NewtownReview 2009 10

Newtown
Review
2009-2010
Newtown Review 2009 - 2010 Newtown Mountmellick and Foy OSA Report
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Throughout history, dis- the future for school life
Student
tinctive periods of time are bodes well indeed.
called eras; these are often
For me, this year was all
created by the arrival or
about getting the Review
Editorial
departure of notable fig-
finished and at times that
ures that undeniably leave
began to seem as likely
their mark upon the greater
as Ireland qualifying for
environment in which they
The World Cup. While un-
lived.
fortunately Ireland did not
While the departure of Mr. Collins certainly signaled the qualify, due to the actions of a certain Frenchman, the
end of one, the arrival of Mr. Lemon to the school com- review did eventually begin to take shape and this year
munity heralded the beginning of another era in Newtown it’s in colour. This was thanks to the efforts of Ms. Kirwan
school and the continuation of school life post Mr. Collins. and the many dedicated members of The Review Team.
However, while this was certainly the years most defining Special thanks must go to those who persevered to the
feature, we also lost many long serving members of staff end, even coming in during the summer holidays to en-
and how that will affect school life has yet to be seen. sure its completion.
What is certainly noticeable, however, is the effect that
This was a year of change and adaptation. Next year will
Mr. Lemon has had upon the school community in his
continue this theme and I’m sure many more changes
short time here. Arriving into our lives in September, he
will take place, however the school community and its
quickly made his own impact upon school life and soon
new principal will take them all in their stride.
made a distinctive and positive impression upon many
people in the school. Going by his performance so far, Robert Galvin. (Editor)
Contents
Hockey 72
Gymnastics 75
Rugby 76/79
Orienteering 81
Student Editorial and contents 1 Equestrian 81
Introducing Mr. Lemon 2 Golf 82
Departures 3 Surfing in Tramore 82
Gapper Interviews 10 Badminton 83
Diary of the School year 12 Spikeball 83
Reviews 17 Random Pics 84
Debating 24 Music 85
Old Scholar Interview - Martin Furey 25 Who is most likely to be 91
Girls’ Fashion 28 Recipes 92
Boys’ Fashion 29 Staff Questionnaire 94
6th Year Photos 30 Puzzle Page 95
3rd Year Art 32 Special Feature: The Silva Method 96
3rd Year Sculpture 34 First Year Photo 97
6th Year Art 35 Newtown Review Team 2009-2010 98
Art Trip 37
Old Scholars 99
Trip - Killary Adventure Centre 38
Presidents’ Report 99
Agricultural Science Trip 40
Reunion Weekend 100
Ski Trip 41
Nomzi 101
Gaeltacht Trip 42
Charlie Harrizon - Jewellery Designer 102
Romania Trip 43
Dorian van Braam 104
Kayaking on the Barrow 47
NMFOSA 106
Mini Companies 48
Work Experience 50 The Eric De Courcy Scholarship 107
Special Feature: Volunteering in Nigeria 52 Minutes of AGM 108
Glencree Trip 55 Treasurers Report 109
Special Feature: Tall Ships 56 Old Foyonian News 110
Short Stories 58 Reunion 2009 114
Poems 62 NMFOSA Launches Facebook for Old Scholars 119
Sport 66 Staff Mini Reunion 119
Clan Competition 66 Obituraries 120
Sporting Achievement 66 Class of 1959 124
Time Table of Presentation 2009 67 Class of 1969 124
Cricket Report 67 Class of 1979 124
Clan Cross Country 68 Class of 1984 125
Athletics 69/70 Class of 1989 127
Swimming Gala 71 Class of 1994 127
Tennis 71 Class of 1999 128
1
Introducing Mr. Lemon

By Octavian Fitzherbert and Robert Galvin
‘I arrived, and they were waiting for me...., pretty strange. “Where do
they come from?” He said
very big shoes to fill.’ that they’re very much Bible
Our new Headmaster, Mr Lemon came down to us inspired, ‘the Bible isn’t just
from Co. Wicklow, where he and his family lived within an historic, document but a
walking distance of the Irish Sea. They settled into their living guide and you’ve got to
new Waterford home last summer. After that summer make it relevant to today.’ - A
of heavy preparation, much long conversation, and fair point.
the consumption of many fruit buns with the previous
Naturally people expect
Headmaster, Mr Collins, Mr Lemon was prepared to
change in one field or
tackle his new job. ‘There are many aspects of Newtown
another. In the short term
that I knew nothing of and they will take time to learn.’ He
he said that day to day rules
explained that it will take some time for students to get to
must be kept in order, ‘I don’t believe in working to half
know him, and for him to get to know the students.
measures, if we have a rule, let’s stick to it. If it does not
We asked whether he knew of the school previously, work, let’s look at the rule’.
‘I’d known of Newtown for quite a long time, and I knew
that I would like to work in Newtown- in some capacity Some people say that the general impression that
someday.’ He also mentioned that he never had an Newtown gives is not an academic one. He said that he
ambition to be Principal of any school, but when the has heard that comment and disagrees, ‘I’m impressed’
opportunity came to be Headmaster at Newtown, ‘that’s he said, ‘by the amount of work students put in, and
something I knew I wanted to do, for it fits in with my how they actually engage in learning’. He did highlight
values and philosophy’. Asked if he was a Quaker, Mr the importance of ‘working to 100%’ academically and in
Lemon said ‘I was brought up in the Church of Ireland - I all that you do, but also the importance of free time and
am a Christian’, he said. relaxation. ‘A balance should be found.’
“Newtown is quite holistic and across the board, like For the long term, ‘I see Newtown building on our
I am.” His tastes in music and films illustrate this very strengths’. He emphasized that Newtown ‘produces very
clearly, ‘I used to listen to a lot of the Waterboys, a lot mature, broadly educated and self thinking individuals.’
of rock, and plenty of the acoustic guitar type stuff.’ He He says that he would like to see more facilities and
found it difficult to pin down one film, as one does. So activities, particularly for boarders, ‘the involvement of
we have his three favourites: ‘Butch Cassidy and the students is key’, he says. ‘I’d also like to look at maybe
Sundance Kid’, ‘Requiem for a dream’, and of course becoming a green school.’
‘Remember the Titans.’ ‘It’s a step by step challenge, and it will continue to be
To some people, Mr Lemon’s readings in collect seem so.....’ he ended.
2
Departures Ken McCormick

By Rachel Morris.
How long have you worked in Newtown? What are the options for
38 years. students after leaving
school?
Have you ever taught anywhere else? There’s so much out
Yes, I was a junior master in a school in Dublin, called there, it’s actually very
Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where U2 were difficult to choose. There’s
educated. So I taught there when I was going through no set route or journey,
college in the late 1960’s. there are loads of options.
You have to take the
Where are you from originally? student from where they
Dublin. are, and you build from
there. You could label
Do you have any children that have been to yourself for example I
Newtown? want to be an engineer. Don’t label yourself is another
I have three children, two sons and one daughter, who option. Follow a vocation like teaching or nursing.
all went through Newtown, and they all loved the place. Take a gap year pursuing your interests and make the
decision of a career later. Lastly you could become an
What do you think going to Newtown has given your apprentice. People can do anything if they have the will
children? to do it.
Confidence is the main thing they got out of Newtown.
What do you plan to do when you leave Newtown?
What has Newtown life brought to you personally? I have a number of projects that I am involved in, and I
It has given me a quality of life that when I started plan to take on those challenges and develop them and
teaching in 1972 I would only have dreamed of. It has see where they lead.
given me a security, a love of teaching and I have made
wonderful friends. It’s an endless list. Do you see having an interest as being important?
Very important. It keeps a balance with your work, if
You now teach English, and Career Guidance, did you have interests outside work, you can see the bigger
you teach any subjects before this? picture as well as the smaller picture. I have a lot of
Up to the early 1990’s, I taught history, but time didn’t interests that I have developed over the years.
allow me to carry on teaching it because English and
Guidance took up most of my time. What is your fondest memory at Newtown?
There are hundreds of lovely memories. I suppose, the
What was/is your favourite subject to teach? fondest memory, singular, would be 1980. We won the
I enjoy teaching English, because I think you can make All Ireland Schools Senior Girls relay that year. That
it very relevant to the world which we’re part of and you was a high point for me.
can simply enjoy the experience; discussions in class,
arguments, they are all part of the parcel of teaching What is your favourite lunch?
and education; people getting a chance to have their Sunday lunch, when I’m on duty. Roast beef and
own opinions, and I love that part of teaching. Yorkshire pudding. Although I have to say, on a
Thursday, we have apple crumble. I can’t resist it!
At what point did you start teaching Career
Guidance? 1976. Who/what will you miss the most about life at
Newtown?
What are the trends in terms of popular careers in I’ll miss the banter in the staffroom and the friendships.
times of recession? The staff are not just colleagues, they are my friends.
Naturally, people go for what they perceive as secure I have been teaching with them for years. They are all
jobs. Teaching, nursing, but the world is changing fantastic. I’ll miss them.
now at such a rapid rate, I’m not too sure that what
we thought were secure jobs are actually secure Has much changed in Newtown since you have
jobs anymore. There are many opportunities out started working here?
there, especially if you have the confidence and the All the new buildings like Foster and Webster have been
resourcefulness to make your own way in the world. a great improvement. There actually used to be two
There are many people creating their own jobs, which I staff rooms before and now there is one so we have
think is the future. made progress.
What is your advice to students in terms of What is your life motto?

selecting a career? Well, I have always believed in ‘Carpe Diem’, which
Well, if you think of your interests, and you go by your means seize the day.
instincts, you won’t go too far wrong.
Thank you very much. We will all miss you!
3
Departures Hugh Dobbs

By Sarah Galloway and Andrea Hemmingway
How long have you worked in Newtown? These days I’m more
Over 30 years, shall we say, well actually 35. Since interested in linguistics.
1975 or thereabouts. Did your children go to
school in Newtown?
How many headmasters have you had during your Christopher, Neil and Mary
time here? went to Newtown Junior
Maurice Wigham, George Heslop, Roger Johnson, School and Senior School.
Tim Macey (acting principal), Henry Collins and Keith Yes, I never regretted having
Lemon. them here, but maybe they
Did you teach anywhere else? regretted having me here! I
The Masonic Girls School – which no longer exists, Holy taught them all chemistry at
Child Convent in Killiney, Catholic University School, one time or another.
Leeson Street, High School, Rathgar – as a substitute
teacher, I was shared between The Dalton School and You are also interested in computers...?
Stratford College (the Jewish school in Dublin). After One of my achievements here was the introduction
that I spent a year in Longford teaching in a place called of computing. I was responsible for getting the first
Newtown! And then I came here to Newtown. computer here in school. In those days it was fun. I’m
not convinced that it’s fun these days – not in the same
Where are you from originally? way. In those days it was up to us to make computers
That’s a good question. I was born in Dublin. My father do things and these days it’s more how do you use a
was working in West Africa in the Gold Coast (now computer to produce this particular word document or
Ghana) so I spent some time there and when he was that spreadsheet. In other words you’re being dictated
on holiday we went to Achill and apart from that I was in to by the computer. Macs are still fun!
boarding schools. So I am never quite sure where I’m What other things are you pleased about?
from! There’s been a big change in the management of
Newtown and the school committee. Along with Simon
What subjects have you taught during the years? Harrison (the first non Quaker chairperson of the
In Newtown– chemistry, science, maths, applied maths, committee), I put a lot of work into trying to break down
computing, personal development and most recently the barrier existing between the management and the
linguistics. staff here.
Outside Newtown – botany, zoology, biology and
How has modern technology changed teaching?
geography and very briefly English Literature.
We’re obviously using a lot more in the way of
technology, but there’s still a lot to be said for the old
What is your favourite subject?
methods of teaching.
It was always some branch of science or problem
solving. Linguistics is the application of science to
What do you plan on doing when you leave
problems of languages. At the moment it is linguistics.
Newtown?
Maybe you haven’t seen the last of me yet! I have an
What changes have you seen throughout your years
acre of land and that will take quite a bit of work. I’m
in Newtown?
going to carry on doing many of the things I already
Well, quite a lot of the buildings have changed
enjoy.
obviously. The feel of the place hasn’t changed that
much because it is still very friendly. It has become
Have you any advice for the students?
larger since more dormitories were built.
Learn what you can from anybody you can. Do what
you enjoy and enjoy what you do.
What made you start linguistics in Newtown?
Well before the competition started, we were already
Is it true that you are in the top 10 smartest men in
doing it. I was doing “Anybody can read Swedish”. I
Ireland?
gave people a Swedish newspaper and told them to try
Rumour is a lying jade, so no comment!
and make sense of it. If they were feeling strong!
Who would you like to succeed you as a fourth year
What is your interest in languages?
tutor?
Communicating with people, making connections and
I think Sinead (Maher). I think she’d be very nice, unless
making sense of things. It links with my interest in the
she has another group that would miss her.
other subjects I’ve taught.
If you were to be reincarnated what animal would
Have you won any linguistics competitions?
you like to come back as?
No there weren’t any in my day. I wish there had been.
A cat because they are more dignified then dogs.
Which do you prefer linguistics or chemistry? Thank You Friends!
4
Departures Helen O’Byrne

By Robyn Mockler
Where are you originally from? What is your advice to

Dublin Tallaght before the development of the town students who have an
when it was a little village. We lived out in the country. interest in languages?
When did you start working in Newtown? To take every opportunity
I came in 1975. you can. To get involved
with the culture with a pen
You teach Spanish now, have you taught any other pal. If you get the chance
subjects throughout your career? to go abroad go and see
I taught French for most of my career but I’ve always how people live in different
had an interest in Spanish. I moved to teaching Spanish countries.
because I wanted to visit Peru in South America, so I
took extra classes to brush up on Spanish at lunch time What are your plans for
which then developed into a full timetable of teaching. the future?
Keep as active as I can,
What was your favourite subject to teach? that’s the most important thing.
Always Spanish, I have to admit.
Has much changed in Newtown since you have
Did you teach anywhere else or work abroad? started working here?
I taught for a year in Dublin before Newtown and before When I first came here I was a junior mistress in
that I did volunteer service abroad and I worked in the dorms, which were very cramped and very small! Then
Gilbert Islands in the Pacific for 2 years. I did 6 months we moved to the main buildings where I was senior
au pair in Spain and another 6 months in France. I also mistress. There were 3 houses joined together and the
worked as a post man in New Zealand for 6 months. (I girls lived in the different houses. I lived in dorms for 10
did my rounds on a bicycle!) years.
Do you think when learning a language that it is Have you a motto you live your life by?
important to live or work abroad? I have but I don’t know if I live by it or not but I always
I think it’s very important, just to get the feel of the say “Do onto others as you would have them do onto
atmosphere of the country. It’s about the culture, the you”
food and the way people live in that country. The
concept of spending a year abroad while doing a Where were the language rooms before Foster was
language degree for example the Erasmus programmes built?
are fantastic. These sorts of programmes weren’t There was a smaller building where the music rooms
available when I was in college. are now, called La Poterne which meant the postern or
back gate. That was where French was taught at that
You are interested in horse riding, when did your time.
love of horse riding start?
I’ve always been interested in horses. My father was an Did the new buildings make a big change to your
extremely competent horse man. He was a member of life?
the army equitation school, and I always wanted a pony The new classrooms in Foster with internet access and
but was never allowed! But when I was old enough to overhead projectors and other facilities were a very
buy and look after my own horse I started riding. welcome improvement. This area has now become a
language centre with French, German, Spanish and
How have you promoted this interest in horse riding Irish being taught there.
in school?
I organised interschool teams for show-jumping,
eventing and cross country competitions. I’ve always
encouraged students who wanted to learn to ride to take Random
lessons on Wednesdays.
What have been the highlights of your time in

Fact
Newtown? 1 in 5,000 north
I’ve loved most of it. It was hard in the beginning, being
Atlantic lobsters
in a new place I only thought I’d be here for a year but
Newtown is like an extension of my living room now. are born bright
blue.
5
Departures Mary O’Halloran

By James O’Halloran
Basic Day at Newtown in September 1979 and

My day would start by sorting out the morning post. finishing in December 2009.
I then opened the post which was addressed to the
Principal, date-stamped it and put it on his desk. Change in Newtown
During the early morning I would type the Daily Notice I enjoyed working in
for distribution to various people. I also dealt with the Newtown very much and I
day-to-day enquiries about the school be they e-mail don’t think there is much to
or telephone conversations with interested people and change.
arranged appointments for parents with the principal for
a new or existing pupil. Responsibilities in the
This is just a small extract of my working day. Office
I was employed as School
Finishing in Newtown secretary/ Secretary to the
Since I retired in December 2009 I have found plenty Principal whom I worked closely with. Amongst the
of things to keep me occupied. I am obviously relaxing various office duties, I was responsible for sending out
a bit more but I have an involvement in several school reports at the end of term, preparing for new
organisations which I really enjoy. I have continued on pupil interviews, the scholarship day, Parent teacher
with typing classes twice weekly during evening time meetings and sending out documentation to staff for the
which I have always enjoyed doing and it keeps me in beginning and end of terms.
touch with the pupils and the school.
Favourite Member of Teaching Staff
3 words to describe Newtown? I really did not have a favourite teacher. I got on very
Interesting, different and very memorable. well with all the members of the teaching staff over the
years and always found them helpful.
How long have you worked at Newtown?
I worked at Newtown School for over 30 years starting Enjoy your retirement
6
Departures
Early in this school year Tony Kelly retired from his posi-
Tony Kelly
despite the contemporary
tion in charge of the electrical and plumbing works at inclination to dispose of old
school. Happily for the School he continues to come in product and purchase anew.
one day a week to attend to jobs that need to be done In his workshop anything
and to pass on his knowledge and expertise to others that could conceivably be
taking on aspects of his work. He, and only he, knows useful at another time was
every pipe and cable, every switch and tap, every con- never thrown out. Each
nection and fuse in the school. autumn term as the weather
would become colder Tony
Prior to taking up the job at Newtown School Tony Kelly Kelly increased the heat:
had a key role with a major commercial and exporting when the weather improved
company that ran an extensive horticultural enterprise the temperature was low-
on The Island here in Waterford. He had responsibil- ered to conserve energy and keep costs down.
ity for maintaining the plant and machinery in a vast
greenhouse complex. The then bursar, Paddy Jolley, Residential staff members are especially grateful to
realised that in that role Tony Kelly had all the skills Tony Kelly. Whenever a fault arose, the plumbing got
that were needed at the time at Newtown School so he blocked or the lights went off or a radiator leaked, Tony
head hunted him, offering him a corresponding position Kelly was the man to call. He was always on hand,
on the staff at Newtown School. The years since have morning, noon and night. Out-of-hours he would be
confirmed the wisdom and the foresight of that appoint- back in immediately on receipt of a distress call.
ment.
Whenever a problem required specialist intervention
The appointment coincided with the expansion of plant Tony Kelly always knew which contractor should be
and associated support services at the school. Tony Kel- contacted. Contractors working to Tony Kelly knew that
ly oversaw the installation and operation of new pumps the work had to be delivered promptly and had to be to
and boilers. He provided full and proper maintenance. the highest standard. They all had the highest respect
He advised on further extensions and developments. for him.
When he began there were two propane gas cylinders
for the kitchen and many oil tanks for the heating. and Of course it is not just the work that Tony Kelly did, it
now there are 16 boilers with everything being powered is the way he did that work that is significant. Through
by natural gas. In more recent years Tony Kelly has everything Tony Kelly did, his personal qualities of
been a valued member of the School’s Planning Com- integrity, loyalty and commitment to being helpful and
mittee. supportive shone through. Tony Kelly has been a sig-
nificant person within the staff. He upheld and practised
Throughout his career Tony Kelly’s primary objective the principles of the School Community.
has been to give scholars the best service possible
within prevaling circumstances and resources. He Tony Kelly truly has given the School sterling service.
strove to ensure maximum output. He would restore
any equipment that broke down and would continue to H.P.C.
do so to the nth degree. In an age of in-built obsoles-
cence he delighted in restoring exhausted machinery
Random
Random Fact
Fact Odontophobia
In Michigan, a is the fear of
man legally owns teeth.
Random
his wifeÕ s hair
Fact Random
Xenophobia is a Fact
fear of The elephant is
Foreigners. the only animal
with 4 knees
7
Departures Trudy Walshe

By Brenna Traynor and Alice Bowring
How long have you been in Newtown? 19 years. been given tremendous
support by the people who
How long have you been matron? work here with me. So the
About 14 years. I was in charge of 1st year and 2nd years have flown!
year boys in link before becoming matron.
What have been the main
What did you do before you looked after the girls? changes in dorms during
I was looking after the junior boys in Link, which used to your time here?
be called Paddington Station, because the wind would Well, when I first came to
come in one end of the corridor and bang the door at Newtown, the boarder girls
the other end, they were always clattering! used to live in what were
known as the Newtown
What does your job entail? buildings on the main Dunmore road, at the end of the
Well, my job entails mainly, supervising the boarder girls grit and they used to come across every morning. Then
out of school hours, liaising with their parents about it was decided to have a purpose built dormitory, so
their general well-being and their travel arrangements, Annamaur was built, and all the girls were moved in
and organising accommodation for the overseas girls if here, which was a major change. The ghetto-blasters
they need it in Dublin or Waterford at long weekends, have been replaced by iPods, and the endless queues
and that sort of thing. have gone from the phone boxes as people have
mobiles now.
What are your hobbies?
Well I like gardening, hill walking in the Comeraghs You went to boarding school yourself did you not?
and visiting art galleries. I enjoy Dutch art and classical Yes, I went to boarding school in Wicklow a hundred
music. years ago!
Do you grow your own vegetables? Do you think boarding is a good experience for
Yes, I just put down a few potatoes and herbs this year. students and why?
You should see my vegetable patch! I do, I think it’s very good, but I favour the co-
educational boarding because I think boys and girls
And you have a gift for flower arranging! should grow up alongside one another. These growing
Well my parents always had flowers around the house. I years can’t be replicated at any later stage, so it’s a very
think you just inherit a lot, it becomes a part you. special time. I think in boarding school they achieve
Thanks for the flower arrangements in the main independence and learn to map their lives. They have
house. all the advantages of supervised study, sporting facilities
and the lovely pool. They mix with other people from
Any plans for the future? different parts of the world. Living with them and getting
First I’d like to see more of Ireland, particularly Northern to know them is a very broadening experience and it’s
Ireland; I hear Belfast is quite a vibrant city, so I’d like to one of the great advantages of boarding. The bonds go
go there. deep and generally last a lifetime.
Have you enjoyed your time in Newtown? You will be thoroughly missed by everyone.
Very much, I’ve met lovely people, lovely girls, and have (Especially all your girls!)
Random Random
Fact Random Fact
In Cleveland, Ohio, Coca-Cola
it is illegal to Fact was originally
catch mice without The longest place name in
a hunting license Ireland is green.
Muckanaghederdauhaulia,
in Co. Galway
8
Departures Glen Deacon

Glen Deacon was at school in Newtown for six years. On He is transferring to Midleton
leaving school he joined Mr. Hanlon’s team as student RFC for the 2010-2011 sea-
assistant looking after form 1 and form 2 boarder boys. son. They are an AIL division
While he was an assistant in dorms he pursued studies 2 club. He was on The Mun-
in Kildalton College and then went to WIT to study Con- ster Juniors’ Rugby Team
struction Management and Engineering. 2009-2010.
He was involved in taking prep., Saturday morning activi- He moved from being a stu-
ties, helping to run the pool, extra curricular activities and dent to having a supervisory
was a 1st year rugby coach. He was an Academy player role in the school seamlessly.
with Waterpark Rugby Club for the first year after leav- He always had a down to
ing school and progressed onto the Seniors’ Team for earth approach. We will miss
the last two years. He played on the Waterpark Rugby him and wish him the best of luck in his future rugby and
first fifteen for this season and played exceptionally well. career.
Matthew Lester
Interview with Matthew Lester –Junior Housemaster. archaeology, so basically

What did you think of Newtown? digging up dead people.
It’s a lot different to what I remember. You had blazers
and school on Saturdays. I remember coming up on a In that what was the cool-
Saturday for a hockey blitz and saying to my friends that est thing you have found
they have school on Saturdays and how lucky we were while at a dig?
we didn’t go here. When I came here this year I knew Well I found an 8000 year
things have changed since then. It’s a good change; it old knife once which was a
works and it’s good for a lot of the students. nice find. In terms of a whole
feature we once excavated
So you have been here for a whole year dealing with a manmade island. It was
us lads would you do it again or take it back? created by diverting water
No I don’t think I have any regrets, I tried to do every- from a millrace to an open field site where it formed the
thing I could. I did as many trips as I could, and as boundaries of a small industrial area. The 6th Century
many activities with the different years as possible so Island was used for metal and glass production at an
in that perspective it was a very rewarding year for me. early ecclesiastical centre and so was very rewarding to
I got to try a lot of things in terms of the work side of excavate.
things and I don’t think I would change any of it. In any
job you have to expect that the first couple of weeks are Favourite place to chill out in Newtown?
going to be a bit difficult. But once you find your feet and I really like the grounds, walking around the grit pitch
know where you stand it all seems to race by. and around the walls of the school. There is a nice bit
So after having dinner here so many times what of space around the pitches and it doesn’t feel like the
would be your favourite? walls are coming in on you. Down on the rugby pitches
Ohhh big list I love the food here I like the chicken tan- teaching football and rugby would be my favourite
doori, the chicken pie; I like the chicken fricassee and I place.
like the lasagne. What other dinners are there Adam?
So after doing this what will you do?
Yes definitely. I’m going back to UCC next year to do a
So is it better then Bandon food then? Higher Diploma in Education. So after that I’ll starting a
I ate everything there too, but I would say the standard career in teaching with any luck.
of food is better here but in Bandon there was a bigger
rotation of dinners but the quality wasn’t as good. Will we see you next year?
I’ll pop my head in from time to time.
So you went to school in Bandon but what did you
do in college? Final words?
I went to UCC and took an Arts degree in History, Ar- It’s been a fantastic year, I have a lot of great memories
chaeology, Geography, and Philosophy. In second year and it has far exceeded my expectations. I have had
I dropped philosophy and geography and stayed on to a lot of fun, Romania was incredible, Killary was great
study archaeology and history. After my undergraduate craic. I’ve had a lot of fun and no complaints.
I stayed on in UCC and did a Masters in Human Osteo-
9
Gapper
Interviews
Ruby Black
By Alice Bowring & Octavian Fitzherbert
Do you like the newspaper job? and Sherlock Holmes.

Ah, the newspaper job... walking from the office to the Three Ships: Similarly
staff room carrying the news of the country. It is giving to Geoff’s, a bit of a
me killer biceps, and helps me maintain my arm wres- time warp but more
tling champion status. Moulin Rouge like.
Where do you come from? What is your favourite

The land of moose, icicles, lumber jacks, elusive bea- drink in the pub?
vers and artists like Nickleback and Nelly Furtado. Mix Cough cough...water...
it all up, add a bit of ‘eh’ to it and what do you have? cough
Canada!
What is your favourite
Where have you been in Europe? meal for lunch?
I have danced under the Tuscan sun ( to the best of Beans, chips and sau-
my ability which if you have been looking outside of sages. Take a little bit of each add a bit of ketchup and
prep every so often you will know it’s not good at all), mayo and oh my God! Perfection.
r
frolicked through the Mediterranean sea(on the French
side) and ‘Como esta?’ed in Spain. How do you find the country amidst the epidemic?
e
Massively chaotic. Everyone talks about recession,
Is Ireland the ‘best’ country you’ve been too? rugby and X Factor. Now I may come from a place
p
Ireland for sure is the ‘best’ country. Though, Cuba I where the national sport is people beating each other
have to say was truly amazing. Go there and learn to up amidst chasing a black flat thing on ice but I find all
salsa and swim in waterfalls. And I would highly recom- three of those things rather jarring on the mind.
p
mend going to China, and trying the crazy delicacy of
the century old egg. It was disgusting. Which jobs did you find the most tedious?
a
Definitely talking to the students and the staff. It is a
What building do you find most annoying in New- rough day in paradise when you have to deal with so
G
town? many nice people, but somebody has to do it.
Link is pretty annoying; it’s the stairs for sure. That is
why I avoid the top floor in Nest: stairs. Which teacher did you like the most?
I would not be able to choose one. It would be like pick-
Do you prefer sleeping with sick kids or annoying ing your favourite child but....
kids? Glen: By the time this review is published you will prob-
So long as they all live in a shoe and that shoe can be ably have succeeded in tossing me in the pool. You
put out in the rain, I am fine with either. know I say this with a smile on my face. But thank you
so much for the year. It was great fun to hang out with
How do you find getting around here? you.
Oh my sweet pumpkin pie, you have no idea how easy Mrs. Lennon: I fear the ringing phone now because of
it is. One end of the country to another in UNDER A you. I hope you are happy and just for that I will abolish
DAY? And they say Leprechauns don’t exist....Fools. strawberry jam and declare raspberry jam as the only
jam consumable.
Which is your favourite pub in Waterford? Mr. Lester: My breakfast partner in crime. This year
Dignity: as they have the best music and the nicest would not have been as action packed or fantastically
people. And to borrow a phrase (as a foreigner) the radical without you here. Thanks for tossing me in the
‘best craic’ ever! Though in truth I don’t think it counts as bog, showing me around the country and being awe-
a pub... some.
Geoff’s: Because it’s like doing the time warp, stepping Mr. Ronan: Thank you so much for taking the time to
into history. And it makes me think a wee bit like I am throw snow in my face, challenging me mentally, watch-
going for a drink in a dark corner so that no one can ing movies and having the ‘craic’. I’m really going to
hear the information about to be passed between myself miss you.
10
Luke William Patrick Thornton
By Fiona Carty and Hannah Cantopher
Where in Australia are you from? What is your favourite

I am from Torquay, Victoria. fashion trend in
Newtown
Why did you choose a gap year? I like how they mix the
I chose a gap year because I didn’t know what I wanted uniform...So everybody
to do at university. can still be individual.
Why did you come to Ireland? Favourite school

I came to Ireland because half of my family are from meal?
here. You know Delaney. I didn’t know what I wanted The chicken pie is good,
to do at University so I thought a gap year would be and the Sunday roast is
perfect. delicious.
Name three things you like about Ireland. Biggest legend in the school?
I like the weather even when it’s cold. Ruby Black the Canadian Gapper.
I like the way Irish people party.
I like Irish slang. Favourite food in the vendies?
Skittles! Except they got rid of them pretty disappointing.
Name three things you like about Newtown
- Everybody is awesome Why did the chicken cross the road?
- I like all the ... like ... umm it’s real posh like.... posh Because she saw a red rooster on the other side. (Red
and relaxed at the same time. Rooster is a famous fast food shop in Australia).
r
- I like all the extra activities and sports.
If you couldn’t study teaching which is what you
e
Name three things you don’t like about Newtown. want to do, what would you do?
I don’t like the way there is no central heating in Nest. I’d become a musician, or a PE teacher because I love
p
I don’t like early mornings. both sport and music.
What did you find most difficult on arrival to If you could be reincarnated what would you come
p
Newtown? back as? And why?
How cool and happy everyone was (everyone’s cool in A cheetah- they’ve always been my favourite big cat.
a
Australia just different cool). They also are really fast and I like to run.
What do you miss most about home?
G
My friends and family definitely and Australia itself.
Do you have any brother or sisters? Describe them. Quotablees

I have three older sisters
First is Tricia-Rose she’s 23 and the smartest out of all
Quot t does one line two line ten
- “Wha
Hegarty
of us, if you can trust anybody it would be Tricia. Jessica
date.”
Second is Catherine with a C. She’s just turned 21 and mean?” tt ig a n - “It’s the
G e
is studying to be a nurse. She’s very beautiful. Mrs. Mc hloride?”
a y - “Who’s C .”
Last is Emily Felix Proctor. She is 19 turning 20. She’s
Sarah G
all o w n N.G.O
my best friend and the most fun to be around. a n e x a mple of a
e
- “Give m
Mr. Cox r- “Tanzania!” hen they
What’s the funniest/weirdest experience you have Paul Po
rte p le s a y ‘Jésus’ w
eo
panish p
had here in Newtown? ’B yrne - “S onna’s
I flooded my room on my second day here. I didn’t do it
M s . O
t J é s u s was Mad
sneeze.” garty - “I thoug h
on purpose but yeah it happened. He
Jessica int- oh
boyfrie n d ?”
n o is e girls, get
is all this
What sports do you play?
a ls h e - “What hristmas tree!”
Ms. W kC
lovely pin
My favourite sport is basketball but I also play tennis
t th e es!”
and football (AFL). look a
“L e t’s p lay Giraff
ins - des?”
ley-Coll an Chara
Abi Hur - “Y o u m e
Do the Irish say any weird words? alloway
Yes you say Duvet for Douna and Flip Flops for Thongs. Sarah G
11
Diary
of the School Year

September Sept 28th:
Sept 2nd:
A big thank you to Tony Kelly for his contribution to the Thank you to the fourth years that went on the
school over the years. A presentation was made to him Gealtacht trip for your excellent behaviour.
to mark his retirement.
HAVE A GOOD YEAR AND DO YOUR BEST! Sept 30th:
Good luck to Tom O’Brien and Stephen Ennis who will
Sept 8th: travel with the Munster U 18 Hockey Squad.
“You cannot soar with the eagles if you hoot with the Also to Laura Power, Heidi McIlvenny ,Becky Barr and
owls”. Get to bed early everyone! Ruth Harrison who will play for the South East in the
Congratulations to Daniel Pim who has been selected inter- provincial tournament.
for the Leinster Rugby U 18 Youth Squad. Congratulations to Conor Bellew, member of the band
MGRB who were the winners of the Irish Youth Music
Sept 10th: Awards.They will launch a CD, which they recorded
Nine Newtown players have been selected to travel to during the summer at 1pm on Saturday, October 3rd.
Glenstal in the Munster “A” to play in a practise match. Good luck to the Munster “A” rugby players playing
Leinster.
Sept 15th:
A supervised study during extended break. Not fair!
October
Sept 16th:
Well done to Michael Chan who is travelling to Croatia Oct 1st:
as part of the Irish Kickboxing Team in the European Students went to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Champions.
Oct 2nd:
Sept 17th: Earthquake in East Sumatra, Indonesia measuring 7.6
The South East Relays for Orienteering will take place on the Richter scale.
at Kennedy Park.
Oct 6th:
Sept 23rd: “Ode to a Comfy Bed”
Well done to the U 16 rugby team on their 32-0 victory Groans all around!!
over Waterpark.
Oct 7th:
Sept 25th: Congratulations to the Chamber Choir who were chosen
Welcome to two visitors from Japan. to sing in the Regional Final “Co-operation Ireland
Old scholar’s reunion this weekend. School Choir of the Year” along with 4 other choirs
Sept 26th:
The Old Scholars mixed match hockey match took
place today. The school put up a great performance but
were unfortunate to lose 2-0. Well Done!
Oct 12th:
Well done to the Show Jumping teams who took part in
the Schools Championship and came 2nd and 4th out of
48 teams.
12
Oct 14th: to Sarah Yates who received a scholarship to UCD.

First meeting of this year to announce the jobs for the Well done to the senior girls who won their match
Newtown Review Team! against the Waterford Ladies team 3-0 yesterday.
John O’Donoghue resigned today. It was the first ever Well done to Thea Johnson who made it through to
resignation of a Ceann Comhairle. the quarter-finals of the Munster Schools Debating
Competition yesterday.
Oct 20th:
The Mayor visited the school. Nov 18th:
Students in fifth year who completed the President’s Thierry Henry’s handball goal knocks Ireland out of the
Award were awarded with certificates and a small World Cup. Uproar all over Ireland.
bronze plaque.
Nov 20th:
Oct 30th:
‘New Moon’ out today. Girls dorms are filled with posters
Halloween.
of Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.
Nov 21st:
Jedward leave the X-Factor tonight. Their names will go
down in history!
November
Nov 2nd:
Well done to the chamber choir whose performance on
the RTE program ‘All Island Schools Choir’ was aired
last night.
We welcome Mrs. Jill Ryan and Ms. Jean O’Carroll
who take over Mrs. Maher’s classes while she is on
maternity leave. Nov 23rd:
Exams begin today for years 2, 3 and 5. Pupils look
Nov 3rd: forward to strike day tomorrow!
Conner Bellew’s band ‘MGRB’ are featured in an article Well done to the junior boy’s badminton team of Jamie
in this month’s ‘Hot Press’ magazine. Petch, Sam Butler, Alex Hackett and Alan Jephson who
won their league in Lismore on Friday.
Nov 5th: Severe floods across the country with Cork being one of
Well done to the 1st year girls who won their match 4-0 the worst affected areas.
against Ursuline yesterday.
Nov 24th:
Nov 9th: School is closed for the day. Teachers all over the
Last night Jedward preformed the infamous ‘Ghost Country strike.
Busters’ on the x-factor!
We remember the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Nov 30th:
Berlin Wall. New Pennys store opens in town today. Yay! Exams
finish today for 2nd, 3rd and 5th years.
Nov 10th:
‘Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and
healthy for the body’.
Well done to Grace and Bertram Allen who represented
Ireland at a show jumping competition in England. They December
both won medals.
Dec 1st:
Nov 12 :
th
Congratulations to the 45 T.Y. students who completed
Transition year students deliver workshops to primary level 2 kayaking certificate in freezing cold conditions
schools around the city today. (while the other years were doing exams so don’t
expect any sympathy!)
Nov 13th:
Mr. Lemon urges us to ‘search for quality but accept our Dec 3rd:
own shortcomings’. Milk cartons arrive in lunch today.
Dec 4th:
Nov 17 :
th
Good luck to Ruairi Finnegan who as part of the
Congratulations to Sarah Petch and Oisin Brogan who Irish Sailing Association National Optimist Squad will
were awarded scholarships to Trinity College Dublin and compete in Palma next week.
13
Dec 7th: Jan 26th:

Well done to the show jumping team who came 2nd in Well done to all the Mini Companies last night who put
Ballinamona on Saturday. on a great exhibition of their work.
Congratulations to Louise Kent who competed in the
Munster Senior Schools Swimming Championships. Jan 27th:
Louise won 1 gold and 2 silver medals. An earthquake measuring 8.8 in magnitude occurred in
Chile today.
January Jan 28th:

Jan 7th: Congratulations to the Senior Rugby Team on their 20-3
Well done to everyone who got into school today! victory against Villiers.
Mountmellick has had some water damage due to
broken pipes, so it is out of bounds until it is fixed. Jan 29th:
“Famous for not wanting to be famous” T.D. Salinger-
Jan 11th: who wrote Catcher in the Rye died today.
We’re all snowed in! Good luck to Transition years who go on work
experience for the next two weeks.
Also best wishes to all 2nd years that are going on the
ski trip.
A Primary School Spikeball Blitz will take place in the
Foy Hall this morning.
Jan 12th: February

A catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred in
Haiti. Feb 1st:
Congratulations to the Junior Rugby Team who won
Jan 13th: their semi-final in Newcastle west by 40-0.
A big welcome to Luke Thornton from Australia who Well done to the senior maths team who came 2nd in the
is our new gap student and will work alongside Ruby Irish Maths Teachers Association quiz in Kilkenny.
Black.
Jan 15th:
“This morning we think of the people of Haiti and the
devastation that is visited upon this poor country”.
Good luck to Neil Dunne who will perform at the
National Concert Hall tomorrow with the Dublin Youth
Orchestra. Feb 8th:
George Lee resigns from the Dáil and from Fine Gael,
Jan 18th: just nine months after his election.
Well done to the Senior Rugby Team on their draw with
Enniscorthy. Feb 11th:
“Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk”.
Jan 19th:
They’re back with a vengeance! The Mad for Milk Mini Feb 23rd:
Company. Milk on sale today! Trevor Sargent has resigned as Minister of State in the
Department of Agriculture after accepting that he made
‘an error of judgement’ in contacting gardaí about a
case involving a constituent.
Feb 22nd: Congratulations to Jonathan Morris who gave

a lunchtime recital in Christchurch Cathedral.
National tree week begins today.
Jan 25th:
Well done to the two Model UN teams who travelled
to Cork at the weekend. Special mention to Heidi
McIlvenny and Olivia Chambers who both won an Feb 26th: “We should be decent and true in everything
award for the “most improved delegate” and to Sliabh we do”.
Wells and Kaija Kennedy who received special mention Congratulations to Ruah Bearney Pearson who won first
for their excellent performances. place in a senior piano competition in Feis Maitiu Cork
yesterday. Well done also to Lydia Thorpe on winning
14
first place in a senior alto competition in Kilkenny this Mar 18th:

weekend. Swine flu vaccinations take place today.
March Mar 19th:

A smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen,
Mar 1 :
st
for it is something that is not value until it is given
Well done to The Marvellous Magic Movie mini
away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile.
company who won the overall award at Waterford City
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so
Enterprise Awards. Well done also to Saga Waste
much as he who has no more to give. Anon.
Compacting, Top Tips 4 Girlz and Habitat for Humanity
who all won commendations.
Mar 23rd:
National pig day.
Swimming Gala takes place today.
Mar 26th:
Daffodil day in aid of Irish Cancer Society.
April
Mar 2nd: Apr 1st:
New vending machines start arriving in legoland and International fun at work day.
the foyer bringing with them the return of the Freddo!
Apr 12th:
“Is heaven just an endless supply of chocolate?”
Senior girls changing room has been fitted with a
smoke alarm!
Congratulations to the under 14 Girls tennis team who
won their match against St. Flanan’s, Ennis.
Mar 5th: The Bear is back!
World maths day.
Seachtain na Gaelige starts today and lasts for two Apr 10th:
weeks! A Russian plane crashed killing the Polish president,
his wife and many other dignitaries as they travelled
Mar 8th: to Russia.
Congratulations to Rebecca Hoban who reached the
Apr 14th:
National Gymnastics Final in 4 disciplines.
An earthquake measuring 6.9 occurred in China.
International Women’s day
The Volcano, Eyjafjallajokull, erupted in Iceland.
Well done to everyone who won medals at Waterford Apr 15th:

Schools orienteering last Thursday. Congratulations to Dearbhaile Maclean, Hugh
Irish man Richard Baneham wins an Oscar for his O’Farrell-Walsh and Paul Murray who were accepted
work on visual effects on Avatar. into the Irish Youth Choir.
Congratulations to Sam Butler, Alex Hackett, Alan
Mar 9th: Jephson and Barog Kennedy who beat St. Ann’s,
Terrorists arrested in Waterford today accused of being Killaloe 3-0 in tennis.
involved in an alleged murder plot against Swedish
cartoonist Lars Vilks. Apr 16th:
Well done to the first year girls’ hockey team who
Mar 11th: came second in their league.
The premiere of ‘Dracula’ takes place tonight in Also, well done to those who participated in the Irish
Greyfriars Abbey. Schools Orienteering Championships.
Mar 16th: Apr 22nd:

Best wishes to the Chamber Choir as they travel Congratulations to Ruadhan Treacy on coming first in
to Lisburn today to visit our sister school “Friends, the Japanese Language Teachers of Ireland Speech
Lisburn”. Contest.
Earth Day.
Mar 17th:
St. Patrick’s Day.
15
Apr 23rd: May 21st:

