DAVIS COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

Local Education Committee: On Friday 21st May the Local Education Committee of Davis College hosted a Celebration Cultural Day with a themed approach focussing on food-tasting. Mouth watering gourmet dishes from around the globe were presented to our parents of 1st and 2nd years. The LEC decided on the idea to end the school year with a celebration of our multi-cultural nationalities. In all twelve countries were represented; from South Africa to Poland and Ireland to the Cameroon. Dishes like Kapusta z Grochen (cabbage with peas) from Poland, French Crepes, Cameroon`s Jeluv Rice, red cabbage and sauerkraut from Germany, pita od bundeve (pumpkin pie) from Croatia, British Toad in the Hole, Blineliai su mesa (pancakes with meat ) from Lithuania, Italian burgers to the traditional dishes from Ireland tempted the taste buds of the adventurous The LEC consisted of the HSCL (Home School Community Liaison), North Cork School Completion Co-Ordinator, Community Garda, Education Welfare Officer, SPHE teacher, a Special Needs Assistant, two parents and two students.

Davis Students Secure 2000 Euro from Dragons: The Transition Year Students of Davis College, Mallow, visited the headquarters of the KPMG Offices in Dublin with a view to securing financial backing fro two initiatives which they are currently working on. The students’ two projects were amongst 30 selected nationwide from a pool of 380.

Their first project, “ Bridging the Digital Divide – Senior I.T.izens is actually a continuation of an initiative started by last years Transition Year Students which saw the students endeavouring to forge links with the elderly of the community through the medium of technology. As a result of their pitch the students secured 1000 e from the KPMG Dragons which will go towards the purchasing of state of the art I.C.T. equipment for the residents of the sheltered housing units in Summerhill.
In addition, the same cohort of students in another Young Social Innovators initiative are too endeavouring to tackle the ever-present issue of unemployment in the locality.

‘Career Vision – The Road to Economic Recovery” saw the students co-ordinate a voluntary work placement scheme and indeed an impressive Expo which was held in March, all aimed at getting this country back on her feet, in these challenging economic times. The students have also produced a DVD calling on their peers to emulate a similar work placement scheme in their own area in a bid to facilitate up skilling and retraining. The students secured an additional 1000e backing here which will allow a national roll-out of this DVD to all 737 Post-Primary Schools.

The Dragons commented on the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by the four TY Students who pitched on behalf of the 25 strong class: Amy Curtin, Anna O’ Callaghan, Aidan O’ Connell and Eoin O’ Connor. To top off a very memorable day, the students and teachers met with Dragon Sean Gallagher to further discuss their endeavours. The Young Social Innovators Showcase will take place nextWednesday, May 5th, in Croke Park where the ultimate fate of these already successful projects will be made known.

