Wrafter Family Band School Concert Launch
Wrafter Family Band School Concert - Information Poster Link
Please click the link above to view the poster which gives all the details on the upcoming Wrafter Family Band Concert for Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan.
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.
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.
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 12th 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 11th 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 5th 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.
A Special Thank You
This summer three notable staff members and education stalwarts within our school have decided to retire. All at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan would like to formally thank teachers Ms. Ailish Jones and Mr. Gerry Corcoran as well as SNA Ms. Marie McCormack for their loyal service and devotion to our school and to the students who have passed through our doors over the years. They have left a long-lasting impression and countless memories in our school, and the influence with which they had will continue to impact our school and our practice long into the future. We wish a long, happy and healthy retirement to each of you.
'Good times come and go, but the memories will last forever'.
