Trips Week 2025

Last week, the College’s traditional ‘Trips Week’ to place with pupils in non-examination years participating in a series of international and national trips. Forty eight pupils from Forms I and II spend six days in southern Spain, soaking up the culture, food and  language of the region. They took part in a guided tour of Malaga, Malaga Cathedral, explored Seville and El Alcácar, visited the Butterfly Park at Mariposario, a visit to the Alhambra Palace, the Museo Picasso, the Alcazaba, Málaga stadium and much more. It was a fantastic trip and many thanks to the Modern Language department for their organisation. The remaining Form I and II pupils, who remained in Ireland, had a series of day trips including a visit to Dublin Zoo, Emerald Park, Dublinia & Christchurch Cathedral and walked up Bray Head.

Pupils in Form IV (Transition Year) travelled west to Achill Island for some outdoor adventures while Form V also headed to the west coast, visiting the unique landscape of the Burren, carrying out some geography and biology fieldwork.

Many thanks to all the staff who organised the trips. Below is a photo gallery from all the trips last week.

Trips Week 2025
Trips Week 2025
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Form V Art Trip

Form V pupils Alice McClintock Bunbury, Dairbhre Murray and Maxx White Anderson report on the recent art trip to the National Gallery and The Hugh Lane.

On Friday 16th May we went to see various exhibitions and artworks around Dublin. We started the day by visiting the National Gallery of Ireland. Firstly, we saw several paintings from the permanent collection, including ‘A Convent Garden’ by William John Leech. He  attended St Columba’s College too so it made seeing his work especially meaningful.
After exploring the permanent collection, we visited the exhibition ‘Mainie Jellett and Evie Hone: The Art of Friendship’. We saw amazing paintings and stained glass works here. One of the highlights was seeing Evie Hone’s stained glass pieces, which are also housed at our own school: one in the library and also a painting in the chapel Evie Hone.

After the National Gallery, we enjoyed lunch sitting in the Pav in Trinity College Park, soaking up the atmosphere before heading to our next activity. We then took a street art tour around Temple Bar, led by Ms Cullen and Ms Murphy. My favourite piece was ‘Love Lane’ by Anna Doran. The laneway is aesthetically pleasing and interactive, with stencilled hearts and hand-painted tiles featuring quotes and dedications. We even signed our names there and took some brilliant photos. Another remarkable work was the Blooms Hotel Mural by James Earley, which is based on the novel Ulysses by James Joyce, cleverly integrating literary themes with vibrant street art.
Our final stop was the Hugh Lane Gallery, where a tour guide introduced us to the stunning stained glass works of Harry Clarke. I was fascinated by the intricate details and vivid colours. We also saw Francis Bacon’s preserved studio, which, despite being messy, offered a vivid glimpse into the artist’s creative process. The highlight was the ‘La Grande Illusion’ exhibition by Brian Maguire. One powerful painting depicted the Amazon rainforest, capturing global issues such as deforestation with bold brushstrokes and abstract forms.Overall, it was a fantastic day that allowed us to see art in a whole new way.

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Transition Year End of Term Report

One might assume Transition Year slows down in the final term but, if anything, our TY pupils seem busier than ever and more eager to “end on a high”. There have been plenty for pupils to engage with this term in sport, academics, physical challenges, career exploration, skill development and more.

Many of the TY pupils took part in a 50km hike over 3 days, along the Wicklow Way, completing their physical challenge for their Gaisce President’s Award. There were visiting speakers, including Conor Harris who spoke to them honestly about his battle with drug addiction. Parents and Old Columbans took part in the annual Careers Evening, allowing TY pupils speak with professionals from a range of career areas; there was a focus this year on speakers who have taken unconventional career paths (many thanks to the Parents’ Association for their support). Some TY pupils visiting Maynooth University’s impressive TV studio and experienced producing, recording and editing their own talk show. There was a trip to Dun Laoghaire for water sports before touring Dublin with the Viking Splash tour. Back on campus, pupils learned how to make (and savour) Italian style pizza, develop their circus skills, practice driving cars and even learned how to safely ride e-scooters and Segways.

