The 6th form were privileged to hear an inspiring talk this morning from Irish table tennis paralympian Colin Judge.
The College had great success in the Pi Quiz for Junior pupils organised by the Irish Maths Teachers Association. In the regional round at Wesley College our teams finished in 1st and 3rd place. The winning team will now compete in the National Final on Saturday, the 25th April. Congratulations to Maureen Deng, Caspar Salm-Salm, Emily Su, Laurence Sun, Charlie Dunleavy, Max Heidenfeld, Marianna O’Shaughnessy and Eric Wang.
Thursday 26th March: House Singing Competition in BSR from 7.00pm. Internal event: not for visitors.
Friday 27th March: final Assembly at 10.45am, BSR, following which term ends.
The College’s Arts Week 2026 was a magnificent celebration of creativity, offering a diverse programme that transformed the campus into a vibrant centre of culture. Throughout the week, pupils engaged in a wide variety of workshops, including ceramics, percussion, dance, improv, flower arranging, music composition, poetry and creative writing. The artistic experiences extended beyond the College with trips to the Gate and Gaiety Theatres to see Poorand The Crucible.
A significant highlight of the week was the breathtaking Candlelight Concert held in the Chapel, which featured a truly memorable performance by the Castle String Quartet. The weekend festivities continued with the Blasta Food Festival, where pupils and guests enjoyed cookery demonstrations by visiting TV chef Mark Moriarty and our own ‘home-grown’ TY pupils, as well as sampling offerings from various food producers at the Food Experience in the BSR and soaking up the sun along with the musical offerings of the pupils and staff.
On Saturday evening, the College’s artists gathered for the inaugural Arts Dinner in the Dining Hall, a formal occasion distinguished by the presentation of the Musarum Comites by OC, Adam Clayton. Saturday evening also saw the Pupils’ Council Discos with a themed photo booth in the BSR.
From Sarah Bracken’s mural project to the various Art and Music prizes, the week successfully showcased the immense talent within the College.
We would like to thank the pupils for their enthusiastic participation, the visiting artists for their inspiring contributions, and the school staff for their unwavering support throughout this successful event.
67 photos
Congratulations to the recipients of the Arts Awards 2026, Musarum Comes, which translates as a Companion of the Muses. These awards recognise excellence and an outstanding contribution to the arts in the school, in drama, music and visual art. They were presented on Saturday night at the inaugural Arts Dinner (which wrapped up a phenomenal Arts Week); the awards were presented by U2’s Adam Clayton (Old Columban).
The recipients of the awards, and now Musarum Comites are:
Mimi Fennell
Rebecca Flanagan
Grace Koch
Alice McClintock Bunbury
Alice McCarthy
Daniel Moran
Ferdia Murray
Rachel Pollock
Philomena Sophie Schneider
Ziyang Zhang
Congratulations to the following pupils who were presented with Music Prizes following the Music Prize Concert in the BSR last night (photo album below). In total, 17 pupils performed in front of guest judge Jonathan Browner, former principal of Educate Together Goatstown, with prizes awarded to the following:
Junior Prizes
Hiro Grosse, VoiceEric Wang, PianoLaurence Sun, PianoSenior PrizesRebecca Flanagan, VoiceJack Francis McKeon, Voice and PianoJerry Zhang, Piano
23 photos
Congratulations to the winners of the Senior Art Prizes Tabitha Lake (Form VI), Sophie Gibb (Form VI) and Liam Murray (Form V).
Earl of Meath Art Prize, Senior – Tabitha Larke.
Earl of Meath Craft Prize, Senior – Sophie Gibb.
Senior Photography Prize – Liam Murray.
Sunday 22nd March: Music Prizes Concert at 8.00pm in the BSR. Parents are welcome to attend.
Monday 23rd March: late rising due to Convention. First Chapel bell at 10.30am.
The group on a sunrise walk at Tiger Kloof.
Merida Zhang, Form IV, reports on the Warden’s recent trip to Tiger Aloof School in South Africa.
