Good Counsel College - News

School Newsletter - Christmas 2013

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 15:45:00 GMT

The crib at the foot of the school altar

With Christmas upon us, the first term of the school year will end on Friday next, 20th at 1.20pm. Buses will run at this time rather than the usual time of 4pm. First, second and fifth years will have house exams over the last few days which will provide plenty of focus right up to the break.

On Friday December 6th we held parent/teacher meetings for all 3rd and 6th year students which were very well attended. We thank all those who took the trouble to come along and to Mr Younger and the prefects for all the work in seetting up the hall and ensuring things ran smoothly.

Over the course of the past weeks there have been many activities taking place, both of curricular and extra curricular nature. Maths week and Science week were both marked with a number of events to encourage awareness and involvement in these subject areas. There have been open day visits to a number of third level institutions in addition to guest speakers visiting from others.

On Wednesday last a group of 18 boys took the trip to Gonzaga College in Dublin to take on the host school in a series of chess matches. By all accounts this was a most pleasant event and provided opportunity for that dedicated bunch af lads who pore over their pieces each lunchtime in the library. Many thanks to Ms Furlong and Ms Doyle in accompanying and encouraging the boys and to Mr Cassidy for his expertise and help.

We extend our congratulations to all those students who have achieved success across a variety of disciplines during the first term. There have been winners at the All Ireland Fleadh in music, among them Jon Reville, Michael Martin, Ciaran English. First year,William Roche, landed the British go kart championships while Tomas O'Connor and Eoin Porter both played on the Irish U-15 soccer team in Holland against the Dutch. Robert Vallejo recently played in a schools rugby international against Australia. Paul Murphy has been humbling a series of golf courses not only in Ireland but in Spain too. In Athletics there have been notable achievements by David O'Connor, Oisin Griffin, Richard Hennessy, Ryan Carty Walsh, Joe Mooney among others. Our school showjumping teams have landed several trophies with riders Jack Kehoe, Aidan Byrne, Eoin Byrne, Cian Aylward, Oisin Aylward, Jack Dalton, Jim Redmond and Noel Dunne the chief participants. There have been many other notable achievements which we sometimes do not even get to hear about in school and to these and all the students who take part in all manner of sporting and cultural activities, we say well done.

The college u-14 and u-16 football teams both had good recent wins against St Peters and Carlow CBS respectively. The u-14s have now qualified for the Leinster final while their u-16 counterparts are in the South Leinster final. The Junior Rugby team were most unfortunate to lose out by 1 point in their cup semi final against Naas last week but they put up some impressive displays along the way. Perhaps some of them will go on to emulate former student Tadhg Furlong who recently made his full senior debut for Leinster in a Rabo Direct game. Continued good wishes to him. Our very enthusiastic basketball team continue to progress under the expert supervision of Ms Dempsey and Ms O'Connnor and chalked up a significant victory in their most recent game.

We wish all those associated with the college, students, staff, parents, past pupils and friends the season's blessings. Nollaig Shona díobh go lér.

Aaron, Caleb, Daniel and Liam.

UCD Entrance Scholars 2013

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:18:00 GMT

Congratulations to the 5 students, Colm Doherty, Michael O'Connor, Paraic Conway, Jack Allen and David Maher (pictured above left to right) who were awarded Entrance Scholarships to UCD for 2013. The presentation took place on Tuesday evening, November12, in the O'Reilly Hall on the Bellefield campus. Entrance Scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding achievement in the Leaving Certificate examination, to those gaining 560 points or more. We congratulate the boys; they have done themselves,their families and indeed Good Counsel College proud.

School Newsletter 2 - 2013/14

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 15:06:00 GMT

The altar display, designed and created by 2nd year art students, in the school church for the month of Novemeber, where students can remember and pray for family and friends who have passed away.

The Enrolment process for 1st year 2014 is well underway and anyone wishing to get an application form should submit an expression of interest form before Friday next, Nov. 15th at which time Application Forms will be posted. All completed Application Forms must then be returned to the school by 4pm on Nov. 29th. Any queries in relation to this process should be made to the school office.