The final term is also an opportunity to showcase and reflect on their academic endeavours. The Transition Year Academic Prize saw seven TY pupils present on a topic of their choice. Daniel Moran was crowned the winner by guest judge and former teacher Mr Peter McCarthy for his presentation on …. . The Transition Year Modern Language evening took place in Trinity College; congratulations to Johann Diemert who took home the Alyn-Stacey Cup for Modern Languages after his fantastic presentation on the artist Banksy. Their accomplishments in English were celebrated during the Transition Year English Evening, held earlier this week, with eight pupils reading their work; congratulations to the pupils who achieved premier grades in English this year.

Last night, the final Transition Year presentation evening took place with a series of awards distributed, including the coveted ‘Spirit of Transition Year Award’, which went to Henry Clements. Next week, some TY pupils will head west to Achill Island for a few days of adventure and, after that, a small crew will finish off the year with Drama Week, where the ambition is to write, direct, build a set and perform an original play or musical in just five days.

Many thanks to Ms Lisa Lynch and her team of helpers for building a phenomenal Transition Year programme. Ms Lynch moves onto a new challenge next year, as Housemistress of Hollypark, with Mr Keith Ryan taking over as Transition Year Co-ordinator.

Transition Year 2024-2025
Transition Year 2024-2025
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Transition Year Awards 2025

Last night, the final Transition Year Presentation Evening took place in Whispering House. It’s always a lovely evening as this year’s Transition Year pupils get a chance to reflect on their achievements, experiences and growth since last September. Congratulations to the following pupils who were presented with subject awards, recognising their academic excellence (main photo). Two additional awards were also presented: the ‘College Values Award‘ goes to the pupil who best represents the College values in TY while the ‘Spirit of Transition Year Award‘ is awarded to the pupil who best embraced the philosophy and objectives of TY.

Art – Harry Bowles

Geography and Chemistry – Lexi Hunter

Mathematics, Physics and Computer Studies – Jason Wong

French – Johann Diemert

Spanish – Giulia Soddu

Biology, Classical Studies and College Values Award for Determination – Hugo Russell Connolly

English – Anna Hart

Business – David Cron

Economics – Violeta Mykhalova

Irish – Daniel Passmore

History – Arthur Morphew

Design – Amelie Loehr

Music – Alice McCarthy

Spirit of Transition Year – Henry Clements

Those award winners are pictures above. Ms Lynch, the Transition Year Co-ordinator, acknowledged the pupils who took Early University Entrance courses in DCU throughout the year- Hugo Russell Connolly, Daniel Passmore, Jack-Francis McKeon, William Dai, Harry Hone, Alice Castagna, Ethan Robertson, Zach Kelly, Issac Fang, Sam Germaine, Lexi Hunter. Congratulations also to to Anna Hart and Charlie Clements for their week at the Royal College of Surgeons, and to Ferdia Murray for completing the Look Into Law programme.

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Leadership Awards 2025

Leadership Awards were presented to 14 pupils in chapel this morning, recognising their exemplary leadership shown across various aspects of College life – in sport, music, drama, in house and around the campus. Over 150 nominations were received, from both pupils and staff, with the Warden finally deciding on those pupils who have exemplified the College values (Kindness, Inclusion, Compassion, Determination and Responsibility) in all they do.

This year’s recipients were: Joshua Cron, Archie Moffett, Daniela Casasus-Benetiz, Ciara Roets, Zoe Houlihan, Harry Casey, Alice McCarthy, Kae Ren Ng, Naoise Bradley-Brady, Philomena Schneider, Melina Paulsen, Alison Wang, Shannon Walker-Kinsella and Elliot Warnock.

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Voices of Poetry 2025

As happens annually, and has done for about 40 years since former Head of English Mr John Fanagan initiated the event, Voices of Poetry took place on Sunday evening, the last major event in the BSR of the school year.

And as happens annually, many pupils and a handful of staff read or recited short poems in a variety of languages under a single spotlight in a darkened hall. It is a moment for attention and listening, a pause in the busy-ness of school life, and a celebration of our diversity. Mr Girdham presented the evening and introduced the speakers.

