Tipperary Inter-Schools
Congratulations to the teams and individual competitors from the Ursuline who did so well in the recent Tipperary Inter-Schools competition hosted in Thurles by Ryan’s Tipperary Equestrian Centre. The novice team of Emily Gleeson, Charlotte Roe, Siún Coleman and Amelia Harold Barry won their section early in the day, in a jump off. They carried no faults going into the jump off against Coláiste Mhuire, Johnstown. A double clear by both Siún and Emily in this head to head secured the title for the Ursuline. In the Open competition in the afternoon there was further success for the Ursuline blue team of Evie Kennedy, Ailbhe Hally, Kate Murphy and India Cox. They secured the title without the need for a jump off as they were the only school with zero faults. This team also won the rosettes for Best Turned Out. The Ursuline Red team comprised of Brona Keane, Louise Hyland and Faye Delaney competed strongly in the Open too. In the individual event Faye Delaney put in a faultless round and placed second after a jump off. Well done to all the students who turned up with their ponies to compete for the school on Sunday, 28 January and to their parents who brought them and supported all the Ursuline competitors on the day. A big thank you to Ms Gleeson for her encouragement of Equestrian sports in the school and the Ursuline’s Chef d’Equipe, Ms Gaynor.
Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition
Ursuline Fifth Year Public Speaking star of 2024 Rosa Ryan has bagged herself a place in the All Ireland Final of the very prestigious Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition. This long standing competition aims to promote the empowerment of women and girls through public speaking and researching and addressing issues relevant to today’s world. She beat off some tough opponents at the Regional Final in the Riverbank Hotel, Wexford to be selected for the National Final. Rosa built her oration around a Nelson Mandela quote ‘to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity’ which was followed by a two-minute impromptu speech on the topic of Expectations. Her success on Saturday, 2 February in Wexford, follows on from her win in November in the Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition where she came first in the country.
Transition Year
The Ursuline Transition Years are currently on their second week of work experience. This time outside school helps them learn what is required in the world of work and gain experience in areas they might wish to pursue careers in. This could not happen without the co-operation and support of local businesses, charities and community groups who welcome the students of UCT, teaching them valuable skills and life lessons.
Before going on work experience the TYs had an excursion to the cinema to see One Life the true story of Sir Nicholas Winton who saved Jewish children in Czechoslovakia before the outbreak of the Second World War. The trip was organised by TY History teacher Ms Aoife Whelan and linked in with what the students have been studying as part of their history course this year. It was a very educational cinema trip and thanks to IMC Thurles for accommodating the four classes.
LGFA
The Ursuline Minor footballers had a chance encounter with Ireland Fittest Family mentor Davy Fitzgerald in Supermacs in Tipperary town on their return home from a Championship football header against John the Baptist, Limerick. Davy was more than happy to stand in for a pic with the team who were on a high from their win and securing a place in the last eight of the Munster A competition. Melanie Flannery scored a quick fire hat-trick just after half time to see the Ursuline run out comprehensive winners. There was also a challenge game with all panel players getting a chance to show their skills and they impressed in all positions on the field. This team have won all their group games to finish on top and look forward to going even further in the coming weeks. Best of luck also to the Senior and Junior football teams both of whom will play Munster Finals after the mid-term break.
Also well done to the Ursuline students who have been selected for the Under 14 County Football A and B panels, Leah O’Connell, Orla Pamplin, Maria Doyle and Sarah Spain. Wishing them every success in the season ahead.
DCU Alumni Awards
Ursuline past pupil, Martina Quinn, was recently honoured by her Alma Mater DCU with an Alumni Award. The founder and director of Alice Public Relations Company received a beautiful commemorative medal to mark this accolade. She was chosen by her former university for the prestigious award due to her commitment to giving back to the community through charitable and volunteer projects, close to her heart. Martina recently trained a number of activists in communications, campaigning and public relations. This will, in turn, help them in their work improving their communities and hopefully make a positive impact for the people or causes they serve. Well done to Martina and her proud parents Mae and Michael Quinn.
Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert Mock Exams
The Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert students in the Ursuline are in the middle of their mock exams. They have conducted themselves calmly and productively throughout and are looking forward to a rest during the mid-term break after all their hard work.