Thomas Davis (Mallow)                       4-10
Central Technical Institute (Clonmel)   1-9
by Pat Rya
Davis College had a 10 point win over Central Technical Institute (Clonmel) in the Munster Vocational Schools S'C'FC final at Ballyporeen yesterday. It was far closer than the scoreline suggests and produced three penalties.
Clonmel used Ian Fahy as a third midfielder for most of the game but lacked penetration. The sides were lev­el at 0-1 each but Thomas Davis began to get control with Roddy O'Mahony, Chris Buckley, Conor Flanagan and Jamie O'Sullivan showing great form.
O'Sullivan added twopointed frees with Ian Fahy soloing through for a fine point to lead 0-5 to 0-3. Clonmel were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute but Ian Fahy s-effort struck the
upright and went wide. It was a let of for Mallow, but it was Mallow who finished the half with late points from Tadgh Hartnett and Roddy O'Maho­ny to lead 0-7 to 0-4 at the break.
Clonmel had a goal on the restart when a long delivery by Ciaran Staple-ton was finished to the net by Shane Flynn and they edged ahead when Adam Stafford and Eanan Lenane pointed. However, Thomas Davis re­grouped well and a great movement by O'Mahony and Conor Flanagan led to a well taken goal by Tadgh Hartnett.
Clonmel could have goaled soon af­ter but Shane Flynn was denied by a fine save from Edmund O'Connor. Chris Buckley made it 1-8 to 1-6 in the 40th minute. Jamie O'Sullivan pointed a free and followed with a goal that opened up a 2-9 to 1- 6 lead.
The South Tipp side battled hard but a strong Mallow backline held firm. Brian O'Hara had three points for
Clonmel but Mallow made a good at­tack and they forced a penalty that was converted by Conor Flanagan.
The Tipperary side then forced a late penalty that saw O'Hara’s effort well saved by Edmund O'Connor and, from the clearance, Don O'Hanlon gained possession and placed Jamie O'Sullivan for a goal that sealed it.
Scorers for Thomas Davis: J O'Sullivan 2- 4 (0-40, C Flanagan 1-2 (1-0 pen 0-1f), T Hartnett 1-1, C Buckley 0-2 R O'Mahony 0-1. Central Technical Institute: S Flynn 1-2, B O'Hara 0-4 (0-1f), I Fahy, A Stafford, E Lenane 0-1 each.
THOMAS DAVIS: E O'Connor; L Linehan, R O'Mahony, E Hartnett; G Jones, N O'Regan, G Ti-money; C Buckley, C Flanagan; l\l O'Neill, T Hart­nett, D O'Hanlon; C Crowley, J O'Sullivan, G Shine.
Sub: E Clehane for Linehan. CENTRAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTED Power; K O'Donovan, C Mclvor, C Mulcahy; A Pyke, D Hick-ey, R Carroll; B O'Hara, G Quinn; C McCarra, I Fahy, A Stafford; S Flynn, T O'Donnell, C Staple-ton.
Subs: E Lenane for C McCarra, D O'Connor for T O'Donnell. Referee: M Meade (Ballylanders).

Patrick Maher who put in a fighting display to win the senior 400m hurdles at the Cork IT track has qualified for the World JuniorChampionship to be held in Canada. Patrick cleared the final flight of hurdles level with John Fagan from Clonliffe Harriers and thenaccelerated to the line for a convincing win. His time of 52.14 was well inside the qualifying standard of 53.34 for the World junior championships. The time is also a new Irish junior 400m hurdles record, replacing the 52.2 set by Ciaran McDunphy way back in 1981.

The year 2010 marks the eight year of the Discover Corks Schools Heritage competetion. The aim of the project provides an excellent opportunity for students to research, respect and defend the integrity of their local community , herritage and landscape. Davis College is no stranger to this competition as it has competed since its establisment in 2003. This year Davis College TY students achieved outstanding results. An awards ceremony took place in Silver Springs Convention Centre Cork last Thursday 15th of April. Davis College students were presented with their certificates and prizes by Kieran Mc Carthy- Co-ordanator of the project and county Lord mayor Councillor Derry Canty. Their teacher Carmel Stanton is very proud of all the TY students who participated in the competition. Many thanks to members of the community who made the projects possible. The prize winners were as follows : 
Leaving certificate individual category:
Duhallow Hunt club - Katie Healy
The Killshannig Area- Anna O' Callaghan
History of Killivullen - Rebecca Browne

The Transition Year Students of Davis College as part of their Young Social Innovators Project held an Expo entitled “Career Vision” in the Hibernian Hotel last Friday 12th. The Expo was officially launched by Mr. Noel O’ Connor, Chairman of the Cork County VEC. Mr. O’ Connor also launched the award winning booklet “Career  Vision” on the day, the guide that helps people get back on the career ladder, containing sample letters to fit all occasions and those all important interview tips. Other guests in attendance included, Labour Deputy Sean Sherlock, FF Deputy Michael Ahern, Senator Paul Bradford, the Mayor, and Mr. Richard Dempsey, Cllrs. Kenneth O’ Flynn, Tom Barry and Ronan Sheehan amongst others. Those exhibiting included, Mallow College of Further Education, Mabs, the North Cork Enterprise Board, Pfizer, FAS, Le Cheile, Avondhu Development, AIB, Suicidology and FAS Ability. There was also a HR Expert  from Aviva on hand to give tips of drafting an effective C.V. and Cover letter. The C.V. Tutorial Zone proved very popular where members of the public  had the chance to get their enhanced C.V.’s typed and printed. The students of Davis College were commended for co-ordinating such a professional and indeed beneficial event.

