rice. Having no luck in the Cup 

competition focus turned to the League where the boys qualified as 

Southwest Munster Regional runners-up and for the first time 

Pobalscoil got to host the All-Ireland Playoffs at home. A festival 

atmosphere ensued on Sunday 5th Feb in the school Gym as it was 

packed for very entertaining games but no luck for the boys. However 

those six leaving Certificate Students are leaving us with quite a 

number of accolades: First year All-Ireland ‘B’ finalist, second year 

All–Ireland ‘B’ quarter finalist, third year All-Ireland ‘B’ Cup 

champions and All-Ireland‘B’league semi finalists. Played in the U19 

‘A’Kerry league and All-Ireland‘A’Cup and finally this year they made 

it to the last 16 in the country in the ‘B’ league. Will this record ever 

be surpassed? We wish them the best in their future careers. 

U16 Boys, a small but talented squad took to the All-Ireland ‘B’ Cup 

competition in early September with no success but focus on the 

league brought them the Southwest Munster title with some very 

impressive and sometimes exquisite basketball. From here they 

headed to Monaghan to fight it out for a place in the All-Ireland semi 

final. Here they got revenge on St. Pauls from Galway the team that 

beat them at home in the cup but lost out in a place in the All-Ireland 

semi final by a basket to the home team. Captaincy was shared here 

between David Hallissey and Fionán O’Sullivan both boys a credit to 

the responsibility given. In their corner were fellow third years, 

Killian Spillane, Alan Murphy-Reeve, Conor Murphy, Daniel O’Sullivan 

and Josh Crowley-Holland but also three second years, Stephen 

O’Sullivan, Brian O’Sullivan and Pat Spillane. 

Next up were the newcomers – the first years. A massive panel of 

dedicated students and proof in the fact that however big the crowd 

is once people are interested and willing to work together, great 

things can be achieved. Unbeaten in Southwest Munster after some 

tight games, off to Dublin it was with them for a shot at qualifying 

for the All-Ireland Semi Final. The opening game in Dublin against 

the Christian Brothers Cork showed that not only in football can Kerry 

give Cork a beating. A loss and another win were not enough to 

secure a place in the semi final and so a long trip home. The team 

was lead by captain Tom O’Sullivan and vice captain Myles Traynor 

backed up by Daniel Taylor, Michael O’Sullivan, Séan O’Sullivan, Kevin 

Price, Liam Mahony, Rory O’Connell, Chris O’Sullivan, Finbar Lehane, 

Patie Murphy, Séan Casey, John Crowley, Eugene Sweeney, Niall 

Harrington, Darragh O’Siochrú, Denis Cronin, James Jones, Diarmuid 

Lynch, David O’Sullivan, Padraigh Dillion and J.B. Climaco. 

Second years – What does one say –Potential, Potential, Potential – 

they blew past everything in the Southwest Munster region and at 

home again Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine were granted the opportunity 

to host the All-Ireland Playoffs on April 29th. Here spectators were 

treated to a great display of basketball evident from standing 

ovations to last second drama with people unable to watch, shouting 

and roaring as Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine second year boys won 

games by five points, one point and fourteen points to seal victory 

u19 Boys 

John Rice Eoghan O’Sullivan, Brian Clifford, Johnie Breen, Kieran O’Donoghue, John Hayes, Colm 

O’Sullivan, Shane O’Sullivan (Capt League) 

Conor Harrington, Stanley Harrington, Finbar Quill, Cian Long and Denis O Neill (Capt. Cup). 

