2018-2019 News

May 2019

Abbey Community College Transition Year – 1st Year – Global Citizenship Education Project

Transition Year students and First Year students recently collaborated on a project which has been funded by World Wise Global Schools.

It is important to understand that the small changes and the decisions we make can have a major impact on people living in poorer parts of the world. An example of this is buying Fair Trade products. Therefore, to get the conversation started and start raising awareness about this project we gave each student participating in the project a banana and a Cadburys chocolate bar, both Fair Trade products.

What is the project about?

The project is about raising awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing, interdependent and unequal world in which we live in. Students were put into groups of approximately 2 first year students and 2 transition year students in each group. Students researched a topic and designed a poster around the information they have researched and gathered.

The project was based on topics such as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Non-Governmental Organisations to topics such as Fair Trade.

On completion of this project two groups who have put in the most work and produce the best posters won a goodie bag filled with Fair Trade treats. Each student in each group was given a "goodie" bag.

The goodie bags themselves have come from the Philippines, they have been made from recycled drink pouches (similar to Capri Sun pouches). The WOW Bags (Wonders of Waste) have been gathered, washed and all completely hand sewn by women in the Philippines. ALL of the money raised from each bag purchase goes back directly to these women.

The Fair Trade products in the bags include:

SuperValu Reserve Gold Teabags

SuperValu Coffee

Bewleys Hot Chocolate

Variety pack of Cadbury’s Chocolate

4pack of Mars Chocolate bars.

The students who won are:

First place: Chloe Earley, Tatiana Narloch, Emma Scally and Keisha Hatter

Second place: Leah O'Neill, Clodagh Cosgrove, Kellie Ann Hunt

Niamh McNamara has just returned from a week training camp in France as part of St Bridgets Edenderry Irish female Boxing select team who took on the French National Junior and Youth team in two international bouts. Niamh gained valuable experience during this intensive training camp. It was a great opportunity to prepare for her upcoming Irish National championships in July where she will represent her club Castlerea BC and Province.

Niamh is pictured second from left in the front row.

May 2019

Scifest at College

Abbey Community College students projects were selected for "Scifest at College" regional finals, at Sligo IT this week.

Dillon Johnston's entry focused on developing tasty and healthy food products using Beetroot and Kiefer as ingredients.

Nicole Reilly focused on understanding planetary orbits and using Mathematical models to explain them.

Both Nicole and Dillon developed engaging projects and represented ACC with distinction. Indeed Nicole received a prize for the most engaging question posed at Science Foundation Ireland workshop.

Congrats to both Dillion and Nicole on their achievement's. We look forward to even more projects to follow next year.

The Big Hello

Abbey Community College recently took part in the "Big Hello" initiative when we invited local eldery residents to join us in the school for some banter, craic, music, and fun. There was a brilliant atmosphere in the school and well done to all who took part and to Ms Kenny for organising. The students were amazing and we are all so proud of the efforts they made, and their engaging and positive approach. Well done all.

5th April 2019

Abbey Community College junior girls participated the the All Ireland basketball playoffs in Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow on Monday April 1st. A 3 hour journey had the girls on road at 7am with the their teacher and coach Mr. Greaney. The girls played three games v St Joseph's, Charlestown, Co. Mayo, St Mary's Dundalk, Co. Louth and Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow.

Game No. 1

Abbey Community College 38 v St Joseph's Charlestown 12.

After the long journey the opening game was always going to be difficult, however the girls played some wonderful basketball and eased to a comfortable win.

I. King (8), C. O'Dowd, A. Roddy (4), A. Lannon (4), A. Feely (8), G Rooney (4), A. Kennedy (6), K. Roddy, C. Sheerin (4), C. Cregg, B. Mulrennan, T.Casey, S. McGrath, M. Casey, S. Conheady, K. Murphy.

Game No 2

Abbey Community College 41 v St Mary's Dundalk 37

The unfavorable draw meant that we were straight back on court again after a 30min break. St Mary's proved to be a much more difficult opponent and coupled with the previous game and journey, it seemed to be affecting the girls performance and we were quickly 5-0 behind. A time out got things focused again and Aisling Feely found her range with 10 wonderful points but this was clearly going to be a close contest and the quarter finished Abbey College 10 v St Mary's 12.