Well done to the 1st year girl’s team who beat the Abbey Former conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein return
1-0 and the Ursuline 6-0 in their tournament. home to Cork today.
5th year head off to UCC.
May 24th:
Apr 24 :
th
Enterprise week.
Good luck to Briony Somers who competes in the final
of the All-Ireland Schools Debating Competition. May 25th:
Good luck to all Associated Board exam candidates.
Apr 26th: Clan 1500m race today.
Well done to the under 15 girl’s hockey who drew 0-0
with Dungarvan. May 26th:
National fish and chips day.
Apr 27th: Well done to the winners of the Old Scholar Short Story
Best wishes to the Marvellous Magic Movie Mini and Poetry Competition.
Company who compete in the national Enterprise
Awards at Croke Park.
Apr 29th:
Transition Tear annual kayaking trip.
Well done to all those who went to the Waterford
Schools’ Athletics.
Apr 30th:
Congratulations to the Chamber Choir who won their
section at the Cork Choral Festival.
June
June 1st:
May Transition year evening showing all the ‘work’ done
during the year.
May 3rd:
Thank you to Ms. Jean O’Carroll for stepping in for Ms June 3rd:
Maher, who has now back after maternity leave. Locker survey for everyone today!
Well done to the boy’s tennis team on winning the
Munster Schools semi-final against Clonmel High
School 3-0.
May 5th:
Ash returns with a vengeance grounding many flights.
May 6th:
“Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry
about its own thing”.
Congratulations to all who participated in the East June 4th:
Munster girls Athletics Competition. Sports day and country market. Clan colours
everywhere!!
May 10th:
Bono is 50 today.
May 13th:
The first year choir, senior choir and the chamber choir Newtown Association
have their exams today.
Well done to Nichola Fennell and Olivia Chambers who ‘Fullfilling the needs of a parents association’
won the mixed Badminton Tournament in the Ursuline.
Newtown Association would like to thank every-
May 17th: body who sponsored and supported the Country
Good luck to all those who will compete in the Inter Market on the last day of term. The day was a
Schools Competition in Cork. great success. We now have an email address
where you can contact us.
May 19th: Email : [email protected].
The traffic lights at the end of the drive are turned on
today.
16
ReviewsGAMES
By Stephen Ennis
changes. The biggest of all was to the battle system and
how one encounters enemies. Unlike before when run-
ning around in a certain area gave you a random encoun-
ter out of a set of enemies for that area you can now spot
your foes lurking around. Get too close and they will most
likely spot you and you will be thrown into battle. Sneak
up without them noticing and you will gain the initiative
and a sizeable advantage. To some this is a pleasant
change. You now have some control over what battles
you get involved in personally I still have mixed feelings
After all the hype a year ago at E3 (the years big game about it. It takes away some of the work one used to have
convention), square softs (a game designer) new game to do to find a particular enemy and it also removes some
has finally hit the shelves. As a devoted fan of square of excitement of not knowing what the next battle holds.
enix/soft games I pre-ordered the game weeks ahead of To make up for this each battle is absolutely spectacu-
release. The game sold 5 million plus copies in its first lar square soft have really perfected the look of the en-
week of sales out selling modern warfare’s first week. emies their attacks and movement. In HD you will find
My collection of Square enix (now square soft) is ever yourself hunting for enemies just to watch them blow up,
growing and as a result I have had the privilege of playing be slashed to colourful pieces and disappear under your
some of the best rpg (role playing games, where you live might.
out the story of a particular character) games of the past
2 decades. Any self respecting rpg fan will have played Finally I must highlight why this game has been met by
fans of final fantasy and people new to the game with
Final Fantasy 7 and maybe even 8 and 9. For me Final
such mixed feeling. For the first time ever there is a Final
fantasy games, although they don’t follow a common sto-
Fantasy game that is based around a completely linear
ry progression, can only be measured against each other
storyline as in if I play the game I will get the same expe-
and the same is to be said about Final Fantasy 13. What
rience and storyline as everyone else. Unlike any of the
has made Final Fantasy so special for me over the years
other games there is absolutely no voluntary interaction
has been the depth created in each game. Most games
with anyone else in the world. I’m serious the game has
warrant almost 100 hours of game play without losing
too much pace there is literally no way of controlling the
pace. The Final Fantasy games have consistently cre-
story it is the definition of linear gaming. For me this is
ated both convincing, interesting characters and mystic,
what turned the game away from the greatest I’ve ever
intricate plots. Thankfully Final Fantasy 13 has managed played to a game with the greatest potential I have ever
to get all this right. I have played 100 plus hours and encountered. There is practically no time to just relax
there is still probably about 20 hours left and hopefully and explore an area to find people to talk to and interest-
even some DLC (downloadable content) to come. The ing enemies to fight. The linear theme continues into the
characters have yet to become dull and there are hints levelling up of characters there is no way of modifying
of even more revealing cut scenes to come even after defence speed or accuracy of characters which leads to
completing the main story. Another trademark of the Fi- a pretty uniform set of characters which takes the indi-
nal Fantasy games has been the cut scenes. Fans of vidual touch out of working with and improving certain
Final Fantasy 7 will undoubtedly remember the almost characters. By making the game more linear it becomes
DVD quality of the cut scene where Aries was returned more accessible but less fun for the fans.
to the lifestream. Cut scenes are not the only aspect of
Final Fantasy games that have proven visually stunning. I don’t want to reveal much of the story because I re-
Although Square soft is not known for creating the most ally do want people to go out and experience the game
lifelike and visually convincing in game characters there for yourself despite its flaws it is wonderful, completely
has yet to be a release where the scenery both passive consuming and epic fun. The rest is for you to discov-
and active has failed to outperform the consoles. This er. A couple of tips don’t ignore or skip cut scenes as
holds true for Final Fantasy 13. The areas you will ex- you will soon get lost as to what is happening also don’t
lose heart some enemies can only be defeated later in
plore in the game are the most stunning I have seen in
the game if you start to get frustrated leave the game
a game so far. God of War 3 and Gears of War 2 dwarf
for a couple days check the web for possible solutions
in comparison to the scale and beauty of Final Fantasy’s
and come back later.There are 13 chapters to explore
landscapes.
each one documents a significant progression in the plot.
Everything about the game has kept to square soft’s high Overall the game gets a solid 9/10 so close to gaming
standards of production but there have been some major heaven it just lacks that extra flexibility.
17
Random Pics
Swine
Flu by Stephen Ennis
I contracted swine flu. I probably got it

in school from a carrier who didn’t have
symptoms. On a Saturday, two weeks before
midterm, it came on at 3:30am. I awoke with
an excruciating headache in a cold sweat.
I got out of bed only to go temporarily
blind from a rush of blood to the head and
collapsed. My temperature was wavering
between 40 C–42 C. Above this is within the
threshold of brain damage. I was surprised
to find out this isn’t uncommon in swine
flu cases. The fight your immune system
puts up at this point is enough to cause the Tree Hugger
fever and is a good reason why swine flu
is dangerous. If you have an underlining
condition (mine: history of asthma) it is the
immune systems response that can be most
damaging. Swine flu exacerbated the affect
of asthma on my lungs by forcing them into
overdrive. As my blood pressure spiked and
I had to breathe heavily to give my body
enough oxygen. The next day was hellish
like a bad case of food poisoning, but with
a rasping cough and a splitting headache.
The fever at this early stage was causing
visual hallucinations, loss of balance and
made me believe I was freezing to death.
I got the Tamiflu that evening. By morning
I could eat a small breakfast although
not much but my temperature had fallen
all the way to 38.5C, above normal but
comfortable in comparison. For me the Superman
Tamiflu worked wonders but it has been
proven to be tempermental. From there
on it was downhill. But I felt the effects of
the swine flu for about four weeks. I had
Quotablees
become imeno suppressed. My immune
system put up such a fight that it needed
to recover thus causing the sniffles and
fatigue. My experience of swine flu was
Quot s like
he
ound
crow s
mild as I was in good health and probably “That
didn’t catch enough of the virus for it to take D o w ling – go to
Chris t h r o at.” , h e s hould
a firm hold of my system. That said it was sore – “Yea
h
a nightmare of a week that I don’t want to has a e Garry
a n i
repeat! Steph
t.”
nest.” o p y ran ou
c
– “My to?”
a n i e Garry e d i d it run
Step h “Whe r
rwan –
Ms. Ki
18
concerts
Bell X1 Review and get their seats. We felt embarrassed that we came
so early and began walking into O’Connel St, when we
saw a red tour bus with black tinted windows go past
By Clive Kennington
us, towards the O2. Naturally, we didn’t think much of it,
Bell X1 a pop- until we saw that it was turning into the O2, and the few
ular Irish rock girls that were there started screaming. In shock, we ran
band, played back as fast as we could, only to see them coming out
a gig in the Fo- of their bus, towards us! Nearly fainting in happiness we
rum Waterford got pictures with the band and a few hugs and kisses too!
on Saturday We were on a high for the rest of the day! After getting a
12 December bit to eat, we ventured back to the O2 and waited in the
2009, as part queue for about 10 minutes before getting to our seats.
of their blue Unfortunately, we were not allowed to sit together. Then
lights on the the lights went off and we watched the support acts, Fa-
runway tour. cebook, and DJ Steve Daly. Then everything went light
again for a while, but then JLS came on with their open-
Playing a mix of songs from their previous & current al-
ing song ‘Private’ and we both nearly cried with joy. They
bum (“flock” and “blue lights on the runway” respectively)
did their dancing and paid a tribute to Michael Jackson
as well as a few favourites, they produced a quality per-
by singing four of his songs in the middle of the concert.
formance.
They sang acapella for their song ‘Close to You’, except
They came out on stage encouraging, everyone to come for the guitar line played by DJ Steve Daly. At the end
closer to the stage and opened with How Your Heart is of the concert, they said goodbye and the crowd went
Wired from their new album.” screamed for more, but they came back out and sang
The best songs on the night from flock would have to their final song ‘Everybody in Love’. To be honest, words
be, “Flame”, “Rocky Took a Lover”, and, “Bad Skin Day”. cannot even attempt to describe what a great concert it
“The Great Defector” was definitely the best song from was.
blue lights on the runway, and proved to be a real crowd
pleaser.
The most impressive performances were “Tongue” and O Emperor
“My First Born for a Song,” which really came alive and By Naomi Warren and Adam Torrie
sounded even better than the recorded versions; with an From: Waterford
incredible mix of sound & furious playing, made all the Members: Paul Savage, Alan Comerford, Philip Christie,
more intense by the light effects.
Brendan Fennessy and Richie Walsh
A slightly unusual choice to finish on, they ended the Famous for: Debut single ‘Po’ which was well received
night with “Alphabet Soup” including the characteristic and a recent appearance on RTE’s Other Voices.
banjo solo.
Releases so far: Persephone EP, Reverie EP.
It’s a pity that there wasn’t a bigger turnout for the lads; Paul, singer and guitarist met the other four members in
although the gig was well supported the venue was by no secondary school. They had all been friends since pri-
means full. The supporting act “Oppenheimer” also de- mary school, and they all moved to Cork to attend col-
serve a mention, a two piece band punching well above lege. Four out of five lads studied Music Management
their weight, with electric effects and great energy. and Sound Production courses, which is handy recording
All in all it was a great gig and well produced. I’d recom- an album.
mend it to anyone interested in Indie/Rock music. Critically acclaimed as “Nothing short of genius” by Hot
Press it’s clear that this band is going to be real big in the
future.
JLS Concert Review. O Emperor has been compared to well known bans like
By Robyn and Rachel Vaguely Fleet Foxes, Grizzly Bear and Radiohead. Their
music is similar to 70’s slow burning, soft-core rock of
We went to the JLS concert on the 27th of February 2010. The Band or Neil Young.
The gates were supposed to open at 6:30. When we ar-
rived at the O2, we were shocked to see that no one was With a current EP out now and another just released the
there except for about 20 girls holding signs and wearing band is set to release their album this coming Septem-
their JLS hoodies. We went up and asked a woman who ber. They haven’t stopped working since releasing their
worked there where everyone was, and she told us that EP. Recently they have been opening for “Ocean Colour
there was a set seating plan so that no one had to wait Scene” and “Mumford and Sons”.
in line, they just had to come in when the concert started The cover for their recent EP was made by a past New-
19
films
town student Steve O’Connell who did the art work and
designed the cover.
Be sure to catch them at a venue or even at Oxygen and
look out for their well waited album out in September!
Hurt Locker
By James O’Halloran
This is an epic story

The Arctic monkeys about the bravery of
bomb technicians in
By Adam Torrie present day Iraq. The
November 26th, the O2 Arena and the” Arctic Monkeys”, film follows a squad
in what was the last show of their outstanding tour. What of combat engineers,
a night! whose long serving and
well respected sergeant
The “Eagles of Death Metal” opened the evening, warm-
was killed in a bomb
ing up the crowd and readying them for the “Monkeys” to
strike. He is replaced by an amazingly skilled bomb
take centre stage.
technician. The rest of the squad have to put up with his
Darkness swept through the Arena, as the intensity built wildcard and reckless behaviour.
there were screams of excitement ringing through the
This film is filled with “edge of your seat” tension and mind
arena. This promised to be a good night. The curtains
blowing explosions. You develop a sense of dependence
opened, followed by billowing smoke. Out from the haze
and camaraderie as you get to know the squad and who
emerged the “Monkeys”. An hour and a half of our all
trust one another through turbulent times. This movie will
time favourites and numbers from their fantastic new al-
grab your attention and keep you in suspense until the
bum made for a memorable concert. It was truly one of
end.
their best shows to date.
This is an incredible movie which appeals more to
Like all true entertainers they captured the attention
the male species, stuffed with macho moments and
of their audience. Cheeky jokes entertained the crowd
garnished with the psychological message of the horror
and Jamie, believing ‘when in Rome’, drank Guinness
of war. It’s no wonder that The Hurt Locker walked away
throughout.
with 7 Oscars.
It can be rare to feel that you got value for your hard
earned money nowadays, but that was the best €40 I
have spent this year. So if you are looking for a night
filled with a genuine ‘feel good night’, check out ‘The Arc- New Moon
tic Monkeys” at a venue near you. By Alice Bowring
Well, it’s finally out. The long anticipated second

instalment in the hugely popular twilight series of films
has arrived in cinemas (and by the time you read this is
probably in the DVD section of Tesco!)
For those of you not yet in the know, New Moon is the
second film adaptation of the bestselling Twilight series
of “vampire romance” novels by Stephanie Meyer that
have so far sold over 85 million copies.
New Moon follows on from the hugely popular Twilight
and has itself grossed over 142 million dollars on its first
weekend. This new movie however differs in terms of plot
but keeps the same mix of fantasy, romance and teenage
angst that made both the series and the film so popular.
This new film continues the plot that centres on the
relationship between mortal Bella (Kirsten Stewart) and
eternally teenage, vampire, heartthrob Edward Cullen
(Robert Pattinson), in line with the second book in the
series.
In this film we see Edward leave Bella and character Jacob
Black (Taylor Lautner) comes to the fore. Bella is devastated
when Edward and his family leave town promising never
to be seen again. However, family friend Jacob is there
to pick up the pieces and slowly bring Bella back to her
own self. As their relationship grows, so does Jacob
20
until one day
he disappears.
Avatar
By Glen Ruane
However, she
soon finds out Hyped as being the film that would change cinema
something forever, Avatar hit cinemas this year, bringing in the first
strange is going live action film in 3D available in all cinemas. Directed by
on with Jacob James Cameron (director of Titanic and Aliens), Avatar is
Black and it is set in the distant future, where humans have gone into
all linked with space in search of land and materials. We follow Jake,
Edward and a wheelchair-bound ex-marine, who is enlisted into the
the rest of the Avatar programme, where humans control alien bodies,
Cullen family. to try and make peace with the native aliens, the Na Vi, on
Overall, New the planet Pandora. The main attraction of Avatar is the
Moon has a 3D and it doesn’t disappoint, from the spectacular fight
very impressive scenes to the dense jungles, the effects are stunning.
visual look to
it- more so than
the original film
and improves
Up In The Air
on many aspects. With strong acting, particularly from There is no better film to wrap up a (frankly) terrible
Pattinson, a strong plot and excellent production, this film decade (in terms of news events, unemployment, the
is certainly a must see for all. With the next instalment, economy, the media stronghold, technology, narcissism,
Eclipse already in production and set for release late next vanity obsession, violence and hostility) than Up in the Air.
year the Twilight series seems set to go from strength to The film, the best I’ve seen all year and one of the best
strength. of the decade, captures many of the factors that made
this decade miserable. The 70’s may have been bad
economically but hey, at least we had Bruce Springsteen
UP and real music on the radio, women still seemed to like

men and not only if the men were millionaires, we had
By Glen Ruane thoughtful movies in the theater, and only five or so
Up is the story of retired balloon salesman Carl TV channels to pick from. Although I wasn’t around for
Fredrickson who decides to fly his house (using millions that, the movies before my time did seem to give more
of balloons) to South America, to live out his late wife’s creedence to the essence of storytelling. Up in the Air
dream. He soon discovers a stowaway in his flying house, features George Clooney as a man with no “roots,” (that
Russell, an 8-year old scout. The film’s story is told in a is, no wife, no kids, and his apartment in Omaha is about
different perspective than usual as it shows life through as furnished as a room at Embassy Suites), who fires
the eyes of a retired old man. people for a living because the companies who hire him
The pair soon set out on an adventure involving talking are too cowardly to do it themselves. It is a juicy role for
dogs, a blimp, and a giant bird named Kevin. There are Clooney, who has made a career out of playing easy-
sad moments in this film, as well as jokes but it’s a feel talking charmers. The film sounds depressing and in
good movie to the end. many ways it is, but it is also witty, quietly hilarious at
times, and full of pathos when it becomes a morality
The gags may not come as often as in most Pixar films, piece near the middle (and like the best morality pieces, it
but they’re always spot on. This movie is suitable for all doesn’t shove its message down your throat). It reminded
ages and is very enjoyable. me in many ways of American Beauty, the masterpiece
that capped off the 90’s. Clooney’s character slowly is
stripped of the things he only cared about--including
The Wolfman sporadic meetings with another constant traveller

(we never know what exactly she does, and that’s not
supposed to matter) played by Vera Farmiga, who may
By Glen Ruane
win an Oscar nomination for her mysterious, slightly
This remake of the classic Universal horror film stars passive 30 something character. The final important
Benicio Del Toro as Lawrence Talbot, an actor who character is an eager young Cornell graduate (played by
returns to London from America to solve his brother’s Anna Kendrick, from Twilight) who thinks that a career in
gruesome murder. During his investigation Lawrence is firing people is a wise choice now, and in some respects
bitten by a werewolf and is cursed to turn into one during she’s not that far off. Her character represents many
the full moon. Anthony Hopkins plays Lawrence’s father, of the Twitter-obsessed twentysomethings driven for
and his performance is often scarier than the werewolf money, money, money, who live for texting, and naive
itself. However, poor acting and a heavy reliance on gore and even immature ideals of what makes a relationship
for scares hold this movie back. Because of this, I feel work. But she too goes through a transformation. One
the Wolfman was a missed opportunity for a much better of the most amazing things about this film is its use of
film. real people in the “firing scenes;” people who have really
21
tv series
lost their jobs several weeks or months before being
filmed. Director Jason Reitman combines scenes of
these people being fired by Clooney and Kendrick, and
their instant responses are wholly authentic. There are
a few actors playing the “firees” as well, but they blend
in with the real folks. I really can’t think of a better film to Glee
cap off this decade. This one will stay with you. Highly By Alice Bowring
recommended.
Fox has brought out a new musical teen comedy-drama
called ‘Glee’. A way to describe it in short is as kind of
‘High School Musical’ with an edge. It is based around
a young Spanish teacher who becomes the director of
musical
the high school ‘Glee Club’ trying to bring it back up to its
glory days.
For anyone who doesn’t know what a Glee Club is, it’s
a club in which students sing and dance to songs from
musicals, movies and modern artist’s music.
Little Shop of Horrors After Mr. Schuester (the young Spanish teacher) con-
Review! vinces the star athlete on the football team (Finn) to join,
the various different ‘cliques’ soon follow.
By Naomi Warren
The big difference between the TV series and the tween
De La Salle College Musical Society celebrated their 30- (the in between age of being a child and a teenager)
year anniversary show in great style with a wonderful; movie ‘High School Musical’ are the somewhat contro-
production of Little Shop of Horrors at the College Hall. vercial storylines.
A rock musical based on the 1960 American black com- Hit music artists such as Rihanna and Madonna are lin-
edy film, written by Howard Ashman, it is based in a run- ing up for their music to be covered in an episode.
down florist’s shop on Skid Row. Glee has been said that it is like a new version of ‘Fame’
In an attempt to boost sales, the hapless assistant at a hit TV show from 1982, also based around music and
Mushnik’s Florists, Seymour Krelborne, produces an drama in a performing arts school in New York. Fame
unusual house plant. Smitten by another sales assistant was cancelled after its 6th season in 1987 where the
Audrey, Seymour names the strange plant Audrey II. young actors sank into the background and didn’t make
much of a career for themselves; does this set a trend for
Instead of your usual common or garden plant food, Sey- the hopeful actors of Glee?
mour discovers that’s the plant thrives best on blood. It
soon develops a voracious appetite for human flesh and I would highly recommend watching an episode to see if
while the business thrives, the plant becomes a monster it’s for you.
with its demands to “feed me “as it devours anyone un- But don’t take my word for it just asks Mr. Butler the true
lucky enough to come within striking distance of its gi- avid fan!
gantic Venus fly-trap like jaws.
Adam Phelan was comfortable in the role of Seymour
with a pleasant vocal quality heard to effect in “Grow for
me” and “Mushnik and Son” in which the orphan Sey-
TRUE BLOOD
By Abi Hurley Collins and Hannah Cantopher
mour is adopted by the cynical Mushnik , superbly por-
trayed by Glenn Murphy.
Anne O’Riordan as Audrey displayed the multiplicity of HBO’s Series “True Blood” was ahead of the current
her acting and musical talents, and her duet, “Suddenly vampire phenomenon, before the success of “Twilight.”
Seymour”, with Adam Phelan was a delight. “True Blood” is a drama tinged with humour, set in the
fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. The series is
Andrew Cody showed a good sense of comedy was Orin based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine
the “mad dentist” and Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend. Harris. Set in a world where vampires are now known to
Ray Collins and Paul Barry combined as the voice as be real, True Blood’s creatures of the night survive on an
Audrey II. artificial substance called True Blood. How society reacts
and accepts these supposedly reformed bloodsuckers is
Overall the show was a great success and we are look-
a whole other story.
ing forward to next year’s show.
The main character Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin)
began the series as a slightly ditzy waitress annoyed
with her ability to hear people’s thoughts, but as the sea-
son progressed she evolved into a more well-rounded
character. With her firm resolution to treat vampires as
equals, she brings trouble to her family, but she also be-
22
comes stronger and more independent.
One of our favourite characters from the start was Sook-
ie’s grandmother (Lois Smith), a kindly old woman who
thinks only the best of others. She’s a strong influence on
both Sookie and Sookie’s brother; Jason (Ryan Kwant-
en), a major development involving the grandmother af-
fects the entire town.
In the first episode, a murderer hunts the townsfolk in
their daily lives, targeting women who’ve had encoun-
ters with vampire men. This puts Sookie at considerable
risk after she befriends her new (yet very old) neighbour,
vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer).
One of the things that is always interesting to see is how
different series twist vampire mythology. “True Blood”
takes yet another stance on this. Do vampires have The second series of True Blood has recently been aired
fangs? Yes, and they’re retractable. Are they affected by on HBO and we are hoping it will live up to everyone’s
light? Yes, but it doesn’t always kill them. While many expectations.
popular vampire myths are addressed in this series, not ENJOY!!!
all are confirmed to be true.
Funny Staff
Random Pics Christmas Dinner
Bottle Rocket
Paul looking dangerous

23
Debating
By Stephen Ennis
We hosted round 3 of the Con-
cern debates on the 20th of Janu-
ary. Concern motions are usually
based around humanitarian issues
concerning the entire international
spectrum. The debate went very
well and the visiting team com-
mented on our hospitality, tea and
biscuits. Then during the week-
end of the 22nd 2 teams consist-
ing of Becky Barr , Isabel English
, Caroline Fitzgerald, Sliabh Wells
, Alice Fortune , Olivia Cham-
bers (all Fourth years ) , James
O’Halloran, Kaija Kennedy , Heidi
McIlvenny and I (Fifth years) trav-
elled to Cork for the model UN in
UCC . The fifth years along with
A
s per the norm the season began with recruitment Sliabh represented The Democratic Republic of Congo
which ended around the 15th of September. By the and the fourth years represented Yemen. The model Un
end of the recruitment we had a small yet dedicat- is pretty simple there are 5 councils Disarmament and
ed group of debaters. From the 30th on training for junior International Security Committee or DISEC, The Security
and Munster debating was in full swing. On the 14th of Council, The United Nations Environmental Programme
October round one of the Munster schools opened and or UNEP , The World Health organization (WHO) and
saw Diarmaid Wingfield and Dahnan Spurling oppose a The Ad Hoc Committee on Security Council Reform (or
United Ireland and go straight through to the quarter finals. AHCSCR) . Once assigned a committee and a nation
The very next day Thea Johnson and Georgia Doorley each delegate (participant) prepares and researches a
propose the banning of alternative medicine in round 1 of stance on the upcoming issue to be discussed in ones
respective council. During meetings which can be quite
the Munster schools in UCC. The girls moved effortlessly
lengthy the delegates discuss the issue at hand and try
on to round 2. On November the 2nd round 1 of Concern
to come to collectively write up a resolution that meets all
Debates against Presentation Waterford took place and
the needs that the nations are concerned with. The end
included James O’Halloran, James Corcoran-Hodgins,
of the weekend is celebrated with a closing ceremony
Amy O’Loughlin and myself . Then on the November the
where prizes are rewarded to best delegates and best
17th Thea and Georgia looking to “Abolish state funding
representative .The MUN event pretty much concluded
for the arts” competed in the second round of Munster the debating season. James and I have continued by
schools debates in UCC. Thea progressed through as an holding workshops for the juniors from the 15th of April
individual. The next day James O’Halloran and I travelled on. On the 24th of April Briony Somers after just return-
to Rockwell for round 2 of the Munster schools oppos- ing to Newtown competed against the 12 top debaters
ing the abolishment of the Seanad. I went through as an in the country in the final of the Irish schools debating
individual. Those days turned out to be a busy three days competition. The motion was “People should be free to
of debating on the 19th of November James C., James , do what they want provided it doesn’t cause direct harm
Becky Barr and myself competed in round 2 concern de- to others”. The year ended with an in house junior debat-
bate against the Ursuline . On the 8th of December after ing competition organised by James and I. The winners
much preparation Dahnan, Diarmaid and I competed in were Diarmaid Wingfield and Max O’Brien. On behalf of
the quarter finals of the Munster schools. Thea competed all those who took part in this year’s debating season I
the following day and sadly none of us advanced through would like to sincerely thank Mrs. Lennon for her continu-
to the semi finals. On the 10th the junior debaters had ing guidance and endless patience. Thanks are also due
their Christmas debate, “Has Christmas lost all meaning?” to both the gappers Ruby and Luke who accompanied us
which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. to Cork for the Model U.N.
24
Old Scholar
Interview
Martin Furey
By Robert Galvin
ing songs, lyrics mad, so I would have been very into

English lit, which would have been Eddie Denniston he
was a big influence. He was really into his lit, probably
still is; I know he’s a poet now and I’ve read his E book
on the web.
Influences and post Newtown
Growing up among the music of your father and oth-

ers of his generation, would you have been strongly
influenced by the style of music they played? And
would what you saw growing up have prompted you
to begin your own musical career?
Yeah, I think the first time that I can remember that I ever
heard rock music was a Status Quo album that I found
in someone’s Fiat 127 that was staying in the house, I
would have been 8,9 or 10 years of age. In the house we
just had really old folk music. There wasn’t actually that
Time at Newtown much media. We didn’t have a TV until much later. I cer-
tainly remember Dire Straits while in sixth year anyway, I
You were a student in Newtown School. What dates wouldn’t say they were really an influence but I loved yer
were you here and were you a boarder or a day pu- man’s guitar. Also Joni Mitchell- I liked her song writing
pil? and lyrics.
I would have been a “day dawg” from 1981 to 1986.
Following Newtown, you went to Trinity but soon left
Coming to Newtown, with its strong musical herit- to go to Prince’s University Edinburgh to study Scot-
age, did you learn music here or sing in the choir? tish literature and history. What prompted this move?
Yeah, in first year I did music with Mr. De Courcy, then Em…. Stupidity. I was doing ESS (economic and social
in third year with Mrs. Nolan I did piano lessons, then studies),which didn’t suit me at all and I wanted to do
after that I kind of got the message from her that it was English literature in Trinity, particularly the poetry, but I
basically down to how much practice you put in so I just wasn’t accepted until the second round and I got accept-
went off in my own kind of way after learning about read- ed in Prince’s in the first so that’s how I ended up there. I
ing and writing music, which I don’t really do properly. So was better off where I was (Scotland), I met my wife there
yeah Newtown was great for music, my sister Aine loved and we’ve two kids now, my daughter is 19 and currently
music in there too. She was two years ahead of me when teaching English in Africa.
I was at school.
During your time in Edinburgh you had a band “Sam
Are there any teachers you would particularly re- Harlet” with Al Den Holm, Robin Hurt and Greg Stew-
member from your days here? art where you were more influenced by the post punk
All of them, for the right reasons, I absolutely loved New- scene than traditional Irish balladeering. What influ-
town; I thought the teachers were….I mean I don’t have ence did this time and the greater Edinburgh Music
to suck up to anyone now but, I thought the teachers scene have on you?
were just great man. Especially Joe Falvey when I think I had shared a flat with a guy called Mickey Jacobs who
of what he did for Sinead O Connor, I just think that “out- was in a group called the Gin Goblins and I was with
side the box” thinking from the teachers was just kind of a group called The Exploited. We were a punk group,
across the board really in Newtown. and I was coming in with my acoustic guitar in one end
and he was coming in with his electric guitar in the other
Did Newtown have any particular influence on your end, from two separate ends of the flat and gradually the
music and would you have been interested in the music just got louder and louder, until eventually it met.
kind of music you play now, while at school here? Through him I met a whole pile of musicians. It wasn’t
When I was at school I was just really interested in writ- really like standard punk; it was very melodic and atmos-
25
pheric. It was a loud kind of a sound. I just think it was The High Kings
kind of a natural reaction to all the acoustic music that I
had been surrounded by up until that point, just to get it As well as your solo work you’re also a member of
as loud as possible. I wanted to learn as much about all Irish balladeering group “The High Kings”.
kinds of music as possible. It just happened to take that When the opportunity arose to join this group were
direction. When you only know three chords, punk is the you reluctant at first or enthusiastic?
easiest stuff to play. Well I had been offered a deal for 10 thousand quid to
sing ballads when I was 17 and I didn’t end up doing it
Coming back from Edinburgh in 1992 you were joined at the time because it just wasn’t going to be done right.
by your sister Aine and formed the band Bohinta why They’d just record the album. I’d be wearing a silly jump-
did you move back home to Ireland? er and be going to a couple of record shops and playing
Homesickness. at bars and this all at 17 years of age. However when I
was offered the “silly jumper” later in life I was 39 and at
Bohinta and solo work that time it was a good idea because not only was I go-
ing to get a wage but also I wouldn’t have to organise all
You seem to have enjoyed great success with “Bo- my own gigs; which is really hellish and hard work. Also
hinta”, with your first album “Sessions” doing very they were going to put us in good hotels and the bus we
well throughout Europe and in America especially in had was massive. It was just done well, that was why
France (going straight to number five in the album I said yes to it and also because it wasn’t just going to
charts). What affect did all this success have on your stop at the “sell it to the yanks”, “make a few quid” kind of
life at the time? thing. We were basically told the group would gradually
I got a big head. Being in a band that does well, it’s funny be handed over to us after it got going, and that’s why I
‘cause everybody thinks initially, before you get your head joined it.
around it, that it’s because of them. They start to think
that it’s the individual. So what can happen is a band can Would you have been aware of the other members of
get splits in it because egos get out of hand when people the group before The High Kings came along?
forget that it’s really the sum of the parts and that’s the I would have been aware of Darren (Holden) from Wa-
hardest thing to keep sight of. Success really just brought terford from battle of the bands. Also I’d known Finbar
to the fore aspects of everyone’s personality that needed (Clancy) for years before The High Kings.
to be ironed out. You just have to get used to the fact that
the “high” is not really related to you, it’s just part of a big With “The High Kings” and “Bohinta” you’ve toured
party with the audience and the band. all over Europe, America and Ireland, where is your
favourite place to perform?
Following on from “sessions” your next album with Anywhere in Ireland. It’s usually a great place to play,
Bohinta, “Belladonna” was recorded at Real World great fun, but in terms of sheer rock and rollness it has to
Studies, owned by Peter Gabriel and you worked be the west coast of America, “California man“, there’s a
with producer Stuart Bruce (who has produced al- really nice kind of atmosphere there. Also New York City,
bums for-among others- Bob Marley and Nick Ker- was amazing it really is very close to home reaction wise.
shaw). What was this experience like for you? We played in Radio City in New York, it holds between
Amazing yeah, he worked with lots of people who I’d re- five and ten thousand people. There’s just something
ally like. He worked with Bob Marley and he worked with about that, and the whole New York thing.
the band “Yes” who I’m liking more now than I did then.
It was all very theatrical kind of music; he also did the The High Kings are as popular, if not more so, in
“Feed The World” single. I just hung around and tried Europe and America than they are in Ireland. What
to learn as much as possible from him and he just told do you think the appeal of Celtic music is to those
me basically, “put the microphone somewhere it sounds abroad?
good” and it worked, that’s the theory of ages passed Well obviously the more you spend away from home the
down through the….Stuartbruceness of life. more you’re going to miss it. Also you have the likes of
some American kid growing up who hears “The Rocky
After The success with Bohinta you released your Road To Dublin” or “The Black Velvet Band” and there’s
first solo album “Monkeys Wedding”, what was it like no stigma attached to it over there, so they’re just going
recording and performing as a solo artist after hav- to listen to the lyrics and the tune itself without any sort of
ing played with Bohinta for so long? cultural baggage. Also the lyrics are great, the melodies
Em… really scary because in a band you depend upon are great and that’s why they’ve stood the test of time; it’s
other people for aspects of their talent, like rhythm. But just good quality material, I think that’s the appeal any-
on your own you have to really brush up on these things way.
yourself. It was great, I mean in the end I was just playing
somewhere for a good couple of hours. I’d move around Where do you see yourself going in the future, con-
just to make my “bread and butter”. Not so popular with tinuing with The High Kings or returning more to
the family but it had to be done. solo work and playing with a band?
Well I’m constantly doing my own solo work, as well as
working with The High Kings and I’m currently working
with a band called “Trans Global Underground”, we’re
26
doing a project called the “Unite Project” about immigra-
tion. Also, personally, I would love to be involved with The
High Kings as long as they want me really. As long as
they keep the creativeness in it, I’ll be interested.
When not making music of some form, what do you

The Dreaded
in your spare time?
I wrestle with my dog. I used to play loads of golf in New- Dreadlocks
town though I’m not really interested in it anymore. I also I have written this article for
loved hockey when I was at school, I went back to it for a one reason – to explain what
while after, I used to be a goalie, no pads in those days. dreadlocks are. There are four
I like walking the dogs and surfing, well falling off the surf main ways to get dreadlocks:
board anyway. 1. Backcombing, 2. Neglect, 3.
Chemical formation and 4. The
Personal Twist and Rip method.
Contrary to popular belief,
You’re married with two children. As a family man do dreadlocks are clean and can
you find touring and travelling a difficult experience? in fact be a much healthier
No, because my father was in the business and I remem- hairstyle when they are properly maintained. And only
ber him pointing out the various aspects of the business if the wearer does not go for the neglect method.
when I started off. It’s harder on Jane, my wife, than me
Backcombing involves the use of a very fine, metal
to be honest, as she’s actually the one at home. I’m the
comb and backcombing the hair and twisting, and
one constantly getting to see different places.
rubbing it between your hands. This is by far the most
painful way of getting dreads.
What are your thoughts on downloading music
tracks as opposed to buying a cd album, do you see Neglect is pretty self explanatory. The wearer simply
it as the future? Or as a necessary evil for the time doesn’t wash, comb or brush their hair. This method
being? can take anything up to year to yield any kind of re-
I don’t think it’s an evil at all, I think it’s great. I think what sult. The result, more often than not, ends up as one
was evil was the monopolising of the music industry by big lump of dirty, matted hair which smells and is aes-
major companies. Unfortunately what it also means is thetically displeasing. It is because of the method that
people like me earn less but to be honest I think it’s for dreads and people with dreads are given a bad name.
the greater good. It pushes music back live, it keeps mu- Also not very many people use this method any more.
sicians on their toes. Music available like that is the way Some people want instant dreads for the rest of their
it should be I think. lives and who have a lot of spare change can pay
a hairdresser to put a chemical into their hair which
makes it frizz and knot. This can cost anywhere from
200-300 Euro. This is permanent! And I can’t begin to
imagine what it does to your scalp.
Lastly, there is the twist and rip method. This involves
Quotablees twisting the hair and then knotting it with a very small
Quot
crochet needle, 0.6 or 0.75 are the best sizes.
n h e a r it in your
“I ca Now, I can see why some parents might look at a
F io n a Carty) - person with dreadlocks and say “I wonder what their
o
Driver (t
Camilla parents are like”. It’s a hairstyle; it has nothing to do
eyes!” s? ” with the parents (especially if you’re a three-weekly
y is th e baby Mis ”
wa ul. boarder at Newtown).
r te r - “H ow far a t’s ri g h t here Pa
Paul Po “I
gnant) - “We’ve all seen the movies where the teenager
M a h e r (while pre dresses up as a punk or a mod and goes out to gigs
Mrs.
in Ma y ” and stuff. But the parents are just normal people” –
y 18 is u now?”
th
g - “M a re y o David Bowie
wrin , how old
Alice Bo p h e r - “Wait
Ca n to If you’re still against dreadlocks it’s because you were
Hannah u g h H e ffner.” around in the 70’s and 80’s when the only way to get
H
in g m y essay on dreads was neglect. But thanks to the 21st century
do
e n C r o ss - “I’m if ri c ’s b rother?” chemicals industries, new residue-free shampoos
B at A
M a r s h al - “Is th and spray-on shampoos that don’t need water to
Gary e ss?”
ur p re p J o ff .” clean hair are now available.
ed
n - “W h ere is yo a n d a n d it wash
vidso it on my
h Dreadlocks are coming back into fashion. One needs
Mrs. Da - “I wrote
He g a r ty only to walk around Waterford or Kilkenny for an hour
Jessica or two to see that this is true.
By Joe Dixon
27
Girls’
Fashion
for Newtown!
What’s In Fashion?
Ankle Cowboy boots
Blazers and Boyfriend Cardigans
School kilt
6th year non uniform (forever!)
Body con skirts
Keds in all colours
Jersey Shore
Guidettes
Floral Prints
Pastel Colours
Surfing gear
High Tops
I Pods
Headbands/flower headbands
Big Bright Scarves
Jeggings
Penneys
Sunglasses
Hats with Bobbles
Dreadlocks
Bright Nails/ sugar colours
What’s out?
Decks/Dubes (Newtown Favourite) Leggings with a short top
Maxi Dresses
Taking the Boyfriend look too far
Harem pants
Old school uniform!
Matching velour tracksuits
Not having sunglasses when it’s sunny
Having sunglasses when it’s not sunny
Coloured tights
Dresses over baggy jeans
Baggy jeans
Slouchy beanies
Strict uniform
4th Years getting stressed, it’s 4th year seriously
Neon clothes
28
Men’s Fashion
Because of the
recession boys have
not being spending
much on clothes. Ski
jackets were seen a
plenty during the big
freeze. There has
been a move into indie
In Fashion fashion with baggy

shirts and skinny jeans
worn with flat shoes. A
High top shoes
Low pants lot of students have
Sunglasses adopted the surfer
Jerseys look. Fringes are in
Tanning beds with 2009 bringing
Surfer Gear fringes close to the
Tops under tops eyebrows moving to
Jackets with the collars
the swept fringe in
Scarves
Anything Celtic Not fashion 2010.
Headphones Dyed black hair
Munster gear
Leather vests
Top shops Rolled up cardigan

sleeves
River Island Sixth year sayings like
Top Shop
Sports Savers “fairly”, “spose” and “dose”
TK Maxx School uniform
Fashionable
TV shows
Skins
Jersey shore
Cougar town
29
6th Year Photos
Caoimhe Hahn Finbarr Conolly Austin Slevin Claire Buckley
Paul Murray Mark Power & Mark Richardson Nicky Ryan
Shane Murphy George Walsh Hugh O’Farrell Walsh Eoin O’Conor
Lucia Brogan Marcella Flood Sarah McDonagh Peter Keogh
30
Dearbhaile Maclean, Eimear Mullane & Katie Maguire Thomas O’Brien Sunita Brazil
Lorcan Doheny Caitriona Dooley Alex Gurnee, Callum Chambers, & Andrew Heffernan
Patrick Kiersey, Emmett O’Shea & Conor Bellew Elizabeta Kursakova Jonathan Morris
Johannes Proksch & Brendan Sarah Kelly Aidan Devlin Phoebe Porter
Perkins
Daniel Pim & Chris Leslie Hillary Stack, Jasmine Patel-Bolger & Maeve Ryan
31
3rd Year Art
Catherine McGrory
Olivia Power
Rory Van Dokkum
Amy Kelly
Dahnan Spurling
Thomas Sheridan
Chloe Tsaoussis-Maddock
John Mullins
32
Serena Bifolchi Phoebe Moore Diarmaid Wingfield
Max Marden-Wastenays Geoffrey Graham
Rosaleen Traynor Emma Prendergast
Hannah Murray Liadh Reilly Rebecca Hoban

33
3rd Year
Sculptures
Diarmaid Wingfield
Alice Lee
Anna White
Serena Bifolchi
Scarlett MacLachlan
Phoebe Moore
Chloe Tsaoussis-Maddock
Dean Whelan
Christian Cullen
Max Marden-Wastenays
Holly Wells
34
6th Year Art
Caoimhe Hahn Lorcan Doheny
Jonathan Morris Eimear Mullane
Sunita Brazil Shane Murphy 35

Conor Bellew Shane Murphy
Dearbhaile Maclean
Sarah McDonagh
Chris Leslie - 1st place Art Endeavour Award

