Wesley Update Summer 2026

The

Wesley Update

Interschools Music Festival th Celebrates 50 Anniversary Our annual music festival celebrated this remarkable milestone in March. For a full report, Wesley College’s results and a photo gallery, see pages 12-15 inside.

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2 Wesley College News

In this issue:

College News (pages 2-4) Retirements (page 6)

Trips (pages 7-11)

Munich (page 7) The Burren (pages 8-9) TY Outdoor Pursuits (10-11)

Interschools Music Festival (pages 12-15) Subject Updates (pages 16-19) Themed Weeks (pages 21-27)

Health & Active Week (page 21) Seachtain na Gaeilge (pages 22-23) Green Week (pages 24-25) Pride Week (pages 26-27)

Sports News (pages 28-35)

Tennis (pages 28-29) Sailing (page 29) Cricket (page 30) Golf (page 31) Showjumping (page 32) Basketball, Netball (page 33) Rugby, Hockey (page 34) Gaelic Games (page 35)

Transition Year Pier to Pier Walk & Roll for Spinal Injuries Ireland One sunny day, 25 kilometres, over 120 students, and €22,336 raised for charity.

Weeks before the walk, members of Spinal Injuries Ireland visited to speak with us. We gained insight into how people’s lives are affected by spinal injuries, through personal stories and experiences. This helped us understand what we were fundraising for and how the money would help others.

Bright and early on Thursday 30 April, 4th Year students set off on the 25km walk from Howth to Dún Laoghaire Pier.

The walk was an eye-opening experience for all students. Along the route, we took turns using wheelchairs. Each student faced challenges such as uneven ground, obstacles in the way, getting stuck on grass, or navigating steep hills.

When we arrived at Dún Laoghaire Pier, we heard from Fiona Bolger, CEO of the charity, and enjoyed some well-earned pizza before taking a group photo.

Thank you to Spinal Injuries Ireland, our teachers and staff, parents, and the wider Wesley community for their support and generous donations, which made this event possible.

By Evelyn Hefflefinger (4th Year)

Arts and Sports Awards Our annual Arts and Sports Awards took place on Wednesday, 6th May. We were honoured to welcome back former Wesley teacher Robert O’Hanrahan to distribute the prizes.

Pictured below: Robert O’Hanrahan presenting the trophy for the Spirit of Music Award to Morgan Wilson (6th Year). Photo

by Andrew Towe, Parkway Photography.

Wesley College Alumni Site Re-launch We are delighted to announce the launch of our new alumni website, alumni.wesleycollege.ie, a space to bring our community together, celebrate achievements, and create opportunities for connection after graduation. Here you can find events, news, updates, and photo galleries. The website also supports mentorship, networking, and collaboration.

Please join us in this new chapter and spread the wrd.

My name is Lucy Burgess; I am a past pupil from the Class of 2020. I have been working on the alumni network and website since February. It has been an exciting journey, meeting many familiar and new faces. I am

proud to be part of a project I feel strongly about. Wesley has always been a special place to me, and I know many past pupils feel the same.

Through this platform, we hope to strengthen connections and keep past pupils in touch with each other and the school. It is about building a community that continues beyond Wesley, where we can share experiences, celebrate achievements, and support one another.

This is just the beginning, and I encourage all past pupils to get involved, explore the website, and reconnect. You never know where it might lead.

By Ms Lucy Burgess

Wesley College News 3

Remembering Dan Kennedy

Permission to reproduce this article has kindly been granted by Heather Boyle, Olympic Federation of Ireland Today, a man whose guidance helped shape generations of Irish athletes, including several Olympians, was laid to rest.

Dan Kennedy, known to most simply as “DK”, was far more than a PE teacher. He was a mentor, innovator, coach and trusted voice whose influence stretched quietly but profoundly across Irish sport for more than five decades. Through his work at Wesley College and beyond, he played an important role in the development of athletes who would go on to represent Ireland at Olympic Games and at the very highest levels of international sport.

A former 100m and 200m sprinter with Clonliffe Harriers, DK brought to coaching not only a deep understanding of performance sport, but an endlessly curious mind. Long before sports science became commonplace, his methods were years ahead of their time. From biomechanics and video analysis to psychology and individual athlete development, he approached coaching differently. Following his M.Sc. in Biomechanics at John Moore’s University, he applied that knowledge tirelessly, analysing movement and technique in ways uncommon in Irish schools and clubs during the 1980s and 1990s.

Yet for all his innovation, DK’s greatest strength was his ability to connect with people.

As written in a tribute upon his retirement from Wesley College, he possessed an “incredible human touch to reach the real person and their talents.” He could identify whether a student needed encouragement

simply to get through the day or the motivation to pursue an Olympic dream.

From a quiet word outside the PE office to years of technical guidance, DK had a remarkable ability to unlock belief in others.

Over 35 years at Wesley College, DK coached across an extraordinary range of sports including athletics, rugby, hockey and orienteering. Athletes under his mentorship would go on to national titles, international representation and Olympic Games appearances. He himself was a throwing coach for Team Ireland at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

Among those to benefit from his guidance were six-time Olympian Terry McHugh, Olympians Nick Sweeney and John Menton, Irish bobsled athletes John Farrelly and Cormac Smith, Ireland rugby international Josh van der Flier and Lara Gillespie, Team Ireland Olympian and World Champion cyclist. His reach extended across generations and disciplines, a testament to both his adaptability and his belief that every athlete required a unique approach.

Central to DK’s success at Wesley was the support and trust of principal Ken Blackmore, who recognised and encouraged his unconventional brilliance. Together they created an environment where sport was not simply about results, but about curiosity, resilience and possibility.

Despite the impact he had, DK remained deeply humble. In a farewell address to students and staff, he once described himself as “the metaphysical rebel of the anti-

intellectualist movement,” downplaying his achievements while shunning praise for the profound influence he had on thousands of students he taught, coached, encouraged and befriended since joining Wesley in 1972.

To many, DK was the teacher who made them feel seen. To others, he was the coach who changed the course of their sporting lives. To Irish sport, he was a pioneer whose influence lives on quietly through the athletes, coaches and people he inspired.

At his final assembly, he left students with one of his own poems, Like Trains Passing, ending with the line: “Hope you all make it.

Hope I make it.”

Dan Kennedy made it, not through fame or recognition, but through the lasting impact he had on the lives of others. His legacy endures wherever former students and athletes carry forward the belief he instilled in them.

By Ms Heather Boyle Olympic Federation of Ireland

Wesley College Awarded Travel and Global Citizenship Green Flag

On 19th May, Ms Duffy and I attended the Green Flag Awards Ceremony in the DCU Helix. We travelled by Luas and bus to reduce our environmental impact. At the event, we saw presentations from other schools and learned about their projects. Wesley received flags for Sustainable Travel and Global Citizenship. After the ceremony, we received certificates and refreshments before heading home.

By Sophia Hanley, Transition Year

On Tuesday 14th April, Green Schools visited the Rediscovery Centre and Butlers Chocolate Factory to learn about biodiversity, sustainability, and food production. At the Rediscovery Centre, we explored biodiversity through group activities and learned about reuse and recycling. The centre itself is a repurposed building, demonstrating how materials can be reused in creative ways.

We also visited the pond and observed local wildlife. At Butlers, we learned about sustainable practices in chocolate production, including reducing waste and using recyclable packaging. We also decorated and tasted chocolate. Overall, it was an enjoyable and educational trip. By Mia Priestman, 1st Year

4 Wesley College News

Another Huge Success for Wesley College MUN Social Council. On the second day of the conference, the General Assembly, presided over by Anna Delany, enjoyed a fruitful day of debate with all 350-plus students.

The closing ceremony included the Commended, Highly Commended, and Outstanding Delegation awards, which were presented to Blackrock College, St Andrew’s College, and Belvedere College respectively. The Best in General Assembly award was presented to Terenure College.

The conference was closed by Secretary General Isabelle Jackson.

This conference would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of student volunteers, who gave up their weekend to pass notes and distribute resolutions, as well as the work of the cleaning, maintenance, and canteen staff in Wesley. The Light and Sound team ensured that WCDMUN’s trademark ambient lighting was as impressive as ever, under the direction of Axel Roulston. Thank you to the Press, Photography, and Media teams, led

by Aleksandra McCaffrey, Phoebe HaroldBarry, and Emma O’Donnell, for capturing the spirit of the conference so well.

All in all, WCDMUN 2026 was a huge success, and we look forward to next year’s conference, which will be led by Ava Brennan. By Isabelle Jackson (5th Year) Pictured: Isabella Jackson (top left), Wesley College Head Chairs (bottom left).

From 27th to 28th February 2026, Wesley College hosted our annual Model United Nations Conference, WCDMUN. Over 35 schools attended, with more than 350 students participating from across Ireland and the United Kingdom. Organisation of the conference began as soon as school was back in session, spearheaded by Isabelle Jackson as Secretary General and the wonderful Ms Sharkey as Conference Coordinator.

In the weeks leading up to the conference, Head Chairs Ava Brennan, Elliot Meagher, Anna Delany, Dylan Martin, Stephen Knowd, Summer Lau, and Callum Keatinge were busy proofreading resolutions, while junior members of MUN prepared the more practical elements of WCDMUN, cutting, laminating, and labelling for our visitors.

During the opening ceremony, we had the honour of welcoming Victoria Walshe as our keynote speaker. As the current Global Citizenship Manager at GOAL, and a former Communications Officer with the United Nations in Zimbabwe, she provided valuable insight into the impact young people can have on the global stage.

Debate commenced on Friday evening on topics ranging from the repatriation of artefacts in the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee to algorithmbased dynamic pricing in the Economic and

Author Dave Rudden Captivates 1st and Shaw Award annual Shaw Award Public Speaking 2nd Years in the G.B. Shaw Auditorium Our Competition took place on Tuesday, 28th The Wilson Library was delighted to welcome author Dave Rudden on Friday, 15th May. Speaking in the G.B. Shaw Auditorium, Dave captivated 1st and 2nd Year students with engaging anecdotes from his life and valuable insights into the creative writing process.

