St Paul's Year book 2013

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St Paul’s High School Bessbrook

YEARBOOK 2013

What a Year!


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St Paul’s High School 108 Camlough Road Bessbrook Newry BT35 7EE Telephone: 028 3083 0309 Fax: 028 3083 9948 Email: info@stpauls.bessbrook.ni.sch.uk Principal Mr Oliver A.G. Mooney B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E., M.Sc Chairman of Governors Mr J Campbell, B.Ed., M.Sc. 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. Produced and edited by

Mrs Michelle Morgan, School Librarian

Mrs Siobhan O’Hare, Art Department

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Farewell What a year! 2013 has been an unforgettable and whirlwind year in St Paul’s. From September 1st 2012 we have lived a rollercoaster extravaganza as our pupils carried us along on a journey of adventure. We had only settled in to the new academic year when October saw the production of Les Misérables. What a performance and how our students excelled in what is an extremely difficult show to carry off. Fantastic singing and acting, colourful explosions of dramatic action, we all relived the barricades. Full houses each night and enraptured audiences, what more could we ask for? Then the boys captured the Ulster Herald Cup and for most schools that would have been a hugely successful year but not in St Paul’s. The MacRory competition started to catch the imagination of the wider community and as St Paul’s went from strength to strength the mood in the school became even more expectant. A frosty night in deep autumn saw us claim the MacCormack Cup but not before claiming some notable scalps along the way. Surely now the adventure was over and January would restore the normal balance but there was more to come. The Abbey fell in early February and in a terrific semi final St Paul’s qualified for the MacRory final in their first season. The little bit of luck that every successful team needs eluded them and they were a point short on the scoreboard in the final but they had done us all proud and to misquote W B Yeats, “a terrible beauty is born”. Their presence at the top table of Colleges’ football appears secure for the decades ahead. While all this was going on, almost unnoticed, Under 16 Girls Gaelic Footballers were asserting themselves across the playing fields of Ulster. We were so proud of them as they fought back to defeat an excellent team from Loreto, Omagh in Clones and then marched on to a muddy field in Roscommon where they saw off a terrific team from Loreto, Fermoy. The final played in Glenamaddy just 300 metres from the opposing school was an amazing game. A draw at full time but our girls were denied a replay by Croke Park officialdom. The Glenamaddy staff, pupils and general community were extremely hospitable to us and they are worthy champions but a replay at a neutral venue would have been the fair outcome on the day. Drama, football and surely there’s nothing else but this is St Paul’s so we still had the exploits of our choirs and ensembles. Several successful feiseanna and the Cathedral in Armagh were among the musical highlights with the Spring Concert just around the corner as I write this piece. Then there were the International projects to Kenya and Romania and the ski trip to Italy as well as several other trips. We also had a visit by a school from Kirovsk in Russia and that looks like being a major link for the future. There are no limits in St Paul’s, only the ones we set for ourselves, be we students or staff. To all our leavers this year I want to say thank you. You have made a difference in your time here in so many ways. Please always be loyal to St Paul’s and be proud that you are a St Paul’s student. Remember the lessons you learned within and beyond the classrooms and live your lives within the shelter of our school prayer to St Paul. God Bless you in the future,

Oliver Mooney

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Year Heads

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Ms Christine Fearon When we all think back on this year group, reaching the MacRory football final against St Pat’s Maghera will be the first thing that springs to mind. The panel, many of whom belong to this year, have undoubtedly created history and captured the imagination of staff, students and the wider St Paul’s community. However, I feel the impact of MacRory football went even further due to the massive support base that was led by Year 14. After the MacRory matches, people were not only praising Caolan McCullough for scoring a goal, Blaine Malone for catching a great ball or Eoghan Burns for making a great block, they were also praising the supporters for their chants, their behaviour and the general craic in the stands. They were even being urged to take their shoes off if they ‘loved St Paul’s!’ Whether you were a panel member or a supporter, you all added to the occasion, made your mark and created a little bit of history. Les Miserables is another ‘stand out’ achievement largely associated with this year group. It has given me great pride to see so many of our Year 14 students on the stage in leading, support or chorus roles, giving their very best in what is a very challenging musical, one that many other schools and students would shy away from. All of you who participated in this show should be proud of this achievement. Such has been the impact that my daughters still get a little bit excited when they see Maeve Morgan, under the impression she is a Broadway star already and they continue to imitate some of Eamon McAteer’s renditions. However, this group’s mark on the school does not solely rest on the MacRory campaign or Les Mis. For me, this particular Year Group epitomises what

St Paul’s is about – involvement. So many of you have been involved in activities and events outside the classroom which have benefited you as an individual and indeed us as a school. Your achievements in the areas of music, drama, sport and volunteering (locally and internationally) have undoubtedly surpassed the achievements of previous Year 14s. I believe you have set the bar for the next batch and you will be a hard act to follow. Indeed, the present Year 13s are trying to work out how to beat the ‘flash mob we performed earlier in the year. This was yet another memorable occasion created by members of this year group. In keeping with the theme of involvement, I am confident in saying that the Senior Prefect Team was particularly exemplary this year. As a group you performed the expected duties to the usual high standard, but your Anti Bullying Campaign in November 2012 went beyond what the Senior Prefect Team normally does. It was fantastic to work with you in planning and implementing this project and I really feel you have made a difference to others in the school, regarding this very important issue. Overall you have been excellent role models and I would like to thank Afreen, Ciaron, Aislinn and Conor for leading the team in all the extra duties you have carried out this year. To conclude, it has been a privilege to have worked with this group for two years and to have taught many of you. On behalf of myself, Mrs Morgan, Librarian and Mr McMahon, Study Supervisor, I would like to thank you for your co-operation and we all wish you well in your upcoming exams. #naomhpolabu Ms Christine Fearon

Mr Tohiln Murney It’s hard to believe that five years has nearly passed, since the class of 2013 entered the doors of St Paul’s. I suppose with any new year group you always wonder, “What are they like?” It didn’t take long before I found this out and thankfully my dealings both as Year Head and class teacher have been a very fruitful and rewarding experience. I suppose it’s natural for all Year Heads to feel that they have the best year group; I can honestly say that I feel I have the most talented. Every week at assembly I am announcing achievements in all areas of excellence; Football, Drama, Music, Choir, Dance and Camogie etc. This year in particular has been an incredible year for this talented group of young people, Ulster champions for both boys and girls Gaelic football teams and MacRory and All-Ireland finalists. There have been many memories over the past number of years; the one that stands out for me will always be the trip to Scotland at the end of third year. Over 200 pupils headed away that damp June morning, personally I was full of apprehension taking

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Year 14

Year 12

over 200 pupils away for the day, looking back two years later it was one of the most satisfying personal experiences as Year Head I have ever had. The past five years have been an enjoyable experience and there have been days when my patience was tested, but there have also been days when you knew that “it was all worth while”. The energy, commitment and dedication that has been shown to the school over the past five years has been fantastic, I only now hope and pray that the same commitment will be seen over the next few months so that all are able to achieve their goals and ambitions. I am sure that this will not be a final goodbye, knowing many of you as I hope I do, I am sure GCSEs will not hold you back and many of you will return in September opening another new chapter in your life in St Paul’s. All I ask in September is a quick hello on the corridor. I wish all of Year 12 the best of luck in their exams and best wishes for what the future holds. Mr Tohiln Murney


Head Boy and Head Girl Head Girl

Afreen Ahmed

It has been a great honour to represent St Paul’s as Head Girl and I can’t believe how quickly my last year here has passed. My duties have included helping out at school functions, chairing the Student Council and assisting in organising important events such as our school formal and our leaving mass. I have also taken the lead in our recent Anti-Bullying Prevention Campaign. Acting as a public representative of St Paul’s I was able to attend events outside school and I was grateful for these opportunities. St Paul’s is a wonderful school and with all our recent academic, dramatic, musical and sporting achievements, I have been lucky to have been a part of this special year. I found my role to be very rewarding and worthwhile. One thing St Paul’s has taught me is that if you work hard and give your best efforts you will be rewarded with great results and even greater friendships. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those members of staff who have guided and supported me over the years and particularly in this last year. “I wish next year’s Head Girl all the very best.”

Head Boy

Ciaron O’Hanlon

I feel so honoured and privileged to hold such an important role within St Paul’s. We are seven months into the school year and my reign as Head Boy is almost over. During my time I’ve had to talk at events such as; KS3 Presentation, 7th year formal and guest speaker at different year group assemblies. I will also have to prepare a speech for our end of year mass in April. After a shaky start to some of my speeches it has given me great confidence to be able to speak in front of others and I will take the experiences with me wherever I go in life. As Head Boy I’ve had to be a role model to the younger students in the school in everywhere I go and everything I do. I try to inspire them to achieve what they want to achieve in life because I never would have thought for one minute that I’d be Head Boy of St Paul’s! Lastly I’d like to thank a number of people. I’d like to thank my Year Head Ms Fearon and Mr Mooney for giving me the fulfilling experience of being Head Boy. I would also like to thank the Senior Prefect team for all their hard work throughout the year. I have seriously had a great year and I wish next year’s Head Boy and Head Girl the very best. It’s a piece of cake!

Senior Prefect Team The St Paul’s Senior Prefect Team consists of a group of senior prefects and leaders selected from Year 14. They act as ambassadors for the school and represent St Paul’s at many local and national events throughout the year. Their aim is to act as role models and set an example to our younger pupils and in doing so fulfil the message of our prayer to St Paul: “O Glorious St Paul, by your prayers and example enable me to be a better person, more considerate towards others, more honest with myself and more faithful to God. Give me the courage to accept the pains and problems of the day, rejoicing always in the Lord. Through your prayers may I be rooted in love, always loving God in fidelity to Sunday Mass and daily prayer; always loving my neighbour especially my family and friends. Make me patient and kind, never jealous or rude. Give me the strength to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. May I always know in my heart what you taught so well, that there are only three things that last; faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love. Amen”

Back row: Ciara McDonnell, Conor Rodgers, Jack Boyle, Ciaron O’Hanlon, Conor Sloan, Daniel Lewis, Afreen Ahmed Front row: Maeve Morgan, Michelle Morgan, Dara Quinn, Cliodhna Treanor, Kathy Toal, Sinead McKenna, Niamh McGovern, Aislinn Lonergan

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Class 12/71 Form Teacher

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Ms Claire Maguire

Back row: Ms Claire Maguire, Ashlee Hughes, Emily Murphy, Amy O’Keefe, Amber O’Connor, Aoibhin McGuinness, Ciara McCartney, Megan Cameron Middle row: Eoin Murphy, Dean McGuigan, Kevin Hughes, Cathal McArdle, Breandan Lonergan, Callan Connolly, Adam King, Shay Fegan, Darren McClory, Miceal McNamee, Jamie Keenan Front row: Shauna Murphy, Ciara Savage, Carla McDonnell, Aimee Mackin, Chloe McCrave, Sarah McCone, Sinead Quinn

so proud of your individual successes to date. I was over the moon when you all passed your GCSE LLW in Year 10; the majority of you achieving an A! I will miss each and every one of you and I wish you every success and happiness in the future. Don’t be strangers – call in to see me!

It has been an absolute pleasure to be form teacher to 12/71. Back in 2008 we all started St Paul’s together and I will always remember each of you with great fondness. I feel very privileged to have watched you grow and mature into the young adults before me today. At the end of Year 10 I was very sad when Seana, Shane, Dearbhla, Caoimhe and Hannah changed classes. As a class you have been blessed with an amazing wealth of academic, sporting and musical talent. I have watched you each excel at everything you do. I am

Ms Claire Maguire

Eoin Murphy

Aimee Mackin

I have been at St Paul’s for five years and I can safely say that they have been the best years of my life! No other school compares to St Paul’s and if I were to choose again my choice would definitely be the same. As a musician, the Music department has played a big role in my time at St Paul’s. Not many other schools value Irish traditional music to the same level as St Paul’s which is why I could spend all of my time here. My years at St Paul’s have been great and I definitely want to return next year to study for my A’ Levels. I can’t wait to continue having the craic with the teachers and students.

My time in St Paul’s has been memorable and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have really enjoyed being part of St Paul’s over the past five years. I have made many friends and I have had great opportunities. Outside of school I am a member of the Shane O’Neill’s Ladies Football squad and I have been able to develop my interest for Gaelic football at St Paul’s by being a member of the U.14, U.16 and U.19 teams. I was fortunate to win three Ulster titles. My favourite subjects are PE and Maths. I hope to return to St Paul’s next year to study for A’ Levels!

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Class 12/30 Form Teacher

Mrs Deirdre Graham

Back row: Megan Boyle, Enya McAteer, Kerry Garvey, Clare Quinn, Francine Kennon, Gemma Callaghan, Siofra Fegan, Maurice Valentes Middle row: Mrs Deirdre Graham, David Loye, David Grant, Ronan Lennon, Ryan Clarke, Ryan Douglas, Jonathan McGovern, Barry Doran, Liam McDonnell Front row: Olivia O’Keefe, Leona Whyte, Laura McKeown, Shauna Pentony, Anastasia Ni Riabhaigh, Aoibheann Millar, Emily Shields, Maeve Mulholland Missing from photo: Niamh Kelly

And so that time has come to say ‘goodbye’ or at least ‘au revoir!’ It is amazing how a group of individuals can come together to form a ‘family’, a group of young men and women with whom I am very proud to have been associated with these past five years. From the beginning I was impressed by their incredible work ethic and their sense of fair play mixed with fun. We enjoyed many school outings together, particularly M&D’s in Scotland. In 2011 we said goodbye to Cherie, Fainche, Nathan, Stephen and Tiernan. We are very proud of Megan and Kerry who are both accomplished members of the school netball team as well as being part of the Girls’ U.16 team which made it through to the All-Ireland Final in Gaelic football . Equally we are also very proud of David G and Ryan D who were part of the U.16 Gaelic Football team that won the Herald Cup in 2012. Emily and Enya were part of the Senior Dance team which won the Ulster’s in 2012.There are many talented musicians and singers in our class. Emily is part of the Senior Choir and has performed in a number of school musicals; her most recent performance in Les Miserables was wonderful and moving. Clare is both a member of the

Senior Choir and the String Quartet and has performed brilliantly in the Spring Concert. Shauna is a talented member of the Senior Choir and has appeared in school musicals but is also someone who has shown great initiative and generosity of spirit through her yearly organisation of a bun sale to support Comic Relief. David L was an excellent ambassador for the school in Year 11 when he hosted a French student Bertrand, carrying out his duties with his usual cheerfulness, kindness and impeccable manners! I have also enjoyed the ‘early birds’ brigade, who have greeted me each morning with good humour, and great craic, despite being bombarded with booklets to staple or dishes to dry! A special word of thanks to my IT consultant Liam! I will miss you all and wish you every success in your GCSEs. I have no doubt that you will make a marvellous contribution to Post 16 life in St Paul’s or wherever else your career path may take you. Keep in touch - there’s always a cup of tea in RE5! Take Care and God Bless. Mrs Deirdre Graham

Anastasia Ni Riabhaigh

Liam McDonnell

When I first came to this school I was unbearably quiet and irritatingly unsocialable. However, over my five years here I have become more social and have been able to form good relations with almost everyone. I am so happy to have attended St Paul’s as it is the place in which I have gained the majority of my wonderful and brilliantly geeky friends. St Paul’s has offered me many great opportunities such as when I was asked to represent my school at a local council meeting. I was able to ask council members questions about important political issues. I have enjoyed my time here immensely and despite the abundance of homework, I wish to continue my studies here next year.

Looking back at my time at St Paul’s, I feel happy about the progress I’ve made, proud of the things I’ve accomplished and sad at the prospect of saying goodbye to 12/30. During my time at St Paul’s I have discovered and developed new talents and interests, met many unforgettable people and collected lots of memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. Through the ups and downs I’ve always felt at home in St Paul’s; from my nerve-filled first day to the exam pressure right now. I’ve become very involved in some of my GCSE subjects, with a keen interest in Moving Image Arts. I hope to pursue a career in film-making in the future. I think I speak on behalf of all of 12/30 when I say that our time at St Paul’s has been truly unforgettable.

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Class 12/59 Form Teacher

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Mrs Katrina Trainor

Back row: Mrs Katrina Trainor, Cherie Hoey, Mary McCrink, Fainche Evans, Dearbhla Quinn, Louise Kenny, Niamh O’Hara, Ryanne Taylor, Hannah McMenamin Middle row: Shannon Higgins, Dearbhla Wright, Sarah Louise McCaul, Tara O’Hanlon, Anna Carr, Chloe Morgan, Aisling Hughes, Serena McVerry, Leanne McGuinness, Seana Sands Front row: Caoimhe Fergus, Stephen Campbell, Blaise McKnight, Lee Courtney, Nathan Teggart, Shane Carroll, Anita Dennison 12/59 was a new class formed in September 2011. Dominated by females with a variety of personalities it was not long until they bonded well and became a strong unit. The talent of both males and females in the group are varied and really show individual personalities, strong in maturity and dedication to school life and outside interests. I sometimes feel we could have our very own orchestra, choir and ladies football team with the vast involvement of pupils in these areas. It has been a pleasure to be part of your journey in St Paul’s which I hope will continue for all of you. If you decide to move on and further your education elsewhere I have no doubt that you will continue to grow as the person that St Paul’s has helped you to become.

Some of you have had some tough personal challenges during the last two years and I hope you appreciate that your strong will and trust in God has helped you in times of need. For all of you it is important to remember that your future is your responsibility. Life will offer you many opportunities some that will be easy to carry others more a burden. I hope you always have a strong will and determination to make the choice that is best for you. I wish you every success in your GCSEs and hope you have a future filled with well earned rewards and blessings. Mrs Katrina Trainor

Blaise McKnight

Tara O’Hanlon

St Paul’s has offered me so many opportunities including help coach the Year 9 Rugby team, participating in music and travelling to M&Ds in Scotland. I have learnt so many life skills that will definitely help me in the future. I hope to return to St Paul’s to study A’ Levels. I am grateful to all the teachers who have helped me throughout my five years and the friends who have made this an unforgettable experience.

For GSCE I have chosen to study Music, Drama and Art. I have been a member of the SATB choir, Senior Girls Choir and the school orchestra. I was also privileged to take part in the school musical “Les Miserables” as well as saying a poem at the St Paul’s Got Talent Show. Outside of school I have been studying speech and drama for twelve years as well as singing and piano. I hope to continue my education in St Paul’s and my goal is to finish my A’ Levels and become a Speech Therapist.

