‘Mol an óige agus Tiocfaidh sí’

Praise the youth and she will flourish’

The Irish Department remains a driving force with the Abbey CBGS contributing to the academic and extra-curricular activities of ‘The Abbey Way’.

A highly motivated department with four active members, Mr Dessie Tennyson (Head of Department), Mr Seán Gallagher, Mrs Pauline McClean and Mr Maurice McKevitt (language assistant).

We have 3 modern classrooms each equipped with Interactive Whiteboards and MP3 Players, a large recording studio that is also a base for Mr Maurice McKevitt ‘Language Assistant Extraordinar’.

Praise and rewarding good practice is at the core of our Christian Brothers’ ethos within the Irish Department. Our emphasis is proudly on promoting spoken Irish and pupils are regulary rewarded with ‘Merits’, specially designed ‘Scoil na Mainistreach’ Rulers, and size 1 Abbey Crested Footballs for those students who excel at spoken Language.

In 2008 we were Awarded a National Award by ‘Foras na Gaeilge’

for promoting spoken Irish.

As part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum all KS3 Abbey Students study Irish for 105mins per week split over three 35 minute periods. Students are also provided with an audio CD containing core vocabulary and phrases that will assist them on a daily basis.

The central focus of the Irish Department is on spoken language and pupils are actively encouraged to use Irish both inside and outside the classroom.

At KS4 we currently have 6 classes studying Irish for GCSE, three classes in Year 11 and three classes in Year 12. All GCSE Irish students study Irish for 140 minutes per week split over four 35minute periods. As with Keystage 3 students all students are provided with an audio CD for support.

As part of the new modular GCSE Irish Syllabus students complete four modules worth 60% of their final mark, over the two year GCSE programme.

Since 2004 our pass rate at GCSE A* - C is 99%. The current NI Average for Grammar School over the same period is 93%.

At A-Level we currently have 1 AS class and 1 A2 class study Irish over 8/9 periods per week with an additional 2 periods with the language assistant. During this time pupils will study a vast range of topics and contexts and will develop an advance level of spoken and written fluency in the language. As part of the course students get the opportunity to study Irish Literature and Irish Short Films as part of the CCEA Specification.

Following seven years of studying Irish in the Abbey our pass rate since 2004 is an impressive 100% A-C compared to the NI Average of 94.5%. In the same period 2004 – 2010 75% of Irish A-Level Students scored an ‘A’ grade.

Awards and Achievements

1. U16 Best Public Speaker of Irish in Northern Ireland

The Abbey have continued in their long history of producing Northern Ireland Public Speaking Champions when Connor Hogan won the U16 section in St Patrick’s Trian in Armagh earlier in the year with a humourous speech on Thierry Henry. Congratulations also to John McCaul in Year 14 who competed in the finals with a speech on ‘Barack Obama one year on’.

3 Double Celebration for Irish Students

Caolán Magee and Tiarnán Jackson, past pupils of Bunscoil an Iúir, are congratulated by Mr Dermot McGovern, Headmaster, having both achieved an ‘A’ Grade in A-Level Irish while completing their GCSE Exams. Both Caolán and Tiarnán were awarded an ‘A*’ Grade in GCSE three years ago as Year 9 students and worked extremely hard during their final year of GCSE to excel in ‘A-Level Irish’. Included in the picture is their Irish Teacher, Mr Desmond Tennyson.

U16 Best Public Speaker of Irish in Northern Ireland

The Abbey have continued in their long history of producing Northern Ireland Public Speaking Champions when Ryan Walsh won the U16 section in Dungannon Council Offices earlier in the year. In an extremely competitive GCSE section Ryan set a very high standard when he opened the competition with a satirical speech describing the hypocrisy of the Hollywood Oscar Ceremony. Congratulations also to Daniel Smith in Year 12 who competed in the finals with a speech praising the arrival of 'no frills airline' Ryanair.

Ulster Scoildrámaíocht Festival

The Abbey have a long tradition of participation and success in the Scoildrámaíocht Festival and reached the Ulster Festival in the Marketplace Theatre in Armagh in the middle of March. Having won their competition, the award for 'Best Senior Irish', and 'Best Actor' in the Newry Festival the senior Irish drama students took part in the Ulster Festival against the best Dramas from Derry, Belfast and Donegal.

