to this Newsletter

PresLink raise over e100,000 for
Ghana!
Presentation Schools in Ghana
Report by Principal Ken Whyte
As we come to the end of this academic year, this
edition of the Pres Gazette says farewell to the
Leaving Certificate Class of 2011 after their six
years here. In doing so, we thank them sincerely
for the time they spent with us, their enthusiasm
for Pres and all that it stands for; we wish them
well in their examinations and all the very best for
the future.
One of the longest serving members of our
teaching staff, Liz Kirwan, announced that she will
be retiring at the end of this academic year. We
thank Liz for her many years of dedication and
service to the school and its students. She will be
missed by both the students and staff.
This edition covers many of the activities that best
represent the true PBC spirit:
In sport we pay tribute to the efforts of our many
rugby teams in the school. We congratulate our
lads who played for Ireland this year and made it
onto the Munster team. We will watch their
careers with great anticipation in the years ahead.
We also recognise the huge efforts of our students
in Gaelic football, rowing, tennis and soccer in this
edition. They bring great credit to our school.
Off the pitch, the exploits of our drama group, the
debating society and our musicians are well
reflected.
Academically, we acknowledge the achievements
of our students in the school science awards.
The edition has a full section on the work of
PresLink and the Guide Dogs for the Blind
initiative. We also reflect on our past; with a very
interesting article from Fr Michael Healy, whose
family are still represented with the school, and our
nostalgic photograph from yesteryear is of the
1890 Senior Rugby Team.
Finally I would like to wish all students, staff and
their families a very good and relaxing summer and
look forward to seeing everyone back again next
September.
Ken Whyte
Ken Whyte
Principal
Drama in PBC
Having worked hard from late September, our main focus was on delivering three strong performances
to the public as well as performing for each year group. Traditionally the main show is the Gala Night
which is usually a Saturday night performance. The aim has always been to reach our peak on the
Saturday night and this year was no different. We knew that with hard work, the Gala Night had the
potential to be a great experience, but we knew it could potentially be even better when we found out
that Maureen O'Hara would be attending that particular show!
Maureen O'Hara is arguably the most successful actress in Ireland. She is mainly known for her role
alongside John Wayne in the 1952 film ‘The Quiet Man’. Knowing Maureen O'Hara would be in the
audience lead to a huge amount of excitement amongst the cast and crew and gave us all an even
greater incentive to perform to our full potential. After the show we all had a chance to speak with
Maureen O'Hara. She was a very nice person who was kind enough to give some great advice and
encouragement. Having her in attendance on the Gala Night made what was always going to be a
memorable night even more special.
On Wednesday 18th, Cillian Murphy came to Pres amid much anticipation from pupils and staff alike.
After greeting many of his past teachers, he gave a speech to those involved in the past three drama
productions. This was followed by a lengthy Q&A session in which we gathered valuable insight into
his fruitful career. We all thoroughly enjoyed the talk and wish Cillian every success in the future!
Julian Hoare, Class 5/1
The cast of ‘The Plough and the Stars’ with director Kieran Aherne
and legendary Hollywood actress Maureen O’Hara at our Gala Night production
PresLink - over K100,000 raised in just over five years!
How It All Started
Founded in October of 2005, PresLink has grown from what was originally an attempt to raise awareness
of, and forge links with Presentation Schools around the world. Now, PresLink has not only achieved
this goal, but it has also raised over f100,000 in funds for these schools and other Presentation Brother
projects since 2005. PresLink began with a group of 1st Year students along with staff members whose
vision and determination have helped the project to be successful, and has helped to make PresLink
something that the school can be very proud of. Today PresLink involves the whole school group with
the entire staff and student body supporting many activities throughout the year.
It's evident from hearing what the earlier members have to say about PresLink that it played a major role
in moulding them as young men. John Holland, one of the founding members had this to say about
the message of PresLink 'Look beyond what you have, and what you want, because there is always
more to be learned and understood.'
With all the success of PresLink in a fundraising sense, the basic idea of promoting awareness has never
been lost. In order to fully understand what exactly PresLink was really about, an immersion programme
was organised. This programme gave a number of students the opportunity to witness first-hand the
people who were benefitting from their work with PresLink.
