Tuesday 26 February 2008

Mooney Goes Wild in Athy


ACADEMIC AWARDS 2008

Athy Community College’s Annual Academic Awards generated particular excitement this year. The college hall was full to capacity – and then some - as students and their guests eagerly awaited the arrival of this year’s host – RTE’s Derek Mooney. Principal, Richard Daly, welcomed Derek, the students, their families and the teaching staff. He praised the students and staff for their work towards academic excellence, referring to the school’s outstanding performance in the third level college entry league tables, recently published by “The Irish Times”.

Applause resounded as RTE’s Derek Mooney offered works of genuine encouragement to the students. He urged the students to set their own goals, to work hard to achieve them and to be tuned into and accept any help available to get them where they want to go. Derek urged students to be individuals. An exceptional communicator, Derek took time for words of congratulation and a photo opportunity with each student. In his address to the audience Derek deplored the fact that in this day and age students and teachers should have to work in inadequate facilities and was visibly shocked that the building of the new College has not commenced yet.

Before concluding, Principal, Richard Daly thanked Derek for his support for his interest in the school and also thanked Shirley Doyle who organises the Annual Academic Awards.

Chairperson of the Board of Management, Cllr. Mark Dalton closed the formal proceedings. He lavished hearty praise on the award recipients before addressing the issue of the College’s new premises. Cllr. Dalton said that all the indications are that building will commence imminently. This news was met with hearty applause, particularly from parents, students and staff whose desire is to continue to excel academically in facilities worthy of the students.