SECTION II - ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTSSECTION II - ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Annual Prizegiving.......................................................................................51-52Jeannie Turpin Prize Essay...............................................................................58Honor Stuart Prize.....................................................................................58-61 E-Leathanach..........................................................................................................61 Elizabeth Perrin Essay.........................................................................................62 Eithne Ryan Lecture...........................................................................................64 English Debating............................................................................................65-66 French Debating...................................................................................................67 Irish Debating..................................................................................................67-68SciFest 2010.....................................................................................................69-70 ISPCC Youth Symposium................................................................................71 Applied Maths.......................................................................................................71Inter-School Library Quiz................................................................................72Joan Kearney Science Lecture......................................................................73
50 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
ANNUAL PRIZEGIVINGfor the academic year 2008-2009
51
PRINCIPALâS FOREWORD
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Alexandra Collegeâs Prize Giving for the academic year 2008-2009. We warmly welcome our guest speaker Ms Emily OâReilly, Ombudsman and Information Commissioner. Ms Emily OâReilly was appointed Irelandâs third Ombudsman on 1st June2003 by the President of Ireland, Mrs Mary McAleese.
Prior to her appointment, Ms OâReilly was a journalist and author and had been a political correspondent for various media since 1989.
We consider the education of the whole person to be our primary concern. We rejoice with our students whose achievements we
in the knowledge that Alexandra College will continue to be at the forefront of womenâs education in Ireland.
Le gach dea-ghuĂ
Principal
52 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
FIRST YEAR PRIZES
IBFirst Place Gleeson, AmberSecond Place OâToole, EllenForm Prizes Kraus, Aisling -and-Gillespie, Freya
IHFirst Place Stafford Johnson NatalieSecond Place Feehan, RuthForm Prizes Brown, Holly -and-Byrne, Sadbh
ISFirst Place Winn, VanessaSecond Place Cosgrove, RachelForm Prizes Watters, Lorna -and-Asher, Niamh
IRFirst Place MacKeown, EmilieSecond Place Nannetti, SophieForm Prizes Sheil, Sadhbh -and-Bloom Teskey, Hannah
FIRST YEAR - SPECIAL SUBJECT PRIZES
THE ATTENDANCE PRIZE OâMeara, Leah -and-
Reilly, Fionnuala
THE KAPLIN PRIZE FOR SCIENCE Winn, Vanessa
THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PRIZE Gleeson, Amber
THE ART PRIZE Bloom Teskey, Hannah -and- Mescal, Leone
THE I.T. PRIZE Gillespie, Freya
THE GRACE BLAKENEY PRIZE Cronin Cusack, Rachel (awarded to the girl who has contributed the most to thewell being of her year)
SECOND YEAR PRIZES
IIBFirst Place Kenna, SallySecond Place Kneafsey, SianForm Prizes Pullen, Natalie -and-Smal, Tammy
IIHFirst Place Raethorne, BeckySecond Place Ryan, AmyForm Prizes McEvoy Bucholz, Ariane -and-McKenna, Elisa
IISFirst Place Purcell, BellaSecond Place McDonald, IsabelleForm Prizes Azhar, Mahrukh -and-McGowan, Meghan
IIRFirst Place Nichols, AnnaSecond Place Egan, AlixForm Prizes Adebayo Oke, Toni -and- Skelly, Emma
SECOND YEAR - SPECIAL SUBJECT PRIZES
THE ATTENDANCE PRIZE OâDonoghue, Zikka
THE PRIZE FOR SCIENCE Nichols, Anna
THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PRIZE Ryan, Amy
THE ART PRIZE Cowan, Lia -and- Carton, Eilis
THE I.T. PRIZE Morrin, Lisa
THE HONOR STUART PRIZE FOR
CREATIVE WRITING Raethorne, Becky
THIRD YEAR PRIZES
IIIBFirst Place Chow, LeonaSecond Place DâAlton, AnnaForm Prizes Stokes, Nicola -and- Turley, Joanna
IIIHFirst Place OâReilly, NanciSecond Place Milofsky, Beth -and- Stapleton Doyle, SadhbhForm Prizes Duggan, Katie - and- Thornton,Emily
IIISFirst Place Walsh, HarrietSecond Place Healy, RachelForm Prizes Gallagher, Mollie AnnFalkiner, Kate
IIIRFirst Place Despard, ClaraSecond Place Clarke, YvonneForm Prizes McQuillan, Holly -and- McGinley, Alison
THIRD YEAR - SPECIAL SUBJECT PRIZES
GAMBLE PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
DâAlton, Anna
PFEIFFER PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Milofsky, Beth
ARDILAUN PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Despard, Clara
WILSON SUFFERN PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE Healy, Rachel
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201053
THIRD YEAR - SPECIAL SUBJECT PRIZES (continued)
ATTENDANCE PRIZE White, Eleanor -and- Egan, CC -and-
Dagari, Iman
THE HELEN PRENTER PRIZE FOR ENGLISH
Chow, Leona
THE BRYAN GUINNESS PRIZE FOR FRENCH
OâReilly, Nanci
THE JELLICOE MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR LATIN
OâReilly, Nanci
THE ELIZABETH MOYNE PRIZE FOR SCIENCE
Chow, Leona
THE JEANIE TURPIN ESSAY PRIZE White, Eleanor
THE GEOGRAPHY PRIZE Walsh, Harriet
THE HISTORY PRIZE OâReilly, Nanci
THE IRISH PRIZE Gallagher, Mollie Ann -and- Chow, Leona
THE HOME ECONOMICS PRIZE Egan, CC
THE MATHEMATICS PRIZE Despard, Clara
THE ART PRIZE Duggan, Katie -and- Raethorne, Amy
THE BUSINESS STUDIES PRIZE Chow, Leona
THE GERMAN PRIZE Farrelly, Clodagh
THE MUSIC PRIZE DâAlton, Anna
THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PRIZE CC Egan
THE LEONARD ABRAHAMSON BOOK PRIZE
(FOR THE BEST JUNIOR CERTIFICATE RESULTS)
Chow, Leona - and- OâReilly, Nanci
TRANSITION YEAR PRIZES
THE LOUISE CROSBIE MEMORIAL TROPHY (AWARDED TO THE STUDENTOF THE YEAR) OâDonnell, Kate
THE VIOLET MOLLAN CUP(FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTIN FOURTH YEAR) Flanagan, Lauren
THE STANLEY SHIELD (FOR INTERESTAND EFFORT) Malone, Dervla