Due to industrial action the scheduled parent/teacher meetings for 6th and 3rd years on December 6th and 12th respectively, have been cancelled and instead there will be a full day parent/teacher meeting for both these year groups on Friday, December 6th.

On Tuesday of this week, 5 students from the Leaving Certificate class of 2013 - Jack Allen, Paraic Conway, Colm Doherty, David Maher and Michael O'Connor - will be awarded entrance scholarships to UCD in a ceremony in the O'Reilly Hall. We congratulate them on their achievement and wish them well in their continuing studies.

The senior and juvenile football teams have played a number of league games over the last few weeks and are both making good progress towards the knockout stages. The number of students training after school on various days of the week is a reflection of their tremendous enthusiasm and that of their teachers/coaches. good luck to them in the campaigns ahead.

Our school showjumping team have been competing with great success over the past number of weeks and successfully retained the Kilkenny College trophy at a recent event. Aidan Byrne, Jack Kehoe, Jack Dalton, Cian Aylward, Eoin Byrne and Oisin Aylward have been the key team members and in congratulating them we also thank them and their parents for all the time and effort invested.

School Newsletter - Autumn 2013

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 23:00:00 GMT

With the Hallowe'en mid-term break upon us, we are reminded of just how quickly the school year passes. It is not uncommon to be greeted even yet with, 'you must be nearly settled back at this stage,' even though a quarter of the school year will in fact be complete at the end of this week. As ever it has been a busy time with Geography field trips, R.E. visits to the mosque, retreats, visiting speakers, book fair and various sports events in addition to the daily work of the school, all set against the backdrop of uncertainties in education generally. It is not clear at this time what the situation in relation to Parent/Teacher meetings will be while information in relation to enrolment for first year 2014 will be published in local media and made available to local primary schools. Parents interested in receiving an application form for their son may also contact us here at the school.

We congratulate Aidan Wall of the 2013 Leaving Certificate class who came first in Ireland in Higher level Technology. It is a notable achievement for Aidan and his teachers and is a sourse of great pride to the school. We also congratulate Daire McGrath who came second nationally in Junior Certificate Higher level Technology.

The design phase for the new Technology, DCG rooms and Special Needs Unit is underway in the expectation of having the work completed before September 2014. These additional buildings will further enhance the wonderful facilities we are fortunate enough to have here currently.

With the new swimming pool opening this weekend on our doorstep, we wish all associated with it the very best wishes with what is a fabulous new amenity for the town and surrounding area. It is a hugely impressive structure externally and the quality of the gym and pool facilities have to be seen to be believed.

We wish all a safe and pleasant Hallowe'en.

School Newsletter 20 - 2012/13

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:32:00 GMT

It may be a false impression not supported by reality, but the sun does always seem to start shining as soon as the exams begin. And so it has been this week as the Leaving and Junior Certificate students filed into examination centres all over the country. In Good Counsel almost 260 students sit their state exams and we wish each and every one of them the very best of luck.

Our principal Fr. Hennebry leaves us at the end of the school year to take up his new position as Provincial of the Augustinian order and many tributes have been paid to him for the wonderful service he has given to the school over the past 19 years, 16 of which he has spent as principal. Presentations have been made to Fr Hennebry by the Parents' Council, the school staff and the Board of Management among others. His contribution to education in the community is also recognised by New Ross Town Council who will present him with Chairman's award in the council chambers on Thursday evening. We thank Fr. Hennebry and wish him every blessing for the years ahead in his new role with the order.

Also retiring from the teaching staff is Mr Vincent McDonnell, our highly respected German teacher of many years and to him we also extend a sincere thanks on behalf of all those he has taught, helped and inspired during his years here. There is no question but Vincent will keep very active in his retirement from teaching and we wish him many long years of happiness in doing so.