The 2nd (20 v 20)and 3rd (26 v 26) quarters followed a similar pattern with little to separate the teams as we entered the final decisive 4th quarter.

The girls showed great skill, determination and fitness to close out the game and progress to the final winner takes all game v Baltinglass.

I. King (4), C. O'Dowd, A. Roddy, A. Lannon (1), A. Feely (18), G Rooney, A. Kennedy (4), K. Roddy, C. Sheerin (2), C. Cregg (12), B. Mulrennan, T.Casey, S. McGrath, M. Casey, S. Conheady, K. Murphy

Game No 3.

Abbey Community College 35 v Baltinglass 34

The final game of the day resulted in a winner takes all match to qualify for the All Ireland semi-final in Tallaght on April 30th. What an outstanding game it was with two very evenly matched teams. Baltinglass stormed into the game with some outstanding play from their centre who had 6 points on the board without reply in the first two minutes. However the Boyle girls didn't panic and worked their way back into the game with some fine shooting from Aimee Roddy (2), Aisling Feely (4) and Isabelle King (1) to finish the quarter Abbey college 7 v Baltinglass 9.

The second quarter resembled the first with little between the sides. Clodagh Sheerin scored a wonderful basket from a fast break to level the game and for the remainder of the quarter both defense's were on top. Caoimhe Cregg was fouled while scoring and nailed her free throw and another Sheerin score made it Abbey College 14 v Baltinglass 17.

The third quarter was dominated by Baltinglass who were scoring some excellent baskets. The Boyle girls were struggling to deal with the outstanding Shauna Cahoon who had 7 points scored and Baltinglass had gone into a 10point lead. During a time out for Boyle some strong words were spoken by both players and coach and it was stressed how important it was to never give up. The girls responded brilliantly with scores from Feely and Cregg to reduce the deficit to 7 by the end of the quarter. Abbey college 18 v Baltinglass 25.

It was now or never for the girls who promised to leave everything on the court and give it their all. And this they certainly did. Scores from King and two from Feely made it a one point game. Baltinglass responded with two points of their own from Cahoon. However the Boyle girls confidence was growing and three points from King and a basket from Feely resulted in Abbey College leading by 3 with time nearly up. Unfortunately Cahoon responded brilliantly, sinking a three pointer to bring the game to extra time finishing 29 v 29.

Extra time:

Three minutes of extra time to decide who would make the semi final. Feely scored first but Baltinglass responded. Kennedy scored but again Baltinglass responded. 33 v 33 with only 1 minute to go. Feely scores from the free throw line to make it a one point game, Baltinglass respond with a free throw of their own, 34 v 34. 20 seconds left and this could go either way. Baltinglass are on the attack at as Cahoon drives at the basket and she is adjudged to be fouled. Two free shots, she scores the first, and misses the second but time runs out for the Abbey College girls and it's heartbreak Abbey College 34 v Baltinglass 35. A one point defeat, the cruelest margins of all and the season is over. However these girls must be commended on their never say die attitude and are a credit to the school.

I. King (6), C. O'Dowd, A. Roddy (2), A. Lannon, A. Feely (15), G Rooney, A. Kennedy (2), K. Roddy, C. Sheerin (4), C. Cregg (5), B. Mulrennan, T.Casey, S. McGrath, M. Casey, S. Conheady, K. Murphy

14th March 2019

1st Year Girls Regional Basketball Semifinal

Abbey Community College Boyle 26 v Colaiste na Carraige, Donegal 44

Our first year girls ended their basketball season with a disappointing defeat away to a very strong Colaiste na Carraige on Thursday. A low scoring first quarter finished 6 v 0 to Carrick. In the second quarter the Boyle girls stared brilliantly with the opening two baskets from Ciara Cunningham and Ellen Davey. However Carrick responded with the next three baskets to extend their lead. Boyle had numerous chances but the ball just refused to drop into the hoop. The quarter finished 14-7 leaving the half time score 20 v 6 leaving the Boyle girls with it all to do.

