Congratulations to our Class of 2025!
Their Graduation Ceremony was held on Thursday 15th May and we were delighted to welcome parents, families, grandparents, staff and special guests to this very special event.
Our MCs, Cian Connery and Neil McLauchlan opened the Graduation Ceremony, welcomed everyone and read out the names of our Leaving Cert students as they processed through the hall with their ‘success in exams’ candles.
Ms. Moriarty’s Address.
Ms Moriarty thanked the students, staff and special guests; Br. Simon, Mr Michael Sexton (P.B.S.T.) and Senator Garrett Kelleher (Past Pupil).
She thanked the students for their contribution to the ‘spirit’ of the school and said this was acknowledged to some extent at the senior awards ceremony last week but they were involved in so many other events for which there are no accolades. She wished them well as they embark on their new journeys and encouraged them to return to the school over the years ahead as there is always a welcome for our past-pupils.
Readings and Reflections
The very talented Samuel Okoye sang “Amazing Grace” and Br. Simon led the next part of the ceremony as he invited Donnacha Doyle to share a reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.
Six students: Prinson Machado, Ronan Canavan, Cormac Dineen, Etienne Egret Hanley, Stephen Murray & John Araque read prayers of intercession on behalf of their year group.
Jack Brady (violin) & Gearoid Mahon (cello) accompanied Matthew Ahern & Seán O’Sullivan beautifully as they shared a powerful reflection called, ‘A Creed to Live by’. Br Simon offered a prayer of blessing to the Leaving Certs students, their parents/families, staff and friends.
Another very talented singer Oran Murphy also captivated the audience by singing in French.
Student Responds and Reflections
At the next part of the ceremony John Egan spoke on behalf of the Leaving Cert group.
In his speech John highlighted the growth and maturity of the year group over the six years in school and the challenges they faced during the pandemic. When this year group started in CSN, little did they realise that the friendships that were beginning to form would be interrupted and it would be almost 2 years before they could meet and engage with each other again.
John was quick to point out that they have more than made up for lost time and their TY year gave them so many opportunities to make new friends and to bond as a year group.
Guest Speaker’s Insight
To conclude the ceremony Sen. Garrett Kelleher spoke about his experience of being a student in Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh. The friendships he made in CSN have lasted a lifetime and the encouragement he received from his Teachers has stood to him. He captured the attention of students and parents when he told them about the career paths he has pursued.
He wished the students well as they move on to the next stage of their journeys and advised them that the path to success may not always be the one you envisioned. Embrace challenges and learn from them.
Nostalgic Video Wrap-Up
Students, families and staff enjoyed watching an amazing video featuring images from all the different years which took us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane It helped the students to reminisce about the incredible six years they spent in school.
Ms Moriarty brought the ceremony to a close by thanking everyone for attending and she said that she shares a special bond with this year group as they began their time in CSN when she was appointed Principal. Ms Moriarty will also be leaving CSN this year as she has announced her retirement and the students thanked her and wished her well for the future.
Ms. McCarthy and the T.Y students had prepared refreshments for our graduates, parents, families, grandparents, staff and guests who were delighted with this opportunity to meet and reminisce.
