Farewell to the Class of 2023

12 TOPIC • 8 June, 2023
CLASS OF 2023 FEATURE
Farewell to the Class of 2023
ST MARY’S SECONDARY SCHOOL
On, Wednesday, 24 May, we bid farewell to the
class of 2023, enjoying an action-packed
morning of fun and games before gathering
in our school gym for a very special Graduation
evening with the theme ‘Our Time to Bloom’.
Handcrafted blooms representing every graduate
featured as a fitting backdrop to the special occasion
which began with a graduation mass led by Fr
Liam Lawton and concluded with presentations and
speeches.
Prefect Shauna Comerford welcomed the invited guests.
“We gather here this evening to remember, to pray, to
hope, and to dream. We want to thank our families,
friends, teachers, and staff of St. Mary’s for a wonderful 6
years. We are joyful in moving forward but sad to leave a
lot behind. We look ahead in hope as we prepare to
bloom”.
Principal Emmet McDonnell spoke warmly to the class of
2023 saying “as Principal, one of the many significant things
I witnessed during your years here was the support you
offered for one another, friendships, tolerance, and understanding.
This is by far the most important attribute
– not medals or trophies. It is how you deal with others
and show respect to others and to yourself. That is the
character we and your parents love to see. That’s what
makes us most proud.”
Chair of the prefects, Ultan McIntyre gave the keynote
speech on the evening and made a special presentation to
the 6th year head Ms Hourigan, paying warm tribute to her
kindness, dedication, and unending support shown for all
students in her care.
Concluding the evening, Mr McDonnell added “We are so
happy for you, excited about all the possibilities ahead of
you. There is so much you can achieve. Choose wisely. Aim
high but act cautiously. This is not the end of your journey
it is merely the beginning of the next chapter. You have the
rest of your life before you – go and be the best that you
can be.”
Graduation student Jonathan Adedeji
pictured with Principal Emmett
McDonnell.
Ultan McIntyre, Barry Dowling, Kian Dixon, Ben Whelehan, Dylan Byrne,
Don Birmingham, Luke O’Connor, Paidi Farrell and Eoin Smith.
Amy Dalton, Migle Matulionyte, Aaron Kennedy, Ruby Foran and
Mark Forde ready to make presentations.
Fr Liam Lawton pictured at the graduation with St
Mary’s teachers Aoife Cosgrove and John Lawton.
Head Prefect Ultan McIntyre addressing
the parents and teachers during the
graduation ceremony. All smiles at their graduation were Shauna Comerford, Ruby Foran
and Kate Maher.
Olivia Craig pictured at her graduation with her
parents Sandra and Colin Craig.