First Year Boys 

Michael O’Sullivan, Daragh O’Siochrú, Denis Cronin, Séan O’Sullivan, Myles Traynor (Vice Capt.), 

Eugene Sweeney, John Crowley, Tom O’Sullivan (Capt), Chris O’Sullivan, Finbar Lehane, Liam 

Mahony 

Niall Harrington, Daniel Taylor, Patie Murphy, James Jones, David O’Sullivan, Séan Casey, Diarmuid 

Lynch, Kevin Price, Padraigh Dillion, Rory O’Connell. Missing from the photo is J.B. Climaco. 


and their entry into All-Ireland Semi final territory. The trip to the 

U.L. arena and nothing else but what Hollywood movies are made of, 

as Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine were denied a place in the final by a 

three pointer on the buzzer. They returned home as All-Ireland 

Bronze medal winners. This team was gallantly led by Captain Cathal 

Granville. His team mates were Moosa Mathibela, Darren Maye, Mark 

Hickey, Seán O’Shea, Brian O’Sullivan, Ciarán Crowley, Dylan Spillane, 

Flor O’Sullivan, Pat Spillane, Ciarán Lucey, Stephen O’Sullivan, Kieran 

O’Sullivan and three first years, Tom O’Sullivan, Myles Traynor and 

Chris O’Sullivan. 

Hosting two All-Ireland tournament of any kind is a daunting 

prospect but a great honour at the same time. Travelling to All- 

Ireland playoffs costs the school and parents a lot of money so 

hosting was a practical solution as it saved money but cost many 

man hours. It is thanks however to a cohort of mainly LC1 students 

that made it all possible who put in those hours of work in preparing 

the school and running both tournaments. They were Sarah O’Leary, 

Maeve Korpela, Elizabeth Moriarty, Caoimhe Downing, Aisling 

Goldrick, Layla Mahony, Tom O’Sullivan (JC1) and Ciarán Crowley 

(JC2) and special mention must go to the following students who 

helped out with both tournaments they were Megan O’Sullivan, 

Stephen O’Donoghue, Dean Cassidy, Jasmine Bachofner, Damien 

Price, Megan Harrington, Gary Harrington, Amy Riordan, Yvonne 

O’Connell, Emma O’Shea, Emily Crowley, Annie Cooper, Amy O’Regan 

and Ellie Gudgeon. Their dedication to the school was shown by hard 

work which included washing, mopping, cleaning up, making 

sandwiches, running the shop, running the table, score sheets, taking 

photographs and general floor management, all tasks were carried 

out with great efficiency. They are a credit to the school and their 

parents. Thanks to teachers and parents that offered to help and for 

everyone coming to watch and support. Also to Ms. Slattery who 

helped out both days despite have to attend to her own playoffs as 

well. Congrats to the achievements of the girls teams this year. 

u16 Boys 

Killian Spillane, Daniel O’Sullivan, David Hallissey ( Capt. Cup ) Josh Crowley-Holland, 

Fionán O’Sullivan ( Capt. League) Conor Murphy 

Pat Spillane, Brain O’Sullivan, Alan Murphy-Reeve and Stephen O’Sullivan. 

Second years – All-ireland ‘B’ Bronze medal winners 

Kieran O’Sullivan, Brian O’Sullivan, Pat Spillane, Stephen O’Sullivan, Cathal Granville 

(Capt), Ciarán Lucey, Myles Traynor, Darren Maye. 

Tom O’Sullivan, Séan O’Shea, Moosa Mathibela, Mark Hickey, Flor O’Sullivan Ciarán 

Crowley, Chris O’Sullivan.


U19 LadIeS baSKetbaLL 

aLL IreLaNd CUp fINaLIStS aNd aLL 

IreLaNd LeaGUe SeMI-fINaLIStS 

U19 ‘C’ all Ireland Cup 

On Wednesday, 25th January, 2012 the U19 girls’ basketball team 

created history by togging out to play in the Schools Cup Basketball 

All Ireland Final in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. It was 

the first time that a girls’ basketball team from Pobalscoil Inbhear 

Scéine reached an All-Ireland Final. 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine received a bye in the first round of this 

knockout competition, but had to travel to Dublin to play Mount 

Anville and again for the All-Ireland quarter final to play Mount 

Temple Malahide. Fortunately, the trips paid off for the Pobalscoil 

girls as they overcame both teams by 11 points and 10 points 

respectively. Tarbert Comprehensive School provided the 

opposition in the All-Ireland Schools Cup semi-final. On the day 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine were the better team and won the game 

comfortably, final score 62 points to 29 points. 