THE ATTENDANCE PRIZE IN TRANSITION YEARMcCarron, Eimear - and- Clarke, Pamela
GAISCE - THE PRESIDENTâS AWARD
The following girls earned the Bronze Presidentâs Award:
Bourke, Aisling Haughton, Kate
Buckley, Amy Kenna, Annah
Bulger, Michelle Kennedy, Yvanne
Callan, CaitrĂona Maginn, Ciara
Coakley, Laura Malone, Dervla
Duncan, Ingrid Margetson, Alice
Fitzpatrick Rachel McCarron, Eimear
Flanagan, Lauren Nichols, Katie
Gray, Nicola OâDonnell, Kate
Han, Hyan-Jung Rowan, Michaela
Wolfson, Celestine
FIFTH YEAR PRIZES
THE 1ST ETHEL M GLORNEY TRUST PRIZE Carter, Eva
THE 2ND ETHEL M GLORNEY TRUST PRIZE Lenehan,
Leah
THE BIOLOGY PRIZE Carter, Eva
THE FLORENCE CONAN PRIZEFOR CHEMISTRYCarter, Eva
THE HISTORY PRIZE Harrison, Eve
THE GEOGRAPHY PRIZE Duffy, Aisling
THE MATHEMATICS PRIZE Courtney, Louise
THE HOME ECONOMICS PRIZE Butler, Ellen
THE ENGLISH PRIZE Swanwick, Elizabeth
THE IRISH PRIZE Carter, Eva
THE LATIN PRIZE OâFlynn, Katie
THE ITALIAN PRIZE Duffy, Aisling
THE FRENCH PRIZE Courtney, Louise
THE ART PRIZE MacCarthy, Sally -and-
McDermott, Stephanie
THE PHYSICS PRIZE OâFlynn, Katie
THE SPANISH PRIZE Cosgrove, Emma
THE APPLIED MATHS PRIZE Boyle, Niamh
THE ACCOUNTING PRIZE Carter, Eva
THE BUSINESS PRIZE Fitzpatrick, Emma
THE ECONOMICS PRIZE Duggan, Cherone
THE HANNAH BLANCHE LEWIS PRIZE (FORINTEREST AND EFFORT) Clayton, Catherine
THE VICTORIA, LADY HOLMPATRICK PRIZE(FOR INTEREST AND EFFORT) Natin, Carine
THE PRIZE FOR EFFORT IN 5TH YEAR Cameron, Katie
THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE PRIZE Smyth, Emily
THE ELIZABETH PERRIN ESSAY PRIZE Duggan, Cherone
THE ATTENDANCE PRIZE Swanwick, Elizabeth
THE GERMAN PRIZE Swanwick, Elizabeth
THE SENIOR DEBATING PRIZE Gillespie, Iseult
THE GERRY COLEMAN PRIZE Harrison, Eve
54 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
SIXTH YEAR PRIZES
PRESIDENT OF THE PREFECTS DâArcy, Aifric
THE 1ST ETHEL M GLORNEY TRUST PRIZE
Lynch, Fiona
THE 2ND ETHEL M GLORNEY TRUST PRIZE
Kenny, Grace
THE SAMPSON PRIZE FOR ENGLISH Kennedy, Catherine
THE MAY BROOKS PRIZE FOR MATHEMATICS
Stein, Lianne
THE MAUD CHERRY PRIZE FOR HISTORY
Tingle, Sally Ann
THE NORAH GOLDEN PRIZEFOR ORAL IRISH
Lynch, Fiona
THE THELMA MITCHELL PRIZE FOR FRENCH
NĂ BhrolchĂĄin, Maude
THE HENRY S GUINNESS PRIZE FOR HOME ECONOMICS
Hollywood, Niamh
THE JESSOP PRIZE FOR CHEMISTRY Lynch, Fiona
THE ENDOWED PRIZE FOR BIOLOGY Kenny, Grace
THE WEBB CUP FOR GEOGRAPHY Mahony, Sabrina -and-
Barrett, Elaine
THE GLORNEY CUP FOR ART Stein, Lianne
THE IRISH PRIZE Quigley, Emilie
THE SPANISH PRIZE Clarke, Una -and- Hamilton, Eva
THE GERMAN PRIZE Burzlaff, Anna
THE PHYSICS PRIZE Kenny, Grace
THE APPLIED MATHEMATICS PRIZE Kennedy, Catherine
THE ACCOUNTING PRIZE Kilroy, Hannah
THE ECONOMICS PRIZE
THE ITALIAN PRIZE Lynch, Fiona -and-
Costelloe, Claire
THE EDITH HARRISON PRIZE FOR CITIZENSHIP
Paul, Aifric
LYSTER PRIZE FOR CLASSICS Mahony, Sabrina
THE ATTENDANCE PRIZE FOR 6TH YEAR
Leckie, Kate
THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE PRIZE Paul, Aifric
THE POWELL CUP AWARDED TO THE BEST ALL
ROUNDER IN 5TH OR 6TH YEAR
Costelloe, Claire
SYNOD PRIZES
Synod Prizes in Religious Education have been
awarded to:
Gleeson, Amber Schwartz, Hannah
Cosgrove, Rachel Levermore, Kirsten
Ryan, Amy OâReilly, Nanci
Reihill, Alex
PAST SIXTH YEAR PRIZES
NĂ BhrolchĂĄin, Maude 6R Maude is now studying Maths & Economics in T.C.D.
Mahony, Sabrina 6K Sabrina is now studying European Studies in T.C.D.
Kennedy, Catherine 6K Catherine in now studying Engineering in T.C.D.
DâArcy, Aifric 6L Aifric is now studying Modern Irish and Philosophyin T.C.D.
Mackey, Lorna 6K Lorna is now studying Law in U.C.D.
Somerville, Julie 6R Julie is now studying Sociology and Social Policy in T.C.D.
Barrett, Elaine 6M Elaine is now studying General Nursing in T.C.D.
Crowley, Klara 6M Klara is now studying Geography, & Environmental Policy in U.C.D.
Wolfe, Hannah 6K Hannah is now studying Science in T.C.D.
Hughes, Emma 6W Emma is now studying English Lit.and Drama Studies in T.C.D
Finn, Aiveen 6L Aiveen is now studying Science in T.C.D.
McPhillips, Katherine 6J Katherine is now studying Journalism & Media in Bangor
University North Wales.
Daly, Clodagh 6W Clodagh is now studying Speech & Language Therapy
in U.C.P. Majon, Plymouth England
OâDonoghue, Jennifer 6J Jennifer is now studying in N.C.A.D.
Menzies, Emily 6W Emily is now studying Engineering in U.C.D.
Duke, Leanna 6J Leanna is now studying Social Science in U.C.D.
Kenny, Grace 6M Grace is now studying Medicine in U.C.D.
Lynch, Fiona 6K Fiona is now studying Medicine in U.C.D.
Tingle, Sallyann 6J Sallyann is now studying English Lit. and Psychology in T.C.D.
Ward, Alice 6J Alice is now studying Law in T.C.D.
Quigley, Emilie 6L Emilie is now studying Dance in London Studio Centre
Ryan, Harriet 6J Harriet is now studying Medicine in RCSI
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201055
PAST SIXTH YEAR PRIZES
Bergin, Grace 6J Grace is now studying Music in Cork School of Music
OâKeane, Aife 6K Aife is now studying French and Drama in T.C.D.
McEntee, Lisa 6L Lisa is now studying English and Drama in U.C.D.
Kearney, Lorna 6J Lorna is now studying Social Science in U.C.D.
Stein, Lianne 6W Lianne is now studing Civil Engineering in the University of
Nottingham
Slacke-Fitzpatrick, Jamie 6R Jamie is now studying Nursing in Greenhills College
Costello, Claire 6J Claire is now studying Social Studies in T.C.D.
de Burgh Whyte, Hannah 6R Hannah is now studying Climate and Earth Science in U.C.D.
6K Susan is now studying B.E.S.S. in T.C.D.
Farrell, Grace 6K Grace is now studying Classical Civilisation and Greek in T.C.D.
Ogeah, Uche 6L Uche is now studying Chemical Engineering in Aston University,
Birmingham
Burke, Heather 6K Heather is now studying Science in U.C.D.
Kilroy, Hannah 6W Hannah is now studying Engineering in T.C.D.
Hamilton, Eva
Coyne, Aisling 6R Aisling is now studying Philosophy and Politics in Queens Univer-
sity Belfast
OâLeary, Caitrin 6W Caitrin is now studying English Literature and Italian in T.C.D.
OâByrne, Laura 6W Laura is now studying Economics and Sociology in T.C.D.
OâDonnell, Hayley 6J Hayley is now studying Law in T.C.D.
Rowland, Katie 6L Katie is now studying Philosophy and Science in T.C.D.
OâBrien, Jenny 6R Jenny is studying Speech & Language Therapy in T.C.D.
Clarke, Una 6R Una is now studying General Nursing in U.C.D.