First Year Enrolment: September 2010 promises to be a significant moment in the life of Davis College Mallow. We are pleased to reveal that the number of students enrolled to commence their second-level education in the college on that date is the highest ever recorded in the 79 year history of the school The number of students enrolled stands at 122, one more than the figure of 121 students who enrolled in September 1979,
This outstanding feat is a tribute to the commitment of the college community to achieving the highest standards of teaching and learning, while also attending to the broader holistic development of all the students who are entrusted to our care. It is also an acknowledgement by parents and by the people of the broader Mallow area of the real and substantial level of achievement and innovation in education that has been characteristic of Davis College over the years.
Such recognition by the community at large of the achievements of Davis College affirms us in our efforts at enabling our students to fulfil their full potential It also motivates us to sustain our commitment to ensuring that the incoming class of 2010 will benefit from the learning experience that Davis College is proud to provide.

A MALLOW schoolgirl is in with a chance of winning an award celebrating volunteerism that could whisk her away on all expenses trip to the United States.
Seventeen year old Seoighe Kearney, representing Davis College, is one of 20 volunteers nationwide shortlisted to become the All-Ireland Youth Volunteer of the year. However, she is also the youngest.
On March 24 at the 20th Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, Seoighe will be presented with an engraved silver medallion presented by Tyrone Senior Footballer Mickey Harte. She will also be in with a chance to win €1,000 for a charity of her choice, the gold medallion and a trip to the US.
Principal of Davis College Denis Healy selected Seoighe for the award because of her volunteering activities with the Niall Mellon Township Trust in South Africa last year, for which she also man­aged to raise €10,000. Seoighe is also involved with the ISPCA, has volun­teered in Lourdes as well as the Irish Cancer Society. The criteria on which vol­unteers were evaluated for the awards ceremony includ­ed motivation, service, impact, sustainability, com­mitment and personal chal­lenge.
Pramerica managing director Henry McGarvey con­gratulated Seoighe (pictured right) on being shortlisted. "We are inspired by the dedi­cation and commitment demonstrated by Seoighe and the 19 other finalists. Pramerica is a proud partner in this programme of recog­nition for such inspiring and exemplary young people," said Mr McGarvey.
By Louise McCarthy: The Corkman

 Local Education Committee; International Fun Day
On a sunny Wednesday morning the 10th of February 2010 the Local Education Committee in Davis College organised an International Fun Day at the excellent Mallow G.A.A Complex in Carrigoon. All second year students participated in four different games which were refereed by the local Garda thanks to Garda Liam Doyle. Games included soccer, spike ball, tag rugby and novelty games. The transition year students who were also present acted as mentors for the second years.
The LEC consisted of the HSCL (Home School Community Liaison), North Cork School Completion Co-Ordinator, Community Garda, Education Welfare Officer, a teacher, a Special Needs Assistant, two parents and two students. The Committee met on five occasions to organise the event to celebrate diversity in our society. Thanks also to Sheehan buses for providing their buses free of charge for the event and to all the parents who turned up, and to all the members of the committee for their work throughout the project.

Cork County Vocational Schools Senior Football Championship Final (replay)

Davis College (Mallow): 1-7 Rossa College (Skibbereen) 0-4

Davis College are celebrating another success on the playing fields, with victory in the county championship final replay against Rossa College, Skibbereen, on Friday in Clonakilty.  This win is especially notable in that many of the players involved were on -the hurling team that won the county last year, thus earning them the rare achievement of dual county medals in successive years.

Great scenes of jubilation followed the footballers’ success after this hard fought win, particularly given that the game was a replay, as extra time had failed to separate the two sides after a gripping and high scoring contest in December that finished 1-15 apiece.  However, the long gap between the two games did not affect the Davis College team, who started the replay very brightly. 

