Yearbook
2006 St Paul’s High School Bessbrook
St Paul’s High School 108 Camlough Road Bessbrook Newry BT35 7EE
028 3083 0309 Fax: 028 3083 9948 Email: info@stpauls.bessbrook.ni.sch.uk Web: www.stpaulsbessbrook.org.uk Telephone:
Principal Mr Oliver A.G. Mooney M.Sc. (Ed. Management), B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E.
Chairman of Governors Very Reverend Father S. Larkin, P.P.
St Paul’s was established in 1966 with the aim of providing its students with a Christian education within the Catholic ethos. St Paul’s is a Catholic Maintained School catering for boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18. The school is situated on a modern campus in pleasant rural surroundings between Camlough and Newry. St Paul’s High School has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and site extension, boasting state of the art teaching and learning facilities which will allow the school to continue to offer first class education to the children of our many different parishes.
stpaulsbessbrook.org.uk
Farewell It is with some regret that I write this short goodbye note to the Year 14s and those Year 12s who will not return to St Paul’s in September 2006. It seems only yesterday that I arrived in St Paul’s but in fact many of you were just starting Year 11 and others were in Year 9. It has been a great privilege getting to know you over the past four years and watching you develop into such fine young people. I have taken great pride in seeing you achieve so much and also seeing this fine new building grow up around you. I would like to thank you for coming to St Paul’s and I would urge you to always hold it dear to your hearts. In the years to come when you are asked where you went to school, answer with pride, St Paul’s, Bessbrook. Our communities and parishes need the skills and personal qualities that you hold in such abundance. Share your gifts generously with others and show respect for all the people you come into contact with. Enjoy your lives, work hard and take time with your families and always build in time for yourself, it will help you to recharge and be ready for what the world may throw at you. Remember also to save time to say a prayer and you will never be alone. Every good wish for the future. Oliver Mooney Principal
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Year Heads Mrs Bridget McConville
Year 14
A Farewell Message How can I say goodbye to this group, I have worked with many of you from day 1, 1st September 1999. The past 2 years have been a pleasure, I have watched you blossom into very mature and well balanced young ladies and gentlemen. We inherited a few extra for sixth form who have been woven into the fabric of St Paul’s. I hope you will continue to avail of the opportunities that cross your path, have the courage to go when necessary or pull back when you know you should. Remember that life is full of little diversions and sometimes we are simply not meant to go the straight forward route, but we will get there all the same. Enjoy the adventure, keep in touch, Best wishes, Mrs Bridget McConville
Mr Jarlath Burns
Year 12
Goodbye and Good Luck! It is a great pleasure for me to have been given the honour of being Year Head of what was a most unique bunch of students - the class of 2001. Right from the first moment I saw you all in the Assembly Hall as fresh young Year Eighters, I knew that we had a long road together ahead of us and that we should travel that road as cheerfully as we could. Remember the ‘Pop Idol’ when Jody swept us away with ‘I Just Can’t Get You Outa my Mind’, or Eugene Coogan’s ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’. Well tomorrow is now here and we can look back with great fondness on our time in St Paul’s. Our trips to Scotland when you persuaded me to go on that catapult thing just after my dinner. Not a good idea. We also had great days out in W5 and the Pictures and at the Pantomime. This year has gone in a flash and a real high point came when Anthony McParland lifted the Armagh title for the school. It was also tinged with sadness with the car accident in October, but as young adults you really came into your own and proved how much we all are a part of this Year Group. Thankfully, all are now doing well. This year has also given me an opportunity to eat my dinner with you all and I have enjoyed this also, even if you have to prise some of you off your seats at 2pm! So that’s it - the highs the lows - the coursework, assemblies, parent meetings, masses, classes, sports, trips, good days, bad days, holidays - it’s all coming to an end, though I really hope to see many of you back in September. Finally, I’d like to thank all our form teachers for their understanding and time, Fr. Dermot, for his spiritual guidance, your class teachers for their patience and expertise and Mr. Mooney for saying ‘Yes’ to some of our more hair brained ideas. Finally, I’d like to thank Mrs O’Hare and Mrs Morgan for having the energy and the enthusiasm to put this very first Year Book together. Mr Jarlath Burns
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Head Boy & Head Girl Caolan Connolly As a Head Boy in St Paul’s I find my role very rewarding, and worthwhile. Being Head boy has offered me the opportunity to connect with my fellow classmates in many different ways. Through my role I have acted as friend, leader, follower and more than often as an “agony uncle” to friends in need of advice. I also act as a student representative for the school at various functions, such as masses and meetings; this can be enjoyable as I get to meet new people and develop my interactive skills. One of the key things that being Head boy, as well as a student of St Paul’s, has taught me, is that if you work hard and give it your best, you can always achieve your goals.
Blinne Mallie Being Head Girl in St Paul’s has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Having spent 7 years here I was ecstatic when given the opportunity to be a public representative for both the pupils and the school. As Head Girl my duties have included
helping out at school functions, chairing our Student Council and helping to organise important events such as our Year 14 formal and our leaving mass. My time at St Paul’s has been fantastic, an experience enhanced by my role as Head Girl. St Paul’s is a great school and it has made a lasting impact on my life. I am very proud to be Head Girl and it is a role I will always treasure.
Senior Council Our Senior Council in St Paul’s consists of five members, Declan Byrne, Paul Rocks, Orlagh Boyle, Caolan Connolly and Blinne Mallie. Our role is to act as ambassadors for the school and to attend functions inside and outside of school. We also act as Head Prefects to a specific year group and are there for any pupil who needs help or support. As members of the Senior Council it is our aim to set an example and to fulfil the message of our prayer to St Paul “there are only three things that last, faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love”
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Class 12/14
n September 2001, thirty new enthusiastic students joined 8/14 to begin a journey which would take 5 years to complete and would shape their future and the people they would become. It was evident from Year 8 that there were some budding actors and actresses in our midst when a group of students performed in the Irish play “Aisling, Aisling” and went on to win the All-Ireland in Mullingar.
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In Year 9 other talents were unveiled when several students took part in the “Stars in Yer Eyes” contest. A trip to W5 was arranged just before Christmas where the fun side of science was discovered. For many students the most memorable trip in Year 9 and indeed the most memorable day at St Paul’s, was undoubtedly the visit to M&Ds Theme Park in Motherwell. The 5am start was not a problem and the fun and
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laughter all the way will be etched in their memories forever. So good was this trip that they got to do it all over again in Year 10. The major event in Year 10 was when the class was selected to take part in the Creative Connections Programme run by the CCEA. Thankfully we were linked to the Canal Court Hotel who treated us like royalty over the two days. It would be difficult for the class to forget how Orla made learning through drama and music both fun and enjoyable. Five pupils were chosen to represent the school at the presentation in Lisburn and the fun and laughter provided by “Red Hand Luke “will never be forgotten. Year 11 got off to a great start with the KS3 Presentations. Claire Gallagher, a victim of the Omagh bombing gave an
inspirational speech and her courage shone through motivating all who were present. Special KS3 Awards were made to Roisin Kelly for Maths, Laura Woods for French and Charlotte Rooney for Contribution to Sport. As Year 12 comes to an end the students are now focusing on their forthcoming exams. As they look back over the years they can proudly remember their great fundraising efforts during the Million Penny Challenge, the toiletries appeal for Romania and the Christmas Hampers for SVDP. Hopefully the Class of 12/14 will have happy memories of St Paul’s and many will continue their educational journey in Sixth Form next year. Caoimhe Sloan and Joseph McElroy it appears have really enjoyed their time here as they haven’t missed a day since they joined St Paul’s!
Charlotte Rooney
Patrick Reavey
I enjoy all sports and play netball, camogie and football. While in year 8 as a member of the school’s football team, we won the Loch an Iúir cup. In year 10 I was selected to play for the under 16 team in the Ulster Championships. We won the Ulster Cup and it was a most memorable occasion and one I will always cherish.
I started playing handball four years ago. I got plenty of practice in our handball courts in St Paul’s. I joined the Eugene Quinn Handball Club in Armagh and after winning a few competitions I was selected to represent my county in the Ulster Championships. After winning second place I was asked to represent the county yet again in the Irish Finals of the “One Wall” Competition in Sligo in 2005. I competed in the U16 age group where I was placed second overall.
