Newtown

Review

2009-2010
Newtown Review 2009 - 2010 Newtown Mountmellick and Foy OSA Report
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
Throughout history, dis- the future for school life

Student
tinctive periods of time are bodes well indeed.
called eras; these are often
For me, this year was all
created by the arrival or
about getting the Review

Editorial
departure of notable fig-
ures that undeniably leave
their mark upon the greater
environment in which they
lived.
While the departure of Mr. Collins certainly signaled the
end of one, the arrival of Mr. Lemon to the school com-
munity heralded the beginning of another era in Newtown
school and the continuation of school life post Mr. Collins.
However, while this was certainly the years most defining
feature, we also lost many long serving members of staff
and how that will affect school life has yet to be seen.
What is certainly noticeable, however, is the effect that
Mr. Lemon has had upon the school community in his
short time here. Arriving into our lives in September, he
quickly made his own impact upon school life and soon
made a distinctive and positive impression upon many
people in the school. Going by his performance so far,
finished and at times that
began to seem as likely
as Ireland qualifying for
The World Cup. While un-
fortunately Ireland did not
qualify, due to the actions of a certain Frenchman, the
review did eventually begin to take shape and this year
it’s in colour. This was thanks to the efforts of Ms. Kirwan
and the many dedicated members of The Review Team.
Special thanks must go to those who persevered to the
end, even coming in during the summer holidays to en-
sure its completion.
This was a year of change and adaptation. Next year will
continue this theme and I’m sure many more changes
will take place, however the school community and its
new principal will take them all in their stride.
Robert Galvin. (Editor)

Contents
Hockey 72
Gymnastics 75
Rugby 76/79
Orienteering 81
Student Editorial and contents 1 Equestrian 81
Introducing Mr. Lemon 2 Golf 82
Departures 3 Surfing in Tramore 82
Gapper Interviews 10 Badminton 83
Diary of the School year 12 Spikeball 83
Reviews 17 Random Pics 84
Debating 24 Music 85
Old Scholar Interview - Martin Furey 25 Who is most likely to be 91
Girls’ Fashion 28 Recipes 92
Boys’ Fashion 29 Staff Questionnaire 94
6th Year Photos 30 Puzzle Page 95
3rd Year Art 32 Special Feature: The Silva Method 96
3rd Year Sculpture 34 First Year Photo 97
6th Year Art 35 Newtown Review Team 2009-2010 98
Art Trip 37
Old Scholars 99
Trip - Killary Adventure Centre 38
Presidents’ Report 99
Agricultural Science Trip 40
Reunion Weekend 100
Ski Trip 41
Nomzi 101
Gaeltacht Trip 42
Charlie Harrizon - Jewellery Designer 102
Romania Trip 43
Dorian van Braam 104
Kayaking on the Barrow 47
NMFOSA 106
Mini Companies 48
Work Experience 50 The Eric De Courcy Scholarship 107
Special Feature: Volunteering in Nigeria 52 Minutes of AGM 108
Glencree Trip 55 Treasurers Report 109
Special Feature: Tall Ships 56 Old Foyonian News 110
Short Stories 58 Reunion 2009 114
Poems 62 NMFOSA Launches Facebook for Old Scholars 119
Sport 66 Staff Mini Reunion 119
Clan Competition 66 Obituraries 120
Sporting Achievement 66 Class of 1959 124
Time Table of Presentation 2009 67 Class of 1969 124
Cricket Report 67 Class of 1979 124
Clan Cross Country 68 Class of 1984 125
Athletics 69/70 Class of 1989 127
Swimming Gala 71 Class of 1994 127
Tennis 71 Class of 1999 128

1
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Introducing
‘I arrived, and they were waiting for me....,
very big shoes to fill.’
Our new Headmaster, Mr Lemon came down to us
from Co. Wicklow, where he and his family lived within
walking distance of the Irish Sea. They settled into their
new Waterford home last summer. After that summer
of heavy preparation, much long conversation, and
the consumption of many fruit buns with the previous
Headmaster, Mr Collins, Mr Lemon was prepared to
tackle his new job. ‘There are many aspects of Newtown
that I knew nothing of and they will take time to learn.’ He
explained that it will take some time for students to get to
know him, and for him to get to know the students.
We asked whether he knew of the school previously,
‘I’d known of Newtown for quite a long time, and I knew
that I would like to work in Newtown- in some capacity
someday.’ He also mentioned that he never had an
ambition to be Principal of any school, but when the
opportunity came to be Headmaster at Newtown, ‘that’s
something I knew I wanted to do, for it fits in with my
values and philosophy’. Asked if he was a Quaker, Mr
Lemon said ‘I was brought up in the Church of Ireland - I
am a Christian’, he said.
“Newtown is quite holistic and across the board, like
I am.” His tastes in music and films illustrate this very
clearly, ‘I used to listen to a lot of the Waterboys, a lot
of rock, and plenty of the acoustic guitar type stuff.’ He
found it difficult to pin down one film, as one does. So
we have his three favourites: ‘Butch Cassidy and the
Sundance Kid’, ‘Requiem for a dream’, and of course
‘Remember the Titans.’
To some people, Mr Lemon’s readings in collect seem
2
Mr. Lemon
By Octavian Fitzherbert and Robert Galvin
pretty strange. “Where do
they come from?” He said
that they’re very much Bible
inspired, ‘the Bible isn’t just
an historic, document but a
living guide and you’ve got to
make it relevant to today.’ - A
fair point.
Naturally people expect
change in one field or
another. In the short term
he said that day to day rules
must be kept in order, ‘I don’t believe in working to half
measures, if we have a rule, let’s stick to it. If it does not
work, let’s look at the rule’.
Some people say that the general impression that
Newtown gives is not an academic one. He said that he
has heard that comment and disagrees, ‘I’m impressed’
he said, ‘by the amount of work students put in, and
how they actually engage in learning’. He did highlight
the importance of ‘working to 100%’ academically and in
all that you do, but also the importance of free time and
relaxation. ‘A balance should be found.’
For the long term, ‘I see Newtown building on our
strengths’. He emphasized that Newtown ‘produces very
mature, broadly educated and self thinking individuals.’
He says that he would like to see more facilities and
activities, particularly for boarders, ‘the involvement of
students is key’, he says. ‘I’d also like to look at maybe
becoming a green school.’
‘It’s a step by step challenge, and it will continue to be
so.....’ he ended.

Departures
How long have you worked in Newtown?
38 years.
Have you ever taught anywhere else?
Yes, I was a junior master in a school in Dublin, called
Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where U2 were
educated. So I taught there when I was going through
college in the late 1960’s.
Where are you from originally?
Dublin.
Do you have any children that have been to
Newtown?
I have three children, two sons and one daughter, who
all went through Newtown, and they all loved the place.
What do you think going to Newtown has given your
children?
Confidence is the main thing they got out of Newtown.
What has Newtown life brought to you personally?
It has given me a quality of life that when I started
teaching in 1972 I would only have dreamed of. It has
given me a security, a love of teaching and I have made
wonderful friends. It’s an endless list.
You now teach English, and Career Guidance, did
you teach any subjects before this?
Up to the early 1990’s, I taught history, but time didn’t
allow me to carry on teaching it because English and
Guidance took up most of my time.
What was/is your favourite subject to teach?
I enjoy teaching English, because I think you can make
it very relevant to the world which we’re part of and you
can simply enjoy the experience; discussions in class,
arguments, they are all part of the parcel of teaching
and education; people getting a chance to have their
own opinions, and I love that part of teaching.
At what point did you start teaching Career
Guidance? 1976.
What are the trends in terms of popular careers in
times of recession?
Naturally, people go for what they perceive as secure
jobs. Teaching, nursing, but the world is changing
now at such a rapid rate, I’m not too sure that what
we thought were secure jobs are actually secure
jobs anymore. There are many opportunities out
there, especially if you have the confidence and the
resourcefulness to make your own way in the world.
There are many people creating their own jobs, which I
think is the future.
What is your advice to students in terms of
selecting a career?
Well, if you think of your interests, and you go by your
instincts, you won’t go too far wrong.
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Ken McCormick
By Rachel Morris.
What are the options for
students after leaving
school?
There’s so much out
there, it’s actually very
difficult to choose. There’s
no set route or journey,
there are loads of options.
You have to take the
student from where they
are, and you build from
there. You could label
yourself for example I
want to be an engineer. Don’t label yourself is another
option. Follow a vocation like teaching or nursing.
Take a gap year pursuing your interests and make the
decision of a career later. Lastly you could become an
apprentice. People can do anything if they have the will
to do it.
What do you plan to do when you leave Newtown?
I have a number of projects that I am involved in, and I
plan to take on those challenges and develop them and
see where they lead.
Do you see having an interest as being important?
Very important. It keeps a balance with your work, if
you have interests outside work, you can see the bigger
picture as well as the smaller picture. I have a lot of
interests that I have developed over the years.
What is your fondest memory at Newtown?
There are hundreds of lovely memories. I suppose, the
fondest memory, singular, would be 1980. We won the
All Ireland Schools Senior Girls relay that year. That
was a high point for me.
What is your favourite lunch?
Sunday lunch, when I’m on duty. Roast beef and
Yorkshire pudding. Although I have to say, on a
Thursday, we have apple crumble. I can’t resist it!
Who/what will you miss the most about life at
Newtown?
I’ll miss the banter in the staffroom and the friendships.
The staff are not just colleagues, they are my friends.
I have been teaching with them for years. They are all
fantastic. I’ll miss them.
Has much changed in Newtown since you have
started working here?
All the new buildings like Foster and Webster have been
a great improvement. There actually used to be two
staff rooms before and now there is one so we have
made progress.
What is your life motto?
Well, I have always believed in ‘Carpe Diem’, which
means seize the day.
Thank you very much. We will all miss you!
3
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Departures
How long have you worked in Newtown?
Over 30 years, shall we say, well actually 35. Since
1975 or thereabouts.
How many headmasters have you had during your
time here?
Maurice Wigham, George Heslop, Roger Johnson,
Tim Macey (acting principal), Henry Collins and Keith
Lemon.
Did you teach anywhere else?
The Masonic Girls School – which no longer exists, Holy
Child Convent in Killiney, Catholic University School,
Leeson Street, High School, Rathgar – as a substitute
teacher, I was shared between The Dalton School and
Stratford College (the Jewish school in Dublin). After
that I spent a year in Longford teaching in a place called
Newtown! And then I came here to Newtown.
Where are you from originally?
That’s a good question. I was born in Dublin. My father
was working in West Africa in the Gold Coast (now
Ghana) so I spent some time there and when he was
on holiday we went to Achill and apart from that I was in
boarding schools. So I am never quite sure where I’m
from!
What subjects have you taught during the years?
In Newtown– chemistry, science, maths, applied maths,
computing, personal development and most recently
linguistics.
Outside Newtown – botany, zoology, biology and
geography and very briefly English Literature.
What is your favourite subject?
It was always some branch of science or problem
solving. Linguistics is the application of science to
problems of languages. At the moment it is linguistics.
What changes have you seen throughout your years
in Newtown?
Well, quite a lot of the buildings have changed
obviously. The feel of the place hasn’t changed that
much because it is still very friendly. It has become
larger since more dormitories were built.
What made you start linguistics in Newtown?
Well before the competition started, we were already
doing it. I was doing “Anybody can read Swedish”. I
gave people a Swedish newspaper and told them to try
and make sense of it. If they were feeling strong!
What is your interest in languages?
Communicating with people, making connections and
making sense of things. It links with my interest in the
other subjects I’ve taught.
Have you won any linguistics competitions?
No there weren’t any in my day. I wish there had been.
Which do you prefer linguistics or chemistry?
4
Hugh Dobbs
By Sarah Galloway and Andrea Hemmingway
These days I’m more
interested in linguistics.
Did your children go to
school in Newtown?
Christopher, Neil and Mary
went to Newtown Junior
School and Senior School.
Yes, I never regretted having
them here, but maybe they
regretted having me here! I
taught them all chemistry at
one time or another.
You are also interested in computers...?
One of my achievements here was the introduction
of computing. I was responsible for getting the first
computer here in school. In those days it was fun. I’m
not convinced that it’s fun these days – not in the same
way. In those days it was up to us to make computers
do things and these days it’s more how do you use a
computer to produce this particular word document or
that spreadsheet. In other words you’re being dictated
to by the computer. Macs are still fun!
What other things are you pleased about?
There’s been a big change in the management of
Newtown and the school committee. Along with Simon
Harrison (the first non Quaker chairperson of the
committee), I put a lot of work into trying to break down
the barrier existing between the management and the
staff here.
How has modern technology changed teaching?
We’re obviously using a lot more in the way of
technology, but there’s still a lot to be said for the old
methods of teaching.
What do you plan on doing when you leave
Newtown?
Maybe you haven’t seen the last of me yet! I have an
acre of land and that will take quite a bit of work. I’m
going to carry on doing many of the things I already
enjoy.
Have you any advice for the students?
Learn what you can from anybody you can. Do what
you enjoy and enjoy what you do.
Is it true that you are in the top 10 smartest men in
Ireland?
Rumour is a lying jade, so no comment!
Who would you like to succeed you as a fourth year
tutor?
I think Sinead (Maher). I think she’d be very nice, unless
she has another group that would miss her.
If you were to be reincarnated what animal would
you like to come back as?
A cat because they are more dignified then dogs.
Thank You Friends!
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Departures Helen O’Byrne

By Robyn Mockler

Where are you originally from? What is your advice to

Dublin Tallaght before the development of the town students who have an
when it was a little village. We lived out in the country. interest in languages?
When did you start working in Newtown? To take every opportunity
I came in 1975. you can. To get involved
with the culture with a pen
You teach Spanish now, have you taught any other pal. If you get the chance
subjects throughout your career? to go abroad go and see
I taught French for most of my career but I’ve always how people live in different
had an interest in Spanish. I moved to teaching Spanish countries.
because I wanted to visit Peru in South America, so I
took extra classes to brush up on Spanish at lunch time What are your plans for
which then developed into a full timetable of teaching. the future?
Keep as active as I can,
What was your favourite subject to teach? that’s the most important thing.
Always Spanish, I have to admit.
Has much changed in Newtown since you have
Did you teach anywhere else or work abroad? started working here?
I taught for a year in Dublin before Newtown and before When I first came here I was a junior mistress in
that I did volunteer service abroad and I worked in the dorms, which were very cramped and very small! Then
Gilbert Islands in the Pacific for 2 years. I did 6 months we moved to the main buildings where I was senior
au pair in Spain and another 6 months in France. I also mistress. There were 3 houses joined together and the
worked as a post man in New Zealand for 6 months. (I girls lived in the different houses. I lived in dorms for 10
did my rounds on a bicycle!) years.

Do you think when learning a language that it is
important to live or work abroad?
I think it’s very important, just to get the feel of the
atmosphere of the country. It’s about the culture, the
food and the way people live in that country. The
concept of spending a year abroad while doing a
language degree for example the Erasmus programmes
are fantastic. These sorts of programmes weren’t
available when I was in college.
You are interested in horse riding, when did your
love of horse riding start?
I’ve always been interested in horses. My father was an
extremely competent horse man. He was a member of
the army equitation school, and I always wanted a pony
but was never allowed! But when I was old enough to
buy and look after my own horse I started riding.
How have you promoted this interest in horse riding
in school?
I organised interschool teams for show-jumping,
eventing and cross country competitions. I’ve always
encouraged students who wanted to learn to ride to take
lessons on Wednesdays.
Have you a motto you live your life by?
I have but I don’t know if I live by it or not but I always
say “Do onto others as you would have them do onto
you”
Where were the language rooms before Foster was
built?
There was a smaller building where the music rooms
are now, called La Poterne which meant the postern or
back gate. That was where French was taught at that
time.
Did the new buildings make a big change to your
life?
The new classrooms in Foster with internet access and
overhead projectors and other facilities were a very
welcome improvement. This area has now become a
language centre with French, German, Spanish and
Irish being taught there.
Random

What have been the highlights of your time in

Fact
Newtown? 1 in 5,000 north
I’ve loved most of it. It was hard in the beginning, being
Atlantic lobsters
in a new place I only thought I’d be here for a year but
Newtown is like an extension of my living room now. are born bright
blue.