Sr. Mary Malone, who has worked as school matron for many years is also retiring from the invaluable work she has been doing here in Good Counsel and will certainly be greatly missed. The first port of call for any boy with a headache, sprain, tonsilitis or indeed schoolitis Sr Mary dispensed not only the occasional painkiller but also an abundance of kindness and care. Never raising her voice or questioning the bona fides of any 'patient', Sr. Mary was truly Christian in her ministry. We wish her well indeed.

Congratulations are extended to Eoin Power, 6th year on winning the Senior Boys 110m hurdles in a personal best time of 14.79 seconds at the Irish Schools' National Finals last week. Eoin's list of achievements is impressive and he has done the school proud with his many provincial and national titles over the years. At the same event, Joe Mooney, 3rd year, finished third in the 2000m intermediate boys walk, again a fantastic achievement for the young Adamstown man whose club mate Ryan Carthy Walsh, 1st year, took bronze in the Junior boys high jump. Well done to all of them on their outstanding efforts.

The annual Madigan Cup hurling match between Wexford and Kilkenny students took place before the end of the school year and once again the 'Cats' emerged victorious. Well done to the boys for organising the teams and jerseys and to the Madigan family for again supporting the event held in memory of Keith and Alan who are so fondly remembered here in Good Counsel.

To all our students, parents and staff we wish you a safe and happy summer.

School Newsletter 19 - 2012/13

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:24:00 GMT

Adam Cooney, Transition Year, as part of his Community Care module visited the New Ross day care centre each Tuesday and brightened up the environment for the residents by painting a colourful seascape 'mural'. The residents of the centre grew very fond of Adam and always looked forward to his visits. He is due great credit for the time and effort he gave to such a worthy project. Eoin Power, many times national champion broke the South Leinster Schools 110m hurdles record on Wednesday last on his way to qualifying for the Leinster final. Eoin is an exceptional athlete and has represented his country in schools' internationals over the past number of years.

The 6th year Graduation mass took place in the school sports hall on Sunday morning with a huge crowd of students and their families in attendance. Fr Hennebry celebrated mass and spoke eloquently of the 6th year group, their closeness and friendliness while also remembering classmate David Wilson who died tragically earlier in the school year. Each student was presented with a copy of the 6th year group photograph and the team of prefects also received tokens of appreciation for all their work during the year. The Bob Quinn cup for student of the year went to Craig Collier who was complimented for his friendliness and warmth at all times around the school. The sportsman of the year cup was presented by Mr Kehoe to Paudie Barden, dual minor county star who, appropriately, was rushing off to play a senior hurling game for his club Adamstown.

At the end of the ceremony, head prefect, Luke O'Loughlin, on behalf of the 6th year group, made a presentation to Fr. Hennebry on his imminent retirement and spoke of the regard in which the principal was always held by students who appreciated his kindness and generosity to them.

The occasion would not have been complete without a move to the dining room for some refreshments. Thanks is due to all who put in such effort to make the Graduation mass a suitably memorable event, especially the R.E. teachers, Fr Hennebry, Kieran and Mikey, the kitchen staff and of course the boys themselves who helped set up, provided music, read and engaged so fully on the day.

School Newsletter 18 - 2012/13

Wed, 01 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Transition Years outside the National Concert Hall. The last few weeks have been very busy in a number of respects not least with the Leaving Certificate Oral exams taking place. For the students concerned it is one more element taken care of with, hopefully, good marks banked. The TY group have been very active recently with a charity bake sale, a visit to the National Concert Hall and film making among the projects they have undertaken. Transition Year Charity Bake Sale5th year students welcome the girls from Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy for a morning of Speed Dating 'trí ngaeilge'. I trust ''an d'tagann tú anseo go minic?' was among the chat up lines. Well done to the Irish department for an interesting initiative.

The 6th Year Graduation mass takes place in the college sports hall on Sunday May 12. All 6th year students and their parents will be invited to attend what is always a very pleasant and memorable occasion. Their will of course be refreshments in the college dining room afterwards.