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Form Teacher
Mrs Brenda Fegan
Leona Bannon St Malachy’s PS, Ballymoyer
Maureen Browne St Lawrence O’Toole PS
Niamh Burns St Peter's PS, Cloughrea
Nicola Byrne St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Rachel Carey St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Shane Courtney Cloughoge PS
Anouska Cromie St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Niamh Devine St Peter’s PS, Bessbrook
Jolene Feenan St Teresa’s PS, Tullyherron
Grace Hollywood St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Bridget Jennings Jonesboro PS
Roisin Kelly Cloughoge PS
Paul Malone St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
Jemma McAnuff Cloughoge PS
Conor McArdle St Joseph’s PS, Bressbrook
Niall McArdle Jonesboro PS
Daniel McDonald St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
Joseph McElroy St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly
Patrick McGrath St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Conor McParland St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Fergal McParland St Brigid’s PS Dromintee PS
Ryan Meehan St Mary’s PS, Barr
Joseph Murphy St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Shineen O’Hagan St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Patrick Reavey St Teresa’s PS, Tullyherron
Charlotte Rooney St Malachy’s PS, Crossmaglen
Lauren Sheridan St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Caoibhe Sloan St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
Lorna Trainor St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Laura Woods St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
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Class 12/59
have been Form Teacher to 12-59 for five years. I can remember clearly bringing them to their form room that morning (Rm19) which was a mobile in the yard beside the tennis courts. I could spot the rogues straight away! (Only joking)
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Patrice Casey joined 8A2, as we were known then, early in the first term and settled in quickly where Catherine Fleming made her feel so welcome. Thanks for that! Linsey Anne Baker and Gary Courtney joined
us in Year 9. In Year 10 we welcomed Francis Purcell from 10A3 and Patrick Reavey left us to move to 10A1. Joannah McGuinness became a new class member and this left us with the present 12-59 except for Sean Quail who also left 10A2 and Lorraine Martin who joined us from 10A1. A lovely bunch of pupils each blessed with their own individuality. We all had our ups and downs, our goods days and bad days. We fondly recall the school trips and as for stage performances well we were simply the
best with Jody McGuinness winning the Stars in Their Eyes competition in Year 9 with her outstanding rendition of Kylie Minogue’s ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ and the whole class Assembly performance of The World’s Greatest! I hope you all strive to be the best you can and look back fondly on your time in St Paul’s as a stepping stone to greater heights. I hope you keep prayer a significant part of your life and may God’s willing hand bless you always.
Danielle Feehan
Bridgeen O’Hanlon
While in Year 8 Danielle was diagnosed with Diabetes. It was remarkable how brave Danielle was in facing this new challenge in her life. Danielle is doing great and has used this as an opportunity to help others by organising a Charity Night in aid of diabetes. She raised a massive £2,000 for the Diabetes Fund.
Recently Bridgeen was described as “a breath of fresh air”. She is truly that and is an exceptional student in her approach to school life. Bridgeen is always willing to help and no doubt will do well in whatever road she chooses to travel in life.
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Form Teacher
Mrs Katrina Trainor
Linsey-Ann Baker Cloughoge PS
Patrice Casey Scoil Eoin Baiste PS, Dundalk
Danny Cinnamond St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat
Gary Courtney Cloughoge PS
Sarah Fagan St Oliver Plunkett PS
Danielle Feehan St Malachy’s PS, Ballymoyer
Matthew Finnegan St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Catherine Fleming St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Declan Hannaway St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Vanessa Hanratty St Clare’s PS, Newry
Adele Hearty St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly
Sarah Hughes St Michael’s PS, Newtown
Grainne Lewis St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Shaundelle Marks St Mary’s PS, Mullaghbawn
Lorraine Martin St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Jonathan McArdle Jonesboro PS
Lisa McArdle Dromintee PS
Sarah McCullagh St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Joannah McGuinness St Malachy’s PS, Dundalk
Jody McGuinness St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat
Patrick Murphy Jonesboro PS
Nicola O’Brien St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Bridgeen O’Hanlon St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly
Francis Purcell Jonesboro PS
Conor Quinn St Michael’s, Newtown
Aine Smyth Cloughoge PS
Conor Smyth St Teresa’s PS, Tullyheron
Karen Toner St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Brian Trainor St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat
Jane Woods Dromintee PS
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Class 12/34
or the past five years I have been Form Teacher to 12/34. During this time I have always found them to be an enthusiastic, pleasant and cooperative group of pupils. I have observed them develop self-awareness, confidence and selfesteem. They have also acquired a wide range of abilities, knowledge and skills.
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I hope that during my time as Form Teacher I have helped them to understand the world they live in and guided them into making informed decisions to prepare them for the future responsibilities as contributing members of the community. I wish you all a long and prosperous future and may all your dreams come true.
Philomena Murray
Paul O’Rourke
Philomena has been involved in Athletics from a young age. She has competed for the school in Track and Field, CrossCountry and won numerous awards. In 2003 she came 1st in the N.I. 250m hurdles and 3rd in the N.I. Multi-Event. In 2005 she won the Junior All Ireland Heptathlon which is an outstanding achievement. I wish her every success in her sport for the future and know that she will always be a credit to her school.
Paul has been involved in Gaelic Football since he was 8 years old. He has won numerous league and championship medals for the St Michael’s GFC and St Paul’s U16 team. Recently he took up boxing for the Bosco ABC in Newry and won the Mid-Ulster Championship in 2005. I wish him every success in both sports for the future.
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Form Teacher
Mrs Bernadette Cunningham
Elisha Campbell Cloughoge PS
Shauna Campbell St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Martin Connolly St Lawrence O’Toole PS
Stephanie Connolly St Michael's, Newtown
Eugene Coogan Killean PS
Michael Downey St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Nadine Hillen St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Mark McArdle Dromintee PS
Darren McCabe St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Donna McCabe St Joseph’s PS, Newry
Shane McParland St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Niall McVerry St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Damien Morgan Killean PS
Philomena Murray Dromintee PS
Sean Murray St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Raymond O’Hanlon St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Paul O’Rourke St Colman’s PS, Newry
Martin Traynor Cloughoge PS
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Class 12/73
have been form teacher of 12/73 since September 2004. During that time Year 12 pupils have successfully completed the following courses:
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OCR Level 1 Certificate 4 for I.T. Users (New CLAIT) NIOCN CV Job skills Level 1 and Level 2 Key Skills Level 1 ASDAN Certificate in Life Skills (Level 1) The pupils have participated in a highly structured vocational programme. This involves work experience each Thursday and a LINKS Programme with Newry Institute each Friday resulting in CCEA qualifications. The pupils follow a highly developed programme including a variety of
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‘off site’ activities. It has been a pleasure to teach this year 12 group and I would hope that they would use the skills acquired to follow a highly successful vocational career. The pupils of 12/73 are engaged in a highly developed vocational programme which involves going on Work Experience one day per week and being involved in a LINKS Programme one day per week. The social, educational and recreational curriculum is geared entirely to the world of work. Outcomes and Achievements Pupils gain an in depth awareness of what is required in the world of work .They develop skills required for the world of work.
They learn to follow instructions in a work setting and develop personal skills in dealing with the public. They sample a variety of work placements under guidance from Careers Officers and decide on a career based on Work Experience Placements. Recently the students from 12/73 have proudly launched their own mini company, producing unique gifts for the Mother’s Day market. The company is called “These Days” and the pupils were delighted to offer their exclusive range of presents and gifts just in time for Mother’s Day in March. They also participate in the Young Enterprise Scheme and the Essential skills programme run by Newry Institute.
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Form Teacher
Adrian Dowdall Killean PS, Newry
Gary Hanratty St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat
Jamie Murray St Joseph’s LSC, Bessbrook
Aoife O’Reilly St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
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Patrick Haw St Patrick’s PS, Armagh LSC
Mr Patrick McAvoy
Shane Johnston St Colman’s, Kilkeel
Kevin McCartney St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Aoife O’Reilly
Jamie Murray
“I have really enjoyed my time in St Paul’s and have learnt a lot about work. I would like to follow a career in beauty or hairdressing”.
