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'. 
Congratulations - Tahanina - تهانينا
Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan welcomed six Syrian students to our school after the Easter Holidays in 2019. We would like to congratulate each student and their families. They have made a seamless transition into our school and they have been a wonderful addition to our school. They have really enjoyed their early experiences in Mercy Kilbeggan and look forward to their futures with us. 
First Year Boys Football
Congratulations to our First Year boys football team who were victorious in their long-awaited First Year Tournament Final on May 23rd against Gaelscoil Chill Dara. The boys played some excellent football on home soil and won on an impressive scoreline of 9-16 to 6-08. Well done to the boys and to the management team of Mr. Lynch, Mr. Flynn and Mr. Hagan. 
Transition Year Class of 2019
Our Transition Year Class of 2019 end-of-year ceremony was held in Kilbeggan Parish Centre on May 22nd. The ceremony reflected on the experiences our students have gained throughout their year in Transition Year. Each student was provided with the opportunity to highlight what they have enjoyed during the year and how they have grown throughout the year. Thanks, as always, to Ms. Carroll and Ms. Conmey for their excellent work in preparing the music. Thank you also to Ms. Kelly, Mr. Prendergast, Ms. Dunne and Transition Year coordinator Ms. Clarke for their work in preparing and organising various aspects of the ceremony. 
Class of 2019 Graduation Mass
Our Class of 2019 Graduation Mass was held in St. James’ Church Kilbeggan on May 20th. It was a special occasion which celebrated the memorable journey each student had with us in Mercy Kilbeggan and served to inspire them for their futures. Thanks to Ms. Carroll and Ms. Conmey for preparing our school choir, orchestra, musicians and singers for the occasion and to Mr. Donnelly, Ms. Kelly, Ms. Clarke and Mr. Prendergast for their work in preparing and organising the mass.
Tayto Park
On May 20th our Transition Year students and the students from our ASD classes visited the Tayto Park Theme Park in Meath. Our students had fun on the Cú Chulainn Coaster, The Rotator, The Shot Tower, and the various other rides that the Park has to offer. The trip provided our students with the chance to finish their unforgettable year in an energetic way.
Croagh Patrick 2019
On May 17th our Transition Year students travelled to Mayo to climb Croagh Patrick. It served as a culmination to their Gaisce journey which they have taken throughout Transition Year. It was a glorious day and each student should be extremely proud of their efforts and achievements on the mountain. Well done to the Transition Year class of 2018/2019. 
First Year Sports Day 2019
Our annual First Year Sports Day was held on May 16th. Students engaged in a variety of sports and took on a series of sporting challenges, which were guided by our school’s physical educators. Transition Year students also assisted with the facilitation of the Sports Day. Each First-Year student received a wristband as a token of Sports Day participation and a Mr. Freeze at the end of the day. 
Sixth Year v Teachers Soccer
Our annual Sixth Year v Teachers Soccer match was held after school on May 16th. Our teachers, who were missing some key personnel through injury and other commitments, put up a valiant effort against a youthful and pacey opposition. It was a great way for our Sixth Year boys to close out their year and it was a fitting culmination to their Mercy Kilbeggan sporting journey. Thanks for all the great sporting memories throughout the years boys. Best of luck on the grass into the future.
Hurling Presentations
Congratulations to Sixth Year students Alex Boland and Ben Groarke, as well as Transition Year student Conrad Minch and First Year student Tristan Seery for their excellent work assisting with school Hurling teams this year. The boys received a commemorate plaque each on May 16th as an expression of gratitude from our Hurling squads and management Mr. Doyle and Damien Minnock.
Class of 2019
Border Hopping 2019
The 2019 edition of our Transition Year foreign trip saw 71 of our students, with 6 teachers, head on a border hopping tour of countries Belgium, Netherlands and Germany from May 10th to May 12th. The trip was a three-day, two-night adventure which incorporated itinerary items including; Rhineland Boat Tour, UNESCO Cathedral Climb, Efteling Theme park, Concentration Camp, and more. This action-packed trip provided our students with the opportunity to explore different cultures in a short time period and they had the chance to see some of the finest sights Europe has to offer. See the photo gallery from the trip in the 'Curriculum - Transition Year' section of this webpage.
