CCM Positive Attendance Initiative 2025-26
As part of our focus on positive attendance, CCM continued the attendance initiative where all students who had perfect attendance last week were placed into a raffle to win a prize. Students were drawn from each year group. The winning students were Gabriela Nomoto Souza 1st year, Luke McCoy 2nd year, Molly O'Toole 3rd year, Kristen Esmonde TY, David Doyle 5th year and Senan O'Donovan 6th year.
Congratulations to the winning students and well done to all students on creating such positive attendance trends in the school.
LCA “My Community”
On Thursday, 13 November, as part of their My Community module in Social Education, Ms. Rawson and Mr. Bailey hosted a tea and biscuit morning with the Fifth Year Leaving Cert Applied class. Students enjoyed a lively discussion about the Wicklow community, past and present, with everyone contributing and engaging really well. Behaviour was excellent, and we all learned a lot about our local area as we enjoyed our tea and biscuits together.
Seamus Heaney Walk
Thank you to Ms Chambers who attended the launch of a booklet written by Donal Magner of the Wicklow Rotary club which promotes the newly restored Seamus Heaney Walk at the Devil’s Glen Forest in Ashford. Marie Heaney spoke at the event along with Donal Magner and Rotary President, Joe Roberts. The booklet will be distributed free of charge to local schools, voluntary organisations and other community centres around Wicklow.
Well done to the Rotary Club, along with Coillte, who have restored the local amenity where people can walk in nature and sit awhile with poetry.
Coco's Law Guest Speaker
On Tuesday, 18 November, we welcomed Jackie Fox (Coco's Law) to CCM to give a powerful talk to our Fifth year students about bullying. Jackie's daughter, Nicole 'Coco' Fox, took her own life in January 2018 after enduring years of relentless, vicious physical, verbal and cyber bullying by her so-called friends. Jackie fought tirelessly for legislation to make bullying and sharing of images online a crime. Coco's Law was enacted in Ireland in 2021.
We were so delighted to be able to welcome Jackie to our school to talk about the real-life impact of bullying.
Crocus Project
Well done to the students from TY 3, who through the Crocus Project and as part of their module on Holocaust Studies, planted crocus bulbs last week to remember the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of Nazi atrocities during World War 2. The crocus project is an initiative of Holocaust Education Ireland who each year send us crocus bulbs for TY students to plant. It is a very symbolic project for a number of reasons. Firstly, the crocuses are yellow reminding us of the Star of David that Jewish people were forced to wear during the Holocaust. Secondly, it is intended that shoots will start to appear to coincide with International Holocaust Memorial Day which falls annually on January 27th. Thirdly, in springtime, when we hopefully have a lovely display of yellow Crocus flowers, we are reminded that despite the terrible events of the past, new life begins again and brings us hope for the future.
TY Anti-Bullying Workshops
On Wednesday, 19 November, Kevin Deering of Bully4U, facilitated antibullying workshops with our TY students as part of our Bí Cinéalta week initiatives.
Kevin is a therapist and a former member of An Garda Siochána. He worked as a Juvenile Liaison Officer in Clontarf, Dublin for twenty years so has a wealth of experience in talking to young people about bullying, cyber bullying, substance abuse and the consequences of crime. He gave our students some sage advice about their behaviour both online and offline and shared his own experiences of the dangers of young people sharing images online and the legal repercussions for doing so. He also spoke about being kind and to remember that we are all remembered for how we behave and treat others.
Kevin's workshops were very interactive and engaging and were a memorable and invaluable experience for our TY students.
Network Ireland ‘In Conversation’ Event
Network Ireland is a non-profit, voluntary organization that supports the professional and personal development of women in Ireland. On Wednesday night, 19 November, the Wicklow branch held an ‘In Conversation’ event with former State Pathologist and author Marie Cassidy in Tinakilly House Hotel. Dr Cassidy spoke of her career, how she implemented changes in Irish Pathology to ensure the professionalism of the job, what it was like to be the first woman in a male-orientated area of medicine and what societal changes she has noticed with crimes now compared to when she started in the job.
As the evening progressed, Dr Cassidy was joined on stage by Hayley and Elaine from Women’s Aid in Bray to discuss the current issues they are being presented with on a day-to-day basis. They highlighted the need for both women and men to be aware of red flags in relationships in terms of physical and emotional abuse, and with coercive control. They highlighted different supports available and also shared the importance of having regular conversations with teenagers to ensure they are aware and understand how to have supportive and lasting relationships.