Paul, Aifric 6K Aifric is now studying Medicine in McDaniel College, Budapest,
Hungary
MUSIC PRIZES
THE CULWICK MEMORIAL AWARD FOR PIANOFORTE
Kenny, Grace
THE MARGARET JOHNSTON AWARD FOR PIANOFORTE
OâKeane, Aife
THE VIOLIN PRIZE Malone, Dervla
THE VIOLA PRIZE Sheil, Caitriona
THE CELLO PRIZE Mackey, Lorna
THE GUITAR PRIZE Raethorne, Becky
THE FLUTE PRIZE Traynor, Robyn
THE OBOE PRIZE MacKeown, Emilie
THE SAXOPHONE PRIZE Ryan, Harriet -and- OâLeary,
Caitrin
THE RECORDER PRIZE Begley, Zoe
THE HARP PRIZE Ryan, Amy
THE PERCUSSION PRIZE Duke, Leanna
THE BRASS PRIZE Nichols, Katie
THE CLARINET PRIZE Murphy, Holly
GERALDINE TEMPLE LAING CUP FOR SOLO SINGING
Gibbons, Susie
THE JEAN DOLAN CUP FOR SOLO SINGING
Carron, Mella
THE GWLADYS JONES CUP FOR
SELF-TRAINED CHOIRS YR 4-6
Winners: 5th Year
Conductor: Sheil, Caitriona
THE CULWICK CUP FOR
SELF-TRAINED CHOIRS YR 1 - 3
Winners: 3B
Conductor: Levermore, Kirsten
THE ANNE CASSIDY AWARD FOR
BEST ACCOMPANIST YR 1 -3 IN
THE CULWICK COMPETITION
Duffy, Ellen
THE MOLLY DUNLOP CUP FORTHE BEST CONDUCTOR YR 4 - 6 INTHE CULWICK COMPETITIONLynch, Fiona
THE JACQUELINE POMEROY AWARD FOR THE BEST
ACCOMPANIST YR 4-6 IN THE CULWICK COMPETITION
Gibbons, Ciara- and - Courtney, Louise
THE ADJUDICATOR PRIZE IN THECULWICK COMPETITION Martinez, Pia
THE GLADYS RUDDOCK PRIZEFOR PRESENTATION YR 1 -3 ATTHE CULWICK COMPETITIONOâDonnell,Millie On behalf of: 1R
THE GLADYS RUDDOCK PRIZEFORPRESENTATION YR 4 - 6 ATTHE CULWICK COMPETITIONLynch, Fiona On behalf of: 6th Year
THE BRENDA WILKES AWARD FORTHE BEST CONDUCTOR YEARS 1-3IN THE CULWICK COMPETITIONOâMeara, Fiona
THE HARRY F. NORMAN AWARDFOR PIANO SIGHT READINGGibbons, Ciara
56 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY AWARDS
Bronze Medal for Piano
Nicola Stokes Laoise Dennehy
Sinead Swan Dhara Vyas
Bronze Medal for Violin
Yvonne Clarke Nessa Coman
Millie OâDonnell Roisin Doody
Bronze Medal for Solo Singing
Niamh Claffey Naomi Agnew
Adrianna Murphy Laoise Dennehy
Hannah Watters Zara Dempsey OâReilly
Emma Lawrie Emilie Quigley
Anna Stein Roisin Woods
Bronze Medal for Harp Anna DâAlton
Bronze Medal for Viola Aideen Cowhey
Bronze Medal for Flute
Zoe Cras Eva Hamilton
Jennifer Drea Charlotte Herron
Anna Muldowney
Bronze Medal for Recorder Zoe Begley
Silver Medal for Piano
Beibhinn Sheil Jessica McGurk
Amy Ryan
Silver Medal for Violin
Niamh Murray Bebhinn Sheil
Aifric DâArcy Harriet Walsh
Ellen McKay
Silver Medal for Flute
Ellen Duffy Sarah Plunkett
Laura OâByrne Alice Ward
Silver Medal for Solo Singing Kirsten Levermore
Gold Medal for Piano Hannah Wolfe
SENIOR GRADESGrade Six
PIANOFORTE Leona Chow
FLUTE Eve Brehony
Amy Buckley
Katie Nichols
CLARINET Holly Murphy
Anna Rose Charleton
Grade Seven
SAXOPHONE Greta Scanlon
Grade Eight
FLUTE Robyn Traynor
SAXOPHONE Caitrin OâLeary, Harriet Ryan
PIANOFORTE Holly Murphy
Distinctions
SOLO SINGING (GRADE 1) Aisling Kraus
SOLO SINGING (GRADE 2) Alex Hussain
SOLO SINGING (GRADE 5) Elizabeth Swanwick,
Hazel Conway, Susie Gibbons
MUSICAL THEATRE (GRADE 3)
Jenny Gilsenan
Kate Cosgrove
MUSICAL THEATRE (GRADE 4)
Sally McCarthy
Sarah Ridge
Ciara Gibbons
Kate Lenehan
Anna Rose Charleton
MUSICAL THEATRE (GRADE 5)
Myriam Mallon
Mella Carron
HARP (PRIMARY GRADE) Alison Haydon
HARP (GRADE 6) Amy Ryan
VIOLIN (GRADE 8) Dervla Malone
OBOE (GRADE 2) Emilie Mac Keown
PIANO (PRELIMINARY) Sorcha Kidney
PIANO (GRADE 7) Emilie Mac Keown
FLUTE (GRADE 1) Aisling Kraus
CLARINET (GRADE 4) Anna Nichols
TRUMPET (GRADE 3) Katie Nichols
PERCUSSION (GRADE 1) Kerrie Lyons
OTHER AWARDSSusie Gibbons is receiving a High Achiever Award 2009 from
the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Wesley Feis AwardsEleanor McGovern was awarded the Sheehal Trophy for English
Solo Under 14
Eleanor Mc Govern and Hazel Conway were awarded the St. DavidâsCup and were placed 1st in the Under 15 Vocal duet.
Susie Gibbons was awarded the Brennan Perpetual Cup and wasplaced 1st in the Under 17 Classical Singing
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201057
SPEECH & DRAMA AWARDS
FIRST YEARSMedal for Grade 3 Speech and Drama& Medal for Grade 4 Effective CommunicationCarly Menton Blennerhassett, RachelNi Chonluain, Ceithleann
Medal for Grade 4 Effective CommunicationMurray, Ellen McCormack, KatieWatters, Lorna OâMalley, DeliaMartin, Cristiona Winn, VanessaFitzgerald, Laoise Cronin Cusack, RachelFeehan, Ruth
Medal for Grade 3 Speech and Drama Cosgrove, Rachel
Medal for Grade 4 Effective Communication& Medal in Grade 2 Solo Acting Hussein, Alex
SECOND YEARSMedal for Grade 2 Public SpeakingWhite, Emma Cowen, LiaHiggins, Tess Beattie, ClionaEpstein, Sara Kimura, Anna Livia
Medal for Grade 5 Speech and DramaOâCallaghan, Stephanie OâDonnell, MeganLyons, Kerri
Medal for Grade 6 Speech and Drama Dorman, Ceara
THIRD YEARSMedal for Grade 6 Speech and DramaBolger, Mary Reihill, AlexFarrell, Ruth Levermore, KirstenThornton, Emily Murphy, Georgia
FOURTH YEARSMedal for Grade 7 Speech and DramaFitzgerald, Erinne Rowan, MichaelaAbrahams, Indy Hollywood, AliciaKennedy, Yvanne
Edwards, Caroline Flanagan, Lauren
FIFTH YEARSMedal for Grade 9 Speech and DramaFitzgerald, Georgina Nix, AmyBourke, Aisling Duggan, Cherone
Medal for Grade 10 Speech and DramaOâLeary, Rachel Harrison, EveWatters, Hannah
Medal for Grades 9 and 10 Speech and Drama Natin, Carine
SIXTH YEARS
Costelloe, Claire McEntee, LisaTingle, Sallyann Rochford, HannahHughes, Emma OâKeane, AifeDâArcy, Aifric
_______________
SPORTS PRIZES
THE OLD ALEXANDRA CUP u/16 Soccer TeamOâDonnell, Kate (capt.)
