Good Counsel College - News

School Newslettwer 25, 2011/12

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:19:00 GMT

As part of a 1st year History project one student, Stephen Murphy, made a scaled model of a mediaeval catapult, correctly termed a 'counterweight trebuchet'. For its detail and craftmanship, not to mention the fact that it actually works, it is a great credit to him. Googling 'trebuchet' will give you all the details of the historical significance of the device, a range of uses for which a full scale version on the grounds of the school come to mind! Well done to all those students and their teachers who produce such great work.

The 3rd Annual 'Good Counsel's Got Talent' took place in the school on Thursday evening last with all proceeds going to the charity Goal. The standard of performance was higher than ever making it very difficult for the judges to choose a winner. Eventually the very polished Traditional group of Jon Reville, Aidan O'Sullivan Ryan, Sean Furlong and Michael Martin took 1st prize with the Eanna O'Broin award for best up and coming act going to Diarmuid O'Brien who played guitar and sang the Tracey Chapman song 'Car'. The event was a great success and another reminder of the wonderful talent among the student body. Well done to the school prefects for organising the whole event and thanks to Mr Younger for all his work in co-ordinating it.

The Transition Year classes travelled to the City West hotel last week to the finals of the Young Social Innovators awards. All 3 groups had made it through to the finals from the regional stages, so well done to them and thanks to their teachers Ms Kinsella, Ms Bolger and Mr Huff.

The 3rd Tom Walsh Memorial hurling tournament for 1st years takes place in the school on Wednesday of this week. Teams from St Kierans, St Peters, Kilkenny CBS, Castlecomer C.S., De la Salle Waterford , Enniscorthy CBS and Blackwater C.S. will compete with the host school and holders for the trophy which honours a true gentleman who contributed so much to the life of Good Counsel especially in the areas of hurling and handball as well as through his work as an outstanding Geography teacher.

Congratulations to Rajiv Kumar who captained the Wexford Youths side to All Ireland victory at the weekend picking up the man of the match award into the bargain. Also involved from the school were Aaron Kinsella and Dale Flynn; well done to all of them.

A reminder that the 6th year Graduation Mass takes place on Wednesday night, May 23rd in the college Sports hall to which all 6th year students and their parents are invited. The annual Parents' Association 6th year barbeque will be held on the Friday of the same week.

School Newsletter 24, 2011/12

Tue, 08 May 2012 21:39:00 GMT

Good Counsel's Got Talent - Thurs. May 10th Many people are probably unaware of quite how much of the Leaving Certificate examination is completed before the 'Exams' start in june. Already the Irish Orals (40%), European Language Orals (20%), Art Practicals (50%), Agricultural Science Project (20%), Music Practical (50%), DCG Project (20%), Technology Project (20%), History Folder (20%), and Geography Field Report (20%) are among elements of the examination that students here have completed. It underlines the importance of working on an ongoing basis and not being under the false impression that all is staked on the terminal exam. Hopefully for all our 6th year students, there are already a considerable amount of marks 'in the bag'.

The 6th year Graduation Mass takes place on Wednesday, May 23rd in thwe college sports hall. Always a very special occasion it marks the time spent in Good Counsel College by each of the Leaving Cert. class and is an opportunity to celebrate their time here alongside their parents and teachers.

On Thursday night next, May 10th, the annual 'Good Counsel's Got Talent' show takes place in the Assembly Hall and the event which has grown over the past few years promises to be of a higher standard than ever with solo artists, bands and dancers among the acts bidding to impress the judges. All proceeds raised on the night go to the charity 'Goal'. We would be delighted to see you there.

Over the past few weeks there have been some outstanding sporting achievements from the college students:

Showjumping - the school showjumpers won the national Hoofprints League when they claimed 2nd spot in the final event of the year held in Mullingar recently. In so doing they become the first Wexford school to lift the title. In addition Jim Redmond, 1st year, won the individual award in Mullingar while in the All Ireland Inter Schools championships in Enniscorthy last weekend, Daniel Holden, 2nd year took first prize in the Senior individual event. Well done to all of them and many thanks to their parents and to teacher, Martin Molloy.

Athletics - at the South Leinster track and field event in Kilkenny on Wednesday last, Good Counsel students took gold in 3 events and bronze in another. Joe Mooney took the 1200m walk gold while Eoin Power and Shane O'Gorman won the senior and intermediate 110m hurdles respectively. Paul Manning, the defending champion, was just edged out in the tightest of finishes to the 200m final. In addition there was a vwery promising performance from J P Furlong, 1st year, in the discus event. Well done to all of them and best of luck as they go forward to compete in the Leinster finals.