Well done to the track and field team who took gold in the Junior Boys 200m walk and the Junior boys high jump at the South Leinster finals during the wweek. Joe Mooney and Ryan Carthy Walsh now go on to the Leinster Finals next week where they will hopefully be joined by some of our senior boys.

Best of luck also to the U-14 hurlers who take on Birr C.S. in the Leinster semi final on Friday as they bid to retain their title.

School Newsletter 17 - 2012/13

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

The final term of school might conjure images of sunshine and short sleeves as we move towards the summer months but Shelly's optimistic call that , 'if winter comes ,can spring be far behind?' can only bring one answer this year - yes it can! With no sign of growth or milder temperatures we seem to be in protracted winter but hopefully the next few weeks will bring a change.Congratulations to 3rd year student Conor Kelleher who recently won the Sean Dunne Young Writers competition fiction section with his short story, 'I heard you laughing yesterday'. A very prestigious award, the Sean Dunne competition drew entries from aspiring young writers all over the country. Presented with his prize in Greyfriars, Waterford, Conor, pictured above with teacher, Paraic Cullen, has also been approached to have his story published in an upcoming short story anthology. A very talented young man, we wish him the best for the future and look forward to reading his work in the years ahead.

The Leaving Cert. oral exams get underway next week while other practical elements of some subjects are also due for submission around this time. The Transition Year students have been engaged in a film making module during the week so we look forward to seeing the finished product at their end of year presentation night in late May.

Congratulations to the U-16 football squad who won the Leinster 'A' title just before the Easter holidays. Remarkably the U-16 and U-14 'A' football and hurling Leinster trophies are all in the care of Good Counsel College presently. It is unlikely this has ever been achieved previously. Well done to all concerned. There will be a report of the football final in the Sports section of this website.

The annual ski trip to the Boston area took place during the Easter holidays and was a great success by all accounts. While temperatures were higher than here at home, the snow was excellent for the skiing.

We welcomed a group of visitors from Mercyhurst University to Good Counsel on Friday afternoon. They are studying for a semester in Dungarvan where the Augistinian school, like our own school, has long established links with the Pennsylvanian university. It is very appropriate in this 50 year anniversary of JFK's visit to New Ross that this group should drop by. We hope they enjoy their stay.

School Newsletter 16 - 2012/13

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Fr Collander and his crew of horticulturists prepare the soil in the new polytunnel for the planting and sowing. As Easter approaches we are again reminded of the swift passage of the school year; returning on April 8th we will begin the final term which is indeed just that for those 6th years who no doubt will wonder where the years have gone as they look back on their time here in Good Counsel. Not that they are finished with us yet! There is plenty still to be done and in that final term they will have oral exams as well as assessment in some project work. Congratulations to Oisin Murphy and Jason Shiely who were highly commended for their entries to the recent National newspapers writing competition. Oisin's piece was an examination of the wages paid to premiership footballers while Jason focused on the Irish dairy industry. Well done to both and their teachers.

A number of students took part in the Trocaire 24 hour fast last week in raising funds for that charity organisation. Well done to them for taking such initiative and making sacrifice for others.

We must thank Mr Hugh Byrne for coming in to address the 5th and TY students on the issue of organ donation recently. His presentation was very well received and his insight into the issue was most interesting.

School Newsletter 15 - 2012/13

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Keating with his award for achieving 1st place in Ireland, Junior Certificate Ordinary Level Technology flanked by Fr Hennebry and his teacher Mr Seamus Walsh. Below is Peter Finn who achieved 2nd place nationally in Higher level Leaving Cert. Technology.

Congratulations to the two students pictured above for their outstanding academic achievement in coming out among the top students in the country in Technology. Congratulations also, and thanks, to their teachers for the effort put in with these and all students in the school.

Transition Years returned from work experience this week with a huge range of opportunities from RTE to Ballydoyle, having been exploited. We are very grateful to all the employers who provide these much sought after opportunities which are such a valuable experience for the boys.

In sport congratulations are due to 3rd year student Vytautas Jakonis who became Leinster Youth boxing champion in the 90+ kg category. He may have a ruthless streak in him when in the ring but he is never without a big smile and a warm hello around the school.