Shane Murphy – 2nd place in
The Art Endeavour Award
36
5th & The Art

6th Year Endeavour
Award
Art Trip Abi Hurley Collins
Claire Dillon
This year for the first time the Art Department is happy
to announce the introduction of “The Art Endeavour
Awards”. This award was kindly sponsored by The
Newtown Association. The Association invited the
6th year art group to submit two pieces of classwork
which was judged by three staff members.
The standard of the work was very high and I would
like to thank 6th years for getting involved so enthu-
siastically. There were two prizes awarded. Shane
Murphy was awarded 2nd place receiving €100 and
Christopher Leslie got 1st place of €200. The prizes
were presented at The Leavers Tea by Mr. Lemon.
It is hoped that this competition will become an an-
nual event and that the students’ work will be framed
and displayed in a student gallery to establish a per-
manent art collection of students’ work in Newtown
School.
The 5th and 6th year art classes went on a trip to Dublin Tara Brooch
on the 11th of March. We visited the National Gallery, which to eve-
the National Museum and the Douglas Hyde. We had a ryone’s amaze-
three hour bus journey there and back. ment were tiny
and exquisitely
When we eventually arrived in Dublin we were split into
crafted.
two groups; 5th and 6th years. After this, we ate our
lunch standing outside Trinity college. Last but not least we attended (as one group) an exhibi-
tion by a modern Irish painter called Ciaran Murphy in
We had a limited amount of time to view each gallery
the Douglas Hyde gallery. This was extremely different
(roughly 45 minutes allotted to each gallery) so it was an
to the last two galleries we visited. The Douglas Hyde is
action packed and pretty rushed day.
a large spacious gallery which shows modern art only.
The first gallery we visited was the National Gallery. Ciaran Murphy’s work was very minimal and simplistic.
Here we had a guided tour around the different exhibi- His work was highly open to interpretation.
tions and spaces. We were taken through the Renais-
When we had Finished looking at all three galleries we
sance to the Baroque eras and finally ended the tour
were given an hour to ourselves. Most of us spent this in
with a beautiful exhibition of Jack B. Yeats.
Starbucks or McDonald’s but a few went window shop-
The second space we saw was the National Museum. ping. After the hour was up we all congregated back at
Here we also had a tour guide to show us around. We the bus with full tummies, tired brains and sore feet…
viewed different stages of Irish art, learnt some Irish his-
Overall, it was a very enjoyable and beneficial day.
tory and were taught a little about our heritage. The main
Thanks to Mrs. Dillon for organising the trip.
attractions of this tour were the Ardagh Chalice and the
37
Trips Killary Adventure Centre

Beth Rochford and Andrew Davis
We left Newtown on a warm refreshing morning at the

tender time of 7 am on the 17th of May. Despite the
time we were all in good spirits as we had a six hour
bus journey to look forward to. The day scholars and the
boarder girls had the luxury of being seated in a fine large
coach. Meanwhile the boarder boys’ expressions told a
For evening activities, both schools went outside to sit
tale of horror as our not so flamboyant coach pulled up
by a campfire. The sun continued to shine well into the
the driveway. Nevertheless we had great craic on the bus
evening and, taking advantage of it, the boys decided to
with the legendary driver Larry O’ Hara.
play a game of football against St. Marrions on a stone
After stopping in Bunratty 4 hours into the bus journey pitch. It was a fiercely competitive game which Newtown,
we arrived in the scenic setting of Killary Harbour. The thankfully, won 10-5. Afterwards we returned inside for
surrounding countryside was swarmed with impressive fun group games of eating cold beans, Wheatabix and
man-made walls and geographical features. We were drinking pints of water as fast as you can in order to beat
introduced to the Killary adventure centre’s staff who the other group.
seemed very friendly and well humoured before stretching
The following morning we were all woken at 8.30, a
our legs by playing an intense game of tip rugby outside.
considerable lie-in compared to our school routine. Hiking
The activities for our group (C) commenced that afternoon was to be the day-long activity for Group C. We weren’t
with Laser tagging. We were told to “expect our clothes looking forward to it given the sudden wet conditions.
to get destroyed” which wasn’t encouraging. For the next The walk was in total 18kms. It turned out to be one of
four hours our group had immense fun running around a the most rewarding activities out of the week as we got
field shooting each other with a little more than a hint of to see some breathtaking views from the summits of the
competitiveness. After that we headed back to the centre Connemara Mountains. We asked Saul (our instructor
for a shower and some much welcomed dinner. This was for the day, from Devonshire) what he made of the
to become a regular feature of our post afternoon activity Connemara climate to which he replied “For me this is
routine. what Connemara is all about and I wouldn’t have it any
The other school staying at the centre at the same time other way”.
as us were all boys from Ballsbridge (St. Marrions). That evening representatives of both schools entered
38
the notorious ‘Mr./Ms. Killary’. The competition required bulls-eye or different prizes, such as a ten euro note.
all willing boys to dress as girls and vice versa. One or We left happy and Beth substantially richer. Next up was
two of the boys took it a little too seriously, you know The Big Swing, a giant two-person seat that is raised 70
who you are! The entrants then performed a short talent feet into the air and released. After we’d overcome the
piece and answered questions from the host. Judged on initial shock of the drop, we all quite enjoyed the thrill
their overall performance, a winner for both sections-girls of the swing. Andrew’s expression was pure terror as
and boys-was chosen. Alfredo Llorente and Freya Little he dropped from an upside down position alongside Mr.
were the respective Mr. and Ms. Killary. Both of the lucky Lester.
winners received crowns.
Thursday evening was our last so first-off we were given
Our group’s activities for Wednesday were kayaking and the impossible task of attempting to clean the mess our
rock-climbing. After changing into the provided wetsuits, rooms had become over the last few days. Five and a half
gathering our appropriate rock-climbing gear and hours later, we still weren’t finished but nevertheless we
collecting our kayaks-either double person kayaks or sea continued with our last evening group game, packaging
kayaks for the more adventurous-we set out into the fjord. an egg so well that it doesn’t break when thrown from a
Just over an hour’s kayaking later we reached the other building. It was as fun as it sounds!
side of the fjord and ‘docked’ our kayaks on the grassy
Friday was our final day and we spent the morning
hillside. Once we had changed into dry clothes again,
competing in the Killary Challenge, the details of which I
we walked a short distance to a few cliffs that had been
can’t legally disclose. Perhaps the highlight of the trip in
set up for rock-climbing. We spent the next few hours
terms of laughs and fun was performing our traditional
alternating between attempting the different climbs and
group’s made up songs and dance before jumping
abseiling down a nearby, rather steep, cliff. The abseiling
simultaneously into shoulder-deep bog. We washed
looked to be a daunting task from where we started but
ourselves off in the fjord before a quick shower and back
it turned out to be a walk in the park. Andrew calmed his
on the bus. The ride home was longer than ever but
nerves by singing to the instructors on the way down! We
everyone was glad to be going home to our own beds.
then returned to our kayaks and left for the centre.
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was definitely
The subsequent morning, Group C’s activities were to
a week to remember.Thanks to Mr.Lester, Ms.O’Carroll
be high-ropes, archery and The Big Swing. First off was
and Ruby for making the trip such fun. Thanks to Mr.Cox
high-ropes, which was, as the name suggests, different
for arranging the trip also.
challenges with ropes and heights in general. We spent
the morning climbing up tall wooden poles and standing
on frighteningly small ledges while either attempting to
jump onto a trapeze or supporting others while leaning
back over the edge. The afternoon activities kicked off
with archery, in which we took turns aiming for either the
39
Trips
Ag. Science By Aifric Heffernan
On d’fairly warm morning of the 25th of bit of a drag at

February the 5th and 6th year Ag. Science times.....
students donned their wellies and paddy
Everybody had a real splash at the milk-
hats and set off for Kildalton college.
ing parlour with the heifers. There are two
With a “Hup Hup!” from Jonesy we were milking houses in Kildalton, one for milking
herded onto the bus and away. and the udder one for milk storage. Safety
became an issue at the slaughter house
We were rounded up into groups and mixed
where the stakes were so high. The trip
with the local moseys. We had 12 stations
ended on a high note with a joke demon-
to go to so we ploughed on.
stration of a castration and one mossy from
We received a talk on soil matter from the other school got to aid with the birth of a
a real expert in the field. Then we had a lamb. Hopefully the information we learned
stomach churning talk on the digestive sys- will crop up and the 6th years will bear the
tem of ruminants. With a quick trot we were fruits of this trip in June. After a quick lunch
off to the horse stand where we all agreed of blaas and pink snacks we toodled it on
it turned out to be a bit tacky. An interesting home.
talk on barley planted the seeds of interest
Thanks very much to Mr. Jones and Ruby
with some students. Gary and John in par-
for this trip.
ticular really lit up between stands. ‘Twas a
The Vegetable Plot

The 5th year Agricultural Science class with their teacher,
Mr.Jones, started digging in early spring, readying the ground
for various crops. The plot measures 6x6 meters and consists
of different sections of raised beds.
They have a test plot for growing barley. They sewed mainly
potatoes (2nd earlies) called Orla (organic variety). Another
section contains radish, garlic and onions. For the fruit lovers,
some strawberries were planted. Sowing was later than nor-
mal due to the severe frosty spell in early 2010.
A big thank you to the Newtown Association for funding this
project which hopes to grow in the future.
40
Trips
Second Year Ski Trip

By Emily Hermon
We got up at the crack of dawn falls. People fell into ditches, skied
(5.30 am!). At 6.00 am, we were into poles and were taken out by
all on the bus. None of us talked trees!
much, as it was so early but the
There were four house teams at
bus journey was still fun! the centre. Each school that came
We arrived at the airport, was split into the different house
checked in our luggage and went teams; Eagles, Raiders, Warriors
shopping. While we were waiting and Sharks. Every night there was
to board we caused a bit of commotion. We accidentally a different activity, a chance to earn points for your team.
set off the fire alarm in the boarding lounge! Another school from Belfast was at the centre too. At the
The plane journey was great fun, so the three hour flight end of the week the Sharks team (my team!) won be-
passed quickly. A Haut- Lac instructor met us at the air- cause we had earned the most points. We each got a
port and we took a two hour bus ride to the hostel. We mini toblerone as our prize.
had never seen so much snow. Mr. Hanlon dislocating his shoulder and Jess getting a
The first day of skiing was brilliant. Us beginners fell over huge bruise on her arm were the only injuries on our trip.
a lot, but it was still great fun. Towards the end of the Mr. Hanlon dislocated his shoulder on the 3rd or 4th day.
week, we had all gotten the hang of skiing, and were hav- All we know is that he was skiing down a slope by himself
and fell off the side! A helicopter took him off the slopes, to
ing a great laugh.
a hospital where it was confirmed his shoulder was dislo-
On the last day we had a slalom race in the morning. It cated. He is not allowed to raise his arm above shoulder
was hilarious. The rest of the day was spent skiing at height for the next four months. Despite the injuries, it was
full speed down the slopes, with some quite spectacular a brilliant trip!
41
Trips
Gaeltacht
Day 1: 7:30: Everybody up and ready to leave early. We

soon set off, only to realise 10 minutes into the journey
that Sliabh had forgotten his bag so we had to turn
around, go back and get it.
7:50: Finally we set off for the five hour bus journey to
Kerry. Day 3: 9:00: We are woken by Mr. O’Cuinn who is very
1:30: We arrived in Dingle where Mr. O’Cuinn needed to excited about the prospect of climbing Mount Eagle.
stop for some batteries for his beloved torch. We then 10:30: We set off for our walk up Mount Eagle.
continued on our way. 11:00: We reach a sign saying “Mount Eagle, keep
2:00: Arrived at Bean an Tí’s. All get off the bus and go right” but Mr. O’Cuinn knew a “shortcut” so we went left.
to respective houses. Mr. O’Cuinn’s beloved torch is Eventually we reached a field. This confused Mr.O’Cuinn
missing. He blames the boys. so we went into the field and kept going. Mr. O’Cuinn
3:30: We walk to the beach for a quick swim before promised us that the road was somewhere around but
dinner. we couldn’t find it so we just kept struggling through the
6:00: We all walk to the hall for a table quiz and talk on gorse field in shorts. After about an hour we found the
the Dingle Peninsula. road and continued to the reservoir for a bit of a foot dip.
9:00: We go back to Bean an Tí’s for scones and tea. 13:00: We headed to the Dingle Peninsula Heritage
Centre.
Day 2: 9:00: We wake up, get up and walk to the pier. 6:00: We returned for dinner and the girls watched gossip
10:30: We board our top class ship “The Blasket Princess” girl with Stephen.
11:30: We arrive on the Blasket Islands... Ms. Kirwan
found the slipway a bit slippery but it was ok as James Day 4: 10:00: We got up late and headed for the beach.
was there to lend a helping hand. We had a bit of a 11:30: We headed into Dingle and went to the aquarium.
wander around the islands, investigated the houses and 12:00: We wandered around Dingle for a while.
headed to the beach for lunch. 6:00: We headed to the beach for a treasure hunt which
12:00: There were a lot of seals on the beach... we were too tired to go on so Mr. O’Cuinn had to bring
2:00: Once again we boarded the Blasket Princess and the treasure to us! We played around on the beach for a
headed back to the mainland. while.
2:30: Everybody has fallen asleep on the boat.
3:00: We arrive back on dry land. Day 5: We all packed and were ready to head home.
6:00: We are told to go to the hall but we are not told why. Mr. O’Cuinn’s torch miraculously reappeared in the girls’
We are shown to a small room upstairs where there are a house...
few chairs surrounding a BLACKBOARD! It turns out we 1:00 We stopped for lunch.
had been tricked into going to an Irish lesson! 3:00 We arrive back at school. Overall an it was an
9:30: We go back to Bean an Tí’s for bed. amazing trip!
42
Trips Romania Caroline Fitzgerald
Our idea to work with Habitat for Humanity in Ro- day of travelling.
mania came about when we formed our Mini Com-
Day Two: After breakfast, we had an orientation by Chris-
pany ‘Helping Habitat’. In order to go, we had to raise
tina where she explained what we could expect and she
€18,000 between us. As a team and as individuals
then took us to the site we would be working on. We met
we started on months of hard work and fundraising,
the foreman and the local builders who all seemed very
successfully partaking in charity swims, bag packs,
nice and looked forward for us to start working with them.
presentations and organising a charity dinner and
auction. When we eventually raised the money, we We got a look at the three houses we would be working
couldn’t believe that the trip was going to happen on. Each one had four apartments and so could house
and couldn’t wait! twelve families.
On the way back to the hotel, we took a drive around
Day One: We got on a three and a half hour plane to
Moinesti. It is located in a valley so it was surrounded by
Bucharest, the capital of Romania! Despite the pilot mak-
masses of trees and woodland. Very scenic! We heard
ing the mistake of talking about our destination as Bar-
that bears are common around the area which set off
celona, it was a smooth ride and we arrived in Romania
the imagination of the boys, saying how they were going
later that evening.
to kill a bear, with very detailed descriptions of how they
We were met by Christina, our host for the two weeks were going to do it...
and impressed her with our knowledge of the Romani-
We all chilled out in Room 5, the girls’ room and then
an language (by saying “Nu vorbesc Romanesti” which
went for a Habitat dinner in the hotel where we met some
means “I do not speak Romanian”).
of the Habitat organisers. We got our first taste of Roma-
We then had a five hour bus journey to our hotel. It was nian food. It was very meat based with lots of sausages!
after midnight when we arrived at the Mario, our hotel in Amazing flavours!
the town of Moinesti, where we would be staying for the
We tried to get an early night as we had an early start in
duration of the trip.
the morning for our first day as builders!
We were given our room keys and had a very awkward
Day Three: We were all up for breakfast at 7:45am in
journey up the stairs as they were really uneven, one
our work clothes. Many people tried sheep brain ome-
step was huge the next was tiny!
lette and really liked it! It was a case of ‘mind over matter’
Our rooms were basic enough but we did have a TV and as Mr. Lester put it.
a fancy jet shower!
We headed off to the site by bus! We met the builders
We went straight to bed and slept like logs after the long who we would be working with, including Daniel, a man
43
who was moving in with his family to one of the houses
and was working on his 1500 hours sweat equity which
was required to own a Habitat house (approx 180 days
work.)
We were given our hard hats and goggles, put on our
gloves and were given instructions for the day’s work.
All the girls (and Ben) spent the morning up on the scaf-
folding painting three sides of one of the houses. Three
coats of white paint were needed but some people had
much too watery paint and so it took six or more coats
before Constantin, the foreman, was happy!
The boys had the job of ‘re barring’. This was making
the frame of the house for the cement to harden around
it and involved bending pieces of metal over steel bars
using a pliers to keep all the bars together. Every time
one was completed, a chorus of ‘RE RE RE-BAR!’ was Alice and I did some grouting in one of the houses which
shouted as they carried the rebar to the pile. Very catchy. is filling in between the tiles. Vasile, the supervisor, kept
coming in and just burst out laughing! The others did
Lunch was up next. We dived into chicken sandwiches more digging and broke a few pick axes while they were
as we were starving! at it! Benjamin was called “Dig” and Stephen was called
The atmosphere was great around the place with every- “Dug”.
one laughing and joking and having such a good time! After work, we went to the local “Penny Market” where
We all swapped jobs after lunch. The girls did some re we stocked up on all things sweet and bought litres of
barring and the boys lifted 40kg bags of cement and then water for the site. We headed back to the hotel and ate
started digging the first of many holes! dinner there. A few people ordered stomach soup (com-
plete with lumps of stomach floating on top). It was sur-
We arrived back at the hotel with muddy shoes and paint-
prisingly tasty!
ed clothes and badly in need of a shower!
Day Five: Today the hard work began! We had to make
After cleaning up we went to visit some families who lived
in poor conditions and who we were building houses for. pathways around the house and make sets of stairs up
to the house so lots of cement had to be made. This in-
We met a boy called Yanut who lived with his mother, fa- volved shovelling large quantities of gravel, stones, water
ther and sister. Their ‘house’ consisted of one tiny room. and cement powder into a mixer before pouring it into
It had no kitchen and they had to share a toilet with the wheelbarrows, wheeling it off to where it’s needed, shov-
whole apartment block. They had coke and biscuits for elling it out for one of the builders to smooth and then
us which was so kind as they would never have treats bring the wheelbarrow back to the mixer for the whole
like that. Only Yanut and his mother were present at the process to start again. We started off quite slowly but and
time and they told about how difficult their lives had been the end of the day we were really speeding up. Kate and
and how excited and thankful they were to us for helping
I were doing the shovelling and found we hated the world
build their new home. Yanut said “Thank you for not let-
‘dos diech’ which means 20 in Romania as that meant we
ting me live here anymore”.
had to do 20 shovels! Patrica, one of the builders, kept
We then went to visit Daniel’s family, the man who was filling the whole wheelbarrow up and when you tried to
working with us on his home. He lived with his wife, his explain that it was much too heavy he would just lift up
mother and two gorgeous little children, Alex and Diana your arm and say ‘Big muscles’ and send you off with it!
in a very small house with a small living room, tiny kitch-
en and one other small room. They found it very hard to We all worked as a team though and swapped jobs when
live like this with two children under three as there was someone became tired so it worked out well.
no room for them to play. They also had refreshments for Meanwhile, a few of the boys were digging more holes.
us which was lovely. They started a ‘who can get the biggest rock’ competition
We went back to the hotel feeling even more empowered and Stephen and Ben (aka Dig and Dug) dug out a real
to work as hard as we could and finish the houses for the contender today!
families. After work, we went to visit a family who were living in
We were exhausted from our exhilarating first day at their new Habitat house. It was so nice to see them so
work so sleep was easy! happy in their new home and they talked about how great
everything was since Habitat came into their lives. The
Day Four: The sun was shining down on us today as teenage girl said how brilliant it was to have her own
we painted the last side of the house, singing songs the room which we all take for granted here.
whole time. Locals would walk by and greet us, try and
speak to us in Romanian and we would all shout “Nu The visit gave us another boost to work hard and help
vorbesc Romanesti!” Horse and carts went by regularly make other families as happy as this family was now.
which was quite a strange sight for us! Day Six: Most of us woke up this morning with aching
44
backs and arms after all the work yesterday! We were all
quite shattered at breakfast so we were delighted when
Ms.Coady told us she had a few surprises for us today!
Scaffolding had to be taken down today which felt good
as it looked as if the whole house was coming together.
More holes were dug and John, Alice and I tried to keep
up with Killian (who is a machine!) and Ruah as we dug
trenches for the base of the stairs.
Today was Vick’s last day on site so the teachers bought
sweets and coke for us to have at our morning break
which was a real treat!
We were then told to get onto the bus and were confused
until Ms.Coady told us that a bear had been sighted to-
day and we were going to go see if we could find it! The
excitement on the bus was something else but as we was looking for that!”
peered out the windows and time went by, we started
feeling a little apprehensive as to if we would ever see Later we walked down to a nearby church for a Good
the bear. Friday service. It wasn’t what we expected at all. With
a duration of four hours, continuous singing and a ritual
Luck wasn’t on our side today and we never found the of going under a table and kissing the cross and Bible,
bear but we did go to a local school on the way back to it was much different to church at home! We enjoyed it
the site. There, they were painting eggs and we got to though as it was a different experience. There was also a
join in which was loads of fun! Habitat funds these kinds candle ceremony whereby everyone would walk around
of activities so it was great to see! the church holding candles. We each got a candle but left
When we were back on site, we worked for another few long before the end so we missed it. We did watch it from
our hotel though!
Day Eight: Today we only worked a half day. Unfortu-
nately Freya was sick today so Kate and Denise stayed
with her. Being short three people meant we had to work
extra hard. We were all quite tired after five days of stren-
uous work but we gave it one last push, knowing we were
going to have great days off starting tomorrow.
More concrete was made and most stairs and pathways
were finished. Holes were finished off and altogether it
was a great day’s work!
We had lunch on site and then went to pick up the others.
Thankfully Freya was feeling better. We then headed to
the salt mines which were about half an hour away. Geo,
hours and said our goodbyes to Vick. We also had straw- one of the Habiteens (teenagers helping Habitat), came
berry champagne! (non-alcoholic of course.) with us. The salt mines were so much fun! We expected
Day Seven: Today we went to visit the Mayor of Comen- to be wearing overalls and going into deep dark caves
sti in the local town hall. He was a really nice man and we but instead we found huge caverns with the most random
asked him questions and took pictures with him. things inside such as two bouncy castles, swings and
seesaws, a football pitch, table tennis, restaurant, shops
Afterwards, we went up the mountains and saw the view and even a church and computers with the internet! It
of Comensti which was amazing. We didn’t see the bear was hard to believe we were 3330 metres underground!
though!
Some people decided to lick the walls which tasted of salt
Back on site after various jobs were done including mak- (go figures!)
ing more cement, digging even more holes and wheel
After a few hours in the mines we headed back up to the
barrowing materials for cement.
normal world.
Litres of water were drunk as the day was very hot again!
Day Nine: Today we got a much needed lie in and then
After lunch we cemented the stairs. “Material!” which headed down to breakfast. On our breakfast table, choc-
means cement, was all you could hear from Pedro, an- olate bunnies and sweets were laid out for us and the
other worker over the noise of the mixers. teachers had organised a little Easter Egg Hunt which
became very competitive! We really enjoyed it!!
Killian was having an ear ache for the past few days so
the teachers decided to take him to hospital today. The After breakfast we went to visit a very scenic monastery
doctor saw something in his ear and got it out with a up in the hills. The view was spectacular as we twined
hook. It was an earphone piece! Killian just said “Oh, I round and round the mountains through the trees. It was
45
quite quaint and beautifully decorated inside and the We then got to roam as we pleased around the castle. It
grounds were amazing too, especially when taking a was really cool, made up of lots of small rooms and many
walk through the hills to a pond hidden in the trees. floors so getting lost was too easy! The secret stairway,
where Dracula apparently used to go up into his guest’s
It was another beautiful day so after lunch at a resort, we
room and suck their blood, was really creepy!
all sat outside and listened to the Habiteens play music
on the grass, even joining in ourselves. They also taught Afterwards, we all bought Dracula T- shirts and more
us ‘The Penguin Dance’ which was hilarious! souvenirs.
Afterwards, we went to visit the nearby water springs. We The scenery on the drive home was fabulous. As we
were all planning to go swimming but unfortunately that drove through miles of vast, flat land, suddenly a moun-
was impossible! The setting here was also beautiful and tain with snow on top would spring up! We also saw ea-
we took a walk alongside the river. gles flying around and huge birds perched on nests on
top of telegraph poles.
We then went shopping at the nearby markets and
bought some souvenirs. Some people tried out their hag- Altogether it was a great two days off and a good rest!
gling skills, which proved to be very good!
Day Eleven: Back to work on site, refreshed and ready
Day Ten: An early start today, having to wake up at half to give it our all!
six!
It was great to see the cement mixers cleaned and put
We had a quick breakfast and then started a four hour away, another job done after the final set of steps were built.
bus ride to Peles castle. A very long
game of eye spy and Jamie’s sing-
ing made the time fly by.
Peles castle was incredible! It was
like a fairytale castle set in acres
of land. It was closed today which
was unfortunate but we took lots
of pictures and walked around the
grounds.
We had a very interesting lunch at
a restaurant. I think the dead lamb
staring at us when we walked in put
most people off but we ate anyway!
Dracula’s castle was next! After
fetching the people who ran off up
the secret stairway, we had a talk
with the tour guide who told us the
story of Dracula and showed us
some places in the castle and told
us lots of jokes too.
46
A huge trench of 10m long and 1m deep had to be build Day Thirteen: Today we woke up to our very last day on
for a sewage pipe so a good few people started work on site. We worked hard at the last trench.
that. Others cleaned up the loose gravel on site.
Some of the boys were taken off on a van to deliver the
Unfortunately, Alice had to go the hospital today as her scaffolding to a new site.
chest was bothering her. She was told that she would not
It was sad when it was time to finish up but when we were
be able to work for the rest of the trip which was hard for
given our ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ awards, we felt so
everyone. She still helped, doing Habitats accounts and
good when we realised all the work we had done.
giving the rest of us support.
We were also given little souvenirs and pictures of us on
We had a relaxed dinner at the hotel and played cards
site which was a nice reminder of our time in Romania.
before heading for bed.
Constatin told us that we had majorly exceeded their
Day Twelve:Today was our last full day on site.
expectations in finishing the houses. He didn’t think we
We spent most of the day finishing the trench that was would be the team to finish them so we were delighted!
started yesterday so lots of pick axing and shovelling was
We thanked everyone and said our final goodbyes and
done.
then hopped on the bus and went back to the hotel.Some
After the trench was finished, we started on the very last of us bought Habitat Comensti T-shirts too. We then
job; digging another trench from the sewage tank to the loaded our bags onto the bus and started the five hour
houses. We all teamed up to do this together and got a bus ride to Bucharest airport.
lot done.
The time flew by once again and soon enough we were
After work we went to the Penny market one last time back at Dublin airport.
and then went back to the hotel.
We accomplished so much on our trip. We had SO
We had our last dinner with all the builders, Habiteens MUCH FUN!! We learned so many skills, visited the most
and organisers of Habitat so there was lots of us! We or- incredible places, met so many new people, experienced
dered basically everything on the menu and shared it all. a new culture, food and country and did something so
beyond what we believed we were capable of, making
The music was blaring as usual so lots of dancing was
the lives of many families so much better.
enjoyed before final speeches of thanks were given.
Many thanks to Ms. Coady for organising the trip, and to
Afterwards, we went back to our rooms and packed all our
Mr. Lester and Mr. Hourigan for accompanying us.
things before having our last night’s sleep in Romania.
Kayaking on the Barrow

Before going on this trip we completed
our level 1 and 2 in Dunmore Adventure
Centre. This gave us more experience.
We split into 2 two groups, consisting
of 20 people in each group. We were
allicated a day, which was either Monday
25th or Thursday 29th of April. We got a
bus to Clashganny. We got our wetsuits
and equipment on and got our kayaks. We
started kayaking down the river Barrow.
We met a few difficult rapids which some
people fell out and got dragged down the
rapids. We can’t forget when Mr. Lester
took a dip in the first few minutes. It was
great fun and hilarious to watch if you
were lucky enough not to fall out. Some
people had double kayaks and some had
single or closed. When the rapids past we
kayaked a long straight to Graiguenamagh
which was hard on the arms. We stopped
for lunch and had a well deserved break.
Then back into the river and on the rapids
again. We all jumped into the river and
had a great laugh. It was enjoyed by all.
47
Mini Companies
Top Tips 4 Girlz
Beth Rochford and Ruth Harrison
When we started our enterprise business we were huge-
ly indecisive about what to do. Coming up with a feasible
idea was one thing, but coming up with one that others
agreed on was a much harder prospect. We decided that
the best way to decide on an idea was to set up a group
with people who had similar interests. We discussed our
new ideas, focusing on topics that we were familiar with
and interested in. As we were an all female group, we
decided to use that to our advantage. We started look-
ing into fashion-based ideas and at first we were set on
having a fashion show. However, after much research
and discussion, we realised that the idea was a little out
dated. We began to focus on having an online fashion
website for teenage “girlz”, but when our research proved
it to be too limited, we altered it so that the website’s
topics were wider and included such things as beauty,
entertainment and advice.
After much discussion we agreed on a name. However
after researching it we found that a similar name was al-
the website. Due to copyright complications, we needed
ready in use by a web site and so it had to be changed.
to photograph our own photos for use on the site. We
A slightly altered name, Top Tips 4 Girlz, was agreed on
held a fashion shoot in school and, using the members
and tt4girlz.com was picked as the domain name. Next
of the mini company and pupil volunteers as models,
we contacted a local web and graphic design company,
we photographed our own photos. Next we began work
Eagle Dreams, about designing our web site. Ronan
on the written content. After assigning different topics to
Cleary was appointed the job and we arranged a meet-
each member, we finished the content and focused on
ing with him to discuss our plans. In order to purchase a
applying it to the website.
domain name we needed to fundraise and we did so by
having a bake sale in school and delivering candy canes After successfully completing the setup of the website,
before Christmas holidays. With the money raised we we finally launched it to the public on the 23rd February.
purchased our domain name. Next we contacted Ronan So far, the website has received an extremely positive
about a hosting site we had been looking into. However, response and we hope to continue it on into the future.
upon his recommendations, we instead decided to use We decided to give all our profits Solas Centre.
his site, Eagle Dreams as our host and had an “under
Overall our experience of setting up a mini-company has
construction” sign put up on the site.
been extremely enjoyable and I would recommend it to
The next thing we needed to focus on was the content of all future junior entrepreneurs.
The Marvellous Magic Movie Mini Company

By Becky Casey and Georgia Doorley.
The Marvellous Magic Movie Mini Company (Or • Nichola Fennell – Make Up Artist and Sound Mixer.
MMMMC) is just one of the many mini company groups • James Corcoran Hodgins – Lighting (Also starred in
set up by this year’s Transition Year students. the film).
These five represented the MMMMC at the Regional and
The MMMMC planned and produced a 33 minute and
National Student Enterprise Competition Finals. The rest
19 seconds long film based on the great novel Dracula by
of the mini company members are:
the Irish author Bram Stoker. The Mini Company is made
up of several members led by our brilliant manager And- • Jamie Smyth – Cinematographer.
rea Harvey. We were each assigned a role in the making • Adam Carr – Boom Operator and Prop Master.
of the film. • Jack Power – Score Composer.
• Andrea Harvey – Producer, Manager, First Assistant • Alex Clarke – Researcher.
Director and Editor.
• Georgia Doorley – Director, Script Writer and Editor.
We casted several aspiring actors from Transition Year
• Abi Wilkinson – Accountant, Clapper and Costume
to star in the film including Kevin O’Donnell as Harker
Designer.
and James Corcoran Hodgins as Dracula himself.
• Becky Casey – Script Supervisor and Clapper.
48
We shot on location at Waterford Castle and Christ
Church Cathedral. We also shot a lot of the film in New- Japanese Speech
town School in the main house, and in the grounds for
the crowd scene. Contest
The staff at Waterford Youth Arts were very kind and leant After taking part in two linguistics competitions in DCU
us a camera after giving us two classes on film-making. Ruadhan Treacy decided to study Japanese on his
own outside school for the Leaving Certificate. On the
After about two weeks of filming we took a break for the 6th of March he won 1st prize in the 8th Japanese Lan-
Christmas holidays. Andrea and Georgia nearly drove guage Teachers of Ireland (JLTI) Speech Contest held
themselves insane during the tedious, yet strangely ad- in the Department of Education in Marlborough Street,
dictive process of editing the film. Dublin. There were 13 competitors in his category for
We then screened Dracula in the lecture theatre, selling transition and 5th year students. He was presented
tickets to staff and students. with an eReader sponsored by Sony. All participants
had to deliver a three minute speech in front of an au-
We displayed our work in Legoland, along with the other dience and a panel of adjudicators which comprised
fantastic mini companies, to staff and parents. We were of inter alia lecturers from UL and DCU as well as an
then thrilled to be told that we had qualified to take part in official from the Japanese Embassy.
the Waterford City Student Enterprise competition.
Ruadhan will be travelling to Japan to study Japanese
The MMMMC, TT4Girlz Website, The Saga Mini Compa- intensively for 3 weeks during the summer. We com-
ny and Habitat for Humanity all took part in the Waterford mend him for his initiative and wish him well in his en-
City round of the competition and all received prizes. But deavours. Many thanks must be attributed to Mr. Do-
the Marvellous Magic Movie Mini Company was thrilled bbs for introducing the students to linguistics and for
to find that we had qualified for the National Final of the encouraging Ruadhan to pursue his interests in this
competition. area.
At the National Final, it was easy to tell that everybody
had put in so much effort and although we did not suc-
ceed as we would have liked, we had a good day. All-Ireland Linguistics
This was a great experience and thanks to everybody
who supported us and took part in this project, to the peo-
Olympiad
ple who made it happen. This was a great experience.
2nd in Maths Competition Linguistics Team
Ruadhan Treacy, Stephen Ennis, Abi Wilkinson, Thea

Johnson and Ben Sleven represented the School in
this years Linguistic Olympiad in Dublin in DCU on
Wednesday 24th March. Ruadhan and Stephen were
on last year’s AILLO-winning team (with Heidi McIlvenny
adn Siobhán Glasheen) and went on to represent Ireland
at the International Linguistic Olympiad in Wroclaw. This
year they came first and eighth respectively (nationwide)
in the first round. Abi, Thea and Ben scored in the
45%-55% range on the same questions, which is very
encouraging.
49
Work Experience
Freya Little
London here I come! gone to after school before joining the company as fash-
ion buyers. So mom and I went to check it out and see if
I went to London for my work experience. I worked with it would be a career I would be interested in pursuing. It
a fashion colour forecasting company called D.cipher for was so amazing we were both blown away by it.
4 days and after that I worked with the Head Fashion Day 4 I was in a Design Development Meeting first thing
Buyer for the Limited Collection of Marks & Spencers for that morning, then straight to Fittings, followed by Suppli-
5 days. er Sample Feed-Back and then back to Fittings. Fittings
I loved working at D.cipher. It was a tight-knit company were my favourite because you got to see “him”- what
of 5 employees, who all chipped in when a deadline had they call the item of clothing- go through the different
to be made. I cut colour swatches, played around with stages before it is sealed. Also a couple of times the
Photoshop and made mood boards, I crossed checked clothes came back too small for the model so I got to try
colours, mailed colours books to customers and got ev- them on!
eryone tea! Christine Foden, the boss, was happy to let Day 5 A couple of us got a taxi and went back to Marble
me make up the colour forecasting books which were Arch to tidy up and sample check (make sure everything
sent off to their clients in places like Korea and America was there and accounted for) from the Press Show.
and also Awear in Dublin. I learned how each season’s We went back and Emma got me to do some market
colours are influenced, not only by couture and runway, research, seeing what’s coming to fashion, and an on-
but by people. When I finished working there, Christine line comp shop, where I went and compared pieces of
asked if I would come back for more work experience for clothing and their prices. As it was my last day and also
a couple of weeks in the summer. Hopefully I will be go- my birthday, everyone in the office decided to surprise
ing back this year. me with a few pieces from the collection not yet seen in
The following week I was very lucky to work in the stores and two invitations to come back for more work
Marks and Spencers Head Office in Paddington, Lon- experience!
don. This was an amazing experience and I loved every mo-
Day 1 I was met by Emma the assistant buyer of the ment of it. With those 2 weeks of experience I have de-
Limited Collection at the front desk, where I was given a cided that the fashion industry is the career I would love
pass card which you need to get in and out of the build- to pursue. I will be going back to do more work experi-
ing. I started off in Marks and Spencers with a Weekly ence in Marks and Spencers which will help me get into
Trade Meeting to show how each section was doing that the Fashion Retail Academy in 2 years time.
week, I was shown the ‘cupboards’ where they store all
Sliabh Wells
the clothes they’re working on and the samples, I attend-
ed a safety talk in case of an emergency, I talked to an
assistant in design about her job, talked to the assistant
buyer for ladies swimwear and I helped putting on press
sample labels on clothes… a busy and tiring day. My Work Experience
Day2 I was in fittings all day where they had a perfect
size 12 model which they fitted all their clothes on. They As part of the transition year programme I, and the rest
examined the item of clothing on the model and decided of fourth year, went on work experience. We were given
to make changes to it, send it back to get it redone or two weeks to find work placement with a company or in
a business that we were interested in. The aim of the two
they would seal it, which meant that it would be ready to
weeks was to give us an idea of what work in our chosen
be sold in the stores. It was amazing to see how it worked
profession would be like.
and they even encouraged me to give my opinion.
Day 3 I went to the Marks and Spencers flagship store in For my work experience I travelled to London to work on
Marble Arch were I was working upstairs with the press the set of a film called ‘Burke and Hare’, a film that is due
team, getting a room filled with their new collection ready to be released in cinemas in October/November.
for a Press Show. A press show is where they let maga-
Each day that I was on set I spent working with a different
zines look at their collection to see which items will be
department e.g. Camera, Editorial, Assistant directors.
liked and which won’t, so everyone was working hard to
get everything finished on time. I was really happy to help Day 1- Ealing Studios
out wherever I could!
College in London On my first day I worked with the production team. I
helped in the organisation of the next day’s filming. I also
On Wednesday we had arranged that I leave a little bit spent a lot of time on set passing messages and helping
earlier to go and visit a Fashion Retail Academy which is with other small tasks.
a college in London that a couple if the girls in M&S had
50
CSPE
Day 2 Ealing Studios
Today I worked with the editorial department. I helped

sync sound and audio clips from the parts of the e film
that had already been filmed. I got a good insight into By Emma Prendergast
what the editors do and how they find their work. For my Civics Action Project, I decided I wanted to do
something different and something I was interested
Day 3- Ealing Studios in, so, Serena Bifolchi and I decided to hold a ‘Vintage
and Fashion Sale’ in school on the 9th of March. All
On my third day I worked with the art department. I
proceeds were to go to a girl’s orphanage in Sri Lan-
worked designing and making props that were going to
ka, the ‘Wexford Girls Home’, which my cousin had
be used in the film. I found today really enjoyable be-
visited and told me about last year.
cause it was really fun to see how all the props were
made. Also because the film is set in the 1800s it was in- Once the
teresting to see how the designers researched and made mocks were
props to fit this period. over and the
school was
Day 4- Hertfordshire plastered in
Today we filmed on location. The filming took place on a posters ad-
large estate about an hour outside of London. I spent the vertising the
day working with the camera crew. I had a lot of interac- event, I set about organ-
tion with the director, John Landis as I spent most of the izing rails, hangers, man-
day on set. I also spent some time in the camera trailer nequins, screens and most
loading camera roll. After the four days I realized that the importantly the clothes and
film industry was an interesting area to work in. accessories! The clothes
were sourced from our own
wardrobes, thrift stores,
friends and family and a
local boutique ‘Muse’, who
were extremely generous,
Quotablees
kindly donating brand new
clothes – not even on the
Quot rails yet! All the merchan-

