Rice College NewsSecond Term • 2013-2014Issue 62 • April

Many thanks to parents who completed our uniform survey posted on our website www.ricecollegewestport.ie. The results of the survey revealed conclusively that parents want the students to wear a school uniform. It was also clear that it would be preferable to have the uniform available in department stores. Over 90% of parents want a crest but do not mind if our crest is bespoke or not. The majority of parents did not favour designer sportswear, footwear or a blazer as part of the uniform. Hence, there will be no change to the existing uniform. New guidelines on anti-bullying were issued to schools this year. Our new policy is currently being circulated to the relevant parties and will be posted publically on our website shortly. I want to sincerely thank the dedicated groups of individuals involved on the fundraising committees. They have been extremely generous with their time and remain so committed to get everyone to Pitch in Build Pride Power Futures for our school. The group has worked tirelessly to produce flyers, brochures and sponsorship cards along with promoting and securing funding through various avenues. I also thank you, the parents, for your support. The sponsored walks have produced €11,500 to-date. The Parents Council has offered great support and continues to work on initiatives on your behalf.The school is enjoying unprecedented success in sports once again this year with our cross-country teams securing All-Ireland Gold & Silver. Rice College is the first Connacht school ever to enjoy success at this level. History was made once again in GAA as our Junior Footballers were crowned Connacht “A” Champions. While many individuals showed their talents this term, I have to mention Jack Carroll’s success in music. Jack competed admirably in Claremorris, Mullingar and then Limerick on successive Sunday nights with thirty fellow Transition Year students travelling to support him. Also Niall McGovern did extremely well in AILO, The All-Ireland Linguistics Olympiad. Well done! In an effort to keep the community informed of events we have extended our communications on a facebook page www.facebook.com/ricecollegewestport and twitter@ricecollege so log on click and follow us.Best wishes and congratulations to our Deputy Principal, Ms Sinéad McManus, on her recent marriage to Mr Paul Ruddy.

28th April – 02nd May Rice College- positive living week29th April TY -Tour Talk at 7pm02nd May- Junior Cert Art Exam.06th, 07th, 08th, 09th May- L.C. Art and Construction Studies Practicals.06th – 09th May -TY Italy Tour08th May Incoming 1st Year Information Night at 8pm13th May Memorial Mass at 2pm -All welcome15th May TY Graduation Mass at 2pm21st May Awards Night at 8pm23rd May Leaving Certificate End of Year Liturgy at 8pm. State Exams Commence 03rd June 2014

Michael RabbetteSchool Principal

Past pupils graduateLewis Cawley, son of Kathryn and Brendan Cawley, Deerpark East, Westport was conferred recently with a Degree in Business and Law from UCD and a Masters in Accountancy from Smurfit College. Lewis is a past pupil of the Quay National School and Rice College, Westport.

Gary Keane, son of Gerry and Margo Keane, Fahy, Westport was conferred recently with a Bachelor of Business Recreation and Leisure Degree from Sligo IT. Gary is a past pupil of Fahy National School and Rice College, Westport.

Kevin Keane, son of Gerry and Margo Keane, Fahy, Westport was conferred recently with a B. Sc. Hons. in Quantity Surveying from Sligo IT. Kevin is a past pupil of Fahy National School and Rice College Westport.

Michael Sheridan, son of Micheál and Liz Sheridan, Aughagower, Westport graduated recently with an Hons. Degree in Civil Engineering from GMIT Galway. Michael is a past pupil of Knockrooskey National School and Rice College, Westport.

Conor O’Malley, son of Brendan and Sharon O’Malley, Liscarney, Westport was awarded an All Ireland Scholarship (JP McManus) at an award giving ceremony in UL last November. The scholarship provides funding of €6,750 per annum for the duration of Conor’s University course. The scholarship was awarded to him in recognition of his excellent Leaving Cert results in 2013. Conor, a past pupil of Rice College, is currently studying Mathematics at NUI Maynooth. We wish Conor continued success in his studies.Presenting the scholarships in the University of Limerick were: Mr. JP McManus, who funds the scholarships; Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael Noonan TD; Dr. Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland. Special guest at the awards ceremony was Ryanair chief executive Mr. Michael O’Leary.

