Letter to parents re Parents Council Quiz

February News

Transition Year Work Experience

Our Transition Year students are currently completing the second week of their work experience. Work experience is an integral part of the Transition Year programme as the students are afforded the opportunity to learn new skills while also gaining an insight into possible career choices for their futures. The school would like to thank all the businesses and organisations who helped to facilitate this element of the Transition Year course by offering our students their work placements .

Under-16 Football

Our under-16 footballers were in action last Friday week when they took on Ennistymon in the first round of the Munster competition. The first half was a competitive affair but Ennistymon pulled away in the second half and some late goals led to a defeat on a scoreline of 2-12 to 7 points. Nevertheless there were some very good performances from the lads, most notably from Paddy Brennan in goal, Brian Fanning at corner back, Ger Grant at half back and from Ray Nally at centre back.

Commiserations to the Harty Panel and to their mentors; Mr. Eamonn Buckley, Mr. Ollie Kelly and Mr. Martin Power, following their defeat to Nenagh in the quarter final of the competition on Wednesday last. Heavy rain led to difficult conditions for hurling and this was reflected in the half time scoreline; both sides managing only two points each. The second half was a higher scoring affair and a late Nenagh goal put them into the narrowest of leads before a last minute point ensured that they won on a scoreline of 1-7 to 8 points. The school would like to acknowledge the tremendous work put in by both the panel and their mentors throughout the year. The hard work and dedication of the entire squad is to be commended. We now look forward with great anticipation to next year’s campaign.

Badminton

On Wednesday last our badminton players competed in the Tipperary Schools Badminton Championship, held in Our Lady’s, Templemore. The school had two teams competing at under-16 level and two teams competing at under-19 level. This was our second tournament this year and there was a noticeable improvement in our general play. There were some fine individual performances from our under-16’s, most notably from Kevin Duggan who won all his matches, both singles and doubles. At under-19 doubles there were some very close matches with one game ending 23-21. All the players gained some valuable experience and this should benefit them in future competitions.

Team members: Under-16: Kevin Duggan, Kevin Curran, Sean Connors, Keith Cahill, Eoin Fitzpatrick, Brian Fallon, Michael Foley, Ciaran Shanahan

Under-19’s: Sean Brennan, Colin Dowling, Jack Cullinane, Marcus Burrows, Jack Stapleton, Joe Leoroyd, Josh Oplans, Mark Cummins.

Transition Year Coaching Course

On Friday last out 4T transition year class participated in a foundation level Gaelic Games coaching course which took place in the school. Under the expert tutelage of G.A.A. Games Promotions Officer, Mr. Andy Ryan, the students learned how to organise a training session from start to finish; beginning with the warm-up, consisting of various drills and ending with the cool down . The other two transition year classes have already participated in the training course and later in the year all the transition years will put their newly attained knowledge into practice when they work as coaches in the local primary schools.

White Cup

On Friday last our White Cup panel played a very useful challenge match against Midleton C.B.S. This game should stand the panel in good stead for their quarter final showdown with Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh of Bishopstown on the 21st of February.

Dail Tour

On Tuesday last, as part of their C.S.P.E. Action Project, the 3NS and 3NC classes paid a visit to the Dail and Seanad. The classes were given a guided tour of Leinster House, which focused on the building’s long and interesting history, as well as observing the Dail in action. The classes also met local T.D., Michael Lowry who spoke to them about the daily routine of a T.D.. Overall, the students enjoyed a very informative and educational excursion.

Young Scientist Exhibition

Students from Thurles C.B.S. had two projects which successfully qualified for the Young Scientist Exhibition, which was recently held in the R.D.S. in Dublin. First year students, and first cousins, Tommy and Darren O Sullivan entered a project which was based on a futuristic manned mission to Mars. Entitled ‘Project Asimov’, the entry examined the logistics of such a mission. The boys studied current available technologies and designed a suitable craft, taking into consideration appropriate design features and special requirements which would be necessary to complete such a voyage. Their project came third in the Junior Technology section while they also won the ‘Jack Restan Best Overall Display’ award. Well done to Tommy and Darren on these excellent achievements in what is a very prestigious national competition.