“I have had a great time in St Paul’s but I now want to leave and get a job in horticulture”.
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Class 12/83
This class is an amalgamation of three form classes whose previous form teachers include Mr P. McCann, Mrs M. Wilson and Mrs I. Smith.
that one of our class would be at Croke Park to cheer on the county team!
first set my eyes on little angels 12B2 in September 2001 when they were totally mesmerised by the size of our school. All fifteen asked the same question , “what do we do if we get lost?”. Eventually they all found their way around and settled in really well to their new environment. I will always remember the good times, the trips to Scotland and Michael’s stories of his mum’s cooking and the various escapades of Niall and his broken bones. I can honestly say that I got to know you all well and enjoyed being your form teacher for four years. I wish you all the luck in the world in your chosen careers and hope that you will remember us in St Paul’s with happy memories. God Bless.
It was with much disappointment that I learned in September 2005 that I would no longer be form teacher to this group that I had watched grow and mature and had developed great affection for. October 2005 brought with it the heartbreaking news of Sean’s car accident. Thankfully as I write Sean is recovering well.
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Maria Wilson 1B3 were my form class from September 2001 until June 2005. They were one of the nicest form classes I have had to administer to during my years at St Paul’s. Their behaviour and application to work was First Class, and their academic achievements and examination results are to be commended. As a form class, we enjoyed trips to Gosford Forest Park, M&D’s in Glasgow and The Opera House in Belfast.
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To all, I offer best wishes for the future and good luck in your chosen career. Pat. McCann
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riday 31st August 2001 announced the arrival of Year 8 with a welcome form Mr Duffy, Fr. Benny and Mr Burns and my first meeting with 8B1. The class consisted of 11 boys and 5 girls and they were Sean, Stefan, Darren, Brian, Kieran, Gavin, Neil, Shane, Barry, Darryl, Christopher, Danielle, Natasha, Jacqueline, Laura, and Niamh.
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Our first meeting began with a crisis when I called the class register and the first name Danielle Feehan, two girls answered “present”. Mr Burns was summoned to solve the problem. In my work as form teacher I was greatly assisted by Becky and Jenna, two great girls who took the role of Senior Class prefects. We all bonded well and over the years travelled to Newry, Belfast and Scotland to broaden our horizons. Many changes took place over the years; Jacqueline and Brian left to attend schools in Newry; Christopher, Kieran Darren and Natasha moved to new classes and Charlene, Eugene and Holly arrived. There are many memories of these years from the Friday Afternoon Club where we watched films, played cards and board games and tried our hand at general knowledge. The Thursday morning break with tea and biscuits was a great hit. When I cast my mind back over the last five years I remember with great fondness September 2002 when Neil won the two AllIreland Football tickets and the great delight
To all the members of 8B1, those who started with me or joined me along the way, a little reflection. “My will shall shape the future whether I fail or succeed shall be my own doing; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze, my choice, my responsibility, win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny” I wish you all health, happiness and success. Don’t forget to say your prayers and say one for me. God Bless and take care Imelda Smith n September 2005 I was made form teacher to a class called 12/83, a mixture of pupils from three different Year 11 classes. It has been my privilege and joy to work with such wonderful pupils who have achieved so much this past year. I wish all of class 12/83 everything good for the future and special wishes to Sean Downey who has been in our thoughts and prayers this year.
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Mary McManus
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Form Teacher
Ms Mary McManus
Andrew Black St Oliver Plunkett PS
Holly Cruise
Damien Doran St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Fergal Durnin St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Connor Hannaway St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Stephanie Hughes St Michael’s PS
Stefan Kearney St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Roisine McClorey St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Michaela McElherron St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Stacey McEvoy St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Leanne McGrath St Clare’s PS, Newry
Cathal McKeown Cloughoge PS
Michelle McManus Joneboro PS
Siobhan Shields St Malachy’s PS, Crossmaglen
Sean Quail St Paul’s Primary School PS
Christopher Worsford St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
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Stephanie Hughes
Andrew Black
Stephanie was in Mr McCann’s form class from September 2001 to June 2005. She was part of the year group that visited M&Ds Theme Park near Glasgow on two occasions. Her academic achievements are to be commended. Best wishes for the future and good luck in your chosen career.
Andrew was in Mr McCann’s form class from September 2001- June 2005, Andrew enjoyed his visit to M&Ds Theme Park. He worked hard and achieved good results. I wish Andrew all the best in his chosen career.
Michaela McElherron
Damian Doran
Michaela has shown great maturity throughout the year. She was a popular member of the class and proved to be of great assistance to her teachers. I wish her every success and happiness in the future.
Damian also showed great maturity this year. Top achievements were reached by Damian in his chosen fields of study. I wish him every success and happiness for the future.
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Class 12/19
12/19 is a very special class, having originated for an amalgamation of the original 8A3 and 8A4 that entered St Paul’s in September 2001.
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he students in 12/19 have worked together excellently in their five years here, and have created a
special dynamic which has continued with them all through the years. Looking back on the five years we have spent together, it is easy to smile at the many happy class occasions when we visited the Grand Opera House in Belfast, M and D’s Park in Motherwell (twice), played football on the Green at Carlingford
Gerard Mulholland Gerard Mulholland is an All-Ireland Boxing Champion, having brought great honour to his family, to his club, St Malachy’s ABC, Camlough and his school over recent years. Gerard’s fantastic success in the ring includes: Mid-Ulster Champion, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 Ulster Champion, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Nine Counties Champion, 2001, 2002, 2005 All-Ireland Semi-Finalist, 2003 All-Ireland Finalist, 2001 Best Club Boxer, 2003, 2004
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and several trips to the Omniplex in Newry. I am very proud of all the fantastic achievements of every one of the thirty students in 12/19 and I wish them the very best in their future careers. I hope they will look fondly on their time at St Paul’s and have enjoyed the most important days of their lives.
Marie O’Hare & Jennifer Rooney We are all very proud of Marie and Jennifer’s achievements as members of St Brigid’s Accordion Band, Jonesborough, who brought great acclaim to the local area by winning the All-Ireland Title for Marching Bands. Jennifer and Marie both give up massive amounts of their spare time to their local band, and both are accomplished accordion players.
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Form Teacher
Mr Daithi Murray
Riona Connolly Jonesboro PS
Caron Courtney St Peter’s PS, Cloughreagh
Aoife Farrell St Teresa’s PS, Tullyherron
Leanne Finnegan St Malachy’s PS, Ballymoyer
Frances Gorman St Malachy’s PS, Ballymoyer
Tara-Louise Hollywood Cloughoge PS
Cillian Keating St Oliver Plunkett PS, Forkhill
Sinead King St Peter’s PS, Cloughreagh
Martin Larkin St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Gareth Lennon St Oliver Plunkett PS, Forkhill
Hannah Loughran St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Jenny Loye St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Sean McCullough St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
James McGuinness St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Miceal McMullan Jonesboro PS
Turlough McNally St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Anthony McParland St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Shereen McParland St Michael’s PS, N’hamilton
Shineen McParland St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly
Seamus McVerry St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Gerard Mulholland St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly
Cheryl Murtagh St Joseph’s PS, Newry
Marie O’Hare Dromintee PS
Shane Pentony St Peter’s PS, Cloughreagh
Carly Reel St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Jennifer Rooney St Malachy’s PS, Carnaget
Sinead Scott St Columba’s PS, Birmingham
Laurence Tiernan Dromintee PS
Natalie Tremer St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat
Sean Turley St Teresa’s PS, Tullyherron
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Class 12/62
ong long ago, to avoid getting lost in a big underground cave; an ancient Greek had the bright idea of unravelling the thread in his tunic to make a line that would mark his way through many twists and turns of the cave. By holding on to the thread he wouldn’t get lost and would be safe.
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When you came to our school almost five years ago, it was a time of massive change, not just for you but for us too. There was the new building, a new principal, strange surroundings, weird
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subjects and wonderful teachers. Everything you have done in school has combined to make it an unforgettable experience. It will however, take time and wisdom for you to appreciate this.