The Pobalscoil girls faced Laois side; Clonaslee Vocational School in 

the All Ireland Cup Final. Clonaslee were very strong and at half 

time the Pobalscoil girls were trailing the game by 9pts. In the 

second half Clonaslee’s attack intensified but unfortunately, the 

Pobalscoil girls were unable to overcome their opponents. Final 

Score 58 – 27. 

U19 ‘C’ all Ireland League 

The U19 panel also qualified for the All Ireland League Playoffs 

and on Saturday, 4th February, 2012 the Pobalscoil Inbhear 

Scéine’s U19 girls’ basketball team travelled to Wexford to play 3 

games in the All-Ireland league playoffs. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine 

lost their first game by 3 points against St. Marys Midleton. 

However, they overcame hosts Presentation Wexford in the second 

game by 11 points and Caritas College in the third game by 26 

points. However Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine still qualified for the All 

Ireland league semi-final as St. Marys Midleton lost their last 

game. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine played local rivals Presentation 

Milltown in the All Ireland league semi-final in Killarney on March 

9th, 2012. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine were beaten already during 

the year by Presentation Milltown in the Regional Final in 

Ballybunion and unfortunately Milltown were victorious again in 

the All Ireland League Semi – Final. Final Score 30 - 28. 

u19 Panel: Annie Cooper (Captain), Michelle O’ Connor (Vice- 

Captain), Claire O’ Sullivan, Ann Marie Mahony, Katie Cooper, 

Megan Harrington, Elizabeth Moriarty, Amy Riordan, Sandra O’ 

Shea, Yvonne O’ Connell, Emily Crowley, Layla Mahony, Laura Jones, 

Helena Rice, Ellie Gudgeon 

pObaLSCOIL INbhear 

SCéINe LadIeS 

baSKetbaLL 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine had four ladies 

basketball teams this year that competed in 

the Kerry School Girls C League (1st year team, 

2nd year team, U16 and U19 team). 

1st Year Girls 

Unfortunately, our 1st year girls failed to 

qualify for the North/South Kerry crossover 

finals as they did not win enough games to 

qualify from the South Kerry League but still 

enjoyed a relatively successful year as they 

played good competitive basketball and proudly represented their school. Panel: Saidhbhe O’ Shea, Sandra O’ Sullivan, Ellen 

Murnane, Kitty O’ Sullivan, Caoimhe Randles, Eva 

Boyle, Leanne Campbell , Georgia O’ Brien, Celina 

Horgan, Rachel O’ Sullivan, Helena O’ Sullivan, 

Caitriona Harrington, Sophie Daly, Aileen O’ Shea, 

Caoimhe O’ Connor, Louise Doyle, Maria Randles, 

Tijana Arsenic, Ciara Riney, Gabriella Ward. 

U16 Girls 

The u16 girls failed to qualify for the North/South 

Kerry crossover finals as they didn’t secure enough 

wins to qualify from the South Kerry league: Panel: 

Niamh Hanley, Anna Linnell, Alicja Zuk, Jane O’ 

Sullivan, Rebecca Murphy, Niamh Healy, Rayanne O’ 

Connor, Chloe O’Shea, Laura Hallissey, Denise Burns, 

Orla Randles and Natalie Rudzinska. 



2Nd Year GIrLS 

The 2nd year girls’ team enjoyed a very successful sporting year. They played 5 league games 

and were successful in all but one against Rathmore, in which they were narrowly beaten by 

2 points. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine subsequently qualified for the North/South Kerry crossover 

final against Tarbert Comprehensive School in Tarbert. The Pobalscoil girls comfortably 

overcame Tarbert on a score line of 56pts to 10pts. Next up was the South West Regional Finals 

which was held in Tarbert. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine overcame Clare side, Coláiste Ennis in 

the semi-final and met old rivals Rathmore in the Regional final. This was an extremely tense 

and tight game. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine were down 5 points in the 1st and 2nd quarter, but 

ended the 3rd quarter a point up. The Pobalscoil ladies remained calm and played very 

intelligently in the 4th quarter and won the game on a score line of 33pts to 29pts. This is the 

first time that a girls’ team from Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine won a Regional Final. The panel 

were presented with gold medals and captain Katelyn O’ Sullivan received the trophy on behalf 

of her team. 