5
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Departures Mary O’Halloran

By James O’Halloran

Basic Day at Newtown in September 1979 and

My day would start by sorting out the morning post. finishing in December 2009.
I then opened the post which was addressed to the
Principal, date-stamped it and put it on his desk. Change in Newtown
During the early morning I would type the Daily Notice I enjoyed working in
for distribution to various people. I also dealt with the Newtown very much and I
day-to-day enquiries about the school be they e-mail don’t think there is much to
or telephone conversations with interested people and change.
arranged appointments for parents with the principal for
a new or existing pupil. Responsibilities in the
This is just a small extract of my working day. Office
I was employed as School
Finishing in Newtown secretary/ Secretary to the
Since I retired in December 2009 I have found plenty Principal whom I worked closely with. Amongst the
of things to keep me occupied. I am obviously relaxing various office duties, I was responsible for sending out
a bit more but I have an involvement in several school reports at the end of term, preparing for new
organisations which I really enjoy. I have continued on pupil interviews, the scholarship day, Parent teacher
with typing classes twice weekly during evening time meetings and sending out documentation to staff for the
which I have always enjoyed doing and it keeps me in beginning and end of terms.
touch with the pupils and the school.
Favourite Member of Teaching Staff
3 words to describe Newtown? I really did not have a favourite teacher. I got on very
Interesting, different and very memorable. well with all the members of the teaching staff over the
years and always found them helpful.
How long have you worked at Newtown?
I worked at Newtown School for over 30 years starting Enjoy your retirement

6
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Departures
Early in this school year Tony Kelly retired from his posi-
Tony Kelly
despite the contemporary
tion in charge of the electrical and plumbing works at inclination to dispose of old
school. Happily for the School he continues to come in product and purchase anew.
one day a week to attend to jobs that need to be done In his workshop anything
and to pass on his knowledge and expertise to others that could conceivably be
taking on aspects of his work. He, and only he, knows useful at another time was
every pipe and cable, every switch and tap, every con- never thrown out. Each
nection and fuse in the school. autumn term as the weather
would become colder Tony
Prior to taking up the job at Newtown School Tony Kelly Kelly increased the heat:
had a key role with a major commercial and exporting when the weather improved
company that ran an extensive horticultural enterprise the temperature was low-
on The Island here in Waterford. He had responsibil- ered to conserve energy and keep costs down.
ity for maintaining the plant and machinery in a vast
greenhouse complex. The then bursar, Paddy Jolley, Residential staff members are especially grateful to
realised that in that role Tony Kelly had all the skills Tony Kelly. Whenever a fault arose, the plumbing got
that were needed at the time at Newtown School so he blocked or the lights went off or a radiator leaked, Tony
head hunted him, offering him a corresponding position Kelly was the man to call. He was always on hand,
on the staff at Newtown School. The years since have morning, noon and night. Out-of-hours he would be
confirmed the wisdom and the foresight of that appoint- back in immediately on receipt of a distress call.
ment.
Whenever a problem required specialist intervention
The appointment coincided with the expansion of plant Tony Kelly always knew which contractor should be
and associated support services at the school. Tony Kel- contacted. Contractors working to Tony Kelly knew that
ly oversaw the installation and operation of new pumps the work had to be delivered promptly and had to be to
and boilers. He provided full and proper maintenance. the highest standard. They all had the highest respect
He advised on further extensions and developments. for him.
When he began there were two propane gas cylinders
for the kitchen and many oil tanks for the heating. and Of course it is not just the work that Tony Kelly did, it
now there are 16 boilers with everything being powered is the way he did that work that is significant. Through
by natural gas. In more recent years Tony Kelly has everything Tony Kelly did, his personal qualities of
been a valued member of the School’s Planning Com- integrity, loyalty and commitment to being helpful and
mittee. supportive shone through. Tony Kelly has been a sig-
nificant person within the staff. He upheld and practised
Throughout his career Tony Kelly’s primary objective the principles of the School Community.
has been to give scholars the best service possible
within prevaling circumstances and resources. He Tony Kelly truly has given the School sterling service.
strove to ensure maximum output. He would restore
any equipment that broke down and would continue to H.P.C.
do so to the nth degree. In an age of in-built obsoles-
cence he delighted in restoring exhausted machinery
Random
Random Fact
Fact Odontophobia
In Michigan, a is the fear of
man legally owns teeth.
Random
his wifeÕ s hair
Fact Random
Xenophobia is a Fact
fear of The elephant is
Foreigners. the only animal
with 4 knees

7
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Departures
How long have you been in Newtown? 19 years.
How long have you been matron?
About 14 years. I was in charge of 1st year and 2nd
year boys in link before becoming matron.
What did you do before you looked after the girls?
I was looking after the junior boys in Link, which used to
be called Paddington Station, because the wind would
come in one end of the corridor and bang the door at
the other end, they were always clattering!
What does your job entail?
Well, my job entails mainly, supervising the boarder girls
out of school hours, liaising with their parents about
their general well-being and their travel arrangements,
and organising accommodation for the overseas girls if
they need it in Dublin or Waterford at long weekends,
and that sort of thing.
What are your hobbies?
Well I like gardening, hill walking in the Comeraghs
and visiting art galleries. I enjoy Dutch art and classical
music.
Do you grow your own vegetables?
Yes, I just put down a few potatoes and herbs this year.
You should see my vegetable patch!
And you have a gift for flower arranging!
Well my parents always had flowers around the house. I
think you just inherit a lot, it becomes a part you.
Thanks for the flower arrangements in the main
house.
Any plans for the future?
First I’d like to see more of Ireland, particularly Northern
Ireland; I hear Belfast is quite a vibrant city, so I’d like to
go there.
Have you enjoyed your time in Newtown?
Very much, I’ve met lovely people, lovely girls, and have
Random
Fact Random
In Cleveland, Ohio,
it is illegal to Fact
catch mice without The longest place name in
a hunting license Ireland is
Muckanaghederdauhaulia,
in Co. Galway
8
Trudy Walshe
By Brenna Traynor and Alice Bowring
been given tremendous
support by the people who
work here with me. So the
years have flown!
What have been the main
changes in dorms during
your time here?
Well, when I first came to
Newtown, the boarder girls
used to live in what were
known as the Newtown
buildings on the main Dunmore road, at the end of the
grit and they used to come across every morning. Then
it was decided to have a purpose built dormitory, so
Annamaur was built, and all the girls were moved in
here, which was a major change. The ghetto-blasters
have been replaced by iPods, and the endless queues
have gone from the phone boxes as people have
mobiles now.
You went to boarding school yourself did you not?
Yes, I went to boarding school in Wicklow a hundred
years ago!
Do you think boarding is a good experience for
students and why?
I do, I think it’s very good, but I favour the co-
educational boarding because I think boys and girls
should grow up alongside one another. These growing
years can’t be replicated at any later stage, so it’s a very
special time. I think in boarding school they achieve
independence and learn to map their lives. They have
all the advantages of supervised study, sporting facilities
and the lovely pool. They mix with other people from
different parts of the world. Living with them and getting
to know them is a very broadening experience and it’s
one of the great advantages of boarding. The bonds go
deep and generally last a lifetime.
You will be thoroughly missed by everyone.
(Especially all your girls!)
Random
Fact
Coca-Cola
was originally
green.
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Departures Glen Deacon

Glen Deacon was at school in Newtown for six years. On He is transferring to Midleton
leaving school he joined Mr. Hanlon’s team as student RFC for the 2010-2011 sea-
assistant looking after form 1 and form 2 boarder boys. son. They are an AIL division
While he was an assistant in dorms he pursued studies 2 club. He was on The Mun-
in Kildalton College and then went to WIT to study Con- ster Juniors’ Rugby Team
struction Management and Engineering. 2009-2010.

He was involved in taking prep., Saturday morning activi- He moved from being a stu-
ties, helping to run the pool, extra curricular activities and dent to having a supervisory
was a 1st year rugby coach. He was an Academy player role in the school seamlessly.
with Waterpark Rugby Club for the first year after leav- He always had a down to
ing school and progressed onto the Seniors’ Team for earth approach. We will miss
the last two years. He played on the Waterpark Rugby him and wish him the best of luck in his future rugby and
first fifteen for this season and played exceptionally well. career.

Matthew Lester

Interview with Matthew Lester –Junior Housemaster. archaeology, so basically

What did you think of Newtown?
It’s a lot different to what I remember. You had blazers
and school on Saturdays. I remember coming up on a
Saturday for a hockey blitz and saying to my friends that
they have school on Saturdays and how lucky we were
we didn’t go here. When I came here this year I knew
things have changed since then. It’s a good change; it
works and it’s good for a lot of the students.
So you have been here for a whole year dealing with
us lads would you do it again or take it back?
No I don’t think I have any regrets, I tried to do every-
thing I could. I did as many trips as I could, and as
many activities with the different years as possible so
in that perspective it was a very rewarding year for me.
I got to try a lot of things in terms of the work side of
things and I don’t think I would change any of it. In any
job you have to expect that the first couple of weeks are
going to be a bit difficult. But once you find your feet and
know where you stand it all seems to race by.
So after having dinner here so many times what
would be your favourite?
Ohhh big list I love the food here I like the chicken tan-
doori, the chicken pie; I like the chicken fricassee and I
like the lasagne. What other dinners are there Adam?
So is it better then Bandon food then?
I ate everything there too, but I would say the standard
of food is better here but in Bandon there was a bigger
rotation of dinners but the quality wasn’t as good.
So you went to school in Bandon but what did you
do in college?
I went to UCC and took an Arts degree in History, Ar-
chaeology, Geography, and Philosophy. In second year
I dropped philosophy and geography and stayed on to
study archaeology and history. After my undergraduate
I stayed on in UCC and did a Masters in Human Osteo-
digging up dead people.
In that what was the cool-
est thing you have found
while at a dig?
Well I found an 8000 year
old knife once which was a
nice find. In terms of a whole
feature we once excavated
a manmade island. It was
created by diverting water
from a millrace to an open field site where it formed the
boundaries of a small industrial area. The 6th Century
Island was used for metal and glass production at an
early ecclesiastical centre and so was very rewarding to
excavate.
Favourite place to chill out in Newtown?
I really like the grounds, walking around the grit pitch
and around the walls of the school. There is a nice bit
of space around the pitches and it doesn’t feel like the
walls are coming in on you. Down on the rugby pitches
teaching football and rugby would be my favourite
place.
So after doing this what will you do?
Yes definitely. I’m going back to UCC next year to do a
Higher Diploma in Education. So after that I’ll starting a
career in teaching with any luck.
Will we see you next year?
I’ll pop my head in from time to time.
Final words?
It’s been a fantastic year, I have a lot of great memories
and it has far exceeded my expectations. I have had
a lot of fun, Romania was incredible, Killary was great
craic. I’ve had a lot of fun and no complaints.

9
Gapper
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Interviews
Do you like the newspaper job?
Ah, the newspaper job... walking from the office to the
staff room carrying the news of the country. It is giving
me killer biceps, and helps me maintain my arm wres-
tling champion status.
Where do you come from?
The land of moose, icicles, lumber jacks, elusive bea-
vers and artists like Nickleback and Nelly Furtado. Mix
it all up, add a bit of ‘eh’ to it and what do you have?
Canada!
Where have you been in Europe?
I have danced under the Tuscan sun ( to the best of
my ability which if you have been looking outside of
prep every so often you will know it’s not good at all),
frolicked through the Mediterranean sea(on the French
side) and ‘Como esta?’ed in Spain.
Is Ireland the ‘best’ country you’ve been too?
p
Ireland for sure is the ‘best’ country. Though, Cuba I
have to say was truly amazing. Go there and learn to
salsa and swim in waterfalls. And I would highly recom-
p
mend going to China, and trying the crazy delicacy of
the century old egg. It was disgusting.
a
What building do you find most annoying in New-
G
town?
Link is pretty annoying; it’s the stairs for sure. That is
why I avoid the top floor in Nest: stairs.
Do you prefer sleeping with sick kids or annoying
kids?
So long as they all live in a shoe and that shoe can be
put out in the rain, I am fine with either.
How do you find getting around here?
Oh my sweet pumpkin pie, you have no idea how easy
it is. One end of the country to another in UNDER A
DAY? And they say Leprechauns don’t exist....Fools.
Which is your favourite pub in Waterford?
Dignity: as they have the best music and the nicest
people. And to borrow a phrase (as a foreigner) the
‘best craic’ ever! Though in truth I don’t think it counts as
a pub...
Geoff’s: Because it’s like doing the time warp, stepping
into history. And it makes me think a wee bit like I am
going for a drink in a dark corner so that no one can
hear the information about to be passed between myself
10
Ruby Black
By Alice Bowring & Octavian Fitzherbert
and Sherlock Holmes.
Three Ships: Similarly
to Geoff’s, a bit of a
time warp but more
Moulin Rouge like.
What is your favourite
drink in the pub?
Cough cough...water...
cough
What is your favourite
meal for lunch?
Beans, chips and sau-
sages. Take a little bit of each add a bit of ketchup and
mayo and oh my God! Perfection.
r
How do you find the country amidst the epidemic?
e
Massively chaotic. Everyone talks about recession,
rugby and X Factor. Now I may come from a place
where the national sport is people beating each other
up amidst chasing a black flat thing on ice but I find all
three of those things rather jarring on the mind.
Which jobs did you find the most tedious?
Definitely talking to the students and the staff. It is a
rough day in paradise when you have to deal with so
many nice people, but somebody has to do it.
Which teacher did you like the most?
I would not be able to choose one. It would be like pick-
ing your favourite child but....
Glen: By the time this review is published you will prob-
ably have succeeded in tossing me in the pool. You
know I say this with a smile on my face. But thank you
so much for the year. It was great fun to hang out with
you.
Mrs. Lennon: I fear the ringing phone now because of
you. I hope you are happy and just for that I will abolish
strawberry jam and declare raspberry jam as the only
jam consumable.
Mr. Lester: My breakfast partner in crime. This year
would not have been as action packed or fantastically
radical without you here. Thanks for tossing me in the
bog, showing me around the country and being awe-
some.
Mr. Ronan: Thank you so much for taking the time to
throw snow in my face, challenging me mentally, watch-
ing movies and having the ‘craic’. I’m really going to
miss you.
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
Luke William Patrick Thornton
By Fiona Carty and Hannah Cantopher

Where in Australia are you from? What is your favourite

I am from Torquay, Victoria. fashion trend in
Newtown
Why did you choose a gap year? I like how they mix the
I chose a gap year because I didn’t know what I wanted uniform...So everybody
to do at university. can still be individual.

Why did you come to Ireland? Favourite school

I came to Ireland because half of my family are from meal?
here. You know Delaney. I didn’t know what I wanted The chicken pie is good,
to do at University so I thought a gap year would be and the Sunday roast is
perfect. delicious.

Name three things you like about Ireland.
I like the weather even when it’s cold.
I like the way Irish people party.
I like Irish slang.
Name three things you like about Newtown
- Everybody is awesome
- I like all the ... like ... umm it’s real posh like.... posh
and relaxed at the same time.
Biggest legend in the school?
Ruby Black the Canadian Gapper.
Favourite food in the vendies?
Skittles! Except they got rid of them pretty disappointing.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Because she saw a red rooster on the other side. (Red
Rooster is a famous fast food shop in Australia).

r
- I like all the extra activities and sports.
If you couldn’t study teaching which is what you

e
Name three things you don’t like about Newtown. want to do, what would you do?
I don’t like the way there is no central heating in Nest. I’d become a musician, or a PE teacher because I love

p
I don’t like early mornings. both sport and music.

What did you find most difficult on arrival to If you could be reincarnated what would you come

p
Newtown? back as? And why?
How cool and happy everyone was (everyone’s cool in A cheetah- they’ve always been my favourite big cat.

a
Australia just different cool). They also are really fast and I like to run.

What do you miss most about home?

G
My friends and family definitely and Australia itself.