Our second project was entered by third year students Thomas Bourke and Gary Kerrigan and was entitled ‘Bee Feeder’. The boys designed and built a new style of bee feeder which is simple to use and to clean and which allows bees to be fed without disrupting the hive. Their invention increased the feeding area by 56%,  in comparison to standard feeders, and eliminated the drowning of bees. Their project attracted a lot of interest from those attending the exhibition and they are to be commended for their ingenuity and innovation.

Well done to all involved.

Harty Cup

Our Harty Cup panel was in action on Wednesday last when they took on Nenagh C.B.S. in the quarter final of the competition. Thurles started well, scoring the opening two points before Nenagh took control of the game by putting over eight unanswered points. However Thurles fought back and a couple of scores before half time shortened the deficit. The second half saw both teams trade scores and Nenagh led by four points with time ticking away. However Thurles fought back and a late goal saw the gap narrowed to a single point before the equalising point meant that the game would be brought to a replay. The final score was Thurles; 1-13, Nenagh; 0-16. The replay takes place this Wednesday, the 25^th in The Ragg. Throw-in is at 1.30. We wish them well.

White Cup

Our White Cup panel was very busy last week. On Monday they played a very useful challenge match against Clonmel while on Friday they took on De la Salle in another practice match. These games should stand the panel in good stead for their quarter final showdown with Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh of Bishopstown on the 21^st  of February.

Rice Cup

Our Rice Cup A and B panels got some game time last week as they took on St. Colman’s of Fermoy in two very useful challenge games. There were some great performances from C.B.S. players in both matches.

Christmas Carol Service

The annual Christmas carol and prayer service was held in the James O Donoghue Sports Hall on Friday last. Under the guidance of Ms. Muldoon, the fourth year students told ‘the Story of Christmas’ and offered their prayers for the Christmas period and for the coming year. The school choir and orchestra, led by Mr. Andrew Flynn entertained students and guests alike with some excellent renditions of both modern and traditional festive carols and hymns.

The Student Council also took this opportunity to present St. Vincent de Paul (represented by Mr. Bob Maher and Mr. Sonny Fell) with a cheque for € 1011.14 . This money was raised during the week by the Student Council when they organised a non- uniform day.

German Debate

Our German debating team participated in a lively and stimulating debate last Monday when they faced Newbridge College in the first round of the competition. The team, which consisted of T.J. Heffernan, Adam Kavanagh, Peter Carragher, Robert Ryan and Brendan O Loughlin, were proposing the motion that ‘ Popstars are more influential than politicians’ but despite a very admirable performance the team were unable to overcome their opponents. Nevertheless they are to be commended for the hard work that they did in preparation for the debate.

Transition Year Aviation Trip

On Monday last twenty two of our transition year pupils paid an informative visit to Shannon Airventure’s new facility in Shannon town. In the morning the students attended a series of lectures which focused on a variety of career opportunities in the field of aviation. Advice was given on opportunities in aeronautical engineering as well as piloting. After lunch the students had the chance to try out the facility’s state of the art flight simulators. Pilots from all over Europe often visit Shannon Airventure for reskilling and refresher courses. Overall the day was a very enjoyable and enlightening experience.

Talent Show

Last Tuesday night saw the school’s budding musicians and entertainers take to the stage as the C.B.S. held its talent show. A total of twenty two acts performed on the night with acts reflecting an eclectic amalgamation of rock, pop and stand-up comedy. Sixth year student Padraig Dwyer won the senior award following his excellent rendition of Don McLean’s classic ‘Vincent’. His prize will be three hours in a recording studio. The junior category was won by Michael Bourke and Sean Darmody who thrilled the crowd with a lively version of Elvis Presley’s hit ‘Don’t be Cruel’. A special award went to Conor O Gorman of second year who performed on the piano and sang ‘Mad World’. Well done to all the students who contributed to a very entertaining night.