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Class 12/14 Form Teacher

Mrs Brenda Fegan

Back row: Niamh Cosgrove, Lauren Curphy, Chloe McParland, Shannon McCabe, Amy McShane, Patricia O’Callaghan Middle row: Ryan Diamond, Matthew Larkin, Jenna Tumilty, Bronagh Ryan, Rebecca Quinn, Doireann Hollywood, Caoimhe O’Callaghan, Niall Rodgers, Conor Watters Front row: Cathal Lewis, Brendan Malone, Conor Brennan, Kyle Mallon, Paraic McCafferty, Ryan Hughes, Jason McGuinness Missing from photo: Orlaith Hughes, Victoria Mullen, Matthew Clarke

Unfortunately it has come to the time of the year when I say goodbye to my form class 12/14. You initially began your time in St Paul’s as 08/21 and I took over as your form teacher in Year 10. Following a reshuffle at the end of Year 10, due to subject choices and Key Stage 3 results, the class of 12/14 have been together over the last two years. Life with 12/14 was never dull and along the way there have been many ups and downs. Over the past two years I have watched you grow into mature and confident students. I am very proud of all your achievements, be they in football, hurling, music, drama or indeed your achievements in the classroom. As Year 12 comes to an end you are now focusing on your forthcoming

exams. As you look back over the years you can proudly remember your great fund raising efforts during the Penny Appeal, St Vincent de Paul hampers and other charitable events as well as the school retreats, end of year trips and the many trips together to support our school football teams. For many of you the most memorable day was undoubtedly the visit in Year 10 to M&Ds Theme Park in Scotland. The 5am start was not a problem and the fun and laughter all the way will be etched in your memories forever. I wish you well in the future, I hope you will succeed in your chosen career path and I look forward to seeing many of you returning to Year 13 in September. Mrs Brenda Fegan

Conor Brennan

Rebecca Quinn It really does not seem like five years since we first entered the sports hall to be sorted into our form classes. So much has changed since then and that is just the hair colours! I have so many fond memories of my time in St Paul’s and I hope to make many more. My most memorable experience to date has been taking a leading role in the school production of “Les Miserables”. The dedication and commitment of staff and students working together reflects the spirit of St Paul’s. The hard work paid off during the performances in October. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who is taking exams all of the very best and I hope you all achieve your goals in the future.

I have really enjoyed my five years at St Paul’s. Attending this school has enabled me to grow socially and intellectually and credit for this must go to my year group and the staff at St Paul’s. All of these people have guided me from the very beginning and this has continued through to Year 12. I have made some great friends here in St Paul’s and the school has offered me many great opportunities. For my A’ Levels, I would like to study BTEC Sport and then go to Jordanstown to study Sports Science.

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Class 12/02 Form Teacher

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Mrs Anne Mackin

Back row: Jade Treanor, Ebony Rafferty, Rosie Doyle, Craig McLaughlin, Shea Harper, Tara Byrne, Courtney Loughran, Deirbhile Teggart, Middle row: Aisling Finnegan, Thomas Harris, Sinead Coulter, Nuala McCullough, Derry Kimmins, Caolan O’Connor, Selina Quinn, Mrs Anne Mackin Front row: Conor Larkin, Fergal Connolly, Caolan McConville, Conor Grennan, Cathal Boylan, Denver Cosgrove, Michael McGeoghegan Missing from photo: Paudie McDonald It has been a pleasure and source of joy to have known and worked with my form class 12/02. It is always a surprise how quickly five years pass by and all of a sudden the shy and timid ‘babies’ handed over to you on their first day in St Paul’s become confident, mature young adults. I am happy and feel privileged that I have been part of their journey through school. There have been some wonderful achievements in sport; the boys have done us proud with Caolan McConville and Cathal Boylan who represented the school in the MacRory Cup final in March. Likewise Tara Byrne and Ebony Rafferty play for the U.16 Girls’ football team. They have won the Ulster title and were runners up in the All- Ireland final. We also have recipients of the Gradam Naomh Pól in the class with Aisling Finnegan receiving hers for singing in the Scór, Rosie Doyle for Irish Dancing and Caolan O’Connor for Autograss Racing. The momentum of the class has changed over five years and some pupils have left while others have joined. We were sad to see Rachael Sands move due to

her illness, but she is always top of the list in our morning prayers and we wish her a full recovery. Through the five years what has been consistent is the easy way the class gets on together; their caring and supportive manner, and how they have always been dignified and respectful with each other and towards me. 12/02 are a lovely bunch and I will miss them all! I want to wish them every success in their GCSEs and in the path they take through life beyond St Paul’s. My advice is to work hard, give everything your best shot and then you can have no regrets because you will have done your best! To finish, here is an old Irish blessing for you. ‘May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.’ Mrs Anne Mackin

Courtney Loughran

Caolan McConville

My time in St Paul’s has been the best years of my life. Not only has it opened many doors for me but it has given me the chance to meet the most amazing people with whom I share so many happy memories. I have developed a close network of friends from 12/02 who I hope will remain with me for the rest of my life. I want to thank all my class mates and Mrs Mackin for making my time in St Paul’s enjoyable and rewarding. I also want to thank my subject teachers for their guidance and support throughout the last five years and hope the results in GCSE reflect their hard work and commitment. I wish all Year 12 students the very best of luck in their exams and for the future.

My five years in St Paul’s have been fantastic. I love sport, especially Gaelic football, and it has been my great pleasure to have played for the school every year. The ultimate memory will be the great achievement of reaching the MacRory Cup Final as part of the squad; this has given me great pride in my school and fellow team members. I have made some amazing new friends in St Paul’s and it is my hope to pass all my GCSEs so that I can return and pursue my studies at A’ Level. Being part of the Gaelic team has motivated me to do well in the exams in the hope that I can also continue to represent the school on the football field in Year 13.

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Class 12/24 Form Teacher

Mrs Laura Hollywood

Back row: Shannon Fitzpatrick, Orla Flinnighan, Caroline Kelly, Hannah O’Hanlon, Patrice Finnegan, Niall Canning, Seana Magill Middle row: Mrs Laura Hollywood, Cailum Kearney, Michelle McTaggart, Conor McGuinness, Caoilfhionn MacEoin-Manus, Sean Gribben, Charlotte Gibney, Gavin Coogan Front row: Luke Flynn, Ryan Doran, Shane Cassidy, BJ McCourt, Liam Dodds, Caolan Flanagan, Michael O’Neill, Missing from photo: Ciaran Murphy, Ursula Maguire It’s hard to believe that almost five years have passed since 12/24 first sat in front of me as nervous little first years. It didn’t take them long however to settle in and bond as a group. Morning registration was always full of chat with Ciaran, Gavin and Conor chatting about quads and tractors and Ryan begging them to change the subject! We have had a few changes to the original line-up with Caoilfhionn. Niall, Ursula, Cailum, Sean, Liam and Michael all joining us over the years, but they were all welcomed and fitted in well. We have had some great times over the years with the various trips to the pantomime, ice-skating, AWOL and M&D’s as well as attending numerous football finals to cheer on St Paul’s and on occasion members

of our class, Caolan, Niall and BJ. A lasting memory for me will be our bake sale in Year 11 in aid of the Macmillan Nurses. I was so proud of how everyone pulled together to make it a huge success. The five years haven’t all been plain sailing, but whatever ups and downs we had, we got through them. I am so proud of each and every one of you and it has been a pleasure being your form teacher and getting to know you. I will remember our time with fondness. I wish you all success in whatever path you choose. I will miss the craic! Mrs Laura Hollywood

Niall Canning

Caroline Kelly

I have really enjoyed my five years at St Paul’s as I have met so many new friends here. My most memorable moment here at St Paul’s was winning the Herald Cup last year. I hope to stay on in St Paul’s and then go on to university. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have received at St Paul’s.

I started St Paul’s in September 2008 and from that I have developed many memories and made friends for life. One of the best memories that St Paul’s has given me is my third year trip to M&D’s in Scotland. Another thing I love about St Paul’s is that you get along so well with everyone. I would definitely recommend St Paul’s to anyone considering coming here as it is a great school.

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Class 12/89 Form Teacher

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Mr Paul Caldwell

Back row: Mr Paul Caldwell, Brianne O’Hare, Hannah Carlisle, Chloe Cromie, Margaret McQuaide, Shannon Britton Middle row: Aaron Boyle, Robert Gibney, Paul Quinn, Aaron Blair, Oisin Groom, Gareth O’Neill, Connor Hillen Front row: Gemma Fitzpatrick, Melissa McElherron, Danielle Hughes-Quinn, Shannon Craven, Niamh Flanagan, Claire Phillips, Colleen McVeigh, Emma Loughran Missing from photo: Edvinas Kalisevicius 12/89 and myself began our journey in September 2008 and for the last five years it has been a pleasure to be their form teacher. 12/89 was always a very close knit class with many characters, always being pleasant and co-operative to each other (sharing homeworks at 9am in I.T.3). When Connor, Edvinas, Margaret and Melissa joined the class they were made to feel welcome and all played integral roles in the life of our form class. Dance, Sport and Drama have all played an important part in the lives of the pupils in 12/89. Within the class both the boys and girls have played their part in successful sports teams for St Paul’s and in other extra curricular activities within the school. Over the last five

years all pupils in 12/89 have grown and expanded their own skills and talents and show the qualities needed to succeed in today’s tough world. I would like to wish all pupils from 12/89 health, happiness and success in their future studies or career aspirations. Mr Paul Caldwell

Paul Quinn

Niamh Flanagan I have loved every minute of my last five years here at St Paul’s. All my experiences here have been extraordinary as I have met lots of new people and gained many skills that will hopefully help me achieve a career in Childcare. As long as you do subjects you enjoy, you will succeed! I would like to thank each and every one of my teachers for their help and support over the years, especially my form teacher, Mr Caldwell. Finally I would also like to wish my classmates all the best in the forthcoming exams.

I have been part of St Paul’s for five years and I have enjoyed every bit of it! The highlight of my time in school was winning the Herald Cup in Year 12 and then going on to reach the MacRory Cup final in March. I hope to come back to St Paul’s to do Construction and ICT. I would like to wish all my friends and classmates the best of luck in the future.

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Class 12/55 Form Teacher

Mr Stephen Quinn

Back row: Shauna Higgins, Ronan McGrath, Peter Hughes, Raymond McCann, Mark Short, Joanna Dzik, Mrs Madeline Kerr (Classroom Assistant) Middle row: Conor McGarry, Katie Boylan, Jessica Smith, Beth McLoughlin, Nadine Cooke, Lorna Loughran, Donal Austin Front row: Cormac Montgomery, Shay McLoughlin, Mark Short, Niall Murray, Eoghan Jones, Sean Collins Missing from photo: Meabh King, Sarah Louise McCabe It’s been an honour and a privilege to be form teacher to 12/55. It seems like such a short time ago when we were all approaching our first nervous day in St Paul’s. I remember well the apprehension we all felt as we began our journey in our new surroundings. We pledged to trust, hope and endure and quite soon we were prospering in our new environment. Thankfully we had some fantastic mentors and colleagues to help us along the way as we came to really feel a part of the St Paul’s family. Your behaviour won many plaudits and even in the first few weeks your teachers would pause with me in the corridor to congratulate me on having a ‘lovely’ form class and to tell me how lucky I am. I whole-heartedly agree and wish to thank you all sincerely for always displaying the core values of which we are so proud. Your honesty, friendliness, respect and politeness are well known throughout our school and I’m as proud of you now as I was five years ago. I have enjoyed witnessing you progress and blossom into wonderful young men

and women who will make such a valuable contribution to your communities. You have shown your excellence in academia, sports, drama and in the multitude of charity work in which you’ve participated. I hope you continue to pursue those things and to experience the great feeling of achievement in helping others and in doing your best. Something which has always impressed me is your attitude towards the Irish language. Some of you have continued your studies and will sit GCSE exams. All of you use the cúpla focal you have and it’s a joy to see you proudly display your fáinne airgid on your blazers. Maith sibh! Thanks so much, a bhuachaillí agus a chailíní, for all the fond memories. I couldn’t have wished for a better form class. You’ve been brilliant and I hope you feel supported by Mrs Kerr and I during the past five years. Good luck in all you do, in St Paul’s and beyond. Ádh mór oraibh. Mr Stephen Quinn

Niall Murray

Jessica Smith Throughout my time in St Paul’s I have been given many opportunities. I have taken part in many sporting activities and in Year 8 I got the chance to join the netball team. I have gained many skills throughout my time here such as being punctual, meeting deadlines for homework and being organised. I have had the best five years being a part of St Paul’s and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I hope to stay in St Paul’s for Post-16 as I get to spend another two years in such an incredible school. I’d also like to thank my form teacher Mr Quinn for being the best form teacher and also working with 12/55 as a part of a team and having a lot of patience with us over the years. Thank you!

I started St Paul’s in 2008. The past five years have been very memorable. My class 12/55 have always been together and have got on so well. We have been guided along the five years by Mr Quinn, our form teacher, and Mrs Kerr who has been so supportive and helpful. The subject I have most enjoyed studying in St Paul’s is Business Studies. I hope to stay on and do my A-Levels.

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Class 12/72 Form Teacher

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Mr Emmet McCaffrey

Back row: Ryle O’Hanlon, Matthew Wilson, Calum Murphy, David Lipski, Paul Morgan, David Boyle, Gerard Boyle, Mr Emmett McCaffrey Front row: Eoin Goss, Aaron O’Connor, Lauren Warde, Nicole McTaggart-Keatings, Patrick McNulty, Ryan McParland, Patrick Fearon. It has been a privilege to be form tutor to 12/72 for the past five years. They have made a whole-hearted and unselfish contribution to both the academic and extra curricular life of the school. I know that they were highly thought of by their subject teachers, and many of them have

spoken to me of how fondly they enjoyed lessons with 12/72. They are fine ambassadors for the school and I will miss them. Mr Emmet McCaffrey

Lauren Warde

Matthew Wilson

I first walked into St Paul’s five years ago and I didn’t realise how much I am going to miss it as I am getting ready to leave in June. St Paul’s has given me a great education, a chance to meet new friends and wonderful memories. I would like to continue my education by doing A’ Levels. Thank you to all the staff for all their encouragement and guidance over the years.

I have been here at St Paul’s for five years now and I have really enjoyed my time so far. It has given me a wonderful education and a bright future. I would like to return to St Paul’s after GCSE to study Technology and Design at A’ Level. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my friends the best of luck in their exams.

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Class 12/83 Form Teacher

Mr Stephen Kearney

Back row: Eimear Cooney, James Worsford, Jamie McCartney, Aimee Morgan, Dominic O’Hanlon, Middle row: Shannon Toner, Dean Haughey, Jason Mackin, Beata Ambrozaityte, Ben Mee, Liam Gorman, Conchur Hughes, Mr Stephen Kearney Front row: Kelly-Marie McCourt, Shauna Finnegan, Hannah Hobden, Kirsty McCoy, Katie McArdle Missing from photo: Brian McAllister and Gary Crummy

how they have represented themselves and the entire school in such a positive way, while working in the community. I have no doubt that as they continue to grow and develop they will continue to strive for excellence in whatever they decide to do in life. I wish each and every one of the pupils the very best of luck for the future and hope that they look back on their time in St Paul’s with fond memories. Mr Stephen Kearney

I’ve had the pleasure of having 12/83 as my form class from the beginning of September 2012. Although I did not teach the class this year I have known the majority of the pupils from the last few years. I found all of the students to be mannerly and co-operative in their dealings with both staff and pupils. All of the students have worked to the best of their ability to achieve qualifications that will help them to develop along their chosen career path. I have been particularly impressed by how every single pupil has conducted themselves while on work placement throughout the year. Every pupil can be proud of

Dean Haughey

Aimee Morgan

I have really enjoyed my five years in St Paul’s and can’t believe how quickly the time has passed. My favourite subject in school has always been Home Economics as I’ve always enjoyed cooking at home. I studied Catering at the Southern Regional College for the last two years while attending St Paul’s and hope to pursue a career as a Head Chef in the future. I have made lots of friends in school and I know I will miss the craic with them when I leave!

I’ve had a great time in St Paul’s over the last five years. My favourite subject is C.I.D.A. as I have learnt a lot of new and interesting things about working with different computer packages. I am considering attending the Southern Regional College after Year 12 to study Travel and Tourism. I am fairly certain that I want to become a Travel Agent and maybe one day I can start up my own business. My fondest memory at St Paul’s was the trip to the theme park M & D’s in Scotland in Year 10.

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Class 12/73 Form Teacher

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Mr Patrick Mc Avoy

Back row: Mrs Bea McAleer, Rois-Eireann Bogue, Mark Treanor, Kevin Toner, Seana Doran-Collins, Mr Patrick McAvoy Front row: Conor McClorey, Shane Finnegan, Joshua Norton, Conor McShane Photo Inserts: Michaela McGrath and Sarah Pearce It has been a great pleasure to have been form teacher to Class 12/73. I have found them to be a hardworking, conscientious and pleasant group of young people who always gave their best on all occasions. They have successfully completed a number of courses during their five years at St Paul’s which will be of great benefit to them in the future. All the pupils have participated in a highly structured vocational programme. This involves going to the Southern Regional College one day per week to do work experience. The social,

educational and recreational curriculum is geared entirely towards the world of work and being able to cope with the ever changing demands of our modern society. I wish every member of this group every success for the future and I hope they will use the skills acquired in St Paul’s to follow a successful career. On behalf of all the LSC staff I would like to wish each of you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do in life.

Mark Treanor

Seana Doran-Collins

I have enjoyed my time here in St Paul’s and I have made a lot of great friends. I have also gained many new skills during my work experience and at the Southern Regional College. I especially enjoyed my course in ICT at the SRC. I would like to thank everyone at St Paul’s for all their help and guidance over the past five years.

I can’t believe it’s been five years since I started in St Paul’s! I was a member of the LSC Choir for three years and we won many competitions. I have had so much fun here and made lots of friends and great memories. I really enjoyed working with my teachers and classroom assistants who helped me during my time here. I would like to wish everyone in my class all the best for the future.

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Steps Programme Project Manager

Mrs Bernadette Rocks

Link Teacher

Mr Martin Canavan

We currently have sixteen pupils attending the STEPS Programme in Training for Business. Although these pupils leave St Paul’s each morning to attend the Programme they remain very much “our “pupils and an integral part of the Vocational Department. The pupils study a range of subjects which are designed to give them both practical experience and recognised qualifications, usually in their chosen field. The Programme is adapted on a personal level for each individual pupil in order that they fulfil their potential in an area which interests them and which they may wish to pursue as a possible career. The STEPS Programme is adapted to assist each student to develop the attitude and skills necessary to

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(St Paul’s High School)

maintain lifelong learning, including the capacity to work independently. The students are given the opportunity to work towards the achievement of relevant qualifications such as CCEA Occupational Studies in Bricklaying, Motor Vehicle Repair and Joinery. The students who followed courses this year are: Shannon Bennett, Nat Boswell, Ronan Crilly, Matthew Donaghy, Ivan Hawthorne, Martin Horsfall, Cormac Loughran, Conor Lynch, Aaron McGivern, Ryan McGuinness, Shane McKeown, Seana McShane, Christopher O’Callaghan, Conchur O’Hare, Nathan O’Shea and Dylan Stanley.


St Paul’s Ski Trip 2013

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A school ski trip is a fantastic opportunity for children to experience an activity holiday, learning new skills and independence from parents. Most importantly it inspires a sense of challenge, achievement and opportunity to succeed. In February 2013 a group of 29 Year 9 and Year 10 students took to the slopes in La Polsa, Italy along with Mrs Elaine Cahill, Miss Marion McNamee, Mr Stephen Quinn and Mrs Carmel Hearty. The group spent a week in the Italian resort learning how to ski and enjoying the fantastic snow and après ski that was on offer. Below is a round-up of the week’s activities from two of the students, Ronan Larkin from class 10-63 and Sorcha Hughes from class 09-38.