To mark the occasion, the English Department hosted creative writing competitions for all 1st and 2nd Year

students. Congratulations to 1st Year winner Samuel Wang, with runners-up Olivia Heaney and Aoife Nolan. In 2nd Year, well done to winner Max Molins and runners-up Nicole Clauson and Mark Lindsay.

A special thank you to the Parent Teacher Association for generously sponsoring the talks.

By Ms Dickson

Above: Dave Rudden speaking to 1st Years in the G.B. Shaw Auditorium.

April, with nine students progressing from the preliminary rounds to the final.

Students impressed with their confidence, creativity, and range of perspectives!

Congratulations to all finalists, especially junior winner Amelia Booth and overall winner Charlotte Freyne.

Wesley College News 5

Student Council: Year in Review Over the course of this school year, the Student Council has been actively working to ensure that the student voice is represented in the College. The full Student Council comprising 45 members, including one representative per tutor class, has met regularly with the primary goal of collaborating with staff and management to supporting initiatives that improve everyday school life for students.

The academic year began with tutor class voting, resulting in the election of representatives by the end of September. The Core Council of eleven officers was formed through internal elections in October lead

by Chairperson, Juliette Carroll-Breen (6th Year), and Deputy Chairperson, Callum Keatinge (4th Year). This group specifically meets with the principal to summarise the views of the main Student Council.

One of the Council’s key priorities every year is student feedback. In November 2025, Student Council representatives gathered feedback from students in tutor classes. This feedback reflected issues and ideas that matter most to students, including Wi Fi performance in the school, the use of Teams chats with teachers, food selection in the canteen, and the need for a permanent snack shop. The Core Council presented this feedback directly to the Principal in December and from this a number of initiatives were developed.

At the request of the Principal, the Student Council established a Food Committee to communicate with the catering team. As part of this work, the Council surveyed 100 students to better understand food preferences. Council members then met with catering staff and the school chef to discuss menus and options. These meetings have laid the groundwork for ongoing

collaboration, and Food Committee meetings will now form a regular part of Student Council activity going forward.

The Student Council also plays an important role in policy reviews. Members took part in a detailed review of the Acceptable Use Policy and the Bí Cineálta policy over four full Council meetings. Feedback from students was carefully considered and presented to the Principal by the Core Council in March.

A practical outcome of student feedback was the development of the breaktime snack shop. The Council had learned a lot from the trial snack shop last year in the Classroom Block and were keen to meet with the catering team to discuss a more permanent option. It was decided to move operations to the Pop Up and provide hot snack options. A student rota was created, with two Council members helping to support the running of the shop every breaktime. This initiative would not be possible without their help and it is testament to their hard work that it has run so efficiently this term.

The Student Council were also invited to present a summary of their activities to the

Board of Management in May. This reflects the growing role of the Student Council in representing students and contributing meaningfully to school decision making at a high level. Four members of the Council, Aisling Grant, Jason Gilsenan, Callum Keatinge and Eileen Fan ably represented the student body and provided an overview of the work completed this year.

Looking ahead, the Student Council has set clear aims for 2026–2027. These include continuing to improve student experiences through listening to tutor class feedback, increasing the visibility of the Student Council within the school, supporting the running of the breaktime snack shop and engaging in further policy reviews. Much has been achieved with much more to do.

Overall, this year has been a busy and productive one for the Student Council.

The students who have turned up to every meeting and volunteered to help out every time without hesitation have ensured that the student voice was heard and acted upon. They deserve great credit for their commitment and willingness to make a difference to the student body.

By Ms Rogers

Shriek! Junior Drama Club Presents First Ever Junior Play On 29 April, students from 1st to 3rd Year took to the stage for our junior production of Shriek!, a lively and comedic fairytale pantomime filled with humour, music, dancing, and unexpected twists on classic storybook characters.

After weeks of rehearsals and preparation, the cast and crew delivered a fantastic performance to a packed audience in the Myles Hall. The show was a tremendous success, with audience members praising the students’ energy, confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism throughout the evening. Among the standout performances were Alannah Flood as the spirited Cinderina, Max Molins as the Beast, and Audrey Strangel as the wonderfully dramatic Wicked Witch.

The production also featured lively musical numbers, energetic choreography, and plenty of comedic moments that kept the audience entertained throughout the night.

The production was particularly meaningful as all proceeds were donated to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), a charity chosen personally by one of the cast members. Thanks to the generosity and support of the school community, the event raised valuable funds for this important cause.

A huge congratulations and thank you to all students, staff, parents, and supporters who helped make Shriek! such a memorable and successful evening. In total, an incredible €2,600 was raised for the IMNDA.

By Ms Reynolds

6 Retirements

Mr Fred O’Brien

June 2026 marks the retirement of a true Wesley legend. Fred O’Brien, known as Fredric on his passport, is retiring following over 40 years of working as a French teacher, and over 20 years as a sports coach in the College. This is a remarkable contribution to school life.

Fred joined Wesley in 1986 following an informal interview with then Principal Mr Blackmore. During his early years, he served as a resident house master and was promoted to Assistant Head of Embury.

Sport has always been central to his life. A former sports scholar during his studies in UCD, he went on to coach the Junior Cup rugby team to the final in Lansdowne Road in 1990, a significant achievement. He also contributed to the staff football team for many years.

Fred’s impact extended far beyond sport.

As co-ordinator of the Modern Foreign Languages Department from 2004 to 2019, he played a key role in shaping

language teaching in Wesley. Known for his wit and humour, he created a classroom environment that was both relaxed and engaging. His expertise enriched numerous school trips, particularly exchanges to France. His well-known “numbers” system for organising students abroad became both highly efficient and memorable.

Fred’s interests in music and theatre added to school life, whether through performances or contributing to school events. He also demonstrated a strong commitment to wellbeing, offering wise counsel and support to both colleagues and students alike.

Above all, Fred is a proud family man and a passionate supporter of his native Wexford.

After 24 years working alongside him, I will miss him both as a colleague and a friend.

On behalf of the entire Wesley community, we thank Fred for his humour, dedication, and immense contribution to school life, and wish him a happy and healthy retirement with his partner Wendy and his family.

Bonne chance, Fred.

By Ms Jackson

best.

Ms Caroline Willis their Within G16, Caroline brought warmth, Caroline’s career path has been varied and impressive. She began as an au pair in Canada before studying French and History, and then working in the Department of Foreign Affairs, representing Ireland at a high level. However, it was in education that she truly flourished.

She spent seven years teaching in Powerscourt National School and four years in Marino School in Bray, supporting students with complex needs. Caroline joined Wesley in 2015 and quickly became a central member of the learning support department. She was also part of the Wesley community as a parent, with her children Ben, David and Sarah attending the school.

Caroline has supported hundreds of students, particularly in literacy, history and geography. Her patience and kindness are unmatched, and she has consistently encouraged students to persevere and do

Ms Aisling Davenport Aisling’s journey with Wesley began when her children, April and Meadhbh, joined the school. She quickly became an active member of the PTA before being asked to help in Admissions, initially for a short period. Three and a half years later, she had become an integral part of both the Admissions team and the wider office.

Admissions is often the first experience families have of Wesley, and Aisling carried out this role with warmth, patience, and professionalism. Whether supporting anxious applicants, busy parents, or

humour, and a strong sense of support.

Her journey with IT in particular provided many memorable moments, showing both her determination to improve and her ability to laugh at herself. She also shared thoughtful recommendations for books and films, and her contributions always enriched the group.

Her interest in mindfulness and CranioSacral Therapy further enhanced her work, benefiting both students and colleagues.

Many of us have personally appreciated her calm presence and thoughtful guidance.

Caroline’s life beyond school centres on her family and her home in Kilternan, where she finds great joy.

She has been a valued colleague and a great friend. We will miss her deeply, but we wish her every happiness as she begins this next chapter, especially as she embraces her role as a grandmother.

By Ms Mulvey managing the daily demands of the office, she consistently brought calmness, positivity, and good humour.

Aisling also made a significant contribution to the Interschools Music Festival. Driven by her love of music and her talents in singing and ukulele, she co-organised the festival with Jessica McCauley for three years. It was no small task. In her first year, the event was almost disrupted by snowfall on the opening day, but Aisling and Jessica ensured the show went on.

Throughout her time in Wesley, Aisling was known as a reliable and supportive colleague, always willing to help and always contributing to a positive working environment.

While we are sorry to see her retire, we are delighted for her as she begins a well-earned

new chapter. We wish her every happiness, with plenty of time for music, relaxation, crafting, travel, and enjoying life to the full.

By Ms Mandy Swanwick and Ms Sandra Ringland

Aisling, second from right, with the Interschools Music Festival committee, 2026.

Trips 7 Wesley College News

5th Year History & German Trip to Munich

German

The first day of our trip, we woke up bright and early on that Thursday morning for a 4am meet-up in Dublin Airport. When we arrived in Germany, we got the S-Bahn to old Munich Town and got a rainy walking tour of the city. We settled into our rooms and had a nice pasta dish in the hotel.

The next morning, we got the train to Nuremberg and Court Room 600, where the Nuremberg trials were held. We then got the tram to the site of the Nuremberg rallies where we learnt about the buildings and how they were planned. Then we got the train back home and we had a meal at a burger restaurant.

On Saturday morning, the History students went to a museum about the German identity, the Brown House which was the former Nazi headquarters in Munich. After this we had our first free time, where we explored the city. In the evening, we went to a huge beer hall, where we ate traditional German food.

On our final day we visited a Jewish Museum in the centre of Munich and learned about the life of the Jewish minority living there. After this we had free time where we enjoyed the Fasching festival, celebrating the last Sunday before lent. We then made our way back to the airport and flew back home to Dublin. We all had a great trip and enjoyed the activities and learned so much.

By Emily Bruton, Lottie O’Conner and Sophie Bryce-Smith Die Deutsch- und Geschichtsklassen der 5. Jahrgangsstufe erlebten eine unvergessliche Reise nach München in Deutschland.

Von den Bierhallen bis zu den historischen Museen haben wir die Stadt München besichtigt.