Points in quick succession from Jamie O’Sullivan and Tadhg Hartnett eased the team into an early lead.  A further point from Donoughmore player Tadhg Hartnett gave the team a lead of 0-4 to 0-1 midway through the first half.  Aided by a strong breeze, Davis College played with confidence, with each of their scores coming from play. In addition to the scoring forwards, Donn O’Hanlon and Eddie Clehane, the youngest player on the team, were providing valuable contributions the wing-forward and wing-back positions respectively.  Rossa College, meanwhile, were finding it difficult to get a foothold in the game, with two pointed frees keeping them in touch.

As the first half drew to a close, it seemed that Davis College would carry a four point lead to the break.  This was a position that might have suited Rossa College, given the extent of Davis College’s dominance and the fact that the wind would favour the Skibbereen side in the second half.  But a crucial turning point came on the stroke of half-time. Ballyclough goalkeeper Edmund O’ Connor’s kick-out broke to Donn O’Hanlon who transferred the ball to Chris Buckley of Clyda Rovers.   Buckley’s pass then found Killavullen clubman Jamie O’Sullivan who connected “soccer-style” with the ball to sweep it underneath the advancing goalkeeper and into the net, ensuring that Davis College led by seven points at the interval.  The goal meant that O’Sullivan would finish top scorer with 1-4.

Upon the restart, Rossa College strove valiantly to get into the game and aided by the wind, they exerted great pressure on the Davis College defence.  Despite the seven point cushion, the Mallow side could not relax as Rossa College threatened to score with repeated attacking movements.  However, the Davis College rearguard came into its own in the second half and withstood the Skibbereen pressure with some great individual displays, most notably from team captain Roddy O’Mahony of Killshannig at full-back, while Luke Linehan, Gary Jones and Donn O’Hanlon defended tigerishly. 

In a crucial interception, Niall O’Regan blocked down a shot that seemed destined for the Mallow goal and this intervention seemed to rally the Davis College side.  Tadhg Hartnett added a seventh point for the college midway through the half in what would prove to be their only score in the second half.  But Davis College’s dogged defending meant that Rossa College could only muster two points in the half despite the advantage of the wind, and when the final whistle blew, Davis College were convincing winners on a score line of 1-7 to 0-4.

Upon the receiving the cup, team captain and outstanding full-back Roddy O’Mahony thanked the efforts of team mentors Mr. Glenn Burke and Mr. Tom Ashman, and paid special tribute to manager Mr. Michael Bradley, whom he noted had coached the team since they were in First Year.  The focus for the Davis College team now turns to the Munster championship, where they will represent Cork and seek to build on their tremendous county success.

Team: 1. Edmund O’ Connor (Ballyclough); 2. Luke Linehan (Ballyclough); 3. Roddy O’ Mahony (Kilshannig); 4. Evan Hartnett (Donoughmore); 5. Gary Jones (Mallow);
 6. Niall O’ Regan (Mallow);  7. Eddie Clehane (Mallow);  8.  Chris Buckley (Clyda Rovers);   9. Conor Flanagan (Clyda Rovers); 10 Tadhg Hartnett (Donoughmore);
11. Colm Crowley (Ballyclough);  12. Donn O’ Hanlon (Donoughmore);
13. Raymond Carey (Clyda Rovers); 14. Jamie O’Sullivan (Killavullen); 15. Niall O’ Neill  (Ballyclough).
Substitutes:
16.Adrian Falvey (Mallow-replaced Raymond Carey in second half). 17. Ian Buckley (Mallow); 18. Shane O’Sullivan (Killavullen);19. Darren Murphy (Mallow).

Drama: This year’s school show “Bugsy Malone” is proving to be quite a hit and going down a treat with all involved.  The thirty plus cast, comprising students from 1st right through to Leaving Certificate is due to air on February 9th, 10th and 11th.  The first weekend rehearsal which took place last month proved to be very beneficial indeed for all concerned.  No stranger to the stage, students Ciara Geaney, Gene Holland, Eoin O’Connor and Amanda Coyne are really coming into their own in this year’s production.  Newcomers, such as Patrick Geaney, Daniel Lyons and our French student Chloe Gouerec are indeed making a huge impact.  We’re all looking forward to seeing Fat Sam and Dandy Pans groups come head to head and splurge their way to victory in a show stopping production.  Our thanks to Mr. J. Pettey, Ms. P. Nash and Ms. C. O’Callaghan for their efforts with the school musical.