The third and fourth quarters were a much more competitive affair with the Roddy twins Aimee and Katelyn driving at the Carrick defence and causing them plenty of problems. Ailbhe Kennedy and Grace Harding were competitive under the boards while Sarah Kiernan, Leah Downes, Kellie Hunt and Clodagh Costello worked tirelessly throughout. Unfortunately it wasn't to be our day losing the third quarter 14 v 9 and drawing the fourth 10 v 10.

2nd Year Girls Regional Basketball Semi Final.

Abbey Community College Boyle 42 v Colaiste na Carraige 21

Congratulations to the 2nd year girls who have qualified for the regional basketball final after a hard fought semi final win on Monday against Colaiste na Carraige, Donegal. While slow to get into their stride the Boyle girls were ahead after the opening quarter 13 v 5 with 10points from Aisling Feely. The second quarter was a poor low scoring affair with little action leaving the score 15 v 9 at half time.

In the third quarter things started to improve greatly with Ailbhe Kennedy and Isabelle King dominating under the basket allowing for the fast break of Clodagh Sheerin and Grainne Rooney who time and again set up Aisling Feely for a score to make it 25 v 15 at the end of the quarter. This continued into the fourth quarter and the girls started to find their rhythm with some excellent defensive work and then using the fast break to great affect with Feely in fine form scoring 14 of the 16 points leaving the final score Abbey College 42 v Colaiste na Carraige 21.

The girls now play a very strong Mercy College Sligo in the final on Tuesday March 19th in the Sligo Regional Sports Centre.

Front row l-r. Kate Murphy, Katelyn Roddy, Clodagh Sheerin(4) Tara Casey, Caoimhe Cregg(2).

Back row: Isabelle King (6), Cliohdna O Dowd, Ailbhe Kennedy (2), Aisling Feely (27), Grainne Rooney, Madison Casey

5th March 2019

Connacht Colleges Junior Football Final

Abbey Community College Boyle 1-12 v Scoil Mhuire Strokestown 1-10

On Tuesday March 5th a rain sodden Elphin GAA ground was the venue for an enthralling Connacht Colleges Junior Football Final between Abbey College Boyle and Strokestown. The proverbial game of two halves was certainly the case today with Strokestown dominating the first half and Abbey College the second. However, the outstanding individual performance of Daire Cregg who shot 1-9 was to be the ultimate difference between the sides and Abbey College prevailed to win the cup by two points.

Strokestown won the toss and elected to play with the aid of the breeze in the first half. They also decided to deploy their wing forward C. Neary as a sweeper in front of the dangerous Daire Cregg. Although Boyle opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a free from Cregg it would be the 17th minute before they would register their next score as Strokestown totally dominated the half. Following their first score by R. Kelly in the fifth minute they followed this up with scores in the 8th, 9th, 10 and 11th minute to open up a 5-1 lead. Although Cregg replied from play, Boyle struggled greatly to win their own kick out and the incessant pressure amounted to another five scores in row for Strokestown between the 18th and 22nd minute leaving 7 points between the sides. At this stage, the Boyle players just needed to get their hands on some ball and the switching of the full forward line and half-forward line seemed to have the desired effect. Cathal Feely had started to dominate midfield and with Luke McGrath, James Kiernan and Oisin Cregg now running at the Strokestown defence things improved for the north Roscommon School. A high ball into the Strokestown square on the 29th minute lead to a penalty for a foul off the ball. Daire dispatched the penalty perfectly to the bottom corner of the net and gave Boyle a massive lifeline leaving the half time score Abbey College Boyle 1-2 v Strokestown 0-9.

