6th Year A.g Science

Our 6th Year A.g Science class visited Coorevin Farm, Borrisokane on December 5th. Farmer Pádraig Moran showed the students around his farm and talked to them about farm enterprise. Thanks to Pádraig for a great tour and an informative talk which will help our students complete their 25% project.

School Sport Update

• Commiserations to our U16 Boys Basketball team as they were beaten in the Leinster district final on December 4th by Portlaois. The boys had an excellent year and played some great basketball throughout, our shots just did not fall in the final. With all except two squad members underage next year we will bounce back. 
• Hard luck to our Junior Boys Football Team who lost out in their first round of Championship game against Leinster Junior Championship holders Cnoc Mhuire Granard on December 3rd. The lads put in a good performance and have two big games in the next two weeks which will decide if they progress. A sincere thank you from the boys to Centra Kilbeggan for kindly sponsoring their training tops
• Our U15 Girls Soccer Team beat Wilson's Hospital of Multyfarnham 5-0 in their game on December 2nd

Amy Geoghegan Qualifies for Ireland U16 A Athletics Team

Albha Oman's Repunzel Foundation Donation and Irish Cancer Society Fundraiser

Wrafter Family Band and Friends of Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Concert

On Wednesday November 21st and Thursday November 22nd, The Wrafter Family Band and Friends of Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan performed at two sold-out fundraising concerts in the Tuar Árd in Moate. All proceeds from both concerts are going towards the Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan New School Fund. The level of musical talent on show was truly remarkable and the audience were treated to memorable musical entertainment. The concert was headlined by the Wrafter Family Band, and also featured performances from current and past pupils of our school. A huge thank you must be extended to the Wrafter Family Band, all additional performers, all at the Tuar Árd in Moate, the Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Parents association, and to all members of the audience for their support. Also thank you to our school Music Department teachers for their great work in developing such musical talent. The contributions of the aforementioned are greatly appreciated by our school. 

School Sport Update 

• Our U16 Boys Basketball Team have progressed to the Leinster League District Final after defeating Borrisokane CC 32-18 in the semi-final on November 22nd
• Our U16 Boys Rugby Team won 17-5 in Drogheda on November 21st. Our boys remain unbeaten. Well done to Mr. Corrigan and the boys
• Our Senior Girls Camogie Team drew their final game of the season away to St. Mary's Edenderry on November 21st. The final score was Mercy Kilbeggan 0-08, St. Mary's Edenderry 2-02. Thanks a lot to Ms. Raymond and Mr. Minnock for the huge effort which they have put in with Senior Camogie this year
• Our Second Year Boys Football Team were beaten by six points by Boyne C.S on November 19th. Our boys still progress to the knock-out phase based on previous results

  

  

  

  

Soroptomists Public Speaking Competition 

Marianna Kalocsai, Rosemary Midonga, and Michaela Cox participated in the local heat of the Soroptomists Public Speaking Competition in Mullingar on November 19th. The girls are pictured below with their certificates and gifts from Soroptomists International Mullingar. Our very own Michaela Cox was the winner on the night. Michaela has qualified to represent the school at the regional final in Drogheda in January. She spoke on the subject of Education: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Well done to Michaela, Marianna, Rosemary, and their guiding teacher Ms. Glynn.

Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Open Night 2019

Our Open Night held on November 14th was a huge success. It was great to see all the Sixth Class students and their families exploring our school and meeting our students. There was a family-like atmosphere on the night and that truly reflects what school-life is like at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan. 

Carlow IT Open Day Schools' Debating Competition 

Well done to Orna Kelly and Aoibhe Cusack who represented our school at the Carlow IT Open Day Debating Competition on November 14th. 

Face the Phoenix 

Pictured below are the Mercy Kilbeggan Transition Year students who took part in the Face the Phoenix competition organised by Tullamore Credit Union. Each Transition Year mini-company group was interviewed about their new Business and will now be given the opportunity to sell their products on the 30th of November at a trade fair arranged by Tullamore Credit Union. Each group also received €25. Well done to each mini-company on their progress so far and thanks to our teachers within the Business Department. 

Team Hope ShoeBox Appeal

Mercy Kilbeggan is supporting Team Hope's Christmas Shoe Box Appeal. The Christmas Shoe Box Appeal sends thousands of gift-filled shoe boxes to children in Africa and Eastern Europe. The children who will receive our shoe boxes are affected by poverty in different ways. Many come from families with very little income, others live on the margins of society or in areas affected by conflict. These shoe boxes can bring joy and excitement to children living in often very difficult situations. Well done to our students, our Religion Department and thanks to all who donated to this great cause. 