HOCKEYHEATHER BYRNE CUP Ward, AliceTHE HOCKEY 3RD & 4TH CUP Form: 3R Murphy, Georgia (capt.)THE MINOR HOCKEY PLAQUE McDermott, HannahTHE GOAL KEEPING AWARD Porter, LeighTHE HAZLETT SKILLS CUP Beatty, Emily
BASKETBALLTHE SENIOR BASKETBALL SKILLS SHIELD Conyngham, TamaraTHE JUNIOR BASKETBALL SKILLS CUP OâByrne OâReilly RebeccaTHE BASKETBALL CUP FOR 3RD AND 4TH YEARSForm: 3H Donnellan, Alison (capt.)
THE BASKETBALL CUP FOR2ND YEARS Form: 2S Varian, Katie (capt.)THE OUTSTANDING BASKETBALL PLAYER CUPMurphy, Georgia
TENNISTHE TENNANT CUP FOR 5TH YEAR TENNIS Fitzpatrick, EmmaTHE HAWTHORNE CUP FOR 4TH YEAR TENNIS Evans, Rebecca
THE MCCULLOUGH CUP FOR 3RD YEAR TENNISGibbons, AlisonTHE TENNIS CUP FOR 2ND YEAR Smal, TammyTHE TENNIS CUP FOR 1ST YEAR Martin, CristionaTHE PROFESSOR STEEN CUP FOR TENNIS Alexander, Alice
CRICKETTHE CRICKET ACHIEVEMENT CUP d e Burgh Whyte, HannahTHE CRICKET CUP (OVER 15S) Healy, MeganTHE CRICKET CUP (UNDER 15S) Ryan, AmyTHE CRICKET CUP (UNDER 14S) OâDonnell, Millie
BADMINTONTHE U18 BADMINTON CUP FitzGerald, GeorginaU16 BADMINTON CUP McHale, ClodaghU14 BADMINTON CUP Chow, Lorna
ATHLETICSTHE WEATHERALL CUP FOR ATHLETICS Healy, MeghanTHE HAZLETT CUP FOR ATHLETICS Healy, RachelTHE ATHLETICS CUP FOR 1ST AND 2ND YEARSMcDermott, HannahTHE BEWLEY CUP FOR ATHLETICS IN 3RD AND 4TH YEAR OâDonoghue, Lucy (on behalf of 4th Years)THE JUNIOR INTER CLASS ATHLETICS CUP McPhillips, Louise
SOCCERTHE SOCCER AWARD FOR 1ST YEAR Nugent, AislingTHE U/14 SOCCER AWARD Beatty, JulietTHE U/16 SOCCER AWARD Beatty, EmilyTHE U/18 SOCCER CUP Duke, Deirdre
SPECIAL AWARDSP.E. STUDENT OF THE YEAR de Burgh Whyte, HannahTHE IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR IN BADMINTON Azhar, MarukhMOST ORIGINAL DANCE CUP Guinness, FreyaTHE BEST OVERALL GROUP CUP IN THE DANCE COMPETITION Haine, Rebecca (capt.)THE BEST DANCER CUP OâKeeffe, Jodie
58 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
JEANNIE TURPIN ESSAY
Jeannie Turpin 3rd Year Essay Prizewinner
Teenagers arenât what they used to be ⊠I remember my teenage days so clearly. When I look back, itâs like Iâm looking through a window at a ruby red rose garden. First love. First kiss. Laughter. Happiness. Bee Gees. Discos. The beginning of my independence. I thought it would be the same for her. Maybe it is. I didnât realize the change before it was too late. I
mother is so hard,â but I still feel guilty. I still feel respon-sible. I still blame myself.
Today she came home around 1a.m.An improvement. For a second I didnât recognize her. Her skin was streaked orange. Her hair, drenched from the rain. Ink black tears streaming down her cheeks. She wore a shimmering black dress and was holding stilettos, both broken at the heels. She stared at me, not seeing. Tears leaked out of my eyes. âCally?â I croaked, âCally, where have you been?â An eerie laugh erupted from her sly grin, making me shudder. I looked at her, des-
Nothing. My arms were ready when she collapsed on top of me. Iâd had enough practice. With a small, helpless moan, she emptied her bowels in my lap and lost conscious-ness. She was my daughter. She was fourteen.
Tammy Smal
HONOR STUART PRIZE
This is Ceithleann NĂChonluainâs winning entry in the Honor Stuart Creative Writing Prize for 2nd Years. This prize requires students to submit a body of work.
She Holds Her Head High
She holds her head high as she walksSlowly though the streets of Monkstown,
A geranium catches her attention;She stops dead on the pathAnd leans in to smell its fragrance.Her over-sized hat tips over her serene face. You can only guess what she means when she mumbles to herself;âOh no deary, I couldnât!â or âYes, quite the charmer indeed!âHer bright poncho is slipping off one shoulder.No one wears ponchos anymore.Her dyed black hair-styled to perfection- bounces with each stepShe takes in her clickity high heels. Everything about her is slightly bizarre;
Her scarlet red lipstick.
But I like her.
Haiku
The middle of MayStudents promise all day long
To start tomorrow
(Continued)
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201059
HONOR STUART PRIZE (continued)
Hating Marco Gregg
Iclenched into tight balls by my sides, the nails on my left hand were digging into my palm. But I couldnât feel it. My eye-balls bulged out of their sockets and my teeth groaned as I ground them. I forced myself to look away from the mess that had been my dress for the following night. A bright red jam stain ran down the front, a strap had been pulled off and a long tear separated it into two pieces. I forced myself to turn away. Calm⊠I snapped. âMu-um!!â Look what he did now! Ugghhh, I hate him! My God!â From the downstairs kitchen, I heard Mum sigh. âComing, Lauren,â she said tiredly. I heard her heavy footsteps as she marched up the stairs. âYes, Lauren?â she asked pleasantly as she walked through the archway into my pink room. I pointed harshly at the dress. âOh no⊠how did that happen?â Mum asked, full of false sympathy. I wasnât fooled. âHow do you think?!â I lashed out. âItâs Marco! Oh my God, I could kill himâŠâ âNow, now. Letâs not get carried away. I can easily sew that up and put it in the washing machineâŠâ
how much that dress cost? !250 of my own money, thatâs how much! You canât just shove
a needle and thread, I swearâŠâ Mum laughed. I mean, how could you laugh at a crisis like this? My life was ruined, possibly forever, and she was laughing? âShhhâŠâ she whispered. âDonât you worry. Iâll sort Marco out and weâll get you a new dress in time for tomorrow.â
âBut every whereâs going to be closed! I wonât be able to get anything nice! And I like this dress; I donât want a different oneâŠâ Mum wasnât listening anymore. She was picking up
Now, youâre probably getting the wrong impression of me. You probably think Iâm a stuck-up, spoilt rotten, lazy teenager with a harmless little brother, yeah? You couldnât be more wrong. Firstly, Marco was fourteen, same as me. We were in the same school, same year, and
even the same person. This party was my one chance to stand out a bit. Marco didnât like
that dress, and so you canât blame me for going a bit crazy when it was brutally savaged. Anyway, this wasnât when I decided to kill my twin. The dress incident, I could put up with.
It actually started at the party. I got another dress, a cheap one from a local clothes shop.
did Marco. I wasnât speaking to him and I certainly wasnât ready to forgive. He, surprisingly, seemed to be ignoring me too. So I kept it like that. He would give in eventually, as he always did.
