St Patrick’s Grammar School Senior Prizegiving took place recently with students, parents, guests and staff enjoying a memorable celebration of recent external examination results.
Principal of the Armagh school, Mr Declan Murray, began proceedings. Addressing the most recent past pupils in attendance, he congratulated them on their achievements, and remembered all the students in the St. Patrick’s community, and mentioned how so many of them had worked hard and realised their full potential over the last seven years.
He emphasised how proud he was that the percentage of students achieving three A*-C grades at A Level and students achieving 7 A*-C (including English and Maths) at GCSE had both increased by 25% this year.
The guest speaker for the evening was past pupil, poet, playwright, and screenwriter Mr Daragh Carville, who first won literary acclaim as a junior pupil at St. Patrick’s by winning a Patrick Kavanagh poetry competition. After finishing his A-Levels, Daragh studied drama and film at university in England, launching a prolific career across stage and screen. He has penned scripts for acclaimed actors including James Nesbitt and Michael Fassbender. Today, he is best known as the lead writer and executive producer of ITV’s hit drama The Bay, now filming its sixth series and drawing over 7 million viewers.
Fergal Conlon, top AS student, achieved an amazing three A grades in his chosen AS subjects of Software Systems Development, Physics and Maths.
He spoke with affection of his time at the school, remembering his first experiences of drama as a first- year pupil on the same stage he was speaking from as a guest speaker. Daragh quoted the Kavanagh poem, Epic: “I have lived in important places.” He told the audience that the school had “shaped me personally into the writer I have become. This place was, and is, an ‘important place’ for me and many others.”
Plaques were presented to those students who were chosen by staff as top achievers in each GCSE and A Level subject at St Patrick’s, and it was affirming to see the obvious pride of students, staff, and families when these awards were presented.
Several students were recognised for outstanding achievement at A Level. These students displayed the St. Patrick’s values of “diligence” and “determination” during their seven years at the school. The Brendan Vallely Memorial Cup was presented to St Patrick’s Grammar School’s two top students, Cormac McCreesh and Eoin Campbell, who both achieved A*A*A grades in their A Levels. Four students — Eoin Bell, Ryan Dynes, Noel George, and Oisin Gribben —shared the Drohan Award for A Level achievement, having achieved an A* and two A grades in their final exams.
A further three students were recognized for their A Level achievement and were presented with a Stephen Farnan Ceramic plaque. These were Adone Gijo, Cion Mooney, and Tiernan Donnelly, who achieved nine A grades between them.
Top GCSE student Jake McGurk, who achieved 8A* and two A grades at GCSE, was described by his Form Teacher as a modest and unassuming student who greets all with a smile and who is an excellent role model for our younger students.
Joint top students at A Level, Cormac McCreesh and Eoin Campbell. Both achieved two A* grades and an A grade.
The Ciarán Donnelly Memorial Cup, presented to a student who encapsulates the spirit of the St Patrick’s community, was given to two very worthy recipients, Illia Baklykov and Nikita Kulaga. Head of Senior School Miss McMahon spoke of their achievements since arriving in Armagh from Ukraine, stating: “Throughout their time here, they threw themselves wholeheartedly into school life. Remarkably, both continued their Ukrainian studies online alongside their A-Levels and triumphed in both systems. Nikita has already completed his Ukrainian degree and will continue his studies at the Master’s level at Queen’s University, while Illia is moving on to study Architecture at Queen’s. The Spirit of St Patrick’s Award recognizes pupils who represent the character and values we hope our school instills in every young person who passes through its doors. Nikita and Illia have done exactly that. St Patrick’s is undoubtedly richer for having had them, and while their time with us is ending, the mark they have left behind certainly will not.”
The Henry Murray and Company Cup for Services to Local Voluntary Work was awarded to outgoing Head Boy Noel George. Head of Senior School Miss Lisa McMahon spoke highly of this young man: “Through his tireless energy, generosity of spirit, and positive example, Noel has inspired countless students in St Patrick’s to follow in his footsteps and dedicate their time and talents to helping others. He truly exemplifies the values of faith, service, and community, making him an outstanding and worthy recipient of this award.”
An address from Mr Peter Gildea, on behalf of the Governors, reminded the leavers of 2026 that the doors of the school will always be open to them and ended a most enjoyable celebration of academic, cultural, and sporting success by the senior students of St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh, during 2025/2026. There is no doubt that those in attendance all agreed with guest speaker Daragh Carville that St Patrick’s Grammar School truly is an “important place” to all in the school community.
Noel George, Oisin Gribben and Ryan Dynes, some of St. Patrick’s top A Level achievers, collecting their ceramic plaques designed by acclaimed artist and past pupil, Stephen Farnham. Well done gentlemen!
Martin Quinn, Under 16 Basketballer of the Year and winner of the top GCSE Construction and Technology awards. A true all rounder!
St Patrick’s Grammar School Sportsman of the Year, Caomh Agnew! Caomh also won top achiever in History, PE and Travel and Tourism. Top student in all three subjects. A true school ambassador.
Outgoing Head Boy, Noel George, performs his last school duty, by presenting guest speaker, Daragh Carville with a bespoke Stephen Farnham ceramic plaque.
Winner of the Senior Cantor of the Year Award, Daire Litter, celebrates with his proud family. Daire is beginning a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Software Engineering and deserves every success.
Cormac McCreesh, celebrating three top subject awards with his proud grandparents. Cormac achieved an amazing A*A*A in his exams and is headed to QUB to study Chemical Engineering.
Winners of the Spirit of St Patrick’s award, Nikita Kulaga and Illia Baklykov, two gentlemen who epitomise the school values and who have inspired many in their short time in the school.
Top achiever, Ryan Dynes, celebrates with his proud family. As Ryan leaves the school to study Chemical Engineering at QUB, his younger brother, Dara, joins in Year 8.
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