Badminton - The under 16 Badminton team competed in the All Ireland Division 1 competition just before the Easter Holidays. After already having won the county and provisional titles in fine style the lads were hoping to go and claim the All Ireland crown. Over 50 teams headed to Gormanston Co. Meath to compete in various grade, the venue similiar to what you might expect in the the Olympics next September with 16 games been played at any one time.

The Good Counsel lads had a easy 6-0 victory over Munster Champions St. Flannans of Ennis in the semi finals which saw them into the final against the holders and arch rivals. Ulster Champions Royal Belfast Academic Institution (RBAI). With RBAI having 2 national squad members our lads fought hard against them but ended up losing in straight sets 5 -1. Congratulations must be given to the lads for all their hard work as this is a great achievement to hold county and provisional titles and runners up in national finals in the highest division. I am sure the lads will be back stronger than ever next year when 3 of the team will still be elegible to play at this grade.

Team consisted of: Noel Dunne, Declan Carroll, Jack Dunne, Dylan Bookle and Ian Carty while a big thank you goes to Mr Ger Murphy for working with and organising the team.

Hurling - The U-14 hurlers brought great joy to the school when on Friday last they overcame St Kierans, Kilkenny to lift the Dr Barry Leinster 'A' hurling trophy. The game played in Thomastown drew a large crowd of parents and friends while 1st and 2nd year students from the college also travelled in support. In an enthralling game 'Counsel' prevailed by a 2 point margin to win the trophy for the first time since 2005 and for only the 3rd time in the school's history. A lot of thanks are owed to Mr Declan Wall and Mr Pauric Cullen for the work put in with the team particularly over the Christmas, Mid Term and Easter breaks. Well done to all involved.

School Musical - Hot Mikado

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 09:03:00 GMT

Cast members Eoin Quirke, Michael Doyle and Cian O'Donoghue with Geisha Girl, Sarah Foley, backstage before Saturday night's performance of Hot Mikado The joint school production of Hot Mikado opened in St Michael's Theatre on Wednesday night of last week and ran for 4 nights playing to packed houses. A very colourful and highly entertaining production, the show received glowing reviews from all who attended. The product of lots of hard work and considerable committment from cast and crew, the show was another reminder of the breadth of talent among the young people in our schools. Enormous gratitude must go to the many teachers from both schools who over the past months have put in hours of work on a voluntary basis organising, promoting, assisting backstage and generally supporting and encouraging the boys and girls. Without this spirit of volunteerism and indeed that of others, including the many parents who dropped off and collected sons and daughters over the rehearsal period, such opportunities would not be possible for these students. Of course the professionalism of musical director, Kevin Kennedy, director, Bill Staffoord and choreograper, Anne Marie Cooney must not be overlooked and we thank them also for their contribution.

After the final show, cast and crew gathered in the Horse and Hound for a celebration with parents also in attendance. Although everyone might have been forgiven nodding off after all the effort of the previous weeks, reserves of energy were sourced to ensure a lively night of fun and dance.

Well done to everyone involved, to all those mentioned above, to the students who sold raffle tickets, to the theatre crew, to sponsors and in particular to all those who supported the show by coming along on the 4 nights. Many thanks.

.Some of the school staff, teachers and parents helping out backstage

School Newsletter 23, 2011/12

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:50:00 GMT

Action from the annual Madigan Cup played on Friday last. The last weeks before the Easter break have been extremely busy on all fronts with the school musical running in St Michael's Theatre, Mock Orals taking place, Transition Year YSI speak outs in Kilkenny and various other activities of an educational,sporting and cultural nature going on in addition to the daily school work, all of which was blessed with the beautiful March sunshine which we have been enjoying.

Good Counsel College has for a number of years had a very close and successful relationship with Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania with a number of students from our school going on to study there on scholarship. There are currently 5 Good Counsel alumni attending Mercyhurst and one of them, Richard Molloy ,was last week elected President of the Student Government, a prestigious honour which brings with it the responsibility of sitting on the University's board of directors where he will represent the students interests. We wish Richard the best in his role and congratulate him on his achievement.

In addition to travelling to Kilkenny to deliver presentations on their 3 YSI projects, the Transition Year students were busy last week engaged in a film making course. Each of the 3 classes attended for a full day each and we look forward to watching the result of their endeavours at the end of year Transition Year awards. The second cohort of TY hikers took to the Wicklow mountains above Glendalough last Thursday/Friday as part of their 'An Gaisce' awards and thanks again to Mr Coffey, Mr L O'Brien and Mr Rossiter for accompanying them and ensuring none were left behind.