Pitch and Putt
Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Pitch and Putt Team took 2nd place in the Leinster Secondary Schools Competition in Dublin on May 10th. They have now qualified to play in the All Ireland Secondary Schools Final in Kildare. Congratulations to Conor Mullins, Jack Mullins, Eanna Rabbitte and their coach James Mullins.
Fifth Year Biology Trip
Our Fifth Year Biology students, accompanied by their Biology teachers, visited Causey Farm in county Meath on May 7th. The visit provided our students with an insight into some Ecology experiments which will feature in their Leaving Certificate examination next year.
Delphi
Our Second Year students spent three days on a Physical Education trip at the Delphi Adventure Resort in Mayo from May 3rd to 5th. The trip saw students partake in a variety of water sport and land-based activities. Our students had the opportunity to engage with Kayaking, Pier Jumping, Swimming, Archery, Zip 'N' Trek', Bog Hopping, and Campcraft. The trip exposed our Second Years to life on the Wild Atlantic Way and it was their first overnight trip as a Mercy Kilbeggan student. 
Barcelona 2019
The Fifth Years have returned... An experience which will stay with them for a life-time!
• Playa de la Barceloneta Beach • Las Ramblas • Maremagnum • Port of Barcelona • Las Arenas • Plaza d'Espanya • Venetian Towers • Cuitadella Park • Arc De Triomf • Portaventura • Poblenou Markets • Cabel Car to Montjuic • Camp Nou • L'Aquarium Barcelona • Espanyol vs Celta Vigo • Estadi Olimpic Barcelona • Sagrada Familia • Gaudi's Casa Batllo • Gaudi's Casa Mila • Gran Via 2
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk and Jump Zone Sandyford
On April 12th our Sixth Year students travelled to Bray on a class trip. Here they completed the spectacular 5.2 km Bray to Greystones Cliff walk. After the walk, time was spent in Dundrum Town Centre, before travelling to Jump Zone Sandyford for some Trampolining. It was a deserved trip for our Sixth Year's. They have been working so hard this term preparing for practicals, orals, and completing project work. It was a nice way for them to unwind with their friends and finish for the Easter holidays on a high.
SciFest 2019
On April 12th thirteen of our Transition Year students partook in SciFest at A.I.T Athlone. The aim of the programme is to encourage an interest in, and love of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Eabha Cassidy and Jessica Maloney got highly recommended and third place in the intermediate physical group category. Well done to both of them, to all of our entering groups, and to our Science teacher Mr. Earley. 
Equestrian
Pictured with our school principal Mr. Farrell is Third Year student Jack Flynn. Jack recently won a 1st place and a 2nd place rosette in his expert field of horse riding. He brought in his prize to show his friends and teachers. Congratulations Jack. 
Coláiste Uisce
TY students, accompanied by our school's physical educators, spent three days on the Erris peninsula in Mayo at Coláiste Uisce from April 8th to 10th. This combined Physical Education and Irish trip saw students partake in a variety of water sports and land-based activities which were delivered through Irish. Our students had the opportunity to engage with surfing, sailing, kayaking, pier jumping, archery, circus, céilí, rock climbing, and much more. The trip enabled our students to experience life on the Wild Atlantic Way and has provided our students with memories which will last them a life-time. View the photo gallery from the trip in the 'Curriculum - Transition Year' section of this webpage. 
Tractor Run
The Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Parents Association Tractor Run, held on April 7th, was a great success. Well over 100 tractors of all makes and sizes participated in the Run. The weather was perfect for the occasion and the 20km route was completed in under an hour. There was a great atmosphere throughout the event and a great sense of community spirit. A successful raffle and an auction was conducted afterwards while participants enjoyed some refreshments. A massive thank you to all Tractor Run participants, the lead bikers, our assisting teachers, people who prepared food, sponsors, and to anyone who contributed or assisted in any way with the facilitation of this memorable day. View more pictures from the day in the 'Activities - Musicals, Shows and Events' gallery on this webpage.
Rock Your Socks
On April 5th members of our Student Council presented the proceeds of Rock Your Socks Day, which was held in our school on March 21st, to Aoibheann and Fodhla Nyhan. The funds are going to the Offaly Down Syndrome Association.