Rice Cup

The Rice Cup panel continued their preparations last week when they played a very useful challenge match against Clonmel on Wednesday.

Debating

Well done to our Concern debating team who successfully opposed the motion that ‘Africa’s growing population is undermining its development’ against the Presentation Convent on Wednesday night. The team, captained by Declan Atkins and consisting of Colm Sheppard, James Whelan and Peter Carragher, performed excellently, delivering clear and coherent arguments in what was a very enlightening and entertaining debate. As the adjudicators’ verdict was unanimous the team will be awarded three points for this victory, bringing their total thus far to six points. They have one more debate to go in the group stages.

German Fest

On Friday last our first year students attended a festive celebration conducted through German. The students sang German Christmas carols, played German games and feasted on chocolate and cookies.

Gaisce

Recently Stephen Peers, a development officer with Gaisce, the President’s Award came to speak to the transition years. Gaisce is an awards programme for young people which aims to encourage increased involvement in the community and the development of personal and physical skills. There are 30 pupils taking part in the award and their activities are well under way.

Scor na nOg

Thurles C.B.S. was successfully represented at Scor na nOg which was held in Cashel recently. Brendan Leahy of third year and Dermot Leahy of first year competed in Trath na gCeisteanna, a quiz focusing on history, the G.A.A. and general knowledge. They defeated four teams to win the mid-final and a further three teams to win the county final. The two boys will now go on to represent Loughmore Castleiney and Tipperary in the Munster Semi-final in Waterford in January.

Well done also to Luke Nesbitt of second year who was a group member of Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental Music) who won the mid-final but were defeated in the county final. Dermot and Luke also won the mid-final with Nuachles, a novelty act. Well done to all.

December News (update)

 Public Speaking

Last Wednesday our public speaking team participated in the North Tipperary County Final. The competition, which is run on a national level, is organised by Mental Health Ireland and aims to raise awareness of mental health issues as well as improving the confidence and communicational skills of the participants. There were four schools competing in the final and each speaker had to deliver a speech on a particular topic. Joe Kearney spoke about how ‘Mental Health is Everyone’s Business’ while Diarmuid Ryan’s argument was that ‘The Pathways to Mental Health are Well Signposted’.  Tommy Barrett spoke about how ‘ The Celtic Tiger obsessed with Excess’ and argued that it was ‘now time to regain our values’. All three speakers performed excellently, delivering clear, coherent and thought-provoking speeches. Unfortunately they did not win the final but nevertheless should be commended for their efforts as should Brian Moore who helped to research the topics covered.

Croke Cup

Our under-15 hurlers were in action last Tuesday when they faced Our Lady’s,Templemore in the final of the Croke Cup. Played in Templetuohy, the first half was a low scoring affair with Templemore going in at the interval on the right side of  a 5 points to 2 scoreline. Thurles started the second half well and the teams were level on 6 points apiece with fifteen minutes to go. However it was not to be and Templemore pulled away and eventually won on a scoreline of 1-9 to 6 points.  Thurles were attempting an unparalleled fifth successive Croke Cup success having made history last year when we became the only school in the competition’s long history to achieve four-in-a-row.

Hurling Challenges

On Wednesday last our Harty Cup panel continued their preparations for their quarter-final outing in January by playing De la Salle of Waterford in a useful challenge match. Also, on the same day, the Rice Cup A and B panels played practice matches against Charleville C.B.S..

Drug Awareness Lecture

On Tuesday last our fifth year students attended a drug awareness lecture which was organised in conjunction with local Gardai and S.T.A.D. le Cheile. S.T.A.D. le Cheile, which is an acronym for Stand Together Against Drugs aims to highlight the medical consequences of drug abuse while also focusing on the social and legal implications of drug use. Guest Speaker, Garda Niall O Halloran delivered a very insightful and informal lecture on the dangers of substance abuse and anecdotes which he cited from his experience as a Garda certainly emphasised how young people’s job opportunities, and their mental and physical health were adversely affected by drug use.

