News
Students reminisce about TY experience
By Michelle Crean
Key moments of the adventures and new experiences were remembered at a graduation ceremony this week.
Transition Year students from Killarney Community College pictured with their awards on Tuesday.
Transition Year students from Killarney Community College pictured with their awards on Tuesday.
Students from Transition Year at Killarney Community College spoke about their journey including Theatre Studies, Yoga, Law Education Programme, First Aid, Outdoor Activities, Work Experience, Community Work, Young Social Innovators, Minicompany, Gaisce, the list goes on.
The celebration was presented by TY coordinator Lorraine Crowley, who congratulated the TY Class of 2022 on their many magnificent achievements throughout this TY year.
The graduation ceremony opened on Tuesday with the whole class singing 'Riptide' by Vance Joy, while playing Ukuleles, a skill they learned in music during TY.
"Our students showed great resilience, empathy and kindness all year long and flourished into an amazing little family of support for one another," teacher Lorraine said.
"They should be very proud of themselves when we look at all the awards won and certificates completed in the different courses and programmes."
AWARDS
A special part of the afternoon was the presentation of special certificates given for Best Overall Logbook Award 2022 which went to Katie Herlihy, Empathy and Kindness Award 2022 Blanca Beltran Juan, Most Empowered Student of TY 2022 Sophie Jacobi, Generosity of Spirit and Talent Award 2022 Chloe Lynch Herlihy, Commitment and Dedication Award 2022 Ona Moreno Font, and the big award: TY Student of the Year 2022 was awarded to Tamika Heaphy.
A new award this year, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to each student of Transition Year for their voluntary work completed with Killarney Lions Club and St Francis Special School in Beaufort.
Denis Doolin from Killarney Lions Club and Elaine Moore from St Francis Special School congratulated the TY class on the day for the amazing work they completed, raising almost €1,000 for the Killarney Lions Club, planting trees with them for World Tree Day in March, and creating a sensory library for the students at St Francis Special School in Beaufort. Both Elaine and Denis commended the students on their giving and support in their community throughout the year.
Nine TY students were presented their Bronze Gaisce President's Award by Eva Lyne. Eight students received their Level 6 Certificate in Digital Skills for STEM that they completed throughout the year in conjunction with MTU, Microsoft Ireland and Maynooth University. These eight students will be awarded 50 extra points after their Leaving Cert for a STEM course in MTU. Rabea Fluegel and Angelina Kendel were also commended for getting to the finals of the BT Young Scientist with their project 'How Quarantine and Home Office Affects our Psyche'.
Chloe Lynch Herlihy, winner of Who's Got Talent 2022, sang 'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus. The whole class sang 'Memories' at the end of the ceremony that they had re worded for the class.
According to Lorraine it was "another hugely successful Transition Year in the college".
"It is always amazing to see all of the achievements by our students and to see them grow throughout the year. The students excelled personally, academically and in their extra-curricular activities."
A special commemoration took place at Fitzgerald Stadium to mark the 50th anniversary of the sudden passing of former Dr Crokes player, officer, and selector Tim (Timmy) Keogh.
All-Ireland winning Kerry and Dr Crokes manager Pat O’Shea unveiled a memorial plaque in honour of Mr Keogh, who died suddenly at the stadium on 24 May 1976 while watching the East Kerry Under-12 final between Dr Crokes and Legion.
Pat O’Shea, who played in that fixture as a nine-year-old, delivered a moving address reflecting on the tragedy and his memories of Killarney half a century ago. He described Mr Keogh as a dedicated family and community man who led the way for the Dr Crokes club.
O’Shea recalled how the match was halted and the young players were brought into the dressing rooms, leaving an indelible mark on the town. He also paid tribute to Mr Keogh’s late wife, Kathleen, and noted the bittersweet memory of neighbours and Legion icons Weeshie Fogarty and Johnny Culloty rushing to his aid on the sideline.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Eamonn Keogh detailed his father’s extensive contribution to the black and amber. Timmy Keogh served as club treasurer through the 1950s and 1960s alongside Donie Sheahan and Michael O’Connor, and was a selector for the famous Dr Crokes senior team that won seven consecutive O’Donoghue Cups between 1956 and 1962.
Eamonn thanked Fitzgerald Stadium Chairman Der Brosnan and his committee for permission to erect the monument. He welcomed members of the Keogh, Fogarty, Culloty, and Randles families, alongside several players from the 1976 under-12 panel and MC Denis Coleman.
Eamonn paid tribute to Pat O’Shea’s legendary status in the GAA, noting he remains one of only five managers to win both an All-Ireland senior inter-county championship and a senior club title.
Fr Tom Looney spoke of receiving the tragic news via a letter from his mother while serving in Peru 50 years ago, praising Mr Keogh’s legacy with Dr Crokes and local employer Hilliards. Fr Tom performed a blessing alongside Franciscan Friary Guardian Br Pat Lynch and Fr Billy Hoyne.
The commemoration concluded with a musical performance of ‘Buachaill ón Éirne’ and ‘The Parting Glass’ by Timmy’s son, Don Keogh, on concertina, and his cousin, Máire Breathnach, on guitar.
The large attendance included Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady, Kerry GAA Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan, East Kerry Board officials Dermot O’Connor and Noel Kennedy, Dr Crokes President Jackie Looney, Chairman Eoin Brosnan, and Juvenile Chairman David Byrne.
Two young local girls showed great business initiative on Saturday ahead of the Kerry v Donegal match at Fitzgerald Stadium.
Erin McSweeney and Jessie Doolin set up a sweet stall outside a house on Lewis Road, catching the thousands of football fans walking towards the grounds.
The enterprising pair did a busy trade selling soft drinks, sweets, and chocolates to the passing crowds before throw-in.
Their match-day venture also caught the attention of the national sports media, with a photograph of the girls at their stall captured by Sportsfile photographer Stephen McCarthy ahead of the game.
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