All of you in 12 62 have been a genuine pleasure to know, and being your form teacher has been a positive experience for me. Thank you.
Like the ancient Greek, the school has helped you grasp a thread which has guided you for the nine hundred and fifty days of your school life.
Whether you return next year or go elsewhere - may you have health, holiness and happiness and remember - hold on to that thread at home and in your community, because the cave of life can sometimes be dark and dangerous.
In that short time, you will have learned timeless lessons of truth, faith, justice, human dignity and personal integrity.
Liam O’Keeffe
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Form Teacher
Mr Liam O’Keeffe
Tony Bradley Carrickrovaddy PS
Gerard Campbell Carrickrovaddy PS
James Convery St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
Anthony Cooke St Michael’s PS, Newtown
Rosemarie Doran St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly
Sean-Og Duffy St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Garreth Fitzpatrick St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Kevin Gallagher Jonesboro PS
Hugh Hanna St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
Martin Hollywood St Michael’s PS, Newtown
Leanne Lennon St Peter’s PS, Bessbrook
Angeline McCann St Teresa’s PS, Tullyheron
Aoibheann McCrink St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Sean McElvanna St Malachy’s PS, Ballymoyer
Stephen McGuigan St Malachy’s PS, Ballymoyer
Mairtin McTaggart St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
Catherine Mooney Cloughoge PS
Dean Russell St Teresa’s PS, Tullyheron
Emma-Louise Toman St Peter’s PS, Bessbrook
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Class 12/60 Alternative Vocational Programmes for Year 12 Protocol Skills The Protocol team’s aim is to guide and advise the student in whatever career path they wish to make. The students will advise the team what area or areas they are interested in and the Protocol team will offer practical advice on how to achieve this. This vocational training means that the students are getting real experience and training and will gain a nationally recognised qualification at their graduation ceremony.
practical ways. It is a five day week programme where pupils remain on our school register and follow the rules laid down by Training for Business and St Paul’s High School. Courses on offer are: Communications, Application of Number, Information Technology, Tiling, Motor Vehicle Repair, Bricklaying, Joinery, Personal Development Programme. All the above courses have a nationally accredited award on completion. Work Placement provides a sampling of various occupations.
The STEPS Programme This programme in School Training Education Partnership takes place at Southern Group Enterprises Ltd. It is based on Vocational and Occupational training delivered in both formal and
essential for adult life and the continuance of lifelong learning. The four units taken are Citizenship, Community, Personal Care and Preparation for Working Life.
The Alternative Schools Programme Year 12 Girls This programme is delivered two days a week by the Training for Business team at Southern Group Enterprises ltd and offers a way of obtaining vocational qualifications through schemes sponsored by the Training and Employment Agency.
LINKS Programme ASDAN Programme (Certificate in Life Skills) ASDANs Certificate in Life Skills is an Entry Level Qualification and provides a consistent and coherent framework for the development and assessment of skills
This course takes place on a Friday in both the Newry Institute of Further and Higher Education and the Greenbank Industrial Estate.Year 12 pupils choose two courses that interest them and fit it in with their work experience.
Gavin Black
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Form Teacher
Ms Mary McManus
Gerard Magee
Kenneth McAteer
Mark Maguire
Ryan Morrison
Shane Finnegan
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Class 12/80
first met with 11A3 in September of 2004 and they have been my first form class in St Paul’s and I have been very fortunate as they have been a very affable and amicable bunch of young people. There is no doubt that the members of the class will go on
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to achieve many notable successes across a variety of disciplines in life both academic and vocational. It is great to have such a good form class but the only downside is that future form classes may struggle to be as honest, friendly and decent as this years 12 80.
Melissa Beattie
Nadine Britton
Melissa is an energetic and motivated pupil who has been in charge of the class register over the last year. She has represented St Paul’s in netball and football and was a member of the dance team who won awards at the Northern Ireland Dance Championships. She plays Ladies Gaelic football for Forkhill. Her ambition is to become a teacher or work with children in a nursery.
Nadine has also been responsible for the class register as Class Prefect and is a helpful and enthusiastic pupil. Her favourite subjects are Science and ICT and she hopes to become a paramedic after studying at University. She plays camogie for Killeavy Seniors and is a member of the Newry Youth Company, Dance and Aerobic Team.
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Form Teacher
Mr John Rafferty
Melissa Beattie St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
Lauren Boyle St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Nadine Britton Cloughoge PS
Darragh Byrne Cloghoge PS
Miceal Doran Cloughoge PS
Anna-Marie Fitzpatick St Oliver Plunkett PS, Belfast
Louise Keatings St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Neil-Paul Lennon St Malachy’s PS, Camlough
Declan Little Dromitee PS
Donna Marie McAleenan St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea
Sean McCourt St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Kieran McDonald Cloughoge PS
Cathal McGuinness Killean PS
Catriona O’Shea St Ambrose Sec. School
Donna Preece St Malachy's, Carnagat
Ciaran Rocks St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook
Meabh Mulgrew St Joseph’s PS, Meigh
Carla Smyth St Teresa’s PS, Tullyheron
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Careers Interview Skills Day for Year 14
he Careers Programme in Year 12 focused on preparing all students to finish secondary education with a positive view of their potential and aware of the many and varied options open to them.
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The careers lesson was structured to allow each pupil to concentrate on recording their achievements, writing personal statements, curriculum vitas and career plans. This was a process that ensured the pupil developed on a personal level. Information regarding options was available from websites and prospectuses. Meeting personnel from the Careers Service of Northern Ireland and the various representatives from training agencies such as Clanrye, Links and Training for Business was a useful aspect of career guidance. Newry Institute also gave a presentation to
Year 12 pupils. They offer a wide range of choices that will suit all types of abilities and interests. The most exciting option was the opportunity to return to St Paul’s. In the light of the new building and the wide range of subjects offered to post sixteen students this will have to be a strong consideration for all Year 12 pupils. A busy year involving a full spectrum of activities and events could not have been as organised or successful without the help of Mrs Shauna Magennis. A sincere thanks must go to her for all her hard work with Year 12 and Year 14 pupils. This group of students were highly motivated and will ensure the high reputation that St Paul’s has developed over the years will not only be maintained but enhanced!
Amigos Amigos which is the Spanish word for friends is a group of Year 12 students who are engaged in peer mentoring, having been trained in counselling skills. The team of 10 students, who work in pairs, are assigned to a Year 8 form class, and give up their free time to attend to the many duties which include visiting their assigned classes on a weekly basis, and acting as a ‘buddy’ to help
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A most important part of Year 14’s Career Programme is the Interview Skills day. Organised to prepare the students for university interviews, this is a great opportunity to perform in a virtual yet encouraging and safe environment. The students never fail to impress the facilitators that are invited from the various training agencies, companies and organisations in the local area. They dress to impress, communicate well and are great ambassadors for our school. Use this experience well and never let modesty get in the way of performing well in any interview situation.
younger students with whatever difficulties or problems they may be experiencing. These students play a vital role in ensuring that our Year 8 pupils integrate easily into secondary school life and enthusiastically dedicate themselves to their role. Year 12 pupils involved in “Amigos” Charlotte Rooney, Roisin Kelly. Caoibhe Sloan, Bridgeen O’Hanlon, Conor Smith, Sarah McCullough, Hannah Loughran, Jenny Loye, Cheryl Murtagh, Sinéad King.
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Music
he School Choir are the current SELB UTV Choir of the Year. They have provided music for many liturgies in and out of school, the most distinguished being at the Year 10 Retreat in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. The choir is a keen participant in the local feiseanna. This year they were awarded ‘The HairFlair Cup’ for second level schools and ‘The James Murphy Memorial Cup’ for Sacred Music.
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Mr Colm Murphy
Spring Concert in April. The traditional group is an annual competitor at the local feiseanna and have been awarded ‘The Corn na Feise Cup’ for the past three years. The Chamber Choir involves senior students only. They rehearse at lunch times and have a wide repertoire, ranging from Sacred Music to music recorded by Westlife. The have provided music for the
annual prize-giving ceremonies and for many liturgies throughout the year. It is with great regret that we will be saying good bye to our some of our Year 12 and our Year 14 students who have added so much to each activity within our Music Department over the past number of years. We wish them every success with the future studies and in their lives ahead.
