Arklow CBS School News, October 2025
Junior Cert Results 2025
A huge congratulations to all our students on their fantastic Junior Cert results received last Wednesday! Your hard work, dedication, and
perseverance have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you. This achievement is a reflection of your commitment and
the support of your teachers and families. Well done — enjoy celebrating this well-deserved success!
Open Night 2025
On October 16th, Arklow CBS opened its doors to an enthusiastic crowd of prospective students and their families for its highly anticipated annual
Open Night. The event offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere as the school showcased the different departments and the extensive range of
academic and extracurricular opportunities that our school has to offer to those considering joining next year.
The staff and current students were delighted to meet so many families, eager to provide a glimpse of what life at Arklow CBS has to offer. The
evening featured tours of the school, giving visitors a first hand look at the classrooms, science labs, woodwork room, music room, art room and
technology facilities. The school’s sports amenities and extracurricular opportunities were also highlighted, demonstrating the well-rounded
education available to students here in Arklow CBS.
An artist’s impression of the new school building was also on display, giving attendees an exciting preview of future developments that will
enhance the learning environment.
School Principal Mr. Somers addressed the visitors, expressing pride in the school’s academic and sporting achievements, and commitment to
personal development. There was also speeches from Head Boy Aaron Byrne and 1st year student Ciarán Mellon.
Student ambassadors were on hand to answer questions, sharing their personal experiences at the school. All students received a prospectus, a
cookie voucher and participated in a treasure hunt around the school while the Parents association provided refreshments for the parents
The Open Night served as an excellent opportunity for families to get a feel for the school’s environment and values. Many left feelings confident
in the choice of Arklow CBS as the next step in their son’s educational journey.
Arklow CBS looks forward to welcoming a new generation of students in September. Our Open Night is a huge team effort and a big thanks to all
our staff, students and parents who helped on the night and indeed on the run up to the night.
Enrolment and further info can be found on our school website.
Click on the link to watch the video of our Open Night 2025
https://www.facebook.com/cbsarklow/videos/4025948187715355
Leaving Cert Class of 2025 Awards
Arklow CBS was thrilled to recently welcome back some of our Leaving Cert students from the Class of 2025. It was a wonderful evening
celebrating their achievements, including several scholarships awarded by the school. We are so proud of their success and wish them every
continued success.
The Br. Doody Cup for Best Leaving Certificate was proudly awarded to Andrew Nolan in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement.
The Kincaid Cup for Best Science Grades was jointly awarded to Andrew Nolan and Adam O’Leary, acknowledging their exceptional performance
and dedication to the sciences.
Andrew Nolan
The Kincaid Cup for Best Science Grades in Memory of Brendan Kincaid was presented to joint winners: Andrew Nolan and Adam O'Leary
Andrew Nolan & Adam O'Leary
The Fintan Fanning Endeavour Cup for Consistent Work & Effort was presented to Joint winners: Eoghan & Karl O'Donovan Ward for their commitment, perseverance, and continuous hard work throughout the year.
Fintan Fanning presents the Endeavour Cup to Eoghan Ward & Karl O'Donovan (In Absentia)
The Brendan Flannery Memorial Shield for Best Construction Project was awarded to Donnacha Murphy for his excellent craftsmanship and
creativity.
Maurice & Darragh Flannery presents the Shield to Donnacha Murphy
High Achievement Awards
These awards celebrate students who achieved over 444 points in their Leaving Certificate examinations — a remarkable accomplishment
reflecting both talent and determination. Recipients on the night were: Andrew Nolan, Seán Martin, Aaron O’Sullivan, James Keeley, Remik Lipski,
Eoghan Ward, Rafal Paneczko, and Joseph Riley.
James Keeley, Joseph Riley, Adm O'leary, Sean O'Mairtín, Andrew Nolan, Eoghan Ward & Remik Lipski
In Absentia: Rafal Paneczko
Congratulations to all our award winners on their outstanding achievements and dedication to excellence!
Chess All Irelands, here we come!
