Celebrating student excellence at annual Coláiste Choilm Kearney Awards in Tullamore

Coláiste Choilm was filled with pride and celebration recently as students, parents, teachers and members of the wider community gathered for the annual Kearney Awards Ceremony, an event recognising outstanding academic achievement at both Junior and Senior Cycle.

Organised by the school’s Parents’ Association, the ceremony honoured students whose commitment, discipline and perseverance placed them among the highest achievers in the school. Addressing the audience, MC Ms Theresa Burke highlighted that while the evening focused on student success, it also celebrated the families, primary schools and teachers whose guidance and encouragement helped shape these achievements.

The night began with the presentation of Junior Cycle Kearney Awards. Fifteen students received Silver Kearney Medals, while a further eight were awarded Gold Medals for exceptional performance. Applause filled the hall as each recipient was recognised for their hard work and dedication shown throughout their Junior Cycle years.

A special moment followed with the presentation of the school’s inaugural Special Achievement Awards. These awards were introduced to recognise students whose resilience, commitment and positive influence stood out beyond academic results alone. This year’s recipients, Michael McDonagh and Thomas Power, were praised for inspiring their peers and contributing positively to school life.

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Attention then turned to the Leaving Certificate Class of 2025, a group described on the night as exceptionally hardworking and focused. No fewer than 21 students were recognised with a 500+ Points Award, reflecting results equivalent to over 500 CAO points.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the introduction of subject specific Leaving Certificate awards which had not been awarded previously meaning for the first time a Kearney Award was presented for every Senior Cycle subject. These awards recognised the highest-achieving student in each of these subjects offered at Coláiste Choilm and were made possible through the vision of the Parents’ Association, the support of school management, and the generosity of local sponsors.

Among the recipients was Brian Guinan, who received multiple subject awards including Gaeilge, Mathematics, History, Physics, Chemistry and Design and Communication Graphics. Samuel Merrick was honoured for Geography and French, Cian Flood for Spanish and Construction Studies, while Rory Shaw received the Business Award. Other awards went to Safwan Said (Biology), Senni Kelly (Agricultural Science), Con Little (Music), Shane Kelly (Technology), Arron Touhy (Accounting), Finnan McDonagh (Art), and Zarhan Khondar (Religious Education). Many of the trophies were newly introduced this year and sponsored by local organisations and families with long-standing links to the school.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the prestigious Kearney Medals, awarded to the students with the highest overall Leaving Certificate results.

The Bronze Medal was awarded to Rory Shaw, who was commended for balancing academic success with a part time job and strong involvement in school sport, including basketball and soccer.

Three students shared the Silver Kearney Medal: Seán Purcell, Samuel Merrick, and Cian Flood. All three were praised not only for their academic excellence but also for their leadership, sporting achievements and involvement in student life. Notably, Seán Purcell and Samuel Merrick were also recently honoured with Trinity College Dublin Entrance Exhibition Awards.

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The evening’s highest honour, the Kearney Gold Medal, was awarded to Brian Guinan, who achieved the highest overall Leaving Certificate results in the school. Balancing elite-level sport with academic ambition, Brian represented his club Kilcormac–Killoughey and the Offaly U20 team while securing a place in Veterinary Medicine, one of the most competitive courses in the country. He is also set to receive a UCD Entrance Scholar Award later this year.

In closing, the school expressed sincere thanks to the Parents’ Association, award sponsors, Board of Management, teaching staff and administrative team for their work in making the night such a success. Particular acknowledgement was given to Mr O’Sullivan for driving the initiative, and to staff members who supported the event behind the scenes.

Above all, the evening stood as a celebration of young people who have shown what can be achieved through hard work, support and belief in oneself — values the Kearney Awards continue to champion year after year.

Comhghairdeas le gach duine!

Coláiste Choilm would like to thank the generous sponsors of this year’s Kearney Awards - Coláiste Choilm Board of Management & Parent’s Association, Bramley Jewellers, Offaly Historical Society, R&H Hall, Tullamore Credit Union and Tullamore Sound & Music Centre