PresLink members greet
President McAleese
on her visit to the College
Bag packing in Dunnes Stores,
Bishopstown at Christmas under the
watchful eye of Ms Siobhán McGrath
Kieran Aherne presents prizes to raffle winner
New school built in Nigeria
Computer Room in Logre, Ghana - equipped by PresLink
Where we are now
The aim for PresLink has always been to be a student run body and two years ago a decision was taken
to make an Executive Committee of 4th Year students. Thanks to the continued support and dedication
of time from Theresa, Aelin O'Donoghue, Liam Lynch, Sharon Gillane, Eleanor Walsh, Enda O’Regan,
Aiden Twomey the previous help received from ex principal Michael Hennessey, and current principal
Ken Whyte and indeed all of the staff of PBC, Preslink has continued to grow from strength to strength.
The Presentation Brothers were also very helpful and supportive to us throughout the course of the past
year, and a big ‘Thank You’ must go to Br Martin, Congregation Leader of the Presentation Brothers,
who visited us on a number of occasions and invited us to Mount St Joseph to inform us about the work
of the order, and where the money we raised was going.
This was a very important year for the group, being only the second year as a student run body and also
a year which saw the grand total of funds raised by PresLink exceed j100,000.
As a committee we worked
hard to organise events
such as: bag-packs, tablequizzes and other events
around Christmas time.
This massive milestone is a
clear indicator of how
effective PresLink has been
over the years and sets a
high standard for the
future.
Cork GAA footballer
and ex PBC student
Michael Shiels with the
All Ireland National
Football League trophy on
a visit to PresLink recently.
The Committee making a presentation to Br Martin Kenneally, bringing the total raised by PresLink to
over m100,000 since its inception.
The 2010/2012 Committee was made up of Gavin O'Herlihy, Micheal Martin, Cian Murphy, Kieran O'
Driscoll, Andrew Somerfield, Killian Down, Daniel Hobbs and Conor Martin, Art Kelleher, Ricky
Harrington, Paddy Hegarty, Ronan Griffin, Daragh O'Leary and Conor Cannon. Also included are Paul
Scanlon (PBST), Br Barry Noel, Br Martin Kenneally and Denis Bohane (PBST).
What the future holds for PresLink
If the early success of PresLink is anything to go by, then the future looks very bright indeed. Also, with
a new committee each year, bringing new ideas and a renewed enthusiasm; there will be no limit to what
PresLink can do. It has already been suggested that the PresLink model, here in Pres, be used in other
Presentation Schools around Ireland. Even in the few years since PresLink was founded, the Presentation
Order has extended its educational reach outside of Africa and I have no doubt that it will continue to
further expand creating new challenges for PresLink in terms of its awareness and fundraising campaigns.
For me, the satisfaction I've gotten from PresLink has been the most rewarding aspect of the year: being
part of PresLink has been like a small step, which along with many others, will form part of the giant
leap needed to bring about equality and prosperity in third world countries. That sense of having done
something very small in one sense, but which you know has made such a positive impact on the lives
of many people is something that I have really come to appreciate but which wouldn't have been
possible without PresLink.
Art Kelleher
4th Year
Tobar na Gaeilge
Simon Lougheed, Conor O’Flynn, Niall Casey (Gaeilgeoir na Bliana), Breanáin Ó Mathúna agus Daniel
Ó Dwyer
Bliain ghnóthach eile ag teacht chun deiridh ach ceann rathúil eile ó thaobh na Gaeilge dhe. Fuair anchuid daltaí deis chun páirt a ghlacadh i mórán comórtaisí éagsúla agus d'éirigh go geal leo.Le déanaí
fuair Ultan Hill ón tríú bliain gradam an-dheas de bharr an leabharmharc gaelach a chuir se le chéile.
Comhar na muinteoiri Gaeilge i gCorcaigh a d'eagraigh an comórtas seo. Togha fir Ultan!
Bíonn an-bhéim ar labhairt na teanga sa scoil féin agus bíonn corn speisialta ann don Ghaeilgeoir is fearr
sa chéad bhliain. Is é Niall Ó Cathasaigh Gaeilgeoir na bliana seo. Comhghairdeas leat a Niall! Is fíor fós
- Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí!