Do you have any brother or sisters? Describe them. Quotablees

I have three older sisters
First is Tricia-Rose she’s 23 and the smartest out of all
Quot t does one line two line ten
- “Wha
Hegarty
of us, if you can trust anybody it would be Tricia. Jessica
date.”
Second is Catherine with a C. She’s just turned 21 and mean?” tt ig a n - “It’s the
G e
is studying to be a nurse. She’s very beautiful. Mrs. Mc hloride?”
a y - “Who’s C .”
Last is Emily Felix Proctor. She is 19 turning 20. She’s
Sarah G
all o w n N.G.O
my best friend and the most fun to be around. a n e x a mple of a
e
- “Give m
Mr. Cox r- “Tanzania!” hen they
What’s the funniest/weirdest experience you have Paul Po
rte p le s a y ‘Jésus’ w
eo
panish p
had here in Newtown? ’B yrne - “S onna’s
I flooded my room on my second day here. I didn’t do it
M s . O
t J é s u s was Mad
sneeze.” garty - “I thoug h
on purpose but yeah it happened. He
Jessica int- oh
boyfrie n d ?”
n o is e girls, get
is all this
What sports do you play?
a ls h e - “What hristmas tree!”
Ms. W kC
lovely pin
My favourite sport is basketball but I also play tennis
t th e es!”
and football (AFL). look a
“L e t’s p lay Giraff
ins - des?”
ley-Coll an Chara
Abi Hur - “Y o u m e
Do the Irish say any weird words? alloway
Yes you say Duvet for Douna and Flip Flops for Thongs. Sarah G

11
Diary
Newtown Review 2009-2010
of the School Year
September
Sept 2nd:
A big thank you to Tony Kelly for his contribution to the
school over the years. A presentation was made to him
to mark his retirement.
HAVE A GOOD YEAR AND DO YOUR BEST!
Sept 8th:
“You cannot soar with the eagles if you hoot with the
owls”. Get to bed early everyone!
Congratulations to Daniel Pim who has been selected
for the Leinster Rugby U 18 Youth Squad.
Sept 10th:
Nine Newtown players have been selected to travel to
Glenstal in the Munster “A” to play in a practise match.
Sept 15th:
A supervised study during extended break. Not fair!
Sept 16th:
Well done to Michael Chan who is travelling to Croatia
as part of the Irish Kickboxing Team in the European
Champions.
Sept 17th:
The South East Relays for Orienteering will take place
at Kennedy Park.
Sept 23rd:
Well done to the U 16 rugby team on their 32-0 victory
over Waterpark.
Sept 25th:
Welcome to two visitors from Japan.
Old scholar’s reunion this weekend.
Sept 26th:
The Old Scholars mixed match hockey match took
place today. The school put up a great performance but
were unfortunate to lose 2-0. Well Done!
12
Sept 28th:
Thank you to the fourth years that went on the
Gealtacht trip for your excellent behaviour.
Sept 30th:
Good luck to Tom O’Brien and Stephen Ennis who will
travel with the Munster U 18 Hockey Squad.
Also to Laura Power, Heidi McIlvenny ,Becky Barr and
Ruth Harrison who will play for the South East in the
inter- provincial tournament.
Congratulations to Conor Bellew, member of the band
MGRB who were the winners of the Irish Youth Music
Awards.They will launch a CD, which they recorded
during the summer at 1pm on Saturday, October 3rd.
Good luck to the Munster “A” rugby players playing
Leinster.
October
Oct 1st:
Students went to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Oct 2nd:
Earthquake in East Sumatra, Indonesia measuring 7.6
on the Richter scale.
Oct 6th:
“Ode to a Comfy Bed”
Groans all around!!
Oct 7th:
Congratulations to the Chamber Choir who were chosen
to sing in the Regional Final “Co-operation Ireland
School Choir of the Year” along with 4 other choirs
Oct 12th:
Well done to the Show Jumping teams who took part in
the Schools Championship and came 2nd and 4th out of
48 teams.
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Oct 14th: to Sarah Yates who received a scholarship to UCD.

First meeting of this year to announce the jobs for the Well done to the senior girls who won their match
Newtown Review Team! against the Waterford Ladies team 3-0 yesterday.
John O’Donoghue resigned today. It was the first ever Well done to Thea Johnson who made it through to
resignation of a Ceann Comhairle. the quarter-finals of the Munster Schools Debating
Competition yesterday.
Oct 20th:
The Mayor visited the school. Nov 18th:
Students in fifth year who completed the President’s Thierry Henry’s handball goal knocks Ireland out of the
Award were awarded with certificates and a small World Cup. Uproar all over Ireland.
bronze plaque.
Nov 20th:
Oct 30th:
‘New Moon’ out today. Girls dorms are filled with posters
Halloween.
of Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

Nov 21st:
Jedward leave the X-Factor tonight. Their names will go
down in history!

November
Nov 2nd:
Well done to the chamber choir whose performance on
the RTE program ‘All Island Schools Choir’ was aired
last night.
We welcome Mrs. Jill Ryan and Ms. Jean O’Carroll
who take over Mrs. Maher’s classes while she is on
maternity leave. Nov 23rd:
Exams begin today for years 2, 3 and 5. Pupils look
Nov 3rd: forward to strike day tomorrow!
Conner Bellew’s band ‘MGRB’ are featured in an article Well done to the junior boy’s badminton team of Jamie
in this month’s ‘Hot Press’ magazine. Petch, Sam Butler, Alex Hackett and Alan Jephson who
won their league in Lismore on Friday.
Nov 5th: Severe floods across the country with Cork being one of
Well done to the 1st year girls who won their match 4-0 the worst affected areas.
against Ursuline yesterday.
Nov 24th:
Nov 9th: School is closed for the day. Teachers all over the
Last night Jedward preformed the infamous ‘Ghost Country strike.
Busters’ on the x-factor!
We remember the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Nov 30th:
Berlin Wall. New Pennys store opens in town today. Yay! Exams
finish today for 2nd, 3rd and 5th years.
Nov 10th:
‘Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and
healthy for the body’.
Well done to Grace and Bertram Allen who represented
Ireland at a show jumping competition in England. They December
both won medals.
Dec 1st:
Nov 12 :
th
Congratulations to the 45 T.Y. students who completed
Transition year students deliver workshops to primary level 2 kayaking certificate in freezing cold conditions
schools around the city today. (while the other years were doing exams so don’t
expect any sympathy!)
Nov 13th:
Mr. Lemon urges us to ‘search for quality but accept our Dec 3rd:
own shortcomings’. Milk cartons arrive in lunch today.

Nov 17 :
th
Congratulations to Sarah Petch and Oisin Brogan who
were awarded scholarships to Trinity College Dublin and
Dec 4th:
Good luck to Ruairi Finnegan who as part of the
Irish Sailing Association National Optimist Squad will
compete in Palma next week.

13
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Dec 7th:
Well done to the show jumping team who came 2nd in
Ballinamona on Saturday.
Congratulations to Louise Kent who competed in the
Munster Senior Schools Swimming Championships.
Louise won 1 gold and 2 silver medals.
January
Jan 7th:
Well done to everyone who got into school today!
Mountmellick has had some water damage due to
broken pipes, so it is out of bounds until it is fixed.
Jan 11th:
We’re all snowed in!
Jan 12th:
A catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred in
Haiti.
Jan 13th:
A big welcome to Luke Thornton from Australia who
is our new gap student and will work alongside Ruby
Black.
Jan 15th:
“This morning we think of the people of Haiti and the
devastation that is visited upon this poor country”.
Good luck to Neil Dunne who will perform at the
National Concert Hall tomorrow with the Dublin Youth
Orchestra.
Jan 18th:
Well done to the Senior Rugby Team on their draw with
Enniscorthy.
Jan 19th:
They’re back with a vengeance! The Mad for Milk Mini
Company. Milk on sale today!
Jan 25th:
Well done to the two Model UN teams who travelled
to Cork at the weekend. Special mention to Heidi
McIlvenny and Olivia Chambers who both won an
award for the “most improved delegate” and to Sliabh
Wells and Kaija Kennedy who received special mention
for their excellent performances.
14
Jan 26th:
Well done to all the Mini Companies last night who put
on a great exhibition of their work.
Jan 27th:
An earthquake measuring 8.8 in magnitude occurred in
Chile today.
Jan 28th:
Congratulations to the Senior Rugby Team on their 20-3
victory against Villiers.
Jan 29th:
“Famous for not wanting to be famous” T.D. Salinger-
who wrote Catcher in the Rye died today.
Good luck to Transition years who go on work
experience for the next two weeks.
Also best wishes to all 2nd years that are going on the
ski trip.
A Primary School Spikeball Blitz will take place in the
Foy Hall this morning.
February
Feb 1st:
Congratulations to the Junior Rugby Team who won
their semi-final in Newcastle west by 40-0.
Well done to the senior maths team who came 2nd in the
Irish Maths Teachers Association quiz in Kilkenny.
Feb 8th:
George Lee resigns from the Dáil and from Fine Gael,
just nine months after his election.
Feb 11th:
“Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk”.
Feb 23rd:
Trevor Sargent has resigned as Minister of State in the
Department of Agriculture after accepting that he made
‘an error of judgement’ in contacting gardaí about a
case involving a constituent.
Feb 22nd: Congratulations to Jonathan Morris who gave
a lunchtime recital in Christchurch Cathedral.
National tree week begins today.
Feb 26th: “We should be decent and true in everything
we do”.
Congratulations to Ruah Bearney Pearson who won first
place in a senior piano competition in Feis Maitiu Cork
yesterday. Well done also to Lydia Thorpe on winning
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

first place in a senior alto competition in Kilkenny this Mar 18th:

weekend. Swine flu vaccinations take place today.

March Mar 19th:

A smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen,
Mar 1 :
st
for it is something that is not value until it is given
Well done to The Marvellous Magic Movie mini
away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile.
company who won the overall award at Waterford City
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so
Enterprise Awards. Well done also to Saga Waste
much as he who has no more to give. Anon.
Compacting, Top Tips 4 Girlz and Habitat for Humanity
who all won commendations.
Mar 23rd:
National pig day.
Swimming Gala takes place today.

Mar 26th:
Daffodil day in aid of Irish Cancer Society.

April
Mar 2nd: Apr 1st:
New vending machines start arriving in legoland and International fun at work day.
the foyer bringing with them the return of the Freddo!
Apr 12th:
“Is heaven just an endless supply of chocolate?”
Senior girls changing room has been fitted with a
smoke alarm!
Congratulations to the under 14 Girls tennis team who
won their match against St. Flanan’s, Ennis.
Mar 5th: The Bear is back!
World maths day.
Seachtain na Gaelige starts today and lasts for two Apr 10th:
weeks! A Russian plane crashed killing the Polish president,
his wife and many other dignitaries as they travelled
Mar 8th: to Russia.
Congratulations to Rebecca Hoban who reached the
Apr 14th:
National Gymnastics Final in 4 disciplines.
An earthquake measuring 6.9 occurred in China.
International Women’s day
The Volcano, Eyjafjallajokull, erupted in Iceland.

Well done to everyone who won medals at Waterford Apr 15th:

Schools orienteering last Thursday.
Irish man Richard Baneham wins an Oscar for his
work on visual effects on Avatar.
Mar 9th:
Terrorists arrested in Waterford today accused of being
involved in an alleged murder plot against Swedish
cartoonist Lars Vilks.
Mar 11th:
The premiere of ‘Dracula’ takes place tonight in
Greyfriars Abbey.
Congratulations to Dearbhaile Maclean, Hugh
O’Farrell-Walsh and Paul Murray who were accepted
into the Irish Youth Choir.
Congratulations to Sam Butler, Alex Hackett, Alan
Jephson and Barog Kennedy who beat St. Ann’s,
Killaloe 3-0 in tennis.
Apr 16th:
Well done to the first year girls’ hockey team who
came second in their league.
Also, well done to those who participated in the Irish
Schools Orienteering Championships.

Mar 16th: Apr 22nd:

Best wishes to the Chamber Choir as they travel Congratulations to Ruadhan Treacy on coming first in
to Lisburn today to visit our sister school “Friends, the Japanese Language Teachers of Ireland Speech
Lisburn”. Contest.
Earth Day.
Mar 17th:
St. Patrick’s Day.

15
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Apr 23rd: May 21st:

Well done to the 1st year girl’s team who beat the Abbey Former conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein return
1-0 and the Ursuline 6-0 in their tournament. home to Cork today.
5th year head off to UCC.
May 24th:
Apr 24 :
th
Enterprise week.
Good luck to Briony Somers who competes in the final
of the All-Ireland Schools Debating Competition. May 25th:
Good luck to all Associated Board exam candidates.
Apr 26th: Clan 1500m race today.
Well done to the under 15 girl’s hockey who drew 0-0
with Dungarvan. May 26th:
National fish and chips day.
Apr 27th: Well done to the winners of the Old Scholar Short Story
Best wishes to the Marvellous Magic Movie Mini and Poetry Competition.
Company who compete in the national Enterprise
Awards at Croke Park.

Apr 29th:
Transition Tear annual kayaking trip.
Well done to all those who went to the Waterford
Schools’ Athletics.

Apr 30th:
Congratulations to the Chamber Choir who won their
section at the Cork Choral Festival.
June
June 1st:
May Transition year evening showing all the ‘work’ done
during the year.
May 3rd:
Thank you to Ms. Jean O’Carroll for stepping in for Ms June 3rd:
Maher, who has now back after maternity leave. Locker survey for everyone today!
Well done to the boy’s tennis team on winning the
Munster Schools semi-final against Clonmel High
School 3-0.

May 5th:
Ash returns with a vengeance grounding many flights.

May 6th:
“Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry
about its own thing”.
Congratulations to all who participated in the East June 4th:
Munster girls Athletics Competition. Sports day and country market. Clan colours
everywhere!!
May 10th:
Bono is 50 today.

May 13th:
The first year choir, senior choir and the chamber choir Newtown Association
have their exams today.
Well done to Nichola Fennell and Olivia Chambers who ‘Fullfilling the needs of a parents association’
won the mixed Badminton Tournament in the Ursuline.
Newtown Association would like to thank every-
May 17th: body who sponsored and supported the Country
Good luck to all those who will compete in the Inter Market on the last day of term. The day was a
Schools Competition in Cork. great success. We now have an email address
where you can contact us.
May 19th: Email : newtownassociation@newtownschool.ie.
The traffic lights at the end of the drive are turned on
today.