dise was from excellent brands such as: Kate Moss
ome and for Topshop, Topman, Abercrombie & Fitch, Cheap
e tr e e s want to c
y pin Monday, Odd Molly, 7 for all Mankind and River Is-
non - “M
Mrs. Len apple trees.” ples.” land, all of which were priced between €1 - €15.
ur e pineap
attack yo rren - “And mak y
Naomi W
a apples b After we had dealt with the gruelling task of pricing all
h y d o they pick ” our stock, we were all set…
- “W ver?
Hegarty se a Hoo
Jessica don’t they just u t So the big day came (a lot of which was spent running
hand, wh
y ) - “Wha
g o u t q uestions et that, around), and by lunchtime we had set up our very own
eadin n’t g
niston (r eople did pop-up vintage and fashion stall (with the much need-
Mr. Den st demand? If p
ho ry.” ed help from some of our enthusiastic classmates),
did the G lie down and c a pair
to er worn complete with its own dressing room, full length mir-
I’m going e y o u e v
e - “Hav ror and music. I was amazed at the response we
a m O ’Morcho
Wil li em off got and the amount people bought! Everyone from
w e ll ie s ?” e a , b u t I took th 1st to 6th years stopped by and bought something.
of - “Y
Hegarty
Jessica When what had been a very busy but exciting lunch
again.” n I’m
e s u m mer, whe re too came to an end, we decided to do it again as we had
“In th ey a
niston - ays, if th some remaining stock and promise of new clothes.
Mr. Den our Hamlet ess the margin.” The second sale was held two days later on Thursday.
gy in
correctin ill be screaming By 10 past 1, it was time to wrap things up and we
general
I w ket in my
d in g a s pace roc started counting the money we’d made. Initially,
buil
on - “I’m I’d hoped to maybe collect €100 or 200, so I was
Mr. Lem
office.” pes of astounded to find we had actually made €764!!
e re ’s d ifferent ty With a few more items sold outside of school, I was
- “Th
n Tracy
Ruadha able to give the charity a total of €800, which they
sheep?!” were ecstatic about.
I ’d really like to thank everyone who came and bought
from us supported us and thank you so much to eve-
ryone in my year who were such a fantastic help –
without you it wouldn’t have been possible!
51
Volunteering
in Nigeria Oisín Brogan
I suppose I should start from the start. whom I had found through an internet search of “volun-
teer abroad”. I boarded my flight from Cork on January
Sometime in late 2007, I decided 14 years will be enough.
the 15th, at an ungodly hour of 6am. This plane took me
After this year, it was time for a break, time for a change.
to Heathrow, from which I continued until Lagos, Niger-
Time to do something else with my life. The change I
ia’s former capital.
sought was away from the classroom. I was about to
enter 6th year, and college was the obvious next step Why did I choose Nigeria? There were a number of dif-
for someone in my shoes. Well, I decided, not for me. ferent reasons. I had always wanted to go to Africa, and
I wanted to try a different way of learning, another form when else would I get a better opportunity then this? The
of education. Get out, see the world and learn by doing. projects EIL offered in Nigeria also seemed more in my
line of interest, which was working with children in a sort
You might think I was a bit young for such a change. of play environment. More practically, I had spent weeks
Thankfully, my parents didn’t agree with you, and with trying to learn Spanish in South American. I didn’t want
their support I started to plan what was to become my to spend a similar time learning a native African language
“Sozialesjahr”. (Mum’s German.) or worse, French.
So, for the guts of nine months, I lived outside Ireland. I spent the plane journey over to Nigeria worrying. I was
Outside Europe. I bag-packed around Peru and Ecuador terrified. Not about a new country, or about the plane
for three months from September until December with a crashing or anything like that.
group of North Americans, marveling at everything I saw.
(Though I’ll never forget the burnt out planes left by La-
These were a wonderful 12 weeks, but looking back now, gos Airport’s runway to greet people to Nigeria). No, I
they were training for the main event. was desperately worried about volunteering. Or, more
After Christmas with the family, I packed my bags again to the point, my preparation for my five months of work
for Nigeria. (This proved to be my first mistake. I packed ahead. What had I done? I had a list of nursery rhymes,
and a few games to play with kids. What was I going to
the same items as for South America, and let me tell you,
do?
volunteering requires different things then trekking) I was
heading off with Experiment In Learning (EIL, for short), These feelings were given brief respite during orienta-
52
tion, when I had to deal with new sights, feelings and acted more as a facilitator and service provider for the
people. I was welcomed to the country by The Student children they worked with, the children themselves stay-
and Youth Travel Organization, Nigeria, who gave me a ing with surviving relatives. Feeling at a total loss, I smiled
week long orientation course. The people at SYTO did and went to bed.
their job well, taking it easy on the facts and language Tossing and turning, I felt culture shock for the first time
course, knowing I’d still be getting used to everything. in my life. It was all too big, all too difficult, all too differ-
The city tour they arranged for me was spot on, giving ent. I longed for that classroom. At least I knew how to
a taste of what being out and about an Nigeria city was manage that.
going to feel like, while still letting us “do the tourist” for
awhile. A long story short, I managed to deal with that feeling.
There were highs and lows along the way. For the first
After a week, I was transferred to a small town called three weeks at LIHOC, I was left with little to do, not be-
Ileasa, where I would live and work for the next five ing offered any long term job, as promised. Those three
months. I was to work with Living Hope Care (LIHOC for weeks, looking back, were just the right thing for me. At
short) who helped both people living with HIV/AIDS and the time, I was frustrated and scared, that this would be
the orphans and vulnerable children they left behind. I how it would be for the rest of my stay. In reality, Ms.
was to work with the side helping the children. However, Fakande and LIHOC were giving me time to find my feet
once I got to my actual placement, the feelings of un- and my own way to go.
ease returned. Don’t get me wrong. The people of Ilesa
and LIHOC were all wonderful and welcoming. Everyone My breakthrough came in the form of Kidz Klub. This
went out of their way to try make my transition easier. was a once a month meeting held in nine different sites
across Osun state. It was one of the few times LIHOC
One of those kindnesses, however, was the thing that re- staff had direct contact with the children, and involved
ally scared me. Ms. Fakande, both my host Mummy (as skill building and informal learning, plus a few games.
she was called by all her staff) and boss, sat me down on Over the five months, I ended up adopting the running of
my first night in her home and outlined what LIHOC did, one of the Klubs, and took an interest in all of them. I was
and how I might be able to help in those endeavors. Dur- often, towards the end of my stay, jokingly referred to as
ing the talk, she kept using phrases like “if you wanted the “KK adviser.”
you could ...” and “it’s up to you ...”
Of course, once a month meetings aren’t enough to keep
Unfortunately, this was exactly what I didn’t want to hear. one occupied. With the date of the Klubs circled in my
Feeling ill prepared, I was hoping for a set task, laying out calender, I started to look for work around LIHOC.
exactly what was expected of me, so I could learn and
I joined the Project Management Team, which oversaw
eventually (with luck) excel at that job.
all of LIHOC’s activities. This meant I knew all of what
Instead, Mummy told me I could help “in any way I can.” was going on, and even got to have a say in some of it. I
To make matters worse, LIHOC was very different from became the local computer expert, which led to my later
my expectations. In my mind’s eye I saw myself working task of digitalising our database of the children. I gener-
in an orphanage. As Sanya, college and friend told me ally took up any work I thought I could handle, includ-
later, that’s not how things are done in Nigeria. LIHOC ing interviewing caregivers of the children for microcredit
53
loans, among other things. be fine. It sounded like anything you heard back at
home. Even the poorest of the poor, the kind that needed
This “do work as it comes” attitude obviously leads to oc-
LIHOC’s help, didn’t regard their life as a struggle. They
casional lapses.
have problems, a malfunctioning health system, meeting
Some weeks were slow, some weeks flew by. I needed fees to keep their children in bad schools, finding work.
a daily job. This came in the form of a teaching assist- But still they had a spring in their step.
ant. I worked in Ife Oluwa (Love of the Lord in the local
language, Yoruba) a local primary school as a general The eye opener for me was when I met Kuti, a farm lab-
helper to the teacher of Primary Four (the equivalent of orer, interviewing her for a micro credit loan. I realised,
fourth class). I taught mostly Maths, but also dabbled in halfway through the conversation, that she was one of
English, Home Economics, Science and even Religion, the farmers you hear so much about through Fair Trade,
which I thought a bit ironic given my own views on the trying to live on less than $1 a day. Yet she seemed so
subject. happy. She spoke positively about her planned catering
business, telling us “school kids already came to her for
The people at the school were wonderful. Not only did kuli kuli.” After the interview, she even offered us some
this give me my chance for daily interaction with children, fruit she had picked while farming that day.
they were the most flexible employers imaginable. Work
at the office took preference and, as I said, came and The self-discovery was a more gradual process. It
went. Sometimes I wouldn’t be able to come to school at dawned on me, towards the end of the trip, that I had
all. When I returned, apologies ready, they wouldn’t even occasionally, throughout my stay, taken the initiative on
bat an eyelid. Merely ask what I had brought back from things. I had taken on the running of a Kidz Klub. I found-
my travels for them. ed a soccer problem in the local primary school, (I had
gone out of my way to visit people. Me! Visit people, with
As I’m starting to write too much, I guess I should write no invitation. Something I wouldn’t have thought of in Ire-
about the two most important things I found out in Niger- land. I have never considered myself a go getter, as they
ia. One was about Nigeria, and one was about myself. say, someone to get up and do something. Set me a task,
When I arrived to the country, I had a picture in my head I’ll do that for you but taking the initiative was new for me.
what a 3rd world country should not only look like, but feel Nigeria forced that out of me. Now, it wasn’t a complete
like. It should look dusty and run down, with lots of shanty
turn around. I haven’t started my own NGO upon my re-
towns and rusted iron. It should feel poor and hopeless,
turn to Ireland. But before I left for home, someone who
as though every day was a struggle. There should be lit-
did set up an NGO, commented that I had been “one of
tle if any happiness and certainly no optimism.
the most active volunteers who came to Ilesa.” Shows
However, that’s not what I found. In spite of my “geog- I’m making progress, at any rate.
raphy textbook view” of the country, optimism was in
And, when I did get home, to no summer job (again) I
abundance. I learned quickly not to call Nigeria a “poor
somehow ended up volunteering in an Enable Ireland
country”. Acknowledging it had problems, that was okay.
charity shop.
But no Nigerian I met accepted that Nigeria was poor. If
only the government sorted itself out, everything would Volunteering, it seems, is a hard thing to shake off.
Random
Random Fact
If you were to spell
Fact out numbers, how far
I am.Ó is the would you have to go
shortest complete until you would find
the letter Ò AÓ ?
sentence in the A. One thousand
English language
54
Science Mr Ronin ready to fire
Random
Fact
Bullet proof vests, fire
escapes, laser printers
and windshields all
have been invented by
women
Mr Ronan ready to fire!
Glencree
ture walk to a nearby lake. We had discussions about
bullying when we arrived back.
We also got to watch a video about the Gaza strip, and
Trip
discuss what was going on there.
Freya, Becky and I had to make a poster and a draw
September 2009 a map of our school to show to the other people from
Lydia Thorpe different schools. They all did the same. This was in-
teresting to see how different the other schools are.
Early on a Tuesday morning in late September, Becky
Casey, Freya Little and myself left on the half seven After a competition, to see which team could build the
train to Dublin. When we got to Heuston Station, we highest tower out of newspaper, we were told to make
waited for a while, before deciding the other little up raps about racism. Each group sent two people
groups of teenagers starting to appear must be going outside to find/make instruments. Our group ended up
to Glencree as well. with a mop, a bucket, some tin cans, a hammer, rocks
and sticks.
We got a bus away from the station which brought us
from the city, into the hills to the middle of nowhere! Everyone went outside to watch each other’s raps.
When we arrived, we were allocated dorms. Each This ended up being quite funny. That evening we
dorm was named after a different country. Our room played more games.
was Cuba. The next day we packed our bags and got on the bus.
After lunch there were some ice-breaker games. We The trip had gone so fast. On our journey to the train
made friends with people from different schools. In the station we even got to see Ryan Tubridy! (We were on
afternoon we discussed issues like war and poverty. the bus so we didn’t stop and talk.)
In the evening we watched a film called “Crash”. This We managed to nearly miss our train, but we got there
was about racism and slave trade. in the end. It was a good trip and great to make so
The next day was clear and sunny so we went on a na- many new friends.
55
Tall Ships
Report By Loic Jacob
W
hen the summer holidays of 2009 began, I went on each other and eventually we seemed to regress to
straight from school to the tall ship “Tenacious”. the mental age of about two. On one occasion, after a
Upon first sight of her, berthed by the quay in full dinner, we ate nine extra bowls of crumble and half a
Waterford, I was struck most by her size. She is current- jug of custard between us after which, suffice to say, we
ly the largest tall ship designed for a mixed ability crew resembled beach balls and could barely move. We had
in the world and has a hull displacement of around 714 to roll down to berths and sleep it off.
tonnes (which is an awful lot). Measuring 36m from the
waterline to the top of her mainmast she certainly quali- I’ve already mentioned that the Tenacious is a mixed
fies as a tall ship and although I have been on many a ability vessel, which means that half of her crew were
ferry in my time, some of which were longer, taller and disabled and the other able-bodied and as such she was
wider than the Tenacious, there is nothing quite like see- designed with this in mind. Normally a ship of her type
ing a tall ship up close. When looking up from the deck, would be quite cramped but the Tenacious was nice and
the masts gave the impression they went on forever and spacious with wide corridors and even lifts to allow for
later, when viewing the deck from the top of the main wheelchair bound crew members. However be they disa-
mast, I remember seeing how small the deck looked from bled or not, everyone had to pull their weight around and
up there, the scale of it awed me. I have always loved tall no one was ever excluded from any of the duties associ-
ships and sailing (as well as pretty much anything to do ated with sailing a vessel of this type. The wheelchair
with the sea that doesn’t involve an engine) so getting the bound crew members were hoisted up the mast so they
opportunity to become part of the crew of a tall ship was could appreciate the view and a blind man even climbed
a dream come true for me. to the top of the mainmast just for the feel of it. The sense
of “yes we can” was infectious and everyone joined in.
There was quite a large Newtown representation on
board the Tenacious for the voyage as Stephen Ennis From day one we were all assigned a task essential to the
and Hannah Hermon accompanied me and we were also running of the ship. The crew was divided into watches,
pleasantly surprised when we bumped into old scholar, with the more experienced sailors as watch-leaders, and
David Murray. This led to much reminiscing. As it turned each watch was assigned an area of the ship to report
out, David and myself were to become a bad influence to when raising the sails. This was an activity in which
56
everyone was needed as there were no winches to as-
sist. All ropes were also hauled up by hand by teams of
up to ten sailors and every watch took their turn as “mess
men”, which is another way of saying “galley slave”. This
essentially involved doing whatever Hammie, the cook,
told us to and this was mostly washing up.
The watches also took turns helming (steering the ship)

and acting as lookouts, I particularly enjoyed the night
watches as they were very peaceful. Although, I am told
that once when Stephen tried to wake me up early one
morning by tapping my face, I reacted by immediately hit-
ting him, however I have no recollection whatsoever of
this incident but I am notoriously hard to wake up.
Our voyage took us from Waterford to Dublin then all the

way down to Kinsale, before heading back to Waterford
again. We saw dolphins, cruise ships, other tall ships (
in Dublin for a tall ship gathering), fishing trawlers and
pretty much every other water-dwelling animal or vessel
that are commonly seen around the Irish coast. For me,
however, the high of the lookout spotting had to be see-
ing basking sharks. These massive creatures visited us
twice as we lay becalmed and circled the ship for half an
hour at a time, sometimes as many as three or four of
them. The boson estimated that it was at least fifteen feet
from the tip of their tails to their dorsal fins, which put their
overall length at around twenty feet. They appeared slow
and purposeful and a bit menacing but in reality are only
gentle giants/
The voyage lasted eleven days in all, seven of which

were spent at and we were blessed with sunny weather
for most of this time. There were a couple of days of fog
so thick that visibility was down to 150m and a lookout
had to stay on the bow with a walkie talkie so as to warn
the helmsmen of any approaching dangers i.e. rocks or
other ships.
What I learnt from my time aboard the Tenacious was

how to work as part as of a crew. This is different from
playing a team sport because there was no competitive-
ness, the goal was simply to get from A to B not to win
and it didn’t matter how long it took as long as everyone
had a good time. All those on board had equal opportuni-
ties to participate, everyone had fun and left with a sense
of trust both in themselves and in each other. That, for me
anyway, was the best thing about the voyage. We had to
trust each other completely otherwise nothing would work
or get done so everyone was told what was needed doing
and left it at that. It didn’t matter if you didn’t know how or
felt you couldn’t do something as all you had to do was
ask for help and it would be provided. I would do it again
in a heartbeat and highly recommend to anyone with any
interest in tall ships, sailing, the water or just having fun
to get on to the Tenacious. Ability doesn’t matter and they
accept all ages and levels of experience. I didn’t have a
clue about how to sail a tall ship before I signed up but
now I long to be back on the water, swinging from the
rigging as the sails are set, it was one of the best times
of my life.
57
Short Stories
Ashtray
city could do without.
“But” they whispered to each other during lulls in serv-
ice. “This place holds the charm the city once had! It
holds what the city has been!”.
“The suits don’t care” another would reply, which said
by Nicky Ryan it all.
These suits came and went to the café, eyeing it up,
H
e didn’t smoke. Every day, he went to the outside as the man in the smoking area piled up his teabags.
patio of the café, and sat with the sea breeze and He knew the café was just waiting to be swept
salt blowing in his face. It wasn’t that he enjoyed away in the wave of changes in the city. He did not mind
this. He never had any great love for the sea. It was an this modernisation. He watched everyday as the ferry
expanse that belonged to gulls and fish, the tiny sand- crashed through the waves to the port, and brought new
pipers who guard the edge of it, and heavy whales like faces up the hill and into the town. Sometimes, he liked
the one that washed up on this natural border when he to think, they ended up in the café with him, and so he
first moved there. He often saw fisherman haul in lob- would try to spot familiar faces. He was in the middle of
ster pots, or prepare boxes of plaice and mackerel. This this one afternoon when a waiter interrupted him.
was only a tiny glimpse of what filled the sea. He did not “Eh, well, hello” the waiter stuttered, aware he was in-
stop to think about this. Instead, everyday, his attention terrupting a meditation.
and affections lay in front of him, always on two things, “Yes?” replied the man, dropping his glasses from his
and not with any friends or acquaintances. One was his eyes to his nose, and running a hand across his fringe.
newspaper and the other was his ashtray. “Em, well, sir, we wanted you to know something”. The
The waiters there had learnt years before about his waiter’s hands were clasped tightly in front of him, this
habit, and had stopped collecting the ashtray. Instead, as thumbs playing with each other. “I know this is sudden,
he spent his hours there, and drank cup after cup of tea, but we’ve sold the café, today is our last day serving cus-
he piled the used teabags up in his ashtray. By closing tomers.”
time every day, he had a little mound. When he stood The man’s eyes rested on the waiter’s, before glancing
up to leave, always being the last one there, the waiters down at the thumbs and then away to the sea. He stayed
would glance at the pile. They saw it as the only insight like this for maybe ten seconds before he spoke again.
they had into the man’s mind, each teabag like a little “Well, it was expected, wasn’t it? We can’t stay in the
knot tied to a weight that fathomed his mind. The deeper past now can we?” He turned back to the waiter smiling
or shallower the weight was, the more they assumed but said nothing. The waiter paused before finding what
he was either troubled or at ease. As he left through the to say.
café, the soft lights glinting off his leg brace, they would “Your drinks today will be on the house. I will bring you
say their farewells to him, worded according to their pre- your tea.” his hands dropped in almost a relieved way as
diction. he disappeared back inside, returning quite fast with the
This same ritual went on for more than three years af- tea, milk and sugar.
ter his accident. His leg injury had not only given him re- The man had already turned his gaze back to the port.
dundancy, but also enough compensation to live out his Immediately he was struck by a bright red dot leaving
days in this café. This was in a time when his face was the ferry, which as it walked further up the hill, became
not young, but his hair not thin, cracks not yet appearing a tall woman in a red dress. Before he could follow her
on his skin or body. His town was not in the same stage any longer, she stepped around a corner and out of sight.
of life as he was. Years of gales and storms from the sea This red dot seemed to have been burnt onto this vi-
had left the town cracked, mortar crumbling and window sion as he relaxed back into reading his papers. As it
panes shaky. The café was stuck with this problem too. faded, he began notice to notice a buzz around him. The
In the winter, the wind claimed tiles from the roof and café was filling up as word spread of its closure, the patio
let the salty water in and spread damp. In the summer, full of smokers enjoying one last drink here. He soon be-
bouts of showers and heat in quick succession had left came aware that the other chair at his table was the only
the pain peeling. This was all expected from the thirty- one left free. In all his time here, it had never been filled.
ninth building on Earl Street. It was a building that had He shuffled in his seat as he raised his paper.
escaped renovation in the sixties. As the town was swept A voice interrupted his reading. He lowered his pa-
by modern changes, like the new ferry port and shopping per and red filled his vision. A tall women with dark hair,
centres, this building was one the hungry new life of the green eyes edged by tiny crow’s feet, mouth surrounded
58
The
by laughing lines stood in front of him, one hand already
on the chair.
“Sorry”, she began, smiling, “is this seat taken?” The
Departure
man’s mouth acted against his will and, with a quick re-
ply, he allowed her to sit.
“I hate to disturb you, but I just had to stop into this
place when I saw it from outside. It’s beautiful.” she said
as the man folded his paper, trying to act as though cas-
ual conversation was a regular occurrence for him. by Conor Bellew
“It’s a regular haunt of mine, to say the least” he said
J
quietly. amie and Kim lay idle in the front room. This was
“I can see why” she said again, and flashed another how they spent most of their time together, just lying
smile. With this she reached into her bag and took out there, watching each other and occasionally saying
a pack of cigarettes and lit one. She inhaled and blew something, perhaps about what’s on TV or what would
smoke up into the sea air. The man knew what was soon be a better way to spend the day. They never could think
to come, but tried to remain casual, and continued mak- of anything. It had been two days since they had last in-
ing small talk. teracted with their other friends. Friday seemed so long
“‘Over on the ferry are you?” he blurted, as half way ago now. They had been together since then; they loved
through she tapped ash into his ashtray. He sensed that each other’s company, relaxing together. It was perfect.
she had noticed this, and tried to lean back in another Perfect in every way but one. Kim’s family was moving
attempt to look at ease. away to Dublin despite her huge protest when her par-
“I am, but only for a couple of days, just trying to ents, Mike and Liz, had informed her of their plans.
chase a story for the paper”. Jamie promised that it would work or at least it could
For the length of her cigarette, they became en- work. When Jamie said this, Kim just smiled and nod-
tangled in conversation over their shared love of writing. ded, hoping against all odds that it would. She felt it could
They began holding eye contact as this went along. He work but, to her, working wasn’t enough. She needed to
began to have thoughts, but was aware that her cigarette see him as much as possible. It would never be the same
was burning down, and his thoughts were tainted by what for them, everything would be rushed. Trying to cram it all
would happen when the cigarette was finished. Before into the small amount of time they were going to spend
the ash had reached the filter, she began her goodbye. in the future.
“Here, I really must go, but it’s been lovely talking to Looking at each other today there was certain knowl-
you. I’m free tomorrow around the same time, would you edge in both of them. A knowledge that they faced a
like to meet up again?” struggle, that what lay ahead would hurt and that it was
“Same to you, I’d love to” an uphill battle. Mike and Liz had always seemed hostile
“How about here?” As her words came out, the inevi- towards Jamie. He was Kim’s first boyfriend and at first
table happened. He had no idea how to react, knowing they were okay with it but as things became more serious
she wouldn’t understand this invasion. Almost without a so did they. Jamie understood perfectly well that what
breath, he replied “Yeah sure”. they saw was their daughter, so happy and a nice young
By the time he had recovered, and her words sunk in, lad but he would somehow, no matter what, hurt her, he
would break her heart.
she was gone. A flash of red from outside as her dress
Maybe this encouraged their decision to leave, get out
caught on the lights. Quickly, he jumped up, and tried to
now before they got too serious. ‘Too serious’ was a com-
limp his way to her, his cane banging loudly off the tiles.
ment Jamie laughed at in his head if someone mentioned
By the time he had reached the front door, she was gone.
it. They had told each other that they loved one another,
He did not return to get this paper, instead he contin-
which was serious enough for him. Maybe Jamie was
ued out the door, and home.
wrong, what if he had imagined the hostility?
The waiters saw him leave, and looked at each other in
What if they were, in general a quiet couple with faces
surprise. As the door closed behind him, two went to his
that naturally rested in that ‘I’m angry’ position but they
table, and saw a single teabag with a cigarette towering
were happy inside. Or maybe he just read too much into
out of it. it.
The next morning he waited across the thin street from When Jamie’s friends found out about the departure
the tired old café. His eyes surveyed the building, all the they were somewhat pleased. It’s not that they didn’t like
cracks and stains of the years having finally been laid to Kim; Jamie met Kim through his friends. It was more that
rest. Crows perched on the building cawed down to him, they wanted their friend back. The old Jamie who went
but with a wave of his cane they flew away. They quietly out every Friday and Saturday, who played football on
came back, scuttling around the chimney as if eyeing it Tuesday and Thursday and who could think of nothing
up for a nest. He watched them until the day grew long, better to do than chill with his friends was long gone for
the ferry came and went. People passed up and down about 16 months now. What they didn’t realise was that
the street, but no woman in a red dress. The only chance the couple weren’t breaking up and if they did, Jamie
now was to walk down to the ferry port. His brace dug would probably suffer from some form of depression.
into him as he moved down the hill and once there, he Their actual opinion was; “Ditch her Jamie, you’ll find a
sat, sighed and waited. Looking out to expanse that was new girl, she’s not worth the effort of travelling that far.“
the sea, and thinking of all that was contained within. That was what Paul had told him. Paul was the new lead-
59
er of the group as Jamie was now otherwise engaged. To world is swaying from side to side. I put one hand against
Jamie they just didn’t understand. They wouldn’t under- the wall to steady my shaky legs and wait for the feeling
stand until they felt the same way about someone. to pass. When it does, I gingerly test out my legs, and
Kim was set to leave that evening. It was 4.30 now. She they hold my weight, they have become accustomed to
would probably be gone within two hours maybe even an it but I stay close to the wall as I make my way out of the
hour and a half. “By 9 this evening I’ll be in my shiny new alley. I do not want to push my luck just yet. I stand un-
house on the outskirts of Dublin wondering what my new derneath the flickering street lamp and take in the night
life will be like” she said. She would only have to wait sounds of the city. I can hear a faint rumble under me and
one year, then she and Jamie could do as they please. I know it comes from the subway, but I couldn’t tell you
Finished the leaving, they could spread their wings and what a subway is if you’d asked me.
flee the nest. Their plan was to go to Belfast, Queens Large metal boxes with wheels pass me by every few
together. Originally it was to go to Trinity but on hearing minutes. I see tired looking people in these boxes, and
the news of her new house; Kim realised she wanted to I know that they are driving cars, but I have no recollec-
get further away from her nagging mother, move out and tion of ever being in one before, let alone what to do with
start her own life. one. A person in one of these strange looking cars stops
It had been almost 20 minutes since either of them had alongside me and opens a window on my side. “Do you
spoken. That wasn’t going to change; there was nothing need a lift?” he asks me. I can see sympathy in his face
left to say. With previous girlfriends silence seemed awk- and a slight look of worry too. I know what he’s thinking
ward to Jamie. They had had nothing in common but with only too well. I can see it easily. He’s wondering what I’m
Kim it was different, there was nothing worth breaking doing standing under a street lamp alone, in the middle
their peaceful connection for. of the night, at my age too.
There was a horn outside. Jamie woke to find Kim “Actually,” I hear myself saying, “Yes, yes I do. Thank
watching him. He was annoyed at having wasted their you young man.” He opens a door on the side of his car
time together sleeping but she seemed happy so he had and pushes it open from the inside so that I can sit down
no complaints. They still said nothing. He walked her to easily. He is young, barely old enough to be driving I think
the door, through the kitchen past his parents who wished and his eyes and dark and thoughtful.
her the best. A quick kiss, cuddle and I love you and off “So where are you headed?” He asks. Of course I
she went. Jamie stood watching her drive away with a think he wants to bring me home. I don’t quite know how
fake smile. They waved. to answer, so I beat around the bush a little.
When he went back inside, he shut the door, leaned “Just wondering son, maybe you can help me out
back against it and took a deep breath. He felt his eyes here,” I say, “But by any chance, would you happen to
watering. It will be ok he felt. Just then his parents came know where we are?” My question catches him off guard.
out to the hall to see him. “It will work itself out son” his He didn’t expect this at all.
mother said. “It will all work itself out” added his dad like “We’re in Chicago sir. Are you, uh,” he hesitates for a
a parrot. moment, wondering if I’m kidding around. “Are you seri-
Jamie suddenly felt more doubt than ever about this. ous?” he asks. I don’t want to worry him, so I say “No.”
He starts to pull away from the kerb and heads off down
the street. We continue on in silence for a while. He’s
Memories
nervous and doesn’t know what to say. Every so often I
see him open his mouth to say something, but my ques-
tion has confused him and has made him uncomfortable.
I decide to put him out of this miserable awkward silence.
“I’ll just head on with you sonny, until you get to wherever
by Liadh Reilly you’re going.” I reassure him. He isn’t quite sure what to
say to this. When he offered me a lift he supposed that I
W
hen I awake, the night sky is black above me, would know where I was and where I wanted to go. ‘I’m
not a star twinkling comfortingly. The only light not your conventional old guy.’ I think and smile to myself.
comes from a street lamp, shining dimly, flick- We drive for a little while longer, maybe ten minutes and
ering in rapid succession. I try to adjust my eyes to the I am much more comfortable now, but my driver isn’t it’s
deep blackness of the back alley that I am lying in and I easy to tell that from his posture and the tight grip that
heave myself up against a cold damp wall. Look around, he has on the steering wheel. We pass by an old build-
wondering where I am. I try to remember if I have been ing. It’s big. Very big. The lights are still on, straining out
here before. I can hear the faint sounds of a city from my from the windows and the front porch. There is a police
empty corner in the ally, but try as I might, I can’t for the car out front and the lights are flashing blue, red, blue,
life of me remember the name of it. red. Something in me recognises this house. I have been
I cannot remember anything past my twentieth birth- here before, been here many a time. “Stop!” I tell my
day and I know that I am much older than twenty. My driver, “This is it.” He slows to a halt and I open the door
hands are those of a grown man. They are work rough- of his car. “Are you sure this is okay?” he asks me. The
ened hands, hands that are used for heavy lifting but can look of worry has not left his face since I met him. “It’s fine
still be as gentle as a lamb. They are wrinkled with age, sonny.” I reply, “And thanks for the lift.”
these hands have seen many years. I stand up too quick- He nods once and I turn into the driveway leading to
ly it seems, for my knees almost buckle under the unex- the big house. I’m not sure what I will do once I reach
pected weight of my body and I feel as though the whole the door, but I walk to it anyway and knock twice. The
60
door swings open and slams against the wall to reveal a were so tough, cannonballs would’ve bounced off them,
woman in her forties. She is tired looking and her eyes and others were shaking, snivelling wrecks that you had
are red. She has been crying. I recognise her immedi- to feel pity for. But it was the ones in between that I most
ately. “Nora, I think, my daughter.” admired: the ones with their feet dangling above mad-
“Dad!” she cries and I hear chairs against the floor in ness whilst their hands kept a firm grip on sanity.
the other room and hurried footsteps. “Where have you They all, of course, wanted to know how I kept my class
been?” Her voice is filled with relief. I hug her close to me so well-mannered. My reply was always: “It’s like a crate
and I remember, I remember everything. Two men came of apples. You get rid of all the rotten ones, and the ones
out from the kitchen and I see one of them breathe a sigh you have left will be perfect for the market.”
of relief. “I’m sorry officer,” Nora murmurs, “This happens I went back to my classroom in a thoughtful mood, and
quite often I know.” But Dad forgets where he is some- was surprised to find someone waiting for me. A student.
times and makes a run for it. He was medium height, medium age, pretty much me-
dium everything. I remembered him vaguely as one of the
average students who didn’t excel in class but weren’t at
Miss Witch
the bottom of the heap either. Someone who got at least
50% in their exams.
“Yes?” I asked.
The boy turned to face me, and I saw something in
those eyes that most definitely was not average.
by Rory Van Dokkum “Miss, I was just wondering,” began the boy, “how easy
is it to learn witchcraft?”
I
Ahhh…
started work as a teacher a few years ago. My first
His name was Gabriel Thiefson. I was not at all sur-
class was particularly fun. I was working as a science
prised when it turned out he was the seventh son of a
teacher, so I’d decided to do an experiment with some
seventh son. I invited him into the classroom, gave him a
explosive chemicals to start us off. Halfway through,
few basic lessons, and watched him closely. He was defi-
someone started throwing spitballs.
nitely warlock-material, he had a calm, relaxed approach
It was annoying, because I kept getting distracted and
to magic, had the fiery imagination vital for good spells,
didn’t particularly want to blow up.
and he even liked black cats and spiders. I asked him if
So when I caught the guilty party, a small red-haired
he’d like to be an apprentice as soon as the lessons were
boy with freckles, in the act, I turned him into a rooster. I
over, and he said “yes,” without hesitation.
like chicken and I made a point of mentioning this aloud.
We arranged to meet every breaktime, and when the
Afterwards the rest of the class was very well behaved.
bell rang he went off to maths.
I soon made myself at home in the class: I gave the
Later, when I heard the news from the maths’ teacher I
plastic skeleton a black top hat and sunglasses to go
felt so proud of Gabriel.
with his suave voice. I covered the ceiling and parts of
He’d already turned someone into a frog.
the walls with bulging green vines that moved by them-
selves, and I added a big red eye to the front of my desk
to watch the class when I had my back turned.
Most of the class soon got used to me, but there were Quot
a
Quotble
a few who were determined not to have a witch for a
science teacher. One boy, a bespectacled know-it-all
who I’d never liked, said that all witches deserved to be Mr. Lem
on (po
intin
es
burned. I turned him into a plate of cold chips and put him war mers) - g at Na
“They a omi
in the microwave for one minute to make a point. Mr. O’C r e not boo Warren’s leg
u ts.”
Then there was a girl, tall, blond, pony-tailed, who teache inn (about th
was determined to show me who was boss. I ignored r meeti e shee
legible, ng) - “M ts
yo ake su for the paren
her most of the time, but one time she really got on my Joe Dix ur parents h re your
writin
t
o av
nerves: I’d decided to introduce some beautiful tropical even w n - “My dad c e to read thes g is
hen it is an e.”
frogs to the classroom, and as soon as the class came typed.” never read m
in she shrieked “Miss! There’re horrible slimy disgusting Georg y writin
ina Sta g,
reptiles everywhere!” on? I d pleton
on’t kn (about
Mr. Co ow a te
Honestly, the cheek of some people! I introduced her to x - “Pa what it’s on!” st) - “What’s
per.” it
early amphibionhood. (Car hit
a
Those were two of the main cases, and I had to deal Stephe bump)
with many others: bubble-gum chewers, paper aeroplane n Ennis
Mrs. L – “Was
en that a r
makers, catapulters, snitches, no-homeworkers, arguers Stephe non –“I think abbit?”
and whiners. By the end of my second week, I’d realised n Ennis so.”
James – “Rab
O bit
that normal teachers must be made of pretty tough stuff didn’t!” ’Halloran (la s don’t cross
ughing
to deal with this every single day and not break down into ) – “Th the road.”
at one
tears.
So I investigated. One day during a school break, I went
into the staffroom to talk to several of the other teachers.
My suspicions were confirmed: some of the teachers
61
Poems
Floating
Sara Leslie, 4th Year
Poems Invisible Box
Black Wire
Naomi Warren, 5th year
Floating, frolic through the floor Danielle Lyne, 1st year
Hair like black wire,
One step, two step
Ever seen a mime? Eyes like elf fire.
Dainty pep
Where the person’s stuck Skin pale as snow,
Inside an invisible box? Our love it grows.
Ribbons too smile-why don’t you stay a
while? I’ve seen it, real time.
I’ll wait down the street,
The fire flimsy trails flitter behind their toes
We could not help her. To where lovers meet.
Like bubbles
She could not be convinced Beneath the willow tree
For there were invisible locks Is where you’ll find me
Full of whim-a song?
On her invisible box. Waiting for my love so fair.
Dance, Dance
Floating like bubbles
She was drowning in her sadness. A kiss is all it takes
Dance
Surrounded by total madness. To have love break
She could not escape it. As she kisses him soft on the lips.
She was trapped in her invisible box.
Hair like black wire,
Cormack Langford Suddenly the invisible box died. Eyes like elf fire.
She cried out, for she was inside. Skin pale as snow,
Jessica Hegarty, 5th Year
But she too was gone. My regret of letting you go.
Accompanied along by the invisible box.
You make me laugh though your not around,
You picked me up off the ground,
Though you may not be here, Imitate
Your always with me,
Nicky Ryan, 6th Year
Random
I will remember our memories,
Quite fondly,
Her mother never took a liking to me.
Fact
Clans of long ago that
Pictures hang on my bedroom wall,
The happy times in between it all,
Staring with beady eyes into mine, wanted to get rid
You made me so happy,
She put on a smile of unwanted people
And babble the same kind words without killing them
The good times were great, used to burn their
to my own mother
When you left,
As she dropped me off home. houses down -- hence
I began to slowly deflate, the expression Ò to get
I hated life ,left my resentment unspoken, fired”
Her father stewed in a shirt
You were my gift ,
Watching with beady eyes
And now I am broken,
as me and his daughter
I still miss your joy, in every way,
But I get through life, day by day,
Though my thoughts may wonder,
played with tiny animals,
Always tense in his study of us. Random
To and fro,
You are always in them ,
These tiny animals wore shirts,
Lived in a quaint houses,
Fact
That I know.
With quaint décor, The king of hearts
But they stayed quiet. is the only king
We have them voice without a
Imitate what we thought it would be like moustache
To live out their quiet happy lives.
It wouldn’t be long until we grew tired
And I was taken home.
62
The White Cliffs Every year
of Dover The Finality
Brenna Traynor, 5th year
Max O’Brien, 3rd year
Austin Slevin, 6th Year Autumn winds blow
I’m tired, I’m sore; I just want to go home The leaves are rolling
Has it been days, weeks or even months? A bedazzling ineptitude The time to shiver has come again
I’m not so sure anymore. Of untold misery
As I sit on this young man’s fishing boat Covers up its attitude We say goodbye to
Bobbing and dipping like a cork in a tub With serendipity Flip-flops and ice cream
Bobbing and dipping like a cork in a tub. To our homes and our families,
Just watching and waiting for my home to A coincidence of fortunes But mostly to our beds.
Appear. Can make a poor man rich
As I wait for a sign, my sign for home, And mar itself much later Autumn winds blow
Not a flag of sail or even a person To leave you in a ditch The rain rolls down
On the horizon. The time to shiver has come again.
No. My image of home A solemn bang of silence
Is the white cliffs of Dover, Can louden left alone As the gates draw closer
Majestic and beautiful coming up from the sea. But covered by another Your tummy nerves dance
The white cliffs of Dover mean home to me. Makes others feel at home You take comfort in the thought
The sound I’ve been waiting for longing for That you are not a first year.
Hits my ears “land hoe” I hear and then I see Live life in the present You have done this before.
The white cliffs of Dover calling out to me, Look future in the face
The white cliffs of Dover calling out to me See all that you want to see Autumn winds blow
Over the choppy blue sea. But leave it in its place The trees are balding
, The time to shiver has come again.
Remember the magician
It’s never the same Like a cat with a box of knives You have a bed
Should he skewer an assistant Your parents leave
Kate Moore 4th year
He has yet got eight more wives Everyone looks different,
Exactly the same.
The triumph of climbing over the fence,
Not dropping the steel pot Autumn winds blow
Was a smile on her face. My socks are wet
The time to shiver has come again.
Stained grassy knees,
On my new jeans The Devil’s Catrale You have your friends
You feel settled,
Were eyes shot to the sky. (With thanks to Lewis Carroll)
Rory Van Dokkum, 3rd year. No longer alone.
Fingers pricked
From the thorns on the bush On a glumptious gliffig glangland day, Autumn winds blow
Was a quiet curse With the womptious sun high in the sky, You remember what you’d forgotten
The demons of Hell came out to play The time to study has come again
Bruce’s purple stained mouth And Old Nick himself came passing by.
Surrounded by white fur
Was a moment of laughter Pigghuns doggled, chrismans mared, I looked up
The Devil’s shadow burnt the ground
Daniel Pim, 6th Year
Pots of blackberries As he scoured the land for desperate prayers,
Filled to the brim Sniffing the air like a frenzied hound.
That was the first time I saw her.
Was a watering mouth
She was plain, nothing at first glance.
A child he found, a weeping wretchling,
It was her eyes that ,made me stare.
Making the jam A pale as a raghump without a chance.
They had energy.
To spread over the soda bread The Devil did laugh at the sniffing fletchling,
Her hair fell to below her shoulder,
Was a tasty bite Held out his hand and said “let’s dance!”
It tossed, twirled.
The taste is bland The snuffzaps squealed, the kiffniffs wailed
She glides across the room.
It’s never the same As Devil ld child past tree and well.
Then, her laugh-
She’s not there. Others followed. Old Nick catraled,
Serene , quiet,dignified.
Leading them all through the doors of hell ....
Our eyes meet.
I hold her gaze.
She smiles.
I blush.
63
Summer Evening Take my thoughts

James O’Halloran, 5th year
Ben Turner, 5th year
Twilight drifts in my window, fashionably late Take my thoughts, Take it all
As has become her custom, these last few days. Scattered thoughts, in a breeze
I greet her; an old friend Tumbling, twisting like flowing leaves
She knows I will forgive her absence. Take my thoughts and gather them up
She is always welcome, though her visits have become short lived. Then take them and leave them in a cup
But I do not worry
And merely watch and smile If you need to see what I’m thinking
As she stretches, and shakes herself Take the cup and just start drinking
Before joyfully wrapping herself around the room Be amazed at what you find
Like a cat against an ever patient ankle. Now you see, as you were blind
Reaching out a shadowy hand, she carefully envelopes
The last rays of light inside her coat. To what I think and thought and said
A passing breeze makes his way in, cheerily tips his cap And saw the blue and green and red
To me and the lady in black Colours floating in the stream
Before carrying on his way. Of collections of all the things I’ve seen
He has left behind the scents of the night;
Tales of sleeping wildflowers, the heady smell of wood smoke after My mind now open for you to roam
rain. My home of thought is just my home
I close my eyes. My home of thinking, big and small
In the distance
I hear summer toss her head and laugh Just take my thoughts,
Cherry blossom hair spilling over onto meadow green shoulders Take it all.
Her laugh reaches deep under the earth
And explodes through my window.
Silence.
Outside, June sleeps on.
Many
Running thanks to the

Old Scholars for
Olivia Chambers, 4th year
sponsoring the short
With the wind in her ears she can’t hear a thing;
story/poetry competition
Not a car or a lorry or even the birds sing.
Her feet pound to the beat of her heart; Fiona Carty
She’s tiring now so the panting begins to start.
& Rachel Morris
Just another mile until she is back;
It’s all in preparation for running the track.
The big day is near so she has to train;
She’ll push herself through all the pain.
Her eyes water as she picks up her pace;
She’s imagining herself running the race,
Around the track she will run;
Under the order of the starters gun. Global Warming
But before that day she must prepare; Triona Harvey, 1st Year
Get out there and tie up her hair.
With the wind in her ears she can’t hear a thing; The world one day will disappear
Not a car or a lorry or even the birds sing. And we will all have to live elsewhere it could be
on mars or Jupiter who knows?
But we will all have to move,
When the world finally blows.
We use her fuels,
We dig deep underground,
But over what we have done,
We still stand proud.
I don’t know if we should,
Keep going or not.
After all the world is still getting more hot.
The global warming is burning us to a crisp.
I wonder is it worth
Such a huge risk.
64
The Cross Country
Jeananne Mulligan, 2nd Year
It starts at the trees,
Quotablees
in Coolie Woods.
Where the birds sing,
to no words.
Quot trip) - “O
MG I
th e s k i
Stretching and jumping, e (about o salt!”
e b e c c a Mullan c k , th e re was n
hearts are pumping. R rt att a
ad a hea ray to
The whistle blows, nearly h g io n d o they p
li
you’re on your toes. n what re
yrne - “I
Ms. O’B
Out of the woods Allah?” rocco?”
a ls he - “Mo
and onto the drive, Nia ll W you find
Jogging fast, in E u ro pe would
- “Where
your spirit’s alive. Mr. Cox
levees?” frica.”
i W a rren – “A iners) –
Past Annamaur Nao m
ts a t s o me conta
and behind the courts. oe (poin
O’Morch
Now we have speeds William
.C.C.”
of all sorts. “That’s U eally?”
s ic a M olloy – “R
Jes
mlin.”
The walkers, the joggers,
x – “T h is is a dru a ngs the
table.)
the sprinters too. Mr. Co m ro ll ? ” (B
y – “Dru ral
Everyone’s here, Finn Tro m p le of a natu
what next to do? e an e x a
– “Give m
Mr. Cox
.”
Run a little further, hexagon gon.”
down the trail. n T r o y – “Penta
Fin
To the back gate,
don’t forget to inhale.
Past Glynn,
where classes are on.
Just a bit more,
not far to run.
Quot
Some hit the wall, able
a few just stop.
Quot
Others keep going
right to the top.
es
Around to the astro Jessic
a Heg
rooms art
and the grit. ) - “Wh y (outside th
Almost there, floor? y is high e math
Should er mat ’s clas
n’t it be h s on th s-
just the last bit. u pstairs e ordina
Hanna ?” ry
h Can
beside tophe
Past the pitch, Mr r - “Who in
Alice B s. Glasheen th
where the rugby is played. owring again? is school live
If you win, - “Síob ” s
Mr. De han.” (
your dreams will be made. nn Glashe
own w iston – “I rec en)
riting o omme
ut loud n
The finish line’s in view, head.” . You c d you read y
an do our
it’s oh so near. it in yo
Ms. Ki ur
Everyone’s there, rwan (
the rev on
giving you a cheer. iew.) – receiving the
“One s fi
summ
er.” wallow rst article fo
Naom doesn r
You get a sticker i Warr ’t make
worth en – “A a
to state your place. two in h, but
the bu a bird
Thank God it’s over, sh.” in the
hand is
you’ve won the race!
65
Sport
Sport
Presentation of Trophies
2008/2009
Friday May 29th 12.30– 12.45 Foy Hall
Presentation of Certificates of Excellence and Participation:

Clan Captains: Collect Thursday May 28th
Presentation of Trophies: Anne Goggin Outgoing Chair Newtown School Committee
Swimming Gala Senior Girls Singles Champion: Sarah Yates