Violeta Mykhalova opened confidently with a Ukrainian poem about summer, appropriately as the holidays get close. An utterly different language is Akrikaans: Kasimir zu Bentheim used to live in South Africa and so read a piece in that language.

The first English poem of the evening was in ‘American’, in the extraordinary style of the great Emily Dickinson, ‘Hope is the thing with feathers’. Moving much further South, Spanish as spoken in Mexico was represented by Eleazar Reygadas Lopez, who read a piece by the 1990 Mexican winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Octavio Paz.

That variety continued in the first poem of the evening in Mandarin Chinese, recited vividly by Rachel Jiang, and it was further emphasised in Polish by Marianna O’Shaughnessy in a piece by another Nobel Prize-winner, Wisława Szymborska.

As Mr Girdham pointed out, it takes some courage to compose and then read out in such an arena your own words, and Nia Jessup was the first of the pupils to do so, with her poem ‘The Wish I Regret‘.

European languages came next, starting with Anna McGrath (French), Allegra Caccia (Montale in Italian), Otto Dalwigk (Bavarian dialect) and Carola Moreno (Spanish). The second composer-reader was Delia Brady, with ‘The Green Island‘, about her family’s relationship to the Irish Famine of the 1840s. Irish was represented by Fleur Green. Then the third composer-reader was Finn Woolsey, who read an affecting personal poem about a friend, ‘Petals in the Wind’.

Four First Formers read short poems: Daniela Casasus Benitez (Spanish), Ella Girdham (German: ‘Wir’ by Irmela Brender), Fiona Zhong and Ada Yutong (both Mandarin). Jason Otolorin returned us to English, with Ian Duhig’s ‘From the Irish’.

The Junior Poetry Prize was this year won by Suvi-Helene Cully, and Mr Kirwan read out her winning poem ‘When the Storm Comes’. As usual, the Warden recited a poem from the store of works he has learned off by heart, this time Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’. Then Mr Canning announced the winner of this year’s Peter Dix Memorial Prize for Poetry, Stella Borrowdale, whose prize-winning poem ‘Penelope‘ (one of a portfolio) he read out.

Finally, Senior Prefect Harry Smith Huskinson closed proceedings with Sylvia Plath’s ‘Song for a Summer’s Day’, which he had read at his mother’s wedding. This echoed the opening poem of the night: another about summer, and its lovely image ‘Sunday’s honey-air’, a perfect note on which to end.                                

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Sports Dinner & Awards 2025

Mr Canning report on the recent Sports Dinner and Awards 2025.

Last Saturday, the annual Sports Dinner celebrated the year’s sporting successes and acknowledged the Senior pupils’  contributions to the College’s traditional team sports. The guest speaker for the evening was Arul Anthoni Selvaraj. We were also joined by Gedinka Fair, who we thanked for her thirty years of coaching service to College hockey and athletics.

Mr Canning, our Head of Sport, spoke about the importance of team sport in the College and congratulated the pupils after amazing seasons across all codes. He also celebrated pupils’ successes in their more specialised individual areas.   This year has been phenomenally successful in terms of teams in a wide variety of sports in both the Junior and Senior schools. It was fantastic to see trophies and cups from successful rugby and cricket campaigns, with teams losing narrowly in five hockey finals.

Our Arul Anthoni Selvaraj talked about his experience as a Malaysian hockey international, capped 85 times, before retiring to follow his coaching vocation. Like all sportsmen, he had low points, one being dropped for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but bouncing back with a career highlight of playing in the 1998 Men’s World Cup.

His coaching career is extensive, being the South African and Irish Assistant Coach, as well as being the Malaysian Head Coach for four years until he returned to Ireland last year to be with his family; who had been growing up in Ireland when his job or vocation meant he was away for long chunks of time.

He shared his non-negotiable coaching principles with us. These included: the journey between coach and player as one of sharing, planning and understanding. He said he believed in making things happen and that talent must be harnessed to a determined and resilient attitude.