Unser Ausflug war richtig toll. Wir haben uns wirklich über die Reise gefreut, und es war wunderbar. Am ersten Tag haben wir einen Stadtrundgang durch die Altstadt gemacht und viel über die Geschichte der Stadt gelernt. Es hat geregnet aber wir haben es trotzdem genossen. Am zweiten Tag sind wir mit dem Zug nach Nürnberg gefahren, um das Nürnberger Gerichtssaal zu besichtigen. Wir haben auch eine Führung um die Reichsparteitagsgelände gemacht. Am nächsten Tag war ich mit meinen Freunden im Deutschen Museum. Wir haben Deutsches Essen wie Schnitzel gegessen und Getränke getrunken.

Es hat richtig viel Spaß gemacht und deswegen habe ich viele schöne Erinnerungen gesammelt. Mein Lieblingsteil war wahrscheinlich die Freizeit, die wir genossen haben, um die Stadt zu sehen und einkaufen zu gehen.

Wir sagen ‚Vielen Dank‘ zu den Lehrern für eine tolle Klassenfahrt nach München. Wir haben deutsche Delikatessen wie MezzoMix and Spezi probiert. Ich glaube, dass ich sogar meine Deutschkenntnisse verbessert habe! Alles in allem war es eine tolle Klassenfahrt! Es ist eine echt schone Stadt und ich würde sie sehr gern wieder besuchen.

Von: Phoebe Harold-Barry, David Walshe, Alexander CreightonTwomey, Éabha Foy and Tracey Chen

History

In February, some of our 5th Year History students travelled to Munich and Nuremberg for an unforgettable learning experience that brought their course to life.

In Munich, students visited the NS-Dokumentationszentrum München, located on the site of the former Nazi Party headquarters (the Brown House). Here, they explored how propaganda, leadership and ideology shaped Germany in the 1930s. The guide was particularly impressed with their engagement and understanding. Students also enjoyed time in the city, taking in its medieval core around Marienplatz, visiting markets, and sharing a meal in a traditional beer hall during the lively Fasching season.

In Nuremberg, students stood on the historic Zeppelin Field, where vast Nazi rallies took place, helping them understand the power of spectacle and mass persuasion. A visit to Courtroom 600 brought them to the site of the Nuremberg Trials, where leading Nazis were held accountable after World War II. Students also had a chance to see the city’s impressive medieval walls and castle, linking earlier European history with their studies.

By sharing the trip with students from the 5th Year German class, both student groups were able to learn from each other and navigate their way together. This trip was a great opportunity to bring history to life beyond the classroom.

By Mr Shaw

8 Trips

5th Year Burren Trip

This year’s 5th Year trip took students to the Burren for unforgettable learning, adventure and fresh air on Ireland’s stunning west coast.

Each group had a tailored experience: Agricultural Science students visited Tola Goat Cheese Farm, where they saw the cheese-making process up close and got to sample the final product. Biology students spent time at Home Tree Nursery, completing fieldwork and planting trees to support biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint. Geographers explored coastal landscapes, followed by a visit to Doolin Cave to witness Europe’s largest stalactite. Students not taking these subjects – fondly known as the “Erratic” group – enjoyed a ferry trip around the Cliffs of Moher.

As a whole year group, students also visited the iconic Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Caves, and took in the Birds of Prey Show, with some brave volunteers stepping up to hold the birds themselves. The trip ended on a high, quite literally, with surfing in Lahinch, all under glorious spring sunshine.

A fantastic few days filled with practical learning, bonding, and a lot of laughs – definitely a highlight of the year.

Mr Mr Egan

The Geography group arrived bright and early to school at 6:45am, feeling alive, awake, alert, and enthusiastic. All nine of us, along with Ms Duffy and Ms Stewart, boarded our magnificent minibus and set off on our limestone adventure.

The first stop on the Geography cohort’s trip in the Burren was St Tola’s goat farm. We were safely deposited into the, relatively speaking, fresh air of the farmyard and headed into the sheds to see the goats. The goats varied greatly in size, from babies to pregnant mothers that seemed to defy the laws of gravity simply by managing to stay upright. We got the chance to see how goat farms operate, how goats are milked, and learn about the production of their infamous goat’s cheese (and have a taste!).

We got back on the bus and headed to Ailwee Caves for a tour. We were taken through the cave and saw some beautiful examples of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as learning about the history of the cave and how it was discovered. Projections of prehistoric bears, ‘Mind your head’ signs that were perpetually swinging from repeated skull knocks, and the complete darkness that seemed to swallow us whole when the lights were turned off were just some of the highlights of the tour.

When we were finished in the cave, we walked down the slope to their bird sanctuary. We were treated to a display of some of their birds of prey and got to learn some really interesting information about the different breeds and how they hunt in the wild. The birds flew around the hill and overhead (a few feathers were ruffled when they got too close), and a few of us even got to hold them!

We then had another short bus ride on some very winding roads to see the Cliffs of Moher, with a short stopover to quell a certain someone’s nausea. As expected, it was very windy, though thankfully not windy enough to send anyone over the edge. The relief at a full headcount was palpable (just imagine the insurance paperwork). The cliffs were magnificent, and the cloud cover, broken by a single ray of sunshine, made the whole landscape look like a dramatised painting.

At this point, you must be wondering how we did all of this in one day. We were also wondering that, but to our great relief we

reached the end of our itinerary and returned to the hotel. After a quick collapse onto our beds, we had dinner and a dander on the beach.

On Thursday morning, the Geographers had to wake up earlier than everyone else to get on the road. The sleep deficit was made up by the lack of a breakfast queue, and the anticipation of our field study kept us awake on the bus. We then reached the culmination of our extensive Geography careers: the limestone pavement. We made some very scientifically accurate measurements of clints and grikes, along with some sketches (dis aplay in the National Gallery pending). Along with erratics and rare alpine flowers, we found some amazing fossils of plants and shells from millions of years ago on the beach.

Next stop was Doolin Cave to see Europe’s biggest free-standing stalactite. We all said a prayer of thanks to the inventor of the helmet every time we whacked our heads off the ceiling of the tunnel.

The cavern itself was massive, and the stalactite was beautiful. We learned about how the cave was formed, its discovery, and why there is a large deposit of clay inside a limestone cave. We did our leg workout for the year, climbing the hundreds of steps back up to the surface, then collapsed onto the benches at the top.

Finally, we drove over to Lahinch to have lunch and ice cream before surfing. Waves were shredded and people were (temporarily) drowned. Thoroughly tired, we got back to the hotel to shower and have a quick power nap before dinner and another beach walk.

On Friday morning, we took a group photo at the hotel before loading back onto the buses for a final time. After some very winding roads, we pulled into Bunratty Castle for a stopover. We arrived back at Wesley at lunchtime and said a tearful goodbye to our little minibus: RIP, you served us well.

All in all, it was an amazing trip. We learned a lot and had loads of fun. Thank you so much to all of the teachers who organised our activities, especially Ms Duffy and Ms Stewart for taking such good care of us.

By Izzy Jackson

Trips 9

On the first day of our trip, the Agricultural Science class was able to visit St Tola goat’s cheese farm in Clare, about thirty minutes from the Burren. We saw a variety of Saanen and British Alpine goats and got a full tour of their milking parlour and facilities.

We learned about the process of fermenting the milk to create cheese and ended up trying their St Tola Ash Log with crackers and seasonings. We got a glimpse of St Tola’s completely organic farming system, which helps create their artisan cheese and goat’s milk. Overall, we had a great learning experience that definitely benefited us in our Agricultural Science module.

By Henry Clarke and Rachel Fisher

10 Wesley College News

Transition Year Outdoor Pursuits Gartan

The Transition Year trip to Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre was a fantastic experience for everyone involved. A total of 63 students from 4A3, 4A4, and 4A5 took part, enjoying a wide range of outdoor and team-building activities throughout the week. Students challenged themselves with kayaking, paddleboarding, hill walking, archery, mountain biking, and rock climbing, while also building friendships and confidence along the way. The sun was shining for the entire week, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Table tennis competitions were held throughout the trip, creating plenty of fun rivalry and excitement among students. In the evenings, everyone took part in fun games and group activities, which added to the great atmosphere and made the trip even more memorable. On the final night, students enjoyed a karaoke session and toasted marshmallows around a fire pit, providing a perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.

Overall, the trip was a huge success, full of adventure, laughter, teamwork, and lasting memories for all who attended.

Mr Ryan

Wesley College News 11 Achill

Transition Year students from classes 4A2 and 4A6 recently took part in an unforgettable Outdoor Pursuits trip, with our group travelling to Achill Island alongside Mr Barry and Ms Brain for a week full of activity and fun.

During the day, students embraced a wide range of outdoor challenges, including surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rock climbing, beach explorations, a full-day hike, and team initiative games. One group were even lucky enough to spot a basking shark at Keem Bay! Each activity encouraged teamwork, resilience, and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones.

Evenings were just as enjoyable, featuring an Egg Drop challenge, Mr Barry’s infamous Achill Quiz Night, relaxing beach walks, and plenty of card and board games that brought everyone together.

The weather was on our side all week, chilly at times, but with bright sunshine and clear blue skies that made the experience even more special.

Students were fantastic throughout, showing great enthusiasm and effort in every activity and truly making the most of the opportunity.

Ms Brain

Wild Atlantic Centre Outdoor Pursuits in the Wild Atlantic Centre was an adventure from start to finish with 4A1 and 4A7. We kicked things off with crate stacking and team-building games. To draw the first day to an end, we took a walk along the beach during the sunset. The next few days consisted of paddleboarding, a marine awareness programme, raft-building, hiking, archery, and so much more. The mud run was by far the best, where we tackled muddy obstacles, laughed at our messiest selves, and raced to the beach to wash off, leaving only footprints behind.

We kicked our first evening off with a hilarious karaoke night, where every group had to perform, and even the teachers joined in, proving they have some hidden talent (or at least great enthusiasm).

Evenings included trips to the beach, watching the sunset, playing games, and, of course, going for a swim.

