All in Good Counsel College were deeply saddened this week with the passing of Tom Walsh, a teacher at the school since 1976. Anyone who knew Tom as a colleague, friend, teacher, coach will testify to his kindness, his generosity, his dedication and essentially, his humanity. It would be impossible to imagine anyone having a bad word to say about a man who can only be described as a true gentlman in its most literal sense.
The regard in which the man was held was reflected in the attendance at his funeral. Among the huge crowd which spilled out of Cloughbawn church were great numbers of past pupils of the college in addition to the very many current students who were there with all the teachers of the school. Good Counsel closed for the day as a mark of respect to Tom and his death has left a void that won't readily be filled.
All at Good Counsel College extend their deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friends, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
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On Friday morning Minister for Education, Mr. Batt O'Keeffe paid a courtesy visit to the school, spending an hour on the school campus. He was met on arrival by a delegation of staff, management, trustees, parents and student prefects. Also present were Mr. Sean Connick, T.D. and his wife, many local councillors, members of the press and some of his own staff.  His visit coincided with parent - teacher meetings and as such he saw a calmer, quieter place than would ordinarily be the case.
After a tour of the school facilities the minister joined parents and staff for a cup of tea in the dining room where head prefect Sam Harte presented him with a hamper of local produce while Mr. Connick was given a Good Counsel jersey which he promised to wear during his appearance on 'Operation Transformation'. The minister spoke about the contribution to education of the Augustinian order, the great work being done currently by teachers and said how impressed he was by the layout and facilities of the school.
He finished by saying that he 'would not be found wanting' when it came to processing applications from the school under summer works or emergency works schemes. We will be holding him to that committment!

Thanks to all the parents who attended the parent/teacher meetings over the 3 days. Thanks also to all the teachers and staff for their co-operation in ensuring the smooth running of same, and in particular to Mr Younger for organising the arrangements and setting up the venue. Continue Reading...

School finally resumed on Wednesday after the weather extended Christmas break. Fortunately the long freeze didn't cause too much damage with a burst pipe in the Villanova building causing  the only significant damage which our caretaker Ciaran quickly sorted as ever.
 Next week we have parent/teacher meetings from Wednesday to Friday inclusive. These will be 3 busy days as all year groups are catered for during this time thereby allowing those parents who have sons in different years to see all their teachers in one visit.

Auditions for the school musical, Les Miserables, which is being produced in collaboration with St Marys, will take place in the week after next. All 2nd, 5th and Transition Year students interested are encouraged to attend. Exact times and venue will be announced in school.

The upcoming 'Good Counsel's Got Talent' is also attracting quite a bit of interest and any student who feels his career in the performance arts needs a launch pad should look no further. The show will be an evening show and details will be posted in a future newsletter for any parents or others wishing to attend. Continue Reading...

Should have been reporting on the return to school this Thursday but unfortunately we have fallen victim to icy roads and reluctant bus operators as the country tries to come to terms with the modern Irish equivalent of the Ice Age. With the forecast for the weekend predicting further snowfall on the east coast and continuing freezing temperatures, it is difficult to know what to expect. Notwithstanding the joy of those students who will be delighted to have a few extra days off, there will be many Leaving Certs, and others, very anxious to get back to work. The 89 - 99 Reunion on Dec 28th last was a great success with over 160 in attendance despite poor weather conditions on the night. In particular, thanks to those who put in so much time in making the evening a reality, most especially, John Murphy, Ciaran Lynch and John Phelan, Leigh O'Brien and Declan Wall.

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It was heartwarming to see so many people brave the freezing weather conditions and turn out for the get together in the Brandon House Hotel on Monday, December 28th last. There were over 160 present with a spread of alumni from across the decade. There was a lot of catching up to do and therefore the need for proceedings to go on long into the morning.
The men mainly responsible for making this event a reality were John Murphy, Ciaran Lynch and John Phelan.  Continue Reading...