There was a great atmosphere of celebration at St. Mary’s College Irvinestown on Thursday, September 29 as students were recognised for their vast range of successes at the school’s annual prize giving ceremony.

Principal Ann Flanagan welcomed the leavers back with an acknowledgement of how tough school life had been for the Class of 2022.

“We felt Covid deeply in the St. Mary’s community, as did all school communities, but you returned to school, you settled down and to quote Mr. Billy Ocean: ‘When the going got tough – the tough got going’,” said Mrs. Flanagan, addressing the students.

“And for that you should be immensely proud of yourselves. We hardly dared to hope that you would all achieve so well.

“We knew you could – but there seemed to be times that you doubted yourselves. In a few minutes you will hold the evidence in your hands of what we told you here at St. Mary’s: this time, to quote Mr. Bob the Builder, ‘Can we do it? Yes we can!’,” she added.

‘Take time to help others’

Offering advice to the Class of 2022, Mrs. Flanagan said: “As you make a new beginning in your life, I have stolen advice from a poet who prioritised important things that you learnt in our school that you won’t be getting a certificate for later on this afternoon:

“As you pursue your dreams, remember to take time to help and serve others even if doing so slows you down a little.

“As you explore and develop your unique talents, remain humble - realising that your special abilities are gifts from God.”

Mrs. Flanagan told the students that when life hands them challenges, they should welcome them as ways to become “smarter and stronger”.

She continued: “As you acquire material things – clothes, technology, cars, houses - know that your most important possessions are honesty, integrity and the desire to make a difference.”

Mrs. Flanagan concluded her speech by congratulating the “lovely leavers” and advising them to “go out and see the world”, if they can.

“Do not be afraid of breaking out of your comfort zone. You are kind. You are smart.

“You are important. And you are loved.

“Never forget that,” she concluded.