Coláiste Oiriall athletes were lucky to narrowly win the Junior Shield due to a joint first photo finish in the Under 15 girls relay.  Hannah Ni Sceacháin from second year proudly accepted the shield on behalf of her fellow athletes from Monaghan VEC Chairperson, Mr Joe McGrath. Largy College were the senior shield winners. Of the nine Double gold medals Coláiste Oiriall dominated and scooped five of the awards.

Conor O Dughaill won first in the 200 and 400 metres, Jessica Ni Dhruachain was successful in the 100m and 800m, Tara Ni Raghallaigh prevailed in the shot and javelin throwing events, Amy Ni hAmaill blew the field away by a convincing win in the 800m and high jump events and Micheala Ni hAnluain was a clear winner in the first year long and high jump.

Contestants from all the VEC Schools were in attendance namely Beech Hill College, Largy College, Ballybay Community College, Inver College, Coláiste Oiriall and Castleblayney College. There were multi disciplines on the day ranging from the 100m sprints to the distance running of the 1500m. The field events of long jump, high jump, shot putt and javelin were all very popular amongst the students.

A student was permitted to enter a maximum of two events. Winners of each event gathered points for their schools score and subsequently a junior and senior shield were awarded to the schools with most accumulated points. To mark the excellence of the athletes students are awarded an extra-large gold medal if they have managed to achieve first place in their two chosen events. The day finished with the relays.  Placings in the relays carried double points for a school and this makes them a hugely followed spectacle.

Bhí lá sultmhar ag na hiomaitheoirí uilig agus scothaimsire ach – rud atá namhchoitianta go maith i mbliana. Bhí lá ar dóigh ag Coláiste Oiriall nuair a chuirtear sa chuntas go raibh ceathrar de na reathaithe is fearr sa scoil gortaithe. Déanaimid comhghairdeas leis na Lúthcleasaithe ar fad.

The school recommends this paired reading to any pupil who enjoys reading and we particularly welcome any student who may not be confident in their reading abilities. This is a fun environment in which to build on their skills. Regular reading helps with spelling, vocabulary and comprehension skills, all essential skills which are needed throughout the school years.

The school has informed parents by letter of this initiative, which is being organised by an Múinteoir Caitlín Ní Ruanaidh. Tá sise iontach sásta leis an scéim piarléitheoireachta go dtí seo agus is cosúil go bhfuil na daltí ag baint spraoi agus tairbhe as.

Tá an duais, Macléinn na Bliana, teoranta do dhaltaí na séú bliana amháin. Seo an gradam is mó is féidir linn bronnadh ar dhalta. Ní amháin go mbaineann an duais le hacadúlacht ach baineann sé fosta le rannpháirtíocht, le hiarracht, le hiompar sásúil, le tinreamh sásúil agus le comhoibriú.

The Student of the Year award is our greatest accolade. It is confined to 6^th Year students only and encompasses all aspects of school life to include academic endeavour, adherence to school regulations and participation in extra-curricular activities. This is the greatest honour that Coláiste Oiriall can bestow on one of its students annually. It far surpasses any other award that we present. It is something that the recipient and indeed the other nominees will proudly include on a CV.

The following are the five nominees and their citations:

Kerrie Ní Dhroma: beásach, dearfach, cáirdiúil, le fonn oibre i dtólamh, ambasadóir iontach don scoil, dalta den chéad scoth, tá an mheas ag gach dalta eile uirthi agus is cailín aibí agus díograiseach í.

Sól Ó Cearúlláin: fear galánta, pearsantacht an-deas, an-bhéasach sa rang agus déanann sé an-iarracht, éiríonn go maith leis le gach duine, muinteoirí agus scolairí agus is ionadaí iontach é don scoil

Turlough Ó Cleircín: fear uasal agus aibí, meas ag gach duine air, réitionn sé le gach duine sa scoil agus bhí sé fíordhíograiseach ag freastal ar Staidéar Stiúrtha

Jessica Ní Dhruacháin: cailín deas, múinte, cinéalta, ciúin, cailin díograiseach, spóirtiúil, inspioráideach, tugann sí an iarracht is fearr uaithi i gcónaí i ngach rud agus leibhéal iontach ard bainte amach aici ar shon na scoile ag leibhéal náisiúnta sa luthchleasaíocht

Aoife Ní Láithimh: taitneamhach, beásach, tugann sí 100% do gach rud a dheanann sí; spreagann sí daoine eile, dalta den chéad scoth, dearfach agus deas í gconaí, oibríonn sí go han-dian, cuidíonn sí le daoine eile sa rang agus bíonn dea-thionchar aici ar an rang iomlán.

