It may be a false impression not supported by reality, but the sun does always seem to start shining as soon as the exams begin. And so it has been this week as the Leaving and Junior Certificate students filed into examination centres all over the country. In Good Counsel almost 260 students sit their state exams and we wish each and every one of them the very best of luck.
Our principal Fr. Hennebry leaves us at the end of the school year to take up his new position as Provincial of the Augustinian order and many tributes have been paid to him for the wonderful service he has given to the school over the past 19 years, 16 of which he has spent as principal. Presentations have been made to Fr Hennebry by the Parents’ Council, the school staff and the Board of Management among others. His contribution to education in the community is also recognised by New Ross Town Council who will present him with Chairman’s award in the council chambers on Thursday evening. We thank Fr. Hennebry and wish him every blessing for the years ahead in his new role with the order.
Also retiring from the teaching staff is Mr Vincent McDonnell, our highly respected German teacher of many years and to him we also extend a sincere thanks on behalf of all those he has taught, helped and inspired during his years here. There is no question but Vincent will keep very active in his retirement from teaching and we wish him many long years of happiness in doing so.
Sr. Mary Malone, who has worked as school matron for many years is also retiring from the invaluable work she has been doing here in Good Counsel and will certainly be greatly missed. The first port of call for any boy with a headache, sprain, tonsilitis or indeed schoolitis Sr Mary dispensed not only the occasional painkiller but also an abundance of kindness and care. Never raising her voice or questioning the bona fides of any ‘patient’, Sr. Mary was truly Christian in her ministry. We wish her well indeed.
Congratulations are extended to Eoin Power, 6th year on winning the Senior Boys 110m hurdles in a personal best time of 14.79 seconds at the Irish Schools’ National Finals last week. Eoin’s list of achievements is impressive and he has done the school proud with his many provincial and national titles over the years. At the same event, Joe Mooney, 3rd year, finished third in the 2000m intermediate boys walk, again a fantastic achievement for the young Adamstown man whose club mate Ryan Carthy Walsh, 1st year, took bronze in the Junior boys high jump. Well done to all of them on their outstanding efforts.
The annual Madigan Cup hurling match between Wexford and Kilkenny students took place before the end of the school year and once again the ‘Cats’ emerged victorious. Well done to the boys for organising the teams and jerseys and to the Madigan family for again supporting the event held in memory of Keith and Alan who are so fondly remembered here in Good Counsel.
To all our students, parents and staff we wish you a safe and happy summer.