In a hugely entertaining and humorous sketch of an external Irish oral exam, the Abbey student’s captivated the large audience with their fine production of a comical script. Despite John-Benedict Farrell scooping the award for ‘Best Actor’ the drama failed to receive a nomination to the All-Ireland Festival. Members of the cast were as follows; Sean Cunningham, Tony Fearon, Darren Loye, John McCaul, James Hasson, John-Benedict Farrell, Kevin Heagarty, Turlough Tinnelly, Michael McVerry, Michael Morgan, Cathal MacDhaibhéid, Oliver Hearty and Peter Rice.

Irish Junior Table-Quiz Success

Four third year Irish students won the Gael-Linn South Ulster Junior Table – Quiz in October in Newry Sports Centre. All the local secondary and grammar schools took part in the competition. Congratulations to Tadhg Murdock, Jonathon O’Hare, Cathal Foy and Conal Gallagher.

Irish Senior Table-Quiz Success

Four fifth Irish students won the Gael-Linn South Ulster Senior Table – Quiz in February in Newry Sports Centre. All the local secondary and grammar schools took part in the competition. Congratulations to Conor P O’Neill, Cathal Trainor, Rory Keenan, and Stephen Doherty.

2007 / 2008

National Award for the Irish Department.

As the month of May drew to a close the Irish Department attended the prestigious Foras na Gaeilge ‘GLEO’ Awards Ceremony in Dublin to collect a National Award for promoting spoken Irish. The primary aim of this scheme is to recognise best practice which promotes oral Irish in English-medium primary and post-primary schools on the island of Ireland. GLEO is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the efforts of primary and post-primary schools in promoting spoken Irish. 24 schools, primary and secondary, throughout the island of Ireland descended upon Merrion Square Dublin to accept awards in recognition of their hard work in promoting our National Language. Mr. Batt O’Keefe TD, Minister of Education and Science and Ms Catríona Ruane MLA, Minister of Education for Northern Ireland presented the Award to David Digney, Year 13 Student, and Mr. Desmond Tennyson, Head of Irish. Along with the trophy and certificate the Irish Department was presented with a cheque to further advance the promotion of Spoken Irish in the Abbey. This was without doubt an immensely proud and historic day for the all the members of the Irish Department Mrs. Pauline McClean, Mr. Seán Gallagher, Mr. Maurice McKevitt and Mr. Desmond Tennyson.

Irish Public Speaking Finals

Yet again the Irish Department reached the Gael – Linn Public Speaking Final (Abair) in Belfast last April. In an extremely competitive opening round a month earlier in Newry, two Abbey students Ronan Kearney (Year 12) and Philip McClory (Year 14) were nominated to go through to the final. Held in the heart of the ‘Gaeltacht Quarter’ of Belfast An Cultúrlann, Philip, a previous Abair winner, and Ronan came up against stiff opposition in what turned out to be one of the most competitive competitions in years. Unfortunately for both students they weren’t successful in either competition but were great ambassadors for the Irish Department and the Abbey.

Irish Junior Table-Quiz Success

Four third year Irish students won the Gael-Linn South Ulster Junior Table – Quiz in February in Newry Sports Centre. All the local secondary and grammar schools took part in the competition. Congratulations to Ross Elmore, Neil Mc Parland, Shaun Mc Mahon and Michael Haddad.

Joint 2^nd in Northern Ireland at A-Level

CCEA contacted the Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Newry last September with the great news that Seán McClory achieved joint second place in his GCE A-Level Irish examinations in Northern Ireland. Seán was no stranger to success having achieved Joint 1^st in GCSE Irish in 2005.

This continues the excellent tradition of The Irish Department in the school being one of the top achieving departments among all schools in Northern Ireland. This is the fifth consecutive year in which Irish students have been placed in the top three in Northern Ireland. This follows on last year’s success when Darren Magee came 1^st in Northern Ireland at A-Level.

Best Irish Public Speakers in Northern Ireland

The Abbey yet again celebrated the winning of another prestigious award, as two students won the U16 and U18 Northern Ireland Best Irish Public Speaking Awards in the BBC. Cathal MacDháibhéid was presented with the coveted U16 Award after he delivered a truly impressive speech on the recent Stormont Elections. Cathal a Year 12 student in the Abbey, who received his primary school education in Bunscoil an Iúir, impressed both Judges and audience alike with his topical yet humorous speech.