Ski Trip 2013

By Ronan Larkin & Sorcha Hughes

The school Ski trip in St Paul’s took us to Italy this year. We travelled from Belfast to Verona and then on to our hotel, La Betulla, in the ski resort of La Polsa. We were there for a week with six days of skiing. Everyday is very busy when you are skiing as lessons started early,and breakfast was at 7.10am. It was hard getting up but to make our ski lessons at 9am we had to be up and out early. For the first day it’s really hard to get used to the skiing but as you go through the week you begin to feel like a professional. By Wednesday we were skiing down the ski slopes with ease. We all went down the red and blue slopes and we even got to ski to the neighbouring village of San Valentino. On Friday we had a big race for everyone in our group with a presentation that evening from our instructors for the fastest person in each group. Alannah O’Grady was the fastest overall. Cillín Smyth and Dara McAteer were crowned king and queen of the slopes, as the best skiers over the week. The hotel was small but inside it was full of buzz. We had plenty of activities for après ski including a quiz

night, Mardi-Gras, dancing, movie night and a disco. We also had a few activities outside the hotel including a snow walk and ice-skating. The hot chocolate in the mountain cabin during the snow walk was especially lovely. On the last day on our way back to the airport we stopped in Verona for a couple of hours. It is a beautiful historic city associated with Romeo and Juliet. We got to see the arena, Juliet’s balcony and do a bit of shopping. Then it was back to the airport to fly home! Our top five reasons for giving the school ski trip a go: • Getting to see the teachers fall over and over again! • Meeting new people and making friends • Getting to taste real Italian pizza – delicious! • Scenery was breathtaking • Learning to ski and going down the steep slopes as fast as you could.

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Individual Achievers

Emily Shields

Maeve Robb Year 8

Sean McGenity

Pictured above is Principal Mr Oliver Mooney, offering his congratulations to student Emily Shields, who represented An Mullach Bán and won first place in the solo singing competition at the Ulster Scór na nÓg finals that were held in Derry recently. Emily also played the part of Eponine in the school musical “Les Miserables” in October 2012.

Congratulations to Year 8 pupil Maeve Robb who won two gold medals when she competed in a Special Olympics Equestrian Event in Coleraine on Thursday 11th April. Rois Eireann Bogue, a Year 12 pupil was awarded a silver medal at the same event. The two girls have trained very hard at Wendy’s Equestrian Centre for the past few months in preparation for the event.

Sean McGenity has recently become Mid-Ulster and Ulster Boxing Champion. He now goes on to compete in the All-Ireland Boxing Championships and we wish him the best of luck.

Odhrán Toal

Ronan McGuinness Gareth O’Connor

12/30

Year 8

Year 8 pupil Odhrán Toal was congratulated by Mr Mooney after his recent success at the Taekwondo Championships. Odhrán overcame five people in his group to win a Gold medal in Patterns, and he also defeated four people in a sparring contest to again win Gold. He is a great inspiration to all our pupils at St Paul’s as he continues to strive to be the best in his age group.

Year 9 Year 8

Year 8 pupil, Gareth O’Connor and Year 9 pupil, Ronan McGuinness, have recently competed in the 43rd World Irish Dancing Completion 2013 in Belfast. Gareth won two gold medals and Ronan won three gold’s, two silvers and a bronze. They are extremely talented and we wish them every success in future competitions.

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Year 8


St Paul’s Has Got Talent 2013

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The staff and students of St Paul’s performed to a packed house in aid of St Paul’s International Projects. A capacity crowd were entertained by students and staff who danced, sang, drummed, strummed, recited and whistled their way through the night. All year groups were represented among the acts and the audience added to the success of the night through their encouragement and responses. A total of £2,851.80 was raised through this event, all of which will go directly to the orphanages, schools, clinics, hospitals that the staff and pupils will have the privilege of visiting during this years International Projects. The Staff Novelty Act went down a storm as they performed on stage to Tina Turner and Gangham Style. The entire audience responded as the teachers took to the floor and danced their way down through the hall.

Pictured above are Year 14 pupils Maeve Morgan and Shane Fegan, who won the International Projects fundraiser ’St Paul’s has got Talent’.

The final aspect of the ‘talent show with a difference’ was the contribution of Kevin Kearney who did a brilliant Elvis routine and got the crowd on their feet, out of their seats and on to the stage to jive the evening to a close.

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Aid Mission to Romania 2012

I can honestly say going to Romania has been the best experience of my life to date. I can safely say on behalf of the entire group that the memory of this week will stay with us for the rest of our lives. It made us appreciate our own lives a bit more as we saw children getting on with life in harrowing circumstances. We got the opportunity to care for and help orphans, the elderly and adults with special needs, although nothing could have prepared us for what we witnessed. We all adapted to our surroundings quickly and got involved with all the activities. We also had a bit of free time and mostly spent it bum boarding, eating pot noodles and pulling pranks on Mr McCaffrey. Here are some of the pictures of our fantastic time in Romania in 2012! Niamh Rooney Year 14

Romania is always a special experience, but it is even better when the students are members of my Year Group as it enables me to get to know them better. The trip to Romania 2012 was the best out of the ten times I have been there! All of you entered into the spirit of what the trip is all about. You really took your roles seriously in all the places you visited and never once were put off by the people you met, no matter what their living conditions or behaviour towards you was. That is a great quality to have, to be non-judgemental and accept people at face value. Try your best to retain that quality as you go through life, as it will serve you well. However, as has become customary, the memories of Romania go beyond the places we visit and the people we meet. When any of us think back to February 2012 it is hard not to still remember Shane Fegan strumming on his guitar at every available opportunity or Christopher Lynch trying to make a move on the Lisburn girls – you’re a ‘credit to your Parish’ Christopher! Romania 2012 can also be held responsible for the Niamh Rooney and Matthew Campbell relationship that has blossomed and introducing many of us to Nathan Carter. However, one of the biggest achievements of this trip may well have been that we actually got Greg McCabe to smile! My final word to all who attended this trip is ‘you are all a credit to your Parishes and of course St Paul’s’. Mrs Christine Fearon, Year Head

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Shared Education Programme Year 8 pupils from both St Paul’s and Newtownhamilton High School met recently to discuss the work they have done to date on their joint patchwork quilt project. The children spoke freely about their patches and everyone gained a real insight into the similarities of each others cultures. Both schools shared in swapping patches of each others work, and both sets of pupils realised that it can be difficult to give up things that are precious to us, but in order to get two quilts, students from both schools needed to sacrifice their patch so they could be combined together to become a quilt. The students from both schools met up again in December to see the wonderful final quilt that has been produced from their patches. This year sees the end of a three year programme where St Paul’s were involved in a whole range of activities with a number of local Primary and Secondary schools. Below are some photos highlighting some of the activities.

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Volunteering in St Paul’s Excellence in Volunteering Award

Lourdes

Pictured left are members of the Year 14 volunteering group who were awarded Joint 1st Place in the finals of the ‘Southern Health Excellence in Volunteering’ Awards. Mrs Siobhan Kearney, Careers Dept and Mrs Imelda McPolin nominated, organised and contributed greatly to the successful event. These pupils have been volunteering with the Southern Health Trust in a variety of settings such as hospitals and nursing homes over the past year and also during the summer months. They represented St Paul’s at the awards ceremony on the 5th December in the Craigavon Civic Centre. A film crew visited the school recently and they carried out some filming with the girls which was shown during the ceremony. The following are members of the Year 14 volunteering group. Orlagh Feehan, Catherine McElvanna, Andrea Shannon, Emma Hetherington, Dara Quinn, Sabrina Zerai, Emer O’Reilly, Natasha McCabe, Rachel Kane, Cliodhna Treanor, Catriona Gallogly, Marie Claire Crilly.

John Paul II Awards

Pictured with Cardinal Sean Brady, Dean Colum Curry and Mrs Deirdre Graham from the Religion department are the Year 14 pupils who received their medals at the John Paul II Awards Ceremony in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh on April 15th. Congratulations go to Aislinn Lonergan, Emer O’Reilly, Charlotte Hillen, Dara Quinn, David Craven, Orlagh Flynn and Cliodhna Treanor.

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Les Miserables …”One More day” The students of St Paul’s staged the longest running west-end musical “Les Miserables” back in October 2012. It was deemed a triumph by all who attended, with standing ovations and full houses every night. ‘‘the amount of hard work and dedication shown by all students involved in the production of Les Miserables was astounding.’’ Mr Colm Murphy, Head of Music “Les Miserables was a fantastic achievement by a talented, committed, enthusiastic cast. The epitome of St Paul’s High School, and an artistic director’s dream come true”! Ms Pauline Lynch, Head of Drama

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A Musical year in St Paul’s St Paul’s Drummers create history in Parliament Buildings On Thursday 17 January, St Paul’s Ethnic Percussion Group was invited to perform in Stormont and were given the privilege of performing in two Chambers. This is the first percussion group that has ever been given the opportunity to perform in the room that the Assembly is held. A word of thanks must go to Megan Fearon and Barry McElduff for the great day at Stormont and the opportunity to perform.

Feis Success “An extremely polished and enjoyable performance” and “a very musical performance”, were among some of the many compliments heaped upon the huge number of talented students from St Paul’s High School that participated in Warrenpoint Musical Feis over the last number of days. The choirs represented the school successfully with the Senior Girls’ Choir getting first place, beating the Junior Girls’ choir who received second place in the same competition, which was still a great achievement none the less. As well as that, three string ensembles received first prize in each of their separate competitions. On Sunday night the traditional group narrowly missed out on the top prize, receiving second place despite their superb performance, and we should be proud of them as always. Furthermore, four separate groups of Ethnic Percussion presented in the percussion ensemble category, two of which were placed 1st and 2nd place in a very keenly fought competition. Finally, to round off this huge set of achievements, the LSC choir was outstanding as usual, receiving a very well deserved first place in their competition. These results are clear evidence of the hard-work and dedication put in by all students, and especially the teachers in our music department in school.

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St Paul’s School Formal 2012 The annual school formal took place on Friday 7th September 2012 in the Carrickdale Hotel. The evening was a great success due to the large numbers of pupils, past pupils and staff in attendance. The hosts, Afreen Ahmed and Ciaron O’Hanlon, welcomed everyone and thanked those involved in the organisation of such an important night in the school calendar. The title of Prom Queen went to Ellen Boylan and the Prom King was Francis Ward. Formal Commitee Sinead McKenna, Orlagh Flynn, Dara Quinn, Louis Doyle, Lauren Fox, Maeve Morgan, Conor Sloan, Thomas Cassidy, Courtney Conlon, Colleen McAleer, Jessica Daly, Katie McManus, Michael Hastewell, Ellen Boylan, Shane Fegan, Afreen Ahmed and Ciaron O’Hanlon.

Awards 2012 Geographer of the Year

Christopher Lynch

Dad of the Year

Johnny McNulty

One-way ticket to the nunnery

Shauna Bennett

Wanna Be Btec Teacher

Patrick Murphy

Best Blow-In

Danny Wright

Bromance Award

Conor Rodgers and

Conor Donnelly

Most Likely to be Deported

Orlaith O’Reilly

Jersey Hugger of the Year

Jessica Daly

Traveller of the Year

Ciarrai McMullan

Pop Idol Award

Aaron Lynch

Babysitter Award

Jamie Murphy

Simply the Best Award

Anne-Marie Ward

Bebo Stunner Award

Andrea Shannon

Tantastic Award

Gareth Carville

Couple of the Year

Thomas Cassidy and

Saoirse Gregory

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Prom Queen Prom King

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Ellen Boylan Francis Ward


St Paul’s Trip to Kenya

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Conor Sloan “ Kenya was a truly great experience as we were introduced to a different culture but more importantly we were able to also make a difference to the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves. It gave us a real sense of achievement as we watched the smiles on the faces of the children as we handed them sweets and stationery. I really would love to return to Kenya in the near future.” Ciarrai McMullan “We visited some of the HIV clinics, orphanages and secondary schools in Kenya. Visiting the orphanages gave me a real eye opener as I now would like to pursue a career in social work to help disadvantaged children, either at home or abroad.”

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Class 14/12 Form Teacher

Ms Karina Traynor

Back row: Ms Karina Traynor, Sabrina Zerai, Nikki McKeown, Matthew Campbell, Oisin Murphy, Darren Davidson, Rhia McCullough, Maeve Morgan, Catriona Gallogly Front row: Charlotte Hillen, Rachel Kane, Niamh Rooney, Megan McParland, Chloe Mallon, Amy Crilly, Clare Kennon, Emma Hetherington Missing from photo: Cliodhna Doherty, Sarah McGrath, Jodie Mullen, Louis Doyle, Jarlath O’Reilly Wilde was quoted as saying “Be yourself; everyone else is taken”. I trust that they will always be proud of who they are and never be ashamed to show it. I hope that they will look back at their time in St Paul’s with happy memories and that they will always feel a part of the St Paul’s Community. Remember “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” (Dr Seuss).

I have only had the pleasure of knowing 14/12 for the last two years as their form teacher. It has been lovely to come into school every morning to meet a group of students who have always been happy, lively and just a little noisy. The class has a healthy balance of characters and quietly confident individuals. Several members of the class were in the very successful “Les Miserables” school musical this year and I was very proud of them. In life however, it is important that they are true to themselves. Oscar

I wish them every happiness and success in their future lives. Ms Karina Traynor

Matthew Campbell

St Joseph’s HS, Newry

Hello, I’m Matthew, more commonly known as Matty, a noble knight of the shire and member of the landed gentry. As you all know my time in St Paul’s was brief so I am flummoxed as to what to write. I would like to start by thanking all my teachers and peers for helping me to settle in especially my squire Sean Mooney and my maiden Niamh Rooney, cheers lads. Though my heart may be pure and my deed knightly, I indulged myself in new realms of learning feeding off some of the great scholars of old like Sir Emmet McCaffrey. When I leave I hope to study history and follow in the steps of this great intellectual. I shall now pursue my great adventure into the forest that is this earthly world. Perhaps someday I shall return when my quest has ended. A few of my greatest memories in St Paul’s are; Berlin, Romania and the rising orchestrated by the SPP, led by Dean and Louis and of course, in the famous words of P. Valery, “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.” On to university now, bye bye.

Amy Crilly Cloughoge PS As my time in St Paul’s draws to an end, I can safely say I have thoroughly enjoyed my seven years in school. I have met so many amazing people both students and teachers. I have so many memories from my time in St Paul’s, from Cliodhna getting caught in a cyclone of leaves and freaking out and Mrs Campbell randomly breaking out in snazzy dance moves and singing along to Jessie J’s Price Tag in fifth year! They will forever be some of the funniest memories of St Paul’s. And who could forget Rachel’s love and heartbreak over Simon and the endless laughing fits every Monday and Thursday in the library with Smurf and Rasha... RAOUL. I will also never forget the day Emp told everyone he was leaving. I never actually thought he would leave! At GCSE I won the Endeavour Award for French, which I’m pretty sure was only given to me because they felt sorry for me and how bad I was at French! I hope to go Queen’s or Magee to study Mental Health Nursing. I wish you all the luck in the world except for those who attacked me because of my OCD! Ha-ha. Toodles!

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Class 14/12

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Darren Davidson

St Malachy’s PS, Newtownhamilton

I am a member of the senior mixed choir and have been since 6th year. I recently took part in the school production of Les Miserables which was much better than I had expected it to be. Although I don’t study A-Level Music, I tend to spend the majority of my time in the department. I have a great interest in music and I sing in a music group with my friend. I have a part-time job as a barman in my local area. After I leave St Paul’s I would like to gain experience in Volunteering and Youth Work as this is the career path I wish to follow.

Cliodhna Doherty

St Patrick’s PS, Newry

I have met some good friends along the way in St Paul’s; most of them are wired to the moon namely Rhia McCullough aka Ginger Paddy and also Sabrina Zerai. They are possibly two of the funniest people I have ever met. I took part in the fundraising for the international projects in Killeavy. I hope to go on and study Art at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown and live in Belfast with Rhia and Niamh. If it is anything like the nights out we have had so far it’s going to be an interesting three years. I hope everyone does well in their exams even if half our year does BTec Sport!

Louis Doyle

Cloughoge PS

Hi I’m Louis Doyle and in the words of Ron Burgundy “I’m very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.” However, please disregard this picture of me as this is not a true representation of my great looks. Sorry Gals! Firstly I would like to wish Paddy Murphy a big happy birthday? He’ll be coming 30 next Thursday, at this rate. My time in St Paul’s has most definitely not been “mingsy dingsy”. Firstly Berlin was most definitely a 9.4 out of 10.00. The formal as everyone knows was a brilliant night! However it was the priceless moments like Danny Wright’s Monday morning adventures in the canteen, whether it was his eyebrows or his hair, he would rarely let us down. I now intend to go to Jordanstown to study a course in Communication but I’m not to sure if I can learn much more about this art. Mr McCaff keep the faith with Russia today, the audacity of your lectures reminds me of the powers of plenipotentiary that Mathew Campbell and Dean McClorey so obviously have gained from your Political Tricks.

Catriona Gallogly

St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly

It’s hard to believe how quickly our seven years has passed and we are finally leaving St Paul’s. My time in St Paul’s has been very enjoyable but that’s not to say that it hasn’t had its ups and downs. I have had many memorable moments in St Paul’s from the trip to Berlin (p.s. Mr Mc Ardle, Sinead won the times table competition), to the very detailed PowerPoint’s in AS Home Economics and Michelle’s wonderful colouring in. There has never been a dull moment, to say the least! When I leave St Paul’s I hope to go to Queen’s to study History and Theology. My wish for the future is that everyone achieves their goals and that we stay in touch. Remember Anne-Marie and Orlagh, Cathal’s famous quote; “Don’t cry because it’s over smile because it happened”

Emma Hetherington

Cloughoge PS

During my time in St Paul’s I played for the Gaelic team in first year. I also played Gaelic for Killeavy for about six years, we didn’t win much but it was good craic! This year I helped the Abbey CBS with a fundraiser for their Zambian Project. It was an Irish dancing competition called “Jigs and Reels” and it was so funny dressing up as Abba! I also was part of a team of volunteers from St Paul’s who won an Excellence Award for Volunteering, coming Joint 1st on our first attempt. My formal in September was amazing; best night out I’ve had yet. I don’t think it’ll ever be beaten! In Year 12 I was also selected to take part in the Swedish Exchange programme. It was the best experience I’ve had during my time in St Paul’s and I was paired with a student in Sweden who came over here in March 2011. We went to Sweden in September 2012 and it was amazing to see the differences in our cultures. When I leave St Paul’s I hope to go to Magee to study Nursing or if I don’t get in this year, take a gap year to Australia. I also hope to move to Australia when I get my degree. My hope for the future would be to become a midwife and live in a foreign country. I also hope to keep it touch with all my friends

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Form Teacher

Charlotte Hillen

Ms Karina Traynor

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

It’s hard to believe that seven years are nearly over and we will have to be leaving for university (hopefully) next year. I’ve had so many great memories in this school from the music trips and competitions to going to Berlin with the school history department. Part of the reason why I have had so many good times is because of the music department where I practically lived when I was free. I have been a member of the Girls’ Choir, SATB Choir and African Drumming Group for most of my time in St Pauls. I also couldn’t have got through my seven years of school without teachers like Mr Murphy, Mr Slane and Mr McArdle who did so much work to get us the grades we wanted. I hope to go next year to Queen’s to study Politics and I wish everyone the best of luck in the future.