The South Africa trip that is offered to the pupils in St. Columba’s is truly a life-changing experience. On this trip, the fifteen pupils and three teachers explored the history behind Tiger Kloof, the school that we were staying at, and how it was influenced by Apartheid, a time of social injustice in South Africa. We also got to know the pupils and staff in the school, joining them for a concert, dinner, some classes and chapels. During our time there, we went to a braai on a farm, which was culture in its finest form. We visited Tiger Kloof’s pre-school and primary school, a centre for disabled youth, and a soup kitchen, helping out where we could. Finally, we finished our trip by going on two game drives on safari and visiting the Apartheid museum. I am very glad that I went on this trip because of the eye-opening view it has given me and the irreplaceable memories that were made on this trip.
A couple moments that stuck out to me on this trip (among countless others), are meeting the children in Tiger Kloof for the first time, the service trips we took to various places in the area, and the museum that we visited at the end of this trip.
After almost twenty four hours of travel, all of us were exhausted upon arrival at Tiger Kloof and also, frankly, a bit wary. However, when we were introduced to the kids at their Valentines’ day dinner and bash, the volume of cheers and warmth that was shown to us was overwhelming and heartfelt. I remember feeling extremely nervous when first talking to people at the dinner, then dancing alongside them (albeit not being as skilled) later the same night. Surrounded by their music and dance, we had our first taste of South Africa, and we all threw ourselves into it, embracing the differences and appreciating them as well. That first night introduced us all to a completely different way of living and to some new friends we never thought we’d become so attached to.
Once we’d spent a couple days in the school, we traveled beyond the school. My most memorable trip outside the school was to the soup kitchen. This is because of the experience of seeing those who would come to the soup kitchen with their empty containers and being the ones who filled them. While serving the food, we also played with the children, giving them whatever we could to make their day. Another reason why it left a lasting impression on me is because this experience made me see first-hand the things that I’ve only heard about. It has reminded me how truly well off and lucky we are, and even that sentence sounds different after this trip.
One of the last things we did on the trip was go to the Apartheid museum. Apartheid is a word in Afrikaans that means “separateness”, and it is the name given to the system of racial segregation that was enforced in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s. Despite its straightforward name, we left the museum being so much more educated and aware of the indescribable hardships that people endured during Apartheid. By going to the museum, I understood the people we met throughout the trip better and how strong they all are.
In conclusion, I felt like this trip was a balanced mix of education, entertainment, and exchange in culture. These aspects showed us the good and the bad, and left us with our own growth and memories. It was everything I could have imagined and I am very grateful for everyone who made it happen.
31 photos
Commiserations to the Minor Boys Hockey Team who lost their final today at Three Rock Rovers HC, against a strong Wesley College side. The game ended 1-1 after full time with the victor decided by one v ones, with Wesley taking gold after a tense finale. Congratulations to both teams for an entertaining and fair match – the boys should be very proud of themselves; they represented the school with passion and plenty of skill.
I watched two films over the St. Patrick’s weekend, both brilliant and thought-provoking in very different ways. I am probably behind the times because the second one has been out for a while.
The first was the new Louis Theroux documentary, ‘Inside the Manosphere’, which was full of shocking interviews and outrageous comments from the influencers in a truly awful subculture, which many of our boys are probably following, whether we like it or not. If pressed, I would suggest that boys would say that they don’t take it seriously, that it’s a bit of a laugh, that, of course, they don’t agree with its more extreme manifestations…but they follow it anyway. It is actually quite hard to do it justice in writing, so I suggest you watch it yourself to get a full dose of what I am talking about.
The second film was ‘I Swear,’ about a young man with Tourette’s Syndrome and his battles to overcome and live with his disability, as well as the misunderstanding and stigma that come with it. Again, if you don’t really understand Tourette’s it is probably best to watch the film. I found it incredibly moving and absolutely relevant to all those who work with young people, whatever their challenges.
Both films were excellent in their own way, but the first one left me depressed, while the second was very uplifting. And both have a lot to say about the society we live in.
In regard to the documentary, young men nowadays are being fed the lie that there is only one way to be a real man and that is to build muscle, to drive a fast car, to trash-talk, to treat women as objects and to make money as fast as possible. It is important to project an image of invincibility and a façade of outrageous contempt for weakness. That is what it means to be a man. Unfortunately, there are some world leaders these days who seem to reinforce that view and have thrown out many of the accepted norms of common decency.
2000 years ago Jesus showed the world a different way to be a man. It was revolutionary then and, let’s face it, it still is. The Bible says that he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant; he washed the feet of his disciples, something only slaves would do; he touched lepers, who were outcasts who would not have known a human touch for years; he hung around with women and accepted them as close friends, which definitely raised a few eyebrows. I could go on…suffice to say, it upset a lot of people. Humility has always been out of fashion.