Mar fhocal scoir guím gach rath ar na daltaí sna scrúdaithe stáit agus sa todhchaí i nGach slí.
An Pheil Ghaelach
PBC Tennis has another successful season
Another successful tennis season in PBC Cork concluded in sunny Rushbrooke Lawn Tennis Club, Cobh
on Wednesday 18th May when our U14 team of Niall Casey (Captain), Conor Clarke, Thomas Cregan,
Jack Austin and Stephen O’Callaghan comprehensively defeated Mallow in the semi and CBC to win the
U14 Munster Schools Cup 2011. It was an excellent performance from the young titans, who also
defeated CBC in an earlier match, and they fully merited their victory after an undefeated season.
In other grades, our valiant U19 team of Killian McCarthy, James Reidy, Darren Kenny and Stephen
Quirke were narrowly beaten in the semi-final by eventual winners Coláiste Muire, Cobh. Our U16
team of Caolan O’Flynn, Ross O’Neill, Darragh Ó Sé and Stephen McCarthy, and our U14 B team of
Michael Grufferty, Martin O’Farrell, Ronan Fenn and Seamus Nolan were drawn in very difficult groups
and unfortunately failed to qualify for the knock-out stages.
The quality of tennis produced by all our players was of a very high standard, and PBC can look forward
to many successful seasons in the years ahead. Very well done lads for all the hard work. Pres Abú!
An Pheil Ghaelach
On Wednesday 4th of May, we left for Páirc Uí Rinn not expecting much in this competition. In our first
match we played CBC. To our surprise they were a very weak team. They had a handful of good
players, but our teamwork and perseverance were our main strengths, and in the end we ran out easy
winners. Two hours later we got ready for a thorough encounter with Bandon Grammer, who also beat
CBC well. When we lined out against Bandon they looked to be a superior team mainly due to the fact
that they were allowed play 4th, 5th and 6th Years as opposed to our 4th Year team. Similarly to CBC,
Bandon didn’t put up much of a challenge. We were dominant for large parts of the game and when
the final whistle was blown we were victorious. Winning on a score line of 4 - 15 points to 2 -1. The
trophy was presented by Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Michael O’Connell. Great credit must go to our
managers Michael Jones and Enda Ronan. Many thanks also to all the players who played so well during
the season. Coláiste na Toirbhirte abú!
Le Diarmuid de Roiste, Captaen na foirne
5th Year Biology field trip to Killarney, 1st April 2011
Ms Claire Lynch, Biology Dept
Bréanainn Ó Mathúna has several
strings to his bow!
Bréanainn Ó Mathúna, a 1st Year student in PBC
has recently been awarded The Junior Recital
Trophy, U7 at CIT Cork School of Music. This
prestigious award is open to students of all
instruments.
A student of violin since the age of six, Breanainn
has honed his craft under the influence and
encouragement of teacher Cornelia Zanadiche
and Olivier Charlier of Paris Conservatoire where
he has acquired master classes in technique and
performance.
Bréanainn has been a recipient of an annual
scholarship in both piano and violin and has been
highest placed violinist in grade examinations
since 2005. He has won several awards at Feis
Maitiu, Feis Cheoil, Dublin as well as the Menora
Medal and Michael McNamara Perpetual Trophy
in Cork School of Music.
As one of the youngest members in the National
Youth Orchestra, Bréanainn celebrated St Patrick’s
Day this year with the NYO tour of Dubai and
Abu Dhabi playing with guest performers Micheál
Ó Suilleabháin and Liam Ó Floinn.
Further to his many classical accomplishments
Breanainn’s traditional musical abilities have been
recognised at provincial and All Ireland level so,
he was delighted to be chosen by the director
Kieran Ahern to play linking airs during the recent
Pres in-house production of Seán O’Casey’s
‘Plough and the Stars’.
Bréanainn Ó Mathúna
More impressive results from the Pres rowers
With the winter season and the ‘heads-of-the-river’ competitions completed it is now into regatta season
for the Pres oarsmen. This will see the crews participate at various regattas around the country leading
up to the National Championships which take place in Farren Woods in mid-July. This will see all the
top schools and clubs from around the country compete for national titles at various levels.