Fifa Tournament
Congratulations to Fifth Year student Jamie Corcoran who won the Fifa Tournament Fundraiser which was held after school on April 5th. Jamie was victorious in the four-hour competition which saw him navigate his way through from the last 32 using both the PS4 set-up and the XBox One set-up along his route. He beat Mr. Duffy in the final. Jamie received a trophy, a 2019 Premier League ball and a sports shop voucher for his efforts. Well done to everyone who entered. The tournament was played in great spirits. 
Kilbeggan Fire Station Road Safety Visit
On April 4th our Transition Year students attended a RSA workshop at Kilbeggan Fire Station. Our students were provided with different perspectives on road traffic accidents and on road safety by Kilbeggan Fire Department, An Garda Síochána, and Paramedics. Our students were also presented with a fictitious road traffic accident scene and discussed at length details surrounding the incident. The experience was an eye-opening one for our students and provided them with detailed and first-hand insights on the importance of road safety. A special thank you to those who facilitated the workshop. 
First and Second Year Boys Basketball Tournament
The First and Second Year boys Basketball players from our school participated in an in-school Basketball team tournament on March 29th. The tournament was highly competitive and there was some great skill on show. Congratulations to tournament winners 'Team Orange'. The team of David Maloney, Conall Dunne, Brian McIntyre, Niall Claffey and Thomas Conlon received a Basketball each as their prize. The tournament MVP goes to Conall Dunne, after he made 3 three-point shots in one of his team's eight-minute matches.
TY Fashion Show
On March 28th Transition Year students of Mercy Kilbeggan hosted a Fashion Show in the Orchard Pavillion at New Forest Estate. The latest styles from boutiques and fashion houses of Tullamore and Mullingar were modelled by Transition Year students, and by teachers. The event was a great success and proved to be very entertaining. A huge congratulations must be extended to our Transition Year students. A sincere thank you to TY Coordinator Miss. Clarke and Miss. Daly for their commitment to planning and delivering this event. A thank you must also be extended to New Forest Estate, our sound and lighting technicians, the contributing fashion houses, and to everybody who assisted with or attended the show. View more pictures from the night in the 'Activities - Musicals, Shows and Events' gallery on this webpage.
First Year Boys Football
Our First Year boys were comfortable winners over Portlaoise CBS on March 28th. A game played in glorious conditions saw our side produce some fine football on the day. We can now build on this performance moving forward. Well done to the boys, who are coached by Mr. Hagan and Mr. Lynch. 
First Year Boys Football Tournament
Our First Year boys are currently partaking in a Gaelic football tournament which is taking place on the school pitch at lunch time. There are four First Year teams, with each team being coached and mentored by two TY students. Our First Years are developing their footballing skill-set while our older TY Gaa players have been provided with a unique opportunity to develop their skills within coaching, when working with younger people, and when organising events. Our TY students organise all aspects of the tournament, from playing schedules, to pitch work and refereeing.
Team 1 - TY Coaches: Dylan McDonnell and Ronan Foxe
Team 2 - TY Coaches: Eoin McIntyre and Alex Egan
Team 3 - TY Coaches: Darragh Seery and Mark Wrafter
Team 4 - TY Coaches: Dean Harte and Mark Kiernan
Rock Your Socks
March 21st was World Down Syndrome Day. Mercy Kilbeggan Student Council, assisted by Student Council liaison teacher Miss. Glynn, organised a 'Rock Your Socks' event with all proceeds being donated to Down Syndrome Ireland. 'Rock Your Socks' enabled our students to wear crazy coloured and/or miss-matching socks to school, with the purpose of raising Down Syndrome awareness.
Girls Rugby
On March 21st our Junior and Senior girls rugby squads travelled to Energia Park Donnybrook to partake in a Leinster Blitz. Our Senior girls did well, going into the final group game with one win and one loss on their record, but lost out. The Junior girls breezed through the first three group games setting up a winner takes all playoff with a physically bigger Tullow team. We went down 2 tries to 0 early but battled back. We lost 2-1 in the end. A great day was had. Well done to the girls, teacher coaches and student coaches.