All Ireland scholarship for Conor

Pictured at the presentation L-R: Mr. J. P. McManus, scholarship sponsor; Mr. Michael Noonan TD, Minister for Finance; Conor O’Malley, scholarship recipient; Mr. Michael Rabbette, School Pricipal,

Isaac Brickenden, son of Orla and Rory Brickenden, was identified by the State Examinations Commission as a high achiever in Mathematics in the 2013 Junior Cert Examination and was invited to participate in the 2013 Irish Beaver Computing Contest (IBCC), which is the Irish branch of “Bebras International”, an online international computational thinking challenge for students in both primary and secondary schools.

Congratulating Isaac on his achievement :Pictured L-R: Mr. Martin Halpin, Maths teacher;Isaac Brickenden and Mr. Michael Rabbette, Principal

Christopher O’Malley, son of Christine O’Malley, The Quay, Westport, graduated recently from NUIG with a Masters of Marketing Practice. He is a past pupil of the CBS and Rice College. Christopher is currently employed at the West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation and is training as a Health and Fitness Instructor.

All-Ireland Golf Champions 2013

Pictured at the GUI “Champions Dinner” in the Carton House Hotel, Belfast were L-R: Harry Gillivan, Jack Healy, Joe Cuddy, Manager of the victorious Rice College team, Colin McConway, teacher; Sam Gillivan, Joe Hastings, Jack O’Donnell, Matthew Golden

Remembering Mr. Dennis CarrollDennis Carroll, one of the great educators, sportsmen, and gentlemen to have journeyed through the Christian Brothers’ schools in Westport both as student and teacher has gone to

his eternal reward. As a teacher of Mathematics and Gaeilge he excelled, but he will always be remembered as the great motivator of generations of CBS students in sport, achieving success with CBS teams in Connacht Colleges’ football and athletics, at a time when boarding schools had many advantages in the sporting domain. As a member of the teaching staff he was a tower of strength, a font of wisdom to those around him, particularly young teachers finding their feet. His colleagues always looked forward to his observations on the “Sunday Game”. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Sheila and family on their great loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal

Rice College All Ireland winning Senior golf team attended the Golfing Union of Ireland “Champions dinner” in Carton House Hotel, Belfast. In attendance were the victorious teams from the various team competitions played in 2013 under the auspices of the GUI.This was the first time a Mayo school came out on top at All Ireland level. Victory was secured in the final against De La Salle, Waterford with the Westport lads winning the top three matches resulting in the remaining two matches being called, giving a 4-1 scoreline.

RICE COLLEGE NEWS

Connacht Schools Senior Rugby

Rice College 8; Summerhill 10With 11 mins remaining, Rice College led Summerhill 8-7 and it looked like there might be a home victory at the end of their opening Pool A fixture. Instead, an injury-time penalty gave the Sligo side victory and leaves Rice College with a mountain to climb.After an even first 20 mins which produced few chances, Tom McHale opened our account with a well-struck penalty. The score was 3-0 at the break. The Rice College tackling was impressive with Diarmuid McGreal putting in some big hits.Things got even better for us after the break, as hooker Robert Fabby went over in the corner for a pushover try. Tom McHale failed to convert. We were 8-0 up and playing well. With 10 mins remaining, Summerhill got over for a try, which was converted, leaving Rice College a point to the good. Ciarán Harrington was unlucky not to have scored a try to secure the match in the final minutes. A late penalty for Summerhill proved decisive. Must do the business against Garbally College in the next outing!

U 15 Soccer squad

Back L-R: Tom Tobin, Westport RFC; Brendan McLaughlin, Diarmaid McGreal, Edward Dunning, Jack Cashman, Tom McHale, Ciarán Harrington, Keith Moon, Cillian Browne, Joe O’Grady, Westport RFC; Joe Corcoran, Westport RFC.Front L-R: Martin Connolly, Manager; Brian McCormack, Steven Cawley, Colm Mannion, Fergal O’Mahoney, Stephen Staunton, Richard Duffy, Robert Fabby, Zak O’Toole.