Previous recipients were Eilís Ní Mhaolfhábhaoil, Donna Marie Ní Mhuireagáin, Máire Nic Thaidhg agus Daithí Mac Giolla Bhríde in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively.

33 Transition Year students in Coláiste Oiriall undertook Disability Awareness training organized by the Ardee branch of the Irish Wheelchair Basketball Association. The students learned about the difficulty of shot taking and how a total new muscle set is required in contrast to the muscles already developed. Mhair an cheardlann trí uair a chloig agus chuidigh sé go mór leis na daltaí an dóigh le plé le daoine a bhfuil luth na gcos caillte acu.

Coláiste Oiriall students partaking in the Disability Awareness training which was initially facilitated by Monaghan Sports Partnership but has since continued independently. The students learned about the additional emphasis put on shoulders and hands and how people who lost the power of their lower body had to surmount the major difficulty of adaptation. Don chéad uair ariamh d’aithin na daltaí na dushláin laethúla a bhíonn le sárú ag daoine míchumasacha

Thanks is extended to the English and Irish teachers who co-ordinated the competitions. All winners and other placed entrants will receive their prizes at the annual Prize Giving Ceremony in the Garage Theatre next Monday night and the overall ‘Scríbhneoir na Bliana (Writer of the Year) will also be announced. These literary competitions adhere to the Department of Education’s principal of promoting literacy in schools.

Déanann muid comhghairdeas leis na buaiteoirí seo uilig agus tá súil again go leanfaidh siad leo ag scríobh i mBéalra agus i nGaeilge amach anseo. Thaipeáin lear mór de na buaiteoirí thíos go bhfuil feith na scríbhneoireachta go smior iontu sa dá theanga

Comórtas 1: Aiste Phróis nó Gearrscéal

Rannóg 1: Oscailte do dhaltaí 1ú, 2u agus 3ú bliana

1. “Agus Mé ar Thuras Scoile” le Niamh Ní  Chiaráin, rang Mhánais
2. “Seachtain Eachtrúil ar Thuras Scoile” le Katie Ní Chléire, rang Mhánais
3. “Eachtra Marfach ar bord eitleáin” le Dearcán Ó Donnghaile, rang Mhánais

Comórtas 1: Aiste Phróis nó Gearrscéal

Rannóg 2: Oscailte do dhaltaí 4ú, 5u agus 6ú bliana

1. “Fear na gCnaipí” le Meabh Ní Ruanaí, rang Fiachra

Comórtas 2: Dán nó Cnuasach Dánta

Rannóg 1: Oscailte do dhaltaí 1ú, 2u agus 3ú bliana

1. “Cairdeas” le Brónach Ní Ruanaí, rang Lorna
2. “Tá mo chroí istigh i seacláid” le Megan Ní Chiaráin, rang Nóirín
3. “Lá Scoile” le Dylan Mac Cionna, rang Lorna
4. “An Seisiún Ceoil” le Tara Nic Giolla Seanáin, rang Nóirí

Comórtas 2: Dán nó Cnuasach Dánta

Rannóg 2: Oscailte do dhaltaí 4ú, 5u agus 6ú bliana

1. Is Cuma faoin Chuma” le Séimhín Ní Dhonnghaile, rang Fionnuala
2. “Ról Spóirt” le Sarah Ní Fhailigh, rang Fiachra
3. “An Focal” le Eoin Mac Domhnaill, rang Fiachra

Competition 1: Prose Essay or Short Story

Section 1: Open to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Year Students

1.  “The Harp” by Tara Nic Giolla Seanáin, rang Noirín
2. “A Vampire Remembers” by Lily Chung, rang Lorcáin
3. “Rossbeg is a Special Place” by Sinead Nic Cionna, rang Mharcais
4. “The Bully” by Lúsaí Ní Shiacais, rang Mhánais

Competition 1: Prose Essay or Short Story

Section 2: Open to 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Year Students

1. “Because you are Worth It?” By Aoife Ní Láithimh, rang Eamainn
2. “Teenage Years Suck but they are also kinda awesome” by  Meabh Ní Ruanaí, rang Fiachra
3. “The Power of Music” by Aimée Ní Ghallchóir, rang Fiachra
4. “Girl Power” by Claudia Ní Mhaiclín, rang Fiachra

Competition 2: Poem or Collection of Poems

Section 1: Open to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Year Students