Rachel Kane

St Joseph’s PS, Newry

It’s hard to believe that my seven years in St Paul’s are coming to an end. I would be lying if I said I enjoyed every minute of school but the main thing is I enjoyed the majority of it! I am leaving with some amazing friendships and incredible memories. I’ll never forget the Year 14 formal, the English trip to London in Year 9 and Nikki and Tasha somehow managing to drop me on my head during a fire drill! Also the countless trips to the shop with Sarah and the priceless conversations and laughing fits with Amy, Sarah and Tasha at the back of the library. Not to mention the famous quote from one of my teachers; “Rachel Kane tries so hard, yet achieves so little” – words of encouragement! There is no doubt that Year 14 has been one of the most stressful but enjoyable years of my time in St Paul’s. My plans for the future are to pass my A’ Levels and go to university to study Psychology or Criminology. I wish everyone the best of luck and happiness wherever they end up in life.

Clare Kennon

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

For the past seven years I have made great friends and memories here in St Paul’s. I have been a mentor to our Year 8 pupils during my time here and I really enjoyed that experience. I was part of the cast of “Les Miserables” and it played to full houses every night. My wish for the future is to go on to university to study Law. I hope to stay in contact with all the friends I have made in St Paul’s, especially my best friend Sabrina!

Chloe Mallon

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

I never thought I’d be saying this about school but looking back I really have loved my seven years at St Paul’s. I have met some amazing people and loved being part of our year group. I have been involved with the Music department since Year 8, competing in many competitions all over the country. In Year 10 I had the opportunity to travel to Rome with the school choir and it was a wonderful experience. My most memorable moment would have to be the week I spent in Romania. Not only was it brilliant craic but it was a life-changing experience that made me realise how good we have it here! Next year I hope to go to university to study English. After this I would love to travel and be able to teach English in different countries all over the world. Good luck to everyone next year and all best for the future.

Rhia McCullough

Sacred Heart GS, Newry

Throughout my two years at St Paul’s I have met some unusual people, who are clearly wired! No names at this point! I used to be POSH until my mates turned me. I am sound now though (well I think so anyway.) My most memorable moment? Too many, where to start? Most can’t be written down here. I have high hopes for the future as my aim is to go far in life and if this past two years is anything to go by I’ll not be going too far. I really would like to go to Queen’s to study Geography, live in Belfast, do the buck ski and hopefully come out with a degree and my dignity at the end. #onelifeoneschool #fake

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Class 14/12 Sarah McGrath

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

Over the past seven years in St Paul’s I have discovered avoiding PE teachers is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. One of my favourite memories of St Paul’s was the trip to Berlin, which included a massive snowball fight and the invention of a graffiti game. The seven years at St Paul’s have pushed me towards a career path involving either History or English Literature. Over the past two years I have made a group of memorable friends . Advice; stay away from the hipsters.

Nikki McKeown

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

My seven years in St Paul’s have gone too fast! My time here has reached far beyond my expectations and has been full of ups, downs but mostly great memories. The history trip to Berlin was definitely one of my highlights and couldn’t have been made possible without Paddy Murphy and his trips to Kaiser Wilhelm’s for Fanta and Nachos. The seventh year formal was another memorable experience. At the end of my A ‘Levels I hope to go on to either study History at Queens or Liberal Arts in St Mary’s. Think it’s safe to say my time at St Paul’s would never have been the same without Niamh Rooney, Laura Mc Guinness or Joanne Mc Anulty, thanks for the memories goos!

Megan McParland

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

After seven very short but busy years my time at St Paul’s has finally come to an end. Although it will be sad to say goodbye, the wonderful experiences and memories will never be forgotten. It seems like only yesterday that I was in Year 8! I have learnt so much more about myself as an individual and my capabilities. Although it was hard work there was still time to have a laugh and mess about with my mates (I’m talking about you two Catherine and Marie-Clare!). My most memorable experience within St Paul’s has to be the Year 14 formal - best night of my life so far! It was great to see everyone looking so well. My plan for the future is to pass my A-levels and get the grades needed to do the course I want. I hope to go on to study Consumer Studies in the University of Ulster. Before I end this little speech I would like to thank my teachers for the great support they have given me over the years, it was greatly appreciated. My wish for the future is to lead a healthy, happy and rewarding life. I would also like to wish my close friends the best of luck! My advice to you all “reach for the moon, even if you miss you’ll still land amongst the stars” nothing is impossible and it is important to remember that. Now, let the partying begin!

Maeve Morgan

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

My time at St Paul’s has been one, if not the best experience of my life so far. I have met some of my best friends here and through singing in the choir and performing in school shows, I’ve made some pretty unforgettable moments; Rome 2008, London 2009, Romania 2012, oh my goodness – they were all mental! I hope to go to university in September to study Drama, Applied Theatre and Education at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. I don’t want to grow up… ever and have to leave the crew but I just hope everybody gets to do what they want and go where they want in life. I will miss everybody so much!! Don’t do this to me! #PeterPanLifePlease? PS. I AM gossip girl, Xoxo, you know you love me. Mama Ginger is OUTTA HERE.

Oisin Murphy

Bunscoil An Iuir

Dia Daoibh lads! I would say that my fondest memories of St Paul’s would have to be the long hours of grafting and hard work. I am known throughout the school as a natural hard worker and a bit of a book worm. However there have been times when I have reluctantly taken a few breaks. Playing for the Mac Rory Cup was a dream come true and I would advise all the youngsters in St Paul’s to get involved with the school musicals. I plan to either become an Astronaut or a billionaire, whatever comes with the least hassle. Slán

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Class 14/12 Jarlath O’Reilly

St Joseph’s HS, Newry

Since coming to St Paul’s two years ago from St Joseph’s in Newry I have experienced a very memorable time. I was a member of the MacLarnon and All Ireland B Colleges winning team and the hugely successful MacRory Cup team. I also took part in the “flash mob” dance at the recent St Paul’s Got Talent show. I mimed to Eminen’s “Loose Yourself”. I have had two really enjoyable years here at St Paul’s and would recommend the school to all Year 12s from different schools who want to study A’ Levels. I would like to go to St Mary’s to study Liberal Arts and eventually become a teacher. I wish everyone the best of luck as we leave St Paul’s to continue our journey through life.

Niamh Rooney

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

It is hard to believe my time in St Paul’s is coming to an end! It seems like only yesterday I was living it up in second year with the 9-93 Gods (add us on bebo). My choice of friends might not have been the best but here, we’ll not worry. St Paul’s has brought many experiences, the most memorable being Romania, which has been the best week of my life to date! Berlin wasn’t far behind. I’d like to thank the music department for providing me with memories I will never forget; Alton towers and of course Murfs tie sticking to his head spring to mind. I enjoyed being a part of the two choirs and the African drums. I also participated in the schools productions of ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ each of which were absolutely hilarious thanks to Sabrina Zerai. I hope to go to Queen’s to study History or to St Mary’s to become a teacher. Finally to my friends, Thatchy McKeown, Pingu and Joanne, cheers lads you aren’t the worst! And to my stalker Matthew Campbell... Head on!

Sabrina Zerai Cloughoge PS Wow..I can’t believe it is my last year in St Paul’s already, how time flies! I have had so many amazing memories in St Paul’s and one of the best was the school formal. I have to say it was an amazing night. I have been involved in many school productions. My favourite was “Fiddler on the Roof” and I was lucky enough to get the lead part. I was also a member of the school dance team that won numerous Northern Ireland Dance Championships. My goal when I leave St Paul’s is to go to Queen’s and hopefully become a Nurse. I have made many amazing friends especially my best friend, Clare Kennon. She is like a little sister to me and I hope we stay in touch. I hope everyone becomes what they hope to be and I wish everyone the best of luck for the future!

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Class 14/37 Form Teacher

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Mr Martin O’Rourke

Back row: Conor Nugent, Fionnan Burns, Aodhan Quinn, Conal McCavitt, Ciaron O’Hanlon, Sean Mooney Middle row: Mr Martin O’Rourke, Jessica Daly, Gregory McCabe, Eoghan Burns, Conor McCreesh, Daniel Nugent, Jordan King, Katie McManus Front row: Shauna Bennett, Claudine Loughran, Aodhan Conlon, Niall Cromie, Daniel Lewis, Kathy Toal, Orla Magennis Missing from photo: Sean McDonnell

It has been an absolute pleasure to have been 14/37’s form teacher over the past two years and watch them develop into friendly, polite and hardworking young adults. I have known most of the students from first year and over the years I have formed a close bond with quite a few of them and was extremely happy to have gained them as my form class. I have experienced many ups and downs with many of the boys in the sporting arena and these experiences have certainly impacted on my life both as a teacher and as a person and are memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Shauna Bennett

I have only come to know the girls since they joined my form class and they have been nothing but hardworking and cooperative and successful in their own right through their studies and ventures into Gaelic football and netball. I sincerely wish this group the very best in whatever path they choose to follow next and know that they will be successful in all of their endeavours. The door at PE1 will always be open for them to return if ever they need our guidance. Mr Martin O’Rourke

Cloughoge PS

Well mates, my last seven years in St Paul’s has been eventful to say the least and like everyone I have had my ups and my downs. But sure it’s all a bit of craic at the end of the day. Over the years I have literally been stuck in everything but the crib, I wouldn’t even know where to start with it. The memories I have will stick with me for the rest of my life along with the friends I have made. Never did I think I was going to stay on but sure look at me now I’m in my second year doing BTec, the real reason I stayed on though is because I was just afraid of missing out on all the gossip and the craic #nosey. One of my most memorable moments would be the Year 14 “flash mob”, having to stand in front of all those people and start it off by singing “rock me mama like a wagon wheel”, me as tone deaf as ever but sure it’s all a laugh. Well that’s my seven years in St Paul’s in a couple of lines and what I have learnt is to take life as it comes and party on. Roll on Malia 2013. I would like to be a bus driver when I grow up!

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Class 14/37 Eoghan Burns

St Mary’s PS, Mullaghbawn

I have enjoyed my seven years in St Paul’s and have made many life long friends. I am currently studying BTec Sport. The highlight off my time at St Paul’s has been winning both the Ulster MacLarnon Cup and All Ireland Noonan Cup in Year 13 as well as the Mac Cormack Cup and runners up in the MacRory Cup in Year 14. I have really enjoyed being a part of the MacRory Cup team #BTecArmy. One of my highlights has been the manslaughter / training that Mr O’Rourke and Mr Rafferty have dished out over this past three years on the U.18 team. I will cherish the memories of my class mates especially Paddy, the bull, Murphy in Killowen and Gregory McCabe with his one line wonders. I hope to go on to third level education next year to study Sports and live the life in the Holylands. #NaomhPolAbu!

Fionnan Burns

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

My seven years at St Paul’s have been great craic! I have made lots of life-long friends who I will stay in contact with for years to come including Paddy Murphy. My most enjoyable moments are when I put on the school jersey because we have won lots of silverware over the years. I am currently studying BTec Sport which has been very challenging to say the least with all the tests we have to do but with the help of Niall Cromie, I have managed to get through them! I am hoping to go on to St Mary’s to play football and possibly study something while I’m there! I hope that all my fellow students go on to do great things in the future. Any finally to my form teacher Mr O’Rourke (#BTecArmy) thanks in advance for making sure I pass the BTec course!

Aodhan Conlon

St Joseph’s HS, Crossmaglen

I am studying for my BTec National Diploma in Sport at St Paul’s. I was a member of the Ulster and All-Ireland Winning team of 2012. I am a member of Cullyhanna Minor, U.21 and Senior squad and I also play for Armagh Minors. I also have an interest in soccer and I played for Derry City Football Club U19s in 2012. My most memorable moment in St Paul’s was when we won both the Ulster MacLarnon cup and the All-Ireland in Gaelic football. When I leave St Paul’s my wish is to pursue a career in Football Business and Media, this course is the only course of its kind and it is taught within Burnley Football Club. I would like to wish my friends all the best in the future and I hope that they achieve the career of their choice. I have made some great friends at St Paul’s and I hope that in the future I will be able to keep in contact with them.

Niall Cromie Killean PS Well, Bora Kid here! I thoroughly enjoyed my four weeks of Year 14 and as you see I am still snowed in! I had a blast with all my friends including Cormac! I want to go on to the SRC to do Sports Studies – if I get on the course. I would like to wish all my friends the best of luck for the future. Finally, girls…I don’t know if I have ever mentioned this before…but I have a Blue Bora!

Jessica Daly Dromintee PS Throughout my time here in St Paul’s I have made a lot of great memories and loads of great friends. Football has been a great part of my life and I was proud to have been part of the Ladies U19 Gaelic football team who got through to the All-Ireland final in 2010. I am also really happy to be part of the BTec Army, I mean class, and I would like to wish everyone in Year 14 all they best as they head to university. I would also like to continue my studies at university and eventually become a teacher.

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Class 14/37 Jordan King

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat

Throughout my seven years at St Paul’s I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and have lots of great memories; from going to Liverpool with the soccer team to “walking the corridors” with S Mooney #BTEC. I have made lots of great friends and one of them is Niall Cromie. Everyone knows him because he drives a blue Bora. #borakid. I feel that St Paul’s is one of the best schools, if not the best and the seven years have been the best ever! I hope to go on to study Business Studies at Jordanstown. As Sean Mooney would say “Never stop believing in yourself and enjoy what lies ahead” .#dontstopbelieving and #goodmanmooney.

Daniel Lewis

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

I am a Senior Prefect and have been a member of the Gaelic football team since Year 8 at St Paul’s. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here studying the highest regarded A ’Level course, BTec Sport. My most memorable time was winning the MacLarnon and Noonan Cup in Year 13. I am also a member of the Mac Rory Cup team and have enjoyed most of the training sessions. I hope to go on to study Liberal Arts in PE at St Mary’s in Belfast. I would like to wish everyone all the best in whatever they choose to do.

Claudine Loughran

St Patrick’s PS, Cullyhanna

During my time in St Paul’s I have played netball since first year. My coach Mrs O’Hare-Armstrong and I have had our ins and outs but we keep each other going! At training and matches the team all have good craic! We still hold her to this day about buying us Mc Donald’s. I think she just does not want to spend a bit of money on us. This shows how much she loves us..! LIES! I have really enjoyed my time here at St Paul’s. I am dreading leaving as it’s an amazing school and the craic is ninety. Also during my time in St Paul’s I have played the African Drums and this was a brilliant experience. I have played the drums since I was in primary seven. When I leave St Paul’s I hope to continue my studies by taking my BTec National Diploma in Sport to a higher level. I have really enjoyed studying this subject as it is very interesting.

Orla Magennis

Cloughoge PS

I have thoroughly enjoyed my seven years at St Paul’s High School and I have made many lifelong friends. My time here has been eventful to say the least! I am currently a member of the Senior Dance Team and I have achieved many Ulster and Northern Ireland Titles. I have also been a part of the Ladies Gaelic Football team since Year 8. I will also never forget Mr Caldwell’s one liners. I will treasure all the memories made with my class mates especially #BTECMATES. One of the highlights of my time spent in St Paul’s was the formal, such a great night’s craic! God only knows where next year will take me but sure no matter #naomhpolabu!

Gregory McCabe

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

I have really enjoyed my seven years in St Paul’s and I have made many friendships that I will have for the rest of my life. I am currently studying BTec Sport and I hope to become a PE teacher like those in St Paul’s as all they do is drink tea and eat biscuits in the back store. My most memorable moments in St Paul’s were going to Romania in Year 13, winning the MacLarnon and All Ireland Cup and being part of the Mac Rory/ BTec Army team. There will be a lot of memories that I will not forget but one of them will be dodging training sessions with the Gaelic team. The most memorable quotation from Raff is “don’t be sick on my field” as this sums it all up #itsallaboutus. I would just like to wish all my mates all the best in the future as I go on to study Liberal Arts in St Mary’s. #NPA Happy Birthday Paddy.

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Form Teacher

Conall McCavitt

Mr Martin O’Rourke

St Patrick’s PS, Cullyhanna

I have really enjoyed my two years here in St Paul’s and I would like to thank all the staff for all their help and support over the years. I recently won the U.17 World Singles and Doubles Handball Championships in Dublin in October 2012. I have also won the Newry and Mourne Individual Sport’s Award in March this year. I would like to go on to university to study Sport and continue to compete worldwide in Handball competitions.

Conor McCreesh

St Joseph’s HS, Crossmaglen

I am a very sporting person and like all sports and when I moved to St Paul’s in Year 13 I became a member of the U.18 boys Gaelic team and continued to be a part of it in Year 14. My most memorable moments in the school would be training for the school team and wining the MacLarnon and the All Ireland B Colleges. When I leave St Paul’s I would like to go to Belfast to do a sports course and hopefully come out as a qualified fitness instructor. In the future I hope to stay in touch with all the friends I have met in St Paul’s over my two years.

Sean McDonnell

St Oliver Plunkett PS, Forkhill

I enjoy a large variety of sports and I was part of the U.18 Boys Gaelic team which was the first in the schools history to play in a MacRory Cup final. During my time in St Paul’s I cannot select one specific most memorable moment, simply because there have been so many! My ambition is to go into the football industry as I hope to study Football Business and Finance at UCFB.

Katie McManus

St Joseph’s PS, Meigh

Hiya mates, where has the time gone? It seems like a flash since I first started St Paul’s. I am currently studying BTec Sport and I have made some life-long friends throughout my time here. I have really enjoyed my seven years in St Paul’s. In my younger years I was a member of both the cross county and dance teams. One of my most memorable moments in St Paul’s was when Orla had to drive around in Mr Burns’ people carrier putting up flyers on each pole around the area; it was a great laugh. I would like to wish everyone the best of luck in the future and hope you all achieve your goals!

Sean Mooney

Cloughoge PS

My seven years in St Paul’s have been absolutely fantastic. Over the years I have made many friends that I will stay in touch with when I leave in June. I hope that my next course will be as good as the BTec course, as it is the best subject in the world…ever! I would recommend that the younger generation pursue this wonderful course. I would like to go to the SRC to study Sports Exercise Science. Finally as Matthew Campbell would say “Never stop living for today, yesterday is history, and tomorrow is a mystery! Matty...slide on!

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Class 14/37 Conor Nugent

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

St Patrick’s PS, Cullyhanna

I have really enjoyed my two years on the BTec course. #thankstolastyearsstudents. The most memorable moment for me was winning the MacLarnon Cup and then the All-Ireland final in 2012. I would like to thank the PE staff for putting us through hell over the last two years. Next year I would like to go to St Mary’s to do a Liberal Arts PE course. Finally I would like to say “its all about us”.

