The students, staff, parents and the Community of Tarbert were present in large numbers to celebrate the Annual Awards Night in the packed school auditorium on Thursday May 18th. The event celebrates the achievements of students in different areas of academic and sporting endeavours during the academic year.
There were two special guests who delivered their wise respective addresses to the students. The guests this year were Jean Byrne, originally from Tarbert, a familiar face on RTE and Aidan O’Mahony a familiar face on the Kerry Senior football team. Jean and Aidan gave inspirational speeches to the assembled students in particular to the Leaving Certificate students. Talented students entertained the gathering playing various instruments including Junior Certificate students Hazel Langan, Ruby Falvey, Ciara O’Donoghue and Ellen Godfrey. Senior students Timothy Flaherty, Isobel O’Connor, Brenda O’Connor and Caitriona Fitzmaurice also provided memorable performances.
The Junior Musician Award was presented to Ellen Godfrey and Ciara O’ Donoghue – their beautiful duet of voice and Guitar enthralled the audience. The Senior Music Award was presented to Caitriona Fitzmaurice who accompanied herself on piano with a beautiful rendition of a contemporary song.
Among the many awards that were presented on Awards Night were Students of the Year, Sports Persons of the Year, LCA Student of the Year, Transition Year Student of the Year, Green Schools Award, Health Promoting School Award and Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Academic Achievement recognition.
The Female Student of the Year was Grace Leahy from Athea and the Male Student of the Year was Paul Murphy from Ballylongford.
Mary Barry and Mitch Foley, both of whom are from Lisselton received the accolades of Sports Persons of the Year. Megan Costello, a popular young lady from Tarbert, was named LCA Student Award winner for the academic year and was presented with her special award by Ms Leila Moloney, the Deputy Principal of Tarbert Comprehensive School.
Cian Rogan from Kilmorna was the recipient of the Transition Year Student Award. Cian stated that he enjoyed and valued Transition Year and that he would recommend Transition Year to all students. There were also awards for Fundraising, Gaisce Awards and other categories including participation in the preparation of the School Magazine.
A strong note of sadness was evident amongst all present when the Principal, Mr. Richard Prendiville, announced to a hushed auditorium that the recipient of the Principal’s Award was the late Tommy Stack. Tommy Stack was an extremely popular young man during his time as a student at the school until his sad passing earlier in the academic year. The posthumous award was received by his mother Mary to a tearful spontaneous standing ovation in memory of Tommy.
The proceedings were broadcast via YouTube and can still be viewed on-line should readers or prospective students wish to experience the event.