Next up was the All Ireland Play offs which took place on Thursday, 26th April in Blarney Co. 

Cork. The girls had to play 3 games and in order to progress to the All-Ireland semi-final all 3 

games had to be won. Unfortunately, Kenmare were beaten in the first game by a single point 

against host school Blarney. Next up for the Pobalscoil girls was Wexford opposition; New Ross. Kenmare were determined to come away with a victory in this game. The girls fought for every 

ball and won the game comfortably 65 points to 14 points. Kenmare played Mount Anville, Dublin in their last game and won the game on a score line of 55 points to 16 points. Unfortunately 

for the girls, Blarney won all 3 games on the day and denied Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine a place in the All-Ireland semi-final by a single point. Well done to the entire panel for their dedication 

and effort this season. 

Panel: Katelyn O’ Sullivan (Captain), Roisin Lehane (Vice-Captain), Clodagh Quinlan, Orla Randles, Carol O’ Sullivan, Laura Hallissey, Clodagh Palmer, Sinead O’ Sullivan, Emma Rice, Jane O’ 

Sullivan, Molly Knightly, Alannah Harrington, Kerry O’ Shea, Denise Reilly, Chloe Hawker, Jenny Kelly, Aine Moriarty, Noreen Galvin, Cori Van Deventer, Philomena McCarthy and Eilish O’ Sullivan. 

fOOtbaLL 2011/2012 

This school year saw us play matches in Kerry and Munster 

competitions, at all age levels. The dedication shown by Tom O’Connor, 

Colm Horgan, Sean O’Shea, Vincent Coakley, and Gary McCarthy, as well 

as the help we got from Vince Cooper meant our teams were excellently 

prepared. 

Our Senior Football Team made history for our school by qualifying for 

the Kerry Colleges ‘A’ Semi Final, where they were unlucky to lose to 

the all-conquering Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Dingle. Luck totally 

deserted them in the Munster ‘B’ Colleges when they lost by a point, 

after extra time, to the eventual winners St. Colman’s, Fermoy. 

Our Under 16 ½ team qualified for both the Kerry Colleges Final, and 

the Munster Final, but unfortunately lost the former by a point, and 

the latter by three points. Most of this team are under age next year, 

but they also have to move up to ‘B’ Colleges. They will be aided by our 

players from the Under 15 team who won the Corn Mhic Graith 

(Munster Colleges Final) after a thrilling match against Ennistymon 

CBS. This team were excellently drilled and a special thanks goes to Sean O’Shea for his dedication and commitment. In this age group we qualified for the Kerry Colleges Final but came unstuck 

by a very good side in Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee. 

Our First Years competed in both Blitzes in October, and in April. There is plenty of talent to be tapped into for the future. I would like to thank all who gave of their time in helping prepare the 

teams this year, and a big thank you to Star Sailing for their very generous sponsorship in providing a new kit for our teams. 

The success in playing ‘A’ Football is notable in that four of our players made the Kerry Minor ranks. Unfortunately, due to injury, Cian Hallissey has had to withdraw but I would like to wish Gavin 

Crowley, Brian Crowley and Adrian Spillane the very best wishes in the Munster Final, and beyond. G.A.A. is alive and well in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, and this is down to the hard work and 

commitment of Tom O’Connor and Colm Horgan. Their continuing efforts, and those of Sean O’Shea, as well as the tremendous work that our local clubs do should mean that our future is bright. 