The Madigan Cup was played for on Friday afternoon and produced a close and keenly contested game with Kilkenny winning by 2 points. Captain Mark Mansfield, a neighbour of the Madigan family, proudly accepted the trophy from Biddy Madigan on behalf of the Kilkenny lads who appropriately wore the Mullinavat jerseys forr the game. The roll of honour now reads 5 - 2 in favour of the 'Cats'.

The schools showjumpers were out in force in Barnadown on the weekend before last with 3 teams competing. All went through to the jump off where they claimed 2nd and 4th places to retain their slender lead at the top of the Hoofprints League which reaches its conclusion in Mullingar on the weekend of 21st/22nd April.

First year student Vladyslav Komarshchuk recently landed a Leinster boxing gold medal being crowned Boys U14 champion in Portlaoise. He is a very talented young man and is extremely dedicated to his sport so no doubt we will hear much more of him in future years. Well done to him and continued success.

School Newsletter 22, 2011/12

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:13:00 GMT

Sean Furlong, Jon Reville agus Michael Martin ag siineamh ceol tradisiunta ag aifrinn i rith seachtain na gaeilge. Mar chuid de 'Seachtain na Gaeilge' d'eagraigh na múinteoirí Gaeilge 'Tráth na gCeist' - trí ngaeilge - sa bhialann i rith na seachtaine. I measc imeachtaí na seachtaine bhí ceol tradisiúnta le cloisteáil i rith na nAifreann agus bhí comortas Puc Fada do lucht na céadta bliana. Is deas an rud an Ghaeilge a chloisteáil á laibhairt timpeall na scoile.

The college church was full to capacity on Monday evening last for a presentation on 'Life and Study Skills' which was organised by the Parents' Council to compliment seminars run with 2nd and 6th year students that day. The presenters were Tom Casserly of Student Enrichment Services and Maura Cahill. The evening was very well received.

Final preparations are underway for the joint school musical and anyone looking for tickets can contact St Michael's Theatre but would need to hurry as they are all but sold out.

We wish every one a Hppy St Patrick's Day

School Newsletter 21, 2011/12

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:16:00 GMT

We have designated this week 'Life and Study Skills Week' in an effort to focus awareness on the area of effective study and personal wellbeing. Given the often documented link between exam/study prassures and stress, there is clear merit in linking the two. As part of this initiative all 2nd and 6th years will on Monday have a two and a half hour seminar on 'Introduction to Study Skills' presented by an outside professional body. The programme will be specifically tailored to the groups in question. This initiative is being undertaken in conjunction with the Parents' Council who have generously provided financial support and in recognising the role of the parent as primary educator, and acknowledging the great stress that parents can experience at this time in their child's life, there is an evening presentation to parents in the school church as a follow on to the work done with students. The seminar has two sections: 'Study Skills - How you can help' and 'Empowering students to reduce stress and learn new coping strategies'. We are confident these efforts will be well worthwhile and will prove helpful to students and parents.

Good Counsel College won the U/16 Division One Leinster Final on Monday 5^th March in Baldoyle Badminton Centre Dublin. The team of Noel Dunne, Declan Carroll, Jack Dunne, Dylan Bookle and Ian Carty defeated St. Colmcilles, Terenure A and De La Salle Louth. They beat both Terenure and De La Salle 4-2. Their toughest match and ultimately the game that decided the champions was against St.Colmcilles, a match which ended up 3 games each so the winner was decided by points – Good Counsel recording the narrowest of victories, 116points to St.Colmcilles 115.

The team now go on to represent the school in the All Ireland finals later on this month where we wish them the best of luck. Many thanks also to their coach, Mr Murphy.

The U-14 hurlers got a stern reminder of the level of competition they face in 'A' colleges hurling when they met St Kierans College in Kilkenny last Tuesday. Having won well against Dublin Colleges the Counsel lads suffered a heavy defeat but will hopefully learn for the experience and perhaps get another shot at their illustrious opponents in the championship final.

Tickets for the joint schools' musical, 'Hot Mikado' are on sale from St Michael's Theatre, New Ross and by all accounts are going fast so don't delay in booking your tickets to what should prove to be a fabulous production.