The grand finale was a magical beach fire on the last night. We roasted marshmallows, shared music, went swimming, and watched the sun dip below the horizon, a perfect ending to a week full of laughter, adventure, and memories we will never forget. This trip reminded us that the best experiences come from trying new things, embracing challenges, and making every muddy, sandy, sunny moment count.

Amy Ryan and Anna Cobbe (TY students)

12 Interschools Music Festival

Interschools Music Festival

The first weekend of March once again brought the Interschools Music Festival to life on the Wesley College campus. This year’s event was particularly special as we were marking an incredible milestone - the 50th anniversary of the festival, which has been held at Wesley since its founding by Frank Hughes in 1975. The event has grown from a visionary idea into one of Ireland’s most vibrant celebrations of young musical talent.

The festival’s origins are as remarkable as its legacy. With the goal of purchasing a new organ for Wesley College, music teacher and musical pioneer Frank Hughes undertook an extraordinary 92 hour organ playing marathon, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record by 10 hours. His achievement earned him a silver cup and the funds that would ultimately launch the Interschools Music Festival. What began as a bold endeavour has since flourished into a national event featuring 53 competitions across an impressive range of musical genres

- from choirs and solo performances to traditional music, rock bands, vocal and instrumental categories, and much more.

This year’s festival was blessed with sunshine, and the campus buzzed with energy as music drifted through the air. Nearly 3,000 participants from primary and secondary schools across the country took part, many visiting Wesley for the first time and many more returning to a familiar stage. The standard of performance was exceptional, and each competition was adjudicated by highly qualified experts who offered thoughtful, personalised feedback to every performer.

It was a weekend filled with music, laughter, and lasting memories.

Congratulations to all who took part - we already look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.

By Ms McCauley Interschools Music Festival pictures by past pupil, Andriy Griffin.

Interschools Music Festival 13

Wesley College Winners Competition

Cup

Place Winner

Unison or 2-Part Primary Choirs

Taney Cup

3rd

Wesley College Prep Choir

2-Part Choirs 1st-3rd year

Epworth Cup

Hons

Wesley College Junior Choral Group

3-Part Choirs SSA

Rathdown Cup

2nd

Wesley College Girls’ Choir

3 Part Choirs SAB

David Wilson Cup

2nd

Wesley College Gospel Choir

3- or 4-Part Boys’ Choir

Frank Hughes Cup

H.C.

Wesley College Male Voice Choir

Unaccompanied Vocal Ensemble

William G Kirkpatrick Cup

1st

Wesley College 6th Year Chamber Choir

Unaccompanied Vocal Ensemble

William G Kirkpatrick Cup

Hons

Wesley College 5th Year Chamber Choir

4-Part Choir SATB

William J Watson Cup

2nd

Wesley College Senior Choir

Piano Solo U14

Wesley College Cup

1st

Rian Ni (1st year)

Piano Solo U14

Wesley College Cup

Hons

Justin Yuze Xue (1st year)

1st

Karel Lievens (6th year)

Piano Solo O16

Robertson Cup

2nd

Karel Lievens (6th year)

Piano Duet U15

Piano Duet U15 Cup

1st

Rian Ni & Eileen Fan (1st year)

Secondary Level Chamber Orchestra

Rathfarnham Concert Band Cup 2nd

Secondary Level Orchestra

Kenevey Cup

Hons

Wesley College Orchestra

Solo Singing Classical U14

Power Cup

H.C.

Eileen Fan (1st year)

Solo Singing Classical O17

Pembrey Cup

Hons

Juliette Carroll Breen (6th year)

Hons

Juliette Carroll Breen (6th year)

Hons

Squire Dempsey (1st year)

Hons

Eileen Fan (1st year)

2nd

Kian Lee (6th year)

Hons

Andrei Trif (5th year)

1st

Archie Dempsey (3rd year)

H.C.

Squire Dempsey (1st year)

3rd

Louis Wang (5th year)

1st

Wesley College Trio

1st

Wesley College Quartet

Hons

The Marias

Hons

Kian Lee (6th year)

Piano Solo O16A

Solo Singing Popular O17A Classical Guitar U15 Strings U14

Stansted Cup

Strings O16

Arbuckle Cup

Strings O16

Arbuckle Cup

Brass U16

Ranchi Cup

Brass U16

Ranchi Cup

Drum Kit O15

Joe Bonnie Cup

Chamber Music U15

Junior Chamber Music Cup

Chamber Music O15

Senior Chamber Music Cup

Chamber Music O15

Senior Chamber Music Cup

Own Performed Song

Songwriter’s Cup

Wesley College Chamber Orchestra

14 Interschools Music Festival

Interschools Music Festival 15

16 Wesley College News

Geography

Religion

1A1 Geography investigated different types of mass movement and produced a poster to explain each of their case studies. Each pair made a short presentation to the class and then posted their work on the class Geography Wall.

One interesting finding was that some students found that AI did not recognise mass movement along motorways, mistaking it for the mass movement of cars! It turns out (but we knew that anyway!) that you need knowledge of a topic to be able to evaluate the quality of the answers AI provides on that topic.

By Mr Lydon

The Imam, the Priest and the Rabbi walked into Wesley College, well, almost. In April, we held our Interfaith Day for 2nd Years.

Speakers from Muslim, Christian, and Jewish faiths shared their beliefs, customs, and heritage, offering personal insights into their traditions. Students learned about practices such as pilgrimages to Mecca, the significance of artefacts like the Menorah, and what their faith means in daily life. In addition to the talks, students took part in a ten-minute session of centring, or contemplative, prayer. One student reflected that “it was a new way of prayer I had never heard and it was really nice and calming”.

To conclude the day, the year group gathered for a Q&A session with the speakers. Students asked thoughtful questions and heard how different faiths can offer both similar and contrasting perspectives. As one student noted, it was an opportunity to see how religions can share common themes while following different versions of a story. It was a valuable experience, giving students the chance to learn, reflect, and engage with different faiths in an open and respectful setting. By Rev Mathews

Mass Movement

Legal Studies

25 Years of Legal Studies in Wesley

Legal Studies is a popular Personal Interest Module in Transition Year. The module provides a good introduction to key principles of law in Ireland, and students learn about the sources of law, personnel of the law, the structure of the courts, and criminal law.

The module is peppered with video examples of cases. Students also participate in a mock trial, the outcome of which is never certain!

The course follows Transition Unit I designed for the NCCA, and feedback from students on the course over the years was helpful when the Courts Service requested input when developing their education programme.

This school year marks the 25th anniversary of visits to the Courts - we began visits before formal court tours were being organised; the Court Service had only just been established. Students meet with a barrister - this year it was the excellent Darren Lalor - for an introduction to how the Criminal Courts of Justice work. Students then sit in on real cases. On our visit in December, students heard one case of theft in the District Court. The accused, a 19-year-old, was given a 4-year sentence. Where appropriate, students may sit in on more serious cases.

Overall, the module gives students a very good idea of what studying law is like. Several past pupils have gone on to follow careers in law.

By Mr Lydon

Interfaith Day for 2nd Years

Art

Ceramic Envelopes

To mark the end of their three years in Visual Art, Ms Maher’s 3rd Years created these beautiful ceramic envelopes filled with positive messages. New staining techniques were explored; some pieces were glazed, while others were carefully painted with acrylic. Best wishes to all students in their exams in June. A selection of pieces

by Kate MacLean, Aoibhinn Keogh, Ciara Gillanders, and Lile Bowling. By Ms Maher

Wesley College News 17

Modern Foreign Languages MFL Quiz

Transition Year students brought energy, enthusiasm, and a touch of international flair to the Myles Hall on Friday, 17 April for a lively Modern Foreign Languages quiz. Students were grouped into mixed-language teams, combining their knowledge of French, German, and Spanish in a fun setting. The quiz featured six engaging rounds, including French culture, German trivia, and Hispanic music, challenging teams to think quickly and work together. Between rounds, students competed in light-hearted activities to win bonus goodies, from paper basketball to dancing the Macarena, with plenty of laughter and friendly competition.

Students also enjoyed themed snacks, including French brioche and Spanish Chupa Chups. After a closely contested quiz, one team emerged victorious, with each student receiving a €10 Dundrum gift voucher. A huge thank you to all Transition Year students for their fantastic participation, and to the Modern Foreign Languages teachers for organising such an enjoyable event.

By Ms Elliott

German

Many congratulations to past pupils (Class of 2025) Jamie Walsh and Jack Keown, who went head to head in a German debate on Tuesday 31 March. Formerly teammates on the Wesley German team, Jack captained the Trinity College team, while Jamie represented UCD as they debated the topic of a social media ban for teenagers in Ireland, in German. UCD emerged victorious.

The debate was also attended by last year’s Best Speaker, Luke Barnard, also a past pupil of Wesley, as well as Frau Hegarty-Owens.

Well done to all involved!

By Frau Hegarty-Owens

Spanish

Dear staff and students of Wesley College, As the end of the academic year approaches, so does my return to Spain. I’ve truly loved my experience as a Spanish language assistant at the school, and it has been such a pleasure getting to know you all.

Thank you so much for welcoming me so warmly — you made me feel like part of the school from day one.

First of all, I want to congratulate the Languages Department for all the hard work and enthusiasm you put into teaching Spanish, French, and German. You are such a great team, and you organise so many fun and creative activities to encourage students to learn foreign languages. Thank you as well for letting me be part of all those confusion — which somehow made the classes even more enjoyable events and for allowing me to contribute my own ideas — I really and entertaining.

But what has made me happiest is seeing how our relationship appreciated it.

And of course, how not to mention my lovely Spanish students! I will changed throughout the year. At the beginning, many of you were shy never forget all the oral exam practices with Fifth and Sixth Year, and nervous, but little by little you became more confident speaking when you didn’t know how to say something during the interview and to me in class, asking me questions about Spain, saying hello in the ended up inventing the most ridiculous Spanish words imaginable… corridors, or even demanding to know why I hadn’t come to your class only to burst out laughing the moment you saw my face. Or when we that week and what game I had prepared next. I will remember you practised roleplays and tried to survive impossible words like Quijote, all very fondly, and I hope you’ll think of me too whenever you speak archivos or escaparate without twisting our tongues into knots. Or Spanish or visit Spain. when I told you I was going to do a video call with a friend to practise Honestly, I think Wesley College is a fantastic school full of listening skills, and you all looked at me in complete shock when you hardworking, kind, and dedicated people. I know that whenever I look back on this year, I’ll remember my time here with a huge smile. realised I was actually serious!