Awards

Girls’ Hockey Club Person of the Year: Cecile Mellenthin

The Cloister Dash: Boys – Archie Monaghan. Girls – Molly Mann

The Mountain Run Challenge: Boys: Daniel Moran. Girls: Alannah McCoole College sports

Sports Colours

A highlight of the evening is the awarding of “Colours” to pupils who have excelled in every measure on the sports field. Pupils who receive “Colours” have excellent ability and attitude, are committed on and off the playing field, play and practise with consistency, are reliable, resilient and courageous, are leaders or soldiers on their teams, are selfless and put others before themselves. They are true team players. The boys get ties and the girls a necklace and pendant inscribed “SCC in ludo excellentia”.

Twenty “Colours” were awarded to the following pupils for the 2024-2025 academic year:

Athletics: Archie Monaghan

Girls’ Basketball: AJ Ediale, Molly Mann, Holly Murray.

Boys’ Cricket: Sebastian Dijkstra, Harry St Leger

Girls’ Cricket: Sophie Pollock, Safia Walker

Boys’ Hockey: Harry St Leger, Elliot Warnock, Harry Smith-Huskinson.

Girls’ Hockey: Ayodeji Ediale, Molly Mann, Holly Murray.

Rugby: Pelayo Avello Caso, David Chukwueke, Gavin O’Dowd, Rory O’Dowd, Ryan Ovenden, George Priestley.

Sports Persons of the Year

do not always give this award. The reason is that we have a standard, and that standard needs to be met for it to be awarded.

This year, we were fortunate to have a real debate over our Sportspersons of the Year, with three outstanding girls in contention—Ayodeji Ediale, Molly Mann, and Holly Murray. All three have proudly represented the school across our major traditional sports, playing key roles in basketball matches, both hockey finals and the cricket final. Choosing between them was incredibly difficult. In the end, we recognised someone who has not only excelled on the field but also been a passionate ambassador for sport in the school. She’s played on every senior team, inspired her teammates with infectious enthusiasm, and never hesitates in voicing how much she cares.

When considering the boys, we had several strong candidates, but our main debate came down to last year’s joint winners: Sebastian Dijkstra and Harry St. Leger. Both are exceptional athletes—natural talents in hockey and cricket, with great enthusiasm and commitment. In the end, it was Harry St. Leger who edged ahead. After suffering a horrific injury – a severely broken jaw requiring wiring and multiple operations – he showed extraordinary determination to recover; a true example of resilience in the modern era, a core college value, truly stood out. Remarkably, Harry returned not just to play but to excel. He represented Ireland’s Men’s Development Squad at an indoor hockey tournament in Denmark and has also been selected for the Irish U21 outdoor training squad, aiming for the World Cup in India, both phenomenal achievements.

Sports Persons of the Year: Holly Murray and Harry St Leger.

Team of the Year:

The three main contenders for this award were Girls’ Cricket, Girls’ Hockey and Boys’ Rugby. The girls’ cricket team won their Cup at the highest school provincial level for the first time since 2006. Balancing that their season was very short, an eighteen-day, four-match one.

It then came down to the Boys’ Rugby Team winning their McKinley Cup League or the Girls’ hockey team, who were promoted last year and lost both their League final and Cup at that higher level this year. There is no doubt that both teams were extraordinarily committed. The girls edged it for performing so well on the back of the promotion. They played 20 fixtures, losing two finals at what is realistically the top level a school like ours can currently play at. It is no accident that almost the same group of girls carried their resolve, commitment and character into the winning cricket season.

Team of the Year: The Girls’ Hockey Team (for the first time since the 2015/16 season)

Sports Dinner 2025
Sports Dinner 2025
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Junior Public Speaking Competition 2025

The Junior Public Speaking Competition at the end of May each year is part of a continuum of public speaking opportunities which our pupils have, and which help them build confidence and fluency. This starts in the First Form competition in front of their peers in English class, and includes the Transition Year House Speeches and House debating. ‘Oracy’ is the technical educational term: before long, reforms in the Leaving Certificate English course mean that candidates will need to talk to external examiners about literary texts.