Minor Boys Champion: Liam Landy Runner Up: Helena v Kockritz
Minor Girls Champion: Megan Fitzgerald Open Mixed Doubles: Champions: Sarah Yates and
Junior Boys Champion: James Kavanagh Ben Cross
Junior Girls Champion: Andrea Harvey Runners Up: Olivia Chambers and Callum Chambers
Inter Boys Champion: Clive Hatton
Inter Girls Champion: Louise Kent
Senior Boys Champion: Callum Chambers Presentation of 1500m Winners
Senior Girls Champion: Katie Quinn Minor Boys Champion: Liam Landy
Minor Girls Champion: Charlotte Hackett
Junior Boys Champion: James Kavanagh
Presentation of X-Country Winners Junior Girls Champion: Andrea Harvey
Minor Boys Champion: Liam Landy Inter Boys Champion: Stephen Scallan
Minor Girls Champion: Charlotte Hackett Inter Girls Champion: Olivia Chambers
Junior Boys Champion: Dean Whealan Senior Boys Champion: Alex Flynn
Junior Girls Champion: Andrea Harvey Senior Girls Champion: Sarah Rose
Inter Boys Champion: Jamie Cross
Inter Girls Champion: Louise Kent Athletics Competition
Senior Boys Champion: Alex Flynn
Senior Girls Champion: Dervla Purcell Presentation of Certificates of Excellence
and Participation
Presentation of Tennis Winners Minor Boys Champion: Nigel Kennington

Minor Boys Single Champion: Barog Kennedy Minor Girls Champion: Charlotte Hackett
Runner Up: Barry O’Sullivan Junior Boys Champion: James Kavanagh
Minor Girls Singles Champion: Kelsey Cunningham Junior Girls Champion: Emma Prendergast
Runner Up: Megan Fitzgerald Inter Boys Champion: Stephen Scallan
Junior Boys Singles: Champion: Sam Butler Inter Girls Champion: Olivia Chambers
Runner Up: Ben O’Keefe Senior Boys Champion: Callum Chambers
Junior Girls Singles: Champion: Phoebe Moore Senior Girls Champion: Rebecca Walsh
Runner Up: Rebecca Hoban
Inter Boys Singles: Champion: Jamie Cross George Fitzgerald Memorial Shield: Stephen Scallan
Runner Up: Ben Cross Contribution to Girl’s Hockey: Grace Heffernan
Inter Girls Singles: Champion: Eliza Gomez Clan Trophy: Red
Runner Up: Aifric Heffernan
Senior Boys Singles: Champion: Callum Chambers
Runner Up: Arthur Dunne
66
Clan Competition 2008-09

Blue Green Red Yellow
Cross-country 59 69 65 72
Tennis 25 28 30 37
Plus Finals Plus Finals Plus Finals Plus Finals
Swimming Gala 514 512 597 562
Athletics 732 598 795 757
TOTAL 1333 1207 1487 1427
Plus Finals Plus Finals Plus Finals Plus Finals
Sporting Achievement Cricket Report

2009-2010 Hunter Maclachlan
Newtown vs. De la Salle In aid of” Missions Week”
Rugby Munster U18: Ben Cross, Eoin O’Conor, Patrick
Kiersey, Emmett O’Shea, William O’Morochoe, Alex On Wednesday the 28th of October Newtown played
Gurnee and Brendan Perkins. their first cricket match of the year. The Newtown team
was a very inexperienced side consisting of 2nd through
East Munster Rugby U17: Dean Whelan. to 4th years, including a few players who had no experi-
Leinster Youths Squad: Daniel Pim. ence of the game at all. The game clashed with a Senior
Rugby match.
South East Development Squad: Andrew Walsh and
Liam Walsh. Newtown batted first, Newtown experienced difficulty
during batting and were bowled out within the set overs
Boys Hockey Munster U18: Tom O’Brien and Stephen limit. There were great batting displays by Josh Kenny
Ennis. and Hugh O’Connor who claimed the majority of the runs
Girls Hockey South East U18/U21: Laura Power (Se- and made a good batting partnership on field.
lected for Irish U18 Trials) and Heidi McIlvenny. When fielding we played a lot better with good bowling
from Will Troy and Hugh O’Connor. Hunter Maclachlan
South East U16: Ruth Harrison and Becky Barr.
and Hugh O’Connor caught out a batter each, De la Salle
Waterford U15 Football: Jamie Cross and Christian reached the required target with only two outs.
Cullen.
Newtown performed well for a side that had no training
Tennis Munster U16 Schools Finalists: Sam Butler, before and were lacking in experience. We learnt a lot
Alex Hackett, Alan Jephson and Barrog Kennedy. from the game and are improving. We look forward to
more games and a summer of Cricket.
Equestrian: Grace Allen, Bertram Allen, April Allen, Wil-
liam Hickey, Hannah O’Shea and Anna Hickey.
Team Batting Order
Swimming: Meghan Fitzgerald and Louise Kent. Will, Troy 1
Gymnastics: Rebecca Hoban (2nd U15 Nationals). Daniel, Fenton 2
John, M ullins 3
Athletics: Clive Kennington (Ireland Regional Squad Luke, Ryan 4
Training) and Andrew Heffernan. Josh, Kenny 5
Sailing Irish Optimist Development Squad: Ruairi Hunter, Maclaclan 6
Finnegan. Hugh, O’Conor 7
Neil, Dunne 8
67
Clan Cross Country

On Monday the 21st of December 2009 the annual clan
cross country took place. It was a frosty morning, and
despite freezing conditions, there was a brave turn out.
Clan colours were everywhere, all you could see was,
blue, green, yellow and red.
Both serious runners and “fun runners” participated. The
number of fun runners was slightly down on previous
years, due to the cold weather. Well done to everyone
who took part and congratulations to all the winners.
Warm showers were appreciated by all afterwards.
A big thank you must go to all members of staff who
helped to organise and run this event. A special thank
you must go to Mr Butler. Also to the very colourful clan
captains who came out and encouraged everybody to
participate.
Clan X Country
Individual Races
Minor Boys - 1st - Conor Buckley Yellow

2nd - James Kiersey Red
3rd - Ben Doyle Red
Minor Girls - 1st - Charlotte Hackett Yellow
2nd - Trinoa Harvey Blue
3rd - Lucy Latta Green
Junior Boys - 1st - Liam Landy Red
2nd - Nigel Kennington Blue
3rd - Conor Vogelaar Blue
Junior Girls - 1st - Emily Hermon Green
2nd - Sinead Doody Blue
3rd - Mia Falkenthal Blue
Inter Boys 1st - Jamie Cross Yellow
2nd - Alex Hackett Yellow
3rd - Andrew Walsh Red
Inter Girls 1st - Olivia Chambers Red
2nd - Louise Kent Red
3rd - Andrea Harvey Blue
Senior Boys 1st - Callum Chambers Red
2nd- Aidan Devlin Green
3rd - Clive Kennington Blue
Senior Girls 1st - Charlotte McCormack Green
2nd - Abi Hurley Collins Blue
3rd - Hannah Cantopher Red
1st Yellow 62pts

2nd Red 61pts
3rd Blue 54pts
3rd Green 54pts
68
East Munster Schools’ Athletics
X-Country East Munster Boys
29th January 2010 Minors: Ian Cohen 1st in 100m and 2nd in Relay
St Augustines Dungarvan
Luis Pettit 2nd in Relay and ran in 100m
Phoebe Moore – Inter Girls Daire Mc Bride 2nd in Relay and ran in 800m
Liam Landy – Junior Boys Luke Kenny Shot
Laura McDaid – Minor Girls Ruairi Finnegan Long Jump
Kate Cafferkey – Minor Girls Ben Doyle 2nd in Relay
Eve Heffernan – Minor Girls Long Jump
Danille Lynne – Minor Girls
Lucy Latta – Minor Girls Juniors: William Hickey Walk
Nicola Boyd – Minor Girls
Connor Vogelaar Walk
Triona Harvey – Minor Girls
Nigel Kennington Long Jump and High Jump
Liam Landy 1500m
Congratulation to all the above who took part in the East
Munster Schools X – Country. Brian Kenny 3rd in 200m
All results are on the Munster Schools web site.
Congratulations to Liam Landy who qualified to run in Inters: Neil Dunne
the Munster Schools X- Country to be held in Cork CIT Alex Hackett 2nd High Jump
February 28th. Seniors: Clive Kennington 1st in 100m and 2nd in 200m
Sliabh Wells 3rd in Discus and ran in 400m
Andrew Heffernan High Jump
Waterford Schools’
Athletics Results
Wednesday 28th April 2010 East Munster Girls
Ian. Cohen 1st High Jump – Minor Boys, 3rd in Shot
Peter. Joyce 2nd Shot – Minor Boys Wednesday, May 5th 2010
Connor Vogelaar 1st High Jump – Junior Boys
Minor Girls Event Result
Liam Landy 1st 1500m – Junior Boys, 3rd in 800m Nikki Boyd 800m/Relay 4th
William Hickey 3rd High Jump Triona Harvey 800m/Relay 4th
Neil Dunne 3rd High Jump Danielle Lyne 100m/Relay 4th
Alex Hackett 3rd 800m – Inter/Senior Boys Eve Heffernan 100m
Clive Kennington 1st 100m – Inter/Senior Boys Laura McDaid LJ/Relay 4th
Andrew Walsh 3rd Javelin
Minor Boys Relay 2nd Junior Girls Event Result
Junior Boys Relay 3rd Charlotte Hackett HJ/800m
Junior Girls Relay 3rd
Also Competed: Inter Girls Event Result
Minor Boys: Stuart Slevin, Daire McBride, Luis Pettit Olivia Chambers 1500m/Relay 4th
Junior Boys: Ruari Finnegan, Nigel Finnegan, Anna Hickey LJ/Relay 4th
Nigel Kennington, Brian Kenny Ruth Harrison Javelin/Relay 4th
Inter/Senior: Andrew Davis Nichola Fennell LJ/Relay 4th
Junior Girls: Charlotte Hackett, Kelsey Cunningham Abi Wilkinson LJ/Relay 4th
Inter/ Senior Girls: Phoebe Moore, Becky Barr Andrea Harvey 800m/Relay 4th
3rd Javelin Becky Barr Javelin 3rd
Congratulations to all Athletes who took part in a really
successful athletics meeting.. Congratulations to all athletes.
69
Clan 1500m Finals

Minor Boys- 1st Connor Buckley -Yellow Wednesday 26th May
2nd Daire McBride - Red 800m
3rd Luke Kenny - Yellow Minor Boys Connor Buckley
Minor Girls Charlotte Hackett
Junior Boys Nigel Kennington
Minor Girls- 1st Charlotte Hackett -Yellow Junior Girls Emily Hermon
2nd Nikki Boyd -Green Inter Boys James Kavanagh
3rd Laura McDaid -Red Inter Girls Olivia Chambers
Senior Boys Clive Kennington
Senior Girls Yuki Omi
Junior Boys- 1st Liam Landy -Red
2nd Brian Kenny -Blue High Jump
3rd Nigel Kennington -Blue Minor Boys Peter Joyce
Junior Boys Conor Vogelaar
Junior Girls- 1st Emily Hermon -Green Inter Boys Alex Hackett
Senior Boys Andrew Heffernan
2nd Amy Roche -Red
3rd Una Maya Kennedy -Red Long Jump
Minor Girls Laura McDaid
Inter Boys- 1st Jamie Cross -Yellow Junior Girls Katie Gurnee
2nd Alex Hackett -Yellow Inter Girls Anna Hickey
Senior Girls Yuki Omi
3rd James Kavanagh -Yellow
Inter Girls- 1st Olivia Chambers -Red Thursday 27th May

2nd Leah Strobelt -Red
3rd Andrea Harvey -Blue 400m
Minor Boys Connor Buckley
Minor Girls Laura McDaid
Senior Boys- 1st Stephen Scallan -Blue Junior Boys Nigel Kennington
2nd Ollie Jay -Blue Junior Girls Una Maya Kennedy
3rd Adan Devlin -Green Inter Boys James Kavanagh
Inter Girls Olivia Chambers
Senior Boys Clive Kennington
Senior Girls- 1st Charlotte McCormack-Green Senior Girls Charlotte McCormack
High Jump
Minor Girls Eve Heffernan
Junior Girls Rebecca Hoban
Inter Girls Aifric Heffernan
Senior Girls Charlotte McCormack
Long Jump
Minor Boys Tom Prendergast
Junior Boys Brian Kenny
Inter Boys Alex Hackett
Senior Boys Stephen Scallan
Shot
Minor Boys Hugh O’Conor
Minor Girls Sarah- Anne Bakker
Junior Boys Neil Dunne
Junior Girls Jean Ann Mulligan
Inter Boys Andrew Walsh
1500m Winners Inter Girls Sarah Keogh
Senior Boys William O’Morochoe
Senior Girls Charlotte McCormack
70
Swimming Gala 2009-10 Junior Girls’ Tennis
By Kelsey Cunningham and Charlotte Hackett
The annual clan swimming gala was a great success.

The pool was filled with eager swimmers and lots of en-
thusiastic supporters. But the swimming wasn’t the only
competition that day. There was some serious com-
petitiveness between clan captains for the title of “Best
Display”. After a lot of hard work by clan captains to set
them up and some deliberation by the judges, Green clan
came out on top.
It was great to see the range of swimmers taking part in
the gala. Everybody from the first to six years and from
club swimmers to people just doing it to get the one point
for their clan took part. As Mr. Butler says “It’s all about
the participation”. But in every competition there has to
be winners, and Yellow has come out strong as ever to
win, followed by Green in second, Red in 3rd and Blue
in 4th. There were also top class individual swimmers by
Ian Cohen, Liam Landy and Meghan Fitzgerald, who all
broke school records on the day. In March we set up an under fourteen’s tennis team. The
Thank you very much to Mr Butler, Ms. Coady and all girls on the team were Kelsey Cunningham, Charlotte
staff members and gap students who helped on the day. Hackett, Sarah Murray, Laura McDaid and Hannah Bren-
Brid McNamara and Heidi McIlvenny. nan. We started training in Saint Anne’s Tennis Club. On
the 5th of April we competed in our first round against the
Swimming Gala 2009-10 Ursuline team, unfortunately they came out the strong-
er team and won. Following that we were put into the
shield, then on the 26th of March. We played Saint Flan-
1st Yellow – 609pts nans from Ennis. We won all three of our matches and
2nd Green – 604pts therefore we went forward to the semi-final which was
3rd Red – 496pts against the Ursuline from Blackrock, Cork. On Monday
4th Blue – 470pts the 26th of April we travelled to Cork to play them. After
playing three matches against them we were even and it
came down to a tie-breaker from two doubles matches,
Minor Boys Champion: Luke Farrell (Green) Kelsey and Charlotte won their match, but unfortunately
Minor Girls Champion: Megan Fitzgerald (Blue) 6 out of 6 Hannah and Laura lost their match. From competing in
Junior Boys Champion: Liam Landy (Red) 6 out of 6 the Munster Schools tennis we all improved so much
Junior Girls Champion: Katie Gurnee (Green) and enjoyed every minute of it! Thanks to Ms. Ryan and
Inter Boys Champion: Jamie Petch (Blue) Mr. Butler for taking us to training, giving up lunchtimes
Inter Girls Champion: Heidi McIlvenny (Yellow) 6 out of 6 and also for taking us to the matches. Thanks for making
Senior Boys Champion: Andrew Heffernan (Yellow) this a wonderful experience.
Senior Girls Champion: Siobhan Glasheen (Blue)
Munster Schools’ Tennis

By Sam Butler
The U-16 schools tennis team which included Sam But-
ler, Alex Hackett, Alan Jephson and Baróg Kennedy en-
tered the Munster U-16 schools tennis competition.
In the first round we travelled to Carrigaline in Cork. We
travelled down with the highest hopes of progressing
to the next round. We were seeded and we started the
game.
Sam Butler won the 1st match 6-0, 6-0 in a very one-
sided affair.
Alex Hackett won the 2nd match 6-4, 4 -6, 6-3 in a very
back and forth encounter.
Alan Jephson and Baróg Kennedy lost their doubles
match in a very tight game.
At the halfway stage we led 2-1 and needed to win 1
more game to book a spot in the next round. We split
Swimming Gala Winners into our doubles pairings and Alex Hackett and Alan
Jephson clinched the game with a fine performance win-
ning 6-3, 6-2. To win 3-1.
71
Hockey
First Year Boys’ Hockey
First year boys had a good season with plenty of matches
and blitzes with mixed results. First was a blitz on Sep-
tember 30th in Bandon, with mixed result. Good perform-
ances all round.
Our next match was against Midleton, in Midleton. We
had a defeat but the match was enjoyable. Good per-
formances from Ian Cohen and Daire McBride.
We were meant to have a blitz in Ashton but it was post-
poned due the bad weather at the time and the flooding.
U-16 schools tennis team
In the quarter final we played St Anne’s of Killaloe at We hadn’t had a match in months before our match
home. We played with the same seedings and claimed against Villiers at home on December 9th. It was a tight
a good victory. match but due to a late goal to Villiers we lost. Ian Cohen
Sam Butler won the 1st match 6-0, 6-0. and Luis Pettit had a great game.
Alex Hackett won the 2nd match 6-0 , 6-0. We came back after our Christmas holidays to a blitz in
Alan Jephson and Baróg Kennedy won the deciding Villiers on January 27th. Ian Cohen was ill so we didn’t
match 6-3, 6-2 to wrap up a 3-0 victory. have a forward. Also Daire McBride was injured with a
We travelled to Clonmel High School for the semi-final. broken arm so we were without our centre-back. We won
We knew this would be a tough match. We played 3 hard one match, lost one and drew one.
fought games. We decided to change the seedings for
Newtown hosted our last blitz of the season. It was
this match, swapping Sam Butler to number 2 and Alex
against Bandon, Midleton and Ashton We were still with-
Hackett to number 1.
out our injured players. 11 aside matches were enjoyed
Alex Hackett won the 1st match 6-4 , 6-2 in a difficult but
by.
exciting match.
Sam Butler won the 2nd match 6-0, 6-4 in a long but at It was coming to the end of our season and our very
some stages boring match. last match was against Bandon held at Bandon which
Alan Jephson and Baróg Kennedy won to wrap up the we won.
match and book a place in the final. They won 6-0, 5-7,
Written by Peter Joyce and Luis Pettit.
6-3. To win 3-0.
This was a fine victory for the team. Thanks to Luke for Special thanks to Terry Butler and Steven Pim.
travelling and supporting the team.
Squad: Conor Buckley, Daire McBride, Peter Joyce, Lu-
We are now in the final which is yet to be played.
kas Dwan, Fiachra Brogan, Ted Sanders, Stuart Slevin,
Harry Sheridan, Evan Jacob, Devon Hartel, Bill Mitman,
Luke Kenny, Sean Whelan, Hugh McEvoy, Jeffrey O’
MUNSTER SCHOOLS’ Brien, Luis Pettit, Peter Murphy, Ian Cohen and James
Kiersey.
TENNIS
MAY 17TH 2010
LIMERICK LAWN TENNIS CLUB
Junior Boys’ Hockey
U16 BOYS CUP FINAL
The Junior Hockey team had a fine year of hockey. The
A HACKETT
main highs of the season was beating Villiers twice and
S BUTLER
drawing with Middleton. We started the season deter-
A JEPHSON
mined to win a game. We did so in the first blitz of the
B KENNEDY
year in Villiers. It was a hard fought match with Sam But-
ler scoring from the short corner. We won this match 1-0.
A HACKETT LOST (3 - 6, 0 – 6)
In the same blitz we drew with Middleton 0-0. We then
S BUTLER WON (7 – 5, 6 - 0)
played in the cup against Bandon. This was a very hard
A JEPHSON /B KENNEDY LOST (1 – 6, 2 – 6)
match. We ended up losing this match but left with our
A HACKETT/A JEPHSON LOST (3 – 6, 1 – 6)
heads held high after two fantastic goals from John Mul-
S BUTLER/B KENNEDY (NOT FINISHED)
lins and Jamie Petch. We had training every week with
everyone turning up to each training session. The sea-
Lost 3 – 1 to Colaiste Muire, Cobh, Co. Cork
son came to an end with a final blitz in Newtown.
We had good performances throughout the year from
Sam Butler, Jamie Petch, Alex Hackett, John Mullins,
72
Sliabh Wells, and Geoff Graham. We hope most people its friendly status. Both teams battled hard to represent
can make the step up to seniors next year. their country, using the peak of their games to penetrate
each other’s defence. This game ended in a draw, one of
Squad: Goal keeper: Andrew Walsh. Defenders: Jack
which each and every player deserved. Thomas O’Brien
Joyce, Tom Rohan, Max Marden, Diarmaid Wingfield,
sadly had to end his final year on the Newtown hockey
John Mullins, Geoff Graham, Alfredo Llorente and Wil-
team shortly after Christmas as he was injured which
liam Hickey Midfielders: Sliabh Wells, Alex Hackett, Alex
would later prove to diminish his hopes of returning to
Clarke, Sam Butler, John Boyd, Raoul O’Brien and Ben
the squad. With Thomas gone captaincy passed to Gary
Doyle. Forwards: Max O’Brien and Jamie Petch.
Marshall. Also with the departure of Thomas in the cen-
tre midfield this responsibility fell to John Boyd, one of
our best.
Minor Boys’ Hockey We trained hard all year, we fought in our matches as a
team, the defence holding off the opposition, and at the
By Max O’Brien heart of the defence captain Gary Marshall stood tall and
poised an immovable object in the backline. Meanwhile
Squad: M. O’Brien, T. Rohan, J. Mullins, G. Graham, D.
people such as John Boyd, Sam Butler and Sliabh Wells
Wingfield, D. Spurling, B. Doyle, R. O’Brien, W. Troy, N.
made breaks and great scoring opportunity upfront .de-
Kennington, W. Hickey, M. Marden, B. Allen, D. McBride,
spite great performances in matches, behind the scenes
R. Finnegan, T. Prendergast, B. Kennedy and I. Jackson
we struggled to fill gaps in the team, one of our main
Results: Wins – 3, Draws - 1, Losses – 2 forwards Jamie Petch had obtained a severe ankle injury.
Many of the junior players we trained had been called
Overall the team had a good season, winning 3 out of
upon and taken by the JCT rugby team as they ploughed
6 matches. The results got better as the season pro-
their way into their cup final. The team was in a state of
gressed as the team started to train consistently, even
panic as we scrambled to find suitable players to fill the
still hockey needs to be taken more seriously if the team
gaps in our squad. However we were rescued by a hand-
is to progress in the cup. The younger ones were quick
ful of enthusiastic senior rugby players who were more
learners and gained valuable experience this year that
than happy to help out. These rugby players surprisingly
they will hopefully use next year.
proved more than coordinated with a hockey stick. With
the rugby players opting to continue their hockey careers,
we had a full team one more. We grew stronger and had
more belief than ever before. We played our matches not
Senior Boys’ Hockey just as hockey players but as good friends. Once we had
a grasp of our ambitions we stormed through our last few
By Luke Bailey games with a series of wins to end a long season on a
high.
The senior boys’ hockey team was put under a great deal
of pressure this year. The first problem we faced was a I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Butler and Chris Tho-
lack of senior players. This lack of senior players was mas on behalf of the whole team for their coaching and
partly due to the rugby euphoria, which began this year guidance all through the year.
as almost all of the senior boys wanted to get onto the
senior boys rugby team to defend and retain the Mungret
Cup won last year by a fantastic squad last year. The
rugby boom left only a handful of senior boys to play on THE HOCKEY TRIP TO
the senior boy’s hockey team. There were not sufficient
senior players to make a full team so this led us to call
WESLEY
upon the younger years to step it up a notch and com- By Luke Bailey
pete at a higher and a much more physically demanding The Journey started with high spirits and enthusiasm up
senior hockey level. The juniors were hesitant at the start until about 2 hours later when the entire population of
finding the tempo, technicality and fitness almost over- the bus needed both food and a break. One quick stop
whelming and demanding for their capability. Nonethe- and a check of the map had us on the way and ready for
less as time progressed the juniors grew in confidence kick-off. Lisburn, our sister Quaker school, has remained
and with the senior boys encouraging and passing on undefeated since the cup began back in 2007, which by
wisdom as well as Mr. Butler’s guidance and training by the way we weren’t told. Coincidently Newtown choir
our Monday night coach Chris Thomas, they soon be- were visiting Lisburn at the same time, nonetheless their
came senior hockey players worthy to perform and rep- hockey team was keen on retaining the cup and neither
resent our school. Our only sixth year and captain for the side planned on showing any mercy. Hopes were high
most part Thomas O’Brien led the squad training and in the Newtown bus for a win to conclude a difficult sea-
we played hard, well-fought matches against the like of son. Determined to win the cup the team was eager to
Bandon Grammar and Kilkenny College before the big start on arrival in Wesley. The Lisburn team disembarked
snow at the Christmas break. Also before Christmas we from their bus and produced 30 rather expensive look-
were privileged to partake in a friendly match against a ing hockey bags leaving us in doubt of our chance. But
touring Scottish side by the name of Robert Gordon’s. Newtowners never to be discouraged from a challenge
This match was one which was taken seriously despite walked side by side confidently with the boys from the
73
north to the changing rooms. A quick change before a Our next match was against Loreto Wexford. We lost 0:1.
hearty warm up, then followed by the teams squaring up The team played exceptionally well though, especially
to each other and presently ready for the whistle. The Scarlett Maclachlan as centre back and Sarah Murray as
match began with a high tempo and skilful play by both centre forward.
teams, unfortunately we were unlucky to concede an
Our last match was against Kilkenny College. We were
early goal. Ulster hockey was living up to its reputation.
all nervous but the team pulled through and did as re-
Spurred on by an early goal (from the opposition) we
quested by Ms. Hill, we won 3:0. Rebecca Hoban had a
fought courageously to equalize. At half-time Newtown
fantastic game, as right back, scoring at least one of the
was still trailing with good performances from John Boyd
goals. That was a great match to end the season.
and Sam Butler. The Lisburn side continued its assault
on the Newtown defence who cheered on by our water The girls on the hockey team were amazing. Everybody
girls stood almost impermeable for the second half. The was so enthusiastic at each game it was impossible not
team had struggled to create opportunities further up the to enjoy playing with them. Thanks go to Ms. Hill for train-
pitch throughout the match, and despite the best efforts ing us every week throughout the season and keeping us
from our forwards we could not find the last touch to hit motivated for all our matches! Thank you girls, good luck
the backboard. The match ended in a “narrow defeat” for next season!
but both sides congratulated each other on what was an
Squad: Holly Wells, Becky Barr, Katie Gurnee, Rebecca
enjoyable well fought match. Captain Sliabh Wells spoke
Hoban (Vice Captain), Scarlett MacLachlan, Serena Bi-
on behalf of the Newtown lads. Both sides came together
folchi, Sarah Murray, Amy Kelly, Emma Prendergast, Ro-
and posed for the annual photo. We return defeated but
saleen Traynor , Phoebe Moore, Hannah Murray, Lydia
with heads high and looking forward to next year’s sea-
Thorpe, Ruah Berney Pearson, Sarah Keogh, Jane Mur-
son and an end to Lisburn’s reign.
ray, Cathy McGrory , Abi Wilkinson and Andrea Harvey
We would like to sincerely thank Chris Doyle and Mr. But- (Captain).
ler for all their training and belief in us this year.
Minor Girls’ Hockey

GIRLS’ HOCKEY REPORT Report
First Year Girls’ Hockey By Emily Hermon
The first year girl’s hockey team finished 2nd overall in This year the minor hockey team had a reasonably good
the league that we play in throughout the winter. We season. We had a fantastic new coach, Alison O’Connor,
were, however, beaten 1-0 in the final but overall we had who was great fun and really good at helping us improve.
a great season with wins against the Ursuline, The Ab- She came to support us at most of our matches. We
bey, Colasite Bhríde, Loreto Wexford and Kilkenny Col- would like to thank her very much for all the time and ef-
lege. To finish up the season we had a friendly tourna- fort she put into the team.
ment against The Abbey and The Ursuline. We won both
The season began with a win over St. Declan’s school,
matches beating the Ursuline by six goals to nil and The
the score being 3-0. Throughout the season we played a
Abbey by one goal to nil. We would like to thank Ms. Hill
number of other matches, which brought out the best in
and Ms. O’Connor for coaching us throughout the sea-
all our players. A cup match ended our season, which we
son.
lost 1-0 to Loreto in Waterford.
Squad: Lucy Latta (Captain), Lara McDaid, Hannah
The whole team had an excellent year of hockey. Players
Brennan (Goalie), Eve Heffernan, Nicki Boyd, Izzy Gra-
who had a particularly good year were Jessica Corrigan
ham, Sophie Crotty, lla Chapman, Kayleigh Newcomb,
(sweeper), Katie Gurnee (goalie), Sarah Murray (mid-
Atlanta Doherty Brophy, Rowan Keane, Grace Allen, and
field) and Niamh Lynam (back). The team are all looking
Triona Harvey.
forward to playing again next year.
Squad; Emily Hermon, Kathie Gurnee, Jessica Corrigan,
Clara Ffrench Davis, Megan Fitzgerald, Rebekah Mul-
Junior Girls’ Hockey Team lane, Sarah Murray, Ellen O’Carroll, Charlotte Hackett,
By Andrea Harvey Ruth Cusack, Rosy Holman, Niamh Lynam, Una Maya
Kennedy, Gillian Bond, Rachel Brady, Kelsey Cun-
The junior girls’ team had a great season. The first match nigham, Jean Ann Mulligan, Sinead Doody and Ruth
came just over a month after playing together as a team. Bennet Coady,
It was against Ursuline Juniors. We won 1:0. The goal
was set up by Abi Wilkinson in a well planned short cor-
ner.
The second match, the very next week was against Lo-
Senior Girls’ Hockey
reto Kilkenny. We came away with a draw 1:1. Serena By Captain Charlotte McCormack
Bifolchi scored an excellent goal from an almost impos-
The senior girls had a great year, despite having such
sible angle.
a young squad. We worked hard at training all year and
74
came together well as a team. We played 6 matches in
between our endless fitness sessions and reached the
Orienteering
semi-final of the cup. Unfortunately we were just beaten
by a strong Loreto Kilkenny side. Both the senior boys
survival guide!
and girls squads travelled to Dublin to play Kings Hospi- While it is important to be able to read a map, it’s not
tal in a friendly match. This was a great test for the teams strictly necessary.
and they preformed excellently! The girls played a fast, Compasses are unnecessary objects which you will most
exiting game and drew nil all (0-0). It was a great day trip likely lose
for the squads and we would like to thank Charlotte and The bus will be at least an hour late back (that is if it
Terry for arranging everything. We have improved greatly comes at all at the start). Half an hour late is early!
this year and we look forward to next season!
Always check that the packed lunch is in otherwise you
Squad: Charlotte Mc Cormack (Captain), Nicola Fennell, will starve as Coxer doesn’t believe in sharing.
Heidi McIlvenny (V.captain), Olivia Chambers, Laura It is likely that at least one of the controls will be moved
Power, Abi Wilkinson, Brid Mc Namera, Beth Rochford, so remember to look up.
Aifric Heffernan, Kate Moore, Erica Gurnee, Megan
Byrne, Lea Stroblet and Hannah O’Shea Don’t forget that you have to click your dibber at the start and
finish otherwise nothing will count.
There’s a 98% chance that it’ll be raining on orienteering day
SOUTH EAST HOCKEY It is guaranteed that you will come back covered in mud
Don’t get lost or the bus WILL leave without you
And finally REMEMBER it’s all for fun and fun for all!
By Charlotte Hill
In the Waterford Schools event held at Tower Hill, Portlaw,
For being a small school Newtown has always had good the boys retained the Overall Boys Shield. Gold medals
representation on the South East squad, which is a great were won by the Junior Boys, Senior B, Senior Boys and
achievement for those girls who make it. It involves a Senior Girls teams. The Minor Girls won silver. Individual
huge commitment at weekends and extra fitness train- golds were won by Liam Landy, Mia Falkenthal, Evan
ing done in their own time. Ruth Harrison and Becky Jacob, Niall McEvoy and Isabel English.
Barr both played U16, while Heidi McIlvenny and Laura
Power played U18 and also U21 this year. Laura Power The Munster Schools were held in Colligan Wood, Dun-
achieved U18 Irish Hockey trials again this year as Goal garvan. Best placed were the Senior Girls (Andrea Har-
Keeper but was very unlucky to miss out, but I’m sure it vey, Olivia Chambers, Anna Hickey and Georgia Door-
will only motivate her more for next season. ley) who were narrowly pipped by the Ursuline into silver
medal position. The Junior Boys, Junior Girls and Minor
Thanks to Ms. Rellis who continued to do great work with Boys teams won bronze medals.
the goal keepers and first year girls and also to Alison
O’Connor who joined us on the coaching team from WIT At the Irish Schools event held in Glengarra Wood near
to coach the minor girls this season. Cahir, Co. Tipperary, the Senior Boys (Niall McEvoy, Joe
Dixon, Sliabh Wells and Ben Slevin) and the Minor Boys
(Ted Saunders, Ian Cohen, Daire McBride, James Kier-
Gymnastics
sey) once again got 3rd team placing. Congrats to the
Senior Girls who overturned the Munster placings to win
By Rebecca Hoban Gold. Isabel English also won 3rd place individual lead
I started doing gymnastics when I was very small. My home the team of Becky Barr, Anna Hickey and Andrea
grandad used to teach me how to flip in the back garden. Hemmingway.
I started in Tralee Gymnastics Club when I was 7years
old. When I became a boarder I trained with the Water-
ford Crystal Gymnastics Club. I have been competing for
them for 2 and a half years now. This year I was compet-
ing at level 5 in the under 16 age category. In early April
I went to the All – Irelands and was placed in the top 7 in
all pieces (floor, beam, bars, vault)
This summer I am hoping to make the jump up to level
7 (Junior Code) where I can then compete at an Interna-
tional level. Over the summer I am also going to a 1 week
boarding camp in Belfast to train with some of Ireland’s
best coaches. We will have to see how that goes.
75
JCT
St. Flannans’ (0) – Newtown (31)
With a bye in the 1st round we were at the last 16 stage
of the Mungret Shield. This match was played in Ennis,
so a three and a half hour drive before a quick warm up
was to do us no favours. Even so we ploughed straight
into the match.
This team nearly matched us for size but certainly not

for skill. The 1st period in the match was played up in
their half if not their 22. With no possession, St.Flannans’
buckled under the pressure and conceded a penalty. Ben
O’Keeffe calmly slotted over.
We continued this high tempo play knowing we needed

to get the next score to put our mark on this game. After
receiving clean ball from the pack and half backs, our
first centre Andrew Walsh sliced their defence open for
the game’s 1st try, converted by Alex Hackett.
With 10 minutes left of the first half Walsh again scored

under the sticks after a barging run.
With Flannans’ dejected we hoped to score early on in
the second half to close the game off. We failed to do
so and gave them hope. They couldn’t come close to
breaching our defence.
With possession regained we ran in two more well
worked tries from Ben O’Keeffe and Alex Pim, converted
by Alex Hackett. Final score 31-0.
Newtown (28) – CBS Sexton (12)

We were drawn against CBS Sexton in the quarter finals.
Luckily it was a home game. We started the game well
with our out half Alex Hackett kicking two penalties over
to give us an early 6 – 0 lead. From a scrum on their 22,
we extended our lead with crash ball from centre Andrew
Walsh. Alex Hackett converted. After a couple of phases
we were once again in their 22. With heaps of pressure,
we were awarded a penalty on their 5. A quick tap-and-
go from our captain Alan Jephson who popped the ball
to number 8 Hunter MacLachlan who scored a vital try
close to the corner. At the break the score was 18 – 0.
At the start of the second half we dropped our guard and
gave them two easy tries. They were now back in the
game with the scores at 18 – 12. Both teams fought hard
to keep possession of the ball and soon enough our pa- Straight away SMI caught us of guard and put on a cou-
tience paid off. With a well executed set play our fly half ple of good attacks. Finding themselves in our 22 several
popped it to our centre Andrew Walsh who barged over times but didn’t take their opportunities to score. Once
for his second try. we got the ball we attacked straight away. Our winger
Later our fly half kicked over another penalty to put the Christian Cullen running down the left wing into their 22.
game beyond reach and ending the game 28 – 12. This As he was tackled into touch he kicked the ball in field,
game was the hardest of our campaign and gave us popping up to full back James Kavanagh who touched
great confidence going into our semi final. down under the posts. Conversion from Alex Hackett.
SMI (0) – Newtown (40) As the second half started we pushed on further and
We had a long 3 hour drive to Newcastle West to play scored again. With Andrew Walsh scoring. SMI looked
SMI. For the first 10 minutes the game was very tight. But down and out. We pushed on and scored a further 3 tries.
soon enough we were bearing down on their try line. We Two tries came from James Kavanagh giving him his hat-
were awarded a penalty on their 5. Ben Kavanagh took trick. Dean Whelan was the other scorer. All 3 were con-
a quick tap, stepped one and dived over to score our first verted by Alex Hackett. The game ended 40 – 0.
try. Alex Hackett converted.
76
The Mungret Shield Final
Middleton (10) - Newtown (3)
After a late change of venue, the match was to be played

in Youghal R.F.C rather than Clonmel R.F.C. This didn’t
help our nerves. The game was played on a soggy pitch
which gave no team an advantage. We kicked off to be-
gin the final.
The first 15 minutes Middleton had all the possession,

leading to a penalty and duly 3 points.
After this, possession was deeply contested in the centre
of the field. After a couple of good phases Middleton were
in our 22. An unfortunate slip from our winger gifted them
a try in the corner. The conversion was made. This was a
shock to the team and we responded well with some tight
running plays and barging runs. Half time came.
We started the second half as we ended the first. We

found ourselves down in their half for a majority of the
second half. We failed to take the chances we had. We
were given a penalty in front of the posts. We took the 3
points bringing the score to 10-3. We tried to take advan-
tage of the time we spent in their half but Middleton be-
came too strong to crack. They held on and took the win.
We would like to thank the support on the day and

throughout the season. Also credit is due to our coaches,
Mr. Keappock and Mr. Ashmore.
JCT Squad 2009/2010: Ian Jackson, Alan Jephson

(Captain), Ben Kavanagh, Hugh O’Connor, Geoff Gra-
ham, Liam Walshe, Dean Whelan, Hunter MacLach-
lan, Alex Pim, Neil Dunne, Jack Tully, Josh Kenny, Alex
Hackett, Andrew Walsh, Jamie Cross, Sam Butler, Ben
O’Keeffe, Christian Cullen, James Kavanagh, Andrew
Davis, Brian Kenny, Connor Vogelaar, Nigel Kennington
and Ronan Sharpe.
77
SCT Rugby Review

2009/10
By Clive Kennington and Octavian Fitzherbert
Newtown started off the season with a series of friendlies
against, C.B.S New Ross, Waterpark College, Mallow,
Bandon Grammar, Midelton College, Rockwell College,
St. Edwards and Glenstal Abbey. The real season began
with Bandon in the Cup.
Wednesday 9th December: Newtown vs. Bandon

Grammar: 6-23
On a cloudy day in Newtown, we took on Bandon in the
Avonmore Milk Schools Senior College Cup. Newtown
went 0-3 down early, but responded well with the two Ben
Cross penalties to go 6-3 ahead. Despite great defence
by Alex Gurnee, George Walsh, and Ben Cross, Bandon
managed a try on the stroke of half time. Our scrum was
under pressure throughout. When we had the ball, we
kicked territory very well via the boots of Patrick Kiersey
and Emmett O’Shea. Bandon grabbed two tries in the
second half, one right at the finish. We left the pitch dis-
appointed with the results.
Saturday 16th January: Newtown vs. Enniscorthy

U19 (friendly): 8-8
Newtown competed well, against a large and very skilled
Eniscorthy outfit. We opened the scoring with a Ben
Cross penalty. Then, after a good build up in play Em-
mett O’Shea went over in the corner. Ben Cross was very
unlucky with the conversion, which hit the post. We led
8-3 at the break. Big defences from both sides in the 2nd
half, and Newtown were unfortunate to concede. We had
chances to win late on, but were unlucky.
Wednesday 27th January: Newtown vs. Villiers: 20-3

In LIT, Newtown played the Mungret Cup Quarter Final.
In average conditions Newtown had a tough encounter
with a spirited Villiers’ side. We exchanged penalties
early on, before Clive Kennington charged down a kick
to score a try, which Ben Cross converted. We led 3-10
at the interval. Newtown’s strong defence from the 1st
half continued in the second. We put together a good se-
ries of moves, resulting in Daniel Pim going in under the
posts and Ben Cross converted. The game could have
done with a bit more shape, but Ben Cross scored a late
penalty, to ensure progression in the cup.
Thursday 11th February: Newtown vs. SMI Newcastle

West: 15-19
On a sunny day in Newtown, with good support we
played SMI. It was now the Mungret Cup Semi Final. We
started the match well with Conor Bellew scoring in the
corner very early on. After a good phase of play, Patrick
Kiersey chipped and gathered to score under the posts,
and Ben Cross converted. We led 12-0 at the break. SMI Wednesday 14th April: Newtown vs. Waterpark Col-
scored 1st in the second half, with a try, but we hit back lege: 13-23
with a Ben Cross penalty. SMI pressed for another try, On a hot, sunny day in Ballinakill, we played Waterpark
and took advantage of a sloppy Newtown defence. They in the Daunt Cup. Newtown got off to a good start with
scored another try late on to destroy Newtown’s Cup Clive Kennington scoring an early try, which wasn’t con-
dreams and retaining the cup. Newtown exited the pitch verted. Newtown then seemed to lose their discipline giv-
gutted. This was a game Newtown shouldn’t have lost. ing away a series of unnecessary penalties, two of which
78
were kicked. We then hit back with a penalty of our own
from Cross. Waterpark then broke our defensive line and
scored a try before half time. We were 11-8 down at the
interval. Newtown’s defence seemed rattled in the sec-
ond half and we conceded two tries. Newtown failed to
score again. This was a disappointing result considering
we had a comfortable win against Waterpark earlier in
the season.
Summary of the season: The rugby team this year

lacked the necessary depth that was there in last year’s
very successful team. It was always going to be a diffi-
cult road for a new side. The route was made even more
treacherous by injuries and forced changes in key posi-
tions. At the end of the day we expected better results.
The overall feeling in the squad was disappointment. The
team put in a great effort and trained well. A big thank you
must go to our coaches Emyr Jones and Hugh Lyons for
all their effort over the year and to the players who trained
hard all season.
SCT Squad: William O’Morchoe, Paul Murray, George

Walsh, Theo Marden-Wasteneys, Alex Gurnee, Conor
Bellew, Ben Cross, Daniel Pim(VC), Patrick Kiersey,
Eoin O’Conor(C), Brendan Perkins, Emmett O’Shea,
Stephen Scallan, Clive Kennington, Andrew Heffernan,
Daniel Moloney, Jack Joyce, Daniel Bailey, Killian Kelly,
Octavian Fitzherbert, Sliabh Wells, Oliver Jay, Finn Troy,
Kyran Wallace and Stephen Ennis.
1st Year/2nd Year Rugby