School Musical - Hot Mikado

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:04:00 GMT

Hot Mikado the latest bi-annual school musical in association with St Mary's Secondary School goes on stage in St Michael's Theatre, New Ross from Wed. March 21st to Sat. March 24th inclusive. Following on previous joint school productions including 'Les Miserables', 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Honk' and 'South Pacific' this year's show promises to reach the same lofty standards set previously. Rehearsals are in full swing and tickets have now gone on sale. As these shows are traditionally sell outs it is advisable to book early. Call 051-421255 or log on to stmichaelsnewross.com. Opening night tickets are E12 and E15 thereafter with a special offer of 4 tickets for E50 for the Thursday night' show. Don't miss what promises to be a wonderful evenings entertainment.

School Newsletter 20, 2011/12

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:47:00 GMT

Anyone still unconvinced of the hazards of smoking would do well to see the Transition Year YSI display on the subject which provides graphic detail of the harmful effects of the habit. Drawing on a number of subject areas including Art, Biology, English and I.T., the display is both colourful and informative and a great credit to the group and their teacher Ms Langton.

Rehearsals are in full swing for the joint schools' production of 'The Hot Mikado' which goes on stage for 4 nights, March 21st to 24th. Tickets will be on sale soon and as the school musical is always a sell out it is advisable to book tickets early to avoid disappointment.

3 groups of lucky 2nd years got the opportunity to canoe on the Barrow last week courtesy of Sheilbaggin Outdoor Activities Centre. All those who took part over the 3 days thoroughly enjoyed and thanks to Mr Teague for organising the event.

The U-14 Hurlers got their campaign off to a winning start beating the Dublin Schools side by the narrowest of margins on Monday last. They now play St Kierans College on Wednesday in what should be a wonderful challenge for the boys. Best of luck to them.

Commiserations to Patrick Boland,1st year who made it to the Leinster handball semi final only to lose out to a very accomplished opponent. An outstanding handballer, Patrick will have many more successes in the future.

The showjumping team of Ethan Cahill, Daniel Holden, Stefan Kirwan and Jim Redmond continued their winning ways on Sunday last with another win, their 6th, in the Hoofprints League. They are now 8points clear at the top of the National table and hopefully can maintain their advantage over the last few events.

School Newsletter 19, 2011/12

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:19:00 GMT

Teacher, Mr Coffey, leads a group of Transition Year students across the Wicklow mountains overlooking Glendalough on a recent trek as part of their 'An Gaisce' awards. After a very welcome mid term break school resumed in pleasant spring conditions last Monday. The school year is, as ever, racing past and with 'Mocks' done and dusted, the Orals and practical elements of subjects now loom large. With only 5 weeks to Easter and a further 7 thereafter to the Summer break, the minds are sharply focused on the work that lies ahead.

Transition Years are now out on their second block of work experience so good luck to them and indeed our thanks go to the many employers who so kindly provide such valuable workplace opportunities to the students.

Our school showjumping team has been in excellent form in recent weeks winning events in Ballinasloe and in Newry. The enthusiasm of the boys and their parents is extraordinary as evidenced in the volume of travel undertaken each weekend to compete in the 'Hoofprints' national league which our boys currently lead with only a few more events to go. Hopefully their efforts will be rewarded with outright victory.

Ben Curran continues to make great progress in his swimming career and in addition to lifting double bronze in the Irish schools finals recently, he will next week compete in the national qualifiers for London 2012 where all of the country's top swimmers will compete in addition to a number of internationals who will use to event to try make qualifying times.Good luck to Ben in that.

There was a lot of money raised by students from the school over the last number of weeks in aid of the 'Shave or Dye' cancer research fundraising drive. There are few in any community who are not touched in some way by the torment of cancer and those students who organised the local event in the Horse and Hound were very sincere in their efforts.

Young Social Innovators

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:35:00 GMT

As part of their Young Social Innovators project based on Diet and Exercise in sport, TY2 recently invited a number of high profile sportsmen, all past pupils of the school, to come in and address the Transition Year students about their practices in terms of the diet they follow. Ranging from a powerlifter to a jockey and a rugby international, their experiences are very interesting indeed. To read about their visits in more detail, please click on the link below. YSI - 2012.doc

School Newsletter 18, 2011/12

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:11:00 GMT

First year students were treated to a reading and a visit from novelist Dermot Bolger on Friday 27th Jan. The boys are studying the novel in their English class. This is Dermot's first novel for teenagers. He said he wanted to write a novel for his sons before they got too old. The novel is set in Dublin and it features teenage struggles, changelings and strange happenings in the Hell Fire Club.