I will never forget the laughter from my First, Second, Third and I wish you all the very best for the future — and remember: if you can Fourth Year students whenever I brought a new game or activity to use ser and estar with no mistakes, you can do anything in this world!

Spanish class. From the famous Spanish snack break full of Cola Cao Best wishes, and biscuits to the TY quiz challenges and the grammar question auction, your faces were always a wonderful mix of surprise and Marta Teba Cabrera, Spanish FLA

18 Wesley College News

Physical Education Sports Day

The annual Wesley College Sports Day was held on 26 May. The primary emphasis was on participation and enjoyment. There were three competition zones for students from Preps to Year 3: the Games Zone, where students played Soccer or Basketball representing their tutor groups; the Athletics Zone, where representatives from each class competed in a range of events; and the Adventure Zone, where students enjoyed inflatable activities and novelty games. All participants gave their best and supported each other throughout the day. Sincere thanks to the PE staff and school coaches who organised and ran the events smoothly. We look forward to another successful Sports Day next year.

Athletics Zone

The Athletics Zone is the ‘purists’ element of Sports Day, focusing on Track and Field events. Athletes were drawn from each tutor group, representing their class in competition.

Points were awarded for both participation and performance.

Students competed in events including the 100m, 4x100m relay, one lap walk, 60m hurdles, Shot Put, High Jump, Long Jump, and Wellie throw. The spirit of camaraderie and competition was evident throughout. A notable highlight was the 2nd Year girls, who all competed in at least one event.

The standard was excellent, with the 100m finals a particular highlight. Running down the track with the support of classmates, friends, and staff created a memorable atmosphere.

Points were totalled and the final overall winners are outlined below.

By Mr Collins, Mr Barry and the Athletics team

Adventure Zone

The Adventure Zone was a lively area of Sports Day, with a range of inflatable activities. Participants enjoyed challenges such as bubble soccer, bungee cord basketball, gladiator battles, and an obstacle course.

A novelty games area included three-legged races, sack races, and water cup relays, encouraging teamwork and friendly competition.

With the hot weather, the water fights became a highlight.

Ms Brain and Ms Moffett

Games Zone

The Games Zone featured students playing Soccer or Basketball.

Year 2 opened the events, setting a strong tone of competition and camaraderie. Year 3, Year 1, and the Preps followed, each bringing their own energy to the day.

There were some excellent goals in Soccer and baskets in Basketball, but above all, the focus was on enjoyment. Congratulations to the following teams who won the football tournament: 1st Year and Preps Boys: 1A1 (10 points) 1st Year and Preps Girls: Preps (12 points) 2nd Year Boys: 2A6 (13 points) 2nd Year Girls: 2A4 (15 points) 3rd Year Boys: 3A3 (11 points) 3rd Year Girls: 3A3 (15 points)

By Mr Ryan

Wesley College News 19

Music

Music Scholars

We are delighted to celebrate the success of our Music Scholars.

Olivia Vondrys (6th Year) has been awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, ranked fifth in the world for music. She will begin her Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Violin this September.

Tracy Luo (6th Year) has been awarded a full scholarship to attend the Luzerne Music Centre in New York this summer. She will take part in a four-week programme of advanced musical study, working closely with renowned faculty. Tracy is one of just two harpists selected internationally for the course.

Kian Lee (6th Year) recently made a guest appearance at Mark McCabe’s Maniac & Other Bangers show in the 3Olympia. He performed a section of Albinoni’s Adagio for Strings and sang Swedish House Mafia’s Don’t You Worry Child.

Rian Ni (1st Year) was a finalist in the TUD Junior Keyboard Bursary 2026 on 11th May in the National Concert Hall. Rian was one of four finalists, all of whom were older than him.

Congratulations to Olivia, Tracy, Kian, and Rian on these outstanding achievements.

By Ms Dowzard

Cork International Choral Festival: 3rd Place for Senior Choir

Congratulations to the Senior Choir who travelled to Cork at the end of April for the prestigious International Choral Festival. After an early start, they competed in the Mixed Voice Post-Primary Schools competition, enjoyed a choral workshop, and had a tour of City Hall by the Lord Mayor of Cork himself. As always, they represented the College brilliantly with some lovely performances and secured 3rd place in a very high-scoring competition. A very special mention goes to our piano accompanist, 5th year Louis Wang. Well done to all involved. We look forward to returning to Cork again next year! By Dr Doyle

Feis Ceoil: Senior Choir

Congratulations to the Senior Choir on a great day of highquality choral singing at the Feis Ceoil in March. In their first competition of the day, they delivered a wonderful performance and took Second Prize in the Turner Huggard Memorial Cup against very tough competition. They followed this with a win in the Comórtas Larchet, where the Senior Choir gave a world premiere of a piece specially commissioned by the Feis on the occasion of the festival’s 130th anniversary. I gcomhpháirtíocht le Notre Dame Keough Naughton Institute for Irish Studies (In partnership with the Notre Dame Keough Naughton Institute for Irish Studies). Do chóir iarbhunscoile, trí nó ceithre pháirt, 16– 60 amhránaí. (For three or four-part post-primary school choirs, 16–60 singers). The adjudicator praised the musicality of their performance and their ability to bring the Irish text to life. This win qualified them for the Choir of the Year final, where they delivered another fantastic performance. They proudly brought home the Corn Uí Chuinneagáin and a substantial cash prize to the College.

Comhghairdeas! By Dr Doyle

Distinction for Junior Choral Group

Well done to all members of the Junior Choral Group on completing their Royal Irish Academy of Music Choral Singing exam earlier this month. They delivered brilliant performances for the visiting examiner. They were awarded a Distinction, the top result, with a mark of 93%. Congratulations to the JCG, a wonderful way to round off a very successful and busy year. By Dr Doyle

21 Themed Weeks 21

This year we celebrated a fantastic Health and Active Week, with students and staff embracing a wide variety of activities throughout the week. Students were encouraged to stay active by wearing their PE uniform each day and taking part in an exciting range of breaktime challenges, including the high jump, vertical jump on the mat, football shooting target, basketball free throw, as well as testing themselves on the rowing and SkiErg machines.

Lunchtimes were equally energetic, with students enjoying volleyball on the outdoor courts, while 1st Year students competed in the annual rounders tournament.

Congratulations to 1A1, who emerged as this year’s winners after a brilliant competition.

During assemblies, students participated in fun Heads and Tails games and listened to presentations from their peers highlighting the importance of staying active and getting involved in sport during school life.

Staff members also got involved through a Strava competition, tracking the distances they covered through walking, running, cycling, and swimming over the course of the week. Congratulations to Ms Rutherford, Ms Brain, Mr Hosford, and Mr Ringland, who all won their respective categories. To round off the week, staff had the opportunity to take part in an early morning run before school on Friday.

Overall, the week was a hugely positive celebration of health, fitness, and community spirit across the entire school.

By Mr Ryan

22

I rith na seachtaine, ghlac daltaí na scoile páirt i líon mór imeachtaí trí mheán na Gaeilge. Déantar iarracht an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ar fud na scoile agus an teanga a choimeád beo. Gan amhras, ba é Seachtain na Gaeilge buaicphointe na bliana do na daltaí agus na múinteoirí uilig!

During this week, every student took part in many events as Gaeilge. Every effort is made to promote the Irish Language throughout the school and undoubtedly Seachtain na Gaeilge is a highlight for both the pupils and teachers.

Imeachtaí i rith na seachtaine Events throughout the week

Bhí seans ag gach dalta a scíth a ligean agus gearrscannán Gaeilge a fheiceáil leis an mbliain go léir san amharclann ‘GB Shaw’, agus bhí atmaisfeár taitneamhach ann.

Fuair na daltaí ón gcéad bhliain deis toraíocht taisce a imirt agus a scileanna ealaíne a thaispeáint chomh maith leis an gcomórtas póstaeir as Gaeilge. Dhear siad póstaeir a bhain leis na seanfhocail.

Chuir High Rock Productions an seó ‘Caith Amach é’ i láthair ar an 11ú Márta. Seó grinn den chéad scoth ab ea é, bunaithe ar na sraith pictiúr don Ardteistiméireacht. Clúdaíodh gach sraith i slí bhríomhar bharúil agus spreagúil, lán le stíleanna éagsúla drámaíochta, ceol, puipéid, idirghníomhacht agus aisteoireacht fhisiciúil. Tar éis na ceardlainne rinneadh cur i láthair idirghníomhach ar conas tabhairt faoin mbéaltriail.

Bhain na daltaí idir thaitneamh agus thairbhe as an gceardlann de chuid ‘Caith Amach é’.

All of the pupils were treated to short movies in Irish with their year group all together in the GB Shaw Auditorium and there was such an enjoyable atmosphere there.

Those in 1st Year participated in a treasure hunt using only Irish clues and also had to design a poster based on ten different Irish Proverbs.

High Rock Productions paid the College a visit with their brilliant show ‘Caith Amach É’. This is a very funny show based on the series of pictures required for the Irish Oral Exam in the Leaving Certificate. They cover the series of pictures in a very comprehensive and dramatic way making full use of music and puppets with their brilliant acting skills. This made such an impression on the 6th Years and prepared them for their Oral Exams in a very enjoyable manner.

Tionóil -

23

Assemblies

Bhí clár ama an-ghnóthach ag na daltaí ar feadh na seachtaine! Labhair daltaí difriúla ag an tionól gach lá, ag taispeáint gur teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge. Bhí an t-ádh linn freisin go bhfuil banna traidisiúnta den scoth againn sa scoil agus bhí siad ag seinm ceoil draíochtúil iontach dúinn ag an tionól. Freisin bhí seisiún ceoil nó ‘pop-up’ ceolchoirm ag am lóin. Bhí deis againn éisteacht le ceoltóirí áille is tréitheacha ag seinm le fuinneamh agus paisean.

