GRADUATION DAY: St Brendan's College Leaving Certificate student James O'Sullivan (Irish U19 Basketballer) on his graduation day in St Brendan's College Killarney pictured with Sean Coffey (Principal). Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

By Michelle Crean

After six years of great friendships and learning it was time for the Sixth Year students in St Brendan's College to say farewell to school life forever last week.

However, as with many other similar ceremonies in keeping with the public health guidance this year graduation day on Tuesday (May 18) had a very different feel.

And, to make it personal for the students, this year’s event involved a re-thinking of the process of marking the culmination of their school journey.

Senior Student Council, the RE Department and the Music Department consulted extensively with the Sixth Year students and together created a new template to mark graduation day.

The boys organised a range of activities in celebration of the completion of their time with an outdoor soccer league, followed by a table quiz and a student awards ceremony.

Mass was celebrated by College Chaplain, Father Jim Lenihan in the Chapel and broadcast to the Sixth Year students in their classrooms.

Principal Sean Coffey and Year Head Ed O’Neill presented each student with a pack which included the past student’s tie which serves to bond the Sixth Years as a class group and symbolises their link to St Brendan’s. From the Chapel, Head Boys Cillian Hickey and Mark Sheahan, reminisced on their six years at the college.

"Both of their teachers served to reinforce the brilliant experiences these students have had in their time in St Brendan’s," Principal Sean Coffey said. "Their speeches also reminded us of how the pandemic has limited so much of school life this year."

Following the speeches students enjoyed an afternoon barbeque in the glorious May sunshine where photographs were taken and memories shared among students and teachers of their time together.

These were then added to the school App to share with parents who this year couldn't be present for such a momentous occasion in their son's life.

"We know that your sons would have loved to have had you present at the event. We would like to thank the class of 2021 for their contribution to St Brendan’s throughout their time here and wish them well as they approach their Leaving Certificate examinations and the next exciting stage in their lives. As a school we are extremely proud of this group, their achievement and their potential."