Another 'fighter', Jack Breen Barron won double bronze at the International martial arts competition held at the City West hotel over the weekend. This was said to be the largest event of its kind ever and it is a huge achievement for Jack to have reached such a standard.

The U-16 Footballers have qualified for the Leinster 'A' final with a comprehensive victory over High School, Sutton. If they manage to land the final, Good Counsel will have both U-14 and U-16 Football and Hurling trophies in the school cabinet which would surely be unique.

School Newsletter 14 - 2012/13

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:35:00 GMT

2CN class Skype their former classmate, Aaron Kinsella, who moved to New Zealand with his family at the start of the year. Mid term over, at last a hint of spring and only 5 school weeks to Easter. The years just seem to gather pace, relentlessly rolling on ever quicker. The 'Mocks' have been done and for the 3rd and 6th year classes the next stop in examination terms will be the Junior and Leaving Cert. in June with the 'Orals ' in the meantime. Parent/Teacher meetings for all year groups have been held as have the assessments for incoming 1st years, September 2013.

Before mid term a group of Transition Year students took to the Wicklow mountains for a hike and overnight stay in Glendalough as part of their An Gaisce award. The inclement weather added to the challenge but everyone returned safely including teachers Mr Coffey, Mr Cullen and Ms Bolger.

There was quite a lot of sporting activity over the past weeks with the highlights being the U-14 footballers landing the Leinster 'A' title with a dramatic win over Clane C.S. (see report in Featured News Stories). The Senior football team enjoyed little luck as they lost out by one point to a very polished Colaiste Eoin team in the Leinster quarter final but hopefully the hurlers can keep the flag flying in their upcoming semi final after a good win over North Dublin schools.

Well done also to the U-16 Badminton team who won the Wexford title and qualified for the Leinster finals and also to David O'Connor, 1st year, who made it through to the final of the u-14 cross country athletics.

Among the other activities engaged in by students recently was the south east Maths quiz in Waterford, road safety week, samba drumming, visit to the Young Scientist exhibition and Wexford Meitheal awards ceremony. Well done to all involved.

Winners in the 1st year anti-bullying Art competition

School Newsletter 13 - 2012/13

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Second term is well under way and no less busy than usual. With 3 Parent/Teacher meetings, 2 subject information evenings, incoming 1st year assessments day, 5th year D.A.T.S. and the Mocks all taking place before mid-term, added to the ongoing daily activity of school life, there will hardly be time to draw breath. Earlier this week we have had the P/T meeting for 1st years where there was a huge turn out of parents something which is always most encouraging as after all education is a collaborative process involving all partners. Many thanks to all those who attended for your presence and your patience and also to the teaching staff who had such large numbers to see.

It was with great sadness we learned today of the death of past pupil Oisin Crotty in a tragic road accident. Oisin will be remembered fondly from his time here in Good Counsel having sat his Leaving cert. in 2010. A talented, courteous and popular young man, he was a shining example to all around him. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.

Our Transition years have had a full schedule recently travelling with their science teachers to Dublin on Friday last to view the Young Scientists exhibition while they were also treated to a viewing of the hit musical, 'Les Miserables' in the local cinema at St Michael's Theatre on Tuesday and by all accounts the box office record breaker is a must see. Thanks to the teachers who organised and accompanied. In addition TY2 have been experiencing the thrill of Samba drumming with a workshop team who visited the school on Wednesday.

Our U-16 footballers staged a late and dramatic comeback to retain the South Leinster 'A' title in defeating St Peters College last week. They now advance to the Leinster semi final and we wish them luck in that. St peters exacted some revenge later in the week when they defeated our senior footballers by one point in the league final after extra time. With the real business of championship coming up (Dundalk Schools the opponents), this game will have done the team a lot of good.

Well done also to the U-16 Badminton team, coached by Mr Coffey, who retained the Wexford Schools 'A' title in a blitz held in the school's sports hall recently. They now advance to the Leinster finals and we wish them the best.