Daniel Nugent

St Colman’s College, Newry

These past seven years have flown by and in all honesty it feels like I only entered St Paul’s a year ago! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, the highlight being the hugely successful Mac Rory Cup campaign – only to fall at the final hurdle! The friendships I have made at St Paul’s will no doubt be life-long ones. I would like to send a huge thank you to all members of staff and pupils for making my time here really great. I hope to go to university in Belfast or Liverpool to study Sports Studies. I wish everyone the best of luck and in the words of Jamie Cosgrove “sure why would I train…I’ve an All-Star” I wish everyone the best in whatever they do in the future.

Ciaron O’Hanlon

St Joseph’s PS, Meigh

My seven years in St Paul’s have been the most cherished years in my life thus far and as things are coming to an end I’m beginning to realise how good things were over the seven years. I’ve made so many friends over the years and they will all remain my friends throughout my life. I was elected as head boy for this year and it’s been a privilege to carry this honoured position. The formal was a great success last year and a great night; I made a fool of myself though when I got my words muddled up during my speech. ‘Ann Wife’ …at least it got the crowd talking! Hehehehehe!!! Now onto more important matters! FOOTBALL! Nearly every sporting experience I’ve had in school has been as positive one. I’ve won and been a part of so many successful teams during my time here but the highlights would have to be winning the All Ireland ‘B’ final last year and getting to a Mac Rory Cup final. I hope to go on to live the American dream and become a millionaire!! Peace out!!

Aodhan Quinn

St Joseph’s HS, Crossmaglen

Since I moved to St Paul’s in Year 13 most of my time has been taken up by sport and sporting activities. Last year I was part of the U.18 boys’ Gaelic team that won the MacLarnon and All-Ireland B Colleges Cups. To this date it has been my most memorable moment inside and outside school. When I leave St Paul’s my plans are to find a job and within a few years take some time out to travel. My wish for the future is that I become successful in whatever career I choose.

Kathy Toal

St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat

I am a Senior Prefect and I have been a member of the school netball team and Gaelic football team for seven years. Through playing for these teams I have had some great honours. I have been able to help out with the junior netball and football teams in school and the U.12 football team and youth club in Carrickcruppen. My most memorable moment in St Paul’s was when I organised a fundraiser for the Mandeville and Glenanne Unit in Craigavon Hospital. I won the Endeavour Award for English at GCSE Prize Night. When I leave St Paul’s I would like to continue my studies to become a PE Teacher. My wish for the future is to stay in contact with the great friends I have made in this school.

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Class 14/46 Form Teacher

Mr Jim Murray

Back row: Mr Jim Murray, Afreen Ahmed, Eamonn McAteer, Miceal Murphy, Seamus Strain, Blaine Malone, Miceal Quinn, Conor Sloan, Anne-Marie Ward, Front row: Ciara McDonnell, Laura McGuinness, Catherine McElvanna, Orlaith O’Reilly, Shane Harte, Orlagh Flynn, Marie Claire Crilly, Aislinn Lonergan, Orlagh Feehan Missing from photo: Tighearnan Feehan-Moan As I approach the end of another form teacher cycle, I realise how quickly the two years have gone. You have managed to achieve so much in terms of your contribution to school life and yet you have found time and energy to pursue your academic goals. These two years have been an important time in relation to plotting your path through life. Without doubt, you have all had many different experiences and hopefully these will

Afreen Ahmed

have made you stronger in character and given you something positive to take with you on your journey through life. I just want to finish by wishing you all the very best for the future and to say it has been a pleasure to have been your form teacher and to watch you grow into the young adults you are today. Jim Murray

Dromintee PS

It’s hard to believe that seven years have passed already. So much has happened! My time has been memorable and packed with experiences. I travelled to so many places like London, Sweden, Rome and Kenya. Throughout the seven years I was involved in the music department. I’m part of the senior mixed choir and orchestra. During these years we’ve had a lot of successes. We took part in so many competitions and we were always guaranteed a win somewhere; although if it wasn’t for the dedication of the teachers then we wouldn’t have achieved so much. My most memorable experience was going to Kenya. The six of us who got the opportunity to go were a “thrown together” group but when we got there we all got on so well! It was an experience I will never forget and I would love to go back some day! As long as I never have to sing ever again! I’d like to think that I made really good friends here and that we keep in touch. I would hopefully like to go to Queen’s to do a Chemistry degree and be back here teaching some day! The best of luck to everyone in Year 14 in their exams and hopefully we are all successful come August!

Marie Clare Crilly

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

My seven years at St Paul’s have gone by very fast and I have enjoyed every one of them. It has provided me with many opportunities and I have gained many great experiences. I was very fortunate to have been chosen to travel to Romania, which really was a once in a lifetime experience and it was here where I acquired my nickname MC Crillzo. I have met many lovely people, both staff and pupils. As I St Paul’s I will bring away with me many great memories. Next year I hope to be accepted into university and I wish all those in my year group the best of luck in the future.

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Class 14/46

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Orlagh Feehan

St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly

I must say my time at St Paul’s has been one to remember! I am going to miss all the art kittens and our trips to the bible college (in fairness, the McDonald’s was tasty). Even though we were the laziest art students ever, you couldn’t beat the craic we had! I am also going to miss Mairead, the Art technician who we have tortured since GSCE for black card. I am also going to miss the Chemistry crew and I hope Mrs McNulty is invited to Blaine and Anne-Marie’s wedding! When I leave St Paul’s I hope to go to university and then have a career in the food industry. Coming to St Paul’s has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons and skills and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for everyone!

Tighearnan Feehan-Moan

Bunscoil An Iuir

This is how I would like to be remembered by all the good people here at St Paul’s who have made me into the wonderful human being I am today! “The wonderful thing about Tiger, is Tiger’s a wonderful thing. My top is made out of rubber, my bottom is made out of springs. I’m bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. The wonderful thing about Tiger is…I’m the only one” I would also like to give a big shout out to Paddy Murphy. He has been the finest asset BTec has ever produced since joining St Paul’s in 2006. I hope to go to Belfast Met in September to continue my studies but mostly I would like to spread joy and happiness to all those lucky people who haven’t met me yet!

Orlagh Flynn

St Joseph’s HS, Crossmaglen

I have only been in St Paul’s over the past two years but having had such a warm welcome, I feel like I have been here since day one..‘cringe’. At first, the move was very daunting for me as I have come from such a small secondary school in comparison to St Paul’s. However, after a short while I made so many new good friends and have had so many unforgettable experiences including our school formal and our ‘flashmob’. Also, I feel that coming to St Paul’s in their Gaelic football prime has made my entire experience of St Paul’s so much better due to the excitement that had been built up around the MacRory cup final. Having just been here over the past two years I haven’t held many positions of responsibility within the school but I have been a part of our school formal committee, which was amusing to say the least. When I leave St Paul’s I hope to study Finance in Belfast, in either Queen’s or the University of Ulster Jordanstown and then pursue a career in this field.

Shane Harte

St Michael’s PS, Newtownhamilton

For the last seven years it has been a privilege to be a student at this school. I have met the legend, Seamus Strain, the man’s a hero! Over the years there have been some memorable moments especially David McKeown in Year 11! I hope to be remembered as one of the greats in A’ Level Maths. I hope to go on to study Business Studies at university and after that I am not really sure. I hope everyone achieves what they want in life and that wee Lynch doesn’t get deported. I have made a lot of friends and I hope to keep in touch with most of them!

Aislinn Lonergan

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

It seems like only yesterday when we all arrived as timid first years and now we have all grown into confident young adults thanks to seven brilliant years in St Paul’s. I am a member of the Senior Prefect team as Deputy Head Girl and I have been part of the school choirs, orchestra, african drumming group and traditional group for these past seven years. I have participated in our previous three school musicals, “Oklahoma!” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Les Miserables”. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of these experiences, despite all of the hard work, time and effort which was put into them. I have had great travel opportunities with St Paul’s as I travelled to Rome in February 2009, Lourdes in July 2011 and I was also privileged to be part of the team that went to Kenya for two weeks. This is a memory that I will treasure forever as it was such a rewarding experience. In the future, I would like to travel and hopefully venture back to Kenya as a volunteer. It is my intention to pursue my interest in music at university level. I would like to wish everyone every success in the future and I hope that they all reach their goals in life. Lastly, I would truly like to thank all the staff and teachers at St Paul’s, and especially the music department, where I have practically lived for the past seven years! This school has made these past seven years challenging, yet filled with wonderful, memorable experiences.

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Form Teacher

Blaine Malone

Mr Jim Murray

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

I am an aspiring GAA footballer and Science enthusiast. I was brought up in Ireland but always like to mention that I was born in Australia. No-one calls me Aussie or Bugsy but I so wish they did! To sum up my time in St Paul’s would take a page by itself (size 3 font). So, given what I’ve got, here it goes… Football, football, football, football, chemistry, football, biology, football, chicks, football, shakes and another one for the jocks, pressure cookers! Yes, thank you, I do have a way with words! I will be studying Pharmacy at Queen’s in October so see you all around…Oh and #NaomhPólAbú

Eamonn McAteer

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

I have been part of the last three school musicals taking a leading role in “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Les Miserables”. I also play the violin in the school orchestra. Outside school I am a member of the Killeavy Senior Hurling team. My most memorable moment in St Paul’s would definitely have to be singing on stage in “Les Miserables”. I would like to go to university in October to study Aeronautical Engineering. I wish everyone the best of luck in the future.

Ciara McDonnell

Killean PS

St Paul’s has given me seven unforgettable years; such as travelling to London, our formal, being a senior prefect and helping with the school musicals, I have also become friends with some “awite bhoys and gals” Romania! was the most moving and memorable week of my life. Someday I hope to return as an aid worker and I’m so grateful to the school for providing me with such an incredible opportunity. Who would forget that notorious Berlin trip with the history department, leaving me with some life-long memories. I plan to go to Queen’s next September to study Chemical Engineering and I’m disappointed my mates won’t all be joining me. I’ll miss St Paul’s as I really have loved my time here. My Chemistry class, form class, most of our year and maybe even a few teachers will be missed too but I look forward to moving on to University. Good luck for the future y’all, hope you achieve what you want from life! #slowdown

Catherine McElvanna

St Malachy’s PS, Ballymoyer

I can’t believe it’s been seven years since I walked through the doors of St Paul’s in first year, I’ve seen people come and go and now it’s our time to fly the nest! I’ve shared so many memories and laughs especially over our lunch table with the girls and also in the library as Mrs Morgan knows only too well! I’ve made friends for life and I wish everyone luck and good health and hope everything goes well for you all in the future! I hope everyone gets accepted into the university of their choice and I hope that I’ll be seeing you all at freshers! Bring the party on!

Laura McGuinness

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

I have been involved in so many things in St Paul’s and I have been able to make new friends and create so many great memories that I will never forget. I’ve been part of the choir, netball team, African drumming group and two school musicals. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Paris, Berlin, Alton Towers on school trips and every experience has been so enjoyable. I chose to study the subjects I love; History, English Literature, Biology and I have an AS in Chemistry. I will hopefully get to university to study Radiography or Clinical Physiology. I hope to stay in touch with all the friends I’ve made in St Paul’s and the teachers who have helped me along the way.

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Class 14/46 Miceal Murphy

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

St Joseph’s HS, Crossmaglen

I am an immigrant to St Paul’s as I have spent most of my school years in St Joseph’s in Crossmaglen. I came here because St Paul’s offered me the A’ Levels I wanted to study. Changing school was a bit of a worry but I settled in very quickly. The staff and pupils welcomed me from day one. I feel proud to have been part of this school and I know I will look back on my time with fond memories. I have had some great experiences during my short time here that I will never forget. I want to go on to Queen’s to study Actuarial Science. I would like to thank all the staff and especially Mr McMahon, Study Supervisor, for all the help and guidance over the past two years.

Orlaith O’Reilly

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

Even though you voted me as ‘Most likely to be deported’ at the formal I still have some of my best memories over the last seven years. Throughout my years at school I have been a member of the St Paul’s dance team as well as a member of the Newry Dance Company. St Paul’s has given me the opportunity to travel to London for the Young Direct Marketing Awards and I also travelled with the school to Berlin last year. It was an amazing trip and I hope to return to the city again someday. I have also received the Endeavour Award at GCSE Prize Night for Religion. I hope to go on to study History and Politics in university next year. I have met great friends throughout my years in St Paul’s and hope that we will stay in contact wherever we go in the next few years.

Miceal Quinn

St Michael’s PS, Newtownhamilton

Years from now pupils will be asking teachers what they thought of past pupil, Miceal Quinn, and they will reply with nothing, as their recollection of Miceal Quinn will be non-existent. Some may look on this as a bad thing; however I take pride in the fact that I swam under the radar for seven years while my classmates were out saving the world. I still managed to make a lot of great friends and have many great memories. The best one was the hugely educational trip to Berlin. I’ll definitely miss this place. I hope to go to Jordanstown to study Engineering in October. The most important thing to me is the fact that I met Seamus Strain. The man is not the hero we wanted but moreover the hero we needed!

Conor Sloan

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

After Chuckie’s several unsuccessful attempts to do this year book paragraph, I’d better start it myself! I am the Deputy Head Boy in St Paul’s and although it sounds good, I don’t have many extra responsibilities. I travelled to Sweden in Year 13 and it was such a great experience, I would love to go back but next time I will take some decent food! I have taken part in the President’s Award and the football team since Year 8. I am also a past member of the Student Council. The highlight of my seven years has to be the two weeks I spent in Kenya as it was an unforgettable, life-changing experience. I would like to return to Kenya in the near future. I hope to go to Queen’s to study Medicinal Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. I will miss all the friends I have made but hopefully we will all make it to university.

Seamus Strain

St Mary’s PS, Mullaghbawn

I actually wanted to go to the Abbey but as I got a B2 I came to St Paul’s and it is the best thing that ever happened to me! From Year 8 I have made such great friends, the best kind of people! I am interested in sport and I play a bit of football and hurling for my local club. I also played school football from Year 8 to Year 11. It was always great craic! The highlight of my time here includes the trips to France and Kenya and the school formal. I was also a member of the cast of our school musical “Oklahoma” and that was a really different experience for me. In the future I would like to study Mechanical Engineering in Edinburgh or Belfast. In conclusion, I want to wish everyone in our year group the best of luck in the future. Up the Quinn!

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Class 14/46 Anne-Marie Ward

St Teresa’s PS, Tullyherron

I can’t believe it’s the end of the road. My time at St Paul’s has been a wonderful journey allowing me to retain many memories and experiences that I shall never forget. I was fortunate to travel to Romania which was an incredible experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a real eye opener and will remain unforgettable as I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people to experience it with. I have been part of the ladies football team for seven years and have achieved an Ulster title as well as reaching an All-Ireland final. I am a member of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and travelled to the Lake District to complete my Gold Award. This was very rewarding and a once in a life-time opportunity. I have to give Sammy a shout out and remember “keep smiling”. I can’t forget the formal as it was a great night especially having the whole year group together. I hope to study Midwifery at university. “Celebrate what you have accomplished but raise the bar each time you succeed”

Year 14 win the first ever ‘On the Buzzer’ Quiz

Left to right: Jack Boyle, Blaine Malone, Rhia McCullough, Miceal Quinn, Miceal Murphy, Chloe Mallon The quiz was organised by Mr Gerard McMahon, Study Supervisor.

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Class 14/56 Form Teacher

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Mrs Brenda Murray

Back row: Conor Ward, Jamie Doyle, Darrell O’Hanlon, Shane Fegan, Ryan Cinnamond, Mark O’Hare, Michael Connolly, Mrs Brenda Murray Front row: Erin Hughes, Cliodhna Treanor, Joanne McAnulty, Claire O’Callaghan, Ryan McSorley, Natalie Murray, Emer O’Reilly, Alice Tavey, Rachel Brown Missing from photo: Ellen Boylan, Jason Holland, Laura McNally, Caolan McCullough Birds of a feather flock together and then they fly away. And how my time with you has flown. You have grown into wonderful, caring young people over the last two years, with a great sense of fun and humour. Always share your smile and watch out for each other, as you take the next path in life. Be proud of what you have achieved and greet each new challenge with the knowledge that you can make a difference as

Ellen Boylan

you continue to move closer to your goals in life. Good luck, good health and God bless you; and remember, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Mrs Brenda Murray

St Joseph’s PS, Meigh

During my time in St Paul’s I have enjoyed playing all sports in particular playing Ladies Gaelic football. I started playing for the school team in Year 10 and carried on playing until Year 13. Throughout this time we have won medals and of course got to the final but the most memorable thing about playing for the school team was making new friends. I was a member of the cross country team and the dance team inside and outside of school. We came first and won an Ulster medal. In Year 12 I had the opportunity to travel to Lourdes for a week and I really enjoyed my experience. The most memorable time I have had to date in St Paul’s was winning ‘Prom Queen’ at my formal. This to me was something that I didn’t expect and as you know, the best things in life are unexpected. When I leave St Paul’s I would love to become a fashion designer or an interior designer. I know these are totally different but I hope to do big things in the future. I dread leaving St Paul’s but my wish for the future would be to wish everyone the best in life and hope all their dreams come true.

Rachel Brown Cloughoge PS I have thoroughly enjoyed my past seven years spent at St Paul’s and it is hard to believe my time here has come to an end. These years have flown by and I have made many friends along the way. I have held many responsibilities in these past seven years including my Year 12 trip to Lourdes which was most enjoyable and I gained an amazing experience from this. My time at St Paul’s has been very challenging especially my final year, however it is a very rewarding experience and I am grateful for everything this school has done for me. One of the most memorable moments was the Year 14 formal which was such a great start to the final year. Even though I cannot wait to leave school, begin something new and meet new people, I will most definitely miss the craic in my ICT and Art classes. I want to go on to study Interactive Multimedia Design in University of Ulster and in the future I also want to travel a lot. I hope I am fortunate to be able to do these things. I wish all of Year 14 the best of luck in the future with whatever they want to do and also say ‘thankyou’ to all my teachers.

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Class 14/56 Ryan Cinnamond

St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat

I have had a great time over the seven years here in St Paul’s. I have made lots of friends both pupils and staff. The first years went by very quickly with a lot of focus on football but the last couple have been the most memorable. I know that the friends that I have made here will be my friends for life. My most memorable moment was scoring a penalty as a member of the Year 9 soccer team. I am a volunteer for PIPS in Newry and I get the chance to help others. I hope to go on to study Counselling. My wish for the future is that I get my degree in Counselling and would like to wish all my friends the best for the future.

Michael Connolly

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

I have enjoyed every last bit of the seven years I have spent at St Paul’s. I have made some great memories, especially the History trip where sadly our three year old selves couldn’t resist a snowball fight every two minutes. (Also I remember the time I went to Paris and Ryan McSorley and I got left behind in the hotel, chilling in the lobby when they realised they forgot us.) Attending St Paul’s I have met loads of friends during the seven years that I have spent here and hope that I keep in touch with as many as possible. I want to thank my teachers for all the work and effort they have put in over the years and to wish them the best. I hope to study Computer Science at Queen’s University and to have a career in the ICT sector in the future.