The party was a great one. Roger, the host, had organised for a DJ, he rented out a sports hall and decorated it with lights. There were over 200 people crammed into the tiny hall. Once we arrived, Marco disappeared into the crowd. I stayed with my friends, dancing in a big circle. I wasnât going to let his moody attitude ruin my night. As the night went on, we had even more fun. The DJ had competitions and gave out prizes to the guests. It was one of the best nights of my life.
nervous. Under his left arm he was carrying a small... we craned our necks to see what was happening. He spoke to the DJ, and then beamed. He handed the DJ the small object, a memory stick. âHey!â he shouted into the screaming crowd. âHey!â They shouted back. âEm⊠I hope youâre all having a great night,â more screams. âIâm here to show you some-thing which will hopefully make it even better.â He jumped off the stage and the DJ pressed a button on his laptop. Marco jumped up again. âLauren, I hope you donât mind this too muchâŠâ and with that, the projector beamed up a huge photo against the back wall. My jaw dropped. It was the kind of thing you read about, an annoying little brother showing baby photos to your boyfriend. But this, this was worse. There I was, up on the wall. I remembered the photo, the one of me on the potty. I was only one, and I was concentrating quite hard⊠but Marco had projected this photo up on the wall for everyone to see. I gulped once. Then I passed out.
I never fully found out why he did it, but it didnât matter any way. I was sick of the way he was treating me, and this random humiliation was one step too far. I didnât shout. I didnât cry. I didnât roll around on the ground complaining about how life was unfair. No. Instead, I decided to permanently remove Marco Gregg from my life, and the world.
However reckless this decision, I wanted to be as rational as possible about my methods. I didnât need him to be in any pain; just his absence would do it for me. Murder should be carried out as humanely as possible. Quick and painless. And so I researched. I used the internet, the local library, even looked up criminalsâ methods. But nothing suited. There was nothing that would cover my tracks completely, nothing that would portray me as the innocent, grieving twin. So I knew I had to plan it myself. Originality was the key. Something the police would think was far too advanced for a fourteen year old girl. One night after dinner, I hit the jackpot.
60 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
âLauren, could you please pass the ketchup?â We were eating burgers and chips, a once a month speciality. Marco was looking straight at me, but I didnât look at him. âLauren, can I have the ketchup?â I ignored him, and messed with a broken nail on my left hand. âLauren, stop being a pain. Give Marco the ketchup.â Mum was within easy reach of the ketchup, she just wanted me to do it. âIâll get it myself.â Marco frowned as he got out of his chair and walked around the table. âLauren,â my mum sighed. âThis has got to stop. Marco has apologized for what happened and I believe he is truly sorry. It was two whole months ago! Thereâs no point in ignoring, you might as well forgive him.â I pretended to be focusing on a piece of old nail varnish on my thumb. âDo you have anything to say to him?â
I looked up, and shook my head slowly. Marco had left the table. âRight. I can see thereâs no point in discussing this, soâŠâ Mum grabbed my plate and brought it to the dishwasher. âWell, you know whatâs best, Lauren.â I stayed at the table, twiddling my thumbs in silence. âMum,â Marcoâs voice echoed from upstairs. âIâm low, can I have a Lucozade?â I stopped everything I was doing. Marco was diabetic. I remembered once when Marco was eight and he decided not to take his injection. His blood-sugar level went way up, and he had to go to the hospital. I knew I couldnât stop Marco from taking his injection, but what would happen if he had too much insulin?
Marco had had Type One Diabetes all his life. This meant that he was used to lots of atten-tion when he had to get check-ups and all the rest. Personally, I didnât mind. But the year we turned thirteen he changed. Suddenly, he was using diabetes as a way to impress people, especially girls. But as time went on, and as I got more popular, Marco became more desperate for attention. And the only way to get attention in his mind was to bring me
for all. An insulin overdose. It was perfect. Nothing to suggest me, nothing too painful. Sure, he would probably go into a coma for a few weeks, but he would eventually⊠well, just die. Iâd have to act heartbroken, as if Iâd lost my best friend in the whole world. I researched; the best place to inject the insulin was between two toes, it was almost impossible to detect. But, in the mean-time, I had to work on covering my tracks. I had to build up the bond between Marco and me.
poster of Tony Hawk on one wall. Marco lived for skateboarding. It was his one passion, he was completely hooked. âMarco?â I asked rather sheepishly. He couldnât hear me with his headphones on, so I sat beside him on the bed. He jerked his head up at me, brown hair falling into his eyes. He swept it aside. âOh, um⊠Lauren. Umm⊠are you like, talking again or what?â He said, politely. He was unsure of what to do, I could tell. âYeah, I guess. So, what are you listening to?â I tried to break the ice. To be honest, I couldnât care less what he was
Do you want to listen?â I shuddered. My Chemical Romance? âIâm ok, thanks. Do you want to ummâŠâ I searched his room for something that might interest us both. âDo you want to go to Dundrum, or something? I dunno, just the two of us?â I didnât need to go shopping, but maybe a whizz through some shops and a smoothie would make him think I had forgiven him. He fell for it. âOh, yeah Lauren, that would be great. Yeah, Iâd love to⊠but Iâm going out with Jessie and Todd today, what about tomorrow?â âIâve ballet.â âOh, ok. Another time then. But Lauren,â He said as I got up to leave. âThanks for forgiving me. I really am sorry, you know.â I nodded. âItâs cool. Donât worry. Everyone will have forgotten about it soon enough.â As I left the room, a quick, sharp pain pierced my heart. Guilt.
I carried on with my plan regardless, and arranged for a date Marco and I could go into Dundrum. We went around slowly, talking like nothing had happened. Marco got a pair of shoes and I got a skirt, but besides that we just wandered aimlessly through the crowd. It was around this time I suggested to Marco we got some drink. âWhat? Oh, I dunno⊠If Mum found out sheâd murder us.â Marco was afraid to, I could tell. âYeah, but she doesnât
annoying!â I pleaded. I didnât want to get drunk; this was all part of my plan. âNo, we really shouldnât⊠and what about my diabetes?â Crap. âDonât worry! Look, Iâll invite Ally. Maybe if sheâs drunk she might say yes if you ask her out!â I was teasing him, and it was working. âSeriously though, what about my diabetes? Iâll come along but I wonât drink anythingâŠâ Bullâs eye. âFine, weâll get you some water then so you donât pass out. You little freakâŠâ This was working out perfectly. Iâd get him drunk somehow, and then remind him of his insulin injections. Iâd tell him he had to take four that day, and he hadnât taken any yet. Heâd inject
and the like, Iâd cry and say I felt it was all my fault, blah blah blah. Mum would comfort me, Marco would go into a coma and die a few weeks later. Simple. Or so I thought.
Loads of people turned out at the park later on. I rang Mum, telling her we were going to Toddâs for tea, weâd be back later. Toddâs mum thought he was having tea at our house. Sorted. Ally was there, and Marco immediately started sucking up to her. He became more
-thing to drink?â Ally slurred. âEh, yeah⊠Lauren, could you get me something to drink?â Marco was trying to impress her. âSure, just a sec.â I went over and got a small can from one of the packs. âHere,â I threw it to him. âEnjoy.â âWhat about you, Lauren? Not having anything?â Ally shouted. âUm⊠yeah. I wasnât going to⊠butâŠâ I needed to stay sober. âHere, have this.â Marco handed me a bottle of water. I took it, and knocked it back. I didnât even notice it had already been opened.
I watched Marco constantly for another hour or so. I was waiting for him to make a move, something to tell me he was drunk enough for my plan to work. Eventually, I saw him stagger. There was nothing huge, he just lost his footing and fell against the wall.