By Barry O’Sullivan, David Kavanagh and
Daire McBride.
Our first match this year came away to Midleton. We

started the game very nervously, conceded two quick
tries and by half time we were losing by 12-0. In the
second half we got an early try by Daire McBride. The
conversion attempt by David Kavanagh just missed but
determined to bounce back he scored a try which was
converted by Daire McBride. As our hopes rose of a pos-
sible win we lost focus again and began to get sloppy
and conceded another converted try. In a very physical
match Barry O’Sullivan got a tooth knocked out though
carried on without telling anybody. Just before the end and then we got two converted tries back by Daire and
Conor Buckley got a good pass on the wing to score our David [With conversions by Barry and Daire]. Our for-
third try. The match ended 19-17 to Midleton. wards on the day had a phenomenal match. Unfortunate-
ly Waterpark got a try in the last minute which was then
Our second match was at home to Wycliffe from Eng- converted to win the game 21-14.
land. Again after a slow start we lost three quick tries with
two converted. Then we sorted ourselves out and scored
Our last match was against a strong Waterpark U15
3 quick tries [2 by Devon Hartel and another by Luis
team and straight away they got two tries which were
Petit]. Barry O’Sullivan converted one and so did Daire
converted. We responded quickly with an unconverted
McBride. More crazy rugby followed in the 2nd half , with
try of our own. Waterpark struck back with two converted
Wycliffe grabbing the lead and then Devon Hartel scored
tries leaving the score at 31-5 late into the game. We
another try [Barry O’Sullivan converted it] followed by a
then picked up our game and scored a converted try
quick try by David Kavanagh and then a penalty by Daire
and a penalty then at the death they received a penalty
finished the game 38-31 to Newtown.
and scored it leaving the game at 15-34 to Waterpark.
Our third match was a very competitive game against The age difference on the day had a huge effect on the
Waterpark. We were down 14-0 in the first 10 minutes match. We’ll get them next year!
79
The 1st and 2nd Year Blitz: On our last Wednesday after-
noon of the rugby season we held a Sevens Blitz. Four
teams competed over that after noon and after a few in-
tense matches Green and Red made it to the final. In a
fantastic game there was a lot of talent on show with the
Red Team coming out victorious. Blitz awards: Best at-
tacker: Brian Kenny, Best Defender: Raoul O’Brien
Try of the Year was awarded to Bill Mitman
Best Tackle: Will Troy on David Kavanagh,
Most Improved Player was given to Sean Whelan.
A big thank you must go to Mr. Ronan, Mr. Lester and Mr.
Deacon for all their work throughout the year.
The Squad:
Ted Sanders, Luke Kenny, Devon Hartel, Bill Mitman,
Luis Pettit, Tom O’Donnell, Barry O’Sullivan, Peter Joyce,
Harry Sheridan, Lukas Dwan, Peter Murphy, Stuart
Slevin, Fiachra Brogan, Ben O’Neill, Sam Ffrench Davis,
George Morris, Barog Kennedy, James Kiersey, Daire
McBride, William Hickey, Ian Cohen, David Kavanagh,
Raoul O’Brien, Ben Doyle, Conor Buckley, Sean Whelan,
Will Troy, Ruari Finnegan, Marcus Walshe, Evan Jacob,
Jeffery O’Brien, Henry Dickinson & Hugh McEvoy.
80
Hoofprints Interschools Aifric, Anna, William and Hannah all jumped clear, quali-
fying their team for the jump-off, as did Nikki, Unamaya,
Show Jumping League Ruth and Grace. Hannah and Anna went into the jump-
off for their team, each having clear rounds and competi-
By Camilla Driver. tive times. Grace and Unamaya rode in the jump off for
26-09-09 The team of Hannah O’Shea, Anna Hickey, Wil- their team. Ruth jumped clear but Grace was unfortunate
liam Hickey and Bertram Allen travelled to Boswell. The to have one fence down. The team of Aifric, Anna, Han-
team jumped clear and qualified for the jump-off. Anna nah and William finished in second place and Nikki, Ruth,
and Bertram took part in the jump-off and gained four Unamaya and Grace’s team finished seventh, just out of
faults. The team finished sixth out of 33 teams competing the prizes.
on a total score of four faults, a good start to the league. 12-12-09 Our school was represented at Broadmea-
03-10-09 Once again the team of Bertram Allen, Hannah dows, Ashbourne, Co. Meath by Anna Hickey, Hannah
O’Shea and Anna and William Hickey represented the O’Shea, William Hickey and Unamaya Kennedy. They
school, this time at Coilog Equestrian Centre, Kilmeague, all jumped clear, qualifying for the jump-off. Hannah and
Naas. Newtown was one of 33 teams competing. The Anna rode in the jump-off. Both of them jumped clear.
team jumped clear, qualifying for the jump-off, in which The team finished in second place.
Anna and Bertram rode. They added four faults to the Overall, Newtown School finished fifth place in the
team’s score of zero. The team was unfortunate not to be league, an excellent result.
placed, but in the individual competition William Hickey
took first place. Interschools Hunter Trial 13-3-10
10-10-09 Two teams represented the school at Barnad- Hannah O’Shea, Anna Hickey and William Hickey trav-
own Equestrian Centre, Newtown School Waterford Red elled to Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, as a senior team,
Team (Hannah O’Shea, Anna Hickey, William Hickey Aifric Heffernan as a senior individual and Unamaya
and Bertram Allen), and Newtown School Waterford Pink Kennedy as a junior individual. All five went around the
Team (Grace Allen, Ruth Cusack, Nikki Boyd, Unamaya course successfully in their various classes.
Kennedy).
Both teams qualified for the jump-off after both jumping
clear rounds. Anna and William Hickey represented the Stonehaven Riding
Red Team in the jump-off and the Pink Team sent Grace
Allen and Ruth Cusack into the jump-off. Anna and Wil- Lessons
liam both jumped clear, as did Grace Allen (who had the By Fiona Carty
fastest jump-off time of the day) but Ruth unfortunately
gained four faults for the Pink Team. The Red Team fin- Over the last few years, horse riding lessons have been
ished in second place with a total score of zero faults, set up by the school. They take place on a Wednesday,
and the Pink Team finished fourth, on a total score of four in Stonehaven Equestrian Centre, Waterford, which has
faults. 47 teams competed. Anna Hickey and Bertram a large indoor arena with a viewing gallery and a cof-
Allen both rode in the individual speed derby, with Anna fee shop. It also has an outdoor arena and facilities for
taking second place, and Bertram sixth place. trekking and cross-country jumping. The lessons are an
hour long. There is a large range of horses and ponies to
05-12-09 The team of Aifric Heffernan, Anna Hickey, Wil- choose from.
liam Hickey and Hannah O’Shea and the team of Nikki
Boyd, Unamaya Kennedy, Ruth Cusack and Grace Allen When the weather is fine, lessons can take place out-
travelled to the local round of the interschool’s league in doors. We also use the cross-country course if the
Ballinamona, Tramore, Co. Waterford to compete against weather is fine. The lessons are aimed at the intermedi-
25 other teams. ate rider, but anyone can take part, from a novice to an
advanced rider. This year
we had a novice called
Hannah Cantopher in a
group of mainly intermedi-
ate to advanced riders. She
has improved immensely
and has started cantering
and jumping already.
Every few weeks, our in-
structor changes. This is
good as each instructor can
see different faults in your
riding and help you correct
them, which helps you be-
come a better rider.
The lessons are good fun.
81
GOLF
By Luke Bailey
This year as always we had just a few golfers attend les-
sons with our golf coach Colm Carew. Not many people
know that there is golf in Newtown. For those who do
attend golf lessons in Newtown, it occurs every Thurs-
day. Early dinner is given to the golfers at five o’clock
and ready to depart with Mr. O’Cuinn at 5:15. We ar-
rive at Newtown driving range met each week with a jolly
smile from Mr. Carew. He always says “Many people What Colm always tells us is to follow the five steps ex-
believe they can play golf just because they can swing plained above.The secret to golf is not to hit the ball, you
the club. To be good at golf you must follow 5 simple do not try and hit it, you simply go through the five steps
steps.” and make sure you move your left shoulder, and if you
want to become better simply practice these steps with
• First get your grip correct with your right hand your left arm only. In following these steps you will hit the
overlapping your left thumb ball, so you use this system and the result is the striking
of the golf ball.
In using these 5 steps everyone has drastically improved
their golfing skills this year even Mr. O’Cuinn. To sum-
marise this year’s golfing experience we are looking for-
ward to playing an 18 hole golf course and putting our
new skills to the test.
• Then make a triangle, from your shoulders and On behalf of all this year’s golf attendants I would like to
your arms sincerely thank Mr. O’Ciunn for organising all of our les-
sons and to Mr. Colm Carew who through his teaching
has made each of us a better golfer.
Waterford Schools
Badminton Competition
Friday 20th November, 2009
Congratulations to all who took part in the Waterford

Schools Badminton Competition, held at Blackwater
Community College. Outstanding result was the junior
team who won their division. All games were played
• 3rd your stance, set your feet at shoulder width with enthusiasm and enjoyment and great pleasure was
or slightly wider, and do not rock your hips when made of the day. Badminton is a great game and one that
you swing, don’t lean forward as in picture 1 can be played in school and or in clubs. I hope this is just
the start. Well done to all who took part.
Senior Girls:
Nicola Fennell, Anna Hickey, Beth Rochford and Patricia
Martinez
Final Newtown vs. Lismore Lost 1 – 5
Senior Boys: Luke Bailey, Stephen Ennis, Alex Clarke
and Andrew Walsh
Final Newtown vs. Lismore Lost 0 – 6
Junior Boys 1st overall:
Alex Hackett, Sam Butler, Alan Jephson and Jamie Petch
Round Robin Newtown vs. Lismore Won 4–2
Newtown vs. St. Declans Won 6 – 0
Junior Boys:
• 4th don’t bend your wrists, keep them solid ,move Max Marden, Joshua Kenny, Geoffrey Graham, and
your arms and wrists together in one simultane- Roland Walshe
ous movement Final Newtown vs. Lismore Lost 1 – 5
Junior Girls 3rd overall:
• 5th swing back the club with left your arm and Phoebe Moore, Catherine McGrory, Becky Barr, and
move your left shoulder to swing the club and Sarah Murray
follow through. Round Robin Newtown vs. Lismore Lost 0–6
Newtown vs. St. Declans Drew 3 – 3
82
Surfing in Tramore! Spikeball
Abi Hurley Collins Beth Rochford
In November, along with fifteen other transition year girls,
I completed an intensive training course to become a
Spikeball Leader. The course was run by the Volleyball
Association of Ireland (VAI) and took place over a two
day period and organised as part of the Women in Sport
Coaching Programme. The main aims were to promote
the involvement of women in sport and raise awareness
of the important role they play. The idea of the course
was to introduce young women to the whole concept
of participating fully and actively in all aspects of sport
and our community. One way to do this was by coaching
younger children in our local primary schools.
Tramore is and has been linked to Newtown school for
years in several different ways. TY students enjoy the On the first day, Graham Torrence from the VAI arrived
wonderful beach atmosphere and learn to surf as part of to be met by sixteen eager girls. Spikeball is a newly de-
their activities. Aside from this, there are a few surf crazy veloped sport and so we had no knowledge at the time of
students who live and love to surf. Every chance we get what the game entailed. Nevertheless, we were willing to
(myself included) we are in the water be it hail or rain, sun learn, so the training course got underway quite quickly.
or clouds. While we are away from our homes and our Despite Spikeball being an adapted form of Volleyball, it
usual surf breaks, excursions to Tramore are a regular was still a relatively new sport for all of us and took a bit
routine. Wednesday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays of adjustin to. Throughout the first day, we were slowly
there is nothing we like more than to be out in the chilly introduced to the new rules, skills and ball handling. By
Atlantic Ocean with waves rearing overhead… the time Graham had finished with us, we all had a good
understanding of Spikeball and our interest in the game
Tramore beach has a wonderful atmosphere, two surf was such that we looked forward to teaching it to others.
schools Oceanic Manoeuvers and T Bay (in a constant
battle of “who’s more radical”) and an influx of tourists On the second day of coaching, Graham was joined by
every time the sun decides to shine. Surfing in Tramore another VAI coach, Mary Lalor. The training for the day
can be a dire business because the waves are seldom alternated from learning the game to teaching it to each
in existence. No surfer wants to go through the hassle of other, and focusing on the coaching aspect of the course.
getting to the beach only to find that it’s flat, flat, flat! Get- We learned how to teach, referee and promote the game,
ting to Tramore from school is hard work. The following
are the necessary steps we must take to insure we get a
surf under our belts:
Getting letters of permission from parents who are sick to
death of using the fax machine.
Managing to secure a lift to Tramore, this always takes a
bit of ‘Newtowners luck’.
IF we’re lucky and there are waves, we get wetsuits on
as quickly as humanly possible (I’m always the last one
ready but I’m a girl!), run to the water’s edge and without
thinking twice, plunge into the sea and begin the long
paddle out.
It is unfortunate that more people in school don’t surf,
especially because we are so close to Tramore beach.
There was a trip (set up by myself) last year, in which the which we would come to do vigorously. As we were to
school arranged for anyone who wanted to go surfing on teach the game to primary school children, we had the
a Sunday afternoon to do so. This arrangement unfortu- difficult task of trying to make learning the game fun, ei-
nately ended with the retirement of Mr. Collins. ther by the way we interacted with the children or the
I love surfing. It’s a brilliant sport and until you try it you way we introduced new skills. It was a long 6 hour day
don’t know what you’re missing. There is nothing I like to which required an awful lot of concentration on our part.
do more than be out in the waves with friends. This is not Though we were all exhausted by the end of the course,
something I get to do often during the school year but, we were excited about teaching the new game to others.
when it comes to the summer holidays I’m a beach rat! We were split into groups of twos and threes, given Spike-
I’m going to ask everyone reading this to please, give ball tee shirts and allocated different classes/schools. It
surfing a try this summer, I hear it’s gonna’ be a good was in these groups that we would teach Spikeball to
one! our respective classes. We would be teaching fourth, fifth
PEACE OUT DUDES! and sixth class from Christchurch NS, St John of Gods,
Waterpark NS and Newtown JS. They were all local
83
schools so transportation to and from them over the fol- town, to be met by us, the equally enthusiastic organis-
lowing weeks was easy. ers. At the end of the competition each child received a
lollypop with the winners being awarded special prizes.
We spent one hour each week for six consecutive weeks
coaching the children. The new sport was met with much In the end, the whole course turned out to be a huge
enthusiasm from pupils and teachers alike. After learning success. The local kids learned a new game, while we
the rules and the different skills used in the game, every learned how to be diligently involved in our community
child could participate fully in the Spikeball games. and improve our participation in local sports programmes.
By simply learning a new game we could, in turn, impart
At the end of the six week period, the 29th January, we our knowledge to others and become active members of
held a Blitz competition in the Foy Hall in school. Teams the community. It was a worthwhile and rewarding expe-
of enthusiastic players from each school arrived in New- rience. I would recommend it to anyone interested.
Random Pics
Ironing Choir uniforms
In pensive mood
The Bear necessities - sunglasses

and water
Flower Power
Don’t forget your shovel if you want

to go to work
84
Music
Music in Newtown Ben Turner and Joe Dixon
The Chamber Choir perform at the Regional

Final of the All-Island School Choir Competition.
Music has always been a major (or minor, or dominant seventh) part of Newtown life for years, and is now more so
than ever. Newtown has had many famous musicians pass through its gates over the years e.g. Sinead O’Connor,
Karen Casey and Tara Blaise as well as Simon Crowe and Garry Roberts of the Boomtown Rats, to name but a
few. Over the years, the music department has developed and students can now choose from a wide range of
instruments from piano to drums and guitar and everything in between. This is possible due to the much appreci-
ated work and dedication of Ms Anne Barry, director of music. This form of tuition is the kind sought after by most
students. All grade examinations are arranged through the school by Ms Patricia Hogan. Newtown students have
always prided themselves in scoring highly in these exams. This is not by accident, however. The continuing suc-
cess of music at Newtown is due to the skills and dedication of the music staff, who, day in day out come in and
give lessons on a one to one basis. This personalised tuition is the kind sought after by most students and the
school is lucky to have them. Much of the staff are highly involved in music outside of school, playing in bands,
recording, singing in choirs, performing and accompanying.
There have been many student bands over the years but this year none have survived long enough to come under
our radar. There is one duo however that still plays and busks together regularly which comprises of the writers of
this article. We have gone through many names but have settled on Benzoloroso which is a mixture of our stage
names (Benzene and Joey Doloroso). Should any bands be formed, Newtown provides excellent facilities for them
to grow and develop. Ms Barry’s classroom is available (at her discretion) for them to practice in, with a full sized
drum kit and lots of space to jump around in and such. The classroom also houses the school recording equip-
ment, which is free for anyone to use should inspiration strike!
As usual it has been a very busy year for music both in and out of school, with students partaking in Feises and
recitals. Students have played in morning collect; this an opportunity for students to get to grips with performing in
front of their peers and for the rest of the school to enjoy the variety of music happening at school. The Christmas
concert this year was a great success as there were many students who played for the first time as well as students
who are used to playing in front of large crowds. As usual the performances were of a very high standard. Again,
well done to all involved and thank you to Mr. Murray for recording the entire event.
Rock on everybody!!!!
85
Music Report
Junior Choir:
With Junior Choir back on the timetable this year, all of
Form 1 piled into M2 and raised the roof with some wel-
come exercises for young singers. It was quickly evident
there were a number of great singers in he group and
one thing they were not was shy!
In the opening term we worked on a selection of songs
and settled on a Jackson Medley as our choice for Christ-
mas. This featured three brave soloists in Sophie Crotty,
Jeffrey O’Brien and Ian Cohen who sang A,B,C, I’ll be
there and Ben respectively. What a great job they did
and what a great start to the Christmas Concert the ju-
niors made.
In the second term, some of our focus in class turned
to sight-reading, tonic solfa and the singing hand signs.
This group enjoyed the challenge this method presents.
In their ‘x’ and ‘y’ class groupings, they learned very Member of the Chamber Choir hold Chamber Choir trophy for
quickly to follow the hand patterns and could read up to the Cork International Choral Festival, Schools Competition.
an octave with ease in a short space of time. These were The choir was awarded 90% and a mark of Excellence.
encouraging signs in advance of our choir exam towards
the end of the year. On the day, despite a shaky dress re-
hearsal, the choir sang with great conviction and volume! In the next term we looked toward our exam and added
The examiner commented on their energy and their ex- to our Christmas ‘set’ with a complete contrast in John-
cellent diction and he was most impressed by their sight- son Boys. This involved some choreography which the
reading and theory – the latter receiving full marks. The girls grasped with ease. All they were missing were their
choir was awarded 136/150 – a high distinction. stetsons! On the day of the exam, the girls gave this a
rousing performance and the examiner commented on
As I write, audition time for the Chamber Choir has come
the ‘rhythmic energy’ they brought to this arrangement.
around again and I am delighted by the number of form
1 singers who have shown interest in giving auditions a For three years in a row the girls were awarded 138/150
shot. That’s the attitude – well done! I hope to see you but they will be delighted to know that this year, they
next year in either the Senior or Chamber Choir. topped that result by a mark – 139/150 – only one mark
away from the ‘Excellence’ division!
We have had a special bunch of girls from 6th form this
Senior Choir: year who stayed with the choir all the way to the end
With the numbers looking very healthy again this year, of the year. Your commitment and sense of fun during
the girls were instantly promoted back to a 3-part choir rehearsals and performances has added so much to the
and we were able to work with more challenging reper- choir. A special thanks to Jasmine Bolger-Patel, Lucia
toire once again. Brogan, Hilary Stack, Sarah McDonagh, Catriona Dooley
(Altos), Claire Buckley (2nd Soprano) and Sunita Brazil,
One of our ‘starter’ pieces in September ended up being Dearbhaile Maclean, Katie Maguire and Eimear Mullane
one of the girl’s favourites and Allundé featured a number (1st Sopranos). Be sure to keep up the singing next year
of times during the year. With a confident opening solo girls. Any choir would be delighted to have you.
from Laura Power, this setting of a Swahili prayer talks
about a mother protecting a newborn child and includes Chamber Choir:
some African vocal effects which the girls enjoyed repli-
For new members coming into Chamber Choir it can be
cating.
a daunting experience to begin but this year’s crew did
To this we added Sahayta by Ben Allway which was com- not seem to be at all troubled and settled in with ease!
posed by a group of students at a peace conference. The We welcomed 1st soprano Lucy Walsh (Form 4), 2nd so-
text represents many languages but highlights a unity in pranos Rebekah Mullane, Ellen O’Carroll (Form 2), and
the search for peace. Ektaa is that ‘unity’. The ‘call and Eimear Mullane (Form 6), altos Jess Corrigan (Form 2)
response’ style of singing in this piece also comes from and Amy Kelly (Form 3), tenors George Morris and Cillian
the African tradition and this was ably led by four senior Jacob (Form 2) and basses Neil Dunne (Form 2), Jung
1st sopranos – Sunita Brazil, Dearbhaile Maclean, Katie Hur (Form 4) and Austin Slevin (Form 6),
Maguire and Eimear Mullane,
The opportunity to take part in a new choral competition
Our third piece for the Christmas concert was the carol arose in September when an application for the All Is-
Hodie Christus Natus Est arranged by Michael Bedford. land School Choir of the Year arrived. The requirement
We had struggled with learning the words for this one was to send a CD of the choir with two songs recorded
for some reason, but it all came together on the night! in September. For this we chose The Long and Wind-
It’s always lovely when the audience is oblivious to the ing Road and Feel the Spirit and a few weeks later we
potential ‘blips’! were informed that we qualified for the Regional Finals
86
versity. There we were shown around the music depart-
ment and the wonderful Sonic Arts Research Centre.
Following this we had a workshop with James Davey,
one of the UK’s leading choral directors. He got us into
gear with some great warm ups and then worked on a
selection of our pieces. Though the choir was tired they
were very co-operative and attentive and gleaned a lot
from James’s expertise.
That evening we shared a concert with the QUB Brass
Band under the baton of Prof. Michael Alcorn. They were
wonderful and treated us to a section of film and big band
music which was a highlight for many on the trip. I am
delighted to say that the band plans on paying us a visit
in December and we’ll look forward to returning their kind
hospitality.
Although that was the end of our official performances for
the trip, it was not the end of the singing and our thanks
go to James O’Halloran and Ben Turner who played gui-
The Chamber Choir are warmly welcomed at Friends tars and accompanied the choir all the way home – 4
School, Lisburn
which took place at the Cork School of Music on Thurs-

day, October 22. There we competed against four other
schools, the event was recorded for RTE 1 television
and, although we did not qualify for the finals, we had
a great day. The programme was broadcast on Sunday
November 1st and was accompanied by a very nice pro-
file on the school.
In November we turned our attention to preparing for the
WLR/Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal Concert. In
addition to the usual carols that we join forces with oth-
ers choirs to sing at this event, a fun arrangement of The
12 days of Christmas was amongst the repertoire. This
incorporated a variety of styles including jazz, gospel,
barber shop and opera. The concert was on December
12th and our own school concert followed on December Chamber Choir girls at QUB Concert Hall.
18th. In addition to our competition pieces we performed
Estrella Brillante by Nancy Grundahl. One of the chal-
lenges I set for the choir this year was to be able to sing hours, almost non-stop playing – from Belfast to Water-
mixed up and without being conducted and I was delight- ford! Well done guys!
ed when the choir did both, very capably, on that night.
Following the Easter holidays, we returned with three
On Dec 9th some senior students were also involved in weeks to go to the Cork International Choral Festival. We
a choral recital given by a number of school groups with worked hard and got our two pieces comfortably under
the theme of diversity and integration. This took place our belts. Both Duilleoga and Daniel in the Lion Den were
at the Mount Sion Church and was a lovely start to the challenging, and ‘big’ sings, but we were encouraged by
Christmas performances. Br. Ben’s reaction to his piece when he came to visit a
In the New Year we revised Duilleoga by our friend Br. few days before the competition. He didn’t realize quite
Ben Hanlon and we also began a new and very chal- how difficult it was and was impressed by how the choir
lenging spiritual by Paul Caldwell, Daniel in the Lion Den. had ‘made it their own’ and, he felt, ‘turned it into a better
The latter is mostly in 6 parts and though it took time to piece than he had written’. Ever the humble composer,
settle into this difficult piece, we got the notes together but I think we can safely say he was very pleased so we
and could then begin putting some real shape on it. went to Cork hoping to give Duilleoga a worthy premiere
and that we did. The ensemble rocked a little in our open-
On Thursday, March 18th we made the trip to Lisburn ing piece, Daniel in the Lion Den, but not enough to sway
to Friends School. We spent a lovely day there singing the judges’ decision. They awarded us first prize with a
for the school, rehearsing with their choir and later that mark of 90 in each piece, a certificate of excellence and
evening, performing with them in St. Mark’s Church in a beautiful ceramic trophy which marks the special cen-
Belfast. We sang some solo items and also joined the tenary of Prof. Aloys Fleischmann’s birth – founder of the
massed choir for the hymn singing in Stainer’s Crucifixus. festival. We were all very happy campers heading back
After a busy day we said goodbye to our Lisburn friends to Waterford and, more than our win, we were particu-
and headed back to our hotel for a well earned rest! larly delighted to have won with Br. Ben’s great composi-
On Friday we started the day with a tour of Queen’s Uni- tion. It transpired Br. Ben had 6 pieces performed at this
87
year’s festival. Two premieres, three winning choirs and wherever you may be in the future. To Maeve, Dearbhaile,
two special awards and it was lovely to play a part in that Claire, Eimear, Sarah, Paul, Jonathan, Hugh, Shane and
success. Austin lots of luck for the future and keep singing! AB.
On May 13th we did our exam and it was a great, con-
fident, relaxed and fun performance. For this we added
Africa to our Cork programme and were awarded a very Irish Youth Choir:
high, 143/150! Well done one and all. That evening we The Irish Youth Choir is a national choir of approximately
gave a recital at the local Cheshire Home which was 85 singers from all over the country. Newtown has had
much appreciated and we look forward to including that good representation in this group over the years, and
in our calendar for next year also. this year is no exception. I am delighted to wish Dearb-
Our last performance of the year was without question haile Maclean (Soprano), Paul Murray (Tenor) and Hugh
O’Farrell-Walsh (Bass) all the very best as they join the
ranks of the IYC. They will have a wonderful opportunity
to perform with the Irish Youth Orchestra, under the ba-
ton of Greg Beardsall, and sing Brahm’s Requiem and
Ive’s Prayers of Kirkagaard. Into the bargain they will get
to perform at the West Cork Music Festival, the Wexford
Opera House and at the National Concert Hall. I know it
will be the start of something very special for them in their
choral careers. Enjoy every moment!
Chamber Choir Trip To

Belfast
By Ben Turner.
In the wee hours of Thursday morning, the 18th of March,
the bleary eyed heads of the Chamber Choir made their
way on to the bus headed for Friends’ School, Lisburn.
Following much rearranging of seats, and running back
Hugh O’Farrell-Walsh (bass), Dearbhaile Maclean and forth with forgotten bits and pieces, we set off. Un-
(Soprano) and Paul Murray (Tenor) who have been usually for Newtown, the bus journey was uneventful,
selected by audition for the Irish Youth Choir which mostly because everyone was too tired to talk. And so,
takes place from June 26th - July 4th. Well done and piloted by our cheery driver Jim, we arrived safely and on
good luck! schedule at Friends’ School Lisburn.
On arrival, we were greeted by head of music Mr. Peter
the best performance of the year. Hunter, who led us inside and kindly showed us to us
a room to drop off our array of uniforms, bags, guitars
It was a fund raising concert for the Waterford members
and amps. After lunch in the school canteen, we met
of the Irish Youth Choir and all of the local choirs who
with some of the senior students, who led us through the
have IYC members performed. It was a great festival of
singing and one in which the choir held their heads very many winding corridors to the school hall. After a quick
high. It was great to end on such a high note – literally! – rehearsal, the choir performed their first concert of the
after what has been a very special year and I would like trip to the students of the senior and junior sections of
to say a very big thank you to all the choristers for your the school, interspersed with some excellent impromptu
incredible commitment, your hard work and for taking on performances from Jonathan, Paul and Dearbhaile.
the challenging music I present for you with such cour- Despite a shaky moment from the tenor line (myself in-
age and conviction! cluded!) the first performance of the tour was a success,
I hope you have enjoyed the year as much as I have and and was enjoyed by all. A quick break and a much need-
you can be very proud of all you have achieved. Here’s ed glass of water later, we joined with the FSL choir for
to 2010 –2011. a rehearsal of Stainer’s Crucifixion. Not hindered by the
task of rehearsing two choirs, the ever resourceful Ms.
The only sad part about Chamber Choir for Mrs. Keap-
Barry swiftly took control and soon had both choirs work-
pock and I are the goodbyes every year. Often the 6th
years have become the leaders and the inspiration for ing well together. After rehearsal came what had been the
younger choir members and this year’s group is no ex- cause of much debate that day; the dreaded ‘icebreak-
ception in that regard. They have been a terrific bunch ers.’ The junior members of the choir, each assigned a
and they will be greatly missed. Many have been in the member of the FSL choir, headed off for tea with their
choir since 2nd year and those who joined along the way respective hosts, while we seniors resigned ourselves to
equally showed their commitment and dedication. Thank our uncertain fate! The icebreakers, however, turned out
you guys – you have been a pleasure to work with and to be a series of games; harmless, yet deceptively chal-
I hope others choirs will benefit from your great talents lenging. After one last heated round of ‘Smile’ (the details
88
of which I shall not divulge here), peace was made once
more, and we were then brought to the canteen for tea.
I wonder still where the endless stream of Domino’s piz-
zas came from, but appear they did, and no one com-
plained. With the pizza safely stowed in happy tum-
mies, and awkward introductions over with, it was time to
change for the night’s concert. After a second reshuffling
of bags and gear onto the bus, we drove to St. Mark’s
Church in Belfast where we met with the FSL choir and
other adult choirs from Lisburn. Despite having had
only a brief rehearsal, the chamber choir easily settled
into their parts and mixed well with the other choirs. Both
the adult choirs and the FSL choir produced wonderful
performances, with some very impressive professional
bass and tenor solos and a stunning rendition of ‘You
Chamber Choir boys at QUB Concert Hall.
Raise Me Up’ by FSL.
On Friday, after a wonderful breakfast set out for us by
our hosts at the Premier Inn, the choir headed off into Prof. Michael Alcorn had kindly invited us to join in the
Belfast for the much anticipated tour of Queen’s Univer- concert, which was a lovely surprise and a huge privilege
sity. We were met by Claire who showed us to the music for the choir.
department. Here we were given an introduction by Dr. Amongst our repertoire for the evening, the choir were
particularly delighted to have the chance to premiere a
piece by Br. Ben Hanlon, choirmaster at De La Salle Col-
lege, Waterford named Duilleoga. It is a hauntingly beau-
tiful piece of music, and we were honoured to sing it, and
to do so in such a great venue was a real bonus. We look
forward to giving Duilleoga its premier in the republic at
the Cork Choral Festival on April 30th, 2010.
Another highlight of the performance was our rendition of
Africa by the band Toto for which we were joined by beat-
box extraordinaire, Niall McEvoy. The performance was
a huge success, and a real credit to the hard work of Ms.
Barry and the choir. The concert was also a great oppor-
tunity to hear some of the emerging talent from Queen’s,
The Chamber Choir at Queen’s University, Belfast.
with some members of the Brass Band premiering pieces
of their own. The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all,
Pearse Helliwell, Professor of composition, to life as a and a huge thank you to Professor Alcorn for inviting us.
music student at Queen’s. With several choristers now
rethinking their college choice, we were brought through
the maze of the university to the sonic lab, a facility
unique to Queen’s University. We were met by Dr. Gary
Kendall, who explained the inner workings of the lab and
played us a sound sample to show off its facilities; the
choir were treated to music coming from the walls, the
ceiling and even the floor beneath us! The choir were
itching to fiddle with the various buttons on display, but it
was time to go.
Next we were excited to receive a choral workshop from
none other than James Davey, conductor of Chantage,
BBC choir of the year. He quickly proved to be a wonder-
ful teacher and did intensive work on pieces, tightening
sections and offering advice. With this success the choir
were eager to workshop more pieces, but unfortunately
James had to catch a flight back to London (for a re-
Chamber Choir members rest after a choral work-
hearsal that afternoon!) A huge thank you to James for
shop with James Davey.
the great work he did!
After some shopping and sightseeing around Belfast, we
returned to Queen’s where we were kindly hosted for tea Thank you and well done!
by the staff there. That night we sang in a concert given Saturday morning came, and it was time to go. After a last
by the Queen’s University Brass Band. Head of Music, delicious breakfast at the Premier Inn, we thanked the
89
lovely staff and, after lots of running for forgotten bags, As always we had candi-
we finally set off. Compared to the way up, the journey dates for each of the three
home was never dull with music erupting at any moment examination periods of the
silence seemed imminent. In keeping with the tradition Associated Board. Simon
of many a bus journey, guitars were produced from no- Quigley and Sarah Murray
where and headed by James O’ Halloran, Loic Jacob and did well in the November
myself, the bus sang, yelled and clapped its way across session, with Beth Roch-
the country, and after what seemed like no time at all, ford and Killian Kelly both
cruised through the gates of Newtown, right on time for achieving their grade six
lunch. Though tired out, we all stepped off the bus that theory exams. Jane and
afternoon with smiles on their faces, the last chorus of Hannah Murray, and Lydia
The Wild Rover ringing merrily in our ears. Thorpe did very well in the
March session. We had over 25 candidates for the sum-
The trip would not have been possible without the hard mer session and await the results.
work of many people. Thank you to Ms Barry for her tire-
less work with the choir, and .without whom we wouldn’t The Leaving Certs
exist! To Mrs. Keappock for all her accompanying, to Mr. all played beauti-
McCormick and Mr. Lester for travelling with the group fully in their Sunday
and keeping us all in check, and last but not least, thank evening collect per-
you to our cheery driver Jim without whom we wouldn’t formances on 21st
have gotten anywhere. Thank you to everyone for a great march. I love this
trip, and well done! Vive la musique! concert and each
year it makes me
proud yet sad that
another batch is
Piano Report ready to fly the coup.
This year was a particularly fond bunch...Sarah McDon-
Siobhan Keappock.
agh, Hilary Stack and Jonathan Morris. Best of luck to
Once in a lifetime, perhaps twice if one is very lucky, do you all, and also to Scarlett MacLachlan and Danielle
you get the chance to brush with raw talent in the tru- Lyne.
est sense. Six years ago Jonathan Morris came into M3
accompanied with his parents and Mr. Collins. He had
finished his school entrance interview and was on his ori-
entation walk-about of the school. He had had some pi-
ano lessons, he said, but forgot to bring any music books
Quotablees
along with him to showcase his progress. Not to worry
though...he could try sight reading a piece or two from
Quot I went blind for a

the volume of Beethoven sonatas sitting on my piano.
He did, and so my six years with Jonathan began. To say
that Jonathan is an outstanding musician is an under- “I think
statement. He has a phenomenal capacity to read and li c e B o wring -
A
second!” nking.”
memorise notation. He plays with a sense of time and
“I t’s called bli
Ross Hu
e t - dad do
space far beyond his years. His quality of touch is rich
w h a t d o es your
e,
and lyrical, yet dexterous and nimble when necessary. iley - “Jo
How does he do it? He is gifted. And I know that there Luke Ba
g?” enter.”
for a livin ’s a carp ay.
p to Galw
is a touch of ‘the harder I work, the better I get’, for he - “H e
e D ix o n ld g o u
has worked incredibly hard and consistently over the Jo e shou with the
iley - “H rk there,
years, but it is in addition to this that I say ...Jonathan Luke Ba s o f w o
get load rpets.”
Morris is gifted! This summer Jonathan will be taking He would a ll n e e d new ca
hey’l l , isn’t
up a two month residence as part of the Aspen summer floods. T m a g n e t is a bull
cow
music school. He will be partaking in master classes from ower - “A
world class teachers such as John O’Connor and Anton Laura P
it?” ill snow
Nel. After this he moves to London to commence his four
o y o u think it w
rter - “D
year music degree at the Guildhall ...on a full scholarship! Paul Po
I wish you the best of luck Jonathan; it’s been a pleasure Coxer?” now cha
nce.”
to work with you. o x - “S
Mr. C ondary?
h a t is after sec then
I am very happy to report on a successful year at the s – “W irdary,
feisenna across the country. Ruah Berney Pearson Mr. Jone y – “I know! Th
ase
brought home 1st prize from Feis Maitiu, Cork in the un- Becky C
ry !”
der17 repertoire competition. Sarah Galloway and And- fourtha
rea Hemmingway won the under 17 duet competition in
Waterford and Jonathan won the concerto competition
in Dublin.
90
Who is
Most likely to be...

Who will … 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year 6th year
Be a Farmer Ian Cohen William Hickey John Mullins Harry Milne Gary Marshall Mark
Richardson
Become a Model Rowan Keene Kyra Burell Olivia Power Freya Little Naomi Warren Sarah
McDonagh
Win the X-Factor Sophie Crotty Sarah Murray Amy Kelly Andrew Davis Jess Hegarty Dearbhaile
Maclean
Be sportsperson Laura McDaid David Christian Stephen Charlotte Caoimhe Hahn
of the year Kavanagh Cullen Scallan McCormack
Win an Oscar Kate Melaine Rosaleen Alex Browne Rachel Morris Austin Slevin
Fitzgerald Traynor
Caffer key
Be a T.V Kate Molly Owen Amy Corkery Jessica Molloy Shane Murphy
Personality Fitzmaurice Chapman
Caffer key
Be a stuntman/ Danielle Lyne Will Troy Phoebe Moore James James Andrew
woman Corcoran O’Halloran Heffernan
Hodgins
Break a World Lucy Latta William Hickey Luke Ryan Ben Kavanagh Stephen Ennis Jonathan
Record Morris
Be the Teacher’s Peter Murphy Rebekah Liam Walshe Stephen Laura Power/ George Walsh
Pet Mullane Scallan Kaija Kennedy
Go down in Ella Chapman Una Maya John Mullins Jamie Petch Octavian Pixie Porter
history Kennedy Fitzherbert
Be a Chris Dowling Marcus Walsh Max O’Brien Hannah Seána O’Neil Nicky Ryan
photographer O’Shea
Feed the world Grace Allen Bertram Allen April Allen Georgia Alice Bowring Mark Power
Doorley
Be on the news Devon Hartell Will Troy Jack Tully Stephen Camilla Driver Eimear
Scallan Mullane
Sail the world Nikki Boyd Ruairi Finegan Scarlett Thea Johnsten Loic Jacob Aidan Devlin
Maclachlan
Be a Ninja Hugh McEvoy Barry Michael Chan James Yuki Omi Paul Murray
warrior O’Sullivan Corcoran
Hodgins
91
RECIPEPAGE!
These recipes have been generously donated by members of the Newtown community. We would like to thank all
recipe donors!
Anne Foley’s beloved Brown Bread
Ingredients:
250g Plain white flour 1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees.
250g wholemeal flour 2. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl.
2tbs pinhead oatmeal 3. Add sunflower oil and milk to the dry mix-
1/2 tsp salt ture, stir with a wooden spoon.
1tsp bread soda (level) 4. Pour into greased loaf tin.
15ml buttermilk 5. Bake for 45-60 min as ovens may vary.
2tbs sunflower oil 6. Remove from tin and leave to cool before
serving.
Ms. Keogh’s Carrot, Sweet Potato, Red Pepper and Coconut Soup
Ingredients:
1tbsp. Coconut oil or Olive oil
½ red onion
1 garlic clove
1 large carrot
1 large sweet potato
1 cm root ginger
¼ tsp. turmeric
2 tsp marigold reduced salt vegetable
bouillon powder
½ red pepper
75ml coconut milk
1. Peel and crush garlic

2. Peel and chop onion, carrot and sweet
potato
3. Peel and grate or chop ginger
4. Remove seeds from pepper and dice.
5. Heat oil in medium size saucepan and
gently sauté onion and garlic until they
soften but do not turn
brown (lid on).
6. Add the carrot, sweet potato, ginger turmeric and bouillon powder. Cover with boiling water and bring to the
boil. Cover and simmer for 15 min or until the vegetables are soft.
7. Add the red and coconut milk and blend immediately until smooth and thick.
92
Mrs. Denniston’s Tarte Mrs. Glasheen’s Easy Sticky

aux Tomates Toffee Pudding
Ingredients:
250g puff pastry
3tbsp sun-dried tomato paste
1tbsp olive oil
750g cherry tomatoes
1 small red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
4 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole
30g black olives, stoned
75g fromage de chevre (goats cheese), soft or crum-
bly
1 small egg, beaten for glazing
1 tart tin
sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and basil leaves for
garnishing
1. Preheat oven to its highest setting.

2. Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface to a
30cm circle, and gently place in tart tin.
Ingredients:
3. Prick all over with a fork, leaving 2cm over the
edge. 100g dark muscavado sugar
4. Spread tomato paste all over, except the un- 200g dark muscavado sugar
pricked edge. 175g self-rising flour
5. Baste cherry tomatoes with olive oil, and tightly 25g chopped butter
pack on top of tomato base. 125ml milk
6. Sneak in the onion, garlic and olives. 500ml boiling water
7. Dot the goats cheese here and there. 1 egg
8. Season with salt and pepper before brushing pas- 1tsp vanilla extract
try with the beaten egg.
50g unsalted butter, melted
9. Place in oven for 20-25min, tomatoes will have
200g chopped rolled dates
burst, browned and blistered.
10. Serve with green salad.
1. Preheat oven to 190C and butter a 1.5 litre pudding

Peter and Scott’s Lemon Cake dish.
(from Mrs. Keappock) 2. Combine sugar and flour in a large mixing bowl.
3. Beat together the egg, milk and vanilla extract.
Ingredients: 4. Add melted butter and chopped dates.
8oz butter 5. Scrape mixture into prepared pudding bowl.
8oz white flour 6. Sauce; sprinkle sugar and chopped butter on the
8oz sugar pudding mix.
4 eggs 7. Pour in the boiling water.
2-3tsp baking powder 8. Bake for approx 45min.
1/2 jar good quality lemon curd The top of the pudding should be spongy and
1 lemon (juice and zest) springy and the butter, sugar and water should
have formed a rich sticky sauce underneath the
3-4oz icing sugar
pudding. Serve with ice-cream, crème fraiche or
cream as you wish.
1. Beat butter and sugar together until stiff.
2. Beat in the flour, eggs and baking powder until
creamed.
93
Staff
Questionnaire
What three things would you bring to a Which teacher would you most like to
desert island? have taught you?
Ms. Davidson Mr. Cox – Henry Collins because he is statesman like
1.laptop and has an excellent grasp of his subject (history)
2.books
3.mobile phone Mr. Denniston – That man in the gospels – Jesus,
the teacher
Mrs.Denniston
1. my husband Ms. O’Byrne – Mr. Denniston
2. complete works of Jane Austen
3. sun tan lotion Mrs. Denniston – Mr. O’Cuinn – he makes me laugh!
Mr. Ashmore Mr. Ashmore – any home Ec. Teacher

1.a ball
2.Jamie Oliver Ms. Davidson – Mr. McCormick
3.5th biology class
Mr. Ronan – Fozzie Bear – he tells the best jokes in
Mr. Ronan: That makes no sense why would I plan to the world – EVER!
go to a desert island? I know I often say I wish I could
get some peace and quiet from the border boys but Ms. Rellis – Most have, so no comment!
going to a desert island is a bit extreme. Where would
I plug my playstation 3 in? Where would I store my
books? Where would I get my fix of Fentiman’s Cu-
riosity Cola? Is there an Ardkeen Superstore on the
island? Therefore I feel it would be better if I sent all
the kids there and just enjoyed the peace and quiet What philosophy do you live your life by?
here in my flat. Oh and I’d send those stupid brothers
Jedward there too. Ms. Davidson - Do onto others as you would like to
have done onto yourself
Mr. Ashmore - Never grow up
Ms. Rellis - Hakuna Matata
Quotablees Ms. Rowe - Just do it
Quot looks lik

e it’s
Mr. Cox – I seldom analyse my life if at all, I try to look
at ways at which I can interact more positively with
a t v a n
an – “Th window.
Ms. Kirw
those I encounter daily.
the ranny
m in g through s o n th e van, ‘G
c o sa y
yce – “It Mr. Denniston – Small random, unexpected, insignifi-
Peter Jo get
tl e ’. ” n o t c o ming to cant acts of kindness while keeping in mind that one
Ca s ell it’s
an – “W is unique – just like everyone else
Ms. Kirw
me.” t yet!”
r s tu d e nt – “No Mr. Ronan – When I get sad, I stop being sad and be
Anothe ay this awesome instead. True story!
t a F r e aky Frid
no
an – “It’s .”
Ms. Kirw y th, so
a half a
Ms. Barry – Life is not a dress rehearsal, enjoy every
a y, it ’s
d
F r id a y the 13
Frid But it’s minute.
Lyne – “
Danielle ay.”
is a F r eaky Frid
it
94
Puzzle page
2010
95
The silva
method by Brenna Traynor
I
n October 2009 I completed The Silva Method Basic Our consciousness needs information about what we
Lecture Series in Dublin. I am now a Silva Gradu- want so it can give positive results. Positive thoughts pro-
ate. Doing the course was one of the best decisions I duce positive results, negative thoughts produce nega-
have ever made, and I would like to share some of what tive results. Positive thinking is very important.
I learned with you. Mental House-cleaning in an exercise used to filter out
The Silva Method of mind development is the first how-to negative phrases such as: “It’s killing me” “I can’t remem-
program designed to help people function at alpha level ber” “You’re giving me a headache” “I’m dying for...” and
frequencies (Brain waves). In this state of mind, you are so on. There are three steps involved in Mental House-
able to use your best qualities of thinking; your creative cleaning:
side the right-brain hemisphere, together with the logical Recognition- you must realize that the thought you are
and rational perspective qualities of your left-brain hemi- expressing is not to your benefit.
sphere.
Say ‘Cancel, Cancel’- you must cancel the negative
The Silva Method was founded by Jose’ Silva (1944- thought/statement, take it back in other words.
1999) in Laredo, Texas. His initial aim was to help his
.............. And most importantly ...............
children to improve their ability to concentrate and re-
member lessons in school. As he found effective ways to Substitution- you must replace your thought with a posi-
help them, he expanded his research, leading to a glo- tive alternative.
bal program practiced by millions of people in over 130 For example;
countries. “I can’t remember.” ---- “It doesn’t come to mind.”
There are two main reasons for this rapid growth: “I can’t afford...” --------“I choose to spend my money dif-
The Silva Method is the first and only fully-guaranteed ferently”
programme known to effectively help people establish If you struggle to find an alternative statement, just re-
greater self-mind control as well as a more innovative peat this affirmation; “Everyday in every way I am getting
way of thinking. better and better.”
The Silva Method is the only scientifically-researched ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
program known to develop intuition. Once you complete the 3 day course and become a
Meditation is a large part of the the Silva Method. Medi- graduate, you can repeat the course anywhere in the
tation describes a state of concentrated attention on world for the rest of your life for free!
some thought or object of awareness. Meditation is also The programme is so effective that a few of the exer-
known as; daydreaming, centering, deep relaxation, self- cises, like the three finger technique, are banned in some
hypnosis, basic plane and alpha level. Controlled relaxa- American high-schools during exams, where it is consid-
tion is the basic state used in the Silva exercises. The ered ‘cheating’ simply as they improve your memory! It
first part of the programme is learning to relax at any time is seen as an unfair advantage over other scholars who
you choose. don’t know the method!
It is recommended that you relax properly for at least 15 For more information about the Silva Method or for course
minutes every day. Doing this strengthens your immune dates, check out the website at www.SilvaMethod.com
system and dissolves stress enzymes, improving your
general health and happiness. Books and CD’s are also available to get you started.
Fractional relaxation is a method of releasing muscu- Seriously think about doing the course, it’s really worth
lar tension in one part of the body at a time. The Silva it!!
Method style begins by relaxing the head and ends with
the toes. You can practice deepening exercises by count-
ing backwards slowly from 100-1 or 25-1 breathing in
Random
through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus in Fact
one part of your body at a time starting with your scalp,
then your forehead, then eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw, Random The youngest
neck and so on down the body.
Fact pope was 11
years old
Once you learn to relax, you will be able to carry out
the techniques to help you achieve whatever you want! The word Ò nerdÓ
Whether it’s improving your grades at school, getting to was first coined
sleep, losing weight, improving your memory or finding a
solution to a problem, there’s a technique for everything!
by Dr. Seuss in Ò If
I Ran the ZooÓ
96
First Years
97
Newtown Review Team

Staff Editor: Brideen Kirwan.
Student Editor: Robert Galvin.
Sub Editors: Andrea Hemmingway, Camilla Driver, Sarah Galloway and Rachel Morris.
Collage: Brenna Traynor and Rachel Morris.
Photographers: Fiona Carty, Rachel Morris, Alice Bowring and Brenna Traynor.
Diary: Sarah Galloway and Andrea Hemming way.
Fashion: Naoimi Warren and Adam Torrie.
Front Cover: Brenna Traynor.
Back Cover: Cristopher Leslie (6th Year).
Quotable Quotes: Camilla Driver, Hannah Cantopher and Robyn Mockler.
Music: Joe Dixon and Ben Turner.
Sport: Clive Kennington, Octavian Fitzherbert, Luke Bailey and Stephen Ennis.
Rest of the Team: Abi Hurley Collins, Jessica Hegarty, James O’Halloran, Glen Ruane,
Hannah Cantopher and Ross Huet.
Cartoonist: Rory Van Dokkum (3rd Year).
98
Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010
Presidents Report 2010

Particularly good to see members of all These days when technology moves
ages involved and it is hoped that more at an ever increasing pace, we
‘mature’ old scholars might offer to help as understand the need to keep up with
their vast knowledge is invaluable when new methods of communication. To this
getting groups together and remembering end we have set up a Facebook page
classmates and their whereabouts. for Old Scholars. We are concsious
that not everyone has accesss to
Following the TerCentenary of Bishop
this technology and so we would like
foys, the revival of Foys Old Scholars
to reassure you that we are always
is very welcome and it is hoped this will
contactable by traditional snail mail and
continue.
we do love to hear from Old Scholars
In these very challenging times for with their news and updates of their
schools, it is good to remember the object whereabouts.
of the NMFOSA which states:
Comments, suggestions and ideas are
The main object of the Association shall be always welcome, offers of help even
the advancement of education, primarily more so. I do look forward to hearing
education at Newtown School, Waterford. In pursuing from you and to seeing many of you at the Reunion
this object, the main activity of the Association shall be weekend on 25/26 September 2010 in Waterford.
to provide a means for past pupils and staff of Newtown,
Thanks to the hardworking committee who give their time
Mountmellick and Bishop Foy Schools to maintain their
and energy voluntarily on behalf of all Old Scholars.
contact with The School, thus enabling them to support
the educational objections and educational progress of Bob Burns
the students.
Thank you Debbie

After 11 years as Secretary of the Newtown Mountmellick Foyonian Old Scholars Association, the committee
would like to thank Debbie Bailey for her committment and hard work.
Debbie was presented with a lamp, made by Brian Ashmore (Class of 1959) and a voucher for two people to at-
tend the Chelsea Flower Show in London this year. Debbie is now chairperson of the School Committee and has
recently completed the first year of her horticulture studies at the National Botanic Gardens.
The Committee wish her well in her future ventures.
Back row: April Rellis, Donal Motherway, Nicky Johnson, Kevin Jephson,
Keith Lemon, Andre Thompson, Ellen Fitzmaurice
Front row: Derek Dunne, Debbie Bailey, Oriel Woodbyrne, Bob Burns
99
Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010
The Annual Newtown Mountmellick & Foy

Old Scholars Reunion
Saturday 25th &
Sunday 26th September 2010
All old Scholars welcome
Programme of Events
Saturday 25th September
All Afternoon Archival Photo Display & Tea/Coffee in Legoland

3pm Hockey Old Scholars v School
Players of all ages and levels welcome.
5pm AGM of Newtown, Mountmellick & Foy Old Scholars Association.

To take place in the Study Hall (old Lecture Room).
7.30pm for 8pm REUNION DINNER at Woodlands Hotel,

Dunmore Road, Waterford
Ph: 051 304574 051 304574
Tickets : € 40
Available through Class Organizer. Must be booked and paid for in advance.
Sunday 26th September
11am Archival Photo Display & Tea/Coffee in Legoland
12pm Tree Planting and Group Photos in the Old Scholars garden in school
1pm Lunch in School

Cost: € 10
Available from Class Organizer. Must be booked and paid for in advance.
Those who are attending with Class year groups must book Dinner and Lunch with your class co-ordinator (Below).
All others please book with Jonathan Fletcher (Tel) 087 6476416 (Email) [email protected]
Old Scholars Reunion 2010

Class leaders
Class of 2000 Class of 1980

Kerrie Clarke, [email protected] Philip Hadden, 087 8168457 [email protected]

Ellen Fitzmaurice, [email protected] Kathy Dunne (nee Wallace) [email protected].

Gillian Nicholson, [email protected]
BISHOP FOYS
Class of 1985 Bob Burns, 021 4358191
Sarah Molony Cleary, [email protected]
100
Nomzi
I
am proud to say that put on. On the last evening,
Nomzi Pre-School, with the aid of head torches
which was established and the pickups headlights
in the remote Transkei area we finished the drainpipes
of South Africa, is proudly that collect rainwater into
celebrating 10 years. With large 5000 l catchment
two full time locally trained tanks.
teachers and a village
Due to the lack of rain dur-
school committee the whole
ing that dry season the vol-
project is finally reaching a
unteers didn’t get to shower
stage where the community
for the two weeks we were
are completely responsible, Georgie with Jannes, John, James, Trish and
there, however we did swim
this in my opinion should their team taking a break from their work.
in the sea each evening to
be the aim of these types of
wash away the grime and
projects. The only outside
sweat that built up during the day! It wasn’t all work
influence therefore is the continuous financial support
though, if we weren’t playing with the children or chal-
from the many generous donations, this covers teachers’
lenging the locals to a game of football, when the sun
salaries, food medical supplies, teaching equipment and
went down at 6 we sat around the fire enjoying locally
building upkeep costs. Having full control of the funds
caught crayfish, mussels and oysters. There was lots of
enables me to determine where all donations are spent.
singing, numerous games of trivial pursuit and of course
Since my last article in the Review in 2004 we have had a few drinks all under the flicker of candlelight.
many improvements to the school, the most significant
I can never sufficiently thank the team of volunteers who
being the construction of a new building in 2007.
worked so hard, each returning home to Ireland with nu-
The original building (built in 1999) was constructed us- merous blisters, and bar one, suffering a serious dose
ing traditional methods of wattle and daub and was in of tick bite fever which had us all shattered for weeks
desperate need of repair after serious weather damage. after our return. Most importantly I’d like to thank all of
you who have donated and continue to donate, as none
I went back out to South Africa in July 2007 with a small of this would be possible without you. I have had a
but very enthusiastic team of volunteers including my fa- lot of support from ex Newtowners. I would also like to
ther Jannes, Fawn Allen and three hard working friends, extend my gratitude to those who have completed vari-
John, James and Trish. Our mission was to build a se- ous challenges with a view to raising sponsorship and
cure long-term concrete building for the children. On our awareness for Nomzi Pre-school. This year my partner
arrival the local team who worked with us during our time Steve is competing in the Norseman Ironman in Norway,
there, had already demolished the original building and described as the ‘hardest ironman in the world’ I can only
prepared the site. thank him for his unrelenting support and hope we get as
Looking back now it is amazing to see what we achieved much sponsorship as possible.
in just 15 days. Due to the remote- We are always in need of volunteers,
ness of the area we had no access Children enjoying their new school preferably with experience working with
to electricity or running water. The children, and with so many things hap-
construction was extremely tough as pening here in Ireland at the moment a
there was no access road to the site, challenge and change of scenery is just
only a very steep grassy hill which what many of us need. There is plenty
was impossible to go up or down to do with regards to the project apart
with transport when it rained. All con- from teaching and due to the remote-
crete and cement for foundations and ness of the area, travelling with a friend
brickwork was mixed by hand and or as a couple is ideal as you will have
water was collected by bucket from support and company.
a river 15 minutes away and stored
in tanks strapped in the back of the For more info on volunteering please
rental pickups. It was a four hour contact me.
round trip if supplies were needed Georgie
from town. [email protected]
During those 15 days, foundations Bank Details: TSB, Waterford
were laid, walls went up, windows Georgie Helmholt-Kneisel
and doors went in and the roof was – School Fund
Acc No: 990631 -70851062
101
Prize
winning
Charlie working in
her studio
jewelry
designer
Charlie Harrison left Newtown with the Class of 1999
and has been working as a Jeweller for the last 7
years. Newtown gave Charlie many opportunities
to explore non academic area’s that interested her
like pottery, stained glass and woodwork. Craft was
something that she wanted to do more of when she
left Newtown, so she studied at Grennan Mill Craft
College in Thomastown. Here she worked on a va-
riety of skills including batik, weaving and printing.
When she fininshed in Thomastown, she knew jew-
elry was the area she wanted to focus on. She then
attended the Crafts Council of Ireland Jewellery Skills
Course in Kilkenny. Charlie worked with Eoin Mc-
Donnell, who was then, chairman of The Federation
of Jewellery Manufacturers in Ireland, with whom
she founded Moo Jewellery. After that Charlie
spent a year abroad, where she worked with a re- One of Charlie’s beautiful butterfly necklaces
nowned Jeweller, Trevor Scott, in New Zealand.
Throughout the years Charlie has entered the RDS

Crafts Competition on three occassions. All three of
her pieces that were entered were selected to be
exhibited in the RDS National Craft Competition Ex-
hibition. In 2005, a piece of Charlie’s Jewellery came
first in the Jewellery category. She won first prize in
the Company of Goldsmiths Award. Charlie also won
a purchase prize from the Crafts Council of Ireland for
her ‘Rainbow Swizzle’. She set up Charlie Harri-
son Jewellery in 2004 and her work was shown to the
trade at Showcase Ireland, an international trade fair,
held yearly. Since then she has been making pieces
that have been commissioned by numerous people,
including a brooch that was presented to The Presi-
dent of Ireland, Mary McAleese and a piece that was
presented to the Tainaiste Mary Harney.
Charlie currently lives in Edinburgh where she is in

her final six months of her degree in Mental Health
Nursing. Once qualified, she plans to nurse part time
and work on her jewelry for the rest of her time. Charlie presenting President Mary MacAlesse with her a specially
commissioned brooch
102
103
From Waterford to
Florence
B
orn in England, Dorian’s family where he now has a purpose built stu-
moved to Ireland when he was dio and private gallery space. He used
four and he attended Newtown this space to show his second exhibition
for his secondary education, finish- “Collection 2006” along with ongoing
ing with the Class of 2004. He had new and old works throughout the year.
an interest in sketching and design
2007 proved a very busy year for Do-
from a very early age, when detailed
rian. “Le Nu” was a retrospective of his
drawings of spaceships, aircraft carri-
past works which he showed in Febru-
ers and formula one cars sparked his
ary, while he exhibited a variety of piec-
talent. During his school days, he ex-
es at The Framing Studio in Waterford
perimented with different forms, from
City in March. Alongside internationnally
portraits and charicatures to studies
aclaimed artists such as Graham Knut-
of The Sistine Chapel. Dorian would
tel and local artists, Dorian was involved
describe himself as being self taught
in the Waterford Fringe Festival where
through experimentation and private
he exhibited his works . Towards the end of 2007, Dorian
study of artistic techniques and movement.
exhibited “The Shape of Things to come” at the Greyfri-
On finishing school, he left Ireland and lived in Madrid for ars Municipal Gallery as part of the Imagine Arts Festival
16 months, executing private commissions while honing in Waterford City.
his techniques and experimenting with subject matter.
Returning to the Jones Gallery in 2008, he exhibited
In February 2005 after returning to Ireland, he embarked “Still” which was a different style to his usual figurative
on his first solo exhibition “Shedding light” in the Jones work. Here, he showed a collection of still lifes as well as
Gallery , Dungarvan Co. Waterford. Following the suc- a few other pieces. He took part in this exhibition along-
cessful exhibition, Dorian renovated a pair of derelict side artists Ken O’Neill and Anthony Hayes.
out houses at the family home in Fiddown, Co. Kilkenny
Dorian decided that a move to Florence, Italy would be
Shifting emotions.
oil on canvas
by Dorian van ’Indifference’. oil on canvas
Braam
Figure study for ‘Last Judgement’ 2008. Pencil

on paper. By Dorian Van Braam
104
the best move for him so that he could continue his de-
velopment and help him be involved in the international
market. His first international exhibition was as part of
the “3 spazzi aperti” exhbition curated by Giovanni Laura
Adreani at the Galleria Mentana in Florence city centre.
This involvement lead to his first solo international exhi-
bition at the same gallery titled “Abstractions from reality
and other works”. Spending his time mainly painting, he
has also branched into more surreal and abstract works .
At time of print, Dorian is continuing with exhibitions,
teaching and hoping to move to London in the near fu-
ture.
’Twilight madonna’ oil

on canvas
WAT E R F O R D
Working in studio in Ireland
Working on ‘Last judgement’ in studio in

Florence
105
NMFOSA Pupils’ Fund

This year was the sixth year of the Pupils’ fund, we gave takers of the Environment conference which was held
€1,270 to four different projects in the year. We are con- this year in Aberdeen, Scotland. This is an annual confer-
tinuing with this fund as we believe it to be a worthwhile ence for which pupils are selected and invited to attend.
and valuable fund helping pupils with varied activities
and interests while increasing the awareness of the Old €250 Young Scientists Competition.
scholars’ association amongst the pupils. This money was given towards the participation of 6 stu-
dents who entered in two different categories. Both en-
€250 Poetry and Short story competition. tries were well received and achieved very good praise.
We continued with funding the prize money for this com-
petition as there is a great interest and level of participa- €450 Tenacious Sail Training.
tion in this event. We helped 3 pupils ,Loic Jacob, Hannah Hermon and
Stephen Ennis finance their trip from Waterford on an 8
€320 Caretakers Trip. day voyage with a mixed ability crew during their summer
This money was given to Andrea Hemingway and Sarah holidays .This proved to be a great learning experience
Galloway to help pay for their flights to attend the Care- for the students.
The Eric DeCourcy Scholarship

In recent years, the Old Scholars Committee have set in motion, a music scholarship which will allow a student,
who may not have otherwise had the opportunity, to study a musical instrument. This year, the committee have
continued their efforts with the School and Music Department to make this Scholarship a reality.
For this year, to get the scholarship off the ground, it has been decided that The Scholarship will part fund three
students who have been accepted to sing in The Irish Youth Choir. The Irish Youth Choir meet annually for an in-
tensive week long rehearsal course during the Summer, where it brings together singers aged from 18-28 from all
over Ireland. Under Artisitc Director, Greg Beardsell and a team of tutors and vocal coaches, the week culminates
in a number of performances.
The Committee are currently in discussion with the school and the music department as to the best format for
The Scholarship. If you would like to donate to this scholarship, please contact Oriel Woodbyrne at : orielandpaul-
[email protected]
Senior Choir 1964 - with Eric De Courcy: Back row: ---?---, Joe McKeever, Mervyn Hall, Piers Allott,
Michael Hall, Trevor Myles, ---?---, Susan Luke, Adele Masse. 2nd back row: John Davey, Maurice Poole,
Willie Hill, Keith Mosse, Rowena Fennell, Alwyn Gillespie, Judith Elmes, Rosemary Henderson.
2nd Row: Dahne Luce, Gabi Kneisel, Diane Turner, Ruth Sexton, Everild Allen, Karen Butterworth,
Barbara-Ann Mazwell, Caroline Oldlum, Heather Williams. Front row: Alison Hill, Beatrice Trench,
Aoileann Ní Eigeartaigh, Meriel Barrett, Judith Hitchmann, Pamela Bigger, Rosaleen Alexander,
Penny Hill, Louise Maxwell.
106
2011 Year of Craft

The Crafts Council of Ireland has
designated 2011 as a year long celebration
of craft.
Join us to celebrate craft at a multitude
of special events across the country,
including at Galway Arts Festival, Tall
Ships Waterford, Kilkenny Arts Festival
and many more.
And we are delighted to announce that the
World Crafts Council will hold its annual
congress in Dublin on June 8th and 9th.
Please e-mail us on
[email protected]
to be included on our mailing list
for the year.
Noel Ryan
TREE SURGEON
Waterford
* Dangerous Tree Specialist
* Tree Pruning
* Stump Grinding
* Tree Surveys
* Tree Felling
* Fully Insured for Tree Surgery
(C2)
* Free Estimate
* Emergency Call Out
Tel: 051 382 913
Mobile: 087 773 6953
BROOKLANDS, FAITHLEGG, CO. WATERFORD
Email: [email protected]
107
Minutes of AGM
MINUTES OF THE A.G.M. OF THE NEWTOWN, MOUNTMELLICK & FOYONIAN
OLD SCHOLARS ASSOCIATION HELD AT NEWTOWN SCHOOL WATERFORD ON
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2009.
Present: Bob Burns, Kevin Jephson, Heather Thompson, Nicky Johnson. Ruth Coad & Derek
Stewart, Richard de Courcy, Anne Dunne have both agreed to stay on the committee.
Jeffrey, Ruth Coad, Derek Dunne,
Jonathan Fletcher, Debbie Bailey, Committee with dates due to retire:
April Rellis, Roger Johnson, Joan
Johnson, Ester Langley, Andre Sept 2010 Sept 2011
Thompson, Peter Pearce, Oriel Derek Dunne
Woodbyrne. Ruth Coad Ken Murphy
Kevin Jephson Aidan Dunwoody
Apologies: Ken Murphy, Aidan Dunwoody, Ellen Ellen Fitzmaurice April Rellis
Fitzmaurice, Gordon Pyper, Matt
Foley, Heather Coad, Ann Russell,
Rena Bowers/harris Nicky Johnson 4. A.O.B.
Joan Johnson thanked Debbie Bailey for her
1. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, valuable work and that the growth of the old
passed and signed by the President. scholars was down to her continuous work
over the last 11 years. Joan also asked for a
2. Treasurers Report Jonathon Fletcher read his photograph appeal for the Archives, old pictures
report for the year 2008. and newspaper cuttings of old scholars.
The audited accounts are printed in full in the
Bob Burns also thanked Debbie for her years
review.
on the committee.
Bank monies have fallen considerably this year,
with losses in all the stock and shares. In 2008, Kevin Jephson made a recommendation that
we contributed €2,800 to the pupils fund for 5 Henry Collins be made an honorary member
projects, and €1,100 on 4 projects for 2009. of the NFOSA and that this then be ratified.
The Eric De Courcy Scholarship will hope to Proposed by Kevin Jephson and seconded by
start in Jan 2010. We received a donation of Joan Johnson & Bob Burns
€1000 from Jill Bailey for the pond and €100 Roger Johnson suggested that a letter of
from Myfanwy Ford. Kevin Jephson thanked welcome be sent to Keith Lemon and his wife to
Jonathon for all his work this year particularly welcome them to the school.
with the down turn overall.
Andre Thompson asked the committee about
3. New Officers and Committee any fundraising projects.
The following officers were proposed by Roger A book called A Jacob family will be launched
Johnson and seconded by Ruth Coad for the on Sunday the 27th in Tramore Life boat house,
year from Sept 2009 to Sept 2010: all are welcome.
Derek Dunne asked that the committee
President Bob Burns
acknowledge the passing of Edward James and
Vice-President Nicky Johnson
send a card of sympathy to his wife Mildred.
Hon Treasurer Jonathan Fletcher
Hon Secretary Oriel Woodbyrne
Hon Auditor Brian Little The handover of the chain of office to incoming
Editor Ellen Fitzmaurice President, Bob Burns took place.
The following committee members were proposed There being no further business, the meeting closed.
by Debbie Bailey and seconded by Derek Dunne
for the year from Sept 2009 to Sept 2010: Andre
108
TREASURERS REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED DEC 2009

Newtown Mountmellick and Foy Old Scholars Association accounts for the year Current Assets
ended 31rst December 2009. Stock 3,819 3,848
Debtors 2,322 1,075
Auditors Report Bank of Ireland current a/c 8,483 7,091
I have audited the financial statements and received all the information I found neces- Royal bank of Scotland ( E de Courcy) 41,000
sary .In my opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the associa- Perm TSB 41,000
tion’s affairs at 31rst Dec 2009 and of its result for the year then ended. Cash on hands 39 39
----------- ----------
Brian S.W. Little F.C.A. Current liabilities
Hon Auditor. Creditors 38
----------- ----------
6th May 2010. Net current assets 55,625 53,053
----------- ---------
Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31rst Dec 2009. 185,166 245,968
======= ======
Income
2008 2009 Financed by
Euro Euro Capital account
Balance at 1rst Jan 2009 130,206 131,134
Income from investments 5,213 17,839 Deficit for year ended 31rst Dec 2009 -1,826 -928
Interest receivable 207 Loss on investments -63,564 0
Advertising revenue 2,400 2,900 ----------- -----------
Profit (loss) on sale of ties -30 0 64,816
Profit on annual reunion 800 808 130,206
Donations 1,100 Life membership a/c
-------- --------- Balance at 1rst Jan 2009 74,390 70,231
9,482 21,754 Subscriptions received during the year 3,680 4,159
===== ===== ----------- -----------
78,070
Expenditure 74,390
Eric de Courcy fund
Activities Balance 1rst Jan 2009 41,373 168
Caretakers of the Environment 320 640 Donations and interest received 907 41,205
Poetry and Short story comp. 250 400 ----------- ----------
Young scientists 250 42,280 41,373
Tenacious sailing training 450 ---------- ---------
Choir, trip to Italy 1,000 185,166 245,968
Sarah Doorley, building a hospital in Africa 500 ====== ======
Debating society 360
--------- --------- Note 1 to the account.
1,270 2,900 Investments
Printing and stationery 1,436 3,424
Postage 2,377 4,276 At 1/1 09 Purchased/(Sold) at 31/12/09
Bank interest and charges 54 52 Bank of Ireland 5,480 5,480
Sundry 0 30 Allied Irish Bank 4,139 4,139
--------- --------- Anglo Irish Bank Corp. 4,000 4,000
5,137 10,682 Irish Life and Permanent 1,947 1,947
====== ====== 7.5% AIB perpetual floating rate note Eur30,000 Eur30,000
Grafton group 2,540 2,540
Surplus (Deficit) for the year on normal activities Anglo Irish Capital 6% Eur 40,000 (-40,000) 0
Aviva 2,700 2,700
4,346 11,072 INM 17,400 (-17,400) 0
New School pond 6,000 12,000 Greencore group ord 7,950 7,950
Old Scholars garden 171 E on Ag NPV 470 470
---------- ----------
Surplus (deficit for the year) -1,826 -928 Market value on 31/12/09 was 79,389 Euro (31/12/09 62,627)
======= ======
On behalf of the committee, Jonathan Fletcher Hon Treasurer Loss on Investments

Purchased Sold Loss
Anglo Irish Cap UK 6% 40,200.00 10,800.00 29,400.00
INM 34,796.00 2,075.00 32,721.00
------------- ------------- -------------
Balance sheet as at 31 December 2009 2008 74,996.00 12,875.00 62,121.00
Euro Euro Euro Euro ======== ========
Investments (note 1) Shares written down to nil
Balance at 1rst Jan 2009 192,340 122,281 Anglo Irish Bank Corp. plc 1,443.34
Purchases less sales during the year 123 70,059 -----------
------------ ----------- 63,564.34
192,463 192,340 =======
Losses transferred to capital account -63,564 0
------------ ------------ On behalf of the committee Jonathan Fletcher Hon Treasurer.
128,899 192,340
Goodbody dealing account 643 575
----------- -----------
129,542 192,915
109
Old Foyonian News

Old Foyonian Association Barbecue Wedding
12th of June dawned lovely and sunny, a good omen The marriage took place
for our barbecue. Before the meal, we had an inspiring on Friday 21st May 2010
communion service conducted by The very Revd Dean at Corbally Church, near
Philip Knowles at Cashel Cathedral. Lessons were read Dunmore East, of Terry
by Jane, Olive and Heather. Crosbie (OFA) and Carmel
Brophy-O’Regan, both of
After the Service, we drove to the Deanery where the Tramore. Officiating at
Dean had gone to alot of trouble getting everything ready the ceremony were Dean
for us all. Trevor Lestor and Mon-
We sat our in the Deanery gardens in brilliant sunshine signor Shine. The bride
while Gerry O’Neill and Herbert Knowles saw to the bar- was given away by her
becuing. The ladies organised the rest of the food amidst brother Michael Brophy
much chat and laughter abliy assisted by some of the and matron of honour ws
men. Mary-Rose Brophy-Martin,
sister of the bride. Best
The meal was delicous and the fellowship was enjoyed man was Sam Brabazon
by us all. (OFA), a school friend of the bridegroom.
People travelled from as far away as England, Lisburn, The bride wore an elegant fitted gown in ice-blue silk
Cork, Waterford and Wexford. Everyone agreed it was a with contrasting bolero-style jacket and a matching head-
marvellous day. We look forward to getting together again dress of blue silk rose with contrasting bird’s eye feathers
at the Annual Dinner on Saturday 25th September. in royal purple.
A sincere word of thanks to Bob Burns and the Dean for A most enjoyable reception was held at the Haven Hotel,
all their hard work and to everyone who contributed to Dunmore East with the usual speeches and musical en-
make the day such a success. Heather O’Neill tertainment.
The honeymoon was spent touring Kerry in perfect
weather.
Old Foyonian Association Lunch
Back row: Cyril Sherwood, Betty Burns, Edward

Thompson, Wynston Boyle, Olive Lauwers, Helen
Left to Right: Gerry O’Neill, Herbie Knowles, M/s M. Nicholson, Tom Lauwers, Noel Develon, Myra
Foley, Dean Philip Knowles, Bob Burns Develon, Jack Russell, Ann Russell, Max Nicholson,
Irish Agar, Gerry O’Neill, Ida Scanlon
From row: Richard de Courcy, Margaret Brabazon,
Bob Burns, Olive Daunt, Heather O’Neill, Ann Meagher
Saturday 17th Mary dawned bright and sunny, a good
omen for the O.F.A lunch reunion. We all met at Becketts
Restaurant on the Dunmore Road, just outside Water-
ford. Before lunch we sat outside in the brilliant sunchine
sipping our glasses of wine and catching up with the last
years news. Ddean Philip Knowles said Grace and we
tucked into a delicous meal, yummy desserts and a cup
of coffee. It was marvelous to see friends from Limerick,
Wexford, Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and all over Water-
ford.
Many thanks to Bobby Burns and Richard de Courcy for
Margaret Brabazon, Terry Crosbie, Carmel Crosbie
all their hard work to make this a successful day, helped
(nee O’Grady)
by Marina Harris, Olive Daunt and Heather O’Neill.
110
111
Senior Rubgy 1979/1980
Mungret Shield and O’Brien Cup Winner – Standing: Ken McCormick, Paul Kenny, Nicky Johnson,
Bobby Barr, Bas Van Dam, Colin Jephson, Stedman Sponton, Simon Kenny, Sean Donnelly.
Sitting: Keith McCurtain, Alan Johnson, Newton Popplewell, Paul Kidd, Philip Hadden, Brian Dunne,
Stephen Walker. On ground: Martin Gaedke, Andrew Bailey, Nicholas Popplewell, Nicky Bailey,
Douglas Kidd.
Upper and Lower Transition - 1959/60
Back row: George Ashmore, Hugh Gibson, Roger Bewley, Richard Gibson, Judith Elmes, David Cumming,
Ruth Sexton, David Roberts, Ray Watson, David Webb, Willie Hill. 2nd back row: Rachel Jameson,
Karen Butterworth, Mervyn Hall, Thelma Boyce, Gwen Draper, Kristin Jameson, David Grubb,
Barbara Anne Maxwell, Diane Turner, Brian Whiteside, Roy Foster. Sitting: Anne Lester Smith,
Leslie Matson, Elizabeth Burke, Belle Chapment, Liam Glynn, Edith Thompson, Donald Poole, Hilary
Bateman. On Ground: Edward McBride, Gabi Kneisel, Rachel Wigham, Penny Hill, Adele Massé,
John Kenny.
112
113
Reunion 2009
Class of 99 – Back Row
L-R: Emily Allen, James
Good, Luke Curran, Andrew
Maxwell, Patrick Guinness,
Evin O’Neill, Annie Barclay.
Middle Row L-R: Richard
Kimpton, Maria Cho, Ailbhe
Levingstone, Clare Flinders,
Sara Mullally, Sue Ryan,
Caroline Sutton, Jessica
Cunningham. Front Row L-R:
Barry Hilliard, Gail Shannon,
April Rellis, Holly Hunt,
Ailbhe Wheeler, Caragh Allen,
Annie Quinn, Diana Guinness
Taylor.
Class of 1999 – Tree Planting L-R: Emily Allen,

Annie Quinn, Gail Shannon, Holly Hunt, Sue
Ryan, April Rellis, Ailbhe Wheeler, Maria CHo,
Annie Barclay, Caragh Allen, Diana Guinness
Taylor
Class of 1979 – (L to R) Back

row; Niki Davies, Christian
Zaska, Sean O’Connell, Colin
Jephson, Tommy Driver.
Middle row; Neil Fitzgerald,
Martin Reid, Sean Mernagh,
Kerry Fenn, Malcolm Pim,
Ben Pearson, Darrell Boyd.
Front row; Barbara Ellis,
Primrose Duplessis, Kerry
McGrath, Jenny Milne, Caroline
Murphy, Hazel Perdue
Class of 1979 Tree Planting –

Niki Davies, Caroline Murphy,
Kerry Fenn, Primrose Duplessis,
Hazel Perdue, Sean O’Connell,
Neil Fitzgerald
114
Reunion 2009
Hockey Match – Back Row L-R: Terry Butler (staff), ?, ?, David Kiersey, John Boyd (school), Luke Bailey
(school), Luke Curran, Carl Pallas, Annie Quinn, April Rellis, ?, Andrew Cox, Jonathan Fletcher
Front Row L-R: Yuki Omi, Laura Power, Zenya Henry, Megan Byrne, Robert Galvin, Daniel Bailey, James
O’Halloran, Paul Murray, George Walsh, Brid McNamara, Heidi McIlvenny, Joe Dixon, Stephen Ennis (all
school) Goalie lying in front: James Good (o.s)
Old Foyonians –
Back Row (L to
R) Leslie Bowers,
Gordon Bowers,
Richard de Courcy,
John Gardiner, Rene
Gardiner, Ronnie
Scanlan. Front Row (L
to R) Rachel Bowers,
Helen Nicholson, Max
Nicholson, Stanley
Scanlan, Ida Scanlan,
June Scanlan.
115
115
Reunion 2009
Class of 1989 (Dinner)
Back Row (L to R) Lee Rothwell,
Helen McNieve, Ronan Murphy,
Tracy Kenny Benn, Debbie Walsh ,
Dara Scallan Carberry, Lorinda Wolfe
Benn, Jillian Drury. Middle Row (L
to R) Duncan McLoughlin, Pierre
Fewer, Ciaran Kelly, Fiona Checkett,
Ruth Crampton Laverty, Nell Wright,
Liz Slazenger, Clarke Allen. Front
Row (L to R) Heather Moffatt,
Suzanne Connolly Brady, Caroline
Pim, Percy Kingston, Lisa Ryan,
Heather Shelly, Siobhan Dier.
Class of 1989 (Tree planting)

(L to R) Debbie Walsh , Tracy Kenny Benn,
Ronan Murphy, Ciaran Kelly, Lorinda Wolfe
Benn, Ruth Crampton Laverty, Fiona
Checkett, Clarke Allen, Percy Kingston,
Dara Scallan Carberry, Nell Wright.
Class of 1984
Back row
Gabrielle Sheridan, Ralph
Bingham, Ed Crotty, Rob Milne,
Julian Talbot-Brady
Front row
Des Jackson, Clodagh
Nicholson (Coad), Sarah Bean
(Hill), Alasdair Pim, Gillian
Stone
116
Reunion 2009
Class of 1969 (Dinner)
Back row: Brian Grubb,
Owen Metcalfe, Sue
MacAllister (Turner),
John Clarke, Pamela
Kelly, Dorothy Fennell,
Norman Allott, Louie
Kerr. Front row: Lynne
Fitzgerald (Foster),
Gillian Young, Fiona
Chin-Yee (Bodmin),
Rosemary Hobday
(Harper), David Griffiths,
Peter Johnson, David
Lilburn.
Class of 1969 (Tree planting)

Back row: David Griffiths, John Clarke, Peter
Johnson, Hugh McConnell, Brian Grubb,
Norman Allott. Front row: Pamela Kelly,
David Lilburn, Lynne Fitzgerald (Foster),
Fiona Chin-Yee (Bodmin), Louie Kerr,
Rosemary Hobday (Harper)
Class of 1959
Zoltan Zinn; Brian Ashmore;
Sally (Roberts) Popham; Uschi
(Donat) Love; Heather (Grubb)
Stewart; David McConnell;
Clare Nuttall; John Clarke;
Patricia (Watson) Davey.
117
118
NMFOSA Launches Staff Mini-Reunion