16
ReviewsGAMES
After all the hype a year ago at E3 (the years big game
convention), square softs (a game designer) new game
has finally hit the shelves. As a devoted fan of square
enix/soft games I pre-ordered the game weeks ahead of
release. The game sold 5 million plus copies in its first
week of sales out selling modern warfare’s first week.
My collection of Square enix (now square soft) is ever
growing and as a result I have had the privilege of playing
some of the best rpg (role playing games, where you live
out the story of a particular character) games of the past
2 decades. Any self respecting rpg fan will have played
Final Fantasy 7 and maybe even 8 and 9. For me Final
fantasy games, although they don’t follow a common sto-
ry progression, can only be measured against each other
and the same is to be said about Final Fantasy 13. What
has made Final Fantasy so special for me over the years
has been the depth created in each game. Most games
warrant almost 100 hours of game play without losing
pace. The Final Fantasy games have consistently cre-
ated both convincing, interesting characters and mystic,
intricate plots. Thankfully Final Fantasy 13 has managed
to get all this right. I have played 100 plus hours and
there is still probably about 20 hours left and hopefully
even some DLC (downloadable content) to come. The
characters have yet to become dull and there are hints
of even more revealing cut scenes to come even after
completing the main story. Another trademark of the Fi-
nal Fantasy games has been the cut scenes. Fans of
Final Fantasy 7 will undoubtedly remember the almost
DVD quality of the cut scene where Aries was returned
to the lifestream. Cut scenes are not the only aspect of
Final Fantasy games that have proven visually stunning.
Although Square soft is not known for creating the most
lifelike and visually convincing in game characters there
has yet to be a release where the scenery both passive
and active has failed to outperform the consoles. This
holds true for Final Fantasy 13. The areas you will ex-
plore in the game are the most stunning I have seen in
a game so far. God of War 3 and Gears of War 2 dwarf
in comparison to the scale and beauty of Final Fantasy’s
landscapes.
Everything about the game has kept to square soft’s high
standards of production but there have been some major
Newtown Review 2009-2010
By Stephen Ennis
changes. The biggest of all was to the battle system and
how one encounters enemies. Unlike before when run-
ning around in a certain area gave you a random encoun-
ter out of a set of enemies for that area you can now spot
your foes lurking around. Get too close and they will most
likely spot you and you will be thrown into battle. Sneak
up without them noticing and you will gain the initiative
and a sizeable advantage. To some this is a pleasant
change. You now have some control over what battles
you get involved in personally I still have mixed feelings
about it. It takes away some of the work one used to have
to do to find a particular enemy and it also removes some
of excitement of not knowing what the next battle holds.
To make up for this each battle is absolutely spectacu-
lar square soft have really perfected the look of the en-
emies their attacks and movement. In HD you will find
yourself hunting for enemies just to watch them blow up,
be slashed to colourful pieces and disappear under your
might.
Finally I must highlight why this game has been met by
fans of final fantasy and people new to the game with
such mixed feeling. For the first time ever there is a Final
Fantasy game that is based around a completely linear
storyline as in if I play the game I will get the same expe-
rience and storyline as everyone else. Unlike any of the
other games there is absolutely no voluntary interaction
with anyone else in the world. I’m serious the game has
too much pace there is literally no way of controlling the
story it is the definition of linear gaming. For me this is
what turned the game away from the greatest I’ve ever
played to a game with the greatest potential I have ever
encountered. There is practically no time to just relax
and explore an area to find people to talk to and interest-
ing enemies to fight. The linear theme continues into the
levelling up of characters there is no way of modifying
defence speed or accuracy of characters which leads to
a pretty uniform set of characters which takes the indi-
vidual touch out of working with and improving certain
characters. By making the game more linear it becomes
more accessible but less fun for the fans.
I don’t want to reveal much of the story because I re-
ally do want people to go out and experience the game
for yourself despite its flaws it is wonderful, completely
consuming and epic fun. The rest is for you to discov-
er. A couple of tips don’t ignore or skip cut scenes as
you will soon get lost as to what is happening also don’t
lose heart some enemies can only be defeated later in
the game if you start to get frustrated leave the game
for a couple days check the web for possible solutions
and come back later.There are 13 chapters to explore
each one documents a significant progression in the plot.
Overall the game gets a solid 9/10 so close to gaming
heaven it just lacks that extra flexibility.
17
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Random Pics
Swine
Flu by Stephen Ennis

I contracted swine flu. I probably got it

in school from a carrier who didn’t have
symptoms. On a Saturday, two weeks before
midterm, it came on at 3:30am. I awoke with
an excruciating headache in a cold sweat.
I got out of bed only to go temporarily
blind from a rush of blood to the head and
collapsed. My temperature was wavering
between 40 C–42 C. Above this is within the
threshold of brain damage. I was surprised
to find out this isn’t uncommon in swine
flu cases. The fight your immune system
puts up at this point is enough to cause the Tree Hugger
fever and is a good reason why swine flu
is dangerous. If you have an underlining
condition (mine: history of asthma) it is the
immune systems response that can be most
damaging. Swine flu exacerbated the affect
of asthma on my lungs by forcing them into
overdrive. As my blood pressure spiked and
I had to breathe heavily to give my body
enough oxygen. The next day was hellish
like a bad case of food poisoning, but with
a rasping cough and a splitting headache.
The fever at this early stage was causing
visual hallucinations, loss of balance and
made me believe I was freezing to death.
I got the Tamiflu that evening. By morning
I could eat a small breakfast although
not much but my temperature had fallen
all the way to 38.5C, above normal but
comfortable in comparison. For me the Superman
Tamiflu worked wonders but it has been
proven to be tempermental. From there
on it was downhill. But I felt the effects of
the swine flu for about four weeks. I had

Quotablees
become imeno suppressed. My immune
system put up such a fight that it needed
to recover thus causing the sniffles and
fatigue. My experience of swine flu was
Quot s like
he
ound
crow s
mild as I was in good health and probably “That
didn’t catch enough of the virus for it to take D o w ling – go to
Chris t h r o at.” , h e s hould
a firm hold of my system. That said it was sore – “Yea
h
a nightmare of a week that I don’t want to has a e Garry
a n i
repeat! Steph
t.”
nest.” o p y ran ou
c
– “My to?”
a n i e Garry e d i d it run
Step h “Whe r
rwan –
Ms. Ki

18

concerts
Bell X1 Review
By Clive Kennington
Bell X1 a pop-
ular Irish rock
band, played
a gig in the Fo-
rum Waterford
on Saturday
12 December
2009, as part
of their blue
lights on the
runway tour.
Playing a mix of songs from their previous & current al-
bum (“flock” and “blue lights on the runway” respectively)
as well as a few favourites, they produced a quality per-
formance.
They came out on stage encouraging, everyone to come
closer to the stage and opened with How Your Heart is
Wired from their new album.”
The best songs on the night from flock would have to
be, “Flame”, “Rocky Took a Lover”, and, “Bad Skin Day”.
“The Great Defector” was definitely the best song from
blue lights on the runway, and proved to be a real crowd
pleaser.
The most impressive performances were “Tongue” and
“My First Born for a Song,” which really came alive and
sounded even better than the recorded versions; with an
incredible mix of sound & furious playing, made all the
more intense by the light effects.
A slightly unusual choice to finish on, they ended the
night with “Alphabet Soup” including the characteristic
banjo solo.
It’s a pity that there wasn’t a bigger turnout for the lads;
although the gig was well supported the venue was by no
means full. The supporting act “Oppenheimer” also de-
serve a mention, a two piece band punching well above
their weight, with electric effects and great energy.
All in all it was a great gig and well produced. I’d recom-
mend it to anyone interested in Indie/Rock music.
JLS Concert Review.
By Robyn and Rachel
We went to the JLS concert on the 27th of February 2010.
The gates were supposed to open at 6:30. When we ar-
rived at the O2, we were shocked to see that no one was
there except for about 20 girls holding signs and wearing
their JLS hoodies. We went up and asked a woman who
worked there where everyone was, and she told us that
there was a set seating plan so that no one had to wait
in line, they just had to come in when the concert started
Newtown Review 2009-2010
and get their seats. We felt embarrassed that we came
so early and began walking into O’Connel St, when we
saw a red tour bus with black tinted windows go past
us, towards the O2. Naturally, we didn’t think much of it,
until we saw that it was turning into the O2, and the few
girls that were there started screaming. In shock, we ran
back as fast as we could, only to see them coming out
of their bus, towards us! Nearly fainting in happiness we
got pictures with the band and a few hugs and kisses too!
We were on a high for the rest of the day! After getting a
bit to eat, we ventured back to the O2 and waited in the
queue for about 10 minutes before getting to our seats.
Unfortunately, we were not allowed to sit together. Then
the lights went off and we watched the support acts, Fa-
cebook, and DJ Steve Daly. Then everything went light
again for a while, but then JLS came on with their open-
ing song ‘Private’ and we both nearly cried with joy. They
did their dancing and paid a tribute to Michael Jackson
by singing four of his songs in the middle of the concert.
They sang acapella for their song ‘Close to You’, except
for the guitar line played by DJ Steve Daly. At the end
of the concert, they said goodbye and the crowd went
screamed for more, but they came back out and sang
their final song ‘Everybody in Love’. To be honest, words
cannot even attempt to describe what a great concert it
was.
O Emperor
By Naomi Warren and Adam Torrie
From: Waterford
Members: Paul Savage, Alan Comerford, Philip Christie,
Brendan Fennessy and Richie Walsh
Famous for: Debut single ‘Po’ which was well received
and a recent appearance on RTE’s Other Voices.
Releases so far: Persephone EP, Reverie EP.
Paul, singer and guitarist met the other four members in
secondary school. They had all been friends since pri-
mary school, and they all moved to Cork to attend col-
lege. Four out of five lads studied Music Management
and Sound Production courses, which is handy recording
an album.
Critically acclaimed as “Nothing short of genius” by Hot
Press it’s clear that this band is going to be real big in the
future.
O Emperor has been compared to well known bans like
Vaguely Fleet Foxes, Grizzly Bear and Radiohead. Their
music is similar to 70’s slow burning, soft-core rock of
The Band or Neil Young.
With a current EP out now and another just released the
band is set to release their album this coming Septem-
ber. They haven’t stopped working since releasing their
EP. Recently they have been opening for “Ocean Colour
Scene” and “Mumford and Sons”.
The cover for their recent EP was made by a past New-
19
Newtown Review 2009-2010

films
town student Steve O’Connell who did the art work and
designed the cover.
Be sure to catch them at a venue or even at Oxygen and
look out for their well waited album out in September!
Hurt Locker
By James O’Halloran

This is an epic story

The Arctic monkeys about the bravery of
bomb technicians in
By Adam Torrie present day Iraq. The
November 26th, the O2 Arena and the” Arctic Monkeys”, film follows a squad
in what was the last show of their outstanding tour. What of combat engineers,
a night! whose long serving and
well respected sergeant
The “Eagles of Death Metal” opened the evening, warm-
was killed in a bomb
ing up the crowd and readying them for the “Monkeys” to
strike. He is replaced by an amazingly skilled bomb
take centre stage.
technician. The rest of the squad have to put up with his
Darkness swept through the Arena, as the intensity built wildcard and reckless behaviour.
there were screams of excitement ringing through the
This film is filled with “edge of your seat” tension and mind
arena. This promised to be a good night. The curtains
blowing explosions. You develop a sense of dependence
opened, followed by billowing smoke. Out from the haze
and camaraderie as you get to know the squad and who
emerged the “Monkeys”. An hour and a half of our all
trust one another through turbulent times. This movie will
time favourites and numbers from their fantastic new al-
grab your attention and keep you in suspense until the
bum made for a memorable concert. It was truly one of
end.
their best shows to date.
This is an incredible movie which appeals more to
Like all true entertainers they captured the attention
the male species, stuffed with macho moments and
of their audience. Cheeky jokes entertained the crowd
garnished with the psychological message of the horror
and Jamie, believing ‘when in Rome’, drank Guinness
of war. It’s no wonder that The Hurt Locker walked away
throughout.
with 7 Oscars.
It can be rare to feel that you got value for your hard
earned money nowadays, but that was the best €40 I
have spent this year. So if you are looking for a night
filled with a genuine ‘feel good night’, check out ‘The Arc- New Moon
tic Monkeys” at a venue near you. By Alice Bowring

Well, it’s finally out. The long anticipated second

instalment in the hugely popular twilight series of films
has arrived in cinemas (and by the time you read this is
probably in the DVD section of Tesco!)
For those of you not yet in the know, New Moon is the
second film adaptation of the bestselling Twilight series
of “vampire romance” novels by Stephanie Meyer that
have so far sold over 85 million copies.
New Moon follows on from the hugely popular Twilight
and has itself grossed over 142 million dollars on its first
weekend. This new movie however differs in terms of plot
but keeps the same mix of fantasy, romance and teenage
angst that made both the series and the film so popular.
This new film continues the plot that centres on the
relationship between mortal Bella (Kirsten Stewart) and
eternally teenage, vampire, heartthrob Edward Cullen
(Robert Pattinson), in line with the second book in the
series.
In this film we see Edward leave Bella and character Jacob
Black (Taylor Lautner) comes to the fore. Bella is devastated
when Edward and his family leave town promising never
to be seen again. However, family friend Jacob is there
to pick up the pieces and slowly bring Bella back to her
own self. As their relationship grows, so does Jacob

20
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
until one day
he disappears.
Avatar
By Glen Ruane
However, she
soon finds out Hyped as being the film that would change cinema
something forever, Avatar hit cinemas this year, bringing in the first
strange is going live action film in 3D available in all cinemas. Directed by
on with Jacob James Cameron (director of Titanic and Aliens), Avatar is
Black and it is set in the distant future, where humans have gone into
all linked with space in search of land and materials. We follow Jake,
Edward and a wheelchair-bound ex-marine, who is enlisted into the
the rest of the Avatar programme, where humans control alien bodies,
Cullen family. to try and make peace with the native aliens, the Na Vi, on
Overall, New the planet Pandora. The main attraction of Avatar is the
Moon has a 3D and it doesn’t disappoint, from the spectacular fight
very impressive scenes to the dense jungles, the effects are stunning.
visual look to
it- more so than
the original film
and improves
Up In The Air
on many aspects. With strong acting, particularly from There is no better film to wrap up a (frankly) terrible
Pattinson, a strong plot and excellent production, this film decade (in terms of news events, unemployment, the
is certainly a must see for all. With the next instalment, economy, the media stronghold, technology, narcissism,
Eclipse already in production and set for release late next vanity obsession, violence and hostility) than Up in the Air.
year the Twilight series seems set to go from strength to The film, the best I’ve seen all year and one of the best
strength. of the decade, captures many of the factors that made
this decade miserable. The 70’s may have been bad
economically but hey, at least we had Bruce Springsteen

UP and real music on the radio, women still seemed to like

By Glen Ruane
Up is the story of retired balloon salesman Carl
Fredrickson who decides to fly his house (using millions
of balloons) to South America, to live out his late wife’s
dream. He soon discovers a stowaway in his flying house,
Russell, an 8-year old scout. The film’s story is told in a
different perspective than usual as it shows life through
the eyes of a retired old man.
The pair soon set out on an adventure involving talking
dogs, a blimp, and a giant bird named Kevin. There are
sad moments in this film, as well as jokes but it’s a feel
good movie to the end.
The gags may not come as often as in most Pixar films,
but they’re always spot on. This movie is suitable for all
ages and is very enjoyable.
men and not only if the men were millionaires, we had
thoughtful movies in the theater, and only five or so
TV channels to pick from. Although I wasn’t around for
that, the movies before my time did seem to give more
creedence to the essence of storytelling. Up in the Air
features George Clooney as a man with no “roots,” (that
is, no wife, no kids, and his apartment in Omaha is about
as furnished as a room at Embassy Suites), who fires
people for a living because the companies who hire him
are too cowardly to do it themselves. It is a juicy role for
Clooney, who has made a career out of playing easy-
talking charmers. The film sounds depressing and in
many ways it is, but it is also witty, quietly hilarious at
times, and full of pathos when it becomes a morality
piece near the middle (and like the best morality pieces, it
doesn’t shove its message down your throat). It reminded
me in many ways of American Beauty, the masterpiece
that capped off the 90’s. Clooney’s character slowly is
stripped of the things he only cared about--including

The Wolfman sporadic meetings with another constant traveller

By Glen Ruane
This remake of the classic Universal horror film stars
Benicio Del Toro as Lawrence Talbot, an actor who
returns to London from America to solve his brother’s
gruesome murder. During his investigation Lawrence is
bitten by a werewolf and is cursed to turn into one during
the full moon. Anthony Hopkins plays Lawrence’s father,
and his performance is often scarier than the werewolf
itself. However, poor acting and a heavy reliance on gore
for scares hold this movie back. Because of this, I feel
the Wolfman was a missed opportunity for a much better
film.
(we never know what exactly she does, and that’s not
supposed to matter) played by Vera Farmiga, who may
win an Oscar nomination for her mysterious, slightly
passive 30 something character. The final important
character is an eager young Cornell graduate (played by
Anna Kendrick, from Twilight) who thinks that a career in
firing people is a wise choice now, and in some respects
she’s not that far off. Her character represents many
of the Twitter-obsessed twentysomethings driven for
money, money, money, who live for texting, and naive
and even immature ideals of what makes a relationship
work. But she too goes through a transformation. One
of the most amazing things about this film is its use of
real people in the “firing scenes;” people who have really