1. “My Sister” by Carol Ní Ghib, rang Lorcáin
2. “Jimmy and his Cardboard Box” by Caoimhe Ní Mhathúna, rang Niocláis
3. “Things aren’t always what they seem!” by Carla Ní Dhochartaigh, rang Lorna
4. “It’s a Wonderful World” by Lauren Ní Chearáin, rang Nioclái

Competition 2: Poem or Collection of Poems

Section 2: Open to 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Year Students

1. “Yesterday and Today” by Jamie Ó Suiligh, rang Gormlaith
2. “The Battle” by Orna Ní Fhlanagáin, rang Gormlaith
3. “My Music, My Life by Anna Nic Chrarráin, rang Gormlaith
4. “You Loved Me Too” by Megan Ní Chleirchín, rang Gearóid

After a long and challenging day Colaiste Oiriall second year girls’ team secured their place in the All Ireland “C” semi-finals when they defeated schools from Galway, Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballymahon in the All-Ireland play-off tournament which Coláiste Oiriall hosted in their new Halla Barry McGuigan on Wednesday last.

We also take this opportunity to congratulate our fellow Monaghan town school, St. Louis Secondary School who also won their play-off tournament and we wish them all the best in their All-Ireland B 2^nd Year semi-final against Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore.

The opening game of the day saw Coláiste Oiriall face Mercy Convent, Ballymahon. Sarah Nic Cionna opened the scoring for Coláiste Oiriall with an immediate basket from the tip off. In the second quarter Hannah Ni Sceachain and Morgan Nic Cionna were in fine scoring form. Sinéad Nic Cionna had some big offensive rebounds which she converted to scores herself. Emma Ni Chleircin was tenacious defensively and stole many the ball from the Mercy Ballymahon point guard, Pendred. In the second half Coláiste Oiriall continued to dominate. Eimear Nic Cionna was subbed in and immediate added four points to the team tally. Coláiste Oiriall secured an impressive victory over the Ballymahon side as they struggled with injuries and foul trouble throughout the game. The final score was 36-11.

Coláiste Oiriall faced Carrick On Shannon Community School in their second game of the day. A superb team performance saw the Oiriall girls return to winning ways. They controlled the game from the tip and played with confidence and conviction. Morgan Nic Cionna and Celine Ni Fhailigh dominated the first half scoring 17 points between them to set up a comfortable lead of 17 -2 and the end of the quarter. Captain Niamh Ni Chiarnáín was clinical from the free throw line and delighted when the final whistle blew. Coláiste Oiriall were victorious on a scoreline of 51-24.

The final game of the day, against opposition Coláiste Chroi Mhuire from Spideal in Galway, invited passion and hunger from both sides as only the winner of this game would progress to the semi-finals. From the jump the tense atmosphere set the tone for the game with Irish player Aine Ni Donncha responding to all of Coláiste Oiriall’s efforts with some big scores of her own. Aine proved tricky for the girls to handle as she drove strongly to the basket and also had a very accurate outide shot. Coláiste Oiriall regained their composure and by the half time whistle they had clawed back the deficit to a single point 11-10.

The third quarter saw Celine Ni Fhailgh dominate defensively and Lynda Ni Ghiolla Mhicil scoring offensively. Both teams swopped baskets continuously. The lead and the dominance of the game swung like a pendulum. With 6 seconds on the clock in the last quarter Coláiste Oiriall had possession of the ball. A time out from team coach, Annette Ní Thuathail, was called and the girls were reminded to retain possession from the inbound ball and to run the clock. In a comedy of errors Coláiste Oiriall lost possession from their own inbound ball and then fouled Aine Ni Dhonncha to give her three free throws with one second remaining in the clock.

Aine scored 2 of the 3 free throws to send the game into overtime. In the first period of overtime Coláiste Oiriall trailed. With just seconds on the clock first year Alison Ni Ghiolla Bhríde swished a lovely outside shot to level the game once again. The second period of overtime failed to separate the sides such was the commitment of all players. The intensity of the game spilled over and resulted in many fouls on both sides and Niamh Ni Chuinn and Rosy Cunningham from Coláiste Chroí Naofa were forced to leave the court of play. In the third period of extra time Colaiste Oiriall girls dug deep and their tired legs produced some fantastic defence. Celine Ni Fhailgh scored three important baskets and Morgan Nic Cionna sealed the victory with a lovely swish! Coláiste Oiriall were named the play off winners with a final score of 43 – 38.