National Schools Regatta and Skibberean Regatta: The season’s first two regattas saw a very busy
weekend’s racing at the National Rowing Centre in Farren Woods in April. The weekend got off to a
brilliant start with Pres winning both the Open Pair and Open Four events at the National Schools
Regatta. This is the first time we won these titles and was a great boost to all our crews at the start of
the regatta season. The next day saw the Junior 18 Four win the Skibberean Regatta. The weekend
also saw the Junior 14 Crews from 1st Year participating in their first ever competitions. They put in
magnificent performances and are a good bet for the future.
Limerick Regatta: The next event was Limerick Regatta on 30th April. The school had another good day
picking up wins in the Junior 15 Quad and an impressive win in the Senior Pair by our Junior Pair. Again
our Junior 14s gained more valuable racing experience that will stand to them next year.
Looking Ahead – London Metro Regatta: A
number of our athletes will travel again this year
to London Metropolitan Regatta on the June bank
holiday weekend to participate in a two day
regatta which is held at Dorney Lake on the
grounds of Eton College which will be the
Olympic rowing course in 2012.
Italy Rowing Camp: Our Junior 16 and 17 squad
will travel to Lake Varese in the north of Italy for
a rowing camp which will also see a group of
Italians rowers travel to Cork to be hosted by our
students.
Best of luck to all our athletes over the next few
months, wishing them a successful season. Thanks
must also go to our coaches, various volunteers
and parents who have helped out over the year.
John Griffin and Kevin Neville winners of the
Junior Men’s Open Pair at the National Schools Regatta
PBC rowing crews at the National Schools Regatta in Farran Wood with coaches Brian O’Keeffe and Fran Keane
Debating in Pres goes from strength to strength
The 2010-11 debating year officially began with the 2010 AGM, a significant event as it was there that for
the first time in years the we approved of several major developments to the society. Thus it was that the
autumn of 2010 saw the debut of the first ever intra-school Pres Junior Debating League. This, in addition
to an outstanding 1st Year debate, meant that when the normal twenty odd first years showed up to the
first meeting, most of them actually stayed, thus marking the end of the dispersal which had effectively
became tradition over the years. The autumn also saw our three Philosoph Teams debate with mixed success.
James Crowley managed to reach the quarters as an individual while Jonathan Peters achieved the same with
teammate James Reidy, the latter in turn qualifying for the semis as an individual.
The Gold medal debate saw a former World Debating Champion, Brian Hasset, return to his alma mater to
adjudicate. A lively debate concerning whether or not Osama Bin Laden should be brought to trial ended
with Ricky Harrington securing the gold and Jonathan Peters receiving the silver medal. January saw the
committee being expanded for the first time in three years, thus allowing new projects to be taken up by
the increased numbers at work. Come February we realised that the Davis Shield, which used to be a once
off internal debate, would have to begin immediately in order to facilitate the three rounds of knockouts in
order to facilitate the huge numbers
of Juniors we had this year as
opposed to previous years. Another
result was that the quality of the
Davis Shield was far greater in general
than has been seen in recent years.
In Mace debating, Sam Browne and
Alex Kingston finally ended CBC’s
stranglehold on the Pres hosted Bill
Wall Mace in a final dominated by
two Pres teams. In addition the entire
Junior Mace ended with Sam as the
highest ranked speaker. This year has
seen much accomplished, yet there is
still much work to do next year.
It was, if nothing else, an eventful
year for debating. We had a City
Schools’ final, a Junior Mace final,
and came within an inch of Seán
Lydon and Munster Mace finals and
Sam Browne won the Davis Shield. In
Gold Medal Essay winner Stephen Quirke
Antwerp in March, Oisin Kidney
receiving his prize from PBC principal Ken Whyte
received the award for best speaker
from 160 European delegates at the Erasmian European Youth Parliament, a huge honour for himself and
for the school.
So onwards and upwards for 2011-12; we now have a Standing Army of approx fifty speakers. Following
the wildly successful inaugural Junior League, we hope to establish a Senior equivalent in the new term. So
hop aboard the band wagon- Debating’s almost cool now! But for now, all that is left to do this year is for
the final of the Pres League to be scheduled and completed, for the AGM has already occurred where the
society, in an effort to continue the innovation of the society selected the following:
Chairman: Sam Browne;
Vice-Chairman: Jack Sreenan;
Committee: Ricky Harrington, Dan O’Mahony and Jonathan Peters
A very fond farewell to our 6th Years of 2011
We would like to wish all Leaving Certificate students well in their exams and in their future careers!