21
Newtown Review 2009-2010
lost their jobs several weeks or months before being
filmed. Director Jason Reitman combines scenes of
these people being fired by Clooney and Kendrick, and
their instant responses are wholly authentic. There are
a few actors playing the “firees” as well, but they blend
in with the real folks. I really can’t think of a better film to
cap off this decade. This one will stay with you. Highly
recommended.
musical
Little Shop of Horrors
Review!
By Naomi Warren
De La Salle College Musical Society celebrated their 30-
year anniversary show in great style with a wonderful;
production of Little Shop of Horrors at the College Hall.
A rock musical based on the 1960 American black com-
edy film, written by Howard Ashman, it is based in a run-
down florist’s shop on Skid Row.
In an attempt to boost sales, the hapless assistant at
Mushnik’s Florists, Seymour Krelborne, produces an
unusual house plant. Smitten by another sales assistant
Audrey, Seymour names the strange plant Audrey II.
Instead of your usual common or garden plant food, Sey-
mour discovers that’s the plant thrives best on blood. It
soon develops a voracious appetite for human flesh and
while the business thrives, the plant becomes a monster
with its demands to “feed me “as it devours anyone un-
lucky enough to come within striking distance of its gi-
gantic Venus fly-trap like jaws.
Adam Phelan was comfortable in the role of Seymour
with a pleasant vocal quality heard to effect in “Grow for
me” and “Mushnik and Son” in which the orphan Sey-
mour is adopted by the cynical Mushnik , superbly por-
trayed by Glenn Murphy.
Anne O’Riordan as Audrey displayed the multiplicity of
her acting and musical talents, and her duet, “Suddenly
Seymour”, with Adam Phelan was a delight.
Andrew Cody showed a good sense of comedy was Orin
the “mad dentist” and Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend.
Ray Collins and Paul Barry combined as the voice as
Audrey II.
Overall the show was a great success and we are look-
ing forward to next year’s show.
22
tv series
Glee
By Alice Bowring
Fox has brought out a new musical teen comedy-drama
called ‘Glee’. A way to describe it in short is as kind of
‘High School Musical’ with an edge. It is based around
a young Spanish teacher who becomes the director of
the high school ‘Glee Club’ trying to bring it back up to its
glory days.
For anyone who doesn’t know what a Glee Club is, it’s
a club in which students sing and dance to songs from
musicals, movies and modern artist’s music.
After Mr. Schuester (the young Spanish teacher) con-
vinces the star athlete on the football team (Finn) to join,
the various different ‘cliques’ soon follow.
The big difference between the TV series and the tween
(the in between age of being a child and a teenager)
movie ‘High School Musical’ are the somewhat contro-
vercial storylines.
Hit music artists such as Rihanna and Madonna are lin-
ing up for their music to be covered in an episode.
Glee has been said that it is like a new version of ‘Fame’
a hit TV show from 1982, also based around music and
drama in a performing arts school in New York. Fame
was cancelled after its 6th season in 1987 where the
young actors sank into the background and didn’t make
much of a career for themselves; does this set a trend for
the hopeful actors of Glee?
I would highly recommend watching an episode to see if
it’s for you.
But don’t take my word for it just asks Mr. Butler the true
avid fan!
TRUE BLOOD
By Abi Hurley Collins and Hannah Cantopher
HBO’s Series “True Blood” was ahead of the current
vampire phenomenon, before the success of “Twilight.”
“True Blood” is a drama tinged with humour, set in the
fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. The series is
based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine
Harris. Set in a world where vampires are now known to
be real, True Blood’s creatures of the night survive on an
artificial substance called True Blood. How society reacts
and accepts these supposedly reformed bloodsuckers is
a whole other story.
The main character Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin)
began the series as a slightly ditzy waitress annoyed
with her ability to hear people’s thoughts, but as the sea-
son progressed she evolved into a more well-rounded
character. With her firm resolution to treat vampires as
equals, she brings trouble to her family, but she also be-
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
comes stronger and more independent.
One of our favourite characters from the start was Sook-
ie’s grandmother (Lois Smith), a kindly old woman who
thinks only the best of others. She’s a strong influence on
both Sookie and Sookie’s brother; Jason (Ryan Kwant-
en), a major development involving the grandmother af-
fects the entire town.
In the first episode, a murderer hunts the townsfolk in
their daily lives, targeting women who’ve had encoun-
ters with vampire men. This puts Sookie at considerable
risk after she befriends her new (yet very old) neighbour,
vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer).
One of the things that is always interesting to see is how
different series twist vampire mythology. “True Blood”
takes yet another stance on this. Do vampires have The second series of True Blood has recently been aired
fangs? Yes, and they’re retractable. Are they affected by on HBO and we are hoping it will live up to everyone’s
light? Yes, but it doesn’t always kill them. While many expectations.
popular vampire myths are addressed in this series, not ENJOY!!!
all are confirmed to be true.

Funny Staff
Random Pics Christmas Dinner

Bottle Rocket

Paul looking dangerous

23
Debating
Newtown Review 2009-2010
A
s per the norm the season began with recruitment
which ended around the 15th of September. By the
end of the recruitment we had a small yet dedicat-
ed group of debaters. From the 30th on training for junior
and Munster debating was in full swing. On the 14th of
October round one of the Munster schools opened and
saw Diarmaid Wingfield and Dahnan Spurling oppose a
United Ireland and go straight through to the quarter finals.
The very next day Thea Johnson and Georgia Doorley
propose the banning of alternative medicine in round 1 of
the Munster schools in UCC. The girls moved effortlessly
on to round 2. On November the 2nd round 1 of Concern
Debates against Presentation Waterford took place and
included James O’Halloran, James Corcoran-Hodgins,
Amy O’Loughlin and myself . Then on the November the
17th Thea and Georgia looking to “Abolish state funding
for the arts” competed in the second round of Munster
schools debates in UCC. Thea progressed through as an
individual. The next day James O’Halloran and I travelled
to Rockwell for round 2 of the Munster schools oppos-
ing the abolishment of the Seanad. I went through as an
individual. Those days turned out to be a busy three days
of debating on the 19th of November James C., James ,
Becky Barr and myself competed in round 2 concern de-
bate against the Ursuline . On the 8th of December after
much preparation Dahnan, Diarmaid and I competed in
the quarter finals of the Munster schools. Thea competed
the following day and sadly none of us advanced through
to the semi finals. On the 10th the junior debaters had
their Christmas debate, “Has Christmas lost all meaning?”
which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
24
By Stephen Ennis
We hosted round 3 of the Con-
cern debates on the 20th of Janu-
ary. Concern motions are usually
based around humanitarian issues
concerning the entire international
spectrum. The debate went very
well and the visiting team com-
mented on our hospitality, tea and
biscuits. Then during the week-
end of the 22nd 2 teams consist-
ing of Becky Barr , Isabel English
, Caroline Fitzgerald, Sliabh Wells
, Alice Fortune , Olivia Cham-
bers (all Fourth years ) , James
O’Halloran, Kaija Kennedy , Heidi
McIlvenny and I (Fifth years) trav-
elled to Cork for the model UN in
UCC . The fifth years along with
Sliabh represented The Democratic Republic of Congo
and the fourth years represented Yemen. The model Un
is pretty simple there are 5 councils Disarmament and
International Security Committee or DISEC, The Security
Council, The United Nations Environmental Programme
or UNEP , The World Health organization (WHO) and
The Ad Hoc Committee on Security Council Reform (or
AHCSCR) . Once assigned a committee and a nation
each delegate (participant) prepares and researches a
stance on the upcoming issue to be discussed in ones
respective council. During meetings which can be quite
lengthy the delegates discuss the issue at hand and try
to come to collectively write up a resolution that meets all
the needs that the nations are concerned with. The end
of the weekend is celebrated with a closing ceremony
where prizes are rewarded to best delegates and best
representative .The MUN event pretty much concluded
the debating season. James and I have continued by
holding workshops for the juniors from the 15th of April
on. On the 24th of April Briony Somers after just return-
ing to Newtown competed against the 12 top debaters
in the country in the final of the Irish schools debating
competition. The motion was “People should be free to
do what they want provided it doesn’t cause direct harm
to others”. The year ended with an in house junior debat-
ing competition organised by James and I. The winners
were Diarmaid Wingfield and Max O’Brien. On behalf of
all those who took part in this year’s debating season I
would like to sincerely thank Mrs. Lennon for her continu-
ing guidance and endless patience. Thanks are also due
to both the gappers Ruby and Luke who accompanied us
to Cork for the Model U.N.
Old Scholar
Interview
Time at Newtown
You were a student in Newtown School. What dates
were you here and were you a boarder or a day pu-
pil?
I would have been a “day dawg” from 1981 to 1986.
Coming to Newtown, with its strong musical herit-
age, did you learn music here or sing in the choir?
Yeah, in first year I did music with Mr. De Courcy, then
in third year with Mrs. Nolan I did piano lessons, then
after that I kind of got the message from her that it was
basically down to how much practice you put in so I just
went off in my own kind of way after learning about read-
ing and writing music, which I don’t really do properly. So
yeah Newtown was great for music, my sister Aine loved
music in there too. She was two years ahead of me when
I was at school.
Are there any teachers you would particularly re-
member from your days here?
All of them, for the right reasons, I absolutely loved New-
town; I thought the teachers were….I mean I don’t have
to suck up to anyone now but, I thought the teachers
were just great man. Especially Joe Falvey when I think
of what he did for Sinead O Connor, I just think that “out-
side the box” thinking from the teachers was just kind of
across the board really in Newtown.
Did Newtown have any particular influence on your
music and would you have been interested in the
kind of music you play now, while at school here?
When I was at school I was just really interested in writ-
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Martin Furey
By Robert Galvin
ing songs, lyrics mad, so I would have been very into
English lit, which would have been Eddie Denniston he
was a big influence. He was really into his lit, probably
still is; I know he’s a poet now and I’ve read his E book
on the web.
Influences and post Newtown
Growing up among the music of your father and oth-
ers of his generation, would you have been strongly
influenced by the style of music they played? And
would what you saw growing up have prompted you
to begin your own musical career?
Yeah, I think the first time that I can remember that I ever
heard rock music was a Status Quo album that I found
in someone’s Fiat 127 that was staying in the house, I
would have been 8,9 or 10 years of age. In the house we
just had really old folk music. There wasn’t actually that
much media. We didn’t have a TV until much later. I cer-
tainly remember Dire Straits while in sixth year anyway, I
wouldn’t say they were really an influence but I loved yer
man’s guitar. Also Joni Mitchell- I liked her song writing
and lyrics.
Following Newtown, you went to Trinity but soon left
to go to Prince’s University Edinburgh to study Scot-
tish literature and history. What prompted this move?
Em…. Stupidity. I was doing ESS (economic and social
studies),which didn’t suit me at all and I wanted to do
English literature in Trinity, particularly the poetry, but I
wasn’t accepted until the second round and I got accept-
ed in Prince’s in the first so that’s how I ended up there. I
was better off where I was (Scotland), I met my wife there
and we’ve two kids now, my daughter is 19 and currently
teaching English in Africa.
During your time in Edinburgh you had a band “Sam
Harlet” with Al Den Holm, Robin Hurt and Greg Stew-
art where you were more influenced by the post punk
scene than traditional Irish balladeering. What influ-
ence did this time and the greater Edinburgh Music
scene have on you?
I had shared a flat with a guy called Mickey Jacobs who
was in a group called the Gin Goblins and I was with
a group called The Exploited. We were a punk group,
and I was coming in with my acoustic guitar in one end
and he was coming in with his electric guitar in the other
end, from two separate ends of the flat and gradually the
music just got louder and louder, until eventually it met.
Through him I met a whole pile of musicians. It wasn’t
really like standard punk; it was very melodic and atmos-
25
Newtown Review 2009-2010
pheric. It was a loud kind of a sound. I just think it was
kind of a natural reaction to all the acoustic music that I
had been surrounded by up until that point, just to get it
as loud as possible. I wanted to learn as much about all
kinds of music as possible. It just happened to take that
direction. When you only know three chords, punk is the
easiest stuff to play.
Coming back from Edinburgh in 1992 you were joined
by your sister Aine and formed the band Bohinta why
did you move back home to Ireland?
Homesickness.
Bohinta and solo work
You seem to have enjoyed great success with “Bo-
hinta”, with your first album “Sessions” doing very
well throughout Europe and in America especially in
France (going straight to number five in the album
charts). What affect did all this success have on your
life at the time?
I got a big head. Being in a band that does well, it’s funny
‘cause everybody thinks initially, before you get your head
around it, that it’s because of them. They start to think
that it’s the individual. So what can happen is a band can
get splits in it because egos get out of hand when people
forget that it’s really the sum of the parts and that’s the
hardest thing to keep sight of. Success really just brought
to the fore aspects of everyone’s personality that needed
to be ironed out. You just have to get used to the fact that
the “high” is not really related to you, it’s just part of a big
party with the audience and the band.
Following on from “sessions” your next album with
Bohinta, “Belladonna” was recorded at Real World
Studies, owned by Peter Gabriel and you worked
with producer Stuart Bruce (who has produced al-
bums for-among others- Bob Marley and Nick Ker-
shaw). What was this experience like for you?
Amazing yeah, he worked with lots of people who I’d re-
ally like. He worked with Bob Marley and he worked with
the band “Yes” who I’m liking more now than I did then.
It was all very theatrical kind of music; he also did the
“Feed The World” single. I just hung around and tried
to learn as much as possible from him and he just told
me basically, “put the microphone somewhere it sounds
good” and it worked, that’s the theory of ages passed
down through the….Stuartbruceness of life.
After The success with Bohinta you released your
first solo album “Monkeys Wedding”, what was it like
recording and performing as a solo artist after hav-
ing played with Bohinta for so long?
Em… really scary because in a band you depend upon
other people for aspects of their talent, like rhythm. But
on your own you have to really brush up on these things
yourself. It was great, I mean in the end I was just playing
somewhere for a good couple of hours. I’d move around
just to make my “bread and butter”. Not so popular with
the family but it had to be done.
26
The High Kings
As well as your solo work you’re also a member of
Irish balladeering group “The High Kings”.
When the opportunity arose to join this group were
you reluctant at first or enthusiastic?
Well I had been offered a deal for 10 thousand quid to
sing ballads when I was 17 and I didn’t end up doing it
at the time because it just wasn’t going to be done right.
They’d just record the album. I’d be wearing a silly jump-
er and be going to a couple of record shops and playing
at bars and this all at 17 years of age. However when I
was offered the “silly jumper” later in life I was 39 and at
that time it was a good idea because not only was I go-
ing to get a wage but also I wouldn’t have to organise all
my own gigs; which is really hellish and hard work. Also
they were going to put us in good hotels and the bus we
had was massive. It was just done well, that was why
I said yes to it and also because it wasn’t just going to
stop at the “sell it to the yanks”, “make a few quid” kind of
thing. We were basically told the group would gradually
be handed over to us after it got going, and that’s why I
joined it.
Would you have been aware of the other members of
the group before The High Kings came along?
I would have been aware of Darren (Holden) from Wa-
terford from battle of the bands. Also I’d known Finbar
(Clancy) for years before The High Kings.
With “The High Kings” and “Bohinta” you’ve toured
all over Europe, America and Ireland, where is your
favourite place to perform?
Anywhere in Ireland. It’s usually a great place to play,
great fun, but in terms of sheer rock and rollness it has to
be the west coast of America, “California man“, there’s a
really nice kind of atmosphere there. Also New York City,
was amazing it really is very close to home reaction wise.
We played in Radio City in New York, it holds between
five and ten thousand people. There’s just something
about that, and the whole New York thing.
The High Kings are as popular, if not more so, in
Europe and America than they are in Ireland. What
do you think the appeal of Celtic music is to those
abroad?
Well obviously the more you spend away from home the
more you’re going to miss it. Also you have the likes of
some American kid growing up who hears “The Rocky
Road To Dublin” or “The Black Velvet Band” and there’s
no stigma attached to it over there, so they’re just going
to listen to the lyrics and the tune itself without any sort of
cultural baggage. Also the lyrics are great, the melodies
are great and that’s why they’ve stood the test of time; it’s
just good quality material, I think that’s the appeal any-
way.
Where do you see yourself going in the future, con-
tinuing with The High Kings or returning more to
solo work and playing with a band?
Well I’m constantly doing my own solo work, as well as
working with The High Kings and I’m currently working
with a band called “Trans Global Underground”, we’re
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
doing a project called the “Unite Project” about immigra-
tion. Also, personally, I would love to be involved with The
High Kings as long as they want me really. As long as
they keep the creativeness in it, I’ll be interested.