Chuir Rang 4A1, tús le seachtain na Gaeilge lena gcuid scannáin ghrinn ‘An Múinteoir Cróga’ a rinne siad i mbliana.

Taispeánadh an scannán seo don scoil ar fad sa tionól.

Labhair Haley Viana Smyth agus Erin Anthoni faoin deis a bhí acu a gcuid Gaeilge a úsáid i slí difriúil agus taitneamhach san idirbhliain. Léirítear dúinn gur bhain gach dalta sult as a bheith ina aisteoir agus ina stiúrthóir uaireanta agus bhí roinnt múinteoirí ag aisteoireacht sa scannán chomh maith.

Bhí an Cumann Díospóireachta i láthair ag an tionól agus labhair Evelyn Arheit, Rachel Scott agus Ciara MacDonncha faoin gcraic agus spraoi a bhíonn acu sa chlub seo. Mhínigh siad gur fiú Gaeilge a úsáid chomh is minic agus is féidir libh cé go bhfuil sé dúshlánach ag an tús, tá feabhas mór tagtha anois ar a gcuid Gaeilge agus bhí rath mór acu i mbliana leis an gcumann díospóireachta.

Bhí an Cór Sinsearach ag canadh freisin sna tionóil, le caighdeán ard mar is gnáth. Chan siad amhrán álainn nuachumtha ‘Ag filleadh ar an gCathair’ don chéad uair riamh agus freisin an t-amhrán draíochtúil ‘Geantraí’. Chuir an cór muid faoi gheasa lena nguthanna áille. Níl aon ionadh mar sin gur bhuaigh an cór seo an chéad duais sa Chomórtas Larchet 2026!

The students all had a busy timetable throughout Irish week! Different pupils spoke in Irish in assembly every day, showing that Irish is very much alive. We were so lucky to have an excellent Trad Band in the school, and they played wonderful, magical music for us in assembly. They also had a music session, a ‘pop-up’ concert, at lunch time. We had the opportunity to listen to beautiful and accomplished musicians playing with energy and passion.

4A1 launched Irish Week with their comedic TY movie ‘The Brave Teacher’ which they made during the year. It was shown to the whole school in Assembly. Haley Viana Smyth and Erin Anthoni spoke about the opportunity they had to use their Irish in a different and enjoyable way in 4th Year.

It was obvious that every student enjoyed being an actor and a director, and there were even a few teachers who took part also.

The Debating Club (as Gaeilge) members were present at assembly. Evelyn Arheit, Rachel Scott and Ciara MacDonnacha talked about the fun that they have in this club. They explained that while it is challenging at first, it is so worthwhile to use your Irish as much as you can because they have really improved their Irish and have had much success in the Debating club.

The Senior Choir were singing to their usual high standard in Assembly also. They sang a beautiful newly-composed song called ‘Ag filleadh ar an gCathair’ for the first time ever and also sang the beguiling song ‘Geantraí’. The Senior Choir spellbound us with their beautiful voices. It’s no surprise then that they won first prize in the Larchet Competition this year!

Ciorcal Comhrá

Circle of Conversation Mar chuid de Sheachtain na Gaeilge, d’eagraigh Foireann Díospóireachta na scoile ciorcal comhrá Déardaoin ar an 19ú de Mhárta.

Ba dheis iontach í bualadh le chéile chun tae agus plé a dhéanamh trí mheán na Gaeilge. Cuireadh fáilte chroíúil roimh gach duine, ba chuma cén leibhéal Gaeilge a bhí acu.

Bhí an-chraic i seomra G3 le linn an dá lón, buíochas le spiorad an tslua agus na málaí ‘Tayto’. Bhain chuile dhuine taitneamh as idirghníomhú as Gaeilge agus rinne gach duine an-iarracht. Bhí ceol gaelach ag seinm sa chúlra agus chuir sé seo go mór leis an ócáid.

Buíochas mór le Ms Sartini as é a eagrú.

By Ms McKeon

As part of Seachtain na Gaeilge, the Irish Debating team organised a ciorcal comhrá on Thursday 19th of March.

It was a lovely opportunity to meet and have a chat as Gaeilge as well as some delicious food. Everyone was welcome, no matter what level of Irish they had. There was a great atmosphere in G3 during both lunches, thanks to the enthusiasm of all who came along, as well as the supply of Tayto. Everyone enjoyed conversing in Irish and made a great effort. Irish music was playing in the background and this really added to the occasion.

A huge thanks to Ms Sartini for organising the ‘Ciorcal Cainte’.

By Ms McKeon

Radhairc ón scannán ‘An Múinteoir Cróga’. Scríofa agus stiúrtha le Rang 4A1 2025/26. Scenes from the movie ‘The Brave Teacher’.

Written and directed ‘as Gaeilge’ by 4A1 2025/26.

24 Introduction The theme for Green Week this year was our new Green Flag for Global Citizenship, Food and Biodiversity, focusing on topics such as food production. During Monday and Tuesday assemblies, we introduced the new flag and shared some baseline facts: • One third of the food we buy ends up in the bin • 25% of the world’s freshwater is used to grow food that is never eaten • One third of Irish bee species are threatened with extinction Both assemblies were informative and fun, even with my poor jokes about bees. They were a great start to our new flag.

By Callum Keatinge, Transition Year

Biodiversity Assemblies

Charity Bake & Plant Sale

Swap Shop

During Green Week, we were lucky to have 5th Year Axel Roulston and Mr Wallace’s Transition Year class create a video about biodiversity and beehives in our school, showcasing our farm and the variety of plants and animals on campus. The video was shown in both junior and senior assemblies.

Afterwards, Aoife Moore and I interviewed Mr Toye about the beehives, the farm, and his favourite features of the garden. It was an educational and successful assembly, and we are very grateful to Axel, Mr Wallace, and Mr Toye for their support.

By Sophia Hanley, Transition Year

During Green Week, Ciara MacDonncha and I (Rachel Scott) ran a bake sale to raise money for the Irish Bee Conservation Project, which works to protect Ireland’s native bee species and support pollinator conservation.

We sold a variety of treats, including brownies and cookies, and raised €73.10.

A cactus sale also took place in the concourse, with plants kindly donated by Olivia Vondrys (6th Year).

The sale was a great success, with strong support from students and staff. Overall, Green Week went very well, and we were delighted to support such a worthwhile cause.

By Rachel Scott, Transition Year

The ‘Swap Shop’ is an annual Green Schools event promoting ways to reduce fast fashion, a major contributor to water use and carbon emissions. Before Green Week, students and staff donated clothes they no longer needed. These were organised in the concourse for students to swap throughout the week.

It was a great way to reuse clothes, encourage thrifting, and reduce waste. Remaining items were donated to charity shops. The Swap Shop was a clear success again this year, and we look forward to continuing it next year.

By Sofie Dingliana, Transition Year

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Hicto voluptium audit past que laborehenti On Friday 22 March, pupil Brian nusciis que quis pro et apideliaabout nus, Meredith visited to speak sa consequati totaera conseque sam organic and sustainable farming. As a quam, consed quatiis molum vent, nem beef farmer, he explained how farmers sitiisquas anditibus re dolorpo can adoptellabore practices that benefit the riandias id molor sitatusam eaque environment, including tree planting, dolupta turiaepudici dipsuntor sit, solar energy, and avoiding chemical iuntiat aspernatatur se volore escilla fertilisers. utectur He sharedremperitem the benefitsdemperspit, of going volectionet landest, alitaqui isincome, maxim organic, including increased volorep edisciunt. lower inputs, and greater resilience, Beribea consequi cum, quissum as well assero challenges such as increased sunt. labour and costs. After the assembly, Idestoria deleces int Mr facepe pre Green Schools joined Wallace’s sae sequas mosam ellit fugiat rem Agricultural Science class for a Q&A fuga.

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By Olivia Heaney, 1st Year

Poster Competition This year, Green Schools focused on raising awareness of biodiversity through our annual poster competition.

The theme was “Biodiverse, Save Our Universe”, encouraging students to showcase their creativity.

Pellabor emporporio eumsubmitted, sustinti Many excellent entries were commost, leading tovollupt lively aspidus discussionmaior aboutmodis the ducimin winners: ctatem volupta digenduntias 1stbererat Prize: Leesha Gao, Second Year qui labo. Et ulluptat.

2ndne Prize: Hannah Wallace Ora ditatur, officat emporporeces 3rd Prize: Eileen velibus exped unt Fan doloreicil ipid ellecea Runnerditae Up: Audrey Stangel quatus autates tempori squatem Highly Commended: Olivia Heaney and dem at ut offici blaborepudam si tem.

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By Tadhg Sexton, Transition Year

Cycling Through Assembly

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25

re nus Green molorroWeek, il expedi quiatae During we created doloremporem que ne nonsecu and filmed our own version ofscimus The porrore reici custEveryone laccabo Lorax to sit, showcus in assembly. ribeati ium eius. contributed to the production, both Giam aliquiae expliti net oditaquia filming and acting. at lam, quo cus estiissime veliquunda The video focused on protecting serum nisquam qui dolorere trees and habitats, highlighting how nonsequibus aut que nusdant deforestation affects ecosystems.landit We evel ant veritwithin experro aimed ipitatiis to raise awareness the maximolore nonestrumsmall a natur? school and encourage changes, Hento mi, sunt lignisuse. aditia sequod such asodit reducing paper moloreperem non et molorum net

By Aoife Moore, 1stcus Year quae. Ellam et atiusandiam, volupta quost, odipsanti culparu ndelignissit Booksint Repair eost, eliqui Workshops ut andic tem ero commo volor autecat The School Library prem hostedquost bookin rae.

Us voloribus, endis esequissum repair workshopsadon Monday and la con repudionse nis entempere net Tuesday of Green Week.

From 12.40– que velitendit excesci mincto cuptatur 2pm each day, a fully stocked repair station offered binding glue, book tape, bone folders, laminate and more, alongside a well-worn box of damaged library books ready for revival. Students dropped in to learn practical repair skills and put them straight into action on library stock and their own books. By the end of the workshops, a bundle of previously discarded volumes had been restored and returned to the shelves. Many thanks to all who took part.