Judging by this year’s competition, when the pupils reach that year, they will have no problems. Building on their oral Classroom Based Assessments, eight Second Formers spoke in the Big Schoolroom on the evening of Saturday 24th May on a great variety of topics, and did so very well (and several without any notes). Mr Girdham was the judge; he asked each speaker a question or two after their piece.

Zora O’Rourke was first, making a provocative argument that we should reinstate corporal punishment. As she admitted, she doesn’t really believe this, but she made the audience sit up at the start and think. Emily Su also provoked thinking, as she imagined what it would be like if we never had to speak. She pointed out that we spend about a third of our lives asleep, and this might seem a waste of time. But, of course, the benefits of sleep are considerable, and life without it would be impossible. Next was Marianna O’Shaughnessy, who gave a vivid and detailed account of her great-aunt Helena Pyz, who despite disability has achieved a huge amount in her work in India – certainly, a life well lived. ‘Dissociative Identity Disorder’ is also something which could disable a life, and Mirella Pelly explained clearly this complicated and distressing condition.

The second half of speakers was headed by Maureen Deng, whose ‘The benefits of space travel’ contained several quirky scientific facts. She was followed by Bosco Quesada Torrejon on ‘The Power of Small Habits’, those little things which make life that little bit easier, but which also can have negative effects. Then Laurence Sun gave a comprehensive and mostly positive account of the effects of Artificial Intelligence, including possible job displacement. Finally, Georgia Dobbs addressed the matter of teenage girls and sport; her clearly-delivered speech was well-structured and used her own experience effectively.

The winner was Laurence Sun for his polished and knowledgeable address; all other speakers impressed in what was a pleasing evening.

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Foundation Event, London 2025

The College Foundation hosted a wonderful event in a private members club in London last week, with Old Columbans (young and old) coming together to share their stories, celebrate their connection to St. Columba’s and find out about the Foundation’s exciting plans for school development in the years to come.

Foundation Event - London May 2025
Foundation Event – London May 2025
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ASTI award for Mr Jones

Many congratulations to our Head of Science, Mr Jones, on his Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to education.

In the words of the ASTI:
“Humphrey Jones is a teacher of science, biology, and agricultural science, as well as a career guidance counsellor at St. Columba’s College in Dublin. As Chairperson of the Irish Science Teachers’ Association, Humphrey has established an extensive professional learning community for science teachers in Ireland using WhatsApp, enabling fellow teachers to come together and share best practices and support each other’s professional growth as well as student learning. This has been very successful and the initiative now has a membership of over 1,000 participants contributing to over 30 groups. He hopes that the professional learning communities will translate to more in-person events furthering collaboration and sharing of ideas amongst teachers.

In addition to this, Humphrey is one of the main organisers of ResearchEd Ireland. ResearchEd conferences are organised all over the world by practising teachers. Ireland has held two ResearchEd conferences, both hosted by Humphrey’s own school. These have attracted speakers that are internationally renowned educationalists from all over the world, providing opportunities for teachers in Ireland to update themselves on international best practice.

The Annual ASTI Achievement Awards recognise and celebrate teachers’ contributions both in and out of the classroom and their impact on young people’s lives.”

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Mountain Race 2025

The 2025 College Mountain Race from above the Kilmashogue car park to the Ticknock gate entrance and back attracted twenty two runners. The race was dominated by Transition Year participants. No new records were set but very respectable times were recorded on this 8 kilometre up and down race.

Daniel Moran was the winner in 31 minutes 35 seconds, pressed hard by Kae Ren Loh in 31 minutes and 55 seconds, with marathon runner Archie McKeever taking third place in 33 minutes 55 seconds. Alannah McCoole won the girls’ trophy for the second consecutive year in 37 minutes and 12 seconds (1 minute 32 seconds shy of the record she set last year).

We say goodbye to Sixth Form ‘Mountain Run’ faithfuls participating for their third time: Jamie Casey, Archie McKeever, and George Priestley.