Patrick Tierney, a Year 14 student was presented with the prestigious U18 Award in an immensely competitive section. This is Patrick’s third year taking part in the competition, in which he came third last year. Patrick’s speech presented ‘South Armagh’ as a tourist package, which rivals the most exotic locations the world has to offer. Congratulations must also go to Declan Magee and Colm MacEoin who also represented the school in Gael-Linn’s Public Speaking Finals.

Patrick proceeded to the all Ulster Abair / Barúil final in Omagh and did extremely well against stiff opposition from Gaeltacht students, coming second place in the U-18 section.

‘An Nuacht’ reaches All-Ireland Drama Final

Last year 15 Year 9 and Year 10 junior Irish students entered the local Scoildramaíocht Festival. With little or no previous experience each member of the cast displayed great commitment and determination. Based on a script written, directed and produced by Mrs Pauline McClean, these enthusiastic young actors were highly commended by the adjudicator at the Newry Festival, with Ross Flynn being awarded Best Actor.

Nominated to perform at the Ulster Festival in the spectacular ‘Grianán Theatre’ in Letterkenny. The drama received a further nomination to the All-Ireland Festival in Mullingar. For each of the cast members this proved to be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience. All of the adjudicators were highly impressed by the level of Irish displayed by students with only a limited exposure to the language.

Irish Senior Table-Quiz Success

Four fifth year Irish students won the Gael-Linn South Ulster Senior Table – Quiz in February in Newry Sports Centre. All the local secondary and grammar schools took part in the competition. Congratulations to Donal Daly, Michael Doherty, Francis Agnew and Mark Rafferty.

2005 / 2006

First in Northern Ireland at A-Level

CCEA contacted the Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Newry last September with the great news that Darren Magee achieved first place in his GCE A-Level Irish examinations in Northern Ireland.

This continues the excellent tradition of The Irish Department in the school being one of the top achieving departments among all schools in Northern Ireland. This follows on last year’s success when two Abbey students achieved first and third in GCSE Irish.

During last years A-Level Presentation Ceremony, Darren was presented with a cheque and trophy from Gael-Linn in recognition of his remarkable achievement. In recognition of the schools contribution Mr Maurice McKevitt, Darren’s Irish Teacher, was presented with the ‘Gradam Gael-Linn’ shield.

Abbey Pupils Take City Hall By Storm

The final of Gael-Linn’s prestigious Public Speaking competition ‘Abair’ took place for the first time in the heart of what was once the bastion of unionism, Belfast City Hall.

Amongst the numerous paintings of Royal British peers and various flags of the House of Windsor, the best public speakers of Irish, throughout Northern Ireland, came together to compete in the final of ‘Abair’.

Such a momentous development in cultural tolerance was more than matched by the energy, exuberance and passion of Philip McClory. Philip’s style and reputation certainly arrived in advance as both judges and audience alike waited in anticipation for Philip’s speech. The second part of a two-part series, Philip’s speech didn’t disappoint. His ‘Hell, fire and brimstone’ style speech on the state of Catholicism in Ireland complemented his first speech on ‘Satan’.

Although quite risqué at times Philip’s speech was immensely humorous and fully deserving of lifting the title of Best Public Speaker of Irish (U16) 2006. Comhghairdeas leis. Congratulations also to Cathal MacDhaibhéid for reaching the final of ‘Abair’, Cathal’s speech was based on Muslim’s recent hatred for all things Danish. Cathal’s speech can be heard on the BBC website.

Gael-Linn’s senior section of Abair was immensely competitive with ten superb speeches on various topics from politics to smoking. Patrick Tierney’s unorthodox style and superb speech on the current state of politics in Northern Ireland introduced a fresh approach to public speaking.

The momentous occasion was brought to a close by a superbly humorous and clever speech by Seán McClory based on the British Royal Family and the need for an Irish Royal Family. The new Irish King would obviously need to have red hair, leaving Seán ‘Rua’ McClory as the obvious choice. Sean and Patrick’s efforts were rewarded with 2^nd and 3^rd place respectively. Comhghairdeas leo beirt!

‘Gaeltalking’ to an All-Ireland Final

Last year 13 senior Irish students took part in the local Scoildramaíocht Festival. With little or no previous experience each member of the cast displayed great commitment and determination. Based on a script written by the previous Head of Irish, Mr Seán McClory, these young budding actors won Best Senior Irish Award and the Br. Beausang Award for Best Theatrical Moment in Theatre at the Newry Festival.