Soccer

Our U15 Boys Soccer Team bounced back from a heavy defeat last week with a 4-2 victory over St. Josephs Rochfortbridge on November 11th. In an exciting game Joseph Adegbore bagged an excellent hat-trick while Jamie McDonnell grabbed a fourth for us ten minutes from time. 

Junior Boys Football Gear

Pictured below is the Junior Boys Football squad, with coaches Mr. Duffy and Mr. Flynn. The team recently got new shorts, socks and gloves, and were assisted by a generous donation from Daru School Uniforms. The boys would like to express their thanks for the donation received.

 

Fifth Year A.g Science Trip

On November 7th the Fifth Year A.g Science class visited Kiernan Milling in Granard for a tour of the mill. It is one of the biggest mills in Ireland and our group got an insight into the labs, animal nutrition, and the manufacturing and packing process. A great day was had by all. 

School Sport Update

• Our Junior Girls Football Team beat Cnoc Mhuire Granard 3-10 to 3-9 on November 8th. Well done to Ms. Daly and the girls
• Unfortunately our Senior Boys Hurling Team have been eliminated from the Championship after a six-point defeat to Castlepollard C.C in Mullingar on November 8th
• Our u17 Boys Soccer Team won their first game of their league campaign on November 7th. The boys beat Mullingar C.C. 3-2 in tough conditions at Gainestown. We took the lead early on through a Padraig Carton header. We doubled our lead on the stroke of half-time when Joseph Adegbore rounded the keeper to slot home. The second half didn't start as planned and we conceded from a penalty and a free kick in quick succession. Our boys showed great courage and composure to pick themselves up and with 10 minutes to play Padraig Carton netted the winner, and his second of the game.
• Our Senior Boys Football Team beat Cross and Passion Kilcullen in a challenge game on November 6th at St. Lomans Mullingar.

Transition Year First Aid Workshop

A huge thank you must be extended to Frankie Wright and his team from Lilliput Adventure Centre for delivering a First Aid Workshop to our TY students on November 6th. The students are thankful for receiving this potentially life-saving information.

Irish Quiz

Two teams from our school partook in an Irish Quiz in Moate C.S on November 5th. Isabell Hayden, Rachel Maxwell, Aideen Cullen and Sophie Bracken made up one team while the team of Stephanie Scally, Leah Carroll, Ríona Egan and Nikola Wesolwska finished 5th overall.

Junior Boys Hurling

On November 5th our Junior Boys Hurling team won their Region Final against Castlepollard C.C on a scoreline of 7-11 to 5-12. Congratulations to Mr. Doyle, Mr. Minnock and the boys. We now progress in the North Leinster Championship.

Fancy Dress Day

On October 25th there was a 'Freaky Friday' fancy dress day organised by our school's Student Council. Each student was encouraged to express their creativity in their chosen costume. All funds generated will be going to Temple Street Children's Hospital. Well done to the Student Council and all our students. 

School Sport Update

• Our Senior and Junior Girls Rugby teams had a blitz in Mullingar on October 24th. Our Senior Girls played 3 games, finishing with a record of 1W, 1D, 1L. Our Junior Girls played 4 games, winning 2 and losing 2. 
• Our U16 and U19 Boys Basketball Teams beat Templemichael College in their respective games on October 24th. Both of our teams now progress to the semi-final of their Leinster District competition. Our U16 team won 30-16, whilst our U19 team won on a scoreline of 45-35.

BT Young Scientist 2020 

Three projects have qualified from our school for the 2020 BT Young Scientist Exhibition, taking place at the RDS from January 8th to 11th 2020. Best of luck to each group and their respective teacher in their preparations.

Students: Lisa Ennis & Erin Heeney

Project Title: NCCA vs Students: Where is the Change?

Teacher: Ms. Daly

 

Student: Orna Kelly

Project Title: Goodbye Documentation, Hello Dramatisation

Teacher: Ms. S. Clarke

 

Students: Tiarnan Clarke MacMahon, Luke Seery & Owen Bagnall

Project Title: Fighting for Breath; Is the School Drop off Harmful to Student Health?