JC1 rugby team 


Bryan O'Shea,TY,with EileenO'Shea and Mairead O'Neill after completeing the Kenmare AC 

Ronald McDonald fund-raising Fun Run/ Walk on Saturday February 11th. Well done Bryan.


athLetICS 

This has been another very successful year so far for the athletes of 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine who have been training Mondays and 

Thursdays after school since last September. Eight pupils qualified 

for the All-Ireland Schools in Cross-Country and Track and Field 

events. 

CrOSS- COUNtrY 

Sixteen pupils participated in the Kerry Colleges Cross Country in 

January in Killarney and in the South Munsters in February in Cork. 

Nine pupils participated in the Munster Schools Cross Country in 

Cork in February and four pupils competed in the All-Ireland Cross 

Country in Galway in March. First Year Girls Helena O'Sullivan, 

Mikaela Mulcahy, Aicha van Daele, Mary Teresa Burns, Stephanie 

Burns and Saoirse Hayes won first team prize in the Kerry Colleges 

Cross Country, third team in South Munsters and fifth team in the 

Munsters. Helena won the Kerry Colleges Minor Girls race. Helena 

and Mikaela qualified for the All-Ireland Schools in Galway in March. 

The Second Year Girls team had a lot of success winning first team 

prize in the Kerry Colleges Cross Country in January in Killarney, first 

team in the South Munsters Cross Country in Cork in February, third 

First Year Girls Relay Team who came third in the Kerry Colleges in 

Castleisland in April and fourth the in South Munster Track and 

Field in May- Aicha van Daele,Stephanie Burns, Mikaela Mulcahy, 

Mary Teresa Burns, and Helena O'Sullivan.Helena won the Kerry 

Colleges Minor Girls 800m and was fourth in the South 

Munsters.Mikaela won the Kerry Colleges Minor Girls High Jump 

and second in the Kerry Minor Girls 800m and fifth in the South 

Munsters. Mary came second in the Kerry Colleges Minor Girls 

100m and fourth in the South Munsters. Well done to the girls. 

They have been training Mondays and Thurdays after school since 

last September and have won a lot of medals for both crosscountry 

and track and field. 

All ireland Colleges Cross Country Galway March 10th 

Second Year Girls Chloe Hawker, Clodagh Quinlan, Laura 

Hallissey and First Year Girl Mikaela Mulcahy who represented 

Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine at the All-Ireland School Cross 

Country in Galway on Saturday March 10th. Well done to the 

four girls for competing in the All-Ireland Cross Country- a great 

honour for the school to reach the All-Irelands. 

team in the Munsters in Cork in February and eighth team in the 

All-Ireland Cross Country in Galway on Saturday March 10th. Laura 

Hallissey won the Kerry and South Munster Junior Girls races and 

came fifth in the Munsters and competed in the All-Ireland Schools 

in Galway with her team-mates Clodagh Quinlan and Chloe Hawker. 

The TY pupils Ronan Lucey, Daniel Hawker, and LC1 pupils Aidan 

Quinlan, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Joe Murphy competed in the Kerry 

Colleges Cross Country in January. Daniel and Aidan won medals 

and went forward to the South Munsters in Cork in February. Well 

done to everyone who participated and attended training.Many 

thanks to our bus driver Declan Finnegan for taking us to Killarney 

and Cork for the cross-country. 

traCK aNd fIeLd 

Well done to the eight athletes who represented Pobalscoil Inbhear 

Scéine in the Kerry Colleges Track and Field in Castlesisland on 

Wednesday, April 25th. Helena O’Sullivan won the Minor Girls 

800m. Mikaela Mulcahy won the Minor Girls High Jump and was 

2nd in the Minor Girls 800m. Aicha Van Daele was 3rd in the Minor 

Girls High Jump. Mary Theresa Burns was 2nd in the Minor Girls 

100m. Laura Hallissey won the Junior Girls 800m. Rachel Hawker 

kerry Colleges Cross Country killarney Jan 18th 2012 

First Year Boys Denis Cronin and Diarmaid Lynch who participated in the 

Kerry Colleges and the South Munsters Cross- Country in January and 

February. 