Jamie Doyle

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

Throughout my seven years in St Paul’s I have had so many memories and made some great friends that I’ll never forget, especially Coner Ward! My most memorable moment had to be the sad departure of my good friend James ‘the warden’ Larkin from Mr Caldwell’s class. Who could forget Dippers love letter to Bill about running away together? I am studying Double award ICT and History for A Level and hoping to go onto Jordanstown next year to study ICT or Computer Science and eventually pursue a career in that industry. I wish all the best to my friends in the future and especially to Coner Ward.

Shane Fegan

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

Throughout my years in St Paul’s I am glad to say I held no responsible posts in the school and hope to keep that up in the future, for my sake and others! Recently my mate Maeve ‘Ginger’ Morgan and I won the St Paul’s Got Talent show for rocking the place with our outstandingly unique talent. We both won £50 which will go towards our pleasantly quiet (LIES!) holiday in Magaluf. There are endless lists of memories I have from my time in St Paul’s but the best would be the International Projects to Lourdes and Romania. I have made life-long friends throughout my years in St Paul’s especially the wolf-pack (Prime Stallions!) and of course the kittens in Art, who made my two A’ level years in art a living hell. It’s never easy being the only boy amongst 11 girls! After St Paul’s I wish to go to SRC to study a Foundation Art Course and then head to university to study Graphic Design and hopefully expand my wolf-pack! I wish all my art friends the best of luck with art itself and all my mates with whatever they want to do in life!

Jason Holland

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

Throughout my seven years I have had some great memories and great friends such as Claire Elizabeth, Dar-rell the cub snatcher, my wee cousin Jamie and my history bud Sinead. I’m going to miss all the craic in ICT from Fegan to his ridiculous comments and from the part time students. I am studying Double Award ICT and hope to study in Derry next year with my mate Coner and his stamp collection. I hope all my friends achieve their goals and dreams especially Jamie who I hope gets his dream job in Boyle Bingo as a professional Bingo caller #Gudluck!

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Class 14/56

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Erin Hughes

St Oliver’s PS, Carrickrovaddy

My seven years at St Paul’s have given me very memorable moments with the best group of friends that I could ask for and I will never forget. I hope to pass A-levels and go to university and pursue a career in the ICT sector. I would like to wish all my friends good luck in their exams!!

Joanne McAnulty

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

I am studying Biology, Geography and ICT at A’ level and also have an AS in Maths. I received an award at GCSE level for the highest grade achieved in Maths and also for Endeavour and Contribution to Geography. Travelling to Romania was the best and most rewarding experience I’ve ever had and one that I will never forget. My plans for next year are a little different from most - I am taking a gap year in Australia where I plan to work and volunteer. When I return I would like to study Environmental Science in Coleraine in 2014. I wish everyone the best of luck in whatever their goals are and hope that you all enjoy the university experience while I’m on a beach in sunny Perth! So in the words of our Sheá... “I’m away on”

Caolan McCullough

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

The name is Cullzo, I can be seen gracing the fields of Carrickcruppen or pulling chicks at the weekend. I’m rarely seen without my mate Bugsy Malone. I’d like to think of myself some-what of a cross between Harry Potter and Ron Weasely. I am the wizard, casting spells - even on Jamie ‘Mawd Dog’ Cosgrove as he has been bitten by the love bug. I’d like to thank the PE department for seven years of character building. I am honoured to be a part of the success the school has had during the last seven years on the football field and beyond. I’d like to wish the future footballers of St Paul’s the best of luck as Mr Rafferty and Mr O’Rourke will help them develop from boys to men. I hope to go to university to do a degree in Finance. #naomhpólabú

Laura McNally

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

I’ll never forget my seven years at St Paul’s and I’ve so many great memories with Tavs, Crawley, Feeko and Joanne! I spent a lot of my time in Art and I should have a bed in the store by now. I’d say the cleaner is sick looking at me! I’ve always got on well with Muiread (Mermaid), Mr Mc Ardle & Miss O’ Reilly. They have always encouraged and complimented my work. My most memorable moment in St Paul’s was the school formal back in September...especially the after party! I can’t wait to go mad in Santa Ponsa this Summer with Tavs and Crawley and then hopefully go on to university in October.

Ryan McSorley

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

It is hard to believe that my time at St Paul’s is coming to an end as it only seems like yesterday that I was starting out as a wee first year in 08/93! My time at the school has been the most memorable experience of my life and attending St Paul’s has given me many opportunities, most notably being able to travel to Paris with the French department and Berlin on the school history trip. Who could forget the moment that me and Michael Connolly ended up stranded in the middle of Paris while the bus decided to leave without us, Mrs McMahon almost had a coronary when she realised we were missing! I also visited the Stormont buildings to visit the Northern Ireland Assembly and met the shadow chancellor Ed Balls but to be honest we were really looking forward to the feed at the Canal Court! I have met many new friends during my time at St Paul’s who I will stay in touch with when I leave, I am very grateful for seven years of good education and good memories. I hope to go on to study Computer Science at Queen’s next year and I wish everyone the best of luck for the future.

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Form Teacher Mrs Brenda Murray

Natalie Murray

Dromintee PS

I have been at St Paul’s for seven years and have enjoyed every bit of it. My most memorable moment would undoubtedly have to be my very first day! It was my first glimpse of life in such a big school. I came from a primary school with 100 pupils to one with 1500 pupils. It felt like such a shock! I am currently studying Applied Business, ICT and Religion for A’ Level. I plan to go to university in Bournemouth to study for a degree in Computer Forensics. My one wish for the future, for both myself and others, would be that we achieve our goals and lead successful and happy lives.

Claire O’Callaghan

St Laurence O’Toole’s PS, Belleek

I actually can’t believe it’s my turn to write in the year book, how fast have seven years flown! Throughout my time here in St Paul’s I have met many amazing friends who I would like to stay in touch with and also have made many memories which I will keep with me the rest of my life. I have been part of many teams such as, the Gaelic football team for seven years, cross country team for five years, the school choir and the traditional group for five years. From being part of all these groups I have won many prizes and gone many places. My most memorable moment would have to be singing in the Vatican in Rome with the school choir in 2009. I was also fortunate enough to be one of those who travelled to Romania last year, this was by far the best week in my life so far and I would like to go back again. I would like to wish my friends who have got me through seven hard years of hard work all the best and especially my double award ICT class especially Dippy and Saoirse and to the rest, I will look forward to seeing you all in Tesco’s in September! I hope to go to Dundalk IT or Magee in Derry to study Computers. I wish everyone in my year all the best and thank my teachers for all they have done for me over the years.

Darrell O’Hanlon

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

Throughout my seven years in St Paul’s I have had many good memories. I have made many friends throughout my time. Some have left and some have got back somehow (Browner). One of my best memories was the departure of my good friend James Larkin after having enough of Year 13 after two stressful weeks. I am currently studying Double Award ICT and Single Award Health & Social care. I hope to go on and study ICT in Jordanstown that’s if I ever get my coursework done for Bill. I wish all my friends the best in achieving their dreams such as Coner Ward becoming a Waste Disposal Technician, Dippaa becoming a Travel Agent and Jamie Doyle being promoted to manager in Friar Tucks.

Mark O’Hare

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

I can’t believe my seven years in St Paul’s are coming to an end, it feels like only yesterday that I was in 8/77 and the times I have had are unforgettable. One of the memorable moments was Mrs Campbell randomly singing ‘Price Tag’ in English. I will never forget Amy’s OCD of having to tap her left arm if tapped in the right arm and also knowing that Orlaith’s favourite song is ‘Hero.’ As well as finding the video of the cat with Megan, (NONONONONO ). Others that I will hope to stay in contact with are Loughran as he is one mad guy that you can’t help but laugh with (the goat noise) as well as Rachel freaking out about being poked in the side! On the school trip with History to Berlin, I will never forget beating Mr McArdle in a snowball fight. My hopes for the future are that I will become a Commercial Airline Pilot with the knowledge that I could be flying those I once knew on their holiday. Thank you St Paul’s for seven remarkable years and let the drinks begin…

Emer O’Reilly

Cloughoge PS

I can’t believe I’m in my seventh year at St Paul’s, the time has flown by, It feels like only yesterday I was a wee first year coming in with my full fringe! I have met some amazing people who are now my best friends. I couldn’t imagine life without them and I have shared some unforgettable memories with them like long random conversations at the dinner table, walks with Cliodhna which are never dull and craic in the library. My greatest achievement in St Paul’s was being a student mentor and being there every morning while others weren’t! I was also selected for the Key Program, which was a great experience. My hopes for the future are to go to Jordanstown to study Computers or Human Resources. I also hope that I continue to stay in touch with all the amazing people that I have met during my time at St Paul’s and to wish everyone the best of luck for their future.

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Class 14/56

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Alice Tavey

St Patrick’s PS, Newry

I can’t believe seven years in St Paul’s have flown by! It really does feel like yesterday when I joined my first year class 8/77. I’ve been part of two other classes since then and I’ve met loads of unreal friends and have had some memorable moments. In Year 13 I met the Art girls and spent some good days in the 3D room. My last two years in St Paul’s have definitely been the best and I’m going to miss the craic next year. I have applied to do ICT at Jordanstown but who knows what the future will bring! Good luck to everyone and I hope all goes well in the exams.

Cliodhna Treanor

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

I can’t believe my seven years are almost up! It’s hard to believe that I am leaving school in a few months, the time has flown by! I’ve met so many amazing people and have made many friends for life. I have had so many great memories from the year 14 formal, to the fits of laughter in the library, to the random conversations at the lunch table, to me and Emer’s twenty minute walks. One of my greatest achievements in St Paul’s was being picked as a senior prefect. My hopes for the future are to go to university to study Psychology. I would like to become a psychology teacher or to become a psychologist. I hope Rachel Kane continues to “love life” and I wish everyone in my year the best of luck for the future.

Conor Ward

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

I have enjoyed my seven years in St Paul’s. Where did the time go? I have made some good friends that I hope to stay in contact with long after St Paul’s. I have had several nicknames throughout Year 13 and Year 14, such as, Wardson, Warsa and DJ Ward were made up by my form class and the construction class. I took on Construction and ICT for A’ level and I enjoyed these subjects as they were interesting. I hope to go on to university to study ICT. I hope that my friends, Jamie ‘joker’ Doyle, Jason ‘Dipper’ Holland, Darrell ‘the cub snatcher’ O’Hanlon and Ryan ‘Cinny’ Cinnamond and everyone in my year goes onto do what they want and live long happy lives. Conor Ward…over and out.

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Class 14/76 Form Teacher

Mrs Pauline McGuinness

Back row: Andrea Shannon, Sinead Kenna, Jamie Cosgrove, Ciarrai McMullan, James Sands, Courtney Conlon, Mrs Pauline McGuinness Front row: Sinead Dodds, Katie Byrne, Sarah Murphy, Colleen McAleer, Gemma McDonald, Jessica Crawley, Joanne Rocks, Chloe Warner Missing from photo: Aaron Lynch Over the seven years you have spent in St Paul’s we have watched you being transformed into confident, caring, outstanding young adults of whom we are very proud. You are among the finest young people I know and I hope you realise the power you possess to make a difference in the lives of others as you move through life.

duty – complete it. Life is wealth – value it. Life is a promise – fulfil it. Life is a song – sing it. (Mother Teresa) Now as you leave us today as young men and women, ready to take your place in society, I wish you well. Believe in yourselves and ask for God’s help when you need it. “Faith is a mover of mountains. There is nothing that you cannot do. So start out today, with faith in your heart. And climb ‘til your dreams come true”

You have achieved so much already; there is a world of hopes, dreams and paths for you to travel. One step must start each journey, the next stage of your journey is about to start, step out with faith. Let your voice speak with wisdom, your smile begin friendships that will last. There is so much to life – live it to the full. Life is a dream – realise it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a Katie Byrne

It has been a pleasure working with you these past two years. God Bless you as you journey through life. Mrs Pauline McGuinness

Cloughoge PS

I actually can’t believe that seven years have passed! This time last year I couldn’t wait to leave school and go to university but now I’m sad that I won’t be seeing your ugly faces everyday, only joking I love you all, especially David Craven. Being in St Paul’s has given me the opportunity to travel to Romania and develop my alter-ego Kate Bush and for that I am truly grateful. It also gave me the chance to receive my Romania hoodie, as you have all probably noticed I haven’t taken it off since, except for this photo, they made me take it off. The highlights of my years here have to be the formal, meeting my lifelong friends, travelling to Berlin and overall just having a laugh everyday. Hopefully this time next year I will be in university studying Theology and struggling to pay my rent! I wish the same for you all too!

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Class 14/76 Courtney Conlon

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Dromintee PS

Leaving St Paul’s will be like losing an arm. I can’t imagine my life without my second family. From going to several weddings with my Year Head to being in a MacRory final for the first time, I will certainly leave this school with memories that will last a lifetime. I suppose it’s true what adults tell you when you’re younger; the best years of your life will be in school. Seven years later and I’m writing a leaving profile for the yearbook; one word, fake! St Paul’s has given me the best memories and opportunities and Romania is right up at the top along with the legendary “flash mob” #dreamteam. I’ve met so many mates here that mean the world to me and I know no matter what paths we choose in life, how many miles apart we are around the world, or even how long we go without seeing each other, the strong bond will always be there. We will always remember the fun times we had. I would like to study Nursing at Queen’s and eventually become a Midwife. Wherever we may go we will always carry the memories of The Maroon Army deep in our hearts. This is not the end; it’s the beginning of the next chapter. #onelifeoneschool

Jamie Cosgrove

St Joseph’s PS, Meigh

Cbazzy. There are a lot of things that I remember throughout my time in St Paul’s, right from my first year scraps in the yard (which I obviously won) to last year’s All-Ireland Final. Football is very much part of the St Paul’s tradition and I’m very thankful that I got the opportunity to be a part of that tradition. My most enjoyable years in the school were probably my last two as Thee Daniel Nugent joined the maroon army. This was very important to me personally because it meant I’d never have to see Andrea Shannon again. I also found out that Murf Man had managed to get himself back into school. St Paul’s is a massive part of my life and always will be, and I would like to thank all the staff in providing “quality education for all”. Also special thanks has to go to all within the PE and RE department who have kept me right throughout my time in St Paul’s. I hope to go to Queen’s to study Business Studies in October. As Macksy from the Quarter Road once said “I really did transform this school didn’t I” - humble words from a humble man. I’d also like to wish Caolan, ‘The Goal Machine’, McCullough (as he calls himself) all the best as he is still in search of his first ever point in a Gaelic football match. On a serious note I’d finally like to wish everyone in our year a happy, successful and long future.

Jessica Crawley

Neighbourhood Charter School, New York

Seven years have flown by and I can’t believe that it’s that time to leave school and venture onto university life. Being the Americano in the school I’ve loved every experience that I’ve had here, especially things that I wouldn’t have witnessed if I hadn’t moved here, like the teachers partying hard at the formal. The formal was without a doubt my best memory from the seven years in school. The Health and Social Care class know how to party! I’ve loved the craic in school and especially up in Art, although I won’t miss the slagging I get from Mr McArdle because I’m from Mullaghbawn. After all the “pep talks” from Mrs McKenna to “pull my socks up” I hope to get the grades I need to go to St Mary’s and become a Special Needs Teacher. Hopefully everyone gets their grades and we’ll all reunite in university and show them how a High School does it!!

Sinead Dodds

St Clare’s PS, Newry

The past seven years at St Paul’s have been a rollercoaster ride and I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. I have made many lifelong friends and I will especially miss the laughs down in Health and Social Care. My most memorable time in St Paul’s was our trip to Lourdes and I also really enjoyed all the madness at the football matches! I would like to become a primary school teacher when I leave university but who knows what will happen in the future. All the best everyone! #Onelifeoneschool..

Sinead Kenna

Cloughoge PS

Choosing to come to St Paul’s has been the best decision I have ever made. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and the past seven years have flown by! I can’t believe it is now coming to an end. My most memorable moments have to be with the “kittens” in the Art department. These girls are the reason I love coming to school each day – a good laugh is always guaranteed and no day is ever the same. In September I hope to further my studies in Art and Design in the University of Ulster in Belfast. I wish everyone good luck in their exams and hope to see you all out partying next year!

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Form Teacher Mrs Pauline McGuinness

Aaron Lynch

Colaiste Dabheid, Corcaigh

I’m a big shot around the school but not a member of any team or group because I am a lone wolf. I work as a DJ and hold many residencies in some clubs in Cork as well as on the radio. One of my most memorable moments was the day after the exam results last year, a great night out and I made a load of new friends. The formal was also a great night as I introduced a few young bucks into my wolf pack! I hope to study Radio Broadcasting when I leave St Paul’s. The best of luck to all my bendechos and remember “when it all goes Pete Tong, shake those tic tacs and go hard or go home”.

Colleen McAleer

Cloughoge PS

Where have those seven years gone? They have been a rollercoaster ride to say the least (results night). As part of my St Paul’s experience I have been privileged to be part of the Ladies Gaelic team and a member of the African Drumming Group. However my most memorable moment was definitely our seventh year formal. I was part of the formal committee who organised this amazing event! I am currently studying Double Award Health and Social Care and ICT as I hope to pursue a career in Nursing at Queen’s. I wish everyone all the best and hope to stay in touch. I hope you all won’t forget our surprising “flashmob” at the Talent Show

Gemma McDonnell

Jonesboro’ PS

So seven years in St Paul’s is now coming to an end! I’ve had a lot of good memories over the past seven years and the most memorable would probably be the school formal back in September! After I leave school I hope to be in university to study Psychology. The funniest stories throughout school will always be ones from Health & Social Care along with Dara’s endless slags that came with it. There was no better class!

Ciarrai McMullan

Jonesboro’ PS

Story Kiddds? Remember the time I got picked to go to Canada? What can I say…St Paul’s has provided me with so many memorable moments. I really loved the flash mob” with all the mates and also being selected as “Gypsy Queen” at the school formal. “I was in no mood, no form, no form, no form, no mood to do natin” I also have had the privilege to go to Kenya and I am left with experiences I will never forget. After St Paul’s I hope to become a Social Worker, just like the ones in Tracey Beaker! I wish all my year group the best of luck and especially the best looking class in the school i.e. the HSC gals!

Sarah Murphy

Dromintee PS

I can’t believe my seven years at St Paul’s is nearly over. It feels like just yesterday I was walking through the front door on my very first day. There have been many ups and downs during my time here but overall I have thoroughly enjoyed it and sometimes I wish I was back at the start. I have been a part of quite a few things here such as an Open Day in Year 9 showing parents around. The school musical ‘Oklahoma’ in Year 10, a school trip to Paris and lastly the annual school formal back in September 2012. It was absolutely amazing! If I could do it again I really would as it was a blast! I’ve met some amazing friends such as Amy who is just completely nuts and would be lost without me (don’t deny it). Also Rachel and Tasha who aren’t much better! Hopefully they will be friends for life. I am studying Business Studies and Double Award Health and Social Care at A’ Level. I hope to study Politics at Leeds Metropolitan University in September. Overall I loved my time here at St Paul’s and I genuinely wish everybody the best of luck in the future including and I hope they achieve their goals. Big shout out to the Health and Social Gang by the way before I go .Smurf signing out!