Juvenile Boys Hurling
Our Juvenile boys Hurling team had a comprehensive victory over local rivals St. Finian's of Mullingar on March 21st. Our team now have two wins from two games in their championship group and look set to progress to the knock-out stages. Well done to Mr. Doyle, Damien Minnock and the boys. 
Action Aid Speech Competition Final
Congratulations to Rosemary Midonga who performed excellently at the Action Aid Speech Competition Final on March 20th. It was a fantastic achievement for Rosemary to be chosen in the top 10 out of 150 speeches. The judges included Brian Jennings from Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio One. A sincere thank you must also be extended to Rosemary's English teacher Mr. Flynn. 
First Year Boys Soccer
Our First Year boys Soccer team have been beaten 3-1 in the Leinster Quater Final against Templecarrig of Wicklow on March 20th. Our boys progressed to the Leinster Quaters after their success in West Leinster. We were unfortunate on the day and picked up some untimely injuries. A special mention must go to captain Cillian Rochford who covered every blade of grass and to Ryan Dennigan who netted a superb free kick from distance. Our lads will re-group and go again in September. Well done to the boys and to Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Quinn for the great strides made this year.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Bricfeasta Gaelach.........................................................................................................................................................................
Tráth na gceist
Irish Angus Producer Group Competition Final
Pictured below are Transition Year students Harry Murphy, Sophie Bracken, Ella Ravenhill, Aideen Cullen and Adam McGoldrick. They represented Mercy Kilbeggan in the final of the Irish Angus Producer Group Competition in Croke Park on March 14th. A huge congratulations must be extended to the group and their TY Science teacher Mr. Earley. They have put in huge work on their Farm Safety project in recent weeks which is evident in the quality of their Croke Park display. 
Girls Rugby
Our Junior and Senior girls rugby teams have progressed to the Leinster Cup finals which are being held in Donnybrook on March 21st. Both of our teams finished second in their respective groups at the qualifying tournament held in Edenderry R.F.C on March 13th. The groups consisted of teams from Mercy Kilbeggan, Sacred Heart, St. Mary's Edenderry, St. Brendan's Birr, and Killina. The girls were also presented medals, highlighting their success in the qualifiers. Well done to the girls and coaches Mr. Corrigan, Ms. Raymond and Jonah O'Keefe. 
Boys Rugby
Our First and Second Year boys rugby team were victorious in all three of their blitz games against Moate CS, Athlone CC and St. Finian's of Mulligar on March 12th. We played some excellent rugby on the day and fully deserved the three victories. The boys are developing very well under the guidance of Mr. Corrigan and Fifth Year student Jonah O'Keefe, as rugby continues to grow in our school. Well done boys! 
Tractor Run Launch
Pictured at the Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Parents Association Tractor Run Launch were Adam McGoldrick, Wesley Redding, Garrett Farrell, Patricia Boyle, Kieran Mohan, Elizabeth Redding, Bernadette Gallen, Ellen Feerey and Megan Daly. Entry forms are available at the school and all information is provided on the poster in the 'Parents Portal' section to the left of this web-page.
Caith Amach É
Tá seachtain na Gaeilge á cheiliúradh againn i Meánscoil an Chlochair faoi láthair. Dé Céadaoin, an 6ú lá de mhí Márta, tháinig an compántás drámaíochta “High Rock Productions” go Cill Bheagáin lena seó “Caith Amach É!” atá bunaithe ar shraith pictiúir na hArdteiste. Bhain na daltaí fíor-thaitneamh as agus is fíor é a rá go raibh siad sna tríthí gáire sa cheaintín an lá sin. Táthar ag súil go gcabhróidh sé go mór le muintir na 6ú Bliana cuimhneamh ar na sraith pictiúir sa bhéaltriail i gceann cupla seachtain. Beir bua is beannacht.
Tá roinnt maith imeachtaí eagraithe dúinn i Meánscoil an Chlochair do sheachtain na Gaeilge. Beimid ag tosnú ar an Luan, 11ú Márta. “Beatha Teanga í a labhairt”.
German Debating
Our German debating team were victorious in their debate against Ardscoil Mhuire, Co. Galway on Wednesday March 6th. They are now in the semi-final of the national German debating competition. Congratulations to Emma Ham, Aideen Tehan, Rachel Flynn and Linards Uerts for an excellent performance and well done to Ms von den Driesch, who coaches the team.