Coláiste Chill Mhantáin was delighted to have two students invited to attend this event. Accompanied by Ms Murphy, Freya Renwick and Hannah Brabazon from Fifth year joined the event and had an opportunity to chat with Dr Cassidy. Speaking to the girls about the college courses they are interested in, Dr Cassidy explained the importance of being adaptive to change in the workplace and how one area of study can lead you into another that will provide opportunities for employment that you may have not previously considered interesting or suitable to you.
This was a really enjoyable evening and we would like to thank Louise Meehan and Emma McKernan for the very kind invitation for our students.
TY Mini Company
At the Sixth year parent teacher meeting on Thursday evening, 20 November, 14 mini companies from Transition Year proudly showcased their creative talents and entrepreneurial spirit. Each group set up an eye-catching stand, offering a wonderful variety of products, from beautifully crafted wooden items and customisable keyrings to organic cakes, sweet treats, and stylish travel mugs. The event was a fantastic celebration of teamwork, innovation, and enterprise, with students enthusiastically engaging parents and teachers while gaining valuable real-world business experience.
Well done to all students involved.
Fifth Year LCVP.
Shane Byrne, CEO of Showoff, a Wicklow-based data technology enterprise, visited two of our LCVP classes on Friday, 21 November. Shane shared the story of the company’s development over the past thirteen years, speaking about his journey as an entrepreneur and the various successes and challenges the enterprise has faced while working with customers in Ireland, the UK and the United States.
We extend a huge thank you to Shane for giving his time and delivering such an engaging and insightful presentation. The students greatly benefited from his visit and will draw on the information provided to complete their Summary Report for the LCVP portfolio.
Coffee Morning
On Friday last, 21 November, First year parents joined us for a coffee morning and presentation by the Senior Mentor team. They took the opportunity to speak to Ms Chambers and Ms Ivers, Year Heads to First year, and also were welcomed by Ms Casey, First year DP and Mr Donoghue. After coffee and chats, they then enjoyed a tour around the school during class time and enjoyed the opportunity to visit First year students during Irish and Religion classes.
Thanks to everyone involved and it was great to see so many parents attend; all of this in no small measure due to the work of our HSCL Officer, Ms Phil Fanning.
Zoo Visit
Last Friday, the TY students headed off to Dublin Zoo. The students took part in an Evolution and Conservation workshop and also had some leisure time to walk around the zoo and see the animals on display. The conservation workshop was particularly interesting and we were able to see the new dholes which have moved into the old wolf enclosure. The evolution workshop was a very interactive workshop culminating in a visit to the Reptile House where the students had to go through the exhibit (based on Darwin and evolution) and find the answers for a question sheet. It was a very informative day and both staff and students enjoyed the experience.
Senior Soccer League
CCM 12 – 0 North Wicklow ETSS
CCM ran out convincing winners in their first senior game of the season. Deon Fielding captained the team on the day and he led the team well. The game was played in good spirits and it was a worthwhile exercise for CCM's senior footballers. Goal scorers on the day were Max Free (3), Deon Fielding, Jack Thomas Byrne (2), Ben Currie (1), Jack Nolan (1), Jack O'Leary (1), and Daniel Mitchell (1).
U17s Soccer
CCM 5-0 Enniscorthy CBS
CCM U17s travelled away to Enniscorthy on Monday, 17 November, for their second group game and secured another hard-fought victory to put them top of their group after two games. NJ Sinnott was fantastic again on the right, winning a second penalty in two games for Harry Butler to convert 1-0. Cillian Czwalina then made it 2-0 with a header just before halftime after a great delivery from Kale Conyard.
As in our previous game, the substitutes all contributed excellently, with both Alex Healy and Failim Redmond (2) scoring off the bench in the second half. Man-of-the match went to goalkeeper John Lynch who made a wonderful save at 2-0 to keep a clean sheet before we counter-attacked to get the third goal.
Final score 5-0 to CCM with our last group game at home to Creagh College on December 2nd.
Junior Girls
Our Junior girls battled hard against Greystones Community College on Wednesday, 20 November, on a cold winter morning. They fought all the way to the end but, unfortunately, took a hard loss. Aimee Kavanagh was our main scorer on the day.
Well done to the Junior Girls’ team. - Kristen Esmonde, Kate Byrne, Ava Esmonde (TY)
Trail Run
On Tuesday, 19 November, a group of students took part in an exciting trail run at Avondale Forest Park. The weather on the day was crisp with blue skies. The students set off along the forest trails which offered an undulating path in shaded woodland routes with a tough uphill climb to the finish. There were excellent levels of participation, positive attitudes, and great encouragement among the group.