Teacher: Ms. S. Clarke

Hamlet

On October 22nd our Sixth Years visited Athlone, accompanied by their English teachers, to view the play Hamlet. Hamlet is the chosen single text which our students are studying for their Leaving Certificate examination. The trip will help to inform and inspire their writing and scaffold their responses within single text questions. 

 

Soccer

Our U15 Boys Soccer Team were beaten 4-1 by a strong Athlone C.C. Team in the Cup on October 22nd. We took the lead after 5 minutes, after a whipped cross from Ryan Dennigan was turned into his own net by an Athlone C.C. defender. Our boys worked hard for the remainder of the game but Athlone C.C. proved to be the stronger team on the day. The attention of our team now turns to the league and the lads will work hard under the guidance of Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Quinn to build on this performance.

Wellbeing Week 

From Monday October 14th to Friday October 18th was Wellbeing week at Mercy Kilbeggan. Events organised by our schools Wellbeing committee were conducted throughout the week to support the holistic Wellbeing of our students. Examples of which include; Sixth Year Yoga, Hot Chocolate, First Year Movie, In-Class Meditations, and our TY 'Cyclothon'. Attached below are images from the TY 'Cyclothon', the First Year Movie, Sixth Year Yoga, and Wellbeing Art work.

TY Bake-Off

On October 18th our TY students participated in a Bake-Off competition organised by our school Home Economics Department. Well done to all on their culinary creations and thanks to Ms. Relihan and Ms. Stenson of our Home Economics Department. 

Lough Boora Parklands Cycling & Orienteering

On October 16th all TY students travelled to Lough Boora Parklands on a Physical Education trip. The weather was perfect for occasion and each student engaged in Cycling and Orienteering. Students cycled the 15.8 km Turraun Trail and engaged in 'Selfie Orienteering' on Lough Boora Grounds. A great day was had by all. Thanks to Pat Barrett and his team at Lough Boora for their hospitality. 

German Debating

Congratulations to our German Debating team consisting of students Lauryn McDonnell, Alex Gorsa, Max Mohan, Ciara Gately, Brian McMahon, Orna Kelly and Brian Egan for their victory away to Presentation College Tuam on October 14th. Well done to team mentor Ms. Corcoran also. 

School Sport Update

• Our Junior Boys Hurling Team beat Moate C.S. by 3 points and Marist College by 2 points in their blitz games on October 18th. We now progress to play Castlepollard C.C. in the Regional Final
• Our Senior Boys Football Team were comprehensive winners against Gallen C.S. on October 17th at 5pm in Pullough. A match where 33 players from our squad saw game time, proved to be a good run out for our boys
• Our First Year Boys Gaa Team, coached by Mr. Hagan and Mr. O'Carroll won one and were beaten in two games at their first blitz of the year on October 17th. There were plenty of positives to build on for the boys
• Our Senior Girls Camogie team beat Castlepollard C.C by 4 points on October 15th. Well done to Ms. Raymond, Mr. Minnock and the girls
• Our u17 Boys Soccer Team were beaten 5-3 in the Cup against a strong Portlaoise team on October 14th. The lads showed great promise in their first outing of the season and things are looking promising for the league campaign under the guidance of Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Duffy
• Our Senior Boys Soccer Team beat Moate C.S 4-3 on October 11th
• Our U15 Girls Soccer Team were beaten away to Killina on October 11th
• Our Senior Boys Hurling Team won by a large margin against Tullamore College in the second round of the Championship on October 10th
• Our Senior Girls Team were beaten by 2 points against Moyne C.S. in the second round of the Championship on October 10th
• Our U16 Boys Rugby Team won their game against St. Mary's Edenderry 17-5 on October 10th
• Our U16 Boys Basketball Team were beaten by Roscommon CBS on a scoreline of 20-14 in the second round of the League on October 8th
• Our Junior Girls Football Team won their opening Championship fixture 4-6 to 3-5 away to St. Finians Mullingar on October 8th
• Our Junior Boys Football Team were comprehensive winners in their challenge game against Banagher College on October 7th

The Burren 

Our Sixth Year Geography class visited the Burren on a Geography class field trip on October 8th. The trip has provided some valuable insights on key curricular areas for our students as they prepare themselves for the Leaving Certificate Geography examination. 