They were nominated to perform at the Ulster Festival which for the first time was held in the spectacular ‘Grianán Theatre’ in Letterkenny. The drama received a further nomination to the All-Ireland Festival in Mullingar. For each of the cast members this proved to be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience. Sincere thanks to the Art and Technology Departments for their help with the props and to Mr Pat Mooney and Mr Maurice McKevitt whose help was truly appreciated

2004 / 2005

1. ABBEY IRISH PUPILS GET FIRST AND THIRD IN NORTHERN IRELAND

CCEA have recently contacted the Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Newry with the great news that two of last years fifth years achieved first and third place in their GCSE Irish examinations.

Sean McClory was joint 1st and Danny McAlinden was joint 3rd.

This continues the excellent tradition of The Irish Department in the school being one of the top achieving departments among all schools in Northern Ireland. This follows on last years success when two Abbey students achieved Joint First and Joint Second in GCSE Irish.

Also included is their Irish Teacher Mr Maurice McKevitt.

2 Abbey team reach All-Ireland Semi-Final of

Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Tráth na gCeist

Ulster Champions Again!!

Only the second time ever to take part in the Raidió na Gaeltachta Senior Quiz, the Irish Department has now achieved back to back success in the competition. Last year’s quiz team reached the All-Ireland semi-final only to lose out to eventual winners Coláiste na Coirribe of Galway. Team members Sean McClory, Stephen Corcoran and Danny McAlinden (captain) beat St. Colman’s College in the first round, they then faced St. Patrick’s Academy Dungannon in the semi-final and despite a determined comeback by the Dungannon team, the Abbey held out to win. The Ulster Final of the quiz held in Kelly’s Inn, Omagh saw the Abbey Team win easily against Coláiste Lorgaigh of Clones with a final score of 122 – 60. Sean, Danny and Stephen faced the ‘Men and of the West’ in the All-Ireland Semi-Final only to lose out by one question with a final score-line of 106 – 100. Comhghairdeas leo uilig!

3 Gael Linn Public speaking competition ABAIR

Public Speaker No. 1

Garrett Doran collects his winners’ trophy after winning Gael-Linn’s prestigious public speaking competition ‘Abair’. Garrett’s satirical speech on the recent Royal Wedding, and an earlier speech based on the Price of Driving ensured that the Forkhill man won the approval of both spectators and judges alike. Garrett’s winning speech can be heard on-line at the following address http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/irish/blas/education/abair05.shtml.

Annual Awards for Best Speakers of Irish

Pictured here are the members of the Irish department in the Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Mr. Maurice Mc Kevitt, Mr. Sean Gallagher, Mrs Pauline McClean and Mr. Desmond Tennyson with the winners of the annual Abbey oral awards for the most fluent speakers of Irish in each year group. The trophies are dedicated to former members of staff who either taught Irish, or contributed to the promotion of the language in some capacity or in one case to a former student who excelled in the subject.

· The first year trophy (Bás Chuchulainn) is dedicated to the late Brother Beausang.

· The second year trophy (Méabh agus an Donn Chuailgne) is dedicated to the late Mr. Patrick Arthur Crinion, a former teacher of Irish and the Classics.

· The third year trophy (Corn Durkin) is dedicated to the late Matt Durkin. Following the sudden and unexpected death of this former Abbey student, his classmates decided to present an award to the school in his memory. Ever since, it has been presented annually to the best Gaeilgeoirí in third year and indeed it lead to the decision to present similar awards to each of the other year groups.

· The fourth year trophy (Clann Lir) is dedicated to Brother Aidan Quinlan, who during his time in the Abbey was a founder member of Féile Scoildrámaíochta an Iúir.

· The fifth year trophy (Bás Chúchulainn) is dedicated to the late Brother W. O. Murphy, former Head of Irish and Vice-Principal of the Abbey.

· The sixth year trophy (An Lóchrann) is dedicated to Mr. Hugh Murphy, Lislea poet and former Head of Irish.

· An additional trophy (An Lóchrann Beag), first introduced in 2007/2008 is presented to the best ‘Gaelscoláire’.