Mountain Race 2025
Mountain Race 2025
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Columba’s Carnival

The first ‘Columba’s Carnival’ took place in glorious sunshine on Saturday, May 17th. The event was organised by the Pupils’ Council, with support from the Parents’ Association, and saw pupils (and even some staff) taking part in a range of fun activities near the cricket pitch. There was live music, a charity raffle, face painting, novelty games, an ice-cream truck, tasty crepes and even a “slip ‘n slide”. Everyone got in the spirit of the event and the weather played its part too. Many thanks to the Pupils’ Council for their vision and organisation, and the Parents’ Association for their support too. Hopefully, the ‘Carnival’ will be an annual event.

SCC Carnival 2025
SCC Carnival 2025
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Senior Art Prize 2025

The 2025 Art Prizes were awarded by printmaker and educator Kate Power. As usual there was a wide variety of entries and difficult choices had to be made.

The Earl of Meath Art Prize was won by Sofia Gill- Torrejon, the Senior Craft Prize was won by Rachel Pollock and Violeta Mykhalova won the Senior Photography Prize.

Commendations were given to Fanny Hannwacker and Clodagh Walsh.

Keelin Bradley- Brady, Bay Bunbury, Rebecca Flanagan, Ruby Kirwan, Florence Kulow, Sophie Dobbs and Daniel Moran all were awarded distinctions.

The album below features images of works from both the Junior and Senior Art Prizes 2025.

Art Prizes 2025
Art Prizes 2025
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South Africa Trip Report

Form V pupil Safia Walker reports on the recent school trip to South Africa.

During the February half-term, fifteen of us embarked on a long but highly anticipated journey to South Africa, where we had the incredible opportunity to stay in Tiger Kloof School. Tiger Kloof is a historic boarding and day school located in Vryburg, in the Northwest province of South Africa. The school holds deep historical significance, having endured the effects of the Apartheid, making it a powerful place for learning and reflection.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the students and staff and we  enjoyed a wonderful dinner together, setting the tone for the week ahead. From the very start, we felt a strong sense of community and were eager to immerse ourselves in the cultural and social experiences that awaited us. Throughout our stay, we had many memorable interactions with the students, who were eager to share their culture and traditions with us. One of the most memorable moments was learning and performing traditional South African gumboot dancing and marimba playing. Though our dancing skills were far from refined and our marimba playing was slightly offbeat, the experience was filled with laughter and joy. The sound of our enthusiastic yet imperfect performance echoed through the stunning church, creating an unforgettable moment of cultural exchange.

In addition to participating in cultural activities, we attended classes with the students, which provided us with valuable insight into their education system. While we noticed many similarities in subjects and teaching methods, there were also stark differences in student life and daily routines. This experience allowed us to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities faced by students at Tiger Kloof, deepening our understanding of life in South Africa.

We didn’t just interact with the students. In the nearby township we visited a centre for disabled individuals. We read books, danced and also did some colouring with them. Afterwards we headed to the soup kitchen which was set up by the Warden and where the Tiger Kloof students volunteer twice a week.  While we were there we aided in cooking food, we cried a lot while cutting onions and we played football with the local children.  This was a very moving and rewarding experience to help those who are not as fortunate as us yet still were full of joy.

As our week was coming to an end, we drove to Pilanesberg National Park to do a safari tour. We were lucky enough to see rhinos, elephants, hippos, giraffes and lions, as well as countless butterflies.  Looking back, our time in South Africa was an extraordinary journey of cultural immersion, personal growth, and meaningful connections. We left with a newfound appreciation for the kindness and hospitality of the people we met, as well as unforgettable memories that will stay with us forever.

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Double Disappointment for the Senior Girls Hockey Squad.

Our Senior Girls’ hockey team played their second final in a week today. The Trophy Final match was again in the Three Rock Rovers hockey club and against the same opposition, Newpark Comprehensive School.

Last Monday’s encounter was a closely fought game that ended in a disappointing loss in the one-on-one eliminators. Our team knew they had let the previous week’s game slip away from them and were determined to reverse the result.