 

Junior Cert Results Day 

There was great excitement on the morning of October 4th as Junior Cert results day had finally arrived. Students received their results at 9.30am from principal Mr. Farrell and deputy principal Ms. Gallen. All students were pleased with their results. The hard work has paid off. Congratulations to all, and thank you to all teachers for their continued dedication and support of this group of students. 

European Day of Languages 

To celebrate the European Day of Languages, the MFL department held an afternoon of language themed tasks. Transition Year students led First Years in a range of fun language activities including memory games, fun fact finding, learning to write 'hello' in different languages and a quiz. Overall it was a great success in promoting the importance of language learning and we all look forward to it being even bigger and better next year!

School Golf

On October 4th our school Golf Team got together for the first time this school year, at New Forest Estate driving range.

School Sport Update

• Our Senior Hurling Team were comprehensive winners in their first round of Championship game against Mountmellick C.C. on October 3rd
• Our U16 Boys Basketball Team beat Ardscoil Phadraig Granard 28-26 in the first round of the League on October 2nd
• Our U19 Boys Basketball Team beat Ardscoil Phadraig Granard 30-19 in the first round of the League on October 2nd
• Our Juvenile Boys Football Team beat Ardscoil Rathangan by 1 point in their first outing of the season on October 2nd
• Our Senior Boys Football Team beat Moate C.S. 2-14 to 2-10 in the second round of the Senior A League on October 1st. Our boys now sit on two wins from two games and have advanced as winners of their group
• Our Senior Girls Football Team were beaten in their opening Championship fixture away to Athlone C.C on September 30th

Junk Kouture Materials Drive

Please donate any unwanted Coffee Pods or Netting for TY 2019-2020 Junk Kouture Projects. Donated items can be brought to school and placed into the donation boxes in the canteen. Thank you in advance.

Pope John Paul II Knock Trip

On September 27th the seven students in our school who recently received a Gold Medal in the Pope John Paul II Awards visited Knock. They were accompanied by some of their friends, Ms. Kelly and Mr. Prendergast of our Religion Dept., and Sr. Sacred Heart. A huge thank you must be extended to Ms. Kelly and Mr. Prendergast for their dedication and work with this group. A great day was had by all at Knock. 

Boys Rugby

Our U16 Boys Rugby Team were victorious in all three of their opening Blitz games on September 26th. Well done to Mr. Corrigan and the boys.

Westmeath Schools Cross-Country Running Championships 2019

The Mercy Kilbeggan Athletics Team had an excellent day out at Belvedere House for the 2019 Westmeath Cross-Country Running Championships on September 25th. Our students performed extremely well and it was our best team display at the meet in years. Some of our notable finishes included: 

Four top-seven finishes in the First Year Girls 1000m, with Adele Geoghegan finishing 2nd, Leah Geoghegan finishing 3rd, Morgan Corcoran finishing 4th and Ellen Daly finishing 7th. All eight of our runners positioned in the top 17. Excellent from the girls.

Three top-five finishes in the Second Year Girls 1500m with Georgia Young finishing 3rd, Trasa Bracken finishing 4th and Sinead Bracken finishing 5th.

Shane Corcoran was 2nd in the Second Year Boys 2000m.

Amy Geoghegan was 2nd in the Third Year Girls 2000m.

David Maloney was 5th in the Third Year Boys 3000m.

Michael Murphy was 1st in the Senior Boys 3000m, with Darragh Seery finishing 4th, Phelim Brady finishing 7th and Mark Wrafter finishing 9th. 

Well done to the entire team on the great display in tough conditions. 

Girls Rugby

On September 24th our Junior and Senior Girls teams attended their first blitz of the year. Both teams wore our brand school Rugby kit. Our Junior team played some great Rugby, winning three games, drawing one, and losing two. Our Senior team also played very well at times, winning two games and they were beaten in three. It is still early in the season and the girls will build on this opening day performance by working on aspects in training. Well done to the girls, to mentors Mr. Corrigan and Ms. Corcoran, and assistant Wesley Redding.

Higher Options at RDS

On September 20th all Sixth Year students attended the Higher Options expo at the RDS. The Higher Options expo is held each year by The Irish Times and gives educational and career advice to anyone who's searching for it. Our Leaving Cert students were presented with the opportunity to get the low down on everything from college courses to the CAO, and other aspects such as the Debs. The event has been a must for students over the last number of years.