PE Xpo 2019
On March 6th four TY student groups travelled to DCU to exhibit their projects at the PE Xpo for 2019. The PE Xpo is a competition that examines the science behind sport, and student groups are presented with the opportunity to present sport and Physical Education related projects. Well done to our students, who were guided by Miss. Daly.
Brian Walsh, Dylan Kilroe and Wesley Redding explored 'The Relationship Between Epilepsy and Sport'
Darragh Seery and Alex Egan's project investigated 'The Importance of Nutrition for Teenagers in Sport'.
Eabha Cassidy, Jessica Maloney and Erin Heeney's project was entitled 'Which Type of Training will Improve Fitness Levels of First Year Students'.
Roisin Mealiff, Ellan Ravenhill and Katie Reid investigated 'Does Inequality in Sport Affect Women's Attitudes Towards the Game'
Fifth Year Engineering
On March 5th, Fifth Year Engineering students visited TEG Mullingar, accompanied by their Engineering teacher Mr. Corrigan and Engineering teacher Mr. Lynch. Our students benefited greatly from visiting the specialist engineering services company and were provided with valuable insights into working within the engineering sector. 
First Year Boys Soccer
On March 4th our First Year boys were victorious in their highly anticipated Soccer Final vs St. Finian's of Mullingar at Gainestown. Our lads were defeated earlier in the season by St. Finian's, so a complete performance would be required on final day. The boys delivered, performing exceptionally well from 1 to 11, and won the game 3-2 after extra-time. Our goals were scored by Dylan Franzoni, Shane Corcoran and Captain Cillian Rochford netted the winner in added time. Congratulations to the boys and well done to Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Quinn, our Junior Boys Soccer coaches. 
Rosemary Midonga Qualifies for Action Aid Speech Competition Final
Rosemary Midonga has successfully qualified for the Action Aid Speech Competition Final taking place on March 20th at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. Rosemary’s work stood out from over 150 entrants to progress to the final, with students entering from over 50 schools. She is one of ten finalists who will perform their speech on finals day.
Action Aid created the competition to provide a platform for young people to offer their contribution to achieve gender equality. Two winning students will travel to Greece this summer where they will have the opportunity to see Action Aids work first-hand.
Congratulations and best of luck to Rosemary. A thank you must also be extended to Rosemary’s English teacher Mr. Flynn, and Ms. Glynn for their assistance and guidance throughout the process.
U14 Girls Football
On March 1st our U14 girls had their first championship game of the season away to Athlone C.C. The game was played in the driving rain, and the result just didn't go our way on this occasion. Our girls can build on this performance for future games. 
First Year Boys Basketball
On February 28th our First Year boys had their first win of the season in a low scoring contest against Moyne C.S. at Mucklagh Community Centre. The squad is pictured below with Fifth Year students and assistant coaches Conor Carroll and Jonah O'Keefe.
Tuar Ard and Dún Na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park
On February 28th our Transition Year students, accompanied by their English teachers, travelled to the Tuar Ard in Moate to view a stand-up comedy performance. Time was also spent at Dún Na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park in Moate. The trip was arranged by our English department.
Student Enterprise County Final
On February 28th three Transition Year mini-company groups took part in the Westmeath county finals in Golden Island Shopping Centre in Athlone. Well done to the our teams 'Bake My Way', 'Soap 'n' Suds' and 'Scrabble Frames' who worked very hard in the run up to the final.
Forensic Workshop
On February 15th our Transition Year students engaged in a Forensic Science Workshop. Students were presented with a fictitious murder crime scene, In groups students had to sift through the crime scene evidence, while drawing on their logic and reasoning skills, in an attempt to crack the case and find the perpetrator. It was an enjoyable morning for our students and they engaged very well. The workshop was organised by our Science Department.
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk and Jump Zone Sandyford
On February 14th our Transition Year students travelled to Bray on a Physical Education Trip. Here they completed the spectacular 5.2 km Bray to Greystones Cliff walk. After the walk, time was spent in Dundrum Town Centre, before travelling to Jump Zone Sandyford for some Trampolining. It was a great trip for our students as they were presented with additional avenues where they can be physically active.