6/1 Class of 2011
Back (l-r) Ross Caplice, Jeff O’Mahony, Stephen Randles, Christopher Banon, James Kiernan, Ryan Murphy and Killian McCarthy
Middle (l-r) Ronan McBride, John Aherne, Michael Downey, Michael Kelleher, Conor Weir, Rory McLaughlin,
Peter O’Mahony, Iwan Lane, John Lanigan and James Keane
Front (l-r) Brian Cuthbert, Luke Abbott, Michael Russell, Michael Campion, Luke Roche and Jonny Crean
6/2 Class of 2011
Back (l-r) David O’Farrell, Kevin Maxwell, Jake O’Callaghan, Niall Kelleher, Jack Cogan, Gordon Barry and Brion O’Sullivan
Middle (l-r) Andrew Hayes, David Horgan, Adam Hudson, Darragh O’Drisceoil, Barry Fitzgerald, David O’Driscoll,
Donal Moriarty, David Crowley and Fergal Dineen
Front (l-r) Craig O’Driscoll, Robert Clarke, Eamonn Mills, Vincent O’Mahony, Ian O’Donoghue and Jack Duffy
6/3 Class of 2011
Back row (l-r): Ciarán Pittorino, David Lucey, Alex Dolan, Kevin O'Connor, Lloyd O'Brien, Andrew Bhandarkar, Barry Jones and Ian Buckley
Middle row (l-r): Brian Scott, Colum Hallissey, Adrian O'Sullivan, Adrian Coyne, Simon Kenny, Eoghan Ó Riain,
Robert Cuppage and Dearan O'Flynn
Front row (l-r): Glenn Crowley, Conor English, Ciarán O'Sullivan, Frank Buttimer, Ross McNulty and Darragh Williamson
6/4 Class of 2011
Back (l-r) Robbie English, Shane O’Keeffe, Leo Collins, Shane O’Shea, Killian Kingston, James Whelton, Philip Greenan and David Evans
Middle (l-r) Stephen Walsh, Cian Philpott, Mark O’Mahony, Gary Cheung, Darren Cotter, Shane Murphy, Alan Flannery,
Steve O’Brien and James Reidy
Front (l-r) Ross Murray, Johnny McKenna, Tim Clifford, Paul Murphy, Cillian Walsh and Eddie Ivers
Our Prefects and 6th Year Head
Back row (l-r) Shane Murphy, Kevin Maxwell, James Kiernan and Andrew Hayes
Front row (l-r) Adrian Coyne, Stephen Randles, Ms Deirdre O’Keeffe 6th Year Head, Killian Kingston Head Boy and Glenn Crowley
Rock on lads!!!
Our 6th Year musicians get in some final practice for the end of year concert
Gallant Pres lose by one point in the Applied Maths Quiz
In March, Pres competed in a table quiz based on the Leaving Cert Higher Level Applied Maths course.
This quiz is organised by the Irish Applied Maths Teachers’ Association for students in Cork City and
County. Very well done to Ross Caplice, Killian McCarthy and Jonathan Peters, who after a very tight
contest, finished just one point behind the winners. Following tie-breaks, the lads finished in fourth place.
Gold medals awarded to top Leaving Certificate students in Cork
Heartiest congratulations to both Nicolas Peters and Seán Underwood for their outstanding
achievements in coming first in Applied Maths and Biology, respectively, in Cork City and County in last
year’s Leaving Certificate. They were presented with gold medals by the Minister for Disability, Equality
& Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch TD recently at Blackrock Castle Observatory, to acknowledge and
honour their success. Both hard working students are great credit to their school, families and their
teachers Ms Janet Cotter and Ms Claire Lynch.
Michael Healy – Other Days
‘Other Days’ published recently is a personal account of my sixty-eight years as a missionary priest with
the Columban Fathers in China, Burma and England.