This is the second year of the orchestra’s existence. Approximately 150 students receive instrumental tuition each week and are encouraged to become involved in the School Orchestra and various other ensembles. The orchestra has provided music at the Christmas Carol Service and at the Spring Concert in April. Next year we will be looking forward to welcoming some Brass and Percussion players into the orchestra. The School Traditional Group is a very popular extra-curricular activity here in St Paul’s. The group plays a repertoire of Irish traditional and Irish contemporary dance tunes and slow airs. They have provided musical entertainment for the annual prizegiving ceremony, open nights and at the
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Dance
Miss Catherine Murphy
I am delighted with the recognition given to the standard of dance in St Paul’s and feel that everyone should be very proud of their achievements. St Paul’s has excelled by taking titles in dance and aerobics for the last six years (not only in N. Ireland but also All Ireland level)- an outstanding accomplishment. The senior school dance team were runners up in the All Ireland Tyrone Crystal competition in 2005
Senior Dance Pupils leave St Paul’s on a high! t Paul’s High School success in the prestigious Northern Ireland Dance and Aerobic Championships in 2006 was outstanding achieving two first places and a second.
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The competition held in the Lagan Valley Centre, Lisburn attracted schools from all
over Northern Ireland and a total of 91 items were entered in the different categories. A panel of six adjudicators had the onerous task of judging from a high standard of performance. St Paul’s with two firsts dominated both dance sections in junior and senior and were just pipped at the post and took second place in the senior aerobics.
The senior dance pupils leaving St Paul’s this year who have been involved in dance are: Catherine Mallon (14 76), Kelly-Ann Hughes (14 71), Louise McNulty (14 71), Sarah Fagan (12 59) and Shaundelle Marks (12 59). I wish them success and happiness in the future.
Kelly-Ann Hughes Year 14 Kelly has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to dance. She has been a member of all school dance teams since she came to the school in Year 8. She has an excellent knowledge of all dance disciplines and is an asset to her team and her school.
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Girls’ Football
Mrs Anne Hollywood
his St Paul’s team played in the Ulster Girls Gaelic Final on 17th February 2004 against St Aidens, Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh in a highly contested match. It was the first time any Armagh team, at any level, school, college or county had won a Girls Ulster Title. This team has made it’s own piece of football history in winning this prestigious title. Louise McNulty was our Captain on this occasion and Shauna McCann was Vice Captain.
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until St Joseph’s, Crossmaglen claimed it from us. We have since won it back again. When this group of girls were just in Year 9 they won the Newry and Mourne League and Championship and the Armagh Championship! In Year 10 they retained all the above titles and went forward to represent Armagh at Ulster level. We reached the Ulster Final that year but were narrowly defeated by Dean Maguire, Carrickmore by 2 points.
The first 15 players were: Orla McKenna (Goals), Fionnuala Reel, Shauna McCann, Ciara McEneaney, Kelly-Ann Hughes, Louise McNulty, Nadine Lynch, Amy Flynn, Emma McCartney, Briege Rice, Sinead Finnegan, Vanessa McParland, Gemma Courtney, Geraldine King, Charlotte Rooney, Caoimhe Murray.
In Year 11 this team again won the Newry and Mourne League and Championship and reached the semi-final of the Ulster Championship where we were beaten by the Monaghan Champions.
Football began with this group of girls seven years ago. The Ulster Council gave us permission to have an Armagh Year 8 competition. Mr Burns kindly funded a beautiful trophy called the “Corn Loch an Iúir”. We won the competition for 4 years
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In Year 14 a number of pupils from this prize-winning team have been invited on to the successful Senior Armagh Ladies team and hopefully will help them win another All -Ireland Title!
In Year 12 they again won the Newry and Mourne League and Championship and the coveted Ulster Title. Many of the team were selected to play at County level (U.16) They entered the U.18 County Championships when in Year 13 and again won the county title. They reached the Ulster semi-final stage of the competition.
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St Vincent De Paul
Fr Dermot Maloney
s part of St Paul’s commitment to our local community, the St Vincent De Paul Society, which was established in 2003 in school, regularly visits local nursing homes. This gives our Senior students an opportunity to spend time with the residents and to entertain them with songs, music and games. The activities of the Society are coordinated by an elected committee of Year 13 and 14 students who work closely with Fr Dermot on various events.
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Year 14 pupils members of St Vincent De Paul are Catherine Mallon, Briege Rice, Laura Magennis, Ruth McParland, Ciara McEneany, Caolan Connolly, Blinne Mallie, Sinead Savage, Dervala Tumilty, Kelly McGuirk, Orlagh Boyle, Declan Byrne.
Lourdes Students are encouraged to participate in the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Year 14 pupils who went on the 2005 pilgrimage are pictured here. They are John Savage, Briege Rice, Colleen Woods, Declan Byrne.
“It was a memorable experience that I will treasure and I thank St Paul’s for giving me this wonderful opportunity” John Savage
“For me the pilgrimage was a combination of spiritual contemplation as well as an opportunity to bond with my peers and experience the French culture” Declan Byrne
“For me Lourdes was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, strengthen old bonds and appreciate one's health” Dervala Tumilty
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Class 14/71
pportunities, challenges and successes are waiting for you. Embrace them with courage and a confidence that has no boundaries.
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This last two years in school have been a sound training ground and it has been a
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Form Teacher
pleasure and an honour to work alongside you as you have developed and broadened. As a form group you were open, responsive and friendly. As individuals you were talented, impressive, resourceful, entertaining...I could go on and on in my bid to include the diverse range of intelligences evident in the form class.
Mrs Anne Black
I wish each and every one of you good luck, health and happiness in your chosen career path. Keep an open mind and give serious thought to all your future decisions. You were great to know. Anne Black
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Class 14/71 Orlagh Boyle St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I enjoy swimming, socialising, jujitsu and walking. My most memorable moment in St Paul’s was our school formal. I would like to do engineering at university and my wish for the future is that I pass my exams, find a dream job and that all my friends are happy.
Bernadette Brannigan St Malachy’s PS, Camlough I like box-aerobics and socialising. My most memorable moment in St Paul’s is always having a laugh with the girls. I would like to do engineering at university and my wish for the future is to remain friends with all the girls, get rich quick and be happy!
Declan Byrne St Joseph’s PS, Meigh At St Paul’s I am a member of St Vincent de Paul, a senior prefect and part of the paired reading project. I talk incessantly and love to do numerous impressions. My most memorable moment here is our trip to Londiani in Kenya, a fantastic life experience. I would like to become a Religion teacher after university. My wish for the future is that everyone gets the best out of life and that all my friends keep safe and have good luck in their lives.
Joanne Byrne St Joseph’s PS, Meigh I enjoy socialising, circuit training, spinning and Art!. My most memorable moment was having my art work displayed at the “True Colours” Exhibition in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. I would like to teach Art & Design. My wish for the future is to be happy, to travel and to achieve a successful career.
Caolan Connolly Jonesboro PS I am Head Boy at St Paul’s and a member of both the St Vincent de Paul and the Taize Group. My most memorable moment were getting chosen as Head Boy and going on holiday to Ibiza!. I would like to study Psychiatry at university. My wish for the future is to become an eminent psychiatrist but most of all to be happy in life!
Briege Duffy St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I enjoy going out with my friends and listening to music. My most memorable moments at St Paul’s include our school formal and the last day of Year 12 as they were both great craic. I would like to follow a career in nursing some day. My wish for the future is for everyone to be happy, rich and get great jobs!
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Form Teacher
Mrs Anne Black
Cathal Fegan Abbey Grammar School I play football and enjoy dancing. I love to boogie especially on a Saturday night!. I would like to have a career in Property Investment. I have had some of the best times of my life here in St Paul’s over the last two years ..so thanks to all of you.
Sinead Finnegan St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea I enjoy playing Gaelic football and texting flat out! My most memorable moments at St Paul’s include winning the U16 Ulster Championship and being chosen as Prom Queen by my fellow students at the formal. I don’t know what career I will end up doing but preferably one with good holidays and good money!