Whatever was said in the Boyle dressing room at half time, coupled with some tactical changes, certainly had the desired effect as the Abbey College lads powered into the 2nd half like men possessed. Daire had a point from play in the 31st minute and from the resulting kick out Feely had it caught and passed to Daire, who slotted it over the bar, before the keeper had time to collect his kick out cone. Abbey College were now dominating all over the field with Daniel Casey, David Flanagan and Kealan Wright dominating their men in the full back line. Oisin Sheerin had powered into the game from midfield and Kevin Byrne was playing the sweeper role to perfection. Oisin Cregg was doing an excellent job breaking up any Strokestown attacks and Cathal Feely was putting in a towering display in midfield. This dominance showed on the scoreboard and from the 34th to 47th minute Daire had a further 5 points (1f) scored to give Abbey College the lead on a score line of 1-9 v 0-9. However, Strokestown would not good down without a fight and L. Galvin scored a free in the 51st minute. It would be the 54th minute before we would see the next score but it was one worth waiting for when Feely went on another one of his trademark runs and slotted the ball over the bar with his trusty left foot. From the resulting kick out Tomas Demeter plucked the ball from the clouds, hand passed it to the on rushing Finn Bruen who was having an outstanding second half. He placed a lovely ball to Eoin Connolly who moved it quickly to McGrath who popped it over the bar to put 4 between the sides with only 5 minutes of normal time remaining.

However, this game was far from over. Some poor wides by both sides meant there was still 4 between the sides as we entered the 64TH minute. A short kick out from McKeon in the Abbey goal went to Casey, he gathered it but as he went to turn, he slipped and the ball fell from his grasp. Shane McGinley had it picked up in a flash and hit a fine shot to the back of the net. Only a one-point game and now the pressure was really on. McKeon however doesn’t do pressure and this time he elected to go long and yet again the dependable Feely rose highest with an excellent catch. He moved the ball quickly to James Doherty O Brien who found the excellent Niall O Donnell with a beautiful foot pass. O’ Donnell slipped passed the Strokestown defender and hand passed it to the on rushing Oisin Cregg who powered into the Strokestown defence and slotted a beauty over the bar with his left foot. From the resulting kick out the ref blew the final whistle and the Abbey College players could finally celebrate an outstanding win in an excellent hard fought encounter.

Liam Mckeon, Daniel Casey, David Flanagan, Kealan Wright, Finn Bruen, Oisin Cregg (0-1), Kevin Byrne, Tomas Demeter, Cathal Feely (0-1), Shayne O’Dowd Hayden, Eoin Connolly, Oisin Sheerin, James Kiernan, Luke McGrath (0-1), Daire Cregg (1-9, 1 penalty, 2f). Niall O Donnell for Hayden, James Doherty O Brien for Wright, Conor MacPherson, Stephan O’Connor, Glenn Moore, Thomas McGrath, Eoin O Gara, Brian O Connor, Seamus Connolly (injured)

Fittest PE Class

Abbey CC Leaving Cert PE Class have recently won 2nd place in Ireland as the fittest mixed PE class in Ireland. This is a fantastic achievement for the school and the students/teachers involved. The demonstrates the broad and holistic focus which Abbey Community College constantly has on what constitutes education and further cements our school among the top schools in the country in the context of student/staff morale, education and sporting provision, student achievement (regardless of ability) and staff performance. Well done to all involved and a huge thank you to all for your efforts.

A great day was had in Maynooth on the leaving certificate Biology trip. Students viewed the fantastic campus and facilities in the Biology department there They had the opportunity to work with research graduates from Maynooth and to perform a wide range of biology practicals. It was excellent preparation on the lead up to the mocks. Some pictures below from the day.

It was a great honour for our One Good Idea team to be invited to speak at The Department of Education & Skills today (Wednesday)

for the annual SEAI Conference on Education in Sustainable Development.

The team who recently won the One Good Idea 10 Year Special Merit Award at Dublin Castle impressed those in attendance so much that they were invited to represent students at the conference today.

The SOS(Save Our Seas) Team presented their project on Ocean Acidification to Officials from both Government Departments and Non-Government Organisations. Architect and Environmentalist Duncan Stewart was also in attendance, and praised the group on their work in the area of Climate Change and Ocean Acidification.

