“The one where they graduate”- 'Friends’ themed graduation at St. Fergal’s College Rathdowney

Photos by Hannah Cahill.

On Thursday evening, the 6th year class of 2024 graduated from St. Fergal's college Rathdowney. It was a night of mixed emotions, candid speeches and fantastic music from the school's choir and trad group.   

The theme chosen by the year group was ‘Friends’, the 1990’s TV show. Attendees were greeted with signs and decorations full of references. 

The ceremony opened with an address from Principal Gerry Quinn, who defined the school’s pillars as community values, a family atmosphere, and a commitment to excellence in education. 

“Be courageous, and be confident in your right to a good and happy life,” said Mr. Quinn. 

“If you don’t get what you hoped for in terms of your career, there are so many avenues you can take to reach your objective. Education is broader than the Leaving Cert, as important as that is.” 

The principal went on to praise the year group for maintaining their good character in a modern world full of conflict. 

“Living in a world currently full of challenges internationally, with a backdrop of war, famine, violence- your kindness, compassion and courteousness inspires hope, and is a true reflection of your humanity.” Mr. Quinn went on to thank school staff, students, parents and guardians, and the school choir and trad group. 

Vice Principal Carol Devine described the 6th year class as a “positive and engaging group,” and encouraged them to pursue their dreams without fear of failure. 

“Never fear a misstep. These are the ones we learn the most from,” she said.  

“Don’t be afraid to stumble and make mistakes- just make sure that you take something from everything that you do.” 

Head Girl and Head Boy Hannah Fitzpatrick and Ben Kirby closed the ceremony with witty speeches steeped in sentiment. 

“Who would have ever thought that in first and second year, while being sent home for our ‘Covid Holiday’, it would turn into nearly a whole year of school being missed,” said Ben Kirby. “Some of us even got away without doing a Junior Cert!”. 

“A huge part of our lives is about to come to an end, but we can look back at these memories in both tears and laughter. To our parents and guardians- without you, we wouldn’t be here at all. Literally. Your love and guidance have been the key to our success”, said Head Girl Hannah Fitzpatrick.  

AWARDS 

Sports awards- Amy Daly and Cormac Hogan 

Academic awards- Áine Dowling Bourke, Paul Creanga, Moira Sherman and Wei Xiang Hu 

Achievement awards- Áine Dowling Bourke, Scott Abraham, Hannah Fitzpatrick and Kevin Meade 

Music awards- Ellie O’Sullivan and Sinéad Rafter 

100% Attendance Award- Emily Treacy 

The graduation ceremony was accompanied by music from St. Fergal’s College Choir and Trad Group, led by music teacher Vicky Murphy. The performances were greeted with eruptions of applause.  

Music Solos- 

Ellie O’Sullivan- singing and playing piano “Always Remember You” by Miley Cyrus. 

Fiachra Dooley, singing “Dreams” by the Cranberries 

St. Fergal’s College Choir- the ‘Friends’ Theme Song 

St. Fergal’s College Trad Group- the High Kings of Laois 

The choir composed and preformed their original graduation song. St. Fergal’s College Trad Group consisted of Sinead Rafter, Simon Groarke, Molly Cassin, Brianna Bergin, Gwen Thompson, Muireann Gilbert, John Delaney and Fiachra Dooley.