A busy month by any standard!  Second year students participated in a CDYC retreat ‘Love for Life’, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, with music, song and creativity ensuring students were totally engaged, co-ordinated by Mr. Ruttle.  Former Ashton student, David Berry has been awarded ‘Student of the Year’ 2013/2014 in UCC recently.  David is an inspirational person, with a ‘can do’ attitude, always diligent, amenable and responsible in his approach to academic work and life in general.  Transition Year and Fifth Year students (39 in total) have participated in the Gaisce program, culminating in the climb of Carrantuohill in typically Irish weather conditions, proving to be a real challenge! A great experience for all involved, co-ordinated by Ms. Keating and Mr. Hobbs.  TY Mini-Company completed a most worthwhile awareness raising campaign on bullying, selling ‘Ashton says no to bullying’ wristbands, with funds going to Pieta House.  They also put up thought-inspiring posters throughout the school, and spoke eloquently at Assembly on their work to date, co-ordinated by Ms. Taylor.  Superb work by all involved.

On the 8th of May, the Post Primary Language Initiative announced the results of its annual Spanish language competition. Ashton’s 5th Year students,  Adrian de Juan and Stephen Daunt came second place, winning a week’s language scholarship in Spain. The competition, open to all 5th year students of Spanish nationwide, involved the filming and editing of a Spanish language video in which students highlighted the attractions of Spain’s “Castilla y León ” region.  Stephen and Adrian will travel to Salamanca this Sumner with their Spanish teacher, Mr Geaney, where they will  study Spanish in a dedicated language school. The PPLI Annual Spanish competition, was held in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy in Ireland.

Fifth Year student Eanna Hardwicke was awarded second prize in the U18 Creative Writing for Youth category at Listowel Writer’s Week, resulting from work he did in English class.  Renowned poet Paul Durcan will present Eanna with his prize on Opening night of the festival, and he will read his work to an international audience of writers next day.  Eanna’s work is now published in the Winner’s Anthology 2014 Listowel Writer’s Week.  What a prestigious accomplishment.

Second Year students won second prize in the Corn Bedell for their participation in using the Irish language during Seachtain na Gaeilge.  Alison Warren Perry was a winner in the Míchael O’Loinsigh Irish Poetry Competition,organised by Comhar na Múinteoirí.  Deantar Comhgáirdeas leo.

Rian Herlihy in Transition Year, has been rising ‘with the lark’ to swim and train in Sunday’s Well swimming pool and in the sea every day,  as she prepares to swim the Straits of Gibralter, without a wetsuit. Rian is raising  funds for Barnardo’s, and will swim 16-22 kms depending on ocean currents.  She hopes to break the existing record of 3 hours 38 minutes held by her uncle, Diarmuid Herlihy, now coach to Rian.  An amazing story of altruism at its best

Hockey:  The Senior A Girl’s team won the Munster Senior A Plate final recently, after an outstanding performance against Sacred Heart College, Clonakilty.  The high score was achieved by Alex O’Grady, Rachel Palmer, Hayley Swanton scoring a goal each, and Emma Rumley scoring a hat-trick.  Well done to all involved, including coaches, managers, and parents. Ashton Boys Inter-Schools Athletic team secured 1^st place at the meet at Waterford Sports Grounds, with the Girls team coming in a resounding second place.  Philip Brownlow broke the Senior Boys High Jump with a record  1 metre 85cm.  What a result for all concerned.  Many congratulations.

Caption: Ashton Inter-Schools Athletic teams.

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