Transition Year: On Thursday night December 10th the Transition Year Mini Company “Aontas” launched their Christmas CD “Santa’s Selection” – retailing at €8.00 each.  On Friday December 11th Transition Year students further promoted their CD by signing carols outside St. Mary’s Church from 10.00am – 12.00pm a further group of students set up their Mini Company Stand selling CD’s in the Bank of Ireland as part of their “Business Week” Programme.  On Wednesday December 16th the Transition Year class accompanied by Ms. O’Callaghan paid a Christmas visit to the local sheltered housing units and Bridhaven nursing home.  The students were there to deliver Christmas presents to the participants of their computer course which takes place each Tuesday.  The students all very aware of our challenging economic times, used the shoebox concept, which comprises student’s re-wing shoe boxes wrapping them up and filling them with all sorts of wonderful things.  While visiting the students who sang some Christmas carols from their “Santa’s Selection” Christmas CD.  The CD which was professionally produced in conjunction with Tribarac Studios, Macroom is available from the school and also from Game Stop, Mallow.  Both the staff and residents of both homes expressed their sincere gratitude to the students for bringing with them some festive cheer.

Senior Football Final: Davis College 1-15 Rossa College 1-15 (a.e.t) having over come weaker opposition in earlier rounds the senior football team travelled to Crossbarry to take on the stronger opposition of Rossa College from Skibbereen.  In a titanic battle played in glorious winter sunshine the Davis College boys opened brightly and dominated the first half edging out their opponents by 1-9 to 0-6 albeit with the aid of a slight breeze.  The second half really rested our sides mental and soon our more illustrious opponents crawled their way back into the game.  A late point by Chris Buckley was needed to rescue the game.  Extra time was needed to settle this affair, however with both teams having chances to take the prize it was neither who could put the other to rest.  Heroic performances from all quarters of the field.  Roddy O’Mahony, Chris Buckley, Tadhg Hartnett and Jamie O’Sullivan in particular, made sure a draw was the outcome.  No team deserved to lose this one.  Replay after Christmas.  Another classic in store l hope.  Our thanks to M. Bradley, Mr. T. Ashman and Mr. G. Burke, and the best of luck with the replay.

U-19 Girls Basketball Finalists
Well done to the U-19 basketball team who topped their pool with wins over Nagle Rice, Doneraile and Loreto,Fermoy. The semi-final saw the girls takeon Loreto again at home. Some fine displays from Denise Carey, Cora Willis and Emer Haugh saw the girls through tothe finalon a score line of 24-20. Wednesday the 9th Dec we travelled to Neptune stadium to take on Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Blarney. This game proved to be our best ever. Excellent defensive work from Denise Carey, Niamh O`Carroll and Cora Willis saw us take the lead in the first quarter 5-4. The second quarter went to Blarney with the score at 11-9. The third quarter proved a draw with some fine scores from Emer Haugh and Katie Healy. Our luck ran out in the fourth quarter and fair play to Blarney who stretched their lead to take the honours andcounty title on a score line of 25-19.

4th Year Trip to the Tralee Institute of Technology
The 4th Year students on the 27th of November travelled to Tralee Institute of Technology under the supervision of Mr. Morrissey where they were given an introduction and a taste of the various computer programs currently taught in the Institutes computer department.  Helen Fitzgerald  (Multimedia) gave a class in the use of Flash, Anne O’ Brien (Web Development) gave a class in Dreamweaver and designed a simple website and Rob Sheehy (Games Development) introduced the students to the application 3D Studio Max and an overview of game development in general.

