St Leo's College students impress Tánaiste Simon Harris
Students listen attentively as Tánaiste Simon Harris speaks during his visit to St. Leo's College, Carlow. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
TÁNAISTE Simon Harris dropped into St Leo’s College recently while he was on a whistle stop visit to County Carlow.
Mr Harris was accompanied on the trip by Catherine Callaghan TD and local councillor Paul Doogue.
He was warmly greeted by principal Niamh Broderick, deputy principal Emma Dwyer, chairperson of the board of management Rowena Dooley and a welcoming committee of students.
The visitors were introduced to a wide range of extra-curricular groups, including the public speaking team, which won the UCD Women Graduates Association’s under-15 public speaking competition, national finalists, cadette basketball team members who reached the All-Ireland final and Young Scientist Exhibition national finalists. They also met students completing the level 2 learning programme in the school. The school’s traditional group, harpist and flautist provided musical entertainment.
In the school gym, the chamber choir opened proceedings with a performance of conducted by music teacher Carrie McCarthy. Ms Broderick formally welcomed the tanáiste and guests to the school while also acknowledging two very capable Carlow women – minister of state Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. Ms Broderick thanked the tánaiste and government for the financial support received through the Sports Capital Programme to redevelop the school’s hockey pitch. She also remarked that the school is committed to continuing the legacy of educational excellence and the tradition of caring for those most vulnerable in society.
Mr Harris said he was blown away by what he had seen in St Leo’s College. He paid tribute to the breadth of extra-curricular activities available in the school and mentioned how he was very taken with the quality of student leadership in the school, mentioning in particular the mentoring programme delivered by the Meitheal leadership team.
The tánaiste spoke about the importance of inclusion and equality in society and the role Ireland has played in creating awareness around LGBTQ+ rights and women’s reproductive health. His speech referenced the brutal regime in Afghanistan and ongoing humanitarian struggle in Gaza, saying how it is so important for Irish people to stay close to their values and to continue to speak up for human rights at home and abroad.
“Life can be tough, politics can change, but it is so important that we always stay true to our values,” he said.
He gave sage advice to the leaving certificate class, reminding them that this exam will not define them. They are so much more than a set number of points and it is important to remember that there are so many ways to navigate the future.
He said: “Know that I am really proud of all that you are already doing in St Leo’s. I have no doubt I am in the presence of many leaders, people who will lead in many fields, and I am excited about the very positive contribution you’re going to make to our country’s future.” To conclude the visit, Ms Broderick made a presentation of Jim Behan pottery to Mr Harris and to deputy Callaghan. She also paid tribute to the school’s first-year and senior netball teams, which had just returned from the All-Ireland finals, with the younger group achieving a first All-Ireland win for the school in netball. The tánaiste was delighted to congratulate the teams in person before his departure.