was 3rd in the Senior Girls 800m. Aodhàn Coakley won the Junior 

Boys Long Jump and was 3rd in the Junior Boys 100m. The First Year 

Girls Relay team came 3rd in the Minor Girls Relay. The team 

consisted of Helena O’Sullivan, Mikaela Mulcahy, Mary Theresa 

Burns, Stephanie Burns and Aicha Van Daele. These eight athletes 

went forward to the South Munster Schools Track and Field which 

was held in Cork on Thursday, May 3rd and Friday, May 11th .Well 

done to the gold medal winners Laura Hallissey who won the Junior 

Girls 1500m and Rachel Hawker who won the Senior Girls 1500m. 

Well done to Aodhan Coakley who came second in the Junior Boys 

Long Jump. Laura, Rachel and Aodhan qualified for the Munster 

Schools Track and Field which took place on Saturday, May 19th in 

Cork. Laura won gold again at the Munsters winning her race, 

Aodhan came 2nd in the long jump and Rachel came 3rd in her race. 

All three qualify for the All-Ireland Schools which will take place in 

Tullamore on Saturday June 2nd .A special thanks to all the parents 

who provide extra transport to these events, their support is always 

very much appreciated. 

Majella Murphy (Athletics co-ordinator). 

kerry Colleges Cross Country killarney Jan 18th 2012 

LC1 and TY pupils Aidan Quinlan, Ronan Lucey, Daniel Hawker, 

Ryan Fitzpatrick and Joe Murphy who competed in the Kerry 

Colleges Cross Country in January. Daniel and Aidan won medals 

and went forward to the South Munsters in Cork in February. 

Aodhan Coakley JC2 won the Junior Boys Kerry Colleges Long 

Jump, and was third in the 100m. 

Aodhan came second in the Long Jump at the South Munsters 

Track and Field in Cork Friday May 11th and qualifies for the 

Munster Track and Field in Cork Saturday, May 19th. kerry Colleges Cross Country killarney Jan 18th 2012 

South Munster School's Medal-winners 

Rachel Hawker, Aodhan Coakley and Laura Hallissey- medal-winners at 

the South Munster School's Track and Field Championships in Cork on 

Friday May 11th. Rachel won the Senior Girls 1500m, Aodhan was 

second in the Long Jump and Laura won the Junior Girl 1500m. The three 

athletes go forward to the Munster Schools Track and Field in Cork on 

Saturday May 19th. 

South Munster Colleges Cross Country Cork Jan 27th 2012 

Relay Team who came third in the Kerry Colleges in Castleisland in April 

and fourth in the South Munster Track and Field in May- Aicha van 

Daele, Stephanie Burns, Mikaela Mulcahy, Mary Teresa Burns, and 

Helena O'Sullivan.Helena won the Kerry Colleges Minor Girls 800m 

and was fourth 

in the South Munsters. Mikaela won the Kerry Colleges Minor Girls 

High Jump and second in the Kerry Minor Girls 800m and fifth in the 

South Munsters. Mary came second in the Kerry Colleges Minor Girls 

100m and 

fourth in the South Munsters. Well done to the girls. They have been 

training Mondays and Thurdays after school since last September and 

have won a lot of medals for both cross-country and track and field. 

First Year Girls Helena O'Sullivan, Mikaela Mulcahy, Aicha van Daele, 

Mary Teresa Burns, Stephanie Burns and Saoirse Hayes who won first 

team prize in the Kerry Colleges Cross Country,third team in South 

Munsters and fifth team in the Munsters.Helena O'Sullivan won the 

Kerry Colleges Minor Girls race. Helena and Mikaela qualified for the 

All-Ireland Schools in Galway in March. Helena was unable to run 

due to an injury.


Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare, Co. Kerry 

Ph: 064 66 40846 Fax: 064 66 40922 Email: info@kenmarecs.com Website: www.kenmarecs.com

GuthSceine2012 - Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine

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