Overall, it was a great day with the students achieving some great results and demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the run.
Minor Soccer
CCM 2-0 Arklow CBS
CCM continued their unbeaten run in the Minor Division 1 Wicklow/Wexford league with a convincing 2-0 victory over Arklow CBS. Goals from Allessio Coppola and Rian Abell Ward helped seal the victory. Rian Abell Ward captained the team today and led from the front. It was a great team effort from all involved in the game.
CCM will progress now as top of their group into the knockout stages.
Junior GAA
The CCM junior team travelled to Kilcoole on Thursday, 20 November, to play Round 2 against CCA. Having drawn Round 1 V Avondale, it was important to come away with a win.
Playing again a strong wind in the first half, CCM took control and played some great football with Daniel and Luke Connolly controlling the game and Alex Mernagh providing the finishes after some impressive play from Rian Ward, Alex Healy and Tommy Morrisey. A Jack Madden goal half way through the half was vital along with two super points from Ben O’Leary, which saw CCM lead 1-6 to 4 points at HT.
CCM, with the wind at their backs, dominated the second half and played some great attacking football throughout. Alex Mernagh led the scoring with an impressive tally of 1-5 in the second half to finish with 1-9 overall. He also contributed heavily to other scores with some superb passes along with Alex McKenna and Alex Healy. Further goals from Jack Madden, Rian Ward and Aidan Kelly saw CCM remain in control until the final whistle. Simon Lynch had the final say with a well-taken point to see CCM win on a score line of 6-13 to 0-6.
Special mention to Harry Messit, Luke Connolly, Alfie Wallace who were exceptional in defence all game and Daniel Connolly who constantly caused the CCA defence problems all game.
All 26 players who travelled saw game time and there will be plenty of competition for places for our final group game V Arklow CBS on December 4th.
Senior GAA
CCM 1-11 - CCA Kilcoole 0-9
CCM booked their place in the Senior Wicklow A Championship semi-finals with a 5 point away win over CCA, played in Kilcoole GAA grounds on Thursday, 20 November. CCM played against a strong breeze in the first half but this didn't phase them, racing into a 5 points to 1 lead in the early stages through scores from NJ Sinnott (2), David McCormack and Jack O'Leary (2). CCA grew into the game scoring a further 3 points, but let CCM off the hook by missing scorable opportunities while a Harry Butler point and a great solo goal from constant threat, David McCormack, gave CCM a half time lead of 1-6 to 0-4.
With the breeze in the second half, CCM didn't capitalise as they should in the early stages, while CCA narrowed the score to a point game half way through the half, before 2 Harry Butler points and a Nathan Duffy Gough 2 pointer settled the side and the team closed out the game well with Daniel Murphy chipping in with a point at the end of the game to leave the score reading a win for CCM 1-11 to 0-9.
Excellent defensive displays from keeper Scott Elliot Doyle, backs Sam Behan, Sean O'Brien and Jack Nolan helped keep a consecutive clean sheet.
With two wins out of two in the group, the team now face Arklow CBS at home in two weeks’ time looking for a win to top the group. Well done to all players and management who attended.
Ultimate Frisbee
On Thursday, 20 November, CCM sent five teams of 54 students to the National Sports Arena in Blanchardstown to participate in an Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. We had an impressive number of new, up-and-coming players, supported by the many more experienced players. Each team played five matches over the course of the day, with well-deserved wins and hard-fought losses.
CCM B, the beginners, team, finished the day with two wins and three losses, CCM W with 1 draw and 4 losses, CCM X had 1 win, 2 losses, and 2 draws, CCM Y ended with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, but CCM Z finished strong with 4 wins and 1 loss. CCM Y took home the Spirit of The Game award, for being positive and playing fairly and with good spirit throughout the day, and as Frisbee is a self-refereed sport, this is vitally important.
We had good results overall, but more importantly, all students had a wonderful day and played their best, and we are so thankful to have this incredible opportunity for our students.
First Year Football
The First year boys got their Wicklow campaign underway last Friday, 21 November, vs Arklow CBS. The CCM lads got a grip early in the game and defended heroically while great working through the hands and kick passing led to great scores at the other end to build up an early lead. We went into the break with a healthy lead that we never relinquished in the second half as the lads kept the scoreboard ticking and repelled numerous Arklow attacks to win comfortably in the end.
Every lad got at least 1/2 hour playing time which is great to see as the lads continue to gel together! Next up is Coláiste Chraobh Abhainn in Wicklow!