From the start it was clear that Newpark had decided to pack their midfield to deny us the space needed to implement our passing game, as well as forcing us left to minimise us using the right hand side as an attacking avenue. This all meant that there were far fewer scoring chances created.

Newpark’s first short corner yielded their first and the decisive goal. It was to be their only direct shot on target in the match. With five minutes to go the St.Columba’s coaching staff took off our goalkeeper AJ Ediale to try and force the desperately needed equaliser with an extra outfield player. The brave but risky tactic did yield some circle entries and half chances but  some last ditch effective Newpark defending meant the final whistle blew and Newpark had won an elusive double League and Trophy title.

In spite of our double disappointment our entire squad and coaching team deserve enormous credit for an excellent season.

(N.Bradley-Brady, O.Cowan, AJ.Ediale, A.Genetzke, T.Larke, F.Lodewijk, M.Mann, A.McCoole, C.Mellenthin, H.Murray (Capt), C.Penwill, R.Pollock, S.Pollock, P.Pringle, S.Walker, P.Wiesner, )

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Senior Girls Hockey League Final Report

The Senior Girls’ Hockey Team reached their League and Trophy finals this season; an achievement that last happened in 2016.

The League final was played on Monday, 3rd of March in the Three Rock Rovers hockey club. The team was buoyed by defeating their opponents, Newpark Comprehensive School, 4-0 in a previous league encounter.  The coaching staff made it clear that there should be no complacency as finals have a knack of upturning form.

The warm, clear, sunny day combined with two supportive and positive sets of supporters set the scene.

From the start, the St. Columba’s side strung flurries of coordinated passing movements together but could not make the circle entries and score the goal their possession warranted. In saying that, Newpark defended their circle tenaciously and a couple of speedy forwards posed a constant counterattacking threat.

This pattern continued throughout the second half when short-range opportunities on the left-hand post were not seized. In the final minute, Newpark won a corner, which our goalkeeper AJ Ediale calmly dealt with.

The 0-0 draw took the game into five one-on-one shootouts. AJ Ediale saved Newpark’s first three attempts, closing down their attackers quickly and agilely, staying on her feet. St.Columba’s first attempt was efficiently scored by Polly Pringle, but that encouraging start faltered. We did not score another, while Newpark scored their final two, meaning they took the league title.

The final result was disappointing as we knew we had let the game get away from us. However, the match was played in an excellent spirit and both team Captains congratulated each other’s sides for that in their acceptance speeches. We can be sure that Holly Murray and her team will do their utmost to reverse this result in next Monday’s Trophy final; it may well be against the same opposition. (Playing their semi-final tomorrow).

(N.Bradley-Brady, O.Cowan, AJ.Ediale, A.Genetzke, T.Larke, F.Lodewijk, M.Mann, A.McCoole, C.Mellenthin, H.Murray (Capt), C.Penwill, R.Pollock, S.Pollock, P.Pringle, S.Walker, P.Wiesner, )

Senior Girls Hockey Final, March 3rd 2025
Senior Girls Hockey Final, March 3rd 2025
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Success for Maths Team

The St Columba’s College maths team, comprising Allegra Caccia, Herbert Feng, Gu Zihan and Grace Koch, won the Regional Round of the IMTA Team Maths competition held at Alexandra College earlier today, defeating 30 other teams from schools in Dublin. They answered 16 correct answers out of 20, 2 ahead of nearest challengers, a team from Belvedere College.
It is all the more impressive as our team was made up entirely of Form V pupils, while the competition is open to Leaving Certificate pupils in both Forms V & VI. They will go on now to the National Finals held later in the Spring.
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Bullying Awareness Month Poster Competition Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Bullying Awareness Month Poster Competition. Thank you to all who participated and helped promote this important message.

Junior Category

1st Place – Suvi Cully & Dolly Rogers (main photo above)

2nd Place – Marianna O’Shaughnessy

3rd Place – Alex O’Herlihy

Senior Category

1st Place – Keelin Bradley Brady

2nd Place – Kae Ren Ng Loh

3rd Place – Tony Hopkins

 

Congratulations to all who took part in the competition and in particular to the winners above.

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