I went to PBC, following on the footsteps of my father and my three brothers. Currently, there are two
grand-nephews in the school! After leaving PBC in 1937, was ordained priest at St Columban’s College,
Navan in December 1943. I served in a parish in England during World War II. After the war I went
to China in 1946.
In 1949 the Communist armies advanced south over China and the Church to its Calvary.
My final 31/2 years in China was under Mao Ze Tung and Communism. Those who have been through
repeated interrogation and attempted ‘brain washing’ by secret police all agree that the crucial time
was not during the actual interrogations when they repeated ridiculous charges, shouting, brandishing
revolvers or banging them on the table, to get you to admit crimes against the state and sign a confession
of guilt. (my constant reply was... ‘to sign would be a lie’).
The more dangerous time was when you were sent off to ‘reflect’. It was interesting to hear how each
one realised this was a time you had to ‘switch off’. Each one had a different method.
Fr Aedan McGrath spent thirty-two months in Ward Road Jail, Shanghai City in solitary confinement.
He would study the Chinese characters in the propaganda leaflets. Fr Paddy Ronan would imagine he
was back in Croke Park and would hear the roar of the crowd when he scored. He looked forward to
his imaginary match while forced to sit upright while reflecting? on the floor of a communist jail.
I was fortunate that in school and college I had committed so much to memory. It required a determined
effort to ‘switch off’ after interrogation. I would recite all the vocal prayers I knew, words of Christ in
the Bible, hymns. Then for mental recreation – most important – I had poems, songs and would compose
parodies about the communists.
For this I thank my old school Presentation Brothers College, Cork. Before an important inter school
match a budding Shakespeare would compose a parody and have it written on the back of the
blackboard. At the end of class we got three minutes to copy and have a rehearsal.
For the 1935 Cork Senior Cup Final, a parody on the ‘Isle of Capri’ which
was No 1 at the time – everyone knew the melody- we sang it with
‘gusto’ in the Mardyke.
‘Twas on the Mardyke one day that we met them,
When they thought they could win back the Cup,
But the Pres boys always could beat them
When we played for the Cork Senior Cup.
For seven years they tried to beat us
Alas ‘twas all in vain.
How they have the neck to tell us
They mean to try again.
When our backs start to handle the leather
When the ball passes out to Guiney
When our forwards press up well together
There’s a try scored for old PBC!’
My next mission was Burma – now Myanmar – among the Kachins in the jungle
covered mountainous foothills of the Himalayas, known to World War II veterans as ‘Green Hell’.
Here again were staunch Catholics and the faith was spreading. In 1962 a military coup brought an end
to democracy. Since then, the country has been under military dictatorship. We were able to continue
our work until I was expelled once again, as were all missionaries from Burma.
Since then I’ve been ‘on the road’ in England, Scotland and Wales on ‘Mission Education and Promotion’
speaking at all Masses in a different church every weekend, a different school or college on week days
and on holidays of obligation at a university church. Catholics from staff and students would attend in
their own parish on Sundays. (For me the highlight of those school visits was when I spoke at PBC,
showed a mission film, followed by question and discussion).
Michael A Healy
Le Département de Français
D’abord nous voulons souhaiter la bienvenue à notre nouvelle collègue Mlle Fiona Coughlan. Cette
année nous avons organisé encore une fois les quiz français pour les élèves de quatrième et cinquième
années. On est aussi allé au Festival de film français avec les élèves de cinquième année. Au mois de
mai on accueille toutes les écoles de cork ici dans le collège pour le quiz annuel organisé par French
Teachers Organisation. Notre école a gagné ce quiz l’année dernière.
On souhaite ‘Bon voyage’ et ‘Bonne chance’ à nos élèves qui font des échanges en France cet été. Dès
septembre prochain nous aurons in Assistant français avec nous pour toute l’année scolaire. Cela sera
vraiment super pour tous nos élèves.
Finalement, nous espérons organiser pour la deuxième fois une Semaine Française en février prochain.
On est déjà en train d’organiser des activités pour cette semaine.
Nous souhaitons ‘Bonnes vaçances’ à tous.
Soccer in Pres continues to progress
The beautiful game of soccer continues to progress on the Mardyke. We were pleased this year to find
that Fiacre Kelleher played for Ireland schoolboys on a number of occasions. This young man’s talent and
his balanced view on life will ensure that he has a future as a professional sportsman. We wish him well!