Dermot chose an exciting section to read and he captivated his audience. He then answered the many questions the lads had about the novel, writing and his life as a novelist. His warmth, sense of humour and honesty impressed the boys. Hopefully he has inspired some future authors. Dermot was extremely generous with his time and he signed copies of his book and had a chat with many lads.

Students realise how lucky they were to meet an author they are studying. Dermot was delighted with the response and has contacted the school to compliment the boys on their interest. He was delighted to see them so engaged with the novel. Most of all Dermot appreciated the welcome he received in Good Counsel.

On Thursday a book fair took place throughout the day in the school assembly hall with a vast array of titles for sale at very reasonable prices. There was considerable interest among the students who snapped up some bargains. Thanks to Ms Cushen and Ms Kinsella for organising and overseeing the event, a very worthwhile effort to encourage reading, an incalculable help to learning.

The 'Mocks' have been taking place over the past 8 school days, finishing on Friday. It is an intense period for those sitting the exams with so much condensed into a relatively short time. Now that they are completed, hopefully those students in exam classes will push ahead and keep working over the remaining weeks of the school year.

A group of TY students headed off for a hike and overnight hostel stay in the Wicklow mountains around the beautiful scenic area of Glendalough. This trip was undertaken as part of their Gaisce award.

There was disappointment on the sports field over the past 10 days with both U-14 and U-16 footballers losing out in their respective Leinster semi finals to St Patricks, Navan. Both games were won by very slim margins and if a higher percentage of the many chances created had been converted either game could have had a different result.

The Senior hurlers also bowed out of the championship when losing to Kilkenny CBS in a game played in wet conditions in Thomastown on Saturday last. Despite a valiant effort the Counsel boys could never seem to create the scoring opportunities their defensive and midfield efforts deserved.

Manty thanks to the coaches of all the teams for the enormous effort that goes in throughout the year, including holiday periods.

Rehearsals for the school musical, 'The Hot Mikado', continue so be sure to watch out for tickets when they go on sale. Previous experience tells us that they sell out very quickly.

The school closes for the mid term this Friday re-opening on Monday, February 20th.

School Newsletter 17, 2011/12

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:09:00 GMT

Seat dedicated to the memory of late colleague and friend, Tom Walsh In a busy week during which the Mock Examinations strated on Wednesday, there were Parent/Teacher meetings for 5th and 2nd years on Friday and Monday last respectively. There was also an information night for parents of 3rd years and TY students on programme options and subject choices for next year; this was held in the school church on Wednesday night. In addition the Assessment Day for incoming 1st Years, Sept. 2012, takes place on Saturday next as per details sent out to those concerned.

In a short prayer service on Thursday after school, an outdoor bench with an engraved plaque commemorating our colleague,Tom Walsh who died 2 years ago, was blessed and unveiled. The bench which is situated just outside the church will, hopefully, be a place for a quiet thought or a moment of rest in memory of a quiet, soft spoken friend and gentleman, Tom.

The U-14 Football squad landed a comprehensive win over St Peters College in the South Leinster Final played in Enniscorthy on Friday last. The school was landing this trophy for the 3rd consecutive year and will now bid for a hat trick of Leinster titles with the not so minor matter of St Patricks, Navan to overcome in the semi final on Tuesday next. Well done to all concerned. (A full report of the game can be accessed in the P.E./Games section of this website)

In a game played in atrocious wind and rain on Wednesday last, our Senior Footballers made a gallant exit from the championship when losing out by a single point to a highly rated Colaiste Eoin team. In an inevitably tight game with a final scoreline of 1-5 to 1-4, Counsel led mdway through the second half until the Dublin side got a goal which put them one point up. Despite a huge effort the boys could never quite get the initiative back as the conditions made it extraordinarily to pick off scores. They did the school proud, nonetheless, and can be very proud of their contribution to school life. The time put in after school and during shool holidays may not have brought glory but it will no doubt have cemented strong friendships which will hopefully last many years. We thank them and their mntors for all of those efforts.

Rehearsals for the joint school musical, 'The Hot Mikado' have begun and will continue over the next number of weeks in preparation for a series of performances in March. Good luck to all those involved in the production.