Kelly-Ann Hughes St Michael’s PS, Newtown I enjoy dancing, shopping and socialising. My most memorable moments at St Paul’s include winning the U16 Ulster title and the NI Dance Championships. I also had a great time at the school formal. I would like to study Pharmacy at university. My wish for the future is to have success, love and happiness!
Seamus Hughes St Colman’s College I play soccer and Gaelic football but would really like to be a cheerleader for Miss Murphy’s dance team. My most memorable moment was dancing at the school formal. I would either like to be a Primary School Teacher or a choreographer.
John Magill St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I play Gaelic football and like to eat a lot but it doesn’t show. My most memorable moment at St Paul’s was the formal- best night ever! I have met many great friends during my time at St Paul's and my wish for the future is to be the best teacher I can and to become a brunette!
Blinne Mallie Dromintee PS At St Paul’s I am Head Girl, Chairperson of the Student Council and a member of the St Vincent De Paul Society. I also like organising social events. My most memorable moments include summers at the Gaeltacht, working in San Francisco, passing my driving test and the school formal. I would like to become a lawyer or a TV Presenter. My wish for the future is to have the best life possible, be happy and see the world!
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Class 14/71 Shauna McCann St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I enjoy swimming, golf, Gaelic football, netball and listening to music. My most memorable moments include winning the U16 Ulster football title, being selected for the U17 SELB netball squad and of course winning Mrs Morgan’s Library Art Competition in Year 8! I would like to become a Special Needs teacher and also set up a club where special needs children can learn different sports. My wish for the future is to be happy, successful, travel the world and for everyone to keep in touch.
Emma McCartney St Malachy’s PS, Camlough I enjoy Gaelic football, socialising and disco dancing. My most memorable moment at St Paul’s was winning the U16 Ulster football title. I would like to become a Biomedical engineer. My wish for the future is to be happy and rich!
James McCoy Newry College F & H Education Jonesboro PS I enjoy music and play the accordion. I also like taking part in music competitions. My most memorable moment at St Paul’s was the cloth going on fire during an experiment in Chemistry! I also completed an Art project in one day! I would like a career in Engineering or Building Construction. My wish for the future is to keep in touch with all my mates and get a good job!
Eimear McElroy St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly I enjoy socialising, meeting up with friends and the odd bit of exercising. My most memorable moment at St Paul’s was pretending to be held at ransom on April Fools Day in Mr Burn’s store. I would like to become an estate agent. My wish for the future is to earn more money than Stephen McCann so I can soak him when I drive by in my BMW!
Jemma McGourty St Michael’s PS, Newtown I enjoy playing the piano and partying at the weekend. My most memorable moment at St Paul’s was our school formal- it rocked! I would like a career in Social Work when I leave university. My wish for the future is world peace.
Jason McKeown St Mary’s PS, Mullaghbawn I seem to only go to school, work and sleep these days!. My most memorable day at St Paul’s was the day I realised I had to come back to school for another year. I also am a mean guitarist. My wish for the future is to change the way we think.
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Form Teacher
Mrs Anne Black
Louise McNulty St Malachy’s PS, Camlough I play Gaelic football for school and county. I am a member of the school dance team and the Newry Youth Company. My most memorable moments include captaining the school team to win the U16 Ulster title, winning the NI Dance Championships, coming 3rd at the All- Ireland Dance Awards and our school formal. I would like to become a P.E. teacher after university. My wish for the future is to travel to see my family in Australia, to be successful in my career and have a happy life with no regrets. I wish all my friends at St Paul’s a long and happy life!
Katrina Murphy St Michael’s PS, Newtown I enjoy football, swimming and horse riding. My most memorable moments include both formals, passing my driving test and my 19th birthday weekend. I would like to follow a career in Architecture. My wish for the future is for my best friends to go and be happy in whatever they choose to do and keep in touch!
Rachel O’Hare St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea I enjoy singing and am a member of the school choir. My most memorable moment was performing as one of the Spice Girls in the School Variety Show in 1999. How embarrassing.! I would like to become a Primary School teacher. My wish for the future is to get my degree, become successful in my career and travel the world.
Jason Pepper St Joseph’s High School, Newry I enjoy golf, swimming, horse riding, soccer and Gaelic football. My most memorable moment of my two years at St Paul’s was our trip to Londiani in Kenya - they were the greatest two weeks of my life! I would like to have a career in either computers or teaching. My wish for the future would be to return to Africa and to be happy with my life. I wish for health, family and friends around me because when you have that you have everything.
Feilin Quinn St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea I play Gaelic football for Lissummon Ladies and I like watching tv and listening to music. My most memorable moment was Armagh winning the All Ireland in 2002 and Armagh Ladies winning the All-Ireland in 2005. I would like to become an Art teacher or something to do with art in general. My wish for the future is world peace, lovely house, a few children, enough money and a fast car!. I would also love to see my paintings displayed in a gallery.
Briege Rice Jonesboro PS I play Gaelic football for St Paul’s and I am a member of the Taize Group and the SVP. I sing with the school choir and play the accordion in the Traditional Group. I am also a member of St Brigids Accordion Band, Jonesborough. My most memorable moments include winning the U16 Ulster title, Kenya, Lourdes (twice!), Gaeltacht, and lovely Lough Derg. I won the Young Ambassador Award for NI in 2005. I would like to become a History & Politics teacher. My wish for the future is “Dream of the future, remember the past, live every day like it was your last! I would like to return to Kenya, be happy and successful in life and always play music!
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Class 14/71
Form Teacher
Mrs Anne Black
Eoin Rocks St Joseph’s PS, Meigh I play Gaelic football and soccer for St Paul’s and Dromintee. My most memorable moment was winning the U16 Ulster title with St Paul’s in Year 12. We also reached the All Ireland Final that same year. I would like to be an engineer or a surveyor after university. My wish for the future is to become an entrepreneur in my mid twenties and I would also like to win an All-Ireland title with Armagh or Dromintee.
Sinead Savage St Malachy’s PS, Ballymoyer I dance with the Rooney/O’Malley Irish Dancing School and I am part of the Fainne Cairde Fiddle Group and the Belleeks Scor Group. At St Paul’s I am a member of the SVP and I play fiddle in the Traditional Group. My most memorable moment was our trip to Kenya and I am very grateful to have been given that wonderful opportunity. I think I would like to go into teaching but who knows. My wish for the future would be to return to Kenya and to be happy, healthy and to remain friends with the great mates I have made in school.
Joanne Smyth St Mary’s HS, Newry I enjoy socialising, shopping, swimming and reading. My most memorable moment was the school formal and seeing everyone look their best. I would like to become a Housing Developer or an Estate Agent. I would like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome when I joined two years ago. My wish for the future is that everyone achieves their goals and don’t just live for the future…live for you!
Sharon Toal St Joseph’s PS, Meigh I enjoy shopping, socialising and eating out! My most memorable moment at St Paul’s was the school formal. I would like to pursue a career in Marketing. My wish for the future is to get a good job, a nice house and to be happy and healthy. I would like to keep in touch with all my friends from the past seven years in St Paul’s and good luck to everyone for the future!
Colm White Jonesboro PS I play Gaelic football for my School and Dromintee Club. My most memorable moment was winning the U16 Ulster Final with St Paul’s in Year 12. I would like to become a building surveyor. My wish for the future is to go to America and come back to Ireland and build a big house. I would like to be successful in all I do and have no regrets about the decisions I make in life.
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Class 14/76
t has been a pleasure working closely with you over the past two years. There have been a number of memorable occasions, two of the most obvious: our time at Lough Derg and then by complete contrast our very successful Formal.
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Now today as young men and women, ready to take your place in society as young adults I wish you well. You are among the finest young people who have come through St Paul’s and I hope you will realise how much you have to contribute. It is true that there will be many decisions to be made and you will not have the instant support of your family and teachers to guide you but be guided by your conscience. Nothing in life that is worthy is ever going to be easy. You will have to work hard but have the courage
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Form Teacher
Mrs Pauline McGuinness
to believe in yourselves. As a little inspirational verse I once read says:
“Faith is a mover of mountains, And there is nothing that you cannot do. So start out today with faith in your heart And climb till you dream comes true” I wish you all health and happiness. God Bless you and guide you to make a great success of everything you do. Pauline McGuinness
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Class 14/76 Anna Chan St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea I enjoy going out with my friends, shopping and listening to music. My most memorable moment in St Paul’s was 16th September - our school formal. It was such an amazing night and everyone looked so well. At the moment I don’t know what career path I will follow. My wish for the future is for my friends and family to be healthy and happy. I would also like a successful career and to be happy!