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201061
(continued)
But it was enough. âMarco, we better go home.â I dragged him to his feet. âCome on. Before Mum rings Toddâs mum. See ya, everyone.â Marco hiccupped, but didnât protest. I steadied him, and, arm in arm, we walked slowly out of the park. I wasnât drunk, and was able to guide him down the dark alley where I was going to kill him.Marco laughed, but I silenced him quickly. âShut up,â I whispered. âDo you want the others to know weâre here?â Marco giggled slightly. âHere, take this. No, do it yourself, I donât want to stick something in you!â I handed him his little bag with his diabetes equipment in it. âMum says to take three, ok? Or four. Yeah, four injections.â âI already did
it, alright?â Marco laughed again, to him everything I said was hilarious. I looked away as he injected the needle into his tummy. âOk, now another one. Keep going.â I urged him on. He took two more injections, and then he threw up. My stomach lurched. âOk, itâs time we brought you home.â I said, as if talking to a young child. But Marco wouldnât budge. I tried to pull him up, but a sharp pain in my right arm prevented me from getting anywhere. âOuch!â Marco and I cried in unison. I looked at him. âWhat?â The pain came back, and I sucked in a deep breath just as Marco grimaced.
the same pain. Marco got sick again, and my belly rolled. âWhat the hellâŠâ I asked, to no one in particular. âLaurenâŠâ Marco spat. âI really, really, really, really need to tell you some-thing.â I nodded, and he carried on. âDo you know the water I gave you earlier on?â I nod-ded again. âYouâre going to laugh, but I put something in it -â He got sick again, all over his top. âWait, what do you mean? What?!â âI, eh⊠got some⊠I donât know what it was, from that Head Shop in town, youâre going to die LaurenâŠâ He slurred. I managed to laugh. âSeriously, Iâm not joking. You have to go to the hosp-â I took a step back, and leant against the wall. Through my muzzy senses, I thought about what he was saying. Marco had tried to kill me. My twin had tried to kill me. What had I done to him?! Nothing! How could I be related to someone so evil? He had tried to kill me! I laughed out loud, like a lunatic. We were meant to be almost one, always together, best friends. And he⊠Suddenly, I had a
hospital! Christ, what have I done?â Marco didnât seem to understand, and he lay on the ground unmoving. âGet up! Just get up!â I shook him, but he didnât respond. My throat was getting tighter, and I could hardly breathe. I just managed to take out my mobile when I noticed the darkness creeping in around me. It was as if my sight was failing. 9âŠ9âŠ9⊠I dropped the phone and fell to the ground with a light thud. All my bones turned to jelly.
âMarco, Iâm sorry, Iâm sorryâŠâ I croaked, my mouth feeling like sandpaper. He didnât say
entwined, I heard something small rustling in the undergrowth beside us, and in the distance, the sound of a siren.
Ceithleann NĂ Chonluain
ELIZABETH PERRIN ESSAY PRIZE
Researched Essay - âModern Irelandâ
Before this global crisis, one could argue that Ireland was like a land mine waiting to be stepped on. Hidden beneath a volatile layer of deceit, our nationâs overly greedy builders and self-important bankers were taking full advantage of the Celtic Tiger economy. Since then, we have been led to believe that the recession is dragging this country backwards. However, is it possible that our current circumstances could be the inspiration we need to drive ourselves into a more modern society? Well, as luck would have it, this is entirely possible. In this current situation, this country reminds me of something close to my own heart â a typical teenage girl.
Irelandâs new life as a prosperous country began on its accession into the EU in 1973. Ever since then, we have been growing both in open-mindedness and population. We were getting along well with everyone and had made a name for ourselves as a well-loved country with a generally likeable countenance. However, as with everything else on the planet, we had to grow up at some point. The Celtic Tiger economy came as a major shock to the system. As with puberty, when it initially arrived we were so overwhelmed we were unsure how to react. This lead us
to this turn of events, the general population developed something I like to think of as ADAD: American Dream Aspiration Disorder. We became obsessed with buying designer goods, fancy cars and enough fake tan to orangify the population of China.
Unfortunately, there was trouble stirring beneath the surface. Our case of ADAD became
developers sold buildings constructed with cheap, dire-quality materials for obscene amounts of money. They were laughing all the way to the bank, and the bankers were laughing all the way to their yachts in St Tropez. Suddenly, our blissful bubble of naive ignorance was burst when we realised it was necessary to give back what we had taken out; something which we had not previously considered.
debt of $613 billion. A ripple effect of epic proportions soon followed, with banks all over the world collapsing. This caused all of the questionable activities of the builders and bankers to be revealed, which turned out to be not only outrageous, but also highly illegal. As we began to realise how two-faced our nationâs most trusted and depended-upon citizens had turned out to
we had been taken in by promises of unimaginable wealth. Unfortunately, we realised far too late that our situation was not all that it seemed.
To make up for our overly-trusting attitude towards the banks, our government has been
62 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
forced to make drastic cuts to help make up for the !33
20% pay cut for public sector workers and the installation of water meters in over 1,500,000 homes across Ireland. The government cut-backs have resulted in a huge increase in unemployment rates, which are now at an all-time high of 13.4%, compared to an annual average of 6.3% in 2008.
public, with many people threatening to protest against the new economic realities. Anglo Irish Bank has been deemed a âCeltic Chernobylâ by economist Peter Bacon, due to its
e.
However, unlikely as it may seem, there is hope yet. The and has realised we need to get someone in from outside to help sort out our problems. Cue
to be taken with those who have broken the rules.
So, to sum up, I bet you are wondering to yourself âHow can a recession be in any way a good thingâ and âHow does any of this relate to your typical teenage girl?â. Well, if you will be patient for a little bit longer, you will see why. Due to this recession, we have been forced to be honest
of this mess. Many of us have had to alter the way we get by to suit the cut-backs we have had to face. Many others, who have recently been made redundant, have gotten the opportunity to begin afresh and pursue something which they would never have had the courage to aspire to before. In short, through our current circumstances, we have had to learn from our mistakes.
changes in life â like this recession - have brought about. After dealing with people who are duplicitous and dishonest, we have learned to tell the truth and get on with each other to help
much needed wisdom and common sense. It may be too early to tell, but I think it is highly likely that this recession is the kick-start this youthful nation needed to start taking responsibility for its actions, and truly develop into a more modern and mature Ireland.
Aoife Madden
E-LEATHANACH
Is iris Ghaeilge ar an rĂomhaire Ă© âE-Leathnachâ do phĂĄistĂ Ăł rang a cĂșig agus a sĂ© ach go hĂĄirithe. ScrĂobhann daltaĂ Ăłn Idirbliain i gColĂĄiste Alexandra scĂ©alta beaga nuachta gach deireadh seachtaine agus seolann siad le rĂomhphost iad chu-ig an MĂĄistir Ă Conluain. Ansin ceartaĂonn sĂ© an Ghaeilge agus cuireann sĂ© ar aghaidh iad go ColĂĄiste Oideachais Froebel. Cuireann lĂ©achtĂłir ansin pictiĂșir agus dathanna leis. Gach maidin Luain tĂ©ann an t-eagrĂĄn is dĂ©anaĂ amach go 700 bunscoil in Ăirinn agus go foghlaimeoirĂ eile ar fud an domhain. Bhuaigh âE-Leathanachâ duais mhĂłr Eorpach in 2009, an âEuropean Language Labelâ agus bhuaigh na scrĂbh-neoirĂ Ăłn Idirbhliain in Alex âJunior Spider Awardâ in 2010 as an leas oideachasĂșil a bhainimid as an teicneolaĂocht.
E-Leathanach is a computer based Irish language magazine aimed
by e-mail to An MĂĄistir Ă Conluain. He corrects our Irish and sends them on to Froebel College of Education. There a lecturer edits them and adds images. Each Monday morning then the latest edition arrives in about 700 Primary Schools around Ireland and it is also being used by adult learner groups of Irish all around the world. âE-Leathanachâ won a major educational award in 2009 â The European Language Label â and in 2010
make of IT when researching for and compiling âE-Leathanachâ. This year saw 25 editions of E-Leathanach.
You can read E-Leathanach on the college website: http://alexandracollege.eu/academic/gaeilge/eleathanach/
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201063
ARDILAUN LECTURE 2009Democracy Under Pressure: Europe Between the Wars
The 2009 Ardilaun Lecture was given by Professor John Horne, Professor of Modern European History at Trinity College Dublin, on Tuesday 8th December 2009.
