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Thursday, May 21st also saw Clonaslee College hosting our End of Year Awards Ceremony. This annual event allows us to recognise academic and sporting success, excellence in leadership, and commitment to attendance, as well as celebrating students who embody our school ethos.
The awards ceremony opened with our subject awards. Shay Conroy was successful in receiving the awards for Junior French Student and Junior Art Student of the Year. Senior Agricultural Science Student of the Year went to Enda Feighery, who was commended for his commitment to the subject through his work in school, his practical knowledge of the subject and also his ongoing involvement in his local ‘Macra Na Feirme’ club. Senior Art Student of the Year was awarded to Lauren Culleton, who has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication throughout her time in the school. Our EAL Student of the Year was presented to Elina Lukianchuk in recognition of her commitment to her education, while mastering English as an additional language.
Arran Cassidy in 3rd Year was recognised following his successful entry into the LOETB STEAM competition, where he placed in the Junior Podcast category. Following this, our Gaisce award recipients were invited to the stage to receive their Bronze medals and certificates, awarded on behalf of the President of Ireland. In total, 16 senior cycle students successfully completed the Bronze Gaisce Award this year. As part of the award, students undertook the challenge of developing a new personal skill, improving their physical fitness, and becoming actively involved in their local communities. They also completed an enjoyable, though challenging, Adventure Journey in Glendalough, covering 25km over two days.
Our Junior Year Head, Ms. Deirdre Caplice, next presented a certificate recognising a very special achievement: Perfect Attendance. Ava Horan in 3rd Year was acknowledged for maintaining perfect attendance since 25th August 2023. Ms. Caplice highlighted the commitment, effort and determination it takes to show up every single day and expressed how proud she and our school community is of Ava’s remarkable dedication.
Ms. Caplice also had the honour of presenting our Ethos Awards, recognising students for their commitment to the core values of our school through awards focused on Respect, Community, Equality, Care and Excellence in Education. Both Bronagh Flanagan in 1st Year and Conor O’Shea in 5th Year received the Ethos Award for Community in recognition of their school spirit, involvement in school events, and the support they provide to fellow students. Charlie Conroy in 2nd Year received the Ethos Award for Respect, which he demonstrates daily through his kindness and consideration for others. Finally, John Conway in 3rd Year received the Ethos Award for Care, recognised for the meaningful relationships and connections he builds with others and for consistently showing empathy and support within the school community.
Then it was on to the Sporting Awards, where our students have shown excellent progress and achievement throughout this year’s competitions. Our Junior LGFA Player of the Year award went to Áine Conroy, who was recognised for her energy, encouraging attitude, and her success with the Laois U16 football team. The Senior LGFA Player of the Year award was presented to 5th Year student Caoimhe Barrett, who was commended for her outstanding work ethic on the field and her leadership skills. The Junior Camogie Player of the Year award went to 2nd Year student Abbie Rosney, whom Ms. Staunton described as having a very bright future in sport ahead of her.
Following these awards, Mr. Madden spoke on behalf of our younger players as he invited the 1st and 2nd Year Boys’ Hurling and Football teams to the stage. He expressed his gratitude to the local clubs, Clonaslee St. Manman’s and Rosenallis GAA, for their continued support of the school teams through the provision of pitches, facilities and ongoing assistance to our coaches throughout the year. He also spoke proudly of both teams’ successful journeys to Leinster finals this season, highlighting the teamwork and commitment shown by all involved. From the excellent panels of players, Mr. Madden and Mr. Heffernan selected four worthy winners. The 1st Year Hurler of the Year award went to Charlie Thompson, while the 1st Year Footballer of the Year award was presented to Robbie Molloy. In 2nd Year, Charlie Conroy received the Footballer of the Year award, while Orán Mc Evoy was recognised as Hurler of the Year. The Overall Junior Footballer of the Year award went to Kevin McCann, who demonstrated great determination on the road to the Leinster Final, a campaign that unfortunately ended in injury. Our Junior Hurler of the Year, Adam Somers, was unfortunately absent on the night due to his commitment to the Laois panel. Adam was selected in recognition of his perseverance and leadership throughout the year.
Our Senior GAA Player of the Year was Evan Dunne, who played every minute of every match in both hurling and football throughout the year. As the most senior member of both teams, he led by example with great commitment and determination, and he will be greatly missed next year as he finishes his time in Clonaslee College. Will Thompson in 5th Year picked up Senior Soccer Player of the Year, while Charlie Conroy in 2nd Year was awarded Junior Soccer Player of the Year. In both cases, the coaches praised thei individual contributions both students had made to their teams, which were invaluable throughout the season.
In Clonaslee, we have a strong basketball tradition and, this year, our girls once again deserved recognition for their achievements on the court. Ms. Lydon began by speaking about how fortunate we are to receive huge support from Clonaslee Basketball Club, highlighting the positive impact this has on our school teams. She noted how the work being done at club level greatly benefits students in school competition.
Over the years, our girls’ basketball teams have enjoyed tremendous success, winning numerous Midlands League titles and proudly securing seven All-Ireland titles. This year was no exception, with several teams and players achieving great success throughout the season. First up was our 1st Year Minor Basketballer of the Year, which was awarded to Leah Daniels. Our 2nd Year Basketball team was then called to the stage in recognition of their success as runners-up in the Midlands Shield Final. From this cohort, Rebecca Kelly, was awarded the 2nd Year Player of the Year award.
Our U16 Cadette panel also enjoyed a very successful season and were welcomed to the stage for their medal presentation following their success as Regional Champions. The U16 Cadette Player of the Year award went to Susan Conroy. Finally, our Senior U19 panel was invited to the stage following their impressive Regional Final victory. Ms. Staunton thanked Ellen Delaney, the most senior member of the panel, for her commitment and dedication to basketball throughout her time in Clonaslee College and also acknowledged CBC coach Annie Digan for her outstanding commitment to the development of our basketball teams. The Senior Basketballer of the Year award, the Noreen Sweeney Perpetual Cup, was presented to Laoise Harding. We were honoured to have our former principal and basketball stalwart, Noreen Sweeney, in attendance on the night to present the award to Laoise.
Finally, from a list of worthy nominees, Mr. Cotter was delighted to present the Overall Junior Student of the Year award to Oona Scully in 3rd Year. Oona was commended for her achievements across many areas of school life, including academics, extra-curricular involvement and personal growth. She has shown great leadership and commitment to the school community and is a great example to others. We wish Oona every success as she progresses into senior cycle at Clonaslee College.
Congratulations to all our award winners and nominees on their fantastic achievements throughout the year. Thank you to all students, parents and family members who joined us to celebrate the occasion.