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Class 14/76 Joanne Rocks

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

St Joseph’s PS, Meigh

I have enjoyed my seven years at St Paul’s with my most memorable moments being a part of the football team who won the U.16 Ulster and reached the All-Ireland Final I also have fond memories of going on the trip to Manchester. I hope to go on and study Physiotherapy at the University of Ulster in October. I would like to wish all my friends the best of luck in their exams and hope we keep in touch in the future.

James Sands

Cloughoge PS

My seven years in St Paul’s have been a very enjoyable and memorable experience. Once sixth year kicked in, time really started to fly by. I can’t really choose a single memory from all the years I have been here because there are so many, plus if I shared a few I don’t think my teachers would be too impressed. I just want to say I really enjoyed BTec Construction as I have learned a lot from the subject and loved the atmosphere in the class. All I can say is that I hope the line in the dole queue isn’t too long. I would like to study Construction at university if all goes well in the exams! I also hope everyone does well and I wish them good luck in the future. Also Ronan Dunne asked me to tell you he has a Leon…

Andrea Shannon

St Oliver Plunkett PS, Forkhill

It is crazy to think my time at St Paul’s has come to an end. I have thoroughly enjoyed my past seven years as a pupil and I am very grateful for everything the school has done for me. I have been involved in the schools netball and football teams and we achieved so much. I have been a member of the netball team since Year 8 and proudly captained the team for a period during that time. I was selected for the SELB Netball Podium squad in 2011 and 2012. I also was part of the team who won the Ulster and All Ireland Championships. I would like to study Health and Social Care at Jordanstown and eventually become a Primary School teacher. I have made lifelong friends and wish the class of 2006 the best of luck in the future.

Chloe Warner

St Malachy’s PS, Carnagat

It’s hard to believe that it’s been seven years since I first stepped foot inside St Paul’s. The memories I have made within these walls are ones that I will carry with me for life. I’ve made great friends especially the girls from Health and Social Care. No better women! I had the opportunity to go to Paris in Year 10 and I took part in the Swedish Exchange Programme in Year 12. The highlight has to be our school formal at the beginning of Year 14 – a night I will NEVER forget! I am currently studying Religion and Double Award Health and Social Care and I hope to pursue a career in Nursing, providing I get the grades! I would like to wish every teacher who has helped me in any sort of way – a big thank you! And finally, to my mates, the best of luck in the future!

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Class 14/79 Form Teacher

Mr Donal Murray

Back row: Anthony Feehan, Rory O’Loughlin, Brian Farrell, Cailum Carragher, Christopher Lynch, Deaglan Morgan, Conor Donnelly, Mr Donal Murray Front row: Ryan Higgins, Francis Ward, Michael Hastewell, Thomas Cassidy, Ronan Dunne, Conor McCann, Conor Rodgers, Ryan Loughran Well folks, I hope you have enjoyed your time here in St Paul’s and have made life long friends which will be a great source of support throughout the rest of your lives. I congratulate you all on your achievements in St Paul’s and wish you good health, lots of luck and success in everything you do. Best wishes. Mr Donal Murray

Cailum Carragher

St Michael’s PS, Newtownhamilton

Before I begin to talk about my best memories at St Paul’s, I would like to ask the following question: Why was I called Chuckie for seven years? Like, seriously, if you figure it out… look me up and give me a shout. My favourite memories at St Paul’s would have to be performing as the “Shining Star” (The Sunday Independent) of the school musical ‘Les Miserables’, fake I only had three lines! Another great memory is when I showed Michael Flatley who the real lord of the dance is during the 7th year flash mob. Up the Dream Team!! But nothing will ever beat 6th year when me and my construction class didn’t (wink, wink) cut class, and didn’t (nudge, nudge) go to Camlough Lake during one really sunny week in June. I hope to go on to study the very manly subject “Drama” at Queen’s. I hope to see you all at in the Dole office after Uni. Only messing hope you get what you want out of life and yes by that I hope you all have swimming pools in your gardens. P.S. Ronan Dunne has a black Leon.

Thomas Cassidy

Killean PS

The seven years I spent at St Paul’s, have and probably will be, some of the most memorable of my life. I can not think of one particular moment that stands out as there have been so many. Since beginning 6th form the time has flown by and the friendships that I have made are great and no matter how hard I try I wont be able to forget them. The boys in my Construction class are great; Ronan Dunne and his Leon, Sands with the Booorrrraaaaaaa (they made me write this) and Déaglán Morgan and Conor Donnelly with the baby sitting service. But on a more serious note they are all great lads. After I leave St Paul’s I hope to do a construction related course in university. I wish everyone the best for the future and hope they achieve all their goals.

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Class 14/79 Conor Donnelly

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Jonesboro’ PS

Well, Donzo here, coming for a spin? St Paul’s has been good to me over the past seven years. It’s a great place and is always a barrel of laughs. I have met a lot of great people here, some of these I’ll probably never get rid of. Did you know my mate Ronan Dunne drives a Leon? (he told me to write that) I will hopefully be going to university to study Construction in September, no thanks to Mr Murray.. only joking, not a bad lad. UP THE BTEC CONSTRUCTION. Away on John!

Ronan Dunne

Jonesboro’ PS

The past seven years at St Paul’s have been great and I have made many close friends during my time here. I have changed a lot as a person as I have gone from a tan to a light coco colour. GCSE’s was a great time for me and I gained recognition for ruling, (Private Joke) There is of course my time doing A’ Levels, where I was branded the laziest student in St Paul’s and it’s probably the best credential I have to my name! I am currently studying Business Studies, Health and Social Care and BTec Construction. I have found these subjects to be very challenging but I had a lot of laughs along the way, usually at the expense of my class mates. My time at St Paul’s has flown by and I’m sad to be leaving here and leaving my friends behind, but it has all worked out because I don’t really like them… just kidding. Next year I hope to go on to university and do a course in Construction. By the way I would just like to say that despite me owning a Leon I did not ask my class mates to tell everyone in their profiles.

Brian Farrell

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

The last seven years at St Paul’s have been very enjoyable and I have made many new friends. Throughout my time here I have gained many memorable memories. I think the most memorable memory was travelling to Kenya when I was in sixth year. I found this to be an extremely rewarding experience. Once I finish school I plan to study Construction Engineering in Jordanstown. My favourite time in St Paul’s would have to be the look on Charlie Byrnes face when we told him the work wasn’t done. I would like to wish all the best to the Construction boys and hope they get to the places they want. Good luck everyone!

Anthony Feehan

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

Well lads, it has been some craic over the past seven years, I have so many good memories here, between PE Outdoor pursuits and watching James Sands attempt to swallow a handball. I have achieved a lot at my time at St Pauls and have met some great friends, teachers and Charlie Byrne... I am studying Btec Construction and A-level PE, I would love to go on to do Property Investment & Development at Jordanstown. I would like to wish everyone all the very best for the future especially the Construction men. Right McCann see ye at Hollywoods’ in the morning PS Ronan Dunne has a Leon.

Michael Hastewell

Cloughoge PS

Well lads, we have had some craic over the past seven years! I have so many good memories here especially PE Outdoor pursuits and watching James Sands attempting to swallow a handball. I have achieved a lot during my time at St Paul’s and have met some great friends, teachers and Charlie Byrne! I am studying D/A BTec Construction and A’ Level PE. I would love to go on to do Property Investment and Development at Jordanstown. I would like to wish everyone all the very best for the future especially the Construction men. Right McCann see you at Mr Hollywood’s’ in the morning. Ronan Dunne has a Leon and remember # CharliesGotAPlanForYous.

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Form Teacher Mr Donal Murray

Ryan Higgins

St Patrick’s PS, Newry

It seems like only yesterday I walked through the front doors of St Paul’s High School and immediately got shouted at for wearing an ear ring and rings (last time I made that mistake.) I found it difficult at first to fit in until the morning I met my good friend Ryan Loughran as we both got lost trying to find our way to the Religion department and we immediately became best friends. I went through school life keeping my head down and working to the best of my ability and my efforts paid off when I received a Medal for Endeavour at the end of 3rd year. St Paul’s has helped me grow in confidence especially in the drama department where performing on stage turned from a daunting challenge into an exciting desire. St Paul’s has been great to me I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life at university. I will miss walking these corridors with my friends Ryan McSorley, Ryan Loughran, Petey Davis, (I’ll stop there as I don’t want to forget anyone) and I am proud to call myself a student of St Paul’s Bessbrook.

Ryan Loughran

St Joseph’s PS, Meigh

Yes it’s me, oh you really don’t need to clap, it’s only me!. Anyway back on subject, it’s actually been pretty good over the past seven years, apart from the obvious exceptions i.e. PE I’ve made some really good friends, many of them quite recently and they’ve been really good/bad distractions from school work. Some of the best times I had at St Paul’s were the trips to Lourdes in Year 12 and the trip to Berlin in Year 13. They were brilliant experiences, especially Lourdes as I helped the elderly and disabled get around the shrine and the other spiritual places. I hope to study History and International Studies at university and to see some of my friends there as well… PARTY!! Ok yes, there have been some bad moments but thankfully they have been brief and I’d like to thank all my brilliantly distracting friends the best for the future and remember, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”.

Christopher Lynch

Dromintee PS

During my seven years at St Paul’s I have thoroughly enjoyed my time. I have held many responsibilities such as being the captain of the tin whistle team, a member of the Tiddlywinks Ensemble and of course, playing the spoons in the school orchestra. My most memorable moment was going to Romania on our aid mission and listening to “Bass Hunter” (yes he did go to my birthday) with Shane Fegan. Next year I hope to be at St Mary’s in Belfast studying to be a Primary School teacher. I wish everyone the best of luck next year in their studies. My time at St Paul’s has been LEGEN…wait for it …DARY! Autobots transform!

Conor McCann

Cloughoge PS

Well, what’s happening? My name is Conor and I have somehow completed seven years of school, and now have been given the opportunity to do this. Where do we start with the memories of this place? From meeting the lads in first year, to Lourdes in fifth year then back for A’ Levels and meeting thon Warner one. After St Paul’s I want to go on to become a Primary School teacher. These have been without a doubt been the best seven years of my life, especially the last two after being taken under Charlie Byrnes wing and enjoying life with the BTec boys. Hope everyone gets to where they want to get in life! Right Mickey, good luck.

Deaglan Morgan

Cloughoge PS

In the seven years thatI have been at St Paul’s, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time. I have met a lot of close friends and one acquaintance. I enjoyed the subjects that I chose at GCSE and A’ Level. The BTEC construction class lost a few members along the way but were still going strong and our legacy will live on and not just the one of #TommyConda. I would also like to wish Conor Donnelly best of luck at his babysitting business and I am always here if you need a hand. Before I bow out and press send to Mrs Morgan in the library. Before I bow out and press send to Mrs Morgan in the library, I just want to say, Ronan Dunne drives a Leon!

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Class 14/79 Rory O’Loughlin

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

St Ronan’s PS, Newry

The last seven years of my time in St Paul’s have been great. I have been involved in various extra curricular activities ranging from sports to music. The last few years I have been deeply involved with the music from taking on ‘A’ Level music, playing in the orchestra and singing in the choir have developed me musically. I have met many good friends in the school.

Conor Rodgers

Cloughoge PS

Looking back at the last seven years in St Paul’s makes me realise how much I will miss the place. I have fond memories that I will cherish for a lifetime and good friends that I hope to keep in contact with as we go our separate ways. My most memorable moment at St Paul’s was becoming a Senior Prefect, a huge achievement for me even if I did show up late for the interview! I play rugby for Newry and can honestly say I love it! It has been a big part of my life and I have tried to incorporate into the school. I would like to pursue a career in the Construction Industry and I hope to study at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown. My wish for the future is to play rugby for Ulster and Ireland and score a try or two (O’Driscoll ..look out) Best of luck to everyone and I hope to see you all again.

Francis Ward

St Teresa’s PS, Tullyherron

The last seven years at St Paul’s have been very enjoyable and very memorable. I have made many new friends and I hope to stay in touch with them in the future. It has been great craic and especially when it comes to Mr Hollywood. His expert board working skills makes us feel better even when we are depressed about Maths which is most of the time! I hope to go to university next year to study Geography or do an Agricultural course. I would like to wish my friends and everyone in St Paul’s all the best for the future. ps..I am very honoured that the Catholic Church have decided to name the new pope after me!

Full marks for Aislynn in Art and Design I designed and made this dress for my final examination piece in GCSE Art and Design. My examination work was both nominated and selected for the True Colours Exhibition in Belfast 2013. This was a huge achievement for me and for St Paul’s, as the True Colours Exhibition exhibits the work of Northern Ireland’s most talented young artists and designers. I achieved full marks in my exam and came joint first in Northern Ireland in the 2013 series. I would like to thank all the art department staff and especially Mrs O’Hare who has been very supportive and encouraging. I hope to go to Art College and pursue a career in Art and Fashion. Aislynn Bagnall Year 13

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Class 14/JL Form Teacher

Ms Joanne Leonard

Back row: Ms Joanne Leonard, Roisin Teggart, Jack Boyle, Danny Wright, Paddy Murphy, Connaire Mackin, Dean McClorey, Saoirse Gregory, David Craven, Sinead McKeown Front row: Sinead McKenna, Niamh McGovern, Fiona O’Hare, Natasha McCabe, Eimear Loughran, Lauren Fox, Kerri-Ann Larkin, Dara Quinn, Michelle Morgan, Aoibheann McGenity It has been a real pleasure to be 14/JL’s form teacher for the past two years. During this time I have seen you develop into mature young adults. You have each worked hard to achieve academic and personal goals and yet found the energy and time to make such a significant contribution to life in St Paul’s. Time goes very fast and these last two years have flown by, however the bonds, friendships and memories you have gained will hopefully stay with you forever.

Jack Boyle

You have many great talents to offer in life. I wish you every success in the future and happiness in your chosen path. Hard work and determination will get you to where you want to be – but don’t forget to do it with a smile. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Ms Joanne Leonard.

St Malachy’s PS, Camlough

It’s hard to believe that seven years of St Paul’s are coming to an end! It seems like only a year or two that 08/13 were wrecking Mrs McKenna’s head. I have enjoyed every moment of school life but the most enjoyable part of school was my involvement with the Music Department. I am a member of the SATB choir and African drums. It is always amazing craic travelling to competitions with these groups and I do regret not taking Music for A’ Level. One of the most memorable moments is when Mr Slane makes up the names of the performances we are about to play on the spot and every year it is a different name! I hope to go to study Maths at Queen’s and I then want to return to St Paul’s as a Maths teacher. I’d like to see everyone do well in their exams this summer and that in five years we all will be glad of our course choices but most of all that I am teaching in this great school.

David Craven

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

During my seven years at St Paul’s I have definitely matured from my first year days; just ask Mrs McMahon and I have grown as a person, literally. I used to be one of the smallest first years and now I’m average height. I have had many opportunities in St Paul’s High School as I was spokesperson for my fifth year group’s GCSE prize giving. I was also given the role of reading the Prayers of the Faithful in Meigh Chapel for BBC Radio Ulster’s Sunday Mass as part of my Pope John Paul II Award. I have had many different courses in mind of what I wanted to do at university from Teaching to studying Law. It is only in my final year that I have decided that I really want to study Computer Science at Queen’s University. I have enjoyed every minute at St Paul’s High School and I will have great memories for life. I want to say good luck to all my mates in the future.

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Class 14/JL Lauren Fox

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Cloughoge PS

St Paul’s, St Paul’s, St Paul’s; what can I say… it was eventful and has given me some of the most memorable moments. What is life without ST PAUL’S? I was a member of the incredible school dance team and I enjoyed my time in Berlin with the History department; it was a clear headed experience. I have met some amazing people at my time in school and they will forever be apart of my life. As Chuck Norris would say “A lot of people give up just before they’re about to make it. You know you never know when that next obstacle is going to be the last one.” Y’all take care now. #startedfromthebottomnowwe’rehere

Saoirse Gregory

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

In Year 14, students have the chance to take on a year group responsibility such as a leader or a prefect but through my own choice I am known as the ‘fizzy sweet supplier’. Many students would agree wherever I go I’ve a bag of sweets on me. Throughout my time in St Paul’s I have been a member of many different clubs both sporting and musical. These clubs included playing the violin and becoming part of the orchestra, sharing parts in the African drumming group and also playing ladies football but as my time progressed in St Paul’s I have decided to focus on doing well in my school work. During my time in St Paul’s I also insisted in taking part in Open Days and I was a first year guide. My most memorable moment was definitely taking part in the Year 14 “Flash Mob”, as through all the secrets and practices along with Ms Fearon and the Dream Team we carried out one of the best surprises during a St Paul’s Got Talent show. Whenever I leave St Paul’s I would like to become a Network’s Manager by completing a Computer Science course in Queen’s. My main wish for the future is that, not only should everyone go on and achieve their goals but for everyone to stay in touch and live through the unforgettable memories made at St Paul’s. #onelifeoneschool

Kerri-Ann Larkin

Cloughoge PS

I have been at St Paul’s for seven years and it has been a great experience. I have had the opportunity to be a part of the dance team and the school choir both of which were great. I hope to go to University somewhere next year and study something, I’m still trying to figure out the details but I’m sure I’ll get there. I would just like to say good luck to every one and I hope you all have a great time with whatever you choose to do after St Paul’s.

Eimear Loughran

St Peter’s PS, Cloughrea

I have been involved in a number of things throughout my time in St Paul’s such as the school musicals, the Young Direct Marketing Award in Year 9 and the choir. I haven’t had to take on a position of responsibility as the stress of a class presentation in Year 10 was enough for me! I have been playing the piano since first year and I still enjoy it now. My most memorable time over the years was going on the aid mission to Romania. It was the most life-changing event in my life so far. When I leave St Paul’s I would like to go on to do Visual Communication and get a good job in advertising. My wish for the future is to return to Romania and that my friends go on to bigger and better things. Most of all I would like us all to stay in touch.

Connaire Mackin Abbey Grammar CBS, Newry I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years in St Paul’s but to be honest it literally only feels like two. I was a member of the MacLarnon team in sixth year who won the Ulster and All-Ireland in what was a successful and proud time for the school. This year I was part of the MacRory panel which was the best time of my life, made some strong friendships, the team where like a second family and have some great memories to cherish. Id like to thank the staff that have looked after me from year 8 right up until now and also Jamie Cosgrove who is a true inspiration for all, being an All Star and whipped isn’t easy to do. Hope everyone in the year goes on to do well in their exams. A few personal shout outs to Eoghan the Powerhouse Burns, Paddy ‘BBB’ Murphy and the Armagh Senior Player himself - Ciaron O’Hanlon, ‘aw he’s just a credit like’. Last but not least for my main man Gregory McCabe hopefully he goes on and pursues his career in Dentistry and becomes a professional soccer player for DC! I’m absolutely speechless that it has come to and end but St Paul’s has been an unbelievable experience for me and I have plenty of memories to tell the grandchildren.

