Killarney

By Michelle Crean
<h3>Students as Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra (SPSL) have been awarded and celebrated for their achievements.</h3>
On Friday, October 28 there was an extra element of excitement in the air as special guest Shane Ryan had just be announced as a recipient of this year’s GAA All-Star Awards.
Shane, who was a student at the school, presented them with their awards for curricular and extra-curricular activities.
He gave generously of his time and wisdom before dashing off to Dublin for his own awards ceremony.
Shane, who won an All-Ireland medal with Kerry at senior level this year, had previously won a Minor title with the Kingdom in 2013, which was also the year he sat the Leaving Certificate in SPSL.
In his inspiring speech to students Shane reminded them about the importance of having a passion in life, to set goals for what they really want and then to put in the hard work that is needed to achieve success.
“Nothing in life worth having comes easily,” he said, “go out and earn what is yours.”
He also had a message about the importance of building relationships.
“From First to Sixth Year in school you are sharing an important journey with great people and the people around you in school contribute hugely to who you become.”
Acknowledging the variety of awards being presented, Shane reminded the students about the range of skills and competencies that can be gained from getting involved in non-academic activities including resilience, teamwork, commitment, leadership and the appetite to succeed in the areas and interests which energise them.
He also emphasised the importance of enjoying the journey rather than being totally focused on the destination as well the significance of treating people well.
“People will remember you not always for what you have achieved but for how you made them feel,” he said.
Miriam O&#8217;Regan did a great job as MC to ensure the event ran smoothly and on time and Principal, Denis Kerins, thanked all of the staff involved behind the scenes to organise such an uplifting school event to celebrate the hard work and achievements of so many students in the school.
<h3>Recipients of awards were:</h3>
Active Citizenship Award &#8211; John Hughes
Exceptional Contribution in Team Activities Outside of School &#8211; Orla Cronin and Tiarna Dineen, Ella Guerin- 
Crowley, Joanne O’Keeffe and Jamie Daly
Exceptional Excellence in Individual Activities Outside of School &#8211; Kate Murphy
Spirit of the School Community Award &#8211; Jade Fitzgerald
Environmental Award &#8211; Amy Donnelly and Andee Lenihan
Endeavour Award &#8211; Keri Ann Hanrahan
Junior Sliabh Luachra Arts &amp; Cultural Award &#8211; Colleen Angland and Nóirín Healy
Senior Sliabh Luachra Arts &amp; Cultural Award &#8211; Grace Angland
Outstanding Sporting Excellence Representing the School &#8211; U14 and U15 Boys Basketball Teams
Paud O’Leary Memorial Shield &#8211; U14 Boys Basketball Team
Anne Casey Joy Memorial Shield &#8211; Katie Rea
Principal’s Award &#8211; Joshua O’Sullivan
Transition Year Student Tara Buckley
Academic Excellence in Leaving Cert Applied &#8211; Niamh Collins, Tara McLarnon, Danny Hickey, Shauna Heapes and Kacper Mocarski
Leaving Certificate Applied Student of the Year &#8211; Niamh Collins
Academic Excellence in Leaving Certificate &#8211; Michelle Cronin, Miriam Dineen, Keri Ann Hanrahan, Cathy Kiely, Michael McSweeney, Ellen O’Connor, Neil O’Connor, Megan O’Donoghue, Maura O’Keeffe, Alice O’Leary, Katelyn O’Leary, Tara O’Leary, Mairead O’Mahony, Joshua O’Sullivan and Siobhán Twomey.
Leaving Certificate Student of the Year &#8211; Megan Kiely.

Students celebrate achievements at annual school awards

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