Enterprise Seminar: On Monday, November 2nd, the Transition Year group accompanied by. Ms. O’Callaghan attended a seminar in the Hibernian Hotel as part of the Schools Enterprise Programme.  The seminar entitled “Meet the Directors” allows the students to meet with some of the most successful business leaders in the region.  One of the purposes of the conference is to give students an in-depth understanding of the different roles and functions necessary to run a profitable business.  Six 10 minute presentations were given by various business leaders from the area including Emer Howard MD of Mega Transport, Niall Hartnett HR & Logistics Director of the Barry Group and Eamonn Kearney, Financial Controller of the Hibernian Hotel.  The presentations were followed by a questions and answer session.  The seminar was indeed very interesting and worthwhile.

Debating and Public Speaking:  The Davis College senior debating team had its first outing in the Concern debating competition on 19th October away to Charleville CBS.  The team consisted of David Hayes, who also participated in last year’s competition, and three students who were debating for the first time: Seoighe Kearney, Aidan O’Connell and Jason Hayes.  Amy Curtin helped out with research.  The team opposed the motion that “the EU is failing Africa” and were unlucky to lose out marginally in the end after an entertaining and high quality debate.  However, they are still in the competition and will host CBS, Cork, on 12th November at 8pm, where Davis College will propose the motion that “Rising unemployment at home is too high a price to pay for aid to the developing world”.  In the UCC Philosophical Society debating competition, two Leaving Certificate students, Ciara Murphy and Markus Knutsson, represented the school in the first round on 21st October in UCC.  They opposed the motion that “this House would support the use of capital punishment”. They performed very well and will now progress to the second round later on 18th November in Rockwell College, where they will propose the motion that “this House would abolish the Seanad”.   Meanwhile, the Davis College Transition Year group will participate in the annual Mallow Toastmasters Inter-Schools Public Speaking Competition in The Hibernian Hotel on Thursday 12th November.  We wish all our debaters and pubic speakers continued success in these competitions.

Gaisce: On Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th of October Silver and Bronze Gaisce Award recipients completed their venture challenge in Kilfinane OEC.  Bronze medallists walked a total of 30km while Silver Medallists walked 50km.  Well done to all involved.  4 students will receive their Silver award in the GaisceMunster Awards Ceremony in Cashel on December 2nd.  Seoighe Kearney is now pursuing her Gold Award.  Gaisce students organised a bag pack in Tesco’s raising a total of €970.  This money will be divided between (1) Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin (2) Gaisce Venture Fund.  Our thanks to Ms. H. Carey for co-ordinating the Gaisce Adventure within the college and to Mr. G. Burke, Ms. K. Kennedy, Ms. M. Richterand Mr. P. Healy for supervising the bag packing in Tesco.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards: Interviews were held in the school on Thursday 22nd November to select a candidate for the annual North Cork Rotary Youth Leadership competition.  This competition rewardsstudents who demonstrate leadership qualities in their school life and who participate in other activities that promote their personal development and show a commitment to the ideal of service towards others.  The adjudicators who conducted the interviews were very impressed with the strong calibre of candidates in Davis College and nominated David Hayes to go forward to the regional final on 5th November.  We wish David well in the next stage of the competition.  Well done also to Seoighe Kearney, Kieran Brennan, Aidan O’Connell and Katie Healy who acquitted themselves so well. Our thanks to Mr. G. O’Sullivan in promoting Debating, Public Speaking & Rotary within the college.

Trip to Hibernian Aviva: On Friday October 23rd the Transition Year group accompanied by Ms. C. Carey and Ms. C. O’Callaghan enjoyed a visit out to the Hibernian Aviva Regional Office in the Cork Airport Industrial Park.  The tour commenced with a presentation by Jim Malone, Regional Manager on the background to and history of the company focusing on market share and recent areas of diversification.  The students were then given a comprehensive tour of the workplace and the opportunity to sample the real world of work.  Presentations were made to them from representatives from a variety of fields ranging from the Climax to Finance Departments.  This was followed by a Questions and Answers session which proved very beneficial.  The day was very well planned and organised by those at Hibernian Aviva and got the newly established link with Davis College and Hibernian Aviva off to an auspicious start.  Our thanks to Ms. C. Carey & Ms. C. O’Callaghan for organising each of the above and for all their efforts with Transition Year.