School Newsletter 12 - 2012/13

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 19:06:00 GMT

5th year student Lar Whelan recently baked and iced a Christmas cake which he then raffled in school with proceeds going to Pieta House. Lar is establishing himself as a culinary talent and has spent some time working with well known chef Phelim Byrne learning his art. The cake was won by Ms Bolger much to the envy of many others. We were kindly treated to a slice however and the unanimous verdict was that Lar's baking is of the highest order. Fair play to him, especially for his thoughtfulness in raising money for such a deserved cause. Following on the McCarthy Cup paying a visit to the college, last week the Olympic torch was in school courtesy of 6th year student Oisin Barry, pictured above, who managed to arrange for it to be brought to the school for a few hours. Oisin explained to the various class groups something of the famous torch's history and details of its recent journey to the London Olympics. We are very grateful to Oisín for his efforts. We said goodbye to one of our second year students, Aaron Kinsella, who with his family travel to New Zealand in the New Year. Class tutor, Ms Byrne, arranged a small party for the class group to wish Aaron 'Bon Voyage'. We will be very sorry to see Aaron leave us but wish him well in the southern hemisphere. I'm sure with modern technology he will be keeping in touch with his many friends here and keep up with events in the 'Counsel' through the present website. We also said adios to Marcos, one of our Spanish students who has been with us since September. He returns to Madrid and again we hope he will bring with him many happy memories from his time with us. We know he will bring his hurley as he never left it out of his hand while here.

Well done to second year student, Conor Kelliher, who recently got to the National final of the Poetry Aloud poetry reading competition held in the Nationl Library. While missing out on the winner's medal, Conor, by common assent, gave a tremendous and highly polished performance, recognised a such by the audience present. Well done to him for getting to the final stage of such a prestigious event and thanks also to teacher, Mr Cullen, for all his help.

We would like to wish all our students, their families, all our staff and their families a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Nollaig shona díob go léir.

School Newsletter 11 - 2012/13

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Our school community was deeply saddened and numbed with the news of 6th year student, David Wilson's tragic death over the weekend. A quietly courteous young man, David was popular and highly respected by all who knew him. He will always be fondly remembered by his friends, peers and all who came into contact with him here in Good Counsel College. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

School Newsletter 10 - 2012/13

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Leinster Schools Junior Golf Champions, Paul Murphy, Dylan Farrell, Ronan Whelan and Michael Ryan with Teacher/Coach Mr Teague. While the school has, over the years lifted many trophies in hurling, football, showjumping, athletics, swimming and many other sports, the Junior Golf team last week brought the first Leinster Golf title to the school with a comprehensive victory against the best in Leinster at Kileen Castle. Playing outstanding golf, these very talented young golfers, pictured above, drew right away from the opposition to finish 5 strokes clear. Their coach Mr Teague was justifiably proud of the boys' efforts and is already planning a tilt at the All Ireland title which will be played on the Balmoral course in Antrim early next year. Well done to them and best wishes.

Another notable sporting achievement was that of Jack Breen Barron who won a silver medals at the European Continuous Sparring international held recently in Dublin. Already an Irish champion in Points SparringJack proved that he is in the very top league with his performances in this competition. He is currently a high brown belt holder and hopes to one day make the black belt grade.

The 6th year parent/teacher meetings took place on Wednesday evening in the sports hall and we are very thankful to all thosae parents who came along and to the prefects and Mr Younger who arranged the seating, signage, etc. The 3rd year P/T meetings will take place on Thursday next, December 13th.

The U-14 and U-16 Fooballers both recently qualified for the South Leinster finals with wins over St Peters College. While the U-16s had some margin of comfort in victory, the U-14 game went down to the wire with extra time needed and only a brace of very late goals swinging the result the 'Counsel's' way. Best of luck to both teams in their finals.

The class of 1992 are holding a reunion in Spider's bar, South Street on the night of December 27th at 9pm and it is hoped that any members of that particular group who can make it will be there for what should be an interesting and memorable occasion.