GALLERY: Cistercian College Roscrea hold inaugural Gala Ball in Birr

The Cistercian College Parents’ Association and the Past Pupil’s Union came together to hold the inaugural Cistercian College Gala Ball in the County Arms Hotel, Birr recently. The event was a resounding success following on from what has been an extraordinary year in the College’s history.

Over the past 12 months student numbers have risen considerably, a new day boarding schooling option has been introduced, the College has seen new managerial appointments and considerable investment has been made and committed for the future.

In the recently released secondary school league tables, Cistercian College was ranked as the number one boys’ school in Ireland, where, remarkably for the ninth year in a row, 100% of students sitting the Leaving Certificate went on to third level education.

The Black-Tie event was attended by over 230 guests including, Fr. Kevin Daly from the monastic community, parents, past students, staff members, future parents and friends of the College.

The Chairperson of the Parents’ Association, Inez Heenan introduced the guest speakers: PPU President, Liam Spooner, new Head of Boarding and former Irish Rugby International, Gary Halpin, Chairman of the Board of Management, Ronnie Culliton and guest speaker, editor of the Farmers Journal, Mrs Mairead Lavery, whose sons and father are past students of the College.

Mr Halpin in his speech commended the staff and students for their hard work and dedication and went on to say that moving to Cistercian College was the best decision he and his wife Carol had ever made.

The Cistercian College Roscrea Parents’ Association would like to thank all who attended and those who provided raffle prizes on the night. The proceeds from the Ball and the Raffle are to be presented to the College to enhance the Health and Fitness facilities for the students.

The organisers have thanked the Loughnane Family and the County Arms Hotel staff who made the event such a memorable occasion for all.