 Our third year pupils also attended a similar talk last week while our transition year students attended  an alcohol awareness lecture which focused on the effects of alcohol on the body, with particular emphasis on the damage done to the kidneys and liver by excessive alcohol consumption.

Enterprise Talk

On Tuesday last, past pupil and local entrepreneur, Mr. Gary Mernagh delivered an informative presentation to our transition year business students on the topics of enterprise and entrepreneurship. Organised in conjunction with the North Tipperary County Enterprise Board, the talk focused on the skills needed to set up your own business with particular reference to the media and advertising industries in Ireland. The pupils really enjoyed what was a very insightful and educational lecture.

Amnesty International

On Thursday last, as part of their Junior Certificate C.S.P.E. Action Project, Mr. Power’s 3NI class welcomed to the school a guest speaker from the international human rights organization, Amnesty International. Ms. Joan McGrath, a member of the local Cashel branch, spoke to the students about the history of Amnesty International and about its aims and objectives. Ms. McGrath informed the pupils of the organisation’s methods of funding and campaign strategies as well as discussing controversial issues like the death penalty. This year is, of course, an important year for Amnesty International as it celebrates its fiftieth anniversary and its work now is still as necessary and as relevant as it was when it was first founded. The students certainly found Ms. McGrath’s talk to be extremely interesting and very inspirational.

Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Programme

Last Thursday marked the successful culmination of a nine week public speaking programme as the students involved received their certificates from Thurles Toastmasters’ Youth Leader , Mr. Pat Foley. The programme, which was run by the school in conjunction with the local branch of Toastmasters, helped students to overcome any apprehensions they may have had in regard to public speaking as well as teaching them how to organise a speech in a logical manner and how to chair meetings. The course also focused on leadership and obviously, communication skills. Well done to all the students who completed the course; Tommy Barrett,  Joe Kearney, Diarmuid Ryan, Thomas Lanigan, Paul Ryan, Paraic Russell and Nathan Carroll.

G.A.A. Youth Forum

Fifteen students from our school participated  in the Tipperary G.A.A. Youth Forum which took place in The Dome, Semple Stadium on Friday last. After a welcoming address the pupils attended a very insightful key note speech from the former National Director of Hurling, Mr. Paudie Butler. Later, they were engaged in very thought provoking workshops which concentrated on themes such as the association’s relationship with the community, the challenges facing both urban and rural clubs, the scheduling of games, the increased importance of communication, match day planning and ticketing. The students also attended a very interesting talk, delivered by guest speaker, the current Tipperary Minor Football Manager, Mr. David Power. The students certainly enjoyed the opportunity to express their ideas and discuss the many exciting challenges which face the G.A.A. in the coming years.

CAO Information Night

A CAO Information Night was held in the school on Tuesday night last, the 23^rd  of November. Parents and students who attended the event were made aware of the correct procedure with regard to applying to the CAO for third level places. The assembled audience was also given information about third level colleges and about job opportunities in the modern economy. The event was well attended. 

Transition Year Science Tour

Between the 15^th and the 18^th of November twenty seven of our transition year students enjoyed a four day stay in Belgium. They spent four days attending lectures and classes at the European Space Centre in the Ardennes region of Belgium. Some of the highlights of this very enjoyable and educational trip included a zero gravity space walk and a simulated space shuttle launch. Also on the agenda were visits to a forest activity park and a water park as well as some time for shopping in Maastricht. A great time was had by all.

Guest Speaker

On Tuesday last our fourth and fifth year business students attended an informative dissertation presented by Ms. Eleanor Forrest of the North Tipperary Enterprise Board. Ms Forrest spoke to prospective entrants to the North Tipperary Enterprise awards about the importance of innovation, marketing strategy and an effective business plan. The students found the talk to be extremely useful and insightful.