When not making music of some form, what do you

The Dreaded
in your spare time?
I wrestle with my dog. I used to play loads of golf in New-
town though I’m not really interested in it anymore. I also
loved hockey when I was at school, I went back to it for a
while after, I used to be a goalie, no pads in those days.
I like walking the dogs and surfing, well falling off the surf
board anyway.
Personal
You’re married with two children. As a family man do
you find touring and travelling a difficult experience?
No, because my father was in the business and I remem-
ber him pointing out the various aspects of the business
when I started off. It’s harder on Jane, my wife, than me
to be honest, as she’s actually the one at home. I’m the
one constantly getting to see different places.
What are your thoughts on downloading music
tracks as opposed to buying a cd album, do you see
it as the future? Or as a necessary evil for the time
being?
I don’t think it’s an evil at all, I think it’s great. I think what
was evil was the monopolising of the music industry by
major companies. Unfortunately what it also means is
people like me earn less but to be honest I think it’s for
the greater good. It pushes music back live, it keeps mu-
sicians on their toes. Music available like that is the way
it should be I think.
Dreadlocks
I have written this article for
one reason – to explain what
dreadlocks are. There are four
main ways to get dreadlocks:
1. Backcombing, 2. Neglect, 3.
Chemical formation and 4. The
Twist and Rip method.
Contrary to popular belief,
dreadlocks are clean and can
in fact be a much healthier
hairstyle when they are properly maintained. And only
if the wearer does not go for the neglect method.
Backcombing involves the use of a very fine, metal
comb and backcombing the hair and twisting, and
rubbing it between your hands. This is by far the most
painful way of getting dreads.
Neglect is pretty self explanatory. The wearer simply
doesn’t wash, comb or brush their hair. This method
can take anything up to year to yield any kind of re-
sult. The result, more often than not, ends up as one
big lump of dirty, matted hair which smells and is aes-
thetically displeasing. It is because of the method that
dreads and people with dreads are given a bad name.
Also not very many people use this method any more.
Some people want instant dreads for the rest of their
lives and who have a lot of spare change can pay
a hairdresser to put a chemical into their hair which
makes it frizz and knot. This can cost anywhere from
200-300 Euro. This is permanent! And I can’t begin to
imagine what it does to your scalp.
Lastly, there is the twist and rip method. This involves

Quotablees twisting the hair and then knotting it with a very small

Quot
crochet needle, 0.6 or 0.75 are the best sizes.
n h e a r it in your
“I ca Now, I can see why some parents might look at a
F io n a Carty) - person with dreadlocks and say “I wonder what their
o
Driver (t
Camilla parents are like”. It’s a hairstyle; it has nothing to do
eyes!” s? ” with the parents (especially if you’re a three-weekly
y is th e baby Mis ”
wa ul. boarder at Newtown).
r te r - “H ow far a t’s ri g h t here Pa
Paul Po “I
gnant) - “We’ve all seen the movies where the teenager
M a h e r (while pre dresses up as a punk or a mod and goes out to gigs
Mrs.
in Ma y ” and stuff. But the parents are just normal people” –
y 18 is u now?”
th
g - “M a re y o David Bowie
wrin , how old
Alice Bo p h e r - “Wait
Ca n to If you’re still against dreadlocks it’s because you were
Hannah u g h H e ffner.” around in the 70’s and 80’s when the only way to get
H
in g m y essay on dreads was neglect. But thanks to the 21st century
do
e n C r o ss - “I’m if ri c ’s b rother?” chemicals industries, new residue-free shampoos
B at A
M a r s h al - “Is th and spray-on shampoos that don’t need water to
Gary e ss?”
ur p re p J o ff .” clean hair are now available.
ed
n - “W h ere is yo a n d a n d it wash
vidso it on my
h Dreadlocks are coming back into fashion. One needs
Mrs. Da - “I wrote
He g a r ty only to walk around Waterford or Kilkenny for an hour
Jessica or two to see that this is true.
By Joe Dixon

27
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Girls’
Fashion
for Newtown!
What’s In Fashion?
Ankle Cowboy boots
Blazers and Boyfriend Cardigans
School kilt
6th year non uniform (forever!)
Body con skirts
Keds in all colours
Jersey Shore
Guidettes
Floral Prints
Pastel Colours
Surfing gear
High Tops
I Pods
Headbands/flower headbands
Big Bright Scarves
Jeggings
Penneys
Sunglasses
Hats with Bobbles
Dreadlocks
Bright Nails/ sugar colours
What’s out?
Decks/Dubes (Newtown Favourite) Leggings with a short top
Maxi Dresses
Taking the Boyfriend look too far
Harem pants
Old school uniform!
Matching velour tracksuits
Not having sunglasses when it’s sunny
Having sunglasses when it’s not sunny
Coloured tights
Dresses over baggy jeans
Baggy jeans
Slouchy beanies
Strict uniform
4th Years getting stressed, it’s 4th year seriously
Neon clothes

28
Men’s Fashion
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Because of the
recession boys have
not being spending
much on clothes. Ski
jackets were seen a
plenty during the big
freeze. There has
been a move into indie

In Fashion fashion with baggy

shirts and skinny jeans
worn with flat shoes. A
High top shoes
Low pants lot of students have
Sunglasses adopted the surfer
Jerseys look. Fringes are in
Tanning beds with 2009 bringing
Surfer Gear fringes close to the
Tops under tops eyebrows moving to
Jackets with the collars
the swept fringe in
Scarves
Anything Celtic Not fashion 2010.
Headphones Dyed black hair
Munster gear
Leather vests

Top shops Rolled up cardigan

sleeves
River Island Sixth year sayings like
Top Shop
Sports Savers “fairly”, “spose” and “dose”
TK Maxx School uniform

Fashionable
TV shows
Skins
Jersey shore
Cougar town

29
6th Year Photos
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Caoimhe Hahn Finbarr Conolly Austin Slevin Claire Buckley

Paul Murray Mark Power & Mark Richardson Nicky Ryan

Shane Murphy George Walsh Hugh O’Farrell Walsh Eoin O’Conor

Lucia Brogan Marcella Flood Sarah McDonagh Peter Keogh

30
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Dearbhaile Maclean, Eimear Mullane & Katie Maguire Thomas O’Brien Sunita Brazil

Lorcan Doheny Caitriona Dooley Alex Gurnee, Callum Chambers, & Andrew Heffernan

Patrick Kiersey, Emmett O’Shea & Conor Bellew Elizabeta Kursakova Jonathan Morris

Johannes Proksch & Brendan Sarah Kelly Aidan Devlin Phoebe Porter
Perkins

Daniel Pim & Chris Leslie Hillary Stack, Jasmine Patel-Bolger & Maeve Ryan

31
3rd Year Art
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Catherine McGrory

Olivia Power

Rory Van Dokkum

Amy Kelly

Dahnan Spurling

Thomas Sheridan
Chloe Tsaoussis-Maddock

John Mullins
32
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Serena Bifolchi Phoebe Moore Diarmaid Wingfield

Max Marden-Wastenays Geoffrey Graham

Rosaleen Traynor Emma Prendergast

Hannah Murray Liadh Reilly Rebecca Hoban

33
3rd Year
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Sculptures

Diarmaid Wingfield

Alice Lee

Anna White

Serena Bifolchi

Scarlett MacLachlan
Phoebe Moore

Chloe Tsaoussis-Maddock

Dean Whelan
Christian Cullen

Max Marden-Wastenays

Holly Wells
34
6th Year Art
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Caoimhe Hahn Lorcan Doheny

Jonathan Morris Eimear Mullane

Sunita Brazil Shane Murphy 35

Newtown Review 2009-2010

Conor Bellew Shane Murphy

Dearbhaile Maclean

Sarah McDonagh

Chris Leslie - 1st place Art Endeavour Award

Shane Murphy – 2nd place in
The Art Endeavour Award
36

5th &
6th Year
Art Trip Abi Hurley Collins
The 5th and 6th year art classes went on a trip to Dublin
on the 11th of March. We visited the National Gallery,
the National Museum and the Douglas Hyde. We had a
three hour bus journey there and back.
When we eventually arrived in Dublin we were split into
two groups; 5th and 6th years. After this, we ate our
lunch standing outside Trinity college.
We had a limited amount of time to view each gallery
(roughly 45 minutes allotted to each gallery) so it was an
action packed and pretty rushed day.
The first gallery we visited was the National Gallery.
Here we had a guided tour around the different exhibi-
tions and spaces. We were taken through the Renais-
sance to the Baroque eras and finally ended the tour
with a beautiful exhibition of Jack B. Yeats.
The second space we saw was the National Museum.
Here we also had a tour guide to show us around. We
viewed different stages of Irish art, learnt some Irish his-
tory and were taught a little about our heritage. The main
attractions of this tour were the Ardagh Chalice and the
Newtown Review 2009-2010
The Art
Endeavour
Award
Claire Dillon
This year for the first time the Art Department is happy
to announce the introduction of “The Art Endeavour
Awards”. This award was kindly sponsored by The
Newtown Association. The Association invited the
6th year art group to submit two pieces of classwork
which was judged by three staff members.
The standard of the work was very high and I would
like to thank 6th years for getting involved so enthu-
siastically. There were two prizes awarded. Shane
Murphy was awarded 2nd place receiving €100 and
Christopher Leslie got 1st place of €200. The prizes
were presented at The Leavers Tea by Mr. Lemon.
It is hoped that this competition will become an an-
nual event and that the students’ work will be framed
and displayed in a student gallery to establish a per-
manent art collection of students’ work in Newtown
School.
Tara Brooch
which to eve-
ryone’s amaze-
ment were tiny
and exquisitely
crafted.
Last but not least we attended (as one group) an exhibi-
tion by a modern Irish painter called Ciaran Murphy in
the Douglas Hyde gallery. This was extremely different
to the last two galleries we visited. The Douglas Hyde is
a large spacious gallery which shows modern art only.
Ciaran Murphy’s work was very minimal and simplistic.
His work was highly open to interpretation.
When we had Finished looking at all three galleries we
were given an hour to ourselves. Most of us spent this in
Starbucks or McDonald’s but a few went window shop-
ping. After the hour was up we all congregated back at
the bus with full tummies, tired brains and sore feet…
Overall, it was a very enjoyable and beneficial day.
Thanks to Mrs. Dillon for organising the trip.
37
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Trips Killary Adventure Centre
We left Newtown on a warm refreshing morning at the
tender time of 7 am on the 17th of May. Despite the
time we were all in good spirits as we had a six hour
bus journey to look forward to. The day scholars and the
boarder girls had the luxury of being seated in a fine large
coach. Meanwhile the boarder boys’ expressions told a
tale of horror as our not so flamboyant coach pulled up
the driveway. Nevertheless we had great craic on the bus
with the legendary driver Larry O’ Hara.
After stopping in Bunratty 4 hours into the bus journey
we arrived in the scenic setting of Killary Harbour. The
surrounding countryside was swarmed with impressive
man-made walls and geographical features. We were
introduced to the Killary adventure centre’s staff who
seemed very friendly and well humoured before stretching
our legs by playing an intense game of tip rugby outside.
The activities for our group (C) commenced that afternoon
with Laser tagging. We were told to “expect our clothes
to get destroyed” which wasn’t encouraging. For the next
four hours our group had immense fun running around a
field shooting each other with a little more than a hint of
competitiveness. After that we headed back to the centre
for a shower and some much welcomed dinner. This was
to become a regular feature of our post afternoon activity
routine.
The other school staying at the centre at the same time
as us were all boys from Ballsbridge (St. Marrions).
38
Beth Rochford and Andrew Davis
For evening activities, both schools went outside to sit
by a campfire. The sun continued to shine well into the
evening and, taking advantage of it, the boys decided to
play a game of football against St. Marrions on a stone
pitch. It was a fiercely competitive game which Newtown,
thankfully, won 10-5. Afterwards we returned inside for
fun group games of eating cold beans, Wheatabix and
drinking pints of water as fast as you can in order to beat
the other group.
The following morning we were all woken at 8.30, a
considerable lie-in compared to our school routine. Hiking
was to be the day-long activity for Group C. We weren’t
looking forward to it given the sudden wet conditions.
The walk was in total 18kms. It turned out to be one of
the most rewarding activities out of the week as we got
to see some breathtaking views from the summits of the
Connemara Mountains. We asked Saul (our instructor
for the day, from Devonshire) what he made of the
Connemara climate to which he replied “For me this is
what Connemara is all about and I wouldn’t have it any
other way”.
That evening representatives of both schools entered
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
the notorious ‘Mr./Ms. Killary’. The competition required bulls-eye or different prizes, such as a ten euro note.
all willing boys to dress as girls and vice versa. One or We left happy and Beth substantially richer. Next up was
two of the boys took it a little too seriously, you know The Big Swing, a giant two-person seat that is raised 70
who you are! The entrants then performed a short talent feet into the air and released. After we’d overcome the
piece and answered questions from the host. Judged on initial shock of the drop, we all quite enjoyed the thrill
their overall performance, a winner for both sections-girls of the swing. Andrew’s expression was pure terror as
and boys-was chosen. Alfredo Llorente and Freya Little he dropped from an upside down position alongside Mr.
were the respective Mr. and Ms. Killary. Both of the lucky Lester.
winners received crowns.
Thursday evening was our last so first-off we were given
Our group’s activities for Wednesday were kayaking and the impossible task of attempting to clean the mess our
rock-climbing. After changing into the provided wetsuits, rooms had become over the last few days. Five and a half
gathering our appropriate rock-climbing gear and hours later, we still weren’t finished but nevertheless we
collecting our kayaks-either double person kayaks or sea continued with our last evening group game, packaging
kayaks for the more adventurous-we set out into the fjord. an egg so well that it doesn’t break when thrown from a
Just over an hour’s kayaking later we reached the other building. It was as fun as it sounds!
side of the fjord and ‘docked’ our kayaks on the grassy
Friday was our final day and we spent the morning
hillside. Once we had changed into dry clothes again,
competing in the Killary Challenge, the details of which I
we walked a short distance to a few cliffs that had been
can’t legally disclose. Perhaps the highlight of the trip in
set up for rock-climbing. We spent the next few hours
terms of laughs and fun was performing our traditional
alternating between attempting the different climbs and
group’s made up songs and dance before jumping
abseiling down a nearby, rather steep, cliff. The abseiling
simultaneously into shoulder-deep bog. We washed
looked to be a daunting task from where we started but
ourselves off in the fjord before a quick shower and back
it turned out to be a walk in the park. Andrew calmed his
on the bus. The ride home was longer than ever but
nerves by singing to the instructors on the way down! We
everyone was glad to be going home to our own beds.
then returned to our kayaks and left for the centre.
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was definitely
The subsequent morning, Group C’s activities were to
a week to remember.Thanks to Mr.Lester, Ms.O’Carroll
be high-ropes, archery and The Big Swing. First off was
and Ruby for making the trip such fun. Thanks to Mr.Cox
high-ropes, which was, as the name suggests, different
for arranging the trip also.
challenges with ropes and heights in general. We spent
the morning climbing up tall wooden poles and standing
on frighteningly small ledges while either attempting to
jump onto a trapeze or supporting others while leaning
back over the edge. The afternoon activities kicked off
with archery, in which we took turns aiming for either the

39
 Trips
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Ag. Science By Aifric Heffernan

On d’fairly warm morning of the 25th of bit of a drag at

February the 5th and 6th year Ag. Science
students donned their wellies and paddy
hats and set off for Kildalton college.
With a “Hup Hup!” from Jonesy we were
herded onto the bus and away.
We were rounded up into groups and mixed
with the local moseys. We had 12 stations
to go to so we ploughed on.
We received a talk on soil matter from
a real expert in the field. Then we had a
stomach churning talk on the digestive sys-
tem of ruminants. With a quick trot we were
off to the horse stand where we all agreed
it turned out to be a bit tacky. An interesting
talk on barley planted the seeds of interest
with some students. Gary and John in par-
ticular really lit up between stands. ‘Twas a
times.....
Everybody had a real splash at the milk-
ing parlour with the heifers. There are two
milking houses in Kildalton, one for milking
and the udder one for milk storage. Safety
became an issue at the slaughter house
where the stakes were so high. The trip
ended on a high note with a joke demon-
stration of a castration and one mossy from
the other school got to aid with the birth of a
lamb. Hopefully the information we learned
will crop up and the 6th years will bear the
fruits of this trip in June. After a quick lunch
of blaas and pink snacks we toodled it on
home.
Thanks very much to Mr. Jones and Ruby
for this trip.