An incredible win for Arklow CBS as Teams 1, 2, and 3 all qualified for the All-Ireland Championship Finals in Nenagh! It was a clean sweep at the South East qualifiers held this week at SETU Arena, Waterford, showcasing the talent, determination, and teamwork of our students. Special congratulations to our individual award winners:
1st – Ben Zhou, 2nd – Aaron O’Connor, and 3rd – Edric Chong.
A massive well done to all our competitors and to coach Ms Battye — what an outstanding achievement for the school!
World Mental Health Day 2025
Arklow CBS marked World Mental Health Day on October 10th with a wonderful non-uniform day celebrating positivity and wellbeing. The day
began with a flag-raising ceremony for Pieta House, led by our TY students, Student Council members, and the Wellbeing Committee,
highlighting the school’s commitment to mental health awareness and support. The official theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 is “Mental
Health in Humanitarian Emergencies”, reminding us of the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those facing difficult
circumstances worldwide. During tutorial, students took time to reflect and wrote down three things they were grateful for, which were later put on
display around the school to spread good vibes. Everyone was also encouraged to write a thank-you note to a member of staff, creating a
lovely atmosphere of appreciation and connection. The celebrations continued with a walk to the beach and a doughnut for all, giving students
a well-deserved chance to relax and enjoy time together. To top it all off, a homework-free weekend was announced — much to everyone’s delight! A
big thank you to all who helped make the day such a success and a true celebration of wellbeing.
Amber Flag awarded to Arklow CBS
Arklow CBS proudly raised our Pieta: Ending Suicide. Beginning Hope Amber Flag, an achievement we successfully earned at the end of last
year. Head Boy Aaron Byrne and Vice Head Boy Jack Fleming McDermott delivered inspiring speeches, reminding us that even small acts of kindness
can have a powerful impact, before TY Future Leaders Aaron Clarke and Adam Chase raised the flag. It was a truly proud day for the entire school
community, celebrating our commitment to hope, wellbeing, and supporting one another.
Gaeltacht na Rinne
Bhí turas iontach ag ár ndaltaí ón chéad agus an dara bliain chuig Coláiste na Rinne, Co.Phort Láirge. Bhí an aimsir go maith agus bhí chuile dhuine i
ndea-ghiúmar. Rinne na daltaí an iarracht maidir le labhairt na Gaeilge agus tháinig gach duine abhaile le níos mó Gaeilge agus cuimhní deasa.
Mhol na cinnirí na leaids mar gheall ar a gcuid iompar agus a gcuid n-iarrachtaí. Gabhaimid ár mbuíochas le Ms. E Kinsella, Ms. Doyle agus le
Majella a bhí i éineacht leis na daltaí.
Mar a deir an seanfhocal "Beatha an teanga í a labhairt" Our 1st and 2nd-year students enjoyed a wonderfully successful trip to the
Gaeltacht at Coláiste na Rinne. With the weather on their side and spirits high, the students embraced the experience wholeheartedly. They made a
fantastic effort to immerse themselves in the Irish language, returning home not only with improved language skills but also with cherished
memories from their time away.
The college staff praised the students for their impeccable manners, exemplary behavior, and enthusiastic participation throughout the trip. As
the saying goes, "Beatha an teanga í a labhairt"—the life of a language is in speaking it. A special thank you to Ms. E. Kinsella and Ms.Doyle for
accompanying the students and making this trip a memorable and enriching experience for all involved!
6th Year Theatre Outing
Our 6th-year students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin to see the Druid Theatre Company's powerful
production of Macbeth From the moment the performance began, they were drawn into a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and dark prophecy.
The actors brought Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy to life with intensity and emotion, leaving the audience spellbound. This outing was not only an
inspiring cultural experience but also an excellent way to prepare students for their Leaving Cert Paper 2 in June, giving them fresh insights into the
text and a deeper appreciation of the play’s themes and characters.