Christopher Cranney St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I enjoy skateboarding occasionally. My most memorable moment was my first day at St Paul’s and the first person I met that day was Caolan Connolly. I don’t know what career I will follow as yet. My wish for the future is to become a crazy millionaire.
Laura Jane Crozier St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I enjoy karate, socialising and I am a member of St Vincent de Paul. My most memorable moment in St Paul’s was being held hostage in Mr Burn’s store on April Fool’s Day. I would like to have a career in Social Work. My wish for the future is to live life to the full and be successful, rich and happy!
Patrice Fearon St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I enjoy socialising, listening to music and boxaerobics. There are so many memorable moments at St Paul’s but the best times have been laughing with my best friends and Bernie falling of that chair of course! I would like to be a Marketing Manager at a large, successful company. My wish for the future is to be happy and successful. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”.
Jennifer Hughes St Michael’s PS, Newtown I enjoy horse riding and shopping! My most memorable moment at St Paul’s was the wonderful school formal. I don’t know yet what career path I might follow. My wish for the future is that I pass my A’ Levels and then I hope the next 60 years are as good as the last 7 I have spent here in St Paul’s.
Cara Lynch St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea I enjoy Art and can always be found in the Art department of St Paul’s. My most memorable moment was the first day at this school. I would like a career in Art or television and would like to be my own boss or a film director! My wish for the future would be to seize all opportunities and keep those who are good to me close to me. I also hope I will never take life for granted!
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Form Teacher
Mrs Pauline McGuinness
Laura Magennis Dromintee PS I enjoy socialising, watching tv and going to school! My most memorable moment was holding ourselves hostage in Mr Burn’s store on April Fools Day. I also have fond memories of Lough Derg. I would like to have a career in Youth Work so no doubt I will be seeing your children in a few years! My wish for the future is to remain friends with the people I’ve met throughout my seven years at St Paul’s and that they find a cure for the common cold.
Catherine Mallon St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I am a member of the SVP Society and the Taize Prayer Group. I sing in the school choir and play violin in the school orchestra and traditional group. I am a also part of the Senior Dance Team. My most memorable moments at St Paul’s include the Gaeltacht, Lourdes and our trip to Kenya as well as passing my driving test, Lough Derg, and the formal. I also enjoyed our dance routine “Thriller” and a leading role in Grease. I would like to get a Law Degree and then who knows! My wish for the future is that good fortune rests on each on my fellow students and that success lies behind every door we open.
Stephen McCann St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea I enjoy going to the cinema, partying and going on holiday. My most memorable moment was Briege’s party after our GCSEs. I also had a great time at the formal -thank you Seamus and Grace for the huge embarrassment! I hope to study engineering at University of Ulster, Jordanstown. My wish for the future is to be a successful engineering contractor with a company of my own. I want a family with a dog, a big house with a white picket fence included and a Lexus in the drive way!
Thomas McConville St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen I study music here at St Paul’s and hope to follow a career in music when I leave. I have enjoyed my two years at St Paul’s.
Michelle McElroy Dromintee PS I enjoy socialising with my friends. Most memorable moments at St Paul’s were witnessing Caolan fainting and getting my examination results. I hope to follow a career in engineering. My wish for the future is to reach for the moon because even if I miss, I will land among the stars.
Ciara McEneany St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea I am a member of the ladies football team that won the Ulster final. It was an honour to play for my school. The school formal was an amazing experience, one I will always remember. I hope to study pharmacy at Queens University. I hope to be successful in everything in life.
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Class 14/76 Kelly McGuirk St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I like swimming, cycling diving socialising, singing, and Art. I want to follow a career studying Biology. My wish for the future is to live each day to the full and have lots of friends.
Marieanne McKevitt Killean PS I want to follow a career in Chemical Engineering. I would like to keep my friends forever. I want the next seventy years to be as happy as the last seven.
Ruth McParland St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I am a member of the school’s SVDP group. I like to dance and party. My most memorable times were in the Gaeltacht and Lourdes. I would like to follow a career in Computers. I would like to live forever, keep my good looks and my fantastic sense of humour.
Jennifer Millar St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook I am a member of the school choir and absolutely love singing. I am also very creative. I would like to follow a career in Art and Design. My wishes for the future include leading a happy and healthy life, living to an old age whilst preserving my fabulous looks charm and personality.
Paddy Murphy Abbey Grammar School I am a popular pupil at St Paul’s and have lots of wonderful friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years at St Paul’s and wish I could do it all again. Being so talented, I am still unsure of which career path to follow. I hope to keep all of the friends I have made at school as well as pick up some more on my path through life.
Anna-Marie O’Hanlon St Joseph’s C.PS, Newry I have enjoyed my years at St Paul’s and made many good friends. I hope to follow a career in the field of Business Studies. I want the simple but essential things in life, good friends, good health and happiness.
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Form Teacher
Mrs Pauline McGuinness
Margaret O’Hanlon St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly My claim to fame in St Paul’s was winning the dance championship in years eight and nine. My most memorable occasion was the school formal. I would like to travel the world. I hope to get a good job, to live long and be happy.
Cassandra O’Hare Sacred Heart Grammar School I love sport especially football, camogie and coaching gymnastics. My most memorable moment was my first day at St Paul’s as a new student in year thirteen. I have enjoyed my time at St Paul’s and will always remember my teachers especially Mrs Kimbley my biology teacher who was very kind and helpful. I hope to do Clinical Physiology with Cardiology at Jordanstown. I wish for health and happiness in my life.
Catherine O’Hare Dromintee PS I enjoy socialising and I play the accordion in St Brigids Accordion Band in Jonesborough. My most memorable moment was the school formal. I would like to have a career in nursing. My wish for the future is to have a big house with a small rates bill. I hope the salary for nurses increases and I would like a nicer car than I am driving now. I hope that everyone gets on well in life!
Grace O’Reilly St Joseph’s PS, Meigh I am a member of the school choir and the chamber choir at St Paul’s. My most memorable moment was presenting the Awards Ceremony at the formal with Seamus. It was priceless. I would like to follow a career in interior design. My wish for the future is to achieve all my goals in life and to remain friends with all the people I met in St Paul’s. I wouldn’t mind decorating Michael Jackson’s “Never Land”. I would like to have as happy a time as I have spent in St Paul’s for the last seven years!
Lauren O’Neill St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea I would like to have a career in Public Relations. My wish for the future is to go travelling, get a good job and earn lots of money. I would also like to be happy and successful.
Emma Reavey St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly I was a member of the School Dance team and my most memorable moment was winning the dance competition in Year 9. I would like to follow a career in Interior Design and live a long and happy life!
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Class 14/76
Form Teacher
Mrs Pauline McGuinness
Elaine Rooney Our Lady’s Grammar School I play Gaelic football for Down Minors and Seniors and Club football for Shamrock Ladies. I also like socialising with my mates. My most memorable moment was playing in Croke Park in the Down Ladies Final against Monaghan. I also really enjoyed our school formal. I would like to be a professional Sports Psychologist. My wish for the future is to be successful in my career in sports psychology and stay in touch with all my friends and always have fun.
John Savage Abbey Grammar School I enjoy going out with my mates. My most memorable moment was leaving the Abbey and joining St Paul’s. I have had two great years and met some quare people! You have all made me feel very welcome. I would like to be an Art teacher or something to do with Art in general. My wish for the future is to earn a few pound, get a nice wife and a few more “Savages” running around the place.
Sean Trainor Cloughoge PS I do Jujitsu in Newry Sports Centre and I enjoy socialising and meeting girls!. My most memorable moment was travelling to Lourdes in 2004 with several classmates. I would like to pursue a career in Product Design and Development. My wish for the future is to have a class reunion in 10 years so I can show off my supermodel wife and boast about my success to those who will be asking me for a loan!