26

WEEK Our school community recently celebrated a vibrant and successful Pride Week 2026, which took place from Tuesday 5 May to Friday 8 May with the theme “Bloom with Pride.”

Throughout the week, students and staff came together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, allyship, and the importance of creating a school environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

The week began on Tuesday with a colourful launch that encouraged positivity, kindness, and school spirit throughout the school.

Rainbow displays, decorations, and a welcoming atmosphere helped mark the beginning of a meaningful and enjoyable week for the entire school community. During the Junior Assembly, Ms Holly Boylan addressed students and reminded them of the importance of respecting differences, supporting one another, and ensuring that everyone feels accepted for who

they are. Her message set a positive and reflective tone for the week ahead and reinforced the values of inclusion, kindness, and belonging within our school community.

On Wednesday, Mr Alan Walsh addressed senior students at assembly, where he reflected on his own time in Wesley and spoke thoughtfully about the importance of acceptance, kindness, and inclusion within the school community. His words encouraged students to continue supporting one another and highlighted the value of creating an environment where everyone feels respected and valued for who they are. First Year students took part in a Pride Treasure Hunt, where they worked together to follow clues, celebrate diversity, and compete for prizes. The activity created a fun and engaging atmosphere while also promoting teamwork, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging among

students.

Thursday focused on student voice and allyship through ShoutOut workshops with Second Year students.

These workshops encouraged important conversations around respect, inclusion, and celebrating individuality.

Students engaged thoughtfully with the discussions and reflected on how everyone can contribute to a supportive and welcoming school environment.

Friday brought the celebrations to a wonderful close with a lively and colourful Pride Parade in the concourse. Music filled the school as students and staff gathered together to celebrate Pride Week. A highlight of the parade was the arrival of the Garda Diversity Car, which helped lead the celebrations and added to the positive atmosphere on the day.

We were also delighted to welcome the Emerald Warriors, who spoke with Transition Year students and shared

27

powerful messages around inclusion, identity, and belonging.

Throughout the week, students also engaged in a variety of ongoing activities. The school library hosted a special display of LGBTQ+ books and rainbow-themed displays, helping to highlight diverse voices and stories.

Students contributed enthusiastically to the Collaborative Poster, which celebrated what Pride and inclusion meant within our school community.

Bracelet making took place throughout the week, allowing students to create and share colourful pride bracelets with friends. On Friday, students also enjoyed a rainbow-themed lunch in

the dining hall, kindly supported by the Sodexo staff, which added another fun and colourful element to the celebrations.

A huge amount of work took place behind the scenes to make Pride Week 2026 such a success, and tremendous credit must be given to the Pride Committee for their dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm throughout the planning process. From organising events and decorations to promoting inclusion and positivity across the school, the committee worked tirelessly to ensure the week was welcoming, meaningful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Their commitment to creating a school community where all students feel seen, valued, and accepted was evident in every aspect of the celebrations.

Pride Week 2026 was a hugely positive experience for our school community.

It provided an opportunity to celebrate individuality, acceptance, and respect while reinforcing the importance of inclusion and allyship within our school. Most importantly, it reminded everyone that our differences should be celebrated and that every person deserves to feel proud of who they are.

By Ms Murphy

28 Wesley Update Sports News

Girls Tennis

Girls Tennis: Season 2026

The 2026 tennis season saw six teams competing across Minor, Junior and Senior Leinster leagues, with strong commitment and enthusiasm throughout.

The Minor teams delivered solid performances, with the Minor B team recording an impressive win over Teresians before narrowly losing to Mount Anville. The Junior A team defeated King’s Hospital to progress before losing to St Andrew’s. The Senior A team reached the league semi-final after a strong win over King’s Hospital, before narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

Led by 6th Years Alannah Crawford and Juliette Carroll-Breen, the Senior team showed great determination throughout the season.

Congratulations to all players on their commitment and sportsmanship, and a special thank you to the sixth years for their contribution to Wesley tennis, as well as to Ms Henderson, the coaching staff, and all teachers who supported the teams.

By Ms Moffett

Girls Tennis: School Championship

There was strong participation from Junior players in this year’s Wesley Tennis Championship, with closely contested matches across all levels.

In the First Year and Prep competitions, both tiers required tiebreaks to determine the winners. Aoife Widdowson and Milly Cunningham won the top tier after a closely fought final against Lola Fulton and Eloise Mitchell, while Olivia Heaney and Izzy Doyle won the second tier.

The Second Year winners were Suzie Allison and Lainey Harte. The Junior competition was completed despite challenging weather conditions, with Rebecca Lucy and Abbie Johnston finishing as overall winners, and Molly Bruton and Sadhbh Kingston as runners-up. Well done to all participants on a competitive and enjoyable championship.

By Ms Moffett

1st Year Tier 1 Runners Up: Eloise Mitchell and Lola Fulton

1st Year Tier 1 Winners: Aoife Widdowson and Milly Cunningham

1st Year Tier 2 Winners: Olivia Heaney and Izzy Doyle

2nd Year Winners: Suzie Allison and Lainey Harte

Mia Priestman and Madeleine Ryan (both 1st Year), 3rd Year Winners and Runners Up: Rebecca Lucy, Abbie Johnston, Molly Bruton and Sadhbh Kingston who too part in Tennis Ireland coaching morning

To keep up-to-date with Wesley College Sports News, check out www.wesleycollege.ie/Sport/News/

Wesley Update Sports News 29

Boys Tennis Boys Tennis: Season 2026

The boys’ tennis season began at the end of March, with strong enthusiasm and excellent attendance at training sessions. A total of five teams competed in Leinster competitions, with two Minor teams, two Junior teams, and one Senior team representing the school.

Throughout the season, the teams faced strong opposition from schools across Dublin and beyond, showing great commitment, teamwork, and determination. While none of the teams progressed beyond the group stages, the season was a positive one, with players gaining valuable experience and representing Wesley with pride.

Kian Lee (6th Year) was also recognised at the Arts and Sports Awards evening, receiving the Boys’ Tennis Award in recognition of his contribution to tennis in Wesley.

By Mr Ryan

Boys Tennis: School Championship

The annual boys’ doubles tennis championship was once again a highlight of the sporting calendar, with strong participation across all year groups. The standard of play was very high, resulting in a series of competitive and entertaining matches.

This year’s winners were James Lennon and Brody Molins (1st Year); John Forsyth and Joshua Kane (2nd Year); Jacob Ellis and Harry Leach (3rd Year); Axel Roulston and Conor Foody (Senior Doubles).

Congratulations to all winners and well done to all participants for contributing to a successful and enjoyable competition.

By Mr Ryan

Sailing Strong Regatta Performance The Wesley Sailing Team delivered an excellent performance at the Interschools Regatta on 6th May, finishing second overall after a day of competitive racing.

James Crawford secured 1st place in the single-handed fleet, while Sam Jones finished 2nd. Sam Smith also contributed to the team’s success by helming the boat that placed 2nd in the double-handed fleet.

Well done to all involved on a fantastic achievement for Wesley sailing.

By Ms Fogarty

Above: Senior Winners, Axel Roulston and Conor Foody.

Below, left to right: 1st Year Winners, James Lennon and Brody Molins; 2nd Year Winners, John Forsyth and Joshua Kane; 3rd Year Winners, Jacob Ellis and Harry Leach.

30 Wesley Update Sports News

Girls Cricket Seniors

The Senior 1sts played four games, winning one and losing three. Their best performance came in the win against Loreto on the Green, with Lucy Gibney and Ashleigh Clauson top-scoring with 34 and 31 respectively. Captain Anna Delany led the team well, consistently performing strongly with both bat and ball.

The Senior 2nds reached the semi-final stage, where they unfortunately lost to a strong Rathdown team. It was great to see so many students participate, with a total of 18 players representing the 2nds throughout the term.

Juniors

The Junior A girls finished their campaign as runners-up after a 70-run defeat to St Andrews in the league final. In the group stages, they recorded victories against KH and Alexandra College. Their best performance of the season came in the semi-final against Malahide, where they compiled 156 runs, with Lainey Harte scoring 43 not out.

They went on to win the match by 92 runs.

The Junior B1s went unbeaten in the group stage with victories against St Andrews and The High School, but came undone in the semi-final against the Mt Anville A team.

The Junior B2s unfortunately only had one group game due to a withdrawal in their section. They lost that game against Alexandra College.

Well done to all the 2nd and 3rd years who joined the training sessions and competed in league matches, as well as in a friendly against the 1st Year boys — a match in which we were victorious! Emma Deans even managed to get out her younger brother.

1st Years

With three teams entered into the 1st Year leagues, a total of 45 students had the opportunity to play competitive matches. While results meant that none of the three teams progressed to the playoff stage, it was a great opportunity for many students to be introduced to the sport, try it for the first time, and hopefully develop a desire to join a club over the summer months. Equally, there are some talented cricketers in the group who will no doubt continue to develop over the coming years.

By Mr. Blennerhassett & Mr. Abbott

Boys Cricket Cup Final Success

The Junior Boys’ cricket team won their cup final against King’s Hospital, reaching 151 for 8 from 30 overs, with strong contributions from Keegan Shipp, Herbie Greasley, Matthew Kinch and Alfie Byrne. In reply, the King’s Hospital were bowled out for 86, giving Wesley a 65-run victory and their third title in four years.

The 1st Year team also enjoyed success, defeating St Joseph’s, Rush. After restricting their opponents to 61 all out, with Aaron Deans and Toby Gibney taking three wickets each and Nathan Barry claiming two, Wesley chased the target comfortably, with Brody Molins (24 not out) and Aaron Deans (26 not out) guiding the team to a 10-wicket win.

Congratulations to all involved on two excellent performances.

By Mr Harte

To keep up-to-date with Wesley College Sports News, check out www.wesleycollege.ie/Sport/News/

Golf

Summer Golf Concludes with Jamestown Outing Summer golf once again took place on campus, with excellent participation and many students taking up the game for the first time. Players focused on developing their short and mid-range games, with clear improvement evident week by week. Friendly internal competitions helped maintain focus and raise standards throughout the term.