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Form Teacher Ms Joanne Leonard

Natasha McCabe

Jonesboro’ PS

It’s strange to think that I’ve been here for seven years already! It was definitely different coming from a primary school with 60 pupils to one with about 1500! I’ve met so many new people and have great memories such as Nikki dropping Rachel on her head during a fire drill and taking fits of laughter at the back of library with Amy, Rachel and Sarah (btw were you actually crying or laughing over your heartbreak?) I’ve also had the experience of going to London in Year 9 for the Young Direct Marketing Awards and remember us having to beg for ages to stay over for a night. I hope to go to Queen’s to study Social Anthropology. My time at St Paul’s was definitely memorable and I wish everyone the best of luck in the future!

Dean McClorey

St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly

Well I have been here for seven years and now I am completely flummoxed as to what to write for all my well-wishers. I would describe my time at St Paul’s as being a glass case of emotion, both good and bad but son of a bee-sting, I have really enjoyed it! From class 09/93 gods to Year 14 there are not enough lines to tell you what has happened over those years. My highlights have to be going to Berlin with comic book guy, Mr McCaffrey and the school formal. Who knows, maybe my legacy will be the chants that will live on for years to come. Shout out to Mawh, Spud, Freddo and the rest of the lads! Who knows what I will be doing next year but it will be something great. You stay classy, San Diego!

Aoibheann McGenity

Dromintee PS

The past seven years at St Paul’s have not only flown by but provided me with memories that will last a lifetime! One of my most memorable experiences here was being chosen as a volunteer to go to Romania and I am so thankful for that opportunity. I would like to go on to university to study Business Administration and then pursue a career in the business world. I wish everyone the best of luck for the future and hope to stay in contact with many of you!

Niamh McGovern

St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook

I have changed a lot in seven years of High School and I have lots of great memories with library distractions, art kittens and interesting off-topic conversations in class! It is safe to say I’ve had a lot of trips in the last two years; a memorable week in Sweden, an emotional week in Romania, and a great (but sickly) trip to Berlin, with some bad memories on the German subway! One thing seven years has not given me is a career choice, only a love for everything I’ve done. So I don’t yet have one hope for the future, just a lot of possible plans. I hope to start with an English and History course at university and take it from there! A word of advice from seven years’ experience; “always take risks”.

Sinead McKenna

St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly

“To thine own self be true”. If I leave without any A’ Levels at least I have learnt a life long lesson from the one and only name stealer Mrs McKenna. Time flies when you’re having fun! I can’t believe seven years have passed. St Paul’s has given me some memorable moments that I will never forget. The school formal was my best memory! I have met some life-long mates and hope we all stay in touch! Being a member of the dance team for seven years has been a great achievement and has made my time at St Paul’s even more enjoyable. Taking part in our Year 14 ‘flash mob’ was another great highlight and I hope our year group will be remembered for doing it! #dreamteam. I feel very lucky that my last year in St Paul’s was the year the boys reached the Mac Rory final. A day I will never forget! Never been as proud to say I am part of St Paul’s family! #NaomhPólAbú Next year I hope to be living it up in Belfast with all my mates studying English at Queen’s and then make my return to school as an English teacher in years to come.

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Class 14/JL

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Sinead McKeown

St Mary’s PS, Mullaghbawn

It’s hard to believe my seven years at St Paul’s is up - I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. During my time here I have had a lot of great memories, from my trips to Lourdes and Berlin to the many slips and falls (Fiona), but it is safe to say my most memorable moments came from AS History with Catriona and Jason; from chat-up lines to ‘transformismo’ there was definitely never a dull moment. When I leave St Paul’s I hope to go on and study Law in Belfast. I would like to wish my friends all the best in their future and remember. In years to come, when your lives flash before your eyes, make sure it’s worth watching!!

Michelle Morgan

St Brigid’s PS, Drumilly

The only position I have EVER held within school is being a Senior Prefect and I’m surprised I even hold that. My seven years haven’t been all bad but I’m glad to be moving on. My greatest experience would be going to the Lake District with the Duke of Edinburgh Award even though it was just a week of torture, no food, and 11 hour daily walks! In September I hope to be living the student life in Derry as well as studying Computer Science, but who knows? See you on the other side… or not!

Paddy Murphy

Jonesboro’ PS

These past seven years at St Paul’s have been absolutely brilliant. I am not going to lie, the craic that we have had in this school in the years that I’ve been here has been top class. The friends that have been made are for life. There has never been a dull day in St Paul’s. I hope to get up to study in Belfast next year to keep the craic going, cause it’d be a real shame for it to stop. One of the best memories for me was the Berlin trip. I must be about 40 years of age now by the way that nearly everyday in the canteen I have had happy birthday sung to me. I feel sorry for the school for losing the Legend that I am and hope someone will be able to come in and fill the big boots that I will leave behind me. Hope everyone has a successful future and everyone keeps her lit!

Fiona O’Hare

Jonesboro’ PS

I have been in St Paul’s for the last seven years, and throughout these seven years the most memorable moment of my time here has to be when I fell face first off the bus and broke my ankle. The second most memorable moment was when I then fell face first with my crutches in the foyer the week after I broke my ankle. The biggest achievement I have made throughout my time at St Paul’s is becoming friends with Michelle Morgan (not the librarian). As you can see I have had an excellent experience here in St Paul’s. I have thoroughly enjoyed my senior years and have met people that I will stay in touch with long after I leave. With any luck I intend to be living it up large in Liverpool next September, studying Marketing (on the side lines).

Dara Quinn

St Joseph’s HS, Crossmaglen

My two years in St Paul’s have absolutely flown by and I have loved every bit of it! I’ve had great craic and met loads of great people. I’ve done more things and experienced more than I ever would have thought. I’ve had a lot of memories here that I will have forever and wish everyone the best. I hope to go on to university in October.

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Class 14/JL Roisin Teggart

St Oliver’s PS, Carrickrovaddy

It’s hard to believe how quickly the past seven years have flown – seems no time since I was in 08/59. I have so many great memories like the trips to M&D’s, Alton Towers and Paris. Travelling to Rome with the choir was a brilliant experience. I had the opportunity to spend a fantastic week in Lourdes, with a brilliant group of students in July 2011 – we were there for Bastille Day and a stage of the Tour de France passed through during our pilgrimage. I will never forget that week. My most memorable achievement was when I received 1st place in Art and Design at GCSE. I wish everyone the best of luck with whatever they plan to do in the future.

Danny Wright

St Peter’s, Cloughrea

I have had a great time in St Paul’s and met some friends I believe I will have for life. Although the craic can be great, A’ levels can be very stressful, so stressful I have lost my hair on a few occasions! The two most memorable moments were the history trip to Berlin and the school formal. Paddy Murphy was a huge character in both these events and his actions are unsuitable to mention in these pages! I want to study Irish at university and after that ..who knows! I would like to give a shout out to the lads: Snape, Mawh, Spud and Hinkley! Náomh Pól Abu.

Jack is Armagh Swimming Champion! Jack Boyle Year 14 Jack Boyle is the captain of the Newry and Mourne Swimming Club and recently won the Armagh Championship Team Trophy for the fourth year in succession. The club also claimed the Arthur McDonald Trophy earlier in the year. The event took place at Armagh’s Orchard Leisure Centre.

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Netball

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

Colleen and Dearbhla selected for N.I Squad Year 12 pupils Dearbhla Wright and Colleen McVeigh were selected for the National NI U17 Netball squad as a result of their outstanding performance. Colleen McVeigh, was also selected in February 2013 to be a member of the Northern Ireland U17 International Netball Squad. The team travelled to Malta to play in the U17 European championships in March 2013.

Southern Area Netball Champions! The St Paul’s Intermediate Netball team won the Southern Area Netball title with a 21-19 win against the Sacred Heart Grammar School on 19th December 2012.

Netball Success for Shannon and Claudine Year 14 students Andrea Shannon and Claudine Loughran attended the NNI Southern Area U19 Schools Netball trials at St Paul’s High School Bessbrook. Both were successful and are now training with a squad of 20 girls from schools throughout the southern area in preparation for the inter board Podium4Sport netball tournament.

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A Great Year for Dance! Congratulations to three Year 12 students at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook who auditioned and were selected for the Northern Ireland Youth Dance Team. Danielle Hughes-Quinn, Emily Shields and Ashlee Hughes were chosen from girls from over thirty post primary schools to represent St Paul’s High School on the squad.

Vice-principal of St Paul’s High School, Mrs Una McNulty congratulates Danielle Hughes-Quinn, Emily Shields and Ashlee Hughes who have been selected to represent the school on the Northern Ireland Youth Dance Team.

“Fresh from their success at Newry Feis, winning the Schools Dance Cup, our school dance team competed in the Ulster Dance Championships in Belfast on Sat 20th April. The Junior and Senior Dance and Aerobic teams won a silver and two bronze awards at the event and their hard work and effort over the year has really paid off. Well done girls it’s been a great year of dance.” Mrs Catherine Hughes

The three girls will now be involved in rigorous dance training sessions for international competitions and displays. PE and Dance teacher at St Paul’s, Mrs Catherine Hughes, spoke of how proud she was of the girls’ achievement and how she looks forward to supporting the girls and the team at the upcoming events.

Year 14 pupils, Sinead McKenna and Orla Magennis, are leaving St Paul’s this year after seven years as part of the dance scene in St Paul’s. They have contributed greatly to the success of the school dance teams in many Northern Ireland finals and will be greatly missed.

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Herald Cup Champions!

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St Paul’s claimed their first piece of Ulster Colleges silverware of the year as they defeated South Armagh rivals St Joseph’s Crossmaglen in the Danske Bank Ulster Colleges Herald Cup Final. Played at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh, this was always going to be a tense affair between both sides, and on this occasion it was the Bessbrook men that came out on top. Full Time score: St Paul’s Bessbrook 2-07 St Joseph’s Crossmaglen 1-02

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MacCormack Cup Champions! The Under-18 boys from St Paul’s High School created history for the Bessbrook school for the second year running, by winning Danske Bank Ulster Colleges MacCormack Cup, after an impressive final display against St Patrick’s College, Maghera. This is the school’s first year of Ulster Colleges MacRory football. Having remained unbeaten throughout the group stages, St Paul’s finished top of their MacRory group seeing off St Michael’s College, Enniskillen, St Colman’s College, Newry and St Macartan’s College, Monaghan, as well as drawing against Omagh CBS. Full time: St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook 3-05 St Patrick’s College, Maghera 0-12

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MacRory Cup

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MacRory Dreams Shattered in Armagh

Dreams were shattered for the St Paul’s MacRory Cup team as they lost out by a single point to St Patrick’s College, Maghera, in the Danske Bank Ulster Colleges MacRory Cup Final. Played in the Athletic Grounds, Armagh, St Paul’s started brightly but two goals from St Patrick’s meant St Paul’s went in at half time trailing by four points. St Paul’s, in their first year at MacRory level, made a determined fightback in the second half. Both teams exchanged points throughout the second half and late scores by Caolan McCullough and captain Ciaron O’Hanlon got St Paul’s to within one point of Maghera, with two-minutes of injury time to be played. Unfortunately it was not to be, as St Patrick’s held on to win their 13th MacRory Cup title. Manager John Rafferty said after the game – ‘The way that they went about their football in the second half with the integrity that they showed was just top drawer. Only for a few key moments going against us it would be us with the smile on our faces. But that’s football. These boys have set the standard for the Junior students in our school and hopefully we can build on this.’ Full time score: St Paul’s, Bessbrook 0-10 St Patrick’s, Maghera 2-05 St Paul’s Bessbrook : S McDonnell, J Cosgrove, C Boyle, K Mallon, P Campbell, D Nugent, G McCabe, A McKay [0-2], B Malone [0-1], E Burns [0-1], C McConville, C Mackin, C Nugent, C O’Hanlon [0-5], F Burns. Sub : C Toner for McConville, C McCullough [0-1] for Mallon, M McNamee for F Burns, J Burns for Toner

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GAA Writers Award

Mr Martin O’Rourke, team coach and Mr Oliver Mooney, St Paul’s principal, thanked the Ulster GAA writers for recognising the school’s success since entering Colleges football in 2008 and said that they hoped this award would further encourage the young footballers of South Armagh to even more success.

Mr John Graham of the Ulster GAA Writers’ Association presented a special award to St Paul’s Bessbrook to acknowledge their achievements in 2012 of winning the Ulster Colleges’ MacLarnon Cup and the All Ireland Colleges’ Noonan Cup. The award was received by last year’s All Ireland winning captain, Michael Murphy and mercurial forward, Jemar Hall. Also present were Ciaran O’Hanlon, the 2013 captain, and Eoghan Burns and Gregory McCabe all of whom were part of last year’s winning side.

Jamie Cosgrove wins Danske Bank All Star Award Congratulations to Year 14 student, Jamie Cosgrove, who plays at corner back for St Paul’s Senior Football team and who was presented with a Danske Bank Ulster Colleges All Star Award at a special ceremony held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast recently. Also pictured are Seamus Meehan, Chairman of the Ulster Colleges and Danske Bank representative, Danny Stinton.

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Ladies Football U16

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St Paul’s U.16 Ladies are Ulster Champions and All-Ireland Finalists 2013

Pictured is the St Paul’s Under 16 Ladies team celebrating winning the Kukri PPS Under 16A Ulster Final.

St Paul’s U16 Ladies are Ulster champions having defeated Loreto Grammar School, Omagh, in the U16A Ulster Final. The game was played at St Tiernach’s Park, Clones and the final score was St Paul’s, Bessbrook 4-09 Loreto Grammar, Omagh 2-13. This was the first year St Paul’s had entered the ‘A’ competition The team then went on to win their semi -final match against Loreto, Fermoy in Co.Cork and continued to the All-Ireland final against Glenamaddy. It was heartache as the final whistle was blown and St Paul’s were narrowly beaten by two points in a thrilling game. Congratulations to all the team and their coaches Mrs Julie Simpson and Miss Michaela Downey and a special thanks to Mr John Rafferty and Miss Siofra Burns for all their help.

Pictured is the St Paul’s U.16 Ladies team who were narrowly beaten in the Post Primary Schools All- Ireland Junior ‘A’ Final 2013

St Paul’s High School: Path to the final. Ulster Round 1

St Paul’s 8-11

Virginia College, Cavan

1-03

Ulster Round 2

St Paul’s 7-11

St Patricks Academy, Dungannon

1-01

Ulster Round 3

St Paul’s 9-15

Assumption Grammar, Ballynahinch

3-06

Ulster Semi-Final

St Paul’s 7-12

St Bill Ciaran’s, Ballygawley

7-10

Ulster Final

St Paul’s 4-09

Loreto GS, Omagh

2-13

All Ireland Semi-Final St Paul’s 2-11

Loreto, Fermoy, Cork

3-07

All Ireland Final

Glenamaddy CS, Galway

St Paul’s 8-09

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5-20


Individual Achievers Aimee Mackin wins an All-Star

Aimee Mackin

Year 12

Aimee is an accomplished athlete representing her club and school in Gaelic football at local and provincial level. She received an All-Star for her outstanding performance in Gaelic football this season. Aimee also plays for Newry Town and the Northern Ireland football squad. She recently represented NI in Paris against current world champions, France, in the UEFA U17 Championship. Aimee scored Northern Ireland’s only goal in the opening match and although they lost 3:1, she was named “player of the match”.

Rachael Sands wins the Diana Award

Rachael Sands

Year 11

In March of this year Rachael Sands, a Year 11 pupil here at St Paul’s won the coveted Princess Diana Award at Stormont. She is involved in fundraising for Daisy Hill Hospital as well as other local charities. Rachael has been ill for four years and wanted to give something back to the community that has supported her through her treatment. She has raised over £4,000 for good causes through raffles and cake sales. Rachael is very brave and courageous as well as being a tremendous role model who leads by example, showing others how to make the most of life. We are so proud of what Rachael has achieved and we look forward to having her back at school very soon.

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Inspirational Hero!

www.stpaulsbessbrook.org

On the 11th November 2010, while a fifth year, I took very ill at home. I was rushed to Daisy Hill Hospital and transferred immediately to Belfast City Hospital where I underwent a 10 hour surgery for a ruptured aortic aneurysm. My parents were told that I had only a 10% chance of survival. I unfortunately lost both my legs through the knees due to no blood flow to my legs during surgery. I went home for Christmas and started treatment at Musgrave on the 17th January 2011. I walked for the first time on prosthetics on the 1st February. It was due to the support and encouragement from my family and staff at St Paul’s that I was able to achieve my GCSEs and return to study for A’ levels. I went to an amputee boot camp in Oklahoma, where I made lots of friends who are in the same position as me and I learnt so much from them. I was privileged to be chosen to carry the Olympic Torch on the 5th June 2012 around Pairc Esler and ultimately lighting the Olympic cauldron. One person who has inspired me to believe that amputees have ability is Oscar Pistorius with all that he has achieved in his sporting career. I want to take this opportunity to thank the teachers of St Paul’s for their help and support and also my family who have been on this journey with me. I wouldn’t be where I am now without you all. I hope to go on to university to get a degree in Counselling so that I can help others come to terms with any difficulties they may face in life. Ryan Cinnamond Ryan takes time out to recount his story to primary school children at their school assembly.

Ryan is pictured at the St Colman’s running track. He has set his sights on one day competing at the Paralympics.

On the 9th April 2012 Ryan travelled to Oklahoma to attend Hanger Clinic’s Bilateral Prosthetic User Workshop. Ryan learnt a host of new and amazing techniques at the boot camp which will be of great benefit to him throughout his life.

Ryan sets off for the St Paul’s School Formal with Sarah McPolin.

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Lighting the cauldron at Pairc Esler for the Olympic Games in August 2012 was the highlight of the year for Ryan and his family.


Newry & Mourne Sports Awards St Paul’s are major winners at Sports Awards night! St Paul’s High School, were major winners at the Annual Newry and Mourne Sports Awards on Thursday 7th March. The school achieved a rare double, winning both the Junior Team and the Post Primary Schools Award. St Paul’s had a magnificent 2012 as they won the All Ireland Colleges B Senior Football Championship as well as a host of other awards in netball, dance and ladies football. Year 14 pupil Conall McCavitt picked up the Junior Individual Award after his tremendous feat in winning double World Handball titles this year. Another star pupil, Ryan Cinnamond, carried the Olympic Torch into the Canal Court and got the evening off to a superb start.

Conall McCavitt is Double World Handball Champion In the biggest handball competition in the history of the game, with over 2000 participants from under 33 countries competing, Conal McCavitt took the 17 and Under One-Wall singles title by beating the United States champion Robert Lee 15-7, 11-15 and 11-6. Fifteen minutes after coming off the court as World Singles champion, Conal was back in action in the semi final of the World Doubles championship where he partnered Johnny Woods of O’Neill’s, County Tyrone. The Irish duo defeated two Belgian opponents in the semi final 15-1 and 15-5 before taking on Colin Cregan and Darren Docherty in the Final. Once more the Cullyhanna man and his partner triumphed, winning 15-2 and 15-7 with Conal picking up his second world title in the same afternoon. Congratulations to Conal who is a double World Champion in Handball.

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