Girls Sport

There were well over 50 school girls out training for Cadette/Senior Basketball and U15 Soccer on the spectacular evening of Thursday September 19th. Keep up the great work girls, and well done to team mentors Ms. Relihan / Ms. Breathnach (Girls Basketball) and Mr. Stobie / Morris Colton (Girls Soccer). 

All-Ireland Camogie Success 

On September 12^th three panel members from the victorious Westmeath team who recently won the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship paid our students a visit, bringing with them the cup that past pupil and captain Mairead McCormack lifted in Croke Park. Congratulations to the Intermediate team and thanks for the visit. It will inspire the students in our school. 

Transition Year Drumming Workshop 

On September 11^th all Transition Year students, within their respective class groups, engaged in a Drumming Workshop. The workshop was facilitated by Kieran Gallagher of Kada Ka Boom Arts. Students were exposed to several percussion instruments and had the opportunity to put together and perform different collective music pieces. A fun time was had by all. 

Pope John Paul II Gold Medal Awards 2019

Congratulations to seven students from our school who were recently awarded with seven Pope John Paul II Gold Medals for their voluntary work over the past year. These awards were presented to our students by Bishop Thomas Deenihan at 8.00pm Mass in St. James's Church Kilbeggan on Saturday September 7th 2019. This was a magnificent reflection on the kind and giving nature of these students, their teachers and their families. There were seven other silver and bronze medals presented on the night to students from other schools in the Diocese of Meath. The students from Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan were Stephanie Scally, Aideen Teehan, Brian Walsh, Kevin Walsh, Lorraine Egan, Mairead Corcoran and Joanne Whaley. Full credit and thanks must go to Ms. Kelly and Mr. Prendergast of our Religion Department for organising this programme within our school. 

Transition Year Lilliput Trip

On September 5^th all Transition Year students went to Lilliput Adventure Centre for an Outdoor Adventure bonding day. Our students were given the opportunity to partake in Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Bog Hopping and more. It was a great way for our Transition Year class of 19/20 to start off their year and it enabled our students, in a fun environment, to establish additional friendships within their relatively new class groups.

Senior Boys Football - All-Ireland Football Final Guess The Score Fundraiser

Congratulations to Dermot Connell, who was the winner of the All-Ireland Football Final (01/09/2019) guess the score competition ran by our Senior Boys Football Team. Dermot correctly predicted a 19 points apiece draw between the two sides, going for a score line of 1.16 (Dublin) to 2.13 (Kerry). He also predicted that the first goal would be scored in the 17th minute and it was scored in the 19th. No competition entry predicted the exact score and no other entry had a 19 points total each predicted, so Dermot wins by virtue of being closest to each teams overall score. The winning entry was sold by Senior Boys Football forward Evan Connell. Dermot will receive his winnings this coming school week. Thanks to all who bought a line from the boys. 

Sixth Year Mentors 2019-2020

On August 22nd the 2019/2020 Sixth Year mentor cohort engaged in a day of training in preparation for their participation in our school's big brother/sister programme. Our Sixth Year mentors assist incoming First Year students with the transition from primary to Secondary school. The programme is coordinated by Ms. Glynn.

Lunch Menu 2019-2020

Browne's on the Green will be providing all on-site catering services for the 2019/2020 school year. We welcome this local family business and we wish them every success in this regard. Students may purchase their lunch from an extensive new menu which will include; filled rolls, sandwiches, soup, hot lunches and daily specials. Students can order their lunch in the canteen before school daily. Click the following link to view the 2019/2020 school lunch menu: Student Lunch Menu Browne's on the Green 2019/2020

Leaving Certificate Results Day 2019

There was a great sense of anticipation in the air on the morning of Tuesday August 13th as results day finally arrived. Congratulations to the graduation class of 2019. Your effort and dedication to your studies has paid off and all at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan wish you well for the future.    

TG4’s 'Réalta agus Gaolta'

Ireland's most talented family was crowned in the final of TG4’s hit Sunday night entertainment series Réalta agus Gaolta, on Sunday June 16th 2019.

The Wrafter family from Kilbeggan were on the first episode of this year’s series, were the winners of their heat, and were one of four family acts who competed in the final. Their act was comprised of Dad Peter, Mom Noreen and their three children Conor (13), Thomas (9) and Aimee (8). Conor is a student here with us in Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan. 

All at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan would like to congratulate our student Conor and his family on their run to the final. You have done the area proud.