Penny, Elsa, Hugo, and Robyn made particularly strong progress with their short games over the summer term. The season concluded with an enjoyable outing to Jamestown Par 3, where Andrew, Sebastian, Emmett, Finn, Paul, Bianca, Alex, Shane, Harry, Oscar, Wesley, Kristen and Killian put their skills into action in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

By Mr O’Rourke

Wesley Update Sports News 31

32 Wesley Update Sports News

Showjumping

Success at Balmoral

The finals of this year’s showjumping league, which consisted of 27 legs, took place on 29 March. Emily Glass and her Connemara pony, Paddy Tom, took 4th place in the 80cm class. With only three riders making up the open team, they did very well to finish 4th on the day, securing 4th place overall in the league. For the second time in three years, the team was invited, as one of the top five schools in the south, to compete against the top five schools from north of the border at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Show at Balmoral in May. This young team, comprising Amelia Henly (Kilpatrick ForgetMe-Not), Lulu Rose Mulhall (Luciano), and Emily Martin (Quo Vadis du Heritage Z) from Years I and II, was led out by their captain, Eva McCraith (Cluainín Robb), on the morning following her last day of classes in Wesley.

At an international show, with an impressive arena, all four riders held their nerve and rode well-judged rounds, all of which were timed, to take 4th place behind Omagh Academy, Ballymoney High School, and St Mary’s, New Ross, in a hotly contested class.

Only four seconds separated the top eight teams. This was an incredible experience for these young riders, who relished the atmosphere and are looking forward to more opportunities like this in the future.

As for Eva, she will now begin her final preparations for the Leaving Cert. Thank you to Eva and her family, who have been great supporters of school showjumping.

By Mr Garland

To keep up-to-date with Wesley College Sports News, check out www.wesleycollege.ie/Sport/News/

Basketball

Dublin League and Leinster Champions It has been a fantastic season for the Wesley College 1st Year Boys’ Basketball team, who were crowned both Dublin League and Leinster champions.

The team secured the Dublin League title with a 47-17 victory over St McDara’s, pulling away in the second half through strong defence, teamwork, and composure. They then completed the double with a 36-26 win over Ardscoil Phádraig in a competitive Leinster Final, finishing strongly in the closing minutes to secure the title.

This was a full squad effort, with over 20 players contributing throughout the season, including organising their own training sessions over the Easter break. Thank you also to the parents and supporters whose encouragement helped make these occasions so special.

Congratulations to the entire squad on an outstanding achievement and a season to remember.

By Ms Chandler

Netball Historic School Success The Netball Ireland Schools League Finals took place in Gormanston Park last term, with Wesley College enjoying fantastic success.

A huge congratulations to the Junior A team, who won their Grand Final 27-12 against Drogheda Grammar in an outstanding performance, with Lainey Harte named Best on Court by both players and umpires.

Well done also to the Minor A team, who won their Bronze Medal Match 15-9 against Our Lady’s Grove, with Nitanje DeKlerk and Lainey Harte named Best on Court.

Congratulations to Lainey Harte (2nd Year) and Saoirse Tierney (4th Year), who were selected for the Netball Ireland U17 Development Team and recently represented Ireland at a tournament in the Isle of Man; Lainey was also voted Most Improved Player in the squad this season.

This marks the first Netball Ireland title for Wesley College, a fantastic achievement for all involved.

By Ms Brain

Wesley Update Sports News 33

34 Wesley Update Sports News

Girls Rugby Metro Trials

This year, several Wesley College students were selected for the Leinster Metro U17 Rugby trials. Sasha Williams, Georgia Carroll, Izzy Roulston, Tali Neill, Faith Agar and Michelle Adinga all progressed through the first and second rounds, demonstrating excellent determination, teamwork and skill. Sasha, Tali, Georgia, and Izzy advanced to the final stage - an outstanding achievement.

Ultimately, Sasha, Tali, and Georgia earned selection for the Leinster Metro U17 squad, reflecting their hard work and dedication both in and outside school. The trials provided a valuable opportunity to develop as players, compete at a higher level and build lasting friendships. Representing Wesley College at such a standard is a source of great pride for the school’s rugby community.

The continued success of girls’ rugby at Wesley highlights the programme’s strength and growing talent. With increasing participation and strong representation at elite levels, the future of girls’ rugby in the school is extremely promising. We are incredibly proud of all the players and look forward to their future achievements.

By Sasha Williams Junior Girls Rugby

Boys Rugby Easter Representative Honours

Irish Schools U18 Six Nations Festival Thibault Campbell Johnny Woods A massive congratulations to Thibault and Johnny, who were both selected to represent Irish Schools at the U18 Six Nations Festival in Vichy, France, over the Easter break. Both players played a key role in victories over England and Spain, as well as in a narrow defeat to France in the final match.

Leinster U19s vs Munster Zach Sidebottom Congratulations to Zach Sidebottom, who represented the Leinster U19s in their fixture against Munster over Easter.

Leinster U18 Schools Easter Camp Sam Maguire Malachy Ngawini Reuben Neill Congratulations to Sam, Malachy and Reuben, who were all selected to attend the Leinster Schools Easter Camp in Clongowes.

Boys Hockey U14 - All-Ireland Champions

Huge congratulations to the U14A Boys’ Hockey squad on winning the John Waring Minor Boys’ All-Ireland title in Lisnagarvey.

The boys played five matches, recording impressive victories over St Columba’s, Cookstown, Wallace, and Ashton, along with a draw against Ashton.

It was a superb performance from every member of the squad.

Great credit also goes to their coaches, Ben Stewart and Mr Delany, for their hard work and dedication.

By Mrs Henderson

Leinster U17 Boys’ Trials Graeme Wildish Jacob Hanna Fred Dick Congratulations to Graeme, Jacob and Fred, who were all selected to attend the Leinster U17 boys’ trials over the Easter break.

By Mr Ronaldson

To keep up-to-date with Wesley College Sports News, check out www.wesleycollege.ie/Sport/News/

Gaelic Games

Wesley Update Sports News 35 Seachtain na Gaeilge GAA Matches

Wesley College continued its proud tradition of celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge by showcasing one of Ireland’s most beloved national sports, Gaelic football. Students signed up in huge numbers to take part in this year’s events.

Our Senior Girls’ and Senior Boys’ teams faced East Glendalough on a bright Wednesday afternoon, while the Junior Boys and Girls competed in a highly enjoyable Wesley College GAA Blitz.

The passion for Gaelic games in Wesley is clear, and we are proud to have more than 70 students involved across football, hurling and camogie. Many students represent their local clubs, while others compete at intercounty level.

Comhghairdeas to everyone who participated and displayed such impressive talent, enthusiasm and school spirit.

By Ms Ivers

Students Triumph in Staff vs Students GAA Match Congratulations to the 6th Year Girls on a fantastic victory in the annual Female Staff vs Students GAA match.

In a hugely entertaining contest, the students displayed great skill, teamwork and determination to come away with the win. The staff put up a brave fight, with excellent midfield play and some outstanding goalkeeping performances, but the students proved too strong in the end, securing victory by two points.

Final Score: Staff: 2–11 Students: 5–04

By Ms Moffett

County Achievements It is great to see so many of our girls with GAA county achievements for both camogie and football during 2026.

Iona Wu Charlene Sone Lenou Dublin U18A Camogie Dublin U20 Football Winner of Leinster Shield In addition to representing Dublin at Minor Level, Charlene was selected to represent Dublin at U20 level.

Haley Viana Smyth Anna Kellegher Dublin U16 Camogie (vice Dublin U16 Football captain) Anna had a great season with Haley had a great season as vice- Dublin U16, reaching the captain, winning the Leinster Leinster final.

Championship and going on to play in the All-Irelands. Her team beat Limerick in the All Ireland final to win the championship.

The Wesley Update Issue 104, Summer 2026 Editor: Ms Katie Dickson Sports Editor: Ms Victoria Love Staff contributors: Mr Rob Abbott, Mr Stephen Barry, Mr Colm Blennerhassett, Ms Angela Brain, Ms Lucy Burgess, Ms Marta Cabrera, Ms Michelle Chandler, Mr Paddy Collins, Ms Paula Dowzard, Dr Helen Doyle, Ms Gwen Duffy, Mr Andrew Egan, Ms Kirsten Elliott, Ms Emma Fogarty, Mr Robert Garland, Ms Jennifer Hegarty-Owens, Ms Hilary Jackson, Mr Peter Lydon, Ms Eva Maher, Rev Ruth Mathews, Ms Jessica McCauley, Ms Geraldine McKeon, Ms Wendy Moffett, Ms Sarah Mulvey, Ms Heather Murphy, Mr Enda O’Rourke, Ms Jessica Reynolds, Ms Sandra Ringland, Ms Raquel Rodriguez, Ms Eve Rogers, Mr Craig Ronaldson, Mr Eoin Ryan, Ms Clare Savage, Ms Tara Sharkey, Mr Derek Shaw, Ms Mandy Swanwick.

Student contributors: Emily Bruton, Sophie Bryce-Smith, Tracey Chen, Anna Cobbe, Alexander Creighton-Twomey, Henry Clarke, Sofie Dingliana, Rachel Fisher, Éabha Foy, Sophia Hanley, Phoebe Harold-Barry, Olivia Heaney, Evelyn Heffelfinger, Isabelle Jackson, Aoife Moore, Lottie O’Connor, Mia Priestman, Amy Ryan, Rachel Scott, Tadhg Sexton, David Walshe, Aoife Widdowson, Sasha Williams.

Photography: Andriy Griffin, Andrew Towe (Parkway Photography), Wesley Student Photographers, staff and students. Front and back cover: Andriy Griffin With thanks to Heather Boyle (Olympic Federation of Ireland) for permission to reproduce her article.

Thanks also to the Wesley College Office Staff, to David Deering and Print Tender Ltd, to Ms Jeena Doherty and to Mr Enda O’Rourke.