Offaly school's Headstrong team receives Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador School Award

Congratulations to the Banagher College Headstrong team who received their 8th CAS Ambassador school award for taking part in school based activities in an effort to support young people in taking care of their mental health and by addressing issues that young people deal with.

In Ireland, mental health problems affect a lot of people either directly or indirectly through a friend or family member. One in three young people in Ireland will experience some form of mental health issue in any given year. Even among adults living with a mental health problem or mental illness, the first onset of their symptoms began when they were teenagers. This is why it is important that young people get a good understanding of mental health early in life, so they can help themselves and others if they face challenges to their mental health.

Cycle Against Suicide is a national awareness charity that strives to break down the barriers around mental health and works to increase awareness of the supports and treatments that are available to those affected by mental health problems.

We are currently working on our 9th award and engaging in the evidence based Schools’ Programme that educates students on mental health issues, helps build resilience and empowers them to become mental health champions for their peers.

School Panto

The TY’s of Banagher College are busy preparing for this year's Musical Pantomime, 'Robin Hood and his Musical Merry Men'. We hope you will pencil in the date in your diary, a fabulous production not to be missed! Tickets available on the door (cash only). Performance nights are Wednesday December 13th and Thursday December 14th starting at 7.30pm.

Admission : Adults €12, Seniors and Students €7.

Junior Athletic Champion

Congratulations to Fifth Year Student Sarah Clancy, who recently won the title of Offaly Junior Female Athlete in the Annual 5k Road Series . Sarah firstly began running only last January as a means to improve her general fitness. She then began training two nights per week with the Banagher Athletics group. Over time, running served to help Sarah gain confidence, speed and endurance. For the 5K Series, Sarah won races on Tullamore Harriers Track, in Daingean and also in Ballyskenach. Only last weekend, she received the Award for winning first place in the Junior Female 16-19 Year Old Category from Offaly Athletics.

Making the presentation to Sarah was none other than the great Catriona McKiernan, twice World Cross Country Silver Medalist. Catriona, who spoke very well on the night, has become a huge source of inspiration to Sarah. Just like Sarah, Catriona was a late convert to running. Best wishes to Sarah in her future athletic endeavours.

Senior Hurling

The Senior hurling team travelled in to Birr Community School on Tuesday November 14th for the first round of the Leinster PP Schools Senior B Hurling Championship. Birr CS have been operating in the Senior A Hurling League before Hallowe’en and that standard of hurling has proven beneficial to their game, as they raced in to a 2-4 to 0-0 lead after 15 minutes. Banagher eventually got off the mark with a Shane Rigney free in the 16th minute. Shane added three more pointed frees before the interval where Birr CS led 2-7 to 0-4.

Birr CS kept the advantage after the break. Banagher had a boost when, after points by Ricky Fitzsimons and a Darragh Scully free, Shane Rigney poached a goal in the 42nd minute. Unfortunately, Birr CS struck back with a major of their own immediately and ran out convincing winners, 3-15 to 1-8.

Banagher have one chance remaining to stay in the competition when they host Mountrath CS on Friday November 24th.

Banagher College: Éanna Mulhare, Dáire Daly, Ruairí Kelly, Eric Rigney, Rory Duffy, Robert Duffy, Paul Cannon (0-1), Luke Bowe, John Foley, Ricky Fitzsimons (0-1), Niall Flannery, Liam Donoghue, Aaron Molloy, Shane Rigney (1-5, 0-4 frees), Darragh Scully (0-1, free). Subs Used: Daniel Healy, Ruaidhrí Cahill, Evan Mannion, Lee Hogan and Morgan Glynn.

LOETB STEAM Launch

Well done to Saoirse Coughlan, Ailbhe Martin and Freya Maher who represented Banagher College in Podcasting when attending the LOETB showcasing in Tullamore Court Hotel on Thursday November 16th. Accompanied by Ms Flynn, the girls interviewed representatives from Offaly County Council, Microsoft Dream Space and many more representatives such as the broadcaster Ann-Mari Kelly. Representing the Banagher College STEAM Club, the girls wowed the crowd with their communication skills and their enthusiasm. The team moved the Banagher College BogPod studio to Tullamore for the launch of the LOETB STEAM Programme where podcasting joins Vex Robotics, First LEGO League and Minecraft design as the four key areas where students can participate in the programme.

Minor Ladies Football

Congratulations to all our students who were members of the St Rynagh's Minor Ladies Football Squad which won their B Championship semi final v St Broughan’s on Saturday last in Clara.

Banagher College girls involved included Sorcha Troy, Karen Healy, Hazel Kenny, Aoife Byrne, Niamh Daly, Katelyn Mongan, Maria Shea, Gráinne Kennedy, Allie Butler, Fianait Dooley, Alex Leonard, Amy Sullivan, Ali Wynne, Emma Scully, Mary Curley, Jennifer Boylan, Emily Corcoran, Leah Dolan, Bláithín Corrigan, Rebecca Moran, Chloe Kennedy and Laura Mongan.

Offaly Schools Hurling

Well done to team captain, Shane Rigney and all of our students involved with the Offaly Schools Senior Hurling team which beat Dublin North 4-20 to 2-11 in DCU on Sunday last. Offaly will now meet Laois Schools in the Leinster A Schools Group Final. Other Banagher College students involved include Ruairí Kelly, Ricky Fitzsimons, Niall Flannery, Dáire Daly, Eric Rigney and Darragh Scully.

JCA Outing

Our JCA students had a lovely outing to Lough Boora on Friday last. The students spent a most enjoyable day exploring the beauty of Lough Boora and learning about bogs.

First Year Enrolment

Parents/Guardians of prospective First Year students are reminded of the need now, to return the application forms for enrolment. Application closes on Friday November 24th 2023. For further information, please visit our website www.bccns.ie or email admin@bccns.ie .