Concern Debating

Our Concern debating team, consisting of Declan Atkins, Shane Butler, Peter Carragher and James Whelan, was in action last Tuesday night when they attempted to propose the motion that ‘ Young Irish People do more than their fair share to end Poverty and Hunger in the Third World’ against the girls from the Ursuline Convent. In what was a very entertaining and thought provoking debate the boys were narrowly defeated. However, as the decision was not unanimous and the adjudicators were split two to one, it does mean that the C.B.S. does at least gain a valuable point.

Rice Cup Challenge

Our Rice Cup ‘C’ panel enjoyed some game time last week when they took on Scoil Ailbe in a very useful challenge match. It is great that so many first year students get the opportunity to represent the school on the hurling field.

TG4 Drama Workshop

On Thursday last our sixth year students attended a dramatic performance based on role plays for the Irish oral. Performed by Neil and Sean MacDonagh, this highly enjoyable play, which included a large degree of student participation, was followed by a very useful workshop on the Irish oral. This should prove to be very beneficial to the students as they prepare for the orals in April.

Cake Sale

On Thursday last Ms. Hall’s 2NI religion class held a cake sale in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. The class’s delectable treats proved to be irresistible to the students and teachers alike and the event raised over four hundred euro for this very worthwhile cause, Well done to all involved.

Scholarship

Congratulations to past pupil , Tommy Grant, who was awarded an entrance scholarship to U.C.C. for the 2011/12 academic session. This tremendous achievement is a well-deserved recognition of Tommy’s dedication to his educational enhancement. The school would like to wish Tommy the best of luck with his future studies .

G.A.A. Training Course

On Friday last our 4W transition year class participated in a G.A.A. training course, delivered by Tipperary Youth Development Officer, Mr. Andy Ryan. This certified course teaches the students how to organise training sessions and how to use drills to improve the participants’ skills. Later in the year the students will be using their new training skills to coach players in the primary schools.

Badminton

On Tuesday last four teams from the school participated in the North Tipperary badminton blitz, which was held in Roscrea Community School. We had two under-15 teams who competed against Colaiste Phobail Roscrea, Presentation Ballingarry and Our Lady’s, Templemore. While some of the earlier games were against difficult opposition the boys played very well in the later stages of the competition. The under-19 teams began very well against some excellent opposition however they did not qualify for the latter stages of the competition. There were some very exciting passages of play however with some outstanding rallies in what were very competitive games.

Training will continue each week as usual as the teams prepare for the Tipperary Schools Competition in late January.

Art Competition

Congratulations to first year student Tommy O Sullivan on winning first prize in the Thurles Credit Union Poster Competition 2011 in the 11 to 13 year category. The theme of this year’s competition was ‘Ireland Through My Eyes’ and the calibre of this year’s entries was extremely high. Tommy received his award at the Credit Union last Thursday evening. Tommy was a worthy winner as his poster demonstrated his superb drawing skills, his wonderful imagination and his ability to work in different media.

Harty Cup

Congratulations to the Harty Cup panel on their crucial victory over St. Coleman’s of Fermoy in the final group game of the competition on Wednesday last. Thurles had the better of the first half and led at the break by 10 points to 3. The second half was a low scoring affair with Thurles eventually winning on a scoreline of 13 points to 7, thus ensuring their position in the quarter-final of the competition.

Retreat

On Thursday last our transition year students attended a spiritual retreat at the De la Salle Pastoral Care Centre in Castletown, Co. Laoise. There, through the media of music, prayer and games, they explored themes such as hope, aspirations, journeys and realationships with themselves, with others and with God. A very relaxing and enjoyable day was had by all.

Senior Football

The senior football panel was in action last Friday when they took on Ballingarry in the first round of the Tipperary Schools Competition. Thurles played well in the first half and points from Denis Murphy, Stephen Carroll and Jimmy Maher meant that Thurles were still in the game at half time, though they trailed by a scoreline of 1-4 to 4 points. Ballingarry pulled away in the second half and ran out very convincing winners on a scoreline of 4-7 to 1-4. Despite this there were some good performances, notably from Tom Quinlan at full back and J.P. Butler at half back while substitute Sean Brennan took his goal well late on.