A very well done to the team who are leading the way for young women in STEM. 👩🏻‍🔬🔬📚

Senior Ladies football

22nd November 2018

Today our Senior Ladies team played their last round game for 2018 against Mohill Community College. Mohill had us to the pin of our collars until the last 15 minutes of the game when our girls dug deep and took their chances and their scores. The final score was Abbey CC 5-20 Mohill Community College 4-08. We wish Mohill the best in their games to come. Abbey CC line out as follows: Rebecca McKeon, Blaithin Deane, Maeve Duignan, Cara Clancy, Niamh McNamara, Saoirse Wynne, Grace Flanagan, Niamh Ryan, Clodagh Sheerin, Katie Corcoran, Cora Naughton, Heather Kerins, Cora Ryan, Kate Harrington (Capt), Emma Davey. Subs used: Kate Garavan for Blaithin Deane, Grace Nutley for Katie Corcoran. We are now out of the group stages and await news of our next game in the new year.

Abbey Community College Junior Ladies Football vs Charlestown

The match report 26/10/18

The match began with a fantastic goal from abbey community colleges Aimee Roddy at number 14. This was closely followed by a point from Aisling feely. Soon after Caoimhe Cregg furthered Boyles lead with a goal. Caitlin Roddy was fouled by Charlestown in their half and Aisling Feely converted the free. Boyle dominated midfield . 15 minutes into the first half Charlestown get their first chance on goal, this shot was saved by Boyle goalie, Ellen Daly. Charlestown center forward was clinical in front of goal and puts the ball in the back of the net. Boyles back line remained strong with Sarah Conheady making excellent runs supporting midfield. Aisling Feely answered this run with a lovely point from play, Despite all the hardwork Charlestowns corner forward is awarded a free which is sent sailing over the crossbar. As the rain continued to pour down never lost spirit and increased their lead with Aimee Roddy scoring a second goal. The half ended with Caoimhe Cregg converting a free. Half time score ; Boyle 3-5 Charlestown 1-4.

3 minutes into the second half Aisling Feely finds the back of the net for a fourth Boyle goal. Although Charlestown gathered speed despite continues attacks Boyle remained strong in defense. 2 goals later Boyle were still on top, Charlestown however were undeterred and scored a great goal in the top corner. Boyle makes the first substitution half way into the second half with Leah Downes replacing Madison Casey at wing forward. Tara Casey makes a superb block which results in the ball hitting the back of the net for Boyle .A great run from Caoimhe Cregg in the middle of the field leads to another goal by Aisling Feely. After a succession of heavy scoring from Boyle , they introduce fresh legs ; Grace O’Connor for Clodagh Sheerin, Ruth Johnston for Ellen Daly, Sally McGrath for Aoife Higgins and Emily Bryan for Tara Casey. The game ends with a point from Aisling Feely.

Final Score;Boyle 8-13 Charlestown 4-4

By Ruth Duggan and Katie Corcoran

Thursday 25th October 2018

Boys Junior Football v Strokestown

The ACC junior boy’s footballers shared the spoils in a hard fought contest with Strokestown. The ACC lads came late with a great comeback to leave the game level at full time on a score line of 2-13 apiece at a sun soaked college field.

ACC started the brighter of the two sides and got on the scoreboard first through Daire Cregg. They added a free straight after through the boot of Cathal Feely. It took Strokestown 6 minutes to register their first score when their centre forward Louis Galvin converted from their first attack. Boyle answered straight back with a brace from Cregg in the 7^thand 13^thminute. However this was to be Abbeys last score for 13 minutes as Strokestowns defensive set up began to stifle the ACC attack with their sweeper Colin Neary cutting off the supply of ball to Cregg and the rest of the ACC full forward line. Building on their defensive stability Strokestown went on to score an unanswered 1-3, the decisive goal coming in the 30^thminute. ACC added another score through Daire Cregg just before the end of the half to leave the score at 0-5 to 1-5 in favour of the away team.