Dervala Tumilty Cloughoge PS I am a member of the SVP and I also do speech and drama. My most memorable moment was my two weeks in Africa. It was the best and happiest time of my life and one that is impossible to forget. I would like to do Law and then perhaps become a Human Rights Lawyer or a Solicitor. My wish for the future is to be happy and successful in life and to stay close friends with the people I have met at St Paul’s.
Colleen Woods Dromintee PS I enjoy playing and listening to music and going out with friends. My most memorable moment was in Year 8 finding out that there was only three girls in our class! I would like to be happy and pursue my career in Drama. My wish for the future is happiness and lots of friends!
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Awards
Mrs Bridget McConville
Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Award for Young People his award has been set up to recognise the work young people do both inside and outside their school. Last year, 2005, 10 students from Year 13 were awarded a Diana pin for their work with others in school: Declan Byrne, Caolan Connolly, Seamus Hughes,
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Cara Lynch, Blinne Mallie, Lisa McGinn, Briege Rice, Sinead Savage, Dervala Tumilty and Colleen Woods. This year awards will be presented to Laura Magennis and Catherine Mallon. Well done all, a well deserved tribute.
Declan Byrne
Caolan Connolly
Seamus Hughes
Cara Lynch
Blinne Mallie
Briege Rice
Sinead Savage
Dervala Tumilty
Laura Magennis
Catherine Mallon
Newry Lion’s Young Ambassador Nominations ach year Newry Lions hold interviews for the young people in our community to are involved in helping others. Nominations are invited from every school in the Newry & Mourne area. We nominated 10 students, all very involved in working both inside and outside school on a voluntary basis, helping others. St Paul’s carried off the title for the third year in a row, the recipient Briege Rice.
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Briege went on to win the Northern Ireland title but was pipped at the post for the All Ireland title, by the only boy in the contest. A wonderful achievement for Briege who now travels to Europe to represent Ireland in a European Youth Conference, compliments of Newry Lions. We all knew Briege could talk.
Newry Rotary Club ewry Rotary Club invites candidates to compete in a Youth Forum, designed for those interested in European Politics and able to talk the talk. Three candidates were interested and were interviewed by members of the club; Blinne Mallie, Caolan Connolly and Stephen McCann. Blinne was chosen to represent St Paul’s and had to endure a long morning in the Canal Court with the representatives from neighbouring schools and even had to stay over lunch. Unfortunately she did not win the trip to Brussels but she enjoyed the free lunch.
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Caolan Connolly
Blinne Mallie
Stephen McCann
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From Bessbrook to Kenya
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n October 2005 Fr Dermot Maloney (School Chaplain) and Miss Karina Traynor (Science Dept) along with pupils Catherine Mallon, Briege Rice, Sinead Savage, Dervala Tumilty, Jason Pepper, Declan Byrne travelled to visit the Londiani community in Kenya.
The purpose of the visit was to deliver their donation of £40,000 to the Kiltegan Fathers for use in school and community projects. The experience allowed the pupils to become totally immersed in African culture for two weeks. They visited schools, hospitals and factories under the direction of their host Father Martin Barry. The visit traditionally takes place during the last two weeks of October during the student’s final year, and applications are invited before the end of Year 13.
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The Michael Warde Library environment to a wonderful purpose built Library. They witnessed the naming of the Library as the “Michael Warde Library” in 2005 and have taken part in competitions, Book Aid, Readathons and storytelling events throughout their school life. This year I have had the pleasure of supervising them in the Library and have got to know a little bit more about each one of them. I wish both Year 12 and Year 14 pupils all the very best for their future careers, whatever path they chose in life. Good luck in your exams, be happy and don’t forget to always bring your library books back on time!
will always have a special place in my heart for the current Year 14 (Class of 2006!) as they arrived at St Paul’s in 1999 just as I did. I’m glad this Year 14 group were the first pupils I met and I have
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watched them grow and mature over the years but significantly without me ageing a day! The Library has been a focal point during their stay and they have seen the library change from a small classroom
Paired Reading Programme
Just remember “many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart. You have your circle of friends and like that circle there is no beginning or end……yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift…that’s why they call it the present! Mrs Michelle Morgan School Librarian
Fergal McParland 12/14 Fergal is the most consistent and fervent reader I have ever come across during my seven years at St Paul’s. He has read more books than I can count! He is a great inspiration to younger pupils and somehow always manages to return his numerous books on time!
The target audience are those children who have been identified as children who would benefit from some extra help to improve their reading skills or to widen their experience of reading. he Paired Reading Programme helps first year pupils to improve their reading skills by pairing them with a senior school volunteer (Year 13 + 14) for a 20 minute reading session.
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The programme runs for 8 weeks for each child and the first year pupils make significant
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and lasting progress with their reading skills.
Outcomes and Achievements The senior students are trained in specific techniques and are then given the responsibility of working regularly with their first year partner to improve and assess the younger pupil’s reading skills.
Names of Pupils involved with the programme are: Jason Pepper, Feilin Quinn, Declan Byrne, Cathal Fegan, Emma McCartney and Rachel O’Hare Miss Veronica Doherty Reading Partnership Coordinator
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Drama and Theatre Studies
ast year was a special year for those students interested in drama, as they were given the opportunity to take on Drama and Theatre Studies as an A-Level.
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This marked the beginning of an exciting time where in one year 11 students progressed successfully through an AS study of the subject, the highlight of which was their practical ensemble of John Godber’s play “Teechers.” They have progressed now into their final
year of A2 and are presently rehearsing for a new play titled The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter. Colleen Woods a year 14 student summed up her two year study of the course by saying, “I have enjoyed immensely this opportunity to study a subject like Drama, its very new and has been very exciting. Overall I have risen to the challenge of learning about playwrights, practitioners and studying many new plays.” Cathal Fegan said his “favourite component of the
Miss Sinead O’Neill
course has been the practical, having an opportunity to act and read new plays by many different playwrights has been rewarding”. The drama department hopes this is just the beginning, and many more students will grasp the opportunity to study Drama and Theatre Studies at A-Level. Pupils leaving this year from Year 14 are Colleen Woods, Cathal Fegan and Paddy Murphy.
St Paul’s Annual Formal
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riday 16th September 2006 is a date that should remain in their memories forever.
The Formal Committee of Blinne, Caolan,
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Emma, Margaret, Grace, Rosalind, Seamus and Seamus worked for almost 10 months organising and extracting money. A wonderful evening was had by all and everyone was fast asleep in their beds by 2am as promised!
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Boys’ Gaelic Football
U16 Ulster Champions 2004 In 2004, St Paul’s High School won the U16 Ulster Championship , the “Arthurs Cup” beating St Mark’s Warrenpoint by 6 points. This was the second time St Paul’s had won an Ulster title, the last time was in 1980! This team then went on later that year to lose the All Ireland Final by one point in the dying minutes of injury time. Athone CC scored a last gasp goal to deny the brave St Paul’s team their first All Ireland title and a second title for the school. This was a brilliant performance from the players and their mentors, Mr Bill Geoghehan and Mr Brendan McArdle. This U16 team beat some great teams on their way to the Ulster Final including St Joseph’s, Crossmaglen and St Brigid’s, Armagh. They also beat the Donegal, Fermanagh and Down Champions and
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finally the Cork and Munster Champions in the All Ireland Semi-Final. The second half of the semi-final would later be described as the best performance ever seen in school football. Due to the success achieved by this team some pupils such as Paul McKeown and Martin Ferris have gone on to the Armagh Development squad and County minor Panel. Martin Ferris also was chosen for the Ireland International Squad that participated in the Australian Rules Competition last year. I would like to wish Colm and Paul all the best for their future career and am proud to have had them as members of a team who made such an historic impact on Gaelic football at St Paul’s Coach: Bill Geoghehan.
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Autographs and Comments
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Autographs and Comments
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St Paul’s High School 108 Camlough Road, Bessbrook, Newry, BT35 7EE Telephone: 028 3083 0309 Fax: 028 3083 9948 Website: www.stpaulsbessbrook.org.uk