Basketball News
Full Swing Basketball: U16 & U19 Teams Dominate Coláiste Aindriu! Basketball is back with a bang in Arklow CBS with a recent victory for our
U 16 and U 19 teams against Coláiste Aindriú
✨ U16s: 31–22 ✨U19s: 31–7
Both teams displayed fantastic skill, energy, and sportsmanship. Every player contributed to making these wins possible
A special shoutout to TY coach Wojciech for his invaluable support with the U16 team.
Thanks to Ms. Merrigan for all her hard work with these teams.
Gaelic Football news
2nd Year Team Triumphs in Tough Battle Against Bridgetown College! Well done to our 2nd year Gaelic football team on a hard fought physical
victory in a windy Kilmore today against Bridgetown College! The boys played a stormer from the opening whistle. All the hard work the team and
bainisteoir Mr Fanning are putting in seems to be paying dividends!
Athletics
A great day was had by some of our junior students at the Athletics Wicklow Open Cross Country in Avondale Park. The event provided a
fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their athletic skills in a beautiful outdoor setting. Our students showed great determination and
sportsmanship throughout the race, making us all proud. It was a memorable day for all involved, and we look forward to seeing their
continued progress in future events. A big thank you to Ms. O'Neill for organising and accompanying the students on the day.
Golfing News
Our school golfers recently enjoyed a fantastic Arklow CBS Golf Outing at Arklow Golf Club, joined by Miss McElheron and Majella. A huge thank you to @arklowlinks for hosting us and for their warm
welcome!
Hurling
Arklow CBS V Dunlavin
Arklow CBS put in a strong performance against St. Kevin's Dunlavin, with Ryan Mellon, Ciaran, Olly, Senan and Sean leading the scoring. The team
showed great teamwork and effort, but Dunlavin fought back to claim a tough win. CBS can be proud of their determination and spirit throughout
the match.
1st Year Hurling Blitz
Our first year hurlers played their first game together against Gaelcholáiste na Mara in a local derby with Arklow CBS coming out on top
by six points! The games today were officiated by four of our TY students who have recently completed their referee course!
Senior soccer news
Arklow CBS Shine in Thrilling Win Over Kilmuckridge. Arklow CBS faced Kilmuckridge last Friday in a thrilling contest that kept
fans entertained from start to finish. The CBS side delivered a strong all-round performance, combining skill, teamwork, and determination to
secure a memorable victory.
Darragh Kinch was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant hat-trick that showcased his sharp finishing and composure under pressure. Kory
Merrigan added a superb goal to extend the lead, rounding off an excellent team move.
Kilmuckridge’s number 9 pulled one back with a well-taken strike, but CBS maintained control for most of the match. Ryan Gleeson’s clever assist set
up Kinch’s final goal, putting the result beyond doubt.
As the final whistle blew, Arklow CBS celebrated a well-deserved win — a performance full of energy, teamwork, and talent that left supporters
proud.
TY October Roundup
Work experience
Our Transition Year students have successfully completed their first work experience placement. This invaluable opportunity has allowed our
students to gain real-world insights, develop practical skills and build confidence in a professional setting. The experience has been a fantastic
way for them to explore potential career paths and connect classroom learning with the workplace. A heartfelt thanks to all our local businesses
in the town and beyond who welcomed our students. Your guidance and generosity is very much appreciated.
TY Litter Pick
TYB students joined forces with St. Mary’s College, Arklow, for a fantastic community litter-picking initiative. With great energy and teamwork, they worked around the town, collecting rubbish and helping to keep the streets clean and welcoming. By the end of the day, they had filled an impressive nine bags of litter!
A huge thank you to Ms. Andreina Kinsella for organizing this event and to everyone at St. Mary’s College for their support and collaboration. Your efforts not only made a visible difference to the town but also highlighted the importance of caring for our environment. Well done to all the students involved for their dedication, hard work, and community spirit!
Dates for your diary
Key Dates – November
- 3rd November: School reopens following the Mid-Term Break.
- 4th November: CAO Information Evening for parents and students.
- 19th November: Sixth Year Parent–Teacher Meeting.
- 20th November: School closed for students due to Junior Cycle
- teacher training.
- 27th November: Third Year Parent–Teacher Meeting.