Rice College 6; Garbally College 43Rice College led by 6 to 5 at one stage in this game and were competitive in the first half. Tom McHale kicked intelligently and had the first shot at goal, but was forced into a snap drop kick after the ball came off the tee as he lined up a penalty. The effort went wide, but he landed two more- the first a well-struck long-range effort, the second after his garryowen set up a series of decent breaks, one from Cillian Browne. It was 10 to 6 for Garbally at the break and things were to get a whole lot worse in the second half as Garbally turned on the style.Ciarán Harrington for Rice College applied good pressure. Robert Fabby halted a big push that brought Garbally 20 metres. Second-row Jack Cashman put in a big tackle and full-back Stephen Staunton cleared when possible. Colm Mannion went off injured and with sole replacement, Peter Spellman already introduced for the injured Edward Dunning, Garbally agreed to a seven-man scrum.Garbally’s tries kept coming as did the conversions. It was shock-and-awe stuff for much of the second half. It was exhibition rugby at Carrowholly. Rice College final game will be against the “The Jes”

Connacht colleges Junior (A) football Champions 2014

Back L-R: Travis Harrison, Edward Gannon, Luke Tunney, Eoin McLoughlin, Louis Hoban, Robert Wallace, Keith Joyce, Emmet Rowley, Robbie Harper, James Treacy, Alan Mulroy, John McGlynn.Front L-R: Alex Ó Riain, Daniel McGovern, Aaron Doherty, Anakin Keegan, Michael Brady, Pat Lambert, John Ryan, John Keane, Darragh Fabby, Luca Ó Riain, Cian McAllister.

The U15’s put up a valiant effort in their final game of the season against St. Enda’s Galway, going down 5-2. It didn’t happen for them this year, but hopefully the boys can stick together and achieve success next year.

Connacht Senior “B” Championship

Rice College 3 - 11; Castlerea CS 2 - 07Rice College had a great start leading Castlerea CS by 2-2 to nil after 15 minutes. The goals came from Diarmuid McGreal and Zak O’Toole and points from Darragh Keaveney and Seán Brogan. That was their quota of scores for the 1st half, despite having a monopoly of the play, leaving the half-time score: 2-2 to 1-3. We got down to business straight after the restart, scoring 4 points in as many minutes, virtually closing out the game. David Hanley gave an outstanding performance at midfield

Rice College 5 - 10Summerhill 2 - 04

Back L-R: Peter Corcoran, Paul Duffy, Darragh Walsh, Martin Hopkins, Richard O’Malley, Joey Smyth, Stephen Roddy, Patrick O’Malley, Colin Guilfoyle, Jack Hanley, Alan Kennedy, Chris Heanue, Paul Moran, Colm Moran, Conor Madden, Pat Joyce, Shane Conway (Joint Manager), David Blean (Westport GAA).Front L-R: Martin Connolly (Joint Manager), Stephen O’Malley, Diarmaid McNulty, Brian O’Malley, Paul Lambert, David Hanley (Capt), Aidan Walsh, Aaron McDermott, Oisín McLaughlin, Paul Doyle, Killian Kilkelly.

Back L-R: Ryan Moran, Adam McDonnell (Capt), Cormac Moran, Niall Feehan, Sean Brogan, Fergal O’Mahony, Aaron Dunne, James Dowd, Tom McHale, Ronan Geraghty, Colin Guilfoyle, Keith Moon, Paul Moran.Front L-R: Diarmaid McNulty, David Hanley, Sean Barrett, Stephen Staunton, Darragh Keaveney, Aaron McDermott, Sean Ryder, Ciarán Keane, Conor Burke, Zak O’Toole, Diarmaid McGreal.

Rice College 3-11; Ballyhaunis CS 1-09Always looked capable of dealing with Ballyhaunis CS in this game. Rice College had wind advantage in the first half, leading 1-3 to 0-1 after 12 minutes, the goal coming from Diarmaid McGreal, after Darragh Keaveney had made the incision. James Dowd added another goal two mins later, thanks to a great pass from Ronan Geraghty. Rice College led by 2-6 to 0-5 at the interval. Ballyhaunis pulled back the deficit early in the 2nd half, but Rice College responded to the threat with a goal from Darragh Keaveney, who was the “ Man of the Match”, excellent from start to finish scoring 1-6.We were defeated convincingly in the Connacht Semi final by Kiltimagh CS on a scoreline 4-8 to 0-6.

