Farewell to the Class of '22!!
30th May 2022
On Thursday night last, Killina Presentation Secondary School celebrated their Graduation Mass for the Class of 2022. As ever, it was a night of mixed emotions: marking a milestone and anticipation for the future, and at the same time, bittersweet and nostalgic at the end of a chapter. For some parents and guardians, it was a milestone as it was their first child to finish, while for others it signalled the end of their association with Killina as their youngest crossed the threshold. A unique feature of the night, which dovetailed nicely into the end of one chapter and prelude to a new beginning, the school community, and the wider Rahan/ Muchlagh and The Island community were made aware during the week that this was to be Fr Martin Carley’s last time to deliver a graduation mass for the school before moving to his new parish of Fore in County Meath. No more than our 6th Year students, it was a night to remember all Fr Martin had contributed to the school over the years in his role as Chaplain, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him sincerely for his generosity and positivity, and to wish him all the best of luck in the future.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that among the themes of the mass was transition, closing one chapter and opening the next. Student Council President Katie O’Rourke and Vice President Ronan Fulton delivered the valedictorian speech that alternately provoked great mirth and evoked forgotten memories, but each attested to one of the standout features of the group, the strength of the friendships forged, especially given how Covid had impinged on what would be an expected school experience. Principal John Cotter also alluded to the bonds and camaraderie that characterised the group, and in wishing them well in their future paths, reiterated Fr Martin’s assertions that they were masters of their destinies, and he expressed his full confidence that the characteristics and endeavours they had displayed throughout their time in school would stand them in good stead.
After the Mass, it was back to the school for some refreshments and the awards presentation. A testament to the personalities and impressions the students made on the teachers over the years was the range of students nominated in the Student of the Year and Positive Contribution categories. There were also numerous presentations acknowledging students’ achievements in extracurricular and out-of school activities and endeavours, as well as subject awards.
The list of winners was as follows: Senior Footballer of the Year- Neil Minnock. Senior Hurler of the Year: James Scully. Senior Ladies Footballer of the Year- Ciara Glackin. Senior Camógie Player of the Year: Sarah Doherty. Senior Boys Soccer Player of the Year: Jack Brickland. Senior Girls Soccer Player of the Year: Becky Watkins. Senior Basketball Player of the Year: Emma Hand. PE Sportspersons of the Year: Ciara Glackin and Emmet Doyle. Special Achievement Awards- Charlie Mitchell (U20 hurling), Ava Dolan, Emma Hand (Ladies Football), Becky Watkins, Ciara Glackin (International u19 soccer), Sarah Doherty (minor camógie), Student Council- Katie O’Rourke, Ronan Fulton, Sarah Lee and Ben Brady. History Student of the Year- Ronan Fulton. The Michael White Music Award- Niamh O’Connell. CEIST Award/ Principal’s Special Recognition Award- John Spollen and Aleksandra Piet. The Kenneth Buggy Sportsperson of the Year- Ava Dolan. Positive Contribution to School Life- Becky Watkins and Rachel Dillon. Student of the Year: Rachel Dillon.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate every nominee in each category, those who were shortlisted, and of course, the winners in each category. We would also like to thank Year Head Ms O’Donavon for all her help and guidance for this group, especially through Senior Cycle. The school would like to thank each and every student for contributing to the school experience over the years since they first entered, and for weaving their threads into the tapestry of Killina’s history. We express gratitude and admiration for the friendliness, the positivity and the fortitude especially in the last few Covid-impacted years, and wish you all the best of luck, health, happiness and fond memories for the rest of your lives. Go n-eirí an bóthar libh.