The lecture considered not only why individual democracies found themselves threatened between the wars but also why the very principles of democracy came under attack from ideological opponents. Democracy was a relative newcomer in Europe as a
functioning system of government, despite having apparently triumphed in 1918-19, with the victory of Britian, France and the USA in the First World War and the Paris Peace Confernece setting up nominally democratic successor states in much of eastern Europe.
for success, as events were to show.
none of their relevance in our own day- how to handle economic crisis (the 1929 crash and the Great Depression), how to make ethnic multi-culturalism a basis for democracy rather than a sources of racial hatred ( a particular problem in the new states of eastern Europe) and how to overcome the political violence bequeathed by the trauma of the Great War. The second kind of tension was ideological, and was generated by those who opposed democracy because they saw the world in totally different terms (Fascists and Communists).
divergent paths of particular states ( France, Germany, Spain, Italy) and the origins of the Second World War.
Despite its demise with the domination of much of Europe by Nazi Germany in the Second World War and of eastern Europe by Soviet Russia from 1945 to 1989, interwar democracy was vibrant and inven-
democracies in the second half of the twentieth century.
We are very grateful to Professor Horne for giving us such an interesting and thought provoking lecture, enabling us to appreciate how central democracy was to the development of modern Europe and thefoundation of the European Union.
Prof. John Horne
64 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
âWhat are you rebelling against? Whaddoya got?â Culture and counter-culture in the Augustan poets.
The seventh annual Eithne Ryan Memorial Lecture in Classics took place in the Lecture Theatre on Thursday 26th November 2009.
the Augustan poetsâ, was given by Dr Martin Brady of UCD, who took a BA and MA from the University of Durham, followed by a PhD from the University of Bristol.
The lecture was very well attended. Teachers, students, parents and keen classicists alike attended the hour long lecture to
Wild Oneâ. Dr Brady had used this quote to show how the Augustan poets had rebelled against many aspects of the rule of
autocracy of Emperor Augustusâ rule could be found in many poetic works of the time â both thinly veiled and open to all.
Dr Brady took his rapt audience through the works of some of Romeâs greatest and best-known poets (Catullus, Ovid, Horace and Virgil) as well
as some of the lesser known (such as Propertius and Tibullus), pointing out the various pieces of evidence of rebellion in each case.
he, who is in the direct patronage of Augustus, cannot write when told â he is inspired only by love, not by the orders of an Emperor), to
through bloodshed and wounds...â - in other words, Augustus is enforcing the new age of religion through war), Dr Brady made several convincing arguments for the evidence of rebellion.
After a brief Q&A with the audience, all were invited to the school concourse for a short reception. Whilst snacking on hors dâoeuvres, provided by the canteen staff, attendees discussed the lecture, the school and Eithne Ryan, and many other aspects of the Classics and Latin courses.
A huge thank you must go to the entire Classics Department for organising the lecture, to the canteen staff for providing us with a wonderful reception and, of course, to Dr Brady for his enlightening lecture on culture and counter-culture in the Augustan poets.
Kirsten Levermore
Dr. Martin Brady, Dr. Renate Kurzmann, Dr. Michael Crudden
Molly Garvey, Rachel OâLeary, Irene Ho
EITHNE RYAN LECTURE 2009
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201065
The English Debating department had a very successful year as always.
Denny Leinster Schoolsâ Debating Competition. The team of CaitrĂona Sheil and Cherone Duggan debated on Thursday, January 28th in UCD and Iseult Gillespie and ChloĂ« Horne debated on Monday, Feb-ruary 1st in Trinity College.
We congratulate them on their hard work and dedication to debating, especially as they
preparation to represent the College.
The Junior teams also enjoyed great success, with third years Iona Campbell and Tess
Schools Plate Competition.
Freya Gillespie and Hannah Bloom-Teskey
competition, as did Anna Nichols and Emma Skelly. Unfortunately Anna and Emma did
represented the College admirably.
English Debating
Senior DebatingBack Row: Rachel Fitzpatrick, Chloe Horne,
Louise Courtney, CaitrĂona SheilFront Row: Mary Catherine Durcan, Ciara Gibbons,
Ms OâDonovan, Cherone Duggan, Iseult Gillespie
Leinster Schools Debating Teams, Semi-Finalists
Chloe Horne, Iseult Gillespie
Junior Debating FinalistsFreya Gillespie, Ms OâDonovan,
Hannah Bloom Teskey
66 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
On Thursday 19th November 2009, three TY students â Meshkat Haque, Harriet Walsh and Kirsten Levermore â attended the Phil Speaks Debating Workshop in Trinity College.
The workshop, hosted by the Philosophy Department at TCD, was designed to give stu-dents an introduction to Senior Debating. Thestudents were taught about British Parliamentary Debating, Impromptu debating and overall presentation and speech writing.
The workshop, which took place in four differ-ent rooms on the TCD campus, was attended by almost 700 students from all over Ireland. The workshop was taken by fourth year TCD students, all of whom were studying Philosophy and an assortment of Economics, Science, His-
with all secondary school students not only learning more about debating, but also spend-ing a day at Trinity and getting a glimpse at what university is really like.
take part in the Phil Speaks Debating
Kirsten Levermore
Phil Speaks Debating Workshop
Junior Debating SocietyBack Row: Thea Lawlor, Tess Higgins, Iona Campbell, Ms OâDonovan, Rachel Blennerhassett, Caoilfhionn Duggan, Hannah Rose Manning
Front Row: Emma Skelly, Jane OâConnor, Hannah Bloom Teskey, Freya Gillespie, Anna Nichols, Toni Adebayo-Oke, Alexandra McDonnell, Kate OâReilly
Junior Debating TeamsEmma Skelly, Freya Gillespie, Iona Campbell, Ms OâDonovan, Tess Higgins, Hannah Bloom
Teskey, Anna Nichols
Leinster Schools Debating TeamsRachel Fitzpatrick, Chloe Horne, Mary Catherine Durcan, Iseult
Gillespie, Cherone Duggan, CaitrĂona Sheil
Member of Irish Schools World Debating Team
Louise Courtney
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201067
This year, there was great success for the schoolâs French debating team. LâĂ©quipe, com-posed of 5th years Caitriona Callan, Leanne Ennis, Rachel Fitzpatrick, Rachel Lavelle and Lucy Kelly, entered in the Alliance Francaise âJoutes Oratoiresâ competition.
of the competition, having debated against many talented schools on such motions as âNotre systeme educatif nous prepare bien pour la vieâ, âLa telerealite nuit a la soci-eteâ and âLa publicite fait plus de bien que de malâ. Also, captain Rachel Fitzpatrick was awarded best speaker of the competition. It
enjoyed very much.
anyone interested in public speaking or improving their French take part in years to come. We would also like to thank Mrs. Leonard for her huge contribution to the team, providing constant support and help to us throughout the year.
French Debating ALEX I GCRAOBH NA HĂIREANN DE CHOMĂRTAS DĂOSPĂIREACHTA AN PHIARSAIGH GAEL LINN 2010
LĂĄ corraitheach sa cholĂĄiste gan dabht, an 25 MĂĄrta 2010. BhĂ ĂĄr bhfoireann shinsearach an-ghnĂłthach ag cleachtadh a gcuid argĂłintĂ don chraobh dĂospĂłireachta na hĂireann. . ComĂłrtas Ă© seo atĂĄ ĂĄ reĂĄchtĂĄil go nĂĄisiĂșnta ag Gael Linn do scoileanna dara leibhĂ©il Ăł 1960 i leith agus bhĂ os cionn 150 foireann pĂĄirteach ann i mbliana.
Captaen, SĂofra NĂ MhaoilchiarĂĄin, Anna NĂ Chionnaith , CaitrĂona NĂ ChathlĂĄin agus Rachel Nic Giolla PhĂĄdraig.Sular fhĂĄgamar an colĂĄiste, rinneamar agallamh ar RaidiĂł na Gaeltachta ag cur sĂos ar na rĂșin uilig a phlĂ©amar agus a bhuamar sna babhtaĂ eile sa chomĂłrtas Ba thaithĂ iontach Ă© dĂșinn freisin.