Imreoidh Coláiste Oiriall an Deardaoin seo chugainn in eadán scoil as Co. Chiarraí i leathchraobh na hÉireann agus má bhaineann siad sin pillfidh siad ar an chúirt uair a chloig níos moille, áit a thabharfaidh siad a n-aghaidh ar bhuaiteoirí na leathchraoibhe eile: Pobalscoil Chionn tSáile nó Coláiste Iosagáin, Cúl an tSudaire. Guíonn muid gach ádh orthu agus iad ag imirt ag leibhéal chomh hard sin.

They will continue in these roles in Coláiste Oiriall until Christmas, spearheading the prefects’ work of opening the lost and found room, opening lockers, helping with Halloween party and Christmas funday for junior students, refereeing and organizing Gaelic football and basketball tournaments, organizing a pool competition, open the library at lunchtime, to contribute to 1^st year induction and settling-in programme and to operate the book rental scheme.

Tá muid an-mhuiníneach as an bhaicle seo cinnirí agus tá muid cinnte de go gcuirfidh Amy agus Tomás ceannaireacht mhaith ar fail dóibh. Guíonn muid ádh mór orthu agus déanann muid comhghairdeas leo.

Is fiú €400 an scoláireacht agus beidh idir thart fá €400 eile le díol ag na tuismitheoirí. Díolfaidh Coláiste Oiriall luach na scoláireachta díreach chuig an Coláiste Gaeltachta – ní chuig an dalta. Ní féidir le buaiteoir an scoláireacht seo a úsáid le scoláireacht ó aon eagraíocht eile chun díol go hiomlán as cúrsa.

Reáchtáltar cúrsaí trí sheachtain Gaeilge sna Gaeltachtaí uilig ar fud na tíre le linn mhíonna an tsamhraidh. Beidh cuid mhaith daltaí ón scoil ag tarraingt ar Choláiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste agus beidh roinnt eile ag dul go dtí Coláiste na bhFiann agus Coláiste Sheosaimh, Carna.

Coláiste Oiriall is delighted to offer six part-scholarships to the Gaeltacht to second year students again this year. The scholarship recipients were announced at School Assembly and the winners were presented with a letter by an Múinteoir Olivia, Head of Irish Department, to forward to the Gaeltacht college authorities to confirm receipt of scholarship. The following students are successful: Oisin Ó Murchú, Aoibhinn Ní Chianáin, Chloe Nic Uaid, Laura Ní hUallacháin, Aodan Ó Broin and Inza Nic Canna.

Each scholarship is worth €400. Coláiste Oiriall will re-imburse the value of the scholarship directly to the Gaeltacht college authorities – not to the individual student. A scholarship recipient cannot use another scholarship from any other organisation to apply and pay in full for one place. Parents must be prepared to pay the remaining fee.

Three week Irish language summer courses are run in Gaeltacht areas during the summer months. Coláiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste is a popular destination for Monaghan youngsters while Coláiste Sheosaimh, Carna and Cill Chiaráin and Coláiste na bhFiann are becoming increasingly popular.

The following thirteen 5^th Year students were appointed:  Caoimhe Ní Ghallchóir, Kayleigh Trappe, Sarah Ní Fhailigh, Ruairí Ó Muineach, Meabh Ní Ruanaí, Aimee Ní Mhathúna, Fionnuala Ní Chathmhaoil, Claudia Ní Maiclín, Eoghan MacDomhnaill, Aimee Ní Ghallchóir, Tara Ní Raghallaigh, Tomas de Burca and Amy Ní Chuinneagáin. They received their badges on Tuesday morning at School Assembly after receiving training about the duties involved. The present 4^th Year students who were appointed as prefects will have to wait to the first assembly in September to receive their badges.

The prefects’duties in Coláiste Oiriall include opening the lost and found room, opening lockers, helping with Halloween party and Christmas funday for junior students, refereeing and organizing Gaelic football and basketball  tournaments, organizing a pool competition, open the library at lunchtime, to contribute to 1^st year induction and settling-in programme and to operate the book rental scheme.

Mar sin tá cinnirí againn sa chúigiú agus sa cheathrú blain agus beidh muid ag tosú ar an phroiseás chun cinnirí nua a earcú níos moille an tseachtain seo imeasc dhaltaí na tríú bliana faoi láthair. Beidh muid ag iarraidh ar dhaltaí tríú bliana a bhfuil suim acu a bheith ina gcinairí litreacha iarratais a chur isteach chuig oifig na scoile.