The real heroine of ‘I Swear’ is the main character’s adopted mother. She looked at the young man and rather than see him as a problem she saw his heart, his goodness, his inherent value…and she never judged him for his behaviour, which, by any standards was fairly extraordinary. Bit by bit, through many setbacks, she and her family restored his dignity and ultimately gave him a purpose, which culminated in him receiving an award from the Queen for service to other people who live with the same condition as he does. It is a powerful story.
Two very different films, two very different views of how to see weakness. One sees weakness as something to be mocked and scorned and derided. The other sees weakness as something to be overcome and transformed, but without a hint of sentimentality. Jesus said, ‘my power is made perfect in weakness.’ That is never going to be popular or mainstream, but it is needed more than ever before.
Image courtesy of Netflix.
Friday 13th March 2026
The Exodus starts after each pupil’s final examination or pre-lunch class (all classes end at 12.50pm).
Tuesday 17th March 2026
College closed until 6.30pm; boarders return by 8.30pm.
Wednesday 18th March 2026
8.05am Day boys and girls return.
8.10am First bell for Chapel.
Commiserations to the Form I Boys Hockey team who lost their league final today at Three Rock Rovers HC, 2-0 against Templecarrig.
Yesterday, the Transition Year pupils had a very enjoyable and successful day in Trinity College Dublin for the Modern Language Evening. The pupils competed for the Alyn-Stacey Cup, which rewards excellence in Modern Foreign Languages in Transition Year.
After a really enjoyable day, the winner was announced; in 1st place was Eleanor Hart, for her presentation on Les Manifestations en France; 2nd place Louise Guillemain, 3rd place Leopold Raitz von Frentz. The pupils also had time to explore the campus at TCD, visiting the world renowned Book of Kells, and had the opportunity to discover some secrets hidden in the area.
Congratulations to the winners of the Junior Art Prizes, Tracy Wang (Form I), Ella Girdham (Form II) and Nala Pether (Form I).
Earl of Meath Art Prize, Junior. Tracy Wang, Form I.
Earl of Meath Craft Prize, Junior. Ella Girdham, Form II.
Photography Prize, Junior. Nala Pether, Form I.
Well done to the Minor Boys hockey squad who beat a strong Newpark Comprehensive team 3-2 in the semifinal of the U14 cup earlier today. They have now qualified for the cup final and the All Ireland competition in April. Goals from Juan Vidal (2) & Joshua Cron.
Congratulations to Tracy Wang in Form I, who received an IMTA medal for achieving 95% in the Irish First Year Mathematics Competition run by the Irish Mathematics Teacher’s Association. The medals were awarded to only 210 1st Year pupils in schools across the country.
Arts Week at St. Columba’s College is a vibrant celebration that will transform the campus into a centre of creativity. Throughout the school day, pupils will immerse themselves in an eclectic mix of workshops, ranging from tactile and active workshops on dance, ceramics, percussion and printing to the more literary and dramatic arts of improv, creative writing, poetry and much more. Have a look at the flyer below. Whether students are composing in singer-songwriter sessions, mastering percussion or cutting up the dance floor, the diversity of talent on display will be electric.
The fun extends into the evening with a traditional Céilí and inspiring theatre trips to see Poor, Psycho Spaghetti and The Crucible. Friday night will see the Chapel transformed for a candlelight concert performed by the Castle String Quartet. There are limited tickets available for this.
This year also marks a delicious milestone with the inaugural Blasta Food Festival. Featuring live demonstrations by renowned TV Chef Mark Moriarty as well as some of our own Transition Year pupils. There will also be a “Food Experience” in the BSR which will bring an exciting culinary edge to the festivities. There will be opportunities to hone your own skills in the culinary arts and taste some delicious goodies! In the afternoon session, the pupils will have the chance to play with their food in a number of exciting, and messy, competitions. Blasta is free to attend.
The week will close with the annual Music Prize Concert on Sunday evening.
We are extremely grateful to Baxter-Storey for their enormous support with Blasta as well as our anonymous sponsors. Without their help, this event would not be possible.
From the page to the plate, Arts Week is a testament to the College’s creative spirit and dedication to the Arts.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to email Mr. T. Clarke.
Sign Up to Our Newsletter