During a tremendous second half display, Rice College gave one of the finest exhibitions of forward play witnessed in the province for many

a long day. It was a half, in which they scored 3-8, holding Summerhill to a solitary point, enabling Rice College to take their first Connacht title in A Div football in style.Rice College started well with 2 points from Alan Kennedy (f) and Stephen O’Malley. But within 5 minutes Kyle Cawley (Summerhill) scored a picture goal. Ronan Sweeney (Summerhill), raised another green flag midway through the half. Things looked ominous! Then after 17 mins. David Hanley made an indelible mark on the game when he scored a sublime goal. He started the move at midfield and finished to the net, after the outstanding Paul Lambert

expertly set up the chance. Five minutes before halftime, Colm Moran goaled for Rice College, which slowed Summerhill’s momentum. Rice College trailed 2-2 to 2-3 at the interval. Immediately on the restart, Rice College took control of the game. David Hanley at midfield turned in a star performance, delivering a constant supply of ball to an eager attack that grew in stature as the game progressed.In the 3rd quarter Stephen O’Malley supplied four unanswered points, Paul Lambert adding a fourth. Patrick O’Malley’s super reflex save certainly helped our momentum.Summerhill’s resolve was finally broken when Cillian Kilkelly found the net after Colm Moran provided the pass. Paul Lambert scored a fine solo goal near the finish to really embellish a very fine performance. There was still time for Paul Lambert to palm another ball to the net when he was at the end of cross from the left wing. Congrats to all concerned for a super victory and all the best in the All-Ireland Semi-final!The NUIG “Man of the Match” award went to our midfielder and Captain, David Hanley. He was majestic in a team where at least six players could have won the accolade.

U 16 Soccer - Connacht Semi-finalists

Back L-R: Ross Mullin, Emmet Rowley, Darragh Walsh, Killian Kilkelly, Jack Murphy, Patrick O’Malley, Cathal Chambers, Pater Corcoran, Brian O’Malley, Christopher Heanue, Pat JoyceFront L-R: Mark Reilly, Cian Dunne, Pat Lambert, Paul Doyle (Capt), Eoin Conway, Mickey O’Brien, Robert WallaceFollowing their 2-1 victory over St. Muredach’s, Ballina, Rice College comprehensively beat a brave Manorhamilton side 4–1 in Milebush . A brace each from Killian Kilkelly and Peter Corcoran put the Leitrim side to the sword. The lads are through to a Connacht semi-final against The Bish, Galway where a much sterner test awaits. They are a talented bunch and the feeling is that great things beckon.Congrats to managers Pat Dunne & Brendan Clarke.

Message from our Principal

Calendar of end of year events:

Art Competition Winner Patrick Hastings 2nd Yr

Pictured with Ms. Hoban and Ms. McManamon (SNA)