Irish

· The first year trophy - Connlaodh Quinn

· The second year trophy - Paul Hearty

· The third year trophy - Michael McKay

· The fourth year trophy - Stephen Doherty and Conor P O’Neill

· The fifth year trophy - John-Benedict Farrell and Turlough Tinnelly

· The sixth year trophy - Cathal MacDhaibhéid

· Gaelscoláire - Tiarnán Jackson

· The first year trophy - Sheá Hanratty

· The second year trophy - Ciaran Davies and Declan Doyle

· The third year trophy - Stephen Doherty

· The fourth year trophy - Seán Cunningham and Turlough Tinnelly

· The fifth year trophy - David Digney

· The sixth year trophy - Conor Bell and Philip McClory

· Gaelscoláire - Lorcan Evans and Tiarnán Jackson

· The first year trophy - Lorcán Evans, Tiarnán Jackson and Caolán Magee

· The second year trophy - Patrick Burns, Stephen Doherty and Daniel Smith

· The third year trophy - Niall Duffy, Andrew Fitzsimons and Turlough Tinnelly

· The fourth year trophy - Michael Morgan, David Digney and Cathal MacDhaibhéid

· The fifth year trophy - Conor Bell and Philip McClory

· The sixth year trophy - Patrick Tierney and Conor Burns

· The first year trophy - Patrick Burns

· The second year trophy - Niall Duffy and Tony Fearon

· The third year trophy - Michael Morgan

· The fourth year trophy - Conor Bell and Philip McClory

· The fifth year trophy - Patrick Tierney

· The sixth year trophy - Seán McClory

· The first year trophy - Niall Duffy, John-Benedict Farrell, Tony Fearon and Owen Carragher.

· The second year trophy - Donal Daly and David Digney

· The third year trophy - Conor Bell, Philip McClory and Conor Sweeney.

· The fourth year trophy - Patrick Tierney

· The fifth year trophy - Sean McClory

· The sixth year trophy - Garrett Doran and Darren Magee
Further Study of Irish

21^st Official Language of the European Union since 2007

Ø We provide Abbey Students with essential skills for the modern workplace. By studying Irish at Advanced Level your son will develop:

o Presentation skills

o Excellent spoken / written communication skills

o Interview skills ‘ conduct at least two external oral exams lasting 30 mins’

o Research / analytical skills

o Critical thinking skills

o Fluency in a Modern European Language

Ø There is currently a massive increase in a range of University Course and Jobs – please check out the following website for a wide range of opportunities http://gradireland.com/career-sectors/languages-and-culture

Ø Study for a Degree in Irish in up to 30 Countries Worldwide check out the following websites for further details:

o http://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/The_Irish_Language/The_Irish_Language_Abroad.asp

o http://www.efacis.org/

Since 2001 the most popular course choice for A-Level Irish students is as follows:

Irish Degree - 16%

Engineering - 7%

Humanities - 6%

Accountacy - 6%

Irish Medium Students / Gaelscoláirí

There are two highly successfully and popular Irish Medium Primary Schools in the Newry & Mourne Area, Bunscoil an Iúir in Newry City, and Gaelscoil Phádraig Naofa in Crossmaglen.

The Irish Department with the support of the Headmaster does its utmost to provide a tailored programme of study for those students transferring from Irish Medium primary schools. In the past this has involved placing students in the smaller ‘Slemish’ class to allow for differentiation, assigning students to the language assistant for 1 period per week and providing appropriate learning material.

In the current academic year 2010/11 Year 8 Irish medium students are timetabled for studying ‘Gaeilge’ for 3 periods per week. Two Year 11 ‘Gaelscoláirí’ are studying for their A-Level Irish exam during Year 11 and Year 12. It is hoped that will offer GCSE Gaeilge, subject to demand, in the near future.

Parental Engagement

‘How to support your Son’

All KS3 and KS4 Irish Students are provided with an Audio CD to assist them in learning Irish.

We currently ask all students to use their CD 3 times per week for 20 minutes per night. This may need to increase coming up to your son’s oral exams.

Help your son practise – ask him questions or simply listen to him as he practises!

Our main focus within the Irish Department is on promoting spoken Irish and your son is encouraged to practise his Irish inside and outside the classroom.

Encouragement is a ‘two-pronged’ approach and our motto ‘Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí / Praise the Youth and it will flourish’ is central to our approach and we would encourage you to recognise your son’s efforts / achievements. As part of our praise we currently have a very generous rewards policy which is clearly laid out in your son’s oral booklet.

If you would like to start learning Irish yourself or practising your Irish, please click here for more details.

If you have any further queries or suggestions please feel free to email me @ dtennyson227@c2kni.net