Our minor teams were coached by Shane Twomey and Anthony Seymour and their attention to detail
ensured that a successful season was had by all the teams in their charge.
The U14 team was unlucky to lose the final of the Munster Minor Cup on sudden death penalties against
Clonmel High School at Turners Cross, while our 1st Year team has progressed to the final of the Cork
U13 Cup, which is due to be played on Friday 3rd of June at Turners Cross. We wish the lads the very
best of luck on the night.
This will be an unusual event in so far as the opposition will be CBC, who are old friends that we normally
meet in a different sport. The U14 player of the year this year is Shane Daly, who was an inspirational
figure throughout the year. The U13 player of the year is David Grant O’Sullivan, whose skill, drive and
enthusiasm sets a standard for others to emulate.
Junior Soccer
In Junior Soccer,the U151/2 team had a very successful run in the Munster competition. They opened
with a 5-1 victory over Charleville and continued with a crushing 5-0 defeat of Christians in the second
round, and a thrilling quarter-final victory over St Pauls of Waterford by four goals to nil. The semi-final
against Carrigaline was a very tight affair with the team desperately unlucky to go out 2-1 after extra
time and miss out on a final at Turner's Cross. The U16 team went out to Passage West by a goal to
nil in the Cork Cup.
At U18 level, we reached the semi-final of the Munster Senior Cup. The highlight of this campaign was
the match against Patrician Academy, where Pres had to win by five goals to qualify for the next phase.
Our sixth goal was scored in the last minute to give us a 6-1 victory. Shane Murphy was top scorer this
season with nine goals in five matches, and Niall Kelleher was selected as Player-of-theYear.
Rugby in Pres
Irish Schoolboys and Coach:
Seamus Glynn, Ryan Murphy, Coach Paul Barr, Brian Scott and Rory Scannell
Our Munster Lads:
Jack Duffy, Brian Scott, Killian Kingston, Ryan Murphy, James Kiernan and Eamonn Mills
Colin Eustace receives the Conrad O’Sullivan Memorial Trophy from Noel Horgan (President PBC PPU)
Ecstasy and heartbreak, just another typical year in Pres Rugby. Our commiserations go to our Senior
Rugby lads who narrowly lost out to Rockwell in the final of the Senior Cup 2011. Congratulations go
to our victorious Barry Cup winning side and to our 1st Years who topped a fantastic year by winning
the Kidney Cup.
Success in Pres rugby is not measured in cups or medals, but rather in maintaining and increasing the
number playing and enjoying the game. We again have record numbers in the school participating in
rugby and we are committed to increasing these numbers every year by ensuring we address any
perceived weaknesses. Our thanks must go to team of people who coach, encourage, and help our
young Pres men. To our coaches at all levels, sixteen teaching staff and more than thirty parents and
past pupils, who invest their time, energy and skills making sure that those young men who participate
in PBC are on a constant learning curve. A special word of thanks must also go to Edwin, Val and Marie.
It is important to acknowledge those in our ranks that excel in rugby and once again Pres men have worn
both the Irish green and the Munster red with great pride. We firmly believe that there is a place for all
in Pres rugby and we take this opportunity to acknowledge those who don’t miss a training session
even when their name is not on the starting fifteen, those who don’t give up. There in lies the true spirit
of Pres Rugby.
Our Senior teams for 2012 and 2013 are in full preparation already as they head off on a tour of
Argentina and Uruguay. They will play a series of matches in Argentina before heading to Uruguay to
take on their U18 national team. To quote Caleb Sheehan it is not many school teams that can say they
have played a national side.
The Conrad O’Sullivan Memorial Trophy was presented this year to Colin Eustace of 1st Year as a name
to watch for the future.
Games Master: Brian McMahon
Sports Day 2011
Staff victorious yet again in our annual soccer match. MOTM Brian McMahon was outstanding in goal!