Davis College this week began a ‘Skills At Work Programme’ in partnership with Hibernian Aviva Cork, facilitated by the Schools Business Partnership and an initiative of Business in the Community Ireland. The team Hibernian Aviva is providing talks on ‘A Day in the Life Of.....,’ a company overview, CV workshops, and interview skills to assist students in their quest for career paths. The Transition Year students at Davis College will also be brought on a site visit to the company and witness firsthand the many career opportunities that exist in the insurance industry. Pictured are Jack Barry (Deputy Principal), Celine McGrath (Schools business Partnership Cork co-Co-ordinator), Jim Malone (Hibernian Aviva), Colette O’Callaghan ( Enterprise teacher), Denis Healy (Principal), and Carina Carey (Transition Year Co-Ordinator).

History Trip: On Monday 5th October the First and Third Year History classes enjoyed an outing to Cobh.  We visited the Queenstown Shore to learn about emigration during famine times and the final stop off of the ill fated Titanic.  We also visited the Cathedral to study the Neo Gothic architecture.

The 4th year students on Friday the 11th of September walked from Killarney to Kenmare on possible one of the most beautiful days of the year through one of the most beautiful settings on The Kerry Way. Rising up past Torc Waterfall to a height of 200m above sea level, we joined the old Kenmare Road as the trail runs south to pass between Torc Mountain and Mangerton Mountain. After 7km through Esknamucky Glen the path meets the junction where The Kerry Way can route north to Galway’s Bridge and the Black Valley.
At this junction the trail turns south with views of the lakes of Killarney behind us, crossing over several rivers before climbing out of this quite valley to the wooded area of Tooreenbreenla. The track heads south to the 350m mountain pass between Peakeen Mountain and Knockanaguish with spectacular views of Kenmare Bay and the Atlantic as the trail gradually falls towards Kenmare and the junction onto the paved road at Gowlane where we were collected by the school bus.

Mini Company – “Tytans” our Transition Year Mini Company won the title of “Best Overall Company” at the Regional Schools Enterprise Competition on Friday March 13th, beating ten other North Cork Schools.  “Tytans” won the award for the development of a Computer Guide “CTRL your P.C.” – that gives step by step advice on using your computer.  Along with a Crystal Trophy and 6 i-pods Transition Year Students received €1500 from A.I.B. Mallow and €500 from the North Cork Enterprise Board which will now go towards the cost of participating in the National Finals in Tullamore on May 7th.

High School Musical – The recent production of “High School Musical” held here in our very own Davis College, Mallow was a huge success for all those involved.  The cast, consisting entirely of Davis College students ranging from all years, did an outstanding performance each night thanks to the inspiring direction and choreography of. Nash, Ms. O’Callaghan and Mr. Pettey.  The show was received by a full house each night thanks to the support of fellow students, staff, friends, family and of course the public!  This caused a high level of nerves and excitement for the cast backstage which they managed to channel perfectly into their individual and group performances. A round of applause must be given to our own “Sharpay and Ryan” double act played by Jenny Plunkett and Shane Roche who braved the stage to deliver an unforgettable rendition of “Bop to the Top” and “What I’ve Been Looking For” dance moves and all.  And who could forget the intense emotional scenes between Jeremy Sheahan and Ciara Geaney our very own “Troy and Gabriella”. 
“High School Musical” complete with songs and dialogue to a tee stayed faithful to the original stage production with all supporting cast present, such memorable favourites as “Taylor” Orla O’Connor, “Zeke” Lukas Sheehan, “Ms. Darbus” Ciara Murphy, “Chad” (curly wig and all), “Mr. Bolton”, “Kelsi” and plenty of Wildcats and Cheerleaders to fit the bill!  The cast would like to thank the teachers involved for their contribution and time to make “High School Musical” such a success, and they would also like to thank the students who gave up their time to play the music for the show.  The same cast have now moved on after there memorable experiences of “High School Musical” to participate in an upcoming “Dramafest” competition!  We wish them and the teachers involved best of luck or should we say “Break a Leg”.  Our thanks to Ms. P. Nash, Ms. O’Callaghan, Mr. J. Pettey and all who helped in this production

