Ursuline in Concern Debate National Final
On Thursday, 2 May the Ursuline Secondary School team of Jane Collins, Nora Kilrane, Clodagh Twomey and Fiona Maher, competed in the National Final of the prestigious Concern Debate. The team was thrilled to be one of the last two schools standing out of 177 who took part in the all Ireland debates this year and make it all the way to the Helix in Dublin. They faced fellow Munster and Limerick team, Hazelwood College from Dromcollogher in Co Limerick. The other two members who debated in previous rounds and who were an integral part of the research and rebuttal preparations for the Final were Aisling Flynn, who acted as time-keeper for the Ursuline on the night and Kate Fitzgerald. The UCT team opposed the motion ‘achieving World Peace is the defining task of the 21st Century.’ They put forward some impressive arguments with captain Jane beginning proceedings by pointing out that in the whole history of humanity harmony has never been achieved, so therefore, is unlikely to happen in the next 76 years. Fiona followed this by suggesting that climate change is a much more achievable task and one that requires much urgency. Clodagh spoke about the number of wars raging in the world today, most of which get no media coverage, such as the thirty-five conflicts on the continent of Africa. The final speaker for the Ursuline was Nora who argued that war is big business, especially for the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, who supply much of the global weaponry. It was an excellent debate and the teams were very close. Dromcollogher were the winners on the night, with the motion being carried. Well done to Jane, Nora, Fiona, Clodagh, Aisling, Kate and their mentor Ms Downey who get a fabulous runner-up prize of a trip to Berlin. Thnaks to all the teachers, parents and TYs who made the journey to Dublin last Thursday night to cheer on their team, who are winners in their eyes.
Ursuline Fifth Year Trip to Italy
On Friday, 3 May 127 Fifth Year students and 14 teachers headed off for a school trip to Italy. The group took in famous sites in Verona, Venice and Lake Garda and had a fabulous time. There was a fun excursion to Gardaland and a lovely boat trip in the sunshine. Everyone had a great time, thoroughly enjoying the break from the dreary Irish weather. Thanks in particular to Ms Callanan and Ms Annette Flanagan who organised this large group and took care of everybody’s needs so well.
South East Munster Athletics
The Ursuline had many athletes who qualified for the South East Munster Track and Field Championships and who headed to the RSC in Waterford last week. The Minor
Relay team of Órla Pamplin, Millie Kearney, Emma McDonald, Sarah Kelly finished in a fantastic silver medal position. In addition to this Órla Pamplin and Emma McDonald both came third in the 800m and 100m, respectively. Leah O’Connell came third in the first round of the 100m sprint with Ella Maher finishing seventh in the 800m and Sarah Kelly finished fifth in the 200m finals.
In the Junior competition Lorna Ryan, got gold medals in the discus and the shot putt. Maria Doyle placed fourth also in the discus and shot putt. Mai Allen came home fourth in the 1200 walk, Rachel Dowd finished fourth in the 100m final with Isabel Ralph coming in fifth in the 200m, with Emma Murphy and Éadaoin Carroll doing the dame in the 800m and 200m finals respectively. Sarah Delaney was fourth in the first round of the 100m while the Junior relay team of Rachel Dowd, Mai Allen, Éadaoin Carroll and Isabel Ralph placed fourth in the semi-final.
In the Intermediate Championships TY student Alana Spillane got a podium bronze in the 3000m and a fourth place finish in the 1500m. Doireann Lynch also got bronze in the high jump and placed fifth in both the javelin and 1500m competition. Réiltínn Morrissey came fourth in the Intermediate shot putt while Eleanor Doyle was fourth in the 200m final. The Intermediate relay team of Alana Spillane, Laura Hales, Eleanor Doyle and Dearbhla Gleeson came home in fourth place. Dearbhla Gleeson, and Laura Hales finished sixth and seventh in the 200m competition.
So overall it was a great day out for the Ursuline athletes who performed well to secure some fantastic Track and Field results with some of our finest competitors now qualifying for the Munster Championships.
Chamber Choir place 2nd at Cork Choral Festival
The Ursuline Thurles Chamber Choir was delighted to perform at Cork Choral Festival on Thursday, 2 May. They placed second in the Equal Voice Post-Primary competition, a great achievement for Ms Butler and the students of the choir. They impressed the judges with their renditions of Eamonn and Chnoic and Let it Shine.
First Year Hockey
Well done to the Ursuline First year hockey players who finished the season off in style with games against Newbridge College last week. They secured four wins from four games, a nice way to finish the season. The Pinks coached by Emma Fogarty and Tessa Kearney won 6-1, the Yellows coached by Lilly Kavanagh and Grace Forde won 4-0, the Greens coached by Chloe Hourigan and Ciara Collins won 6-0 and the Red/Blue team coached by Chloe Hourigan and Sophie Tooher won 5-0. A huge thank you to all the TY Hockey coaches who completed their coaching course at the start of the year and have given of their time week in week out to help the First Years both at training and in matches. Well done to everyone on a brilliant effort since September.
First Year Football
Ursuline First Year footballers had a very competitive challenge match against Johnstown last week. Throughout the game there was great skill and talent on display from both sides. Anna Doyle and Lara Shanahan, who have been impressing all year, captained the side. Both were on the score sheet getting 5-1 and 1-4 respectively. The backs were also outstanding, especially Phoebe Ryan who was central to numerous attacks and also scored an impressive solo point.
First Year Camogie
Ursuline First Year camogie players travelled to Mallow GAA Complex to play the Munster First Year Blitz recently. The school had two teams entered who played against Charleville, Kinsale, Bandon and Ennis, facing some tough battles on the pitch. After a great day with plenty of skill on show, the girls arrived home with the Munster First Year ‘A’ Plate. Well done to these rising stars of UCT Camogie.
Ellen Cullen, Fifth Year, Young Critics Programme
Congratulations to Ellen Cullen, Ursuline Fifth Year student who has been accepted into the Young Critics Programme for 2024. This prestigious opportunity was offered to Ellen and twelve other 16-21 year old members of Youth Theatre groups around Ireland. Ellen was selected after she submitted a review of the John B. Keane’s play, Sive, which she is currently studying. Earlier this year, as part of their English studies, the Fifth Year students travelled to Dublin to see a professional production of the play staged in The Gaiety. Ellen will enjoy a three-day residential workshop at Cork’s Midsummer Festival in June and another in Dublin in October.
Sixth Year Art Walk
Last week the Ursuline Sixth Year Art students took advantage of the early summer sunshine to study some of the street art around Thurles. A particular highlight was the Peregrine Falcon on Liberty Square by artist Dan Leo, a part of the Thurles Walls project, dating to 2022. It was a good opportunity for the students to reflect on art in public spaces, the visual quality and skill needed to produce work on such a grand scale. Taking in the fabulous street art available on their doorstep will help students prepare for the exam in June.