School Newsletter 16, 2011/12

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:55:00 GMT

A very busy few weeks in the school calendar with parent/teacher meetings for 1st years held on Tuesday last and those for 2nd and 5th coming up in the next 10 days in addition to the start of the 'Mocks' on February 1st. There are also information evenings for the parents of 3rd/Tys and 1st years on February 1st and 8th respectively while the Assessment Day for the incoming first years of September 2012 takes place on Saturday, February 4th. Please note that the Parent/Teacher meetings for 2nd and 5th years will take place in thwe Sports Hall.The current 6th year Meitheal Leaders received their certificates of appreciation at a ceremony held in Wexford on Tuesday last. by the Co. Wexford Meitheal Alliance. Two 1st year students, Eoin Porter and Darragh Lyons made the presentation on behalf of the current 1st years with whom the Leaders have worked this year. 'Meitheal' is a mentoring programme where 6th year students work with the new 1st years, particularly through the first term to help with the transition to secondary school and to provide support in a relaxed and friendly manner. Our thanks go to those senior students who have carried out the role so effectively this year and also to Ms Bolger who put a lot of work into ensuring an effective schedule was put in place and that the leaders were fully prepared for their task.

Congratulations to both the U-16 and U-14 football teams who had good wins during the week against St Peters College and Carlow CBS, respectively. The U-16s in defeating St Peters, retained their South Leinster Title and now progress to face St Patricks, Navan in the Leinster Semi Final. The U-14s, meanwhile, will play St Peters College in their South Leinster final in Enniscorthy on Friday next.

Our Senior footballers host Colaiste Eoin of Stillorgan on Wednesday next in the Leinster Championship. The Dublin side come with a very tall reputation so it will require a top class effort from our boys if they are to progress to the quarter final.

While the U-19 Badminton team, under the guidance of Mr Coffey, lost out narrowly to Terenure College in the Leinster final played in Dublin on Tuesday last, the school showjumping team returned to the top of the Hoofprints League with a thrilling win in Thurles over the weekend. The team of Ethan Cahill, Daniel Holden, Stefan Kirwan and Jim Redmond saw off some stiff competition from Kilkenny College and Newbridge College by posting the fastest time in the jump off. Well done to them and many thanks to the parents who travel with them and support them .Thanks also to Mr molloy who lent his expertise to the group at the Sunday's event.

As the 2nd anniversary of his death occurs at this time of year we remember our colleague Tom Walsh while also extending sympathy to the Butler family on the loss of their wife and mother, Sharon, who died last week. May she rest in peace.

School Newsletter 15; 2011/12

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:22:00 GMT

Just before the Christmas break a group of former pupils, 5 of whom are students at Mercyhurst College, Pennsylvania, USA, dropped in to say hello and to speak to the current 6th year group about life in third level level education in America. Good Counsel has had a very successful relationship with Mercyhurst over the years and the past pupils, in addressing the 6th years, spoke in very positive terms about their experiences to date. While these 5 young men pictured above, Stephen Donohue,Richard Molloy, Ciaran Doherty, Simon Murphy and Darren Conway headed west across the Atlantic on leaving Good Counsel the 6th member of the visiting party, Michael Stafford headed east across the Irish Sea to further a career in the music industry which he has done very successfully thusfar. Better known by his stage name of Maverick Sabre, Michael has appeared on such high profile TV programmes as 'Later With Jools' and 'The Late Late Show' as well as touring extensively. His presence in the school created quite a stir and he may have done more writing in signing autographs than he did while here as a student. We are very grateful to all of them for calling in; it is always very pleasant to see past pupils drop by.

On a similar note, the Leaving Certificate class of 1991 had a get together in 'The Ship' on North Street on the night of December 28. A good turn out of approximately 40 turned out for what was a most enjoyable night of chat and reminiscences. It is always interesting to see the various directions people's lives and careers have taken and of course many incidents and encounters from their days in 'The Counsel', none of which were diminished in the telling by the passage of time, were recalled. Hopefully some of the contacts renewed will be maintained into the future.

Fr O'Donnell R.I.P.

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:08:00 GMT

The death took place in Dungarvan last week of former school chaplain, Fr. Columba O'Donnell, a man fondly remembered by students, staff and parents from his time here at Good Counsel College. Fr O'Donnell had been serving as chaplain in our sister school, St Augustines for the past number of years and his popularity there was no less than it had been in New Ross. The great affection for the man was reflected in the huge turn out of students, past and present, and of local families whose lives he had enriched with his infectious enthusiasm and optimism. While chaplain of Good Counsel, Fr O'Donnell made it his goal to visit the family home of every student each school year, an enormous undertaking given the numbers and the geography involved but one which he carried out successfully and with great rewards in the appreciation shown by all those he visited. For any member of the school community who needed a little help and support, Fr O'D was always there to provide a listening ear and a kind word. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched in the various communities he served. Our sympathies are extended to his family, his Augustinian brothers and to all his friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.