The ACC boys again started well as they scored the first two points of the half as good play from Feely and centre forward Seamus Connolly created a scoring chance for Cregg. From the resulting kick out Tomas Demeter won possession and set up Cregg for a simple score. Boyle began to dominate the game around the midfield with centre back Oisin Cregg linking up well with Feely and Demeter. In the 37^thminute, James Keirnan broke through the Strokestown rear-guard and finshed superbly to the net to put ACC ahead by 2 points, 1-7 to 1-5. At this stage it looked as though the boys would push on and win easily but Strokestown rallied and went on to score the next few points as their attack began to fire. ACC found their kick out under pressure and this lead to wing forward Eoin Connolly receiving a yellow card for a rash tackle. Strokestown scored another goal to leave them ahead with 15 minutes of the second half gone. Boyle answered back with two scores, from Cregg and Feely, leaving Boyle down by 7 with 10 minutes remaining. What was to follow was a great fight back from the Abbey players as they got the ball back into the Strokestown half with Oisin Sheerin kicking a score. ACC squeezed the Strokestown kick out as Daire Cregg kicked three more scores, 2 frees. Boyle now found themselves two points down. The crucial score then came as wing back Finn Bruen arrived on the edge of the box from a pass from Feely and kicked the ball to the roof of the net. ACCs comeback was complete as they found themselves ahead by a point. However there was still time for one more attack as Strokestown won the next kick out and delivered the ball into their full forward who kicked the equalising score.

Abbey Community College: L. McKeon, J. Doherty O’Brien, K. Beirne, D. Flanagan, F. Bruen (1-0), O. Cregg (0-1), S. Hayden, T. Demeter, C. Feely (0-2, 2 frees), E. Connolly, S. Connolly, O. Sheerin (0-1), L. McGrath, D. Cregg (0-9, 4 frees), J. Keirnan (1-0), C. McPherson, G. Moore, B. O’Connor, K. Wright, J. Flanagan, T. McGrath, J. McNamara, S. O’Connor, E. O’Gara,

Senior Rugby Match report

Date: 23^rd Oct 2018

Roscommon Community College vs Abbey Community College

Location: Creggs RFC

Score: Abbey CC -27 Roscommon CC - 50

On a bright sunny afternoon Abbey CC took on Roscommon CC in the Senior rugby league. The game was entertaining and played with a competitive spirit by both teams. RCC, opened the scoring with a well worked try in the corner, however the conversion did not reach it’s target. This was a feature of the day with a steady breeze, giving kickers lots of challenges. Abbey CC responded with a try from good play between Cathal Feeley and Tiernan Henry. The first half continued in this manner, RCC forwards carrying well, with Abbey CC breaking quickly, offloading and direct running. The half time score was 20-12.

Playing into the strong breeze, Abbey CC started much the faster with Antonio Chilton contributing to a well taken try. The game turned firmly in RCC favour for the next quarter, as three tries were added. Displaying lots resilience Abbey CC exploited the open spaces and through slick interplay from Max King, Shayne Hayden, Cathal Feeley and Tiernan Henry, two more tries were added.

Second year students took part in activities this week to raise awareness of the problem of homelessness in Ireland, in association with Focus Ireland. This involved verbal discussions on the homelessness crisis in Ireland, debates in English class, reading articles on the topic, as well as taking part in various games and activities. On Friday 5th October, we headed outside to feel and gain an insight into the physical barriers created by being without a home; discussing the various issues and effects of this.

First Year History students visited Boyle Abbey and King House recently.

Both guided tours were very informative and interesting and the students learned a lot about their local area.

Boyle is steeped in history and it was a great opportunity for the students to get out of the classroom environment and for them to see and experience the various artefacts and buildings.

Our guide, Joseph, at Boyle Abbey transported us back in time as he described the daily lives of the early Cistercian Monks. The students learned that the monks lived in very basic surroundings with little heat and very few comforts. In 1592 it was converted into a barracks and besieged by the Cromwellians in 1645. It is now a national monument in the care of the State and recently had some restoration work done to it.

Our guides, Martina and Michael, at King House described in great detail the lives of the King Family. They also learned that King House became a military barracks and recruiting depot for the Connaught Rangers, which were the Irish Regiment of the British Army. The Connaught Rangers Museum really captured the students' attention. They heard the story of Úna Bhán and Tomás Láidir Costello. They got chance to read about Maureen O'Hara, a film actress who was born in Main Street, just a few houses down from the main gates of King House. They also got chance to see The McAleese Collection, gifts which Mary McAleese received from various dignitaries and Heads of State when she was President of Ireland. She presented them to the people of Ireland and they are on display to the general public in King House.

Abbey Community College would like to thank the Tour Guides at Boyle Abbey and King House for the excellent tours provided for the students.