Concern Debate - The Davis College debating team progressed to the knockout stages of the Concern debating competitionwithagreat victory against Presentation S.S, Ballyphehane, on Tuesday 21st January.  Proposing the motion that “the western media has a “red top” attitude to the developing world”, the team enjoyed a unanimous victory which meant that they finished joint top of their qualifying group.  They will now compete against Milltown S.S, Co. Kerry in the next stage, which takes place in Davis College on Monday 9th February, where they will propose the motion that “George W Bush was good for Africa”.  Great credit is due to the team, consisting of David Hayes, Sean Tanner, Markus Knuttsson and Laura Brennan; and to those who assisted in research, especially Ciara Murphy, Seoighe Kearney and Michael Buschmann.  Our thanks to Mr. G.O’Sullivan for preparing the team on their 3rd successive outing to date.

Senior Hurling Final Davis College, Mallow 5 – 7 Boherbue Comprehensive School 1 -7  

The Senior Vocational Schools Hurling Final was held in Carrigoon, Mallow on Wednesday 14th January.  Davis College, having overcome Mannix College, Charleville in the semi-final, faced into a stiff breeze in the first half.  From the throw-in, Boherbue took an early grip on the game with Eamonn Brosnan firing over a long range point.  The inside forwards, however, missed a number of chances to extend the lead and suffered a big setback when corner forward Evan Hartnett stole in for an opportunist goal in Davis College’s first attack.  Alan Cronin tacked on a point for good measure and Boherbue looked stretched.  Rallied by a masterful display by their mid field pairing of Brian O’Connell and Eamonn Brosnan, Boherbue fought their way back into the game and they launched attack after attack for the next 15 minutes.  The Davis College rearguard of Denis McCarthy, Roddy O’Mahony and Maurice Clarke, marshalled by goalkeeper Edmond O’Connor, stood firm. Boherbue registered eight wides and scored only two points from Brosnan and O’Connell during that period.  Having weathered the storm, Davis College broke forward following good link-up play between Chris Buckley and Conor Flanagan setting up Patrick Lucey for a great goal.  Chris Buckley added a point for Mallow. Brosnan added on 2 more, and Daniel O’ Callaghan 1 for Boherbue to leave Davis College leading by 2 – 2 to 0 – 6 at half-time.

The second half saw the Hartnett brothers come into their own, with Tadhg and Evan scoring in the early minutes.  A long range point by man-of-the-match Tadhg Hartnett and a well taken goal by Evan gave Davis College a solid lead.  Points by Buckley and Lucey left the score-line at 3 – 5 to 0 – 7 midway through the second half.

Boherbue, to their credit, refused to give up the cause and were frustrated by the brilliance of O’Connor in goal and dogged defensive work by O’Donoghue, captain, Graham Timoney, Clarke and the ever impressive Tadhg Hartnett.  Boherbue got rewarded for their efforts when substitute Darren O’Keeffe succeeded with a well taken goal. That was as close as Boherbue were to get, as Davis College took a firm grip of the game and finished like true champions.  Evan Hartnett completed a hat-trick of goals, while Buckley and Lucey added well taken points to close out the game.

BT Young Scientist 2009 The BT Young Scientist Competition proved to be a highly successful event for the four Davis College students competing this year.  Transition Year student, Seoighe Kearney, came second in the intermediate individual section of the Social and Behavioural category.  Her project, Public Reaction to Teenage Fashion Styles – A Social Experiment, investigated public reaction to three different teenage fashion trends.

Chris Martin received a Highly Commended Award in the same category.  His project, The Use of Taste Tests to Investigate the Correlation between the Taste and Price of Food Products, examined five food products available in Tesco value brand and another popular brand.

Darren Noonan and Evan Horgan investigated the Effectiveness of Team Teaching in a North Cork School.  The panel of judges were impressed with their project and they were unfortunate not to receive an award. 

The great tradition of Young Scientist involvement success continues and congratulations to all those involved.

Our thanks to Mr. J. O’Sullivan & Ms. M. White for mentoring the students and for accompanying the students to the RDS.