Sa dĂospĂłireacht seo bhĂ foirne Ăł CholĂĄiste na Toirbhirte, An MhairdĂog, Corcaigh; Scoil MhichĂl Loreto, An
bhĂ tuairimĂ spĂ©isiĂșla, spreagĂșla ag gach cainteoir !
Foireann Ăłn gColĂĄiste CistĂ©irseach, Ros CrĂ©, Co. Thiobraid Ărann a dâardaigh an corn agus tuillte go hiomlĂĄn acu, bhĂ siad iontach snasta sa bhrĂ©agnĂș agus an-chumasach mar chainteoirĂ.
Ăbhar mĂłrtais dĂșinn, go hĂĄirithe, go rabhamar pĂĄirteach sa bhliain seo mar go bhfuil 50 bliain ĂĄ cheiliĂșradh ag Gael linn. ComĂłrtas DĂospĂłireachta Gael Linn a chuireadh ar bun l ag cur le scileanna teanga an aosa Ăłig bliain i ndiaidh blianaâ.
Gan dabht nà dhéanfaimid dearmad go deo ar an taithà iontach seo.
Is liosta le hĂĄireamh na daoine mĂłra le rĂĄ a ghlac pĂĄirt Ăł 1960 i leith i ndĂospĂłireachtaĂ Gael Linn â ina measc,
hiriseoirĂ/craoltĂłirĂ Marian Finucane, Mary Kennedy, Evanne NĂ Chuilinn agus Harry McGee; Iar-UachtarĂĄn CLG Seosamh Mac Donncha, An Breitheamh Mary Laffoy, agus an fear grinn, Dara Ă Briain â agus nĂl aon dabht ach gur chabhraigh scil na dĂospĂłireachta leo siĂșd ar fad agus iad ag tabhairt faoina ngairmeacha !
Paula Swan
Irish Debating
68 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
This year was a very successful one for the Senior Irish Debating Team. âAn Fhoireannâ, composed of Caitriona Callan, Annah Kenna, SĂofra Mulkerrin and Rachel Fitzpatrick entered the Gael Linn Comortas Diospoireachta an Phiarsaigh. We debated against almost every school in Dublin in many interesting, lively, even intense debates. We spoke for and against such motions as âTa an iomarca airgead phoibli ĂĄ chaitheamh ar chursai ealaine (too much public money is spent on the arts), âBa cheart duinn tus aite a thabhairt dar mbochtain fein (we should give a priority to our own poor)â and âTa ard-chaighdean iriseoireachta againn in Eirinn (Ireland has a high standard of journalism)â.
then both shocked and thrilled to have won and
ghearĂĄin ag oibrithe na hearnĂĄla poiblĂ (The public sector workers have a reason to complain). Though
the team and the school. We would like to give a huge thanks to Ms. Swan for all her help throughout the year, we couldnât have done it without her support! Being on the team this year was such a
recommend it. It is an opportunity to learn lots of Irish, improve your public speaking skills, make new friends and have great fun.
Rachel Fitzpatrick
Senior Irish Debating
Irish Debating FinalistsAnnah Kenna,
Rachel Fitzpatrick, Ms Swan,
Siofra Mulkerrin, CaitrĂona Callan
Junior Irish DebatingMs McGinley,
Hannah OâConnor, Tess Higgins,
Aisling OâGrady Walshe
THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-201069
On Thursday, April 15th, 2010, over 150 students gathered in DIT for the annual SciFest competition. Secondary school students travelled from all over Co. Dublin
-
crystalâ.
In fourth year, Jenny Drea and I received both the prize for our category and the
project best demonstrates the link between Mathematics and Science, for our
Science in an Irish Institute of Technologyâ in October 2010. A huge congratulations to all of the students who took part, and a special thank you to the entire Science department for all of their hard work and support. SciFest
-nity to interact with students from all over the county, were taken on a tour around the DIT campus and were given a wonderful platform on which they could showcase their passion for the Sciences.
Kirsten Levermore
SCIFEST 2010
70 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
Particpants in this Yearâs SciFest Competition
SciFest overall maths winner and DIT commendation Dr Byrne, Kirsten LevermoreSCIFEST 2010
SciFest overall winners in the Junior Category Rachel Slattery, Ms Conway, Eva Kennedy, Hannah OâReilly
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Three transition years, Beth Milofsky, Kirsten Levemore and Hillelah Lawlor took part in a Youth Symposium as part of this years St. Patrickâs Days Celebration in association with the ISPCC.
Adrian Kennedy, the night time radio presenter chaired the event on the 15th of March. The topic in debate was the positive and negative effects of living in a borderless world. We were
positives.
-
obesity and the fact that the internet is a dangerous place for teenage girls like ourselves. It was a very stirring debate.
Thank you to Mr Redmond and Mr Mustafov for all of your help in preparing us for theSymposium.
Beth Milofsky
ISPCC Youth Symposium
Applied Maths TeamLiana Victory, Mr Burris,
Louise Courtney, Kate Haughton
72 THE ALEXANDRAN 2009-2010
Inter-School Library Quiz
Thome the Inter-School Library Quiz trophy beating High School in a tense tie-break at
Twenty Dublin schools took part this year so it was an unbelievably packed gym that had the privilege of having Ardal OâHanlon as the quizmaster for the day. He totally entered into the spirit of the event and was a really entertaining host.
Our team of Erinne Fitzgerald, Susan Buckley, Siofra McNamee, Mary Catherine Durcan,
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THE INAUGURAL JOAN KEARNEY SCIENCE LECTURE 2009
Fthe school concourse, attended by over 400 pupils, parents, teachers and members of Joan Kearney's
Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania (USA). Professor FitzGerald spoke about, amongst other things, how the rotation
the human body in many ways â from sleep/wake patterns to the body's
our bodies have internal systems that regulate bodily functions each day and night â systems that involve our eyes, our brains and our very genes â and that the process of regulating the functions keeps us healthy. The professor also spoke about not only what scientists do know, but also what they do not - the puzzles, he said, that maybe one day would be solved by one
The evening was rounded off by the
from the scientists and the labs at the University of Pennsylvania - an amazing opportunity!
Kirsten Levermore
DUnder the auspices of the Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, we worked under the guidance of the eminent Professor Garret Fitzgerald. During our
Science research and Academic Medicine has to offer.
based on application and interview back in February and busied ourselves preparing for this amazing opportunity since then. We stayed with host families in the Philadelphia suburbs and to say that this enhanced our trip would be the greatest understatement I have ever made in this yearbook.
We were brought to baseball games, to the mall, on trips to all the sights of Philadelphia and so much more. The academic side of our trip was surreal. From the
knew that this was going to be an amazing few weeks.
-dertaken. The level of knowledge everyone had was ridiculous, to say the least. Never ones to be left in the dust, we threw ourselves in at the deep end and asked our 20 questions ... every hour.
We moved from station to station every week and even though everyone was involved with their own research and had full schedules they couldnât have been more helpful and forthcoming with anything and everything we needed or wanted to know.
Philadelphia was the trip of a lifetime and to say we would recommend it to all the girls coming up behind us would be like saying Ireland needs less rain. We would both like to take this opportunity to offer huge thanks to the Science staff for allowing us this brilliant chance. Most of all, we will be forever indebted to Mr. Brendan Kearney, our sponsor for this trip. Through the Joan Kearney Memorial Fundâ Mr. Kearney
A beloved teacher on the Science staff for many years, Mrs. Kearney has been an
Mr. Kearney, we will be forever grateful and hope we were able to do you proud!
Yvanne Kennedy
Joan Kearney ScholarshipYvanne Kennedy, Maeve Jones-OâConnor