PBC Committee raise over e1,000 for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
In April, a decision was made to hold the 3rd Pres fundraiser for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. We
had a visit from Seán Murphy, who told us of the great work the guide dogs do for the blind. We heard
harrowing accounts of the hardships those with blindness suffer. The committee comprised of Dan
O'Mahony, Martin O'Farrell, Patrick Hogan, Darragh Dennehy, David Keohane, Michael Grufferty, Sam
Caplice, Dylan Desmond, Cian Carey, Ian Coleman, Areeb Mian, Micheal McGrath, Jack Sreenan,
Darragh O'Connor and Michael Fitzgibbon. We set a goal of a e1,000 and started fundraising with an
Easter Egg Raffle and Cake Sale. The revenue collected from generous students was just shy of e1,000.
We received generous gifts including a signed soccer ball by Roy Keane, a Munster rugby jersey and ball
signed by the whole team, and a Cork jersey signed by the team. This raffle has raised our total collected
revenue to e1,000. I would like to thank all the committee, students, teachers and all who helped
funds. We would also like to thank E. Walsh and the school for their support.
Dan O'Mahony
1st Year Choir keep the tradition going
First year singers, and musicians from 1st, 2nd and 5th Years continue the wonderful tradition
of setting the tone for the festive season at the annual Crib Blessing Ceremony in December.
Peer Mentoring
September 2007 saw a new phase of health promotion in our school; we began ‘Peer Mentoring’ for
the first time. Recognising the difficulty settling into a new school for some 1st Years, we allocated all
first years a ‘Buddy’ in 6th Year to meet with them during school time for scheduled time slots and to
be available to help and advise them during the year. We now run this ‘Peer Mentoring’ system every
year, adding another layer to our pastoral care system. It benefits the 6th Years too, divesting
responsibility which allowed them develop leadership and empathy, while minding the 1st Years. This
helps to settle them into Pres.
Pres Peer Mentoring Group 2010 / 2011
Back row (l-r): Iwan Lane, Glen Crowley, Killian Kingston, James Kiernan, Stephen Randles,
Andrew Hayes, Shane O’Keefe, Killian McCarthy, Eoghan O’Riain.
Front row (l-r): Craig O’Driscoll, Chris Banon and Jack Duffy.
Missing are Adam Hudson and Philip Greenan
I must admit that while a huge honour to be named a ‘Peer Mentor’, I was apprehensive at first. It was
a daunting task trying to impart six years of knowledge on to a new generation. The 1st Years were great
and constantly enjoyable to work with. I think I actually learned more from them than they learned from
me! It’s safe to say that the school is in safe hands with the new generation of ‘Pres Boys’ firmly
grounded in Pres traditions. Craig O’Driscoll 6/2
Peer Mentoring was an exhilarating experience. It was an honour to have the opportunity to guide
these 1st Years steps towards a journey of continuous progress. Iwan Lane 6/1
It was a good experience. I thought it was great to see how much more confident the lads got during
the year. Glenn Crowley 6/3
Peer Mentoring has been a great experience. It’s a fantastic idea and something which I would have
liked to have had available to me when I was in 1st Year. Killian McCarthy 6/1
A Great group of lads, it’s been a pleasure being their mentor. I know they are going to love their time
here in Pres. Eoghan O’Riain 6/3
Incoming Peer Mentors for 2011 / 2012
Back row (l-r): Will Foley, Paul Derham, James McCarthy, Thomas Murray,
Ryan Callanan, Peter Carrigy and Thomas Duggan,
Front row (l-r): Barra O’Sullivan, Philip O’Leary, Rory O’Connell, Steve Dinan,
Hugh O’Halloran and John Fitzgearld.
Missing from photo: Mike O’Leary and Ms Claire Lynch Health Promotion Co-ordinator
Down Memory Lane
1890 Presentation Brothers College Senior Rugby Team
Reflection
When we live by faith,
Every ending is the beginning of something new.
Every thing points beyond itself to a Presence without and within;
Every person becomes sacrament;
Every colleague, a companion on life’s pilgrimage.
When we live by faith
Time becomes a gift,
And seasons, rivers of grace:
Refining and recreating us to fullness of life.
Our work is an icon
Of God’s tireless labours,
To build up what is just,
To strengthen the faltering spirit
To fire the imagination
With the endless possibilities
For learning,
For growing,
For becoming,
For being
In love.
Pres Gazette design: Charlie Neville 431 4244