Groups for
Old Scholars
at Abbeyleix,
One of the primary difficulties the association faces is
maintaining communication with its members as time September, 2009
passes and as old scholars move on and change ad-
dresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. One
thing that remains constant however is old scholars pro-
files on internet based social networking sites and to
take advantage of this the NMFOSA has launched its
own Facebook groups, one for each of the three schools
the association represents. The Newtown School old
scholars’ group, titled “Newtown School Waterford Old
Scholars”, has over 200 members already and more
are joining all the time. The Association also operates
a page for Bishop Foy old scholars entitled “Bishop
Foy School Waterford Old Scholars” and a Mountmel-
lick page entitled “Mountmellick School Old Scholars”.
By using Facebook as a means of communication the
NMFOSA has a quick and direct way of providing As-
sociation and school news to old scholars as well as
providing information about the old scholar’s weekend
and about the activities of the Association itself. It also
provides old scholars with a means of keeping in touch
with the Association and each other. To find and join the
Newtown School Facebook group, login to Facebook
and type “Newtown School Waterford Old Scholars” in
the search bar at the top of each Facebook page. When Left to right: Ruth Williams (Mrs. Seymour Kenny,
you join be sure and invite any of your Facebook friends 1960-1962, Leslie Matson, 1952 & 1959-1977,
who are also old scholars. We look forward to seeing Mildred Adamson (Mrs. Theo Dillon), 1964-1971,
you there. Mary Hamilton (Mrs. Stanley Jackson), 1956-1968.
119
Obituaries
Joseph Bevan Braithwaite Lamb
1918 – 2010
Aphra Maunsal Earl
Bevan Lamb, was born in 1918 in Dub-
1922 – 2009
lin the only son of Wilfred and Anna
(Whitney) Lamb. His father’s family,
Aphra was born on 19 March 1992 in
originally from Oxfordshire, had been
Dublin and moved with her family to
Quaker since the mid-17th century; his
Grantstown in Waterford (the origi-
mother’s parents had been medical-
nal home of Bishop Foy’s School) in
missionaries in Japan. His education at
1930. After attending Bishop Foy’s
Rathgar Junior School, Newtown and
school, she then worked there also hav-
Bootham School, York, left him with a
ing qualified in catering in Waterford.
lifelong interest in science and a love of Quakerism and
She later served as President of the
walking in the hills. As a young man he played hockey
NM&FOSA and even organised func-
and cricket, and sang in the Culwick Choir
tions for groups of Old Scholars in the
Dublin area. These were often held after International After studying food-chemistry in Manchester, he entered
rugby matches. the family business of fruit-growing and jam-manufac-
turing and settled in Rathfarnham with his wife, Marjorie
As a young girl, she learnt to swim and was often seen Bottomley, whom he had met at university . They had
swimming at Dunmore, Boatstrand and Woodstown. four children Cathy, Peter, Jenny and Rachel. Bevan was
She carried on swimming throughout her life until just a an active Quaker who served on the committees of Rath-
few years before her death. Aphra moved to Dublin to gar and Newtown schools, but his longest service (over
work as Catering Manager in Wesley College in 1955 be- 40 years) was to Drogheda Grammar School which, with
fore moving to Sandford Park School where she stayed a small Quaker committee, he helped to save from ex-
until her retirement in 1987. She had great affection tinction in the 1960s.This service was recognised by the
for the school and when the boys got a bit rowdy in the school when the new sports building in 2005 was named
dining room, she used to use her ladle to restore order. the ‘Bevan Lamb Hall’.
She was also able to indulge her passion for gardening in
Sandford Park well into her retirement and in later years Bevan’s love of mountains and hills had been stimu-
lated at Newtown by Wilson Strangman, who took him
looked after the flower arrangement in Brabazon House
tramping in the Kerry mountains, and by Leslie Gilbert
where she spent her final years very happily.
at Bootham who took him to the Alps. He became very
good at painting and photographing the scenery. Family
holidays for Bevan’s children usually included ascents to
Bertha Turner (nee Vickery) the tops mountains from Kerry to Connemara. In middle
(1922-2010) life, Bevan and Marjorie acquired a house in Co Wicklow,
where they explored the local hills and valleys on foot,
Bertha Vickery was born in Bantry, Co Cork in 1922 tended their garden and Bevan became a bee-keeper.
where she went to school until she was 12 years old. They spent their later holidays in Slovenia amid the flow-
She won a scholarship to Rochelle boarding school in ering meadows of the Alps which they loved.
Cork and spent the next six years there where her natural All his life Bevan followed a spiritual path, with regular
aptitude for Mathematics was nurtured and she took first practice of quiet retirement and study. He was a deep
place in Ireland in her Leaving Certificate examination. thinker and regularly ministered in Rathfarnham Meeting,
She furthered her studies in the Froebel method of kin- which he had helped to establish in the 1950s. In his later
dergarten teaching at Alexander College, Dublin. During life he provided a valuable service at Ireland Yearly Meet-
this period her friendship with Ted Turner from Blackrock ing with his Quaker bookstall, making available a supply
in Cork was blossoming. Ted was transferred to Water- of Quaker literature most of which he had already read
ford city, and following college graduation she applied to and was happy to discuss. This was an aspect of his per-
Newtown School for a job in order to be near him. sonal out-reach in particular to new Friends.
Betty Foster also applied for the same post and to their Bevan died peacefully in Dublin on 20th March 2010.
joy, both were taken on by the school in the same year,
and they became firm friends. The Association has been informed of the following
Bertha loved the Quaker ethos in the school and admired deaths:
the way in which the pupils were trusted to “do the right Dr. Kinross Burke (Class of 1982), Patricia Ward
thing”. She never lost her interest in NSW and when (Class of 1943) and Cyrill Hall (Class of 1949).
she and Ted later had their two daughters, Dianne and
To all the families of these loved ones, the Association
Susan, they went to school there from age 4. When
would like to extend their deepest sympathies.
Ted retired in 1974, they moved to Tramore shortly after,
and enjoyed life there together for many years until Ted’s If you know of old scholars who have passed away,
passing in 1979. please inform the Association so as to pass on the
news to others by:
She continued living independently up until her unex-
pected death in Cork on 29th April 2010 after a very short Email: [email protected]
illness. Post: NMFOSA Secretary, c/o Newtown School,
Waterford
120
Dick Fletcher EDWARD JAMES - First Bursar at Newtown School
(1923-2009) (1915-2009)
Richard Henry Fletcher, widely known Edward James enjoyed a number of ca-
as Dick or Dickie, who died on Decem- reers before he took up the appointment
ber 28th 2009, aged 86, was one of as the first bursar at Newtown School.
Newtown’s heartiest and most respect- He trained and qualified to be a master
ed Old Scholars. At his funeral in Wa- brewer. He saw distinguished service
terford, many tributes and anecdotes at as a Squadron Leader in the RAF dur-
Meeting reflected a life which was often ing the Second World War. He became
innovative and enterprising. His most a marketing manager. He lectured in
successful venture was setting up the marketing at the business faculty of the
Galley cruising restaurant in New Ross in 1971. Institute of Technology.
Born in Cork on June 25th 1923, he was the second son
Gardening was one of his abiding interests. He readily
of Robert Fletcher. In 1929 the family moved to Cross-
shared his enthusiasm with scholars of a horticultural in-
haven. Here, their house had wonderful views of the har-
clination, talking with them about the maintenance of the
bour where its constant activity was undoubtedly a factor
school grounds.
in Dick’s future love of the sea, rivers and boats.
Another major influence in his life was his education at Edward James was a committed member of the Church
Newtown, where he thrived. Among his contemporaries of Ireland. He availed himself of every opportunity to pro-
were Ivan and Myrtle (nee Hill) Allen, later of Ballymaloe mote the cause of Newtown School within the councils
renown. He stayed on to teach woodwork and PT and of the church. He even applied for grants from church
took Latin grinds to get into Trinity College, Dublin. funds. As a diocesan reader he persuaded successive
At Trinity, he studied horticulture and gained his BA in deans to allow him conduct a special morning service in
1946. On graduation, he went to work for Ivan Allen at the cathedral each year with choir, orchestra and readers
Imokilly Orchards in Shanagarry, Co Cork, where he from the school.
was assistant manager. In 1948, he started out on his
When Edward James finally retired he retained his inter-
own, growing mushrooms in Rathangan, Co Kildare. He
est in the school. Each year his successors as bursar
also raised pigs and chickens. Due to disease, though,
received a marketing diary from him: the school librar-
his mushroom crop was ruined, so he terminated this ele-
ian got an up-to-date Guinness Book of Records and the
ment of his career in 1956.
year’s editions of the National Geographic for the school
He moved on to Henry Denny’s, the bacon and sausage
library. In more recent times he was delighted when his
processors, and mainly based in Dublin for 12 years, he
granddaughter, Mikela, elected to transfer all the way
became sales manager. But his heart was elsewhere.
from Donegal to be a boarder at Newtown School. He
During this time he had enjoyed much leisure activity on
took great pleasure in writing the requisite letters of per-
the Shannon and on inland waterways and then switched
mission so that Mikela could get leave out at weekends,
his interest to Galway Hookers in the early 1960s.
and oft times on weeknights in between, “to look after her
Of course, his greatest enterprise was the setting up of
grandparents.”
the Galley cruises. With unstinting and loyal support from
his wife Valerie, he ran the business for 30 years until he In the summer of 2005 Edward James was awarded the
sold it to the Minihan family from New Ross in 2000. MBE. The then British Ambassador travelled to Water-
Besides his life afloat, Dick was an enthusiastic sports ford to conduct the ceremony in the presence of civic dig-
follower through the activities of his family. During his nitaries at Faithlegg House Hotel. The citation included
time in Dublin he sang tenor in the Culwick Choral Soci- acknowledgment of Edward James’s work as bursar at
ety. A leading life member of the Newtown, Mountmellick Newtown School together with his distinguished RAF ca-
and Foyonian Old Scholars Association, he was presi- reer, his support of the British Legion and his local chari-
dent in 1967 and served as hon treasurer from 1994 to table and social involvements
2001. Christian Science was a very significant part of Edward James died on August 27th 2009 in his 94th
his long and healthy life. year. His funeral took place in Christ Church Cathedral
He is survived by Valerie, whom he married in 1970; Waterford on the first school day of this school year. Pall-
his son Jonathan, daughters Nikki (Ford) and Rachael bearers included representatives from different aspects
(Guest) and five grandchildren. of Edward’s family and working life. The Most Revd John
D.A. (reproduced from The IrishTimes with reflective ad- Neill, Archbishop of Dublin, gave the address.
ditions)
Edward James is remembered as a gracious adminis-
Note for Clarification: trator and a true friend to scholars, staff and parents at
Newtown School. Mildred James, his wife for sixty-three
In last year’s Review, we noted the death of John
years and his lifelong support continues to live in Water-
Mitchell. This was John G. Mitchell, an Old Foyonian
ford under the watchful eye of their daughter Liz. Mrs
from Waterford.
James is looking forward to celebrating a most significant
John S.M. Mitchell, of Co. Limerick, Class of 1946 is birthday this coming winter and all old scholars who re-
still very much with us. We apologise for any confusion member her and Mr James from school will extend best
and upset this may have caused. wishes to her for that special occasion.
121
Laura Breheny out. It’s amazing how many nights out Laura made it to
(1988 -2009) with her very demanding training schedule. On finish-
ing in Newtown with a brilliant Leaving Certificate result,
It was with confusion and heartache Laura moved to University College Cork to study Early
that friends and family received the Childhood Studies with the aim of becoming a teacher.
news of Laura’s death on the morning As usual, Laura put her all into the student life including
of the 22nd of December, the day which her studies and the nightlife in Cork.
should have been the celebration party
for her 21st birthday. Laura is an inspiration to all of us. With her courage and
talent she overcame all the odds to become a star and
Laura packed far more into her 21 short should not have been taken from us so early. She is
years than any of us could ever hope deeply missed by her mum Jo, dad Neil, brothers Hugh
to fit into our life times. As well as being a phenomenal and Chris, and her numerous friends in Newtown, Uni-
horse rider Laura loved all kinds of sports from rugby versity College Cork and beyond.
to hurling to skiing. She could try her hand at anything
and within a few days master it. This was seen when
her cousins brought her skiing in New York and as usual, Michael Vogelaar
Laura amazed. 1964 – 2009
Laura’s horse riding career started from a very young age Michael Vogelaar a.k.a. Dutchy or Woody died sudden-
when she got her first pony Suzanne. She progressed ly and unexpectedly at home on 26th November 2009.
rapidly and in 2000, won the Minimus Individual National Born in Waterford August 1964 to Kees and Anneke,
Pony Club title. This was the first time such an award was Michael attended Newtown between 1969 and 1982, first
brought back to Waterford Pony Club. In 2001, Laura in the Junior School following on to Newtown School.
was not only a member of the team that won the National Many lifelong friendships were formed during his school
Junior Eventing Championship, but she also claimed the days.
National Junior Combined Training title. In 2002, Laura’s
mum Jo bought Laura’s pride and joy, Fin. Once again Michael studied business at U.L. and graduated in 1986.
she displayed her extraordinary talent on her new pony He left Ireland to work in London where he eventually
by reclaiming the National Junior Combined Training title, found his way into the fruit trade. After eight years in
winning her arena at the National Eventing Champion- England the lure of home was too great and he returned
ships and being a member of the team who finished in with his wife-to-be Jacinta. Michael built a very success-
third place. Throughout these national, and later inter- ful business in fresh produce giving him a lifestyle that
national, pursuits, Laura always had time to compete for was the envy of his wide circle of friends.
Newtown or help the team that was competing. It was
Laura’s dream to win a medal for her country at Eventing An expert skier on snow and water and a keen rugby
and so the road to this began in 2003 when she was long supporter, Michael loved trips to follow Ireland and Mun-
listed by Eventing Ireland for a place on the Irish Pony ster. Skiing trips with family and friends were also high
Eventing team. Unfortunately, Fin trotted up lame at a on his social agenda.
test and Laura was denied the opportunity to represent
her country on that occasion. However, Laura was al- He is survived by his wife Jacinta, sons Conor, Aaron,
ways philosophical about these things and her steely de- Finn and Niall, parents Kees and Anneke, brothers An-
termination shone through. This was seen the following drew and Peter. His wit, friendship and bonhomie will be
year where she got to realise her dream and represented sadly missed by everyone.
Ireland on the Irish Pony Eventing team in Poland where
she finished as individual 17th. Her passion for a medal
for Ireland was seen again in 2006, after a transition to Murrogh O’Brien
horses, when she won 5 classes out of 6 starts through- (1919-2009)
out the season. Due to this amazing performance, she Born in Parteen, Co. Clare, Murrogh
of course, was selected to represent her country at the was one of three children and Hugh MV
Junior European Eventing Championship which took and Margaret O’Brien. He was educat-
place in Necarne Castle. Although Laura’s health began ed at home until he was sent to New-
to deteriorate she never gave up her ambition of winning town at the age of ten. When he fin-
a medal for Ireland. For that reason, she purchased a top ished school, he took a year off to work
class horse in 2008 and this horse was to take her to Eu- as a stores clerk and timekeeper dur-
ropean and Olympic success when her health improved, ing the construction of the Foynes rein-
which it undoubtedly would have, if Laura’s road had not forced concrete jetty in the mid 1930’s.
been cut short. He then wen on to study Engineering at Trinity College
Dublin, followed by a degree in mine geology and a BSc
As well as reaching such a high level in Eventing, Laura from the Royal School of Mines, London University.
always found the time for her friends. She was a fan-
He married his wife, Suzanne Karolyi in 1945 who he
tastically loyal friend. She would be the person to text
had met after returning to Ireland and starting work in the
back straight away and the first person in line for a night
122
Avoca Mines, Wicklow. In 1952 he became director of the tended by a large congregation fo family, friends, staff
Geological Survey of Ireland. During his career, he was and members of the wider Waterford community.
General Manager of Tara Exploration and Development
and a journalist for the Evening Press. WILLIAM FREDRICK CHAPMAN
(1937 - 2009)
He had a strong interest in ships and he drew a serious of
ships over 30 years that docked in Foynes port. The 900 William died on the 7th September, 2009 aged 72 years.
drawings are now in the National Library of Ireland. An He was only son of Frederick William B. Chapman &
honorary fellow of the Institution of Mining and Metallur- Beatrice Decima Chapman. The family lived at “Beech-
gy, he was also the founding member of the Irish Mining mount”, Tramore where he grew up with his only sister
and Quarrying Society . Seen as a visionary geologist, he Joy (now Simpson).
helped to develop the mining industry. William & Joy were educated at Newtown School and
He is survived by his wife Suzanne, son Stephen, daugh- they travelled in and out each day either with their Dad or
ters Sylvia, Iseult and Charlotte and 12 grandchildren. on the old narrow guage steam train which was the main
His son Colm predeceased him. mode of transport at the time.
Willie served his apprenticeship to the grocery, tea, cof-
fee & wine trade in Findlaters in Dublin and then came
Robert C Jephson
back to Chapman’s famous family grocers on the Quay
1926 – 2010
in Waterford. Later Chapman’s opened a Cash & Carry
business in Thomas Street, Waterford which prospered
Robbie Jephson passed away in the
for many years.
early morning of March 4th 2010, just
a few weeks short of 84th birthday sur- William later joined Sure Haul in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
rounded by his loving family to whom where he worked until his illness.
he had devoted his life. Willie married Rosemary Cassidy in 1968. They lived
in their lovely old farmhouse near Annestown, Co. Wa-
Robbie’s dad was Assistant county en- terford. William & Rosemary had four children, Fred,
gineer for Waterford and as his mother James, Annabel & Barrett. Willie was a great family man
sadly died when Robbie was only ten, a and he & Rosemary were so proud of their children.
strong bond was forger with his father William was a larger than life character, he loved people
as he accompanied him on his engineering work through- and had a great memory for names & faces. He had
out the county thus developing for himself a knowledge many friends and loved a night out. One could always
of the local road network, a knowledge that stay with him recognise his wonderful hearty laugh. He loved a good
for his entire life. yarn and after hearing one he could always return an-
other!
Robbie went to Bishop Foy’s school where he proved to
be, not only a competent pupil but a keen athlete as well. Willie was a loyal supporter of the Friends Meeting in
White at Trinity College in the 1940’s he won Irish titles in Tramore, until its closure, and in her later years would
the 100 and 200 yards. regularly provide transport for his good friend Carole
Grubb on a Sunday morning. He served on the Newtown
He married Pamela Fletcher in 1954 and set up home School Committee for a number of years.
at Prospect on the Dunmore Road where they reared Willie had many hobbies. He was a member of Tramore
their four children. In the early years of setting up home, Golf Club for a long number of years. Even if he did
Robbie and Pam worked hard for their growing family. not play much golf of later years he would enjoy meeting
Pig rearing and fruit growing supplemented the family in- many friends in the Club House. He also had a very keen
come during Robbie’s days at the Waterford Sack and interest in The Turf Club and was a keen race goer. He
Bag Company. In 1967 they embarked on a new en- took up wood turning as a hobby and turned out some
terprise when they opened a shop and petrol station at beautiful and useful pieces!! Willie always kept a herd of
Ardkeen. From day one it was very much a family busi- cattle on their land at Annestown. He also loved his mo-
ness and through long hours and hard work the business tor cars. Right from the early days, whatever car he had
grew and prospered to become the thriving complex it is it always stood out and he kept them beautifully, he loved
today. Robbie had an inherent ability to innovate and a to see them shine.
strong sense of self-reliance but it is fair to say that a key The last years of William’s life were a struggle for him.
added ingredient to his success was a great talent and Shortly before he was due to retire he was struck down
ability to get on with people, best epitomised by the sight with his illness with which he coped with great courage.
of his familiar figure around the shop complete with cap. We all had great admiration for how he lived through this
time. When one would call he would always greet you
Sailing was a life long passion, shared with family and
with a smile and a wave and would talk about past times
friends and he was instrumental in the early development
and a good laugh was guaranteed.
of Waterford Harbour Sailing Club.
He was pre deceased by two sons Fred and James
As a proud Waterford man he had a life long interest in and survived by his wife Rosemary, his son Barrett and
his native city and closely followed its development as it daughter Annabel.
expanded and changed over the years. Robbie’s funeral God Bless you Willie and many thanks for your friend-
service was held in Christ Church Cathedral and was at- ship. He is greatly missed. G. C.
123
Class of 1959 Pamela Welch (Kelly) lives in Douglas, Cork and works
in the Examiner.
DAVID McCONNELL (Year of 1959). A former Head of
Louie Kerr lives and works on the family farm near En-
Finance at the Arts Council, David now works as an arts niscorthy.
consultant, with a focus on providing financial services to
arts organisations. He has been a church organist since David Lilburn lives in Limerick and works as graphic de-
he left Newtown and currently is responsible for the mu- signer in UL and as an independent artist.
sic in two churches in Rathgar, Dublin, where he lives
with his life partner, David Soden. Hugh McConnell lives in Waterford where he and broth-
er Bill run a Toyota dealership.
Fiachra Trench has been a professional musician for
over 40 years. From 1967 to 1991 he lived in England, Owen Metcalfe lives in Dun Laoghaire and is assistant
director of the Health Service Executive.
working (mostly in London) as a composer/ arranger/
music director/keyboard player/record producer. He has Barbara Cowtan (Pleass) lives in Worcester, England
written music for films and orchestral arrangements for a
wide gamut of artists, from (Joan) Armatrading to (Hans)
Zimmer. He and his wife, the singer Carmel McCreagh, Tessa Collier (Stokes) lives in Delgany, Co. Wicklow
have been together 37 years. They have four children, and is keen on horses.
Michael, Sarah, Oisín and Rían. In 1991 they and their
Susan Spinks (Torrie) lives in Enfield, Middlesex, Eng-
two youngest moved from London to Delgany, Co. Wick-
land.
low. Fiachra continues to compose and arrange. Recent
arranging projects have included Altan with the RTÉ Con- Susan MacAllister (Turner) lives in Cork and works as a
cert Orchestra, Paul Brady’s new album, Hooba Dooba, dental nurse.
and a debut solo album from Sharon Corr.
Brian Watts lives in London and is a social worker work-
ing with homeless persons.
Class of 1969
Sheila Lyall (Williams) lives in Dun Laoghaire and
works as a physiotherapist.
Lesley Hayoun (Abrahamson) lives in Jerusalem and Gillian Alley (Young) lives near Rathdowney and works
works as a teacher. as a secretary/receptionist.
Norman Allott lives near Rathmines and works as a lec- Sadly, the following are deceased: Felicity Grant, Susan
turer in Trinity College Dublin. Snipper, Frank Theil and Billy Warren
Fiona Bodmin works as a health service manager in The class of 69 will meet again in 2014.
Nova Scotia.
Ann Christopherson is a nurse specialist in Portland,

Oregon. Class of 1979
John Clarke lives near Bandon, Co. Cork. Nick Davies After an initial stint as a chef, tour guide and
Simon Crowe lives in Devon, England where he works wedding photographer in the ‘80’s, I settled into a ca-
as an architect and plays in one or more bands. reer in ATC and VIP handling before joining a company
providing flight planning systems to the airline industry. I
Elizabeth Thacker (Dyer) lives near Cheltenham, travel a lot, to the Gulf, S.Europe and N.Africa, and am
England. about to graduate with a BSc in Aviation Management.
Married to a beautiful Maltese girl, first child on the way
Dorothy Fennell runs a kennels in Co. Carlow. (due Dec 2010!!), and teaching myself Italian ahead of a
possible relocation to Sicily/Sardinia there in the future.
Lynne Fitzgerald (Foster) lives in Glenealy, Co. Wick-
low where she works as an artist. Neil Fitzgerald Living with family in ‘Glenbower’ in Wa-
terford. Working in the gardening business. Got ECDL
David Griffiths lives in Surbiton, Surrey and works as a
last month and now finishing an autocad course. Enjoys
quantity surveyor.
hill walking.
Brian Grubb lives in Clonlara, Co. Clare and has his
Gina Hensman Married to Tony. Still a restrateur at the
own architectural practise.
very famous old plough much loved by the Irish racing
Rosemary Hobday (Harper) lives in Southam, Warks fraternity when they venture to Newmarket!
and works as a physiotherapist.
Stuart Baxter Now living outside Oxford and working in
Robert Jacob, Kinsale, Co. Cork is a designer of boats London for Sony Pictures running their European distri-
and other things. bution businesses. Married with 3 young kids and spend
too much time traveling. Amusingly became Irish Real
Peter Johnson, is an artist and builder in Rath- Tennis National Champion last year (seriously small
gar. niche) at the age of 48.
124
Julie Pearson Merrey Is back in control YVONNE EARL Living in Dublin, married to Tom, work-
of her life, almost. Returned to teaching to ing as a channel manager for Eircom.
earn a crust, to educate and feed 3 bold but
great teenage off springs. Living still on the north side, JILL FITZGERALD (NEE CANNING) 1992 Married An-
trying to keep fit and healthy, and enjoying playing poor drew FitzGerald - we run a dairy farm beside the sea
golf, and the odd bottle of wine with friends! near Tralee in Co. Kerry, I occasionally milk cows etc just
to justify the “we” bit. We have 3 kids, Sarah 14, Lucy
Maurice O’Shea I was working in Private Banking on 11 and Mark 8, and except for the odd dabble in catering
Jersey for nearly twenty years until 2004. I left the Is- I’m at home full time. Launched new business www.ca-
land to work for the United Nations in Kenya with my now ketopperireland.com, featured on an RTE programme on
wife Susanna who comes from Barcelona. In 2006 we up & coming entrepreneurs and in Irish Tatler magazine.
moved to New York and in 2007 Chloe Niamh O’Shea- Winner of the Best Wedding Industry Newcomer Award
Garcia was born. In 2008 we moved to Geneva. My wife 2009!! Congratulations Jilly – what an inspiration!
is still working for the UN but I have returned to Private
Banking and am trying to learn French at the same SOPHIE CANTILLON After many years of fruitful study,
time. Not easy but our traveling days have now finished! awarded a scholarship at the Norwegian School of Man-
agement to undertake a doctoral degree in Industrial Net-
Primrose Duplessis Living and working in Sussex as a work Marketing and has learnt to speak Norwegian! Still
Farm Conservation Advisor having returned to education as chirpy and energetic as ever!
to do a degree as an (extra) mature student! Married with
2 children and 3 step children aged between 18 and 27. ALAN COAD Telco industry, based in London but lots of
travel! Still big into ‘huntin, shootin, fishin’ and sailin of
Caroline Murphy Living in Dublin with husband Frank course! Married Anna and has a son Toby who’s 6
Cruise. Working as Web Marketing Manager at Aviva.
(No access to tickets, honest!) Competition organiser of CLODAGH NICHOLSON (NEE COAD) Married Darren,
the Irish Karting Club. Collects writing slopes (i.e. 18th 4 children (between 5-18). Full-time Mum at home! Also
century laptops) teaching PE one day per week in Knockskeagh National
School Clonakilty and some temporary substitute primary
Jenny Pim nee Milne Married Malcolm Pim and living school teaching. Lots of outdoor activities continue from
in Co Wexford. They have three sons, Daniel born 1992, newtown days including swimming, skiing and canoeing;
Alexander 1995 and Sebastian 1999. Managed Interior also hockey coaching, gardening & photography.
Design Company Odyssey Interiors 1996-2004. Quali-
fied as Tai Chi Instructor in 2003. Currently breeding LUKE CROSBIE After a Law degree, moved into area of
Connemara ponies under Dun an Oir prefix and teaching investments, Currently making investments for a family
Tai Chi in Wexford. investment company, BHR.
Colin Jephson Colin lives in Waterford with wife Ann Plays golf and hockey very badly! Married Niamh, has 3
plus John (12) and Harry (10). Works in the family busi- daughters Emily (5) and twins of 1, which explains the
ness - Ardkeen Quality Food Store - trying to get through poor golf standard!
the recession in one piece. Likes the odd game of tennis,
ED CROTTY Engineering degree TCD, worked as
cycling, coaching youth rugby, oh! and good food!”
engineer in London (5 years), back to TCD in 1994
Ceri McGrath Happily settled in Chester, UK. Single - no to do an MBA (1 year), then back to London for fur-
children or pets but plenty of godchildren who bring me ther 3 years. Moved home to Dublin 1997, and cur-
a lot of joy but are very expensive! Working for Npower rently working in strategic business consultancy. Mar-
Renewables as Replant Manager trying to upgrade our ried to Sue, has 3 sons Patrick (7), Hugh (5), Sam (1)
older wind farm portfolio. My brother Mike lives close by and a daughter Louise (3). Has been bitten by the Tri-
and Mum is alive and well and still living in Waterford. athlon bug and is fitter than he’s ever been in his life!
Hazel Perdue Alive and well and living in Tipperary.

Breeding guinea pigs and ducks PAUL DUFFIN Lots of various studies and jobs until
moving to Dubai in 94 and starting The House of Cars in
Sean O’Connell Alive and well and dividing his time be- 98 followed by a number of other car related businesses.
tween West Cork and Tipperary Currently running 4 different businesses across proper-
ty, cars and coffee! Big horseracing and golf fan – why
wouldn’t he be living out there? – married to Frances and
has 4 children Emily (11), twins Patrick & Shona (5), new-
Class of 1984 est addition (2)
RALPH BINGHAM Architect/Director in Murray O’Laoire LIZ DUFFY Besotted by Horse Riding - Horse Racing -
Architects, Dublin, until recently and now looking forward Interior Design – Gardening – and highlight was watching
to new challenges. Married to Hilary, 2 sons Max (8), and her racehorse win at Laytown in 2003! Lives with Robert
twins Harry and Adam (6). in Wicklow, one stepdaughter Emma 21 and enjoys the
company of all her nieces and nephews!
ALISON CRANMER (NEE BOYD) Living in Norfolk pro-
viding Farm Administration service to local farms. Mar- ALISON FANAGAN (nee Farrell) Partner with A & L
ried to Richard and has two girls Zoe (12) and Georgia Goodbody solicitors, specializing in litigation, and envi-
(11). ronmental and planning law. Married to Jody and has 3
125
sons Hugo (11), Harry (10) and Stephen (7). Plays golf PAUL MCCARTHY Living in Cork; is a sax player and a
and swims, and runs after her boys! singer songwritter about to start gigging. Divorced, four
children all grown up, more or less, and new son recently
JOHN FAULL B.SC in Marine Biology from UCG. Spent born!
about 5 years working for an environmental consultancy
company, in Galway, which involved going to sea and un- MIRANDA MARTIN Worked with horses for many years
derwater photography etc. followed by 5 years in an Op- after school...and worked in racing in France, Italy,
tics company in Galway (money better and job more se- America and in the UK. Also qualified to teach riding..
cure). Then moved into web design (www.awd.ie) based then moved to London where I have built up a small
in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Highlight was spending a whole catering business, which is doing well!
month at sea on a German research vessel off the coast
of Alaska!! Married and has two girls 13 and 10. Skiing, racing, hillwalking and gardening loves of my life,
and my recently acquired husband of course!
SARAH BEAN (NEE HILL) BSc (Mgmt) from College
of Marketing in Dublin; various marketing & commercial DAVID MEADE Studied civil engineering in UCG 1984-
roles. Currently running a cosmetics & fragrances busi- 1988. After a few years in London, now working as a
ness (Coty Ireland) based in Dublin. Play too little golf, a resident engineer in the West of Ireland on the main Sli-
little hockey and finds some time to swim, run & do yoga. go-Moscow highway. Soccer, swimming & hockey keep
Taking up the piano again after 25 years to ‘relax’! Mar- me fit & I do some hockey coaching with the Sligo ladies!
ried to Tom, 3 children Liam (10), Thomas & Lilly (twins Married to Mary & Conor was born in 2004.
of 5)
ROBERT MILNE Farming in Co. Wexford. Three children
TIM JOHNSON Trained as a chef, lives in Abbeyleix Bill (11), Aoife (8), John (5). Graduated in Maths (I think?)
and works in the Millrace Hotel in Bunclody. Still have 2 with Open University – always a man of few words! Living
daughters (just:)) with Hilary.
BEN JOHNSON Left Newtown in 84, HELEN MOORE (DOYLE) BA in English & French, TCD
straight into cheesemaking, set up a hon- followed by a raft of qualifications in marketing, account-
ey co-op in the Burren farming 200 beehives, ing, finance, French & interior design! Working in Eircom
Had the opportunity to set up cheese factories in Sweden managing a telecoms service for customers with inter-
for the Harri Krishna movement, Ukraine for the cher- national call centres. Wide variety of hobbies including
nobyl affected areas and South Africa the next step. Set wind-surfing, singing, astronomy and dance. Married to
up a boat building school and ran guitar making classes. Tony & has a son of 6.
Current venture goes right back to the early days
of hawk flying at Newtown! Have set up the Bur- KEITH MURPHY Batchelor of Agricultural Science –
ren Bird of Prey Centre www.birdofpreycentre.com. UCD, then qualified as Chartered Accountant and moved
Married in Kilfenora and have a son Robin. to Warsaw working for Price Waterhouse, followed by
Aventis in Strasbourg - Head of Corporate Functions
SALLY COLE (NEE KINGSTON) Trained as a Nurse in Controlling. Married Agnieszka (Aga for short) in 1998. 2
the Adelaide Dublin. Theatre nurse training in St. Marys, kids, Adam (10) (I was never too worried about the Mile-
London. 3 years traveling Asia, NZ & Australia. Cordix nium Bug) and Ola (8) and thats enough for now.
Scrub nurse Blackrock for about 5 years. Currently living
in Naas, married to Alan & has 2 daughters Sasha (10) GLENN O’NEILL Did a degree in Theology at Queens
and Sophie (8). Still working out! Belfast. Trained as a welder, opened a shop in Kilkenny
for three years, Travelled with an African Children’s Choir
ROISIN LENNON (NEE KLANN) General nurse training through America and Canada, and laterally have been
in the Adelaide Hospital. Staffed there for a while & then working for a Community Church in Navan www.calva-
off to Perth in Scotland to do midwifery. Now a midwife in rycommunitychurch.info. Into cycling, wood carving and
Sligo General working with David Meade’s wife – small music. Married Gabi and have a daughter Tara (8)
world! Latest qualifications are aromatherapy & reflexol-
ogy, kids reckon she’s a witch! Married to Tom with 2 kids AILEEN O’BEIRNE BA from UCG in 1989, LLB from
Eoin (14) and Emer (12) UCG in 1992, qualifying as a solicitor in 1995. Later
that year moved to Brussels with my husband Brendan,
GILLIAN LAZENBY (Nee Milne) Agricultural College worked in various jobs, and joined the European Com-
in Hampshire and now running a Farm Office is doing mission in 2001where she is still employed and has 2
everything from doing the accounts to sorting cattle out daughters
for market! Married to Rob and has a daughter Lucy (8)
who’s also a keen rider. Last heard of was planting 10000 DAVID O’BRIEN Degree in Production Engineering
asparagus crowns and planning to acquire some sheep! (Carlow Regional Technical College) then spent 4 years
in Japan and onwards to Australia where he is still based.
IAN LAZENBY Gurteen agricultural college after leaving Love of his life is his skydiving, last count had done at
Newtown then came home and have been farming ever least 2000 jumps and had a bronze national medal under
since! his belt! He’s the ultimate Pepsi Max man – mountain
biking, motorcycling, rockclimbing, skiing!
Played rugby for Gorey until 1991and then some bad-
minton in Tinahely until an accident on the farm which His most memorable moment? When he first got his
took the wind out of me for a while. Married Nicolette in knee down on the ground going around a corner on a
2003 motorbike !!
126
GORMLAITH ORMOND Trained as a PE teacher in 8 and 6 years old.
Stranmillis and taught hockey at Newtown before training
as a Special Needs teacher and now works in Newpark Philip Boucher-Hayes wrote a book on food and farm-
Comprehensive Blackrock. Married to Louis and mum to ing with his wife Suzanne (“Basket Case: What’s hap-
Louis (13) and Celeste (10). pening Ireland’s food?”) which they finished on the day
she went into labour with their first child, Anna. They live
TIA WOOLER (DEIRDRE PIM) Trained as a Montessori in North Wicklow. Still making documentaries in RTÉ TV
teacher in Dublin and moved to New Zealand almost im- and presenting/reporting on Radio. Always in the market
mediately after a year of travelling. Has been running her for a good story or a bit of tittle tattle– [email protected]
own Montessori school for many years. Married to Mark
(artist, gardener, chef extraordinaire!) and has 3 beautiful Dara Carbery (nee Scallan) Living in Cork; married to
children Cullen (16), Bree (13) and Carrie (10). Living in Dermot; 3 children - Aoife, Billy & Aideen.
Warkworth North Island NZ with an amazing garden full
Lisa Ryan O’Sullivan is married to Patrick O’Sullivan, 2
of trees, animals and vegetables and very involved in the
kids Elizabeth and Eva, both 8. Currently living in Puerto
local community.
Rico in the Caribbean having lived in Dubai for 7 years,
ALISTAIR PIM Agriculture degree but then, naturally, possibly moving again soon! We travel back to Ireland
ended up auctioneering (thankfully horses, not houses) most summers so hope to see a few more of the class
and working the stud farm in Mountmellick. Married to having reconnected at the 20 year reunion.
Gillian and has 3 children. As witty as ever, but unfortu-
nately short on words for a more extensive update! Percy Kingston is married, living and farming near Wa-
terford.
RICHARD POPPLEWELL Living in Manchester and dad
to Lei. Self employed, his own boss! Ronan Murphy is living in Germany, working for
Friesland-Campina dairy company. Married to Tina, their
GABRIELLE SHERIDAN Degree in social science from son Nicolas was born in November 2009.
UCD, followed hdip in Business Ed in Thomond followed
by a year in Italy, follwed by a year in Japan! Then a
Grad Dep in Special Ed from UCD – spent a few years
teaching in a number of different countries and has finally Class of 1994
settled in Dublin! Married to Gerry, has 3 children Penny Stuart Musgrave Stuart Musgrave - Living in Dublin
(6), Willow (5) and Gerry (2) and works part time in the running Onboard a surf, snow and sail store. Still reced-
family business Hertz. ing!
AITHNE SYMES Living in Auckland, New Zealand with Dermot Daniel Conner - Living in Houston, TX. Came
her 2 children Hannah (12) and Hamish (10) and too over in 2000, lured by NASA and marriage. Now doing
many animals! Recently divorced. Trained and has been something terribly tedious with computers for The Uni-
working as a Montessori teacher and also tutors dyslex- versity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (http://
ics
www.mdanderson.org/) Married (for a 2nd and final time,
JULIAN TALBOT BRADY Architecture in UCD but after <hangs head>) one kid, another on the way. Looking for-
a number of years completed an MBA at Cranfield in ward to actually attending a reunion one of these days.
the UK and now runs his own business consultancy in
Mark Finnegan Living in Fuzhou, China. Creating online
London. Married to Louise, living in London, and father
computer games. Hairier than ever.
to Tuscany (10), Gaia (7) and Noah (3)
Fiona Ní Mhulláin Living in Carlow with husband and
ANDREW WALKER (ALIAS CHUCK!) TCD (History &
daughter, working in Enniscorthy as a Regulatory Man-
Hockey), Kings Inns and Barrister since 1992 in Dub-
ager of a medical device company.
lin. Much of spare time spent hockey coaching in Three
Rock Rovers where he played for many years, and latest Mary Jo Logue Living in London and just completed my
bug is Triathlons! Married to Meriel (of course! Class of Law degree. Getting married this summer, so I’m hoping
85 – proposed at our 10 year reunion apparently!) and to become a grown-up soon!
has 3 boys James (12), Ben (10), Sam (8)
Suzie Shorten Living in Dublin with my partner and 1
year old son Dylan and still working in the music industry
for my sins.
Class of 1989 Sarah Woodbury Living in a tiny village outside of Ed-
Jillian Drury is living in Bristol and working as a GP. Mar- inburgh with husband, 2 (and a half) year old daughter,
ried to Giles, they have a 2 year old daughter called Orla. two psychotic cats, four angry chickens and, apparently,
some invisible but very naughty monkeys in the play-
Georgina Addison is living near Guildford in Surrey. room. I was working as an addictions worker (mainly
Happily married to Sat for 10 years now. They have 2 heroin and valium, but I dabbled in crack too) but having
little girls ages 7 & 5. Georgina works in a nursery school a child has made me soft and (almost) tolerant of people.
part time to fit around the girls school terms. So now I stay home and bake instead.
Liz Slazenger Lives in Buckinghamshire. Is happily Alexandra Tyndale (nee Egan-Langley) Living in Lon-
married to Simon for 9 years now. They have 2 children, don helping disadvantaged families in social housing to
127
access training and funding. Married, and currently on Business and now working the in the family business.
maternity leave with my 6 month old son. Luckily not yet New mother to son Noah, born January.
receding.
Clovisse Ferguson – Clovisse lives in Cork and works
RobandSan Corrigan Living in Co Kildare with wife in the family business growing organic herbs and vegeta-
Sandra and son Ben. Involved in commercial property bles which are used in Gubbeen Smokehouse products
consultancy in Dublin. Still busy with horses, in particular and are also sold to local cafes and restaurants. Likes
one-day-eventing. to travel in the winter months when she leaves her pug
and jack russell on the farm to eagerly await her return
Aura-lee Casey (nee O’Halloran) Living in waterford for spring planting.
with my husband Jason. 17 year old james who is in 5th
yr at newtown, and 3 year old daughter Mia. Im lecturing Ailbhe Levingstone - After leaving Newtown in
in beauty therapy at w.c.f.e and running my own beauty 1999, Ailbhe studied law in UCC and moved to Dublin
salon called Boudoir beauty. in 2002 to begin her apprenticeship with O’Connor and
Bergin Solicitors. Qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has
Isobel Bailey-Baudu Loving living in Brittany, France been working and living in Dublin since.
with husband Yann & 2 daughters, Zoé & Sasha (aged 3
& 1), still teaching english & music in junior high school April Rellis – Studied Science in Trinity, and then later
(collège). We get over to Ireland a couple of times a year completed her H.Dip. Ed. In Trinity also. Now a member
usually & enjoy catching up with school friends & their of teaching and residential staff in Newtown.
kids! Great to be back in touch via Facebook! Jenny Rothwell - Did a rainbow of courses ranging from
Wietske van der Pol making wine for a winery in Nel- computer game design to live sound engineering. Now
working in property development around the UK and Ire-
son, New Zealand - and living in sin with my man Cam,
land. Living life to the full and loving every minute of it.
who is a computer geek....but now student pilot, and 2
doggies. Every once in a blue moon I work vintages in Sue Ryan - After medicine in College of Sur-
France, New York and most recently and most terrifiy- geons worked in Dublin, Kilkenny Waterford and
ingly, Moldova!! New Zealand. Now doing gp training in south
east, and off to Malawi next year for part of it.
Tim Stephen Hendy Just saw this now, thanks for the Still playing hockey with Waterford, still singing at every
reminder! I’ve been working as an archaeologist in Cape opportunity and attempting my first triathalon under the
Town, but living between there and Vancouver. capable supervision (!) of Carl and James in June and
Oisin i suppose!
Class of 1999 Gail Shannon - Working as a masseuse and recently

started free range pig and geese farming, In my spare
Caragh Allen - I am living in East Cork with my husband time I am involved with Macra na Feirme on the National
Peter and children Samson and Bella. Executive board and National Council Rep for County
Wexford which involve lots of fun and frolics around the
Celine Grant - Qualified as an engineer from Trinity in county, country and Europe - one of the highlights was
2003. Travelled a few loops around the world and I’m being selected to represent Ireland at the European
now living in Australia and working for the government. Youth Rally in Germany.
Andrew Maxwell - graduated from Trinity College, Dub- Caroline Sutton - After Newtown I went on to study Sci-
lin with first class honours and subsequently an MA. In ence at Trinity College, Dublin. I received my degree in
the intervening 5 years Andrew, along with his younger Biochemistry in 2003 and continued on at Trinity to earn
brother Tom, has been developing a successful toy man- my PhD in Immunology in 2007. I am currently working
ufacturing and design business. In his spare time Andrew as a post-doctoral researcher in Trinity, looking into the
is to be found tinkering with classic British sports cars. development of autoimmune diseases. I also recently got
engaged to Brendan Murphy and am planning a Novem-
Sara Mullally - went to college in Dublin, studied and got ber wedding in Wexford.
a degree in Psychology. Went travelling for two yrs, then
returned to Waterford, where I have been ever since. I Ailbhe Wheeler - live in Clare, teach English and am
now work for the Waterford Chamber of Commerce, as expecting a baby with my lovely-boyfriend-Brian in July.
a network administrator for the Skillnet. This June I’ll be
getting my blackbelt in kickboxing, yay!
Jessica Cunningham - After school I studied History
Other Old Scholars News
and English at Trinity College Dublin and a few years af-
ter graduating from that I did an M.A. in Design History at Rebecca Hughes studied International Marketing and
the National College of Art and Design. In between and German at the University of Ulster, working in Germa-
since all that I’ve been working in different areas of the ny for a few years and had a great time working for the
arts in administration, production and management – in O’Reilly family dynasty in Dublin and at ARCON Mines
publishing, dance, theatre, and now in the visual arts. I’m in Co. Kilkenny. Married to Carl Bowe , they have a
living in Dublin and also lecture part-time in theatre man- five and a half year old daughter Jennifer. They cur-
agement, design history and the decorative arts. rently live in Fiddown, Co. Kilkenny, they run the local
Daybreak Shop.
Melanie Dool - Completed my Diploma in Sports Ther-
apy in Dublin, where I met my husband Owen. Studied
128

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Newtown

Introducing Mr. Lemon

Departures Ken McCormick

What is your advice to students in terms of What is your life motto?

Departures Hugh Dobbs

Departures Helen O’Byrne

Where are you originally from? What is your advice to

What have been the highlights of your time in

Departures Mary O’Halloran

Basic Day at Newtown in September 1979 and

Departures Trudy Walshe

Departures Glen Deacon

Interview with Matthew Lester –Junior Housemaster. archaeology, so basically

Do you like the newspaper job? and Sherlock Holmes.

Where do you come from? What is your favourite

Where in Australia are you from? What is your favourite

Why did you come to Ireland? Favourite school

What do you miss most about home?

Do you have any brother or sisters? Describe them. Quotablees

of the School Year

Oct 14th: to Sarah Yates who received a scholarship to UCD.

Dec 7th: Jan 26th:

January Jan 28th:

Jan 12th: February

Feb 22nd: Congratulations to Jonathan Morris who gave

first place in a senior alto competition in Kilkenny this Mar 18th:

March Mar 19th:

Well done to everyone who won medals at Waterford Apr 15th:

Mar 16th: Apr 22nd:

Apr 23rd: May 21st:

I contracted swine flu. I probably got it

This is an epic story

Well, it’s finally out. The long anticipated second

UP and real music on the radio, women still seemed to like

The Wolfman sporadic meetings with another constant traveller

Paul looking dangerous

ing songs, lyrics mad, so I would have been very into

Influences and post Newtown

Growing up among the music of your father and oth-

When not making music of some form, what do you

In Fashion fashion with baggy

Top shops Rolled up cardigan

Caoimhe Hahn Finbarr Conolly Austin Slevin Claire Buckley

Paul Murray Mark Power & Mark Richardson Nicky Ryan

Shane Murphy George Walsh Hugh O’Farrell Walsh Eoin O’Conor

Lucia Brogan Marcella Flood Sarah McDonagh Peter Keogh

Rory Van Dokkum

Serena Bifolchi Phoebe Moore Diarmaid Wingfield

Max Marden-Wastenays Geoffrey Graham

Rosaleen Traynor Emma Prendergast

Hannah Murray Liadh Reilly Rebecca Hoban

Caoimhe Hahn Lorcan Doheny

Jonathan Morris Eimear Mullane

Sunita Brazil Shane Murphy 35

Conor Bellew Shane Murphy

Chris Leslie - 1st place Art Endeavour Award

5th & The Art

Trips Killary Adventure Centre

We left Newtown on a warm refreshing morning at the