The Vegetable Plot

The 5th year Agricultural Science class with their teacher,
Mr.Jones, started digging in early spring, readying the ground
for various crops. The plot measures 6x6 meters and consists
of different sections of raised beds.
They have a test plot for growing barley. They sewed mainly
potatoes (2nd earlies) called Orla (organic variety). Another
section contains radish, garlic and onions. For the fruit lovers,
some strawberries were planted. Sowing was later than nor-
mal due to the severe frosty spell in early 2010.
A big thank you to the Newtown Association for funding this
project which hopes to grow in the future.

40
Trips
Second Year Ski Trip
We got up at the crack of dawn
(5.30 am!). At 6.00 am, we were
all on the bus. None of us talked
much, as it was so early but the
bus journey was still fun!
We arrived at the airport,
checked in our luggage and went
shopping. While we were waiting
to board we caused a bit of commotion. We accidentally
set off the fire alarm in the boarding lounge!
The plane journey was great fun, so the three hour flight
passed quickly. A Haut- Lac instructor met us at the air-
port and we took a two hour bus ride to the hostel. We
had never seen so much snow.
The first day of skiing was brilliant. Us beginners fell over
a lot, but it was still great fun. Towards the end of the
week, we had all gotten the hang of skiing, and were hav-
ing a great laugh.
On the last day we had a slalom race in the morning. It
was hilarious. The rest of the day was spent skiing at
full speed down the slopes, with some quite spectacular
Newtown Review 2009-2010
By Emily Hermon
falls. People fell into ditches, skied
into poles and were taken out by
trees!
There were four house teams at
the centre. Each school that came
was split into the different house
teams; Eagles, Raiders, Warriors
and Sharks. Every night there was
a different activity, a chance to earn points for your team.
Another school from Belfast was at the centre too. At the
end of the week the Sharks team (my team!) won be-
cause we had earned the most points. We each got a
mini toblerone as our prize.
Mr. Hanlon dislocating his shoulder and Jess getting a
huge bruise on her arm were the only injuries on our trip.
Mr. Hanlon dislocated his shoulder on the 3rd or 4th day.
All we know is that he was skiing down a slope by himself
and fell off the side! A helicopter took him off the slopes, to
a hospital where it was confirmed his shoulder was dislo-
cated. He is not allowed to raise his arm above shoulder
height for the next four months. Despite the injuries, it was
a brilliant trip!
41
Trips
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Day 1: 7:30: Everybody up and ready to leave early. We
soon set off, only to realise 10 minutes into the journey
that Sliabh had forgotten his bag so we had to turn
around, go back and get it.
7:50: Finally we set off for the five hour bus journey to
Kerry.
1:30: We arrived in Dingle where Mr. O’Cuinn needed to
stop for some batteries for his beloved torch. We then
continued on our way.
2:00: Arrived at Bean an Tí’s. All get off the bus and go
to respective houses. Mr. O’Cuinn’s beloved torch is
missing. He blames the boys.
3:30: We walk to the beach for a quick swim before
dinner.
6:00: We all walk to the hall for a table quiz and talk on
the Dingle Peninsula.
9:00: We go back to Bean an Tí’s for scones and tea.
Day 2: 9:00: We wake up, get up and walk to the pier.
10:30: We board our top class ship “The Blasket Princess”
11:30: We arrive on the Blasket Islands... Ms. Kirwan
found the slipway a bit slippery but it was ok as James
was there to lend a helping hand. We had a bit of a
wander around the islands, investigated the houses and
headed to the beach for lunch.
12:00: There were a lot of seals on the beach...
2:00: Once again we boarded the Blasket Princess and
headed back to the mainland.
2:30: Everybody has fallen asleep on the boat.
3:00: We arrive back on dry land.
6:00: We are told to go to the hall but we are not told why.
We are shown to a small room upstairs where there are a
few chairs surrounding a BLACKBOARD! It turns out we
had been tricked into going to an Irish lesson!
9:30: We go back to Bean an Tí’s for bed.
42
Gaeltacht
Day 3: 9:00: We are woken by Mr. O’Cuinn who is very
excited about the prospect of climbing Mount Eagle.
10:30: We set off for our walk up Mount Eagle.
11:00: We reach a sign saying “Mount Eagle, keep
right” but Mr. O’Cuinn knew a “shortcut” so we went left.
Eventually we reached a field. This confused Mr.O’Cuinn
so we went into the field and kept going. Mr. O’Cuinn
promised us that the road was somewhere around but
we couldn’t find it so we just kept struggling through the
gorse field in shorts. After about an hour we found the
road and continued to the reservoir for a bit of a foot dip.
13:00: We headed to the Dingle Peninsula Heritage
Centre.
6:00: We returned for dinner and the girls watched gossip
girl with Stephen.
Day 4: 10:00: We got up late and headed for the beach.
11:30: We headed into Dingle and went to the aquarium.
12:00: We wandered around Dingle for a while.
6:00: We headed to the beach for a treasure hunt which
we were too tired to go on so Mr. O’Cuinn had to bring
the treasure to us! We played around on the beach for a
while.
Day 5: We all packed and were ready to head home.
Mr. O’Cuinn’s torch miraculously reappeared in the girls’
house...
1:00 We stopped for lunch.
3:00 We arrive back at school. Overall an it was an
amazing trip!
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Trips Romania Caroline Fitzgerald

Our idea to work with Habitat for Humanity in Ro- day of travelling.
mania came about when we formed our Mini Com-
Day Two: After breakfast, we had an orientation by Chris-
pany ‘Helping Habitat’. In order to go, we had to raise
tina where she explained what we could expect and she
€18,000 between us. As a team and as individuals
then took us to the site we would be working on. We met
we started on months of hard work and fundraising,
the foreman and the local builders who all seemed very
successfully partaking in charity swims, bag packs,
nice and looked forward for us to start working with them.
presentations and organising a charity dinner and
auction. When we eventually raised the money, we We got a look at the three houses we would be working
couldn’t believe that the trip was going to happen on. Each one had four apartments and so could house
and couldn’t wait! twelve families.
On the way back to the hotel, we took a drive around
Day One: We got on a three and a half hour plane to
Moinesti. It is located in a valley so it was surrounded by
Bucharest, the capital of Romania! Despite the pilot mak-
masses of trees and woodland. Very scenic! We heard
ing the mistake of talking about our destination as Bar-
that bears are common around the area which set off
celona, it was a smooth ride and we arrived in Romania
the imagination of the boys, saying how they were going
later that evening.
to kill a bear, with very detailed descriptions of how they
We were met by Christina, our host for the two weeks were going to do it...
and impressed her with our knowledge of the Romani-
We all chilled out in Room 5, the girls’ room and then
an language (by saying “Nu vorbesc Romanesti” which
went for a Habitat dinner in the hotel where we met some
means “I do not speak Romanian”).
of the Habitat organisers. We got our first taste of Roma-
We then had a five hour bus journey to our hotel. It was nian food. It was very meat based with lots of sausages!
after midnight when we arrived at the Mario, our hotel in Amazing flavours!
the town of Moinesti, where we would be staying for the
We tried to get an early night as we had an early start in
duration of the trip.
the morning for our first day as builders!
We were given our room keys and had a very awkward
Day Three: We were all up for breakfast at 7:45am in
journey up the stairs as they were really uneven, one
our work clothes. Many people tried sheep brain ome-
step was huge the next was tiny!
lette and really liked it! It was a case of ‘mind over matter’
Our rooms were basic enough but we did have a TV and as Mr. Lester put it.
a fancy jet shower!
We headed off to the site by bus! We met the builders
We went straight to bed and slept like logs after the long who we would be working with, including Daniel, a man

43
Newtown Review 2009-2010
who was moving in with his family to one of the houses
and was working on his 1500 hours sweat equity which
was required to own a Habitat house (approx 180 days
work.)
We were given our hard hats and goggles, put on our
gloves and were given instructions for the day’s work.
All the girls (and Ben) spent the morning up on the scaf-
folding painting three sides of one of the houses. Three
coats of white paint were needed but some people had
much too watery paint and so it took six or more coats
before Constantin, the foreman, was happy!
The boys had the job of ‘re barring’. This was making
the frame of the house for the cement to harden around
it and involved bending pieces of metal over steel bars
using a pliers to keep all the bars together. Every time
one was completed, a chorus of ‘RE RE RE-BAR!’ was
shouted as they carried the rebar to the pile. Very catchy.
Lunch was up next. We dived into chicken sandwiches
as we were starving!
The atmosphere was great around the place with every-
one laughing and joking and having such a good time!
We all swapped jobs after lunch. The girls did some re
barring and the boys lifted 40kg bags of cement and then
started digging the first of many holes!
We arrived back at the hotel with muddy shoes and paint-
ed clothes and badly in need of a shower!
After cleaning up we went to visit some families who lived
in poor conditions and who we were building houses for.
We met a boy called Yanut who lived with his mother, fa-
ther and sister. Their ‘house’ consisted of one tiny room.
It had no kitchen and they had to share a toilet with the
whole apartment block. They had coke and biscuits for
us which was so kind as they would never have treats
like that. Only Yanut and his mother were present at the
time and they told about how difficult their lives had been
and how excited and thankful they were to us for helping
build their new home. Yanut said “Thank you for not let-
ting me live here anymore”.
We then went to visit Daniel’s family, the man who was
working with us on his home. He lived with his wife, his
mother and two gorgeous little children, Alex and Diana
in a very small house with a small living room, tiny kitch-
en and one other small room. They found it very hard to
live like this with two children under three as there was
no room for them to play. They also had refreshments for
us which was lovely.
We went back to the hotel feeling even more empowered
to work as hard as we could and finish the houses for the
families.
We were exhausted from our exhilarating first day at
work so sleep was easy!
Day Four: The sun was shining down on us today as
we painted the last side of the house, singing songs the
whole time. Locals would walk by and greet us, try and
speak to us in Romanian and we would all shout “Nu
vorbesc Romanesti!” Horse and carts went by regularly
which was quite a strange sight for us!
44
Alice and I did some grouting in one of the houses which
is filling in between the tiles. Vasile, the supervisor, kept
coming in and just burst out laughing! The others did
more digging and broke a few pick axes while they were
at it! Benjamin was called “Dig” and Stephen was called
“Dug”.
After work, we went to the local “Penny Market” where
we stocked up on all things sweet and bought litres of
water for the site. We headed back to the hotel and ate
dinner there. A few people ordered stomach soup (com-
plete with lumps of stomach floating on top). It was sur-
prisingly tasty!
Day Five: Today the hard work began! We had to make
pathways around the house and make sets of stairs up
to the house so lots of cement had to be made. This in-
volved shovelling large quantities of gravel, stones, water
and cement powder into a mixer before pouring it into
wheelbarrows, wheeling it off to where it’s needed, shov-
elling it out for one of the builders to smooth and then
bring the wheelbarrow back to the mixer for the whole
process to start again. We started off quite slowly but and
the end of the day we were really speeding up. Kate and
I were doing the shovelling and found we hated the world
‘dos diech’ which means 20 in Romania as that meant we
had to do 20 shovels! Patrica, one of the builders, kept
filling the whole wheelbarrow up and when you tried to
explain that it was much too heavy he would just lift up
your arm and say ‘Big muscles’ and send you off with it!
We all worked as a team though and swapped jobs when
someone became tired so it worked out well.
Meanwhile, a few of the boys were digging more holes.
They started a ‘who can get the biggest rock’ competition
and Stephen and Ben (aka Dig and Dug) dug out a real
contender today!
After work, we went to visit a family who were living in
their new Habitat house. It was so nice to see them so
happy in their new home and they talked about how great
everything was since Habitat came into their lives. The
teenage girl said how brilliant it was to have her own
room which we all take for granted here.
The visit gave us another boost to work hard and help
make other families as happy as this family was now.
Day Six: Most of us woke up this morning with aching

backs and arms after all the work yesterday! We were all
quite shattered at breakfast so we were delighted when
Ms.Coady told us she had a few surprises for us today!
Scaffolding had to be taken down today which felt good
as it looked as if the whole house was coming together.
More holes were dug and John, Alice and I tried to keep
up with Killian (who is a machine!) and Ruah as we dug
trenches for the base of the stairs.
Today was Vick’s last day on site so the teachers bought
sweets and coke for us to have at our morning break
which was a real treat!
We were then told to get onto the bus and were confused
until Ms.Coady told us that a bear had been sighted to-
day and we were going to go see if we could find it! The
excitement on the bus was something else but as we
peered out the windows and time went by, we started
feeling a little apprehensive as to if we would ever see
the bear.
Luck wasn’t on our side today and we never found the
bear but we did go to a local school on the way back to
the site. There, they were painting eggs and we got to
join in which was loads of fun! Habitat funds these kinds
of activities so it was great to see!
When we were back on site, we worked for another few
hours and said our goodbyes to Vick. We also had straw-
berry champagne! (non-alcoholic of course.)
Day Seven: Today we went to visit the Mayor of Comen-
sti in the local town hall. He was a really nice man and we
asked him questions and took pictures with him.
Afterwards, we went up the mountains and saw the view
of Comensti which was amazing. We didn’t see the bear
though!
Back on site after various jobs were done including mak-
ing more cement, digging even more holes and wheel
barrowing materials for cement.
Litres of water were drunk as the day was very hot again!
After lunch we cemented the stairs. “Material!” which
means cement, was all you could hear from Pedro, an-
other worker over the noise of the mixers.
Killian was having an ear ache for the past few days so
the teachers decided to take him to hospital today. The
doctor saw something in his ear and got it out with a
hook. It was an earphone piece! Killian just said “Oh, I
Newtown Review 2009-2010
was looking for that!”
Later we walked down to a nearby church for a Good
Friday service. It wasn’t what we expected at all. With
a duration of four hours, continuous singing and a ritual
of going under a table and kissing the cross and Bible,
it was much different to church at home! We enjoyed it
though as it was a different experience. There was also a
candle ceremony whereby everyone would walk around
the church holding candles. We each got a candle but left
long before the end so we missed it. We did watch it from
our hotel though!
Day Eight: Today we only worked a half day. Unfortu-
nately Freya was sick today so Kate and Denise stayed
with her. Being short three people meant we had to work
extra hard. We were all quite tired after five days of stren-
uous work but we gave it one last push, knowing we were
going to have great days off starting tomorrow.
More concrete was made and most stairs and pathways
were finished. Holes were finished off and altogether it
was a great day’s work!
We had lunch on site and then went to pick up the others.
Thankfully Freya was feeling better. We then headed to
the salt mines which were about half an hour away. Geo,
one of the Habiteens (teenagers helping Habitat), came
with us. The salt mines were so much fun! We expected
to be wearing overalls and going into deep dark caves
but instead we found huge caverns with the most random
things inside such as two bouncy castles, swings and
seesaws, a football pitch, table tennis, restaurant, shops
and even a church and computers with the internet! It
was hard to believe we were 3330 metres underground!
Some people decided to lick the walls which tasted of salt
(go figures!)
After a few hours in the mines we headed back up to the
normal world.
Day Nine: Today we got a much needed lie in and then
headed down to breakfast. On our breakfast table, choc-
olate bunnies and sweets were laid out for us and the
teachers had organised a little Easter Egg Hunt which
became very competitive! We really enjoyed it!!
After breakfast we went to visit a very scenic monastery
up in the hills. The view was spectacular as we twined
round and round the mountains through the trees. It was
45
Newtown Review 2009-2010

quite quaint and beautifully decorated inside and the We then got to roam as we pleased around the castle. It
grounds were amazing too, especially when taking a was really cool, made up of lots of small rooms and many
walk through the hills to a pond hidden in the trees. floors so getting lost was too easy! The secret stairway,
where Dracula apparently used to go up into his guest’s
It was another beautiful day so after lunch at a resort, we
room and suck their blood, was really creepy!
all sat outside and listened to the Habiteens play music
on the grass, even joining in ourselves. They also taught Afterwards, we all bought Dracula T- shirts and more
us ‘The Penguin Dance’ which was hilarious! souvenirs.
Afterwards, we went to visit the nearby water springs. We The scenery on the drive home was fabulous. As we
were all planning to go swimming but unfortunately that drove through miles of vast, flat land, suddenly a moun-
was impossible! The setting here was also beautiful and tain with snow on top would spring up! We also saw ea-
we took a walk alongside the river. gles flying around and huge birds perched on nests on
top of telegraph poles.
We then went shopping at the nearby markets and
bought some souvenirs. Some people tried out their hag- Altogether it was a great two days off and a good rest!
gling skills, which proved to be very good!
Day Eleven: Back to work on site, refreshed and ready
Day Ten: An early start today, having to wake up at half to give it our all!
six!
It was great to see the cement mixers cleaned and put
We had a quick breakfast and then started a four hour away, another job done after the final set of steps were built.
bus ride to Peles castle. A very long
game of eye spy and Jamie’s sing-
ing made the time fly by.
Peles castle was incredible! It was
like a fairytale castle set in acres
of land. It was closed today which
was unfortunate but we took lots
of pictures and walked around the
grounds.
We had a very interesting lunch at
a restaurant. I think the dead lamb
staring at us when we walked in put
most people off but we ate anyway!
Dracula’s castle was next! After
fetching the people who ran off up
the secret stairway, we had a talk
with the tour guide who told us the
story of Dracula and showed us
some places in the castle and told
us lots of jokes too.

