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ST. NATHY’S COLLEGE LEAVING CERT. RESULTS 1999
St. Nathy’s College had approximately 150 students sitting the Leaving Certificate last June. Students were generally pleased with their results which were released in mid August. As with every year there appears to have been at least one, if not two, subjects which posed problems for students because of surprise elements by way of unusual structure, format etc. This year many students found Honours Geography and French to have been very demanding. Also there were problems in relation to the quality of audiotapes supplied to the school by the Department of Education for aural exams. However, the grades awarded showed that these papers were marked very favourably and any anxieties held were quickly dispelled as the results became available. St. Nathy’s had some particularly excellent individual results. One of its best results came from a student who managed to attain six straight As – and most of them A1s. This is, undoubtedly, one of the best individual results in many years. Many others who actively sought high grades were equally successful in achieving similar results. The subjects which fared particularly well (by way of A grades obtained) included Biology, Engineering, French, Irish, Geography, Home Economics and Construction Studies. English, a subject notoriously difficult to gain high grades in, achieved its fair share of A1s. The Minister for Education’s observations and comments in relation to the declining number of students taking science subjects at Leaving Cert., especially Physics and Chemistry were welcome. The trend was for students to avoid taking them as they were perceived as being very difficult to achieve high grades in. Results in these subjects improved this year. This will, undoubtedly, encourage more students to opt for them in the future - a welcome development. The College staff were particularly pleased that candidates taking subjects at lower level did especially well. One sometimes forgets that the real test of a fair educational system is how well it caters for those who may not wish to go directly on to third level education preferring, instead, to go into the work place or pursue an apprenticeship. This year, for the first time, St. Nathy’s had students taking the recently introduced Leaving Cert. Applied which addresses the individual needs of students in a very positive manner. The first results in this Applied Leaving Cert. were most satisfactory and encouraging. It is envisaged that this alternative Leaving Cert. will become more popular with students and parents alike in future years. It is a worthwhile endeavour which the school is very happy to support and encourage. The grades awarded to the Leaving Cert. Vocational Programme (L.C.V.P.) link modules were equally encouraging and, perhaps, overall showed the best results. The additional points obtained from this programme for entry into Third Level Colleges will be a very welcome addition for many students who availed of it. The College wishes to take the opportunity to compliment the teachers and (in no small measure) parents who worked so hard to ensure that everything possible was done to facilitate students performing to the best of their abilities. All our students are wished the very best of luck in their future careers. BALLAGHADERREEN VOCATIONAL SCHOOL '69 CLASS REUNION The class of '69 in the Vocational School, Ballaghaderreen held a reunion recently commencing with mass celebrated by Fr Tommy Johnston, P.P., a former teacher at the school. Prayers of the faithful were led by Carmel O'Grady and she remembered teachers who had gone to their eternal reward including; Pat Hunt, Scan O' Flanagan, Mrs Phillips, Joe Nicholson and Michael Duignan. After the mass, the group which included; Joe Regan, Noel Duffy, Tom Loftus, Gerry Flannery, Betty Doohan, Pat Sharkey, Brendan Boyle, Kevin Ryan, Andy Morley, Vincent Morley, Henry Greevy, Seamus Madden, Gerry Barrett, Cyril Beirne, Tom Woods, Gerry Cox, Mike Finn, Tom Regan, Tommy Flannery, Bridie Duffy, Breege Duignan, Mary Feeney, Kitty Greene, Mary Greene, Carmel Madden, Mary Mearon, Eileen Hora, Bernie Reid and partners visited the classrooms, recalling and exchanging memories of happy and carefree school days. Later, Durkin's was the venue for a meal and music was provided by "Premier”. During the course of the evening, a letter of regret from Vincent Carroll, a former teacher, who was unable to attend was read. The winner of a special prize sponsored by Kelly Electrical was Bridget Callaghan. The evening was most entertaining and many old friendships were renewed. The success of the venture was entirely due to the hard work by the organisers; Seamus Madden and Carmel O'Grady - two members of the class of '69. LAURA IS NEW CARRACASTLE LASS The winner of the 1999 Carracastle Lass title was Laura Faircloth representing Ogie's Dewdrop, Inn, Charlestown. The event this year was an outstanding success and the Committee thank all the girls who took part as well as all the pubs for their help in selecting the girls and the three judges, Deirdre Burke, Castlebar Community Radio, Sharon Johnston, Sligo Macra Na Feirme and Pat Carty, Grady's Windows who had a very difficult task also on the night. A special thanks to Gerry Glennon from Midwest Radio who did an excellent job and to all the sponsors without whom the Carracastle Lass would not be the success it is every year. DON N.S. REUNION A reunion Mass for past pupils of the Don N.S. was held at the school recently. Light refreshments followed this. The reunion concluded with a dinner dance in the Sheepwalk Bar and Restaurant. Many past pupils turned up for the occasion which was a tremendous success. DEATH OF LOCAL ORGANIST Ballaghaderreen was deeply saddened by the recent death of local organist Willie Feeley. Mr Feeley, a gifted musician and former music teacher, had played the organ in St Nathy's Cathedral for the last 50 years. He had a great love of the Church and was a familiar figure playing the organ at funerals and other ceremonies. He lived in Church Street, just across the road from the Cathedral which was so dear to his heart. He was a quiet, gentle and unassuming person who had a kind word for everyone. He was also an extremely talented person, although very modest. He lived a good Christian life and was highly respected by everyone who knew him. He was a very obliging person, always willing to lend a helping hand whenever the occasion arose. His remains were removed from Sharkey's Funeral Home to St Nathy's Cathedral and he was buried after requiem mass in Kilcolman cemetery. It was fitting that Bishop Flynn celebrated his requiem mass and this indicated a great appreciation for all he had done for the church. A large crowd attended his funeral which was indicative of the high regard in which he was held in the town. At the mass, Bishop Flynn recalled his deep faith and all the work he had done for the church. The local choir were also in attendance and paid a fitting tribute to him with their beautiful hymns. FUNCTION IN REGAN’S OF CARRACASTLE Thanks to all who attended the function in Regan's Lounge, Carracastle in aid of St Luke's Hospital for cancer research. Among those in attendance was the newly crowned Carracastle Lass, Laura Faircloth. Laura is the daughter of Caroline and William Faircloth. She is granddaughter of Michael and the late Barbara Peyton, Lavey, Carracastle. Thanks to all those who made the night such a success.
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