RICE COLLEGE NEWS RICE COLLEGE NEWS

Christmas Quiz for 1st Years organised by 5th Year Mentors The Winning team

Forensic Science workshopBy Mr. Joe Kennedy

Sports Facility Development launched at Rice CollegeFormer Rice College students and Mayo GAA stars, Lee Keegan and Kevin Keane were on hand to help with the launch of the project, which will see world-class playing facilities developed at the school.The Rice College Development Committee aims to raise €90,000 to complete two floodlit Astro Turf pitches, which can become one full-size pitch, to the front of the school. The other part of the project will involve developing one of the best playing surfaces and facilities in the county at the rear of the school. This will be an all-weather, floodlit, international standard, grass playing field, which will be used for multiple sports and other events. The good news is that of the overall cost of €300,000 required for the project, half of that figure has already been raised, with more funding pledged. The push is now on to raise the remaining €90,000. Rice College has not undertaken any significant local fundraising initiative since 1991 when the Community Gymnasium was built at Rice College. The facility has been used extensively by the community and in particular by the Westport Youth Activities Club. While the new facilities will benefit the school’s students and will be open to other schools, they will also be available to the wider community, youth and sports clubs in the area outside of school time.Principal, Michael Rabbette said that Rice College has a proud and strong tradition in sport, achieving success in Gaelic Football, Rugby, Golf and Athletics. Our students deserve the best facilities possible.Rice College is now appealing to parents, businesses, the community and past-pupils to pitch in to help push this exciting project over the line in 2014. The fundraising committee, which includes Mayo star and former Rice College student, Lee Keegan has a programme of activities planned for the coming months. It will launch a high-value confined draw and will actively promote the campaign on social media to connect with students who may be away from home. The Committee will be looking for volunteers to walk or run the West of Ireland Women’s Mini-Marathon for Rice College on May 5th.

On Tuesday February 4th, the first year group took part in a Forensic Science Workshop in the school. The group was given the opportunity to try and solve a crime and were given a flavour of some of the different areas in crime scene investigation including ballistics, fingerprint analysis and DNA profiling. They had to piece together the various clues and figure out the culprit! The students hopefully benefited from the experience and it seems to have been enjoyed by most! A special thanks to Alison Leck from Education Interactive who facilitated the workshop.

(1) Call Rice College on 098-26598(2) Donate directly at AIB Shop St., Westport: Account No. 03676111 Sort Code: 93-71-69(3) Support one of the many upcoming initiatives.

Mayo Stars came to Dinner

Mr. Danny McLaughlin, Allergan Westport, along with Mayo Stars Barry Moran, Aodhán Ó Shea and Alan Dillon, pitched in for Rice College during lunch break, to encourage and promote sponsored walks and fundraising efforts by the students in their drive to raise funds for the school’s Sports Facility Development.

TY Law with Sol. Cliona Quinlan

Students’ Council 2013-2014

Highly acclaimed performance at the “Open Night” in Rice College:

L-R: Jack Carroll, Cathal Chambers, Isaac Brickenden and Joshua Moran. All TY students under the direction of teacher Ms. Mary Mulchrone

Winner of “Open Night” Quiz

Pictured L-R: Ms. Aoife Caffrey and Ms. Heather Coleman (teachers), Mr. Michael Joyce, Caillin Joyce, Mr. Michael Rabbette (School Principal), Ms. Sharon Joyce and Ms. Sandra Hall (teacher).

Caillin Joyce, Ballintleva, Clogher, beat off all opposition when he took the winner’s prize in the Quiz for prospective new 1st Years at the recent “Open Night” in Rice College. The Quiz was organized by our School Chaplain, Ms. Ríona Prendergast. Well done Caillin.

The All-Ireland Linguistics Olympiad

Five of our students participated in round 1 of “The Problem Solvers’ Challenge” (AILO) for the first time. The All-Ireland Linguistics Olympiad is organised by the Centre

for Global Intelligent Content located in DCU. The key Universities linked with the challenge are DCU, UCD, UL and Trinity College Dublin.The various tests were centred about unfamiliar languages from around the world and the tasks involved recognition of patterns and similarities, so as to translate words and sentences. Abilities in these areas have direct application to the codes for computer languages and the study of languages generally.Due to commitment to preparation for The Mock Exams, students had little time to become acquainted with the nature of the test in advance. Three students from 6th Year: Niall McGovern, Robert Lee and Carmine McGreal took the test, following some gentle persuasion from teachers Ms. Anne Donald-Joyce and Mr. Richie Britton, as did two students from 3rd. Year: Damien Doherty and Conal McManus.730 students took part nationally, while just 100 qualified for the 2nd Round which takes place in Trinity College on March 26th.The school is delighted to announce that one of our five participants, Niall McGovern was chosen to go through to the 2nd. Round. We wish Niall all the best and we congratulate the other four students who took the test and who performed very well indeed.

By Ms. Anne Donald-Joyce (Guidance Counsellor)

Niall McGovern

Back L-R: Patrick Heneghan (LCA), Ms. Ríona Prendergast, Alex Ó Ríain, Michael Brady (2nd Yr), Mr. Michael Rabbette, Principal, Eoin Conway (3rd Yr), Andrew Ferson (3rd Yr), Ms. Sandra Hall, Isaac Brickenden (TY).Front L-R: Sean Kitterick (5th Yr), Conor O’Hanlon (TY), Joshua Nueva (5th Yr), Patrick Moran (6th Yr), Dylan Reidy (6th Yr), James Dowd (6th Yr).

All- Ireland Crosscountry Champions Senior Team takes GOLD

Back L-R: Joe Hastings, David Harper, Jack Cashman, Sean Flynn, Eoin Long.Front : Diarmaid McNulty, Aichlinn O’Reilly, Con Doherty.

After winning the team event in the Senior Boys 6500m race in the Aviva All-Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships which were run in Cork IT, Bishopstown. This is the first Connacht team to win this title. Fergal Macken, congratulating the team, emphasised that it was a wonderful team effort, giving special credit to the performance of David Harper who came third, taking Bronze and making the Irish team. David, out of sport all last year due to injury worked his way back to full fitness. Con Doherty also merited special mention, having come 6th and also making the Irish team.

All- Ireland Crosscountry Junior Team takes the SILVER

L-R: Cian McAllister, Eoghan McLaughlin, Ben Walsh, Aaron Doherty, Andrew Currid, Robbie Harper, Michael Brady, Alex Ó Ríain.

The Junior boys ran excellently in the 3,500m where they won Silver, deprived of Gold by just 2 points! They have a bright future in this competition as do the Minor boys who put in a great effort in their own race. Again special mention for Aaron Doherty who came 7th and also made the Irish team which will compete in Bolton on the 22nd of March in the International schools Cross Country. Mr. Macken thanked the Principal of Rice College Michael Rabbette for his help and support, along with sponsors Portwest, Allergan Pharmaceuticals and much appreciated contributions from Alter Ego Beauty Salon and Ger Mc Nulty, Newport.Lastly, Fergal Macken thanked teachers Pádraig Hughes, Pat Mc Namara and in particular Brian Mc Manamon for taking on responsibilities during his own absence due to injury.Local clubs such as Westport Athletics Club, Westport Triathlon Club and Westport Covey Wheelers had a huge part to play in getting the boys to the level of excellence that they are at through great coaching and training.

Remembering Mr. Simon MarshallTeachers and students at Rice College who were privileged to have known Simon Marshall for some time, were shocked to learn of his untimely death at the age of 42. He was a gentle and affable person, hugely popular with the school community. We extend

our most sincere sympathy to his wife Caroline and their three young sons on their great loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal

Mountbellew Agricultural College which is owned and managed by the Franciscan Brothers has a mission to provide a comprehensive and competitive range of training programmes for those engaged in Agriculture and food related sectors. The programmes have the maintenance and enhancement of the environment, countryside and rural communities as their major priorities. The college is a private college but joins with Teagasc and GMIT in delivering courses.Ms. Sharon Costello brought her 5th Yr Ag. Science Class there on the College “Open Day” on Wed. March 12th. They were accompanied by Ms. Julie Kennedy. The boys found the visit very informative. They are now well armed with material for their projects.

Back L-R: Jack Kelly, Sean Kitterick, Adam Mulchrone, Sean Flynn, Ciarán HarringtonFront L-R: Ms. Ríona Prendergast, Darragh McGreal, Darragh Ludden, Michael Knox, Culann McNally, Ms. Anne Donald-Joyce

All-Ireland Junior A Semi-finalists V Munster Champs Rochestown, Cork

Rice College 1-5; St. Francis 2-8 Westport RochestownWestport held the upper hand in the opening third of the game, Alan Kennedy scoring 1-1, the goal coming in the 20th minute from a pass from Oisín McLaughlin after a superb solo run out of defence by the centre back. Stephen O’Malley provided the point from a 20 metre free.The Cork school rallied to lead at the interval by 1-4 to 1-2. The loss of our capt., David Hanley through a shoulder injury, just before half time, was a telling factor in the outcome of the game. Rice College was dealt a heavy blow on the 40th minute with a goal from Stephen Kingston. It resulted from a rebound from a great stop by Patrick O’Malley.Trailing by 2-5 to 1-2, Rice College did not surrender without a fight, three points coming from the boots of Killian Kilkelly, Stephen O’Malley and Paul Lambert. The Rochestown team was the bigger, stronger and better on the day. The experience will stand to this team as we go in search of an All-Ireland next year. The best in Connacht! Take pride.

Rice College Students’ Council, elected by the students and staff, comprises twelve members, two from each year. The Council, representing the students, suggests ideas to help improve the school. The student council can represent students’ views and can be a forum for students’ concerns to be addressed. It can air students’ difficulties, on behalf of individuals or groups, which might not otherwise come to light. It can bring the views and concerns of students forward to management and teachers in a diplomatic way. By Ríona Prendergast & Sandra Hall

I saw you finally all alone I saw a woman who wanted to be heardI saw a man trying to drink his pain away I saw a dog with rage in his eyes I saw the pup the dog used to beI saw a child that should never have seen what he’d seenI saw a boy who wished he could get a goal I saw that boy’s face when he scoredI saw a father who stopped hurting his familyI saw a mother who keeps promises to her childrenI saw a girl finally happy with her father I saw you when you left.

By: Luke Redmond

“I Saw You ....”

The TY students have successfully undertaken their law programme over the past few weeks and it was a really educational experience for all involved. First of all they had a full day with Solicitor Cliona Quinlan, who gave the students an insight into the profession and engaged the students interests during the session. They went through all the many aspects and types of law and completed a mock trial.The next part of the course involved a trip to Castlebar Courthouse where they were given a tour of the courts and holding cells. They were allocated some time to go into the courtroom of Judge Mary Devins who welcomed the students and held their attention during proceedings. Several different cases were presented, adjourned, settled and argued during our time there.The final module of the course involved a trip to Castlerea Prison. Here the students were brought on a tour of the jail and the control room. They were shown weapons confiscated from prisoners. Our guide was very helpful and informative and told the students directly about life on the inside. He explained how the prison was run on a daily basis and difficult situations that arise at any given time. It was an unnerving experience to walk the corridors with all the inmates locked up for lunch. It was a fitting end to a very educational and exciting programme.

By Mr. Martin Gill

Congratulations to Dylan O’Neill (6th Year) who represented Rice college at the Chemistry Olympiad in DCU on the 15th Feb 2014. Dylan was chosen to represent Rice College due to his outstanding results in chemistry throughout his study of chemistry in senior cycle. Unfortunately Dylan did not qualify to represent Ireland in the International Chemistry Olympiad Team in Hanoi, Vietnam in July.

Chemistry Olympiad By Ms. Sharon Costello Science teacher

Ms. Mannion’s Poetry Competition (1D)The winners, Thomas Tunney (L), and Luke Redmond (R). are pictured receiving their prize from their teacher Ms. Susan Mannion. Due to pressure on space, Thomas Tunney’s poem doesn’t feature here. Please log on to Rice College website and savour the two poems. Well done boys.

Greenschools UpdateBy Ms. Niamh Hoban

The Greenschools Committee has been working tirelessly this term in our

campaign to make Rice College greener. Recent efforts to sustain our greener travel status include a ‘We Love Smarter Travel Art Competition’ with Patrick Hastings 2nd Year being awarded 1st. prize; “We Love Smarter Travel “Limerick competition for 1st years; a climate change workshop with TYs and 1st Years; and we are currently running the ‘Greenest Class competition’ with our 1st Years.Meanwhile, we are also working on our goal to achieve a green flag on the theme of biodiversity. We recently carried out a detailed habitat survey highlighting existing plant and tree species within the school grounds, with the help of Paula Halpin from the Edible Landscape project. We recorded an abundant amount of mature trees as well as smaller shrubs and hedgerows – see for yourself the next time you drive in our gates!

“We Love Westport Smarter Travel” Art Competition

L-R: Oisin O’Rourke (2nd), Patrick Hastings (2nd), David Shalvey (TY) and Sean Murray (1st)

Please support the project!