46

A huge trench of 10m long and 1m deep had to be build
for a sewage pipe so a good few people started work on
that. Others cleaned up the loose gravel on site.
Unfortunately, Alice had to go the hospital today as her
chest was bothering her. She was told that she would not
be able to work for the rest of the trip which was hard for
everyone. She still helped, doing Habitats accounts and
giving the rest of us support.
We had a relaxed dinner at the hotel and played cards
before heading for bed.
Day Twelve:Today was our last full day on site.
We spent most of the day finishing the trench that was
started yesterday so lots of pick axing and shovelling was
done.
After the trench was finished, we started on the very last
job; digging another trench from the sewage tank to the
houses. We all teamed up to do this together and got a
lot done.
After work we went to the Penny market one last time
and then went back to the hotel.
We had our last dinner with all the builders, Habiteens
and organisers of Habitat so there was lots of us! We or-
dered basically everything on the menu and shared it all.
The music was blaring as usual so lots of dancing was
enjoyed before final speeches of thanks were given.
Afterwards, we went back to our rooms and packed all our
things before having our last night’s sleep in Romania.
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Day Thirteen: Today we woke up to our very last day on
site. We worked hard at the last trench.
Some of the boys were taken off on a van to deliver the
scaffolding to a new site.
It was sad when it was time to finish up but when we were
given our ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ awards, we felt so
good when we realised all the work we had done.
We were also given little souvenirs and pictures of us on
site which was a nice reminder of our time in Romania.
Constatin told us that we had majorly exceeded their
expectations in finishing the houses. He didn’t think we
would be the team to finish them so we were delighted!
We thanked everyone and said our final goodbyes and
then hopped on the bus and went back to the hotel.Some
of us bought Habitat Comensti T-shirts too. We then
loaded our bags onto the bus and started the five hour
bus ride to Bucharest airport.
The time flew by once again and soon enough we were
back at Dublin airport.
We accomplished so much on our trip. We had SO
MUCH FUN!! We learned so many skills, visited the most
incredible places, met so many new people, experienced
a new culture, food and country and did something so
beyond what we believed we were capable of, making
the lives of many families so much better.
Many thanks to Ms. Coady for organising the trip, and to
Mr. Lester and Mr. Hourigan for accompanying us.

Kayaking on the Barrow

Before going on this trip we completed
our level 1 and 2 in Dunmore Adventure
Centre. This gave us more experience.
We split into 2 two groups, consisting
of 20 people in each group. We were
allicated a day, which was either Monday
25th or Thursday 29th of April. We got a
bus to Clashganny. We got our wetsuits
and equipment on and got our kayaks. We
started kayaking down the river Barrow.
We met a few difficult rapids which some
people fell out and got dragged down the
rapids. We can’t forget when Mr. Lester
took a dip in the first few minutes. It was
great fun and hilarious to watch if you
were lucky enough not to fall out. Some
people had double kayaks and some had
single or closed. When the rapids past we
kayaked a long straight to Graiguenamagh
which was hard on the arms. We stopped
for lunch and had a well deserved break.
Then back into the river and on the rapids
again. We all jumped into the river and
had a great laugh. It was enjoyed by all.

47
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Mini Companies
Top Tips 4 Girlz
Beth Rochford and Ruth Harrison
When we started our enterprise business we were huge-
ly indecisive about what to do. Coming up with a feasible
idea was one thing, but coming up with one that others
agreed on was a much harder prospect. We decided that
the best way to decide on an idea was to set up a group
with people who had similar interests. We discussed our
new ideas, focusing on topics that we were familiar with
and interested in. As we were an all female group, we
decided to use that to our advantage. We started look-
ing into fashion-based ideas and at first we were set on
having a fashion show. However, after much research
and discussion, we realised that the idea was a little out
dated. We began to focus on having an online fashion
website for teenage “girlz”, but when our research proved
it to be too limited, we altered it so that the website’s
topics were wider and included such things as beauty,
entertainment and advice.
After much discussion we agreed on a name. However
after researching it we found that a similar name was al-
the website. Due to copyright complications, we needed
ready in use by a web site and so it had to be changed.
to photograph our own photos for use on the site. We
A slightly altered name, Top Tips 4 Girlz, was agreed on
held a fashion shoot in school and, using the members
and tt4girlz.com was picked as the domain name. Next
of the mini company and pupil volunteers as models,
we contacted a local web and graphic design company,
we photographed our own photos. Next we began work
Eagle Dreams, about designing our web site. Ronan
on the written content. After assigning different topics to
Cleary was appointed the job and we arranged a meet-
each member, we finished the content and focused on
ing with him to discuss our plans. In order to purchase a
applying it to the website.
domain name we needed to fundraise and we did so by
having a bake sale in school and delivering candy canes After successfully completing the setup of the website,
before Christmas holidays. With the money raised we we finally launched it to the public on the 23rd February.
purchased our domain name. Next we contacted Ronan So far, the website has received an extremely positive
about a hosting site we had been looking into. However, response and we hope to continue it on into the future.
upon his recommendations, we instead decided to use We decided to give all our profits Solas Centre.
his site, Eagle Dreams as our host and had an “under
Overall our experience of setting up a mini-company has
construction” sign put up on the site.
been extremely enjoyable and I would recommend it to
The next thing we needed to focus on was the content of all future junior entrepreneurs.

The Marvellous Magic Movie Mini Company

By Becky Casey and Georgia Doorley.

The Marvellous Magic Movie Mini Company (Or
MMMMC) is just one of the many mini company groups
set up by this year’s Transition Year students.
The MMMMC planned and produced a 33 minute and
19 seconds long film based on the great novel Dracula by
the Irish author Bram Stoker. The Mini Company is made
up of several members led by our brilliant manager And-
rea Harvey. We were each assigned a role in the making
of the film.
• Andrea Harvey – Producer, Manager, First Assistant
Director and Editor.
• Abi Wilkinson – Accountant, Clapper and Costume
Designer.
• Becky Casey – Script Supervisor and Clapper.
48
• Nichola Fennell – Make Up Artist and Sound Mixer.
• James Corcoran Hodgins – Lighting (Also starred in
the film).
These five represented the MMMMC at the Regional and
National Student Enterprise Competition Finals. The rest
of the mini company members are:
• Jamie Smyth – Cinematographer.
• Adam Carr – Boom Operator and Prop Master.
• Jack Power – Score Composer.
• Alex Clarke – Researcher.
• Georgia Doorley – Director, Script Writer and Editor.
We casted several aspiring actors from Transition Year
to star in the film including Kevin O’Donnell as Harker
and James Corcoran Hodgins as Dracula himself.

We shot on location at Waterford Castle and Christ
Church Cathedral. We also shot a lot of the film in New-
town School in the main house, and in the grounds for
the crowd scene.
The staff at Waterford Youth Arts were very kind and leant
us a camera after giving us two classes on film-making.
After about two weeks of filming we took a break for the
Christmas holidays. Andrea and Georgia nearly drove
themselves insane during the tedious, yet strangely ad-
dictive process of editing the film.
We then screened Dracula in the lecture theatre, selling
tickets to staff and students.
We displayed our work in Legoland, along with the other
fantastic mini companies, to staff and parents. We were
then thrilled to be told that we had qualified to take part in
the Waterford City Student Enterprise competition.
The MMMMC, TT4Girlz Website, The Saga Mini Compa-
ny and Habitat for Humanity all took part in the Waterford
City round of the competition and all received prizes. But
the Marvellous Magic Movie Mini Company was thrilled
to find that we had qualified for the National Final of the
competition.
At the National Final, it was easy to tell that everybody
had put in so much effort and although we did not suc-
ceed as we would have liked, we had a good day.
This was a great experience and thanks to everybody
who supported us and took part in this project, to the peo-
ple who made it happen. This was a great experience.
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Japanese Speech
Contest
After taking part in two linguistics competitions in DCU
Ruadhan Treacy decided to study Japanese on his
own outside school for the Leaving Certificate. On the
6th of March he won 1st prize in the 8th Japanese Lan-
guage Teachers of Ireland (JLTI) Speech Contest held
in the Department of Education in Marlborough Street,
Dublin. There were 13 competitors in his category for
transition and 5th year students. He was presented
with an eReader sponsored by Sony. All participants
had to deliver a three minute speech in front of an au-
dience and a panel of adjudicators which comprised
of inter alia lecturers from UL and DCU as well as an
official from the Japanese Embassy.
Ruadhan will be travelling to Japan to study Japanese
intensively for 3 weeks during the summer. We com-
mend him for his initiative and wish him well in his en-
deavours. Many thanks must be attributed to Mr. Do-
bbs for introducing the students to linguistics and for
encouraging Ruadhan to pursue his interests in this
area.
All-Ireland Linguistics
Olympiad

2nd in Maths Competition Linguistics Team

Ruadhan Treacy, Stephen Ennis, Abi Wilkinson, Thea

Johnson and Ben Sleven represented the School in
this years Linguistic Olympiad in Dublin in DCU on
Wednesday 24th March. Ruadhan and Stephen were
on last year’s AILLO-winning team (with Heidi McIlvenny
adn Siobhán Glasheen) and went on to represent Ireland
at the International Linguistic Olympiad in Wroclaw. This
year they came first and eighth respectively (nationwide)
in the first round. Abi, Thea and Ben scored in the
45%-55% range on the same questions, which is very
encouraging.

49
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Work Experience
Freya Little
London here I come!
I went to London for my work experience. I worked with
a fashion colour forecasting company called D.cipher for
4 days and after that I worked with the Head Fashion
Buyer for the Limited Collection of Marks & Spencers for
5 days.
I loved working at D.cipher. It was a tight-knit company
of 5 employees, who all chipped in when a deadline had
to be made. I cut colour swatches, played around with
Photoshop and made mood boards, I crossed checked
colours, mailed colours books to customers and got ev-
eryone tea! Christine Foden, the boss, was happy to let
me make up the colour forecasting books which were
sent off to their clients in places like Korea and America
and also Awear in Dublin. I learned how each season’s
colours are influenced, not only by couture and runway,
but by people. When I finished working there, Christine
asked if I would come back for more work experience for
a couple of weeks in the summer. Hopefully I will be go-
ing back this year.
The following week I was very lucky to work in the
Marks and Spencers Head Office in Paddington, Lon-
don.
Day 1 I was met by Emma the assistant buyer of the
Limited Collection at the front desk, where I was given a
pass card which you need to get in and out of the build-
ing. I started off in Marks and Spencers with a Weekly
Trade Meeting to show how each section was doing that
week, I was shown the ‘cupboards’ where they store all
the clothes they’re working on and the samples, I attend-
ed a safety talk in case of an emergency, I talked to an
assistant in design about her job, talked to the assistant
buyer for ladies swimwear and I helped putting on press
sample labels on clothes… a busy and tiring day.
Day2 I was in fittings all day where they had a perfect
size 12 model which they fitted all their clothes on. They
examined the item of clothing on the model and decided
to make changes to it, send it back to get it redone or
they would seal it, which meant that it would be ready to
be sold in the stores. It was amazing to see how it worked
and they even encouraged me to give my opinion.
Day 3 I went to the Marks and Spencers flagship store in
Marble Arch were I was working upstairs with the press
team, getting a room filled with their new collection ready
for a Press Show. A press show is where they let maga-
zines look at their collection to see which items will be
liked and which won’t, so everyone was working hard to
get everything finished on time. I was really happy to help
out wherever I could!
College in London
On Wednesday we had arranged that I leave a little bit
earlier to go and visit a Fashion Retail Academy which is
a college in London that a couple if the girls in M&S had
50
gone to after school before joining the company as fash-
ion buyers. So mom and I went to check it out and see if
it would be a career I would be interested in pursuing. It
was so amazing we were both blown away by it.
Day 4 I was in a Design Development Meeting first thing
that morning, then straight to Fittings, followed by Suppli-
er Sample Feed-Back and then back to Fittings. Fittings
were my favourite because you got to see “him”- what
they call the item of clothing- go through the different
stages before it is sealed. Also a couple of times the
clothes came back too small for the model so I got to try
them on!
Day 5 A couple of us got a taxi and went back to Marble
Arch to tidy up and sample check (make sure everything
was there and accounted for) from the Press Show.
We went back and Emma got me to do some market
research, seeing what’s coming to fashion, and an on-
line comp shop, where I went and compared pieces of
clothing and their prices. As it was my last day and also
my birthday, everyone in the office decided to surprise
me with a few pieces from the collection not yet seen in
stores and two invitations to come back for more work
experience!
This was an amazing experience and I loved every mo-
ment of it. With those 2 weeks of experience I have de-
cided that the fashion industry is the career I would love
to pursue. I will be going back to do more work experi-
ence in Marks and Spencers which will help me get into
the Fashion Retail Academy in 2 years time.
Sliabh Wells
My Work Experience
As part of the transition year programme I, and the rest
of fourth year, went on work experience. We were given
two weeks to find work placement with a company or in
a business that we were interested in. The aim of the two
weeks was to give us an idea of what work in our chosen
profession would be like.
For my work experience I travelled to London to work on
the set of a film called ‘Burke and Hare’, a film that is due
to be released in cinemas in October/November.
Each day that I was on set I spent working with a different
department e.g. Camera, Editorial, Assistant directors.
Day 1- Ealing Studios
On my first day I worked with the production team. I
helped in the organisation of the next day’s filming. I also
spent a lot of time on set passing messages and helping
with other small tasks.
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

CSPE
Day 2 Ealing Studios

Today I worked with the editorial department. I helped

sync sound and audio clips from the parts of the e film
that had already been filmed. I got a good insight into By Emma Prendergast
what the editors do and how they find their work. For my Civics Action Project, I decided I wanted to do
something different and something I was interested
Day 3- Ealing Studios in, so, Serena Bifolchi and I decided to hold a ‘Vintage
and Fashion Sale’ in school on the 9th of March. All
On my third day I worked with the art department. I
proceeds were to go to a girl’s orphanage in Sri Lan-
worked designing and making props that were going to
ka, the ‘Wexford Girls Home’, which my cousin had
be used in the film. I found today really enjoyable be-
visited and told me about last year.
cause it was really fun to see how all the props were
made. Also because the film is set in the 1800s it was in- Once the
teresting to see how the designers researched and made mocks were
props to fit this period. over and the
school was
Day 4- Hertfordshire plastered in
Today we filmed on location. The filming took place on a posters ad-
large estate about an hour outside of London. I spent the vertising the
day working with the camera crew. I had a lot of interac- event, I set about organ-
tion with the director, John Landis as I spent most of the izing rails, hangers, man-
day on set. I also spent some time in the camera trailer nequins, screens and most
loading camera roll. After the four days I realized that the importantly the clothes and
film industry was an interesting area to work in. accessories! The clothes
were sourced from our own
wardrobes, thrift stores,
friends and family and a
local boutique ‘Muse’, who
were extremely generous,

Quotablees
kindly donating brand new
clothes – not even on the

Quot rails yet! All the merchan-

dise was from excellent brands such as: Kate Moss
ome and for Topshop, Topman, Abercrombie & Fitch, Cheap
e tr