Armagh’s 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.
New Principal, Mr Declan Murray, began proceedings by addressing the most recent past pupils in attendance. He congratulated them on their achievements, but also remembered all the students in the St Patrick’s community, noting how many had worked hard and realised their full potential over the past seven years.
Guest speaker for the evening was past pupil and business owner, Mr Séanna Ó Coinn. Séanna studied at St Patrick’s from September 2000 until June 2007, before going on to QUB to study Irish and Celtic Studies. After completing his degree in 2010, he undertook a PGCE and thereafter worked at Gaelscoil na Doroige for ten years, before starting his own bilingual web business, Aileach Design, in 2018. He now works full time as a graphics and motion designer and counts TG4 among his clients.
Séanna spoke with affection about his time at the school, giving excellent advice to all in the audience, and concluded his speech by reminding the students: “The true celebration is in the journey that lies ahead. Don’t be afraid to take detours. Your journey will not be a straight line and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it is where the most interesting lessons are learned. Trust your curiosity and never stop learning.”
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. 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 top student, Matthew Greene, who achieved outstanding A Level results (AAA) in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Matthew is going to Queen’s University Belfast to study Medicine. Cormac McKenna received the Drohan Cup for A Level Performance. Cormac achieved two A* grades and an A in his A Levels and is headed to Newcastle University to study Software Engineering.
A further three students were recognised for their A Level achievements and were presented with a Stephen Farnan ceramic plaque. Jack Daly, Josh O’Neill and Paul McCann achieved nine A* and A grades between them in Maths, Physics, Software Systems Development, Construction and Engineering. Jack Daly is going to QUB to study Physics, while Josh O’Neill and Paul McCann have both begun Higher Level Apprenticeships in Engineering.
Credit was also given to the Year 13 students in St Patrick’s who excelled in their AS results. No stranger to hard work, Noel George, the incoming Head Prefect, achieved an impressive four A grades at AS in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics and was presented with the Rice Office Supplies Cup for AS Student of the Year. Tiernan Donnelly and Cormac McCreesh were also recognised for their impressive grades at AS in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Business Studies. Results like these bode well for future A Level results in St Patrick’s Grammar School.
Top GCSE student, Fergal Conlon, who achieved 10 A*/A grades at GCSE, was also recognised as the Rannafast Cup Player of the Year and described by his coaches as “a player who truly embodies what it means to wear the St Patrick’s Grammar jersey with pride.” A school ambassador in several arenas!
Prizegiving co-ordinator, Mrs Julianne Denvir, expressed her pride in the 48 Year 11 students who completed an early GCSE in Fast Track Maths this year, explaining that it gives these students a confidence boost and a fantastic head start as they begin their Year 12 studies. Six of these students were awarded glass plaques in recognition of achieving full marks in the Maths GCSE as Year 11 students. Of the 48 Year 11 students who undertook the study of GCSE Maths in one year, 29 achieved an A or an A* grade in the early GCSE — a great reflection of the hard work and determination of the staff and students in the Maths Department of St Patrick’s.
The Ciarán Donnelly Memorial Cup, presented to a student who encapsulates the spirit of the St Patrick’s community, was given this year to a very worthy recipient, Ronan McVeigh. Vice Principal, Mr Damien McAlary, spoke of Ronan’s achievements, stating: “A kind, unassuming and emotionally intelligent young man, Ronan has shown remarkable resilience during challenging times. His respectful and personable nature, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for school life, especially during his time in Post-16, has left a lasting impression on both staff and students. As a mentor to younger pupils and a recipient of the Gold Pope John Paul II Award, Ronan consistently demonstrated leadership, dependability and pride in his school community. His contributions reflect the very best of our ethos, and we are immensely proud of all he has achieved. A well-deserved accolade for an impressive young man.”
The Henry Murray and Company Cup for Services to Local Voluntary Work was awarded to Conor Callaghan, and Head of Senior School, Miss Lisa McMahon, spoke highly of this young man: *“Conor embodies the very best of what it means to be a student of St Patrick’s. His kind-hearted nature and unwavering willingness to help others have made a lasting impact on our school community.
As a Gold John Paul II Award recipient, Conor distinguished himself through his dedicated service with charitable organisations such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Sisters of Charity and the Armagh Men’s Shed, among others. His compassion and commitment to social justice were evident in every project he undertook.
On Good Friday this year, Conor took part in the diocesan Passion of the Cross service, helping to carry the cross through the streets of Armagh.
Conor brought comfort and joy to the residents of Newry Hospice by singing Christmas carols — an experience made all the more poignant by the awareness that many of those he sang for would not live to see Christmas.
Conor is a truly deserving recipient of this award. His actions reflect a spirit of generosity, faith and leadership.”*
A remarkable achievement of three St Patrick’s MacRory Cup players was also recognised on the night. Brothers James and Matthew Daly, along with Brian óg McGuckin, all received special achievement awards for their role in an All-Ireland final against Kerry, where they and their Tyrone teammates emerged victorious, winning the U17 All-Ireland title for Tyrone.
Outgoing Head Prefect, Dara Gillan, undertook his last duty as Head Prefect and delivered a speech commenting on the fact that he could look around and be proud of the future doctors, engineers, musicians and entrepreneurs among the leavers.
He stated: “It’s been a privilege to grow up with you all.” He also echoed the sentiments of Séanna, the guest speaker, when he commented: “Success is never a straight line and that’s okay — just keep moving forward, with courage, compassion and curiosity.” His speech was even more poignant as he recalled his first time speaking from the same podium as a Year 8 student welcoming guests at Open Night.
An address from Martin O’Hanlon, Chair of Governors, reminding the leavers of 2025 that the doors of the school will always be open to them, ended a most enjoyable celebration of academic, cultural and sporting success by the senior students of St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh, during 2024/2025.
Seanna O Coinn and three of the six Year 11 students who achieved full marks in their fast track Maths GCSE, Faolan McCann, Jake McGurk and Martin Quinn.
Seanna O Coinn and three of the six Year 11 students who achieved full marks in their fast track Maths GCSE, Charlie Doyle, Oisin Ward and Daniel Sheridan.
Fergal Conlon, the Rannafast Player of the Year, celebrates with Seanna O Coinn and Principal, Mr Declan Murray.
Guest speaker, Seanna O Coinn, and Principaljde, Mr Declan Murray, with top Year 11 student, Jake McGurk.
Guest speaker, Seanna O Coinn, presents Cormac McCreesh with an award for A Level achievement. Cormac received top subject awards for AS in all three of his chosen subjects, Business Studies, Maths and Chemistry.
A Level Student of the Year, Matthew Greene, collects his bespoke ceramic Stephen Farnham plaque for excellence at A Level along with The Brendan Vallely Memorial Cup, from proud Vice Principal, Mrs RoseAnne Slane.
Top achievers, Paul McCann and Jack Daly collect their bespoke ceramic Stephen Farnham plaques on being recognised for outstanding academic performance at A Level. (Both achieved A*AA)
Conor Callaghan collects the Henry Murray & Co Cup for Services to Local Voluntary Work from proud Head of Senior School, Miss Lisa McMahon.
Miss Lisa McMahon presents Daire Litter with the Dessie Feeney Music Award for Senior Cantor of the Year.
James Daly, Matthew Daly and Brian Og McGuckin celebrate the U17 All Ireland win for Tyrone. An amazing achievement.
Conall McCann, collecting his award, The Brendan Oliver Cup for Sportsman of the Year, from Vice Principal, Mr Damien McAlary.
All smiles for outgoing Head Prefect for 2024/25, Dara Gillan and his parents, as he collects the top subject award for A Level PE and his award for A Level achievement.
Paul McCann, one of our top achievers at A Level, with his proud parents as he collects his bespoke ceramic Stephen Farnham plaque for excellence at A Level.
New Head Prefect, Noel George, celebrates being awarded the prize for top student at AS level, with his deservedly proud parents. (Four A grades at AS Level)
Ryan McGahan, celebrates with proud mum, after being awarded The Cormac McAnallen Memorial Cup for Sports Endeavour.
Marco Magalhaes celebrates with his proud family after collecting the top subject award for A Level Cambridge ICT.
Fergal Conlon, top Student at GCSE, collects his award with his proud parents. (10 A*/A grades)
Top achiever at A Level, Cormac McKenna collects The Willie O’Riordan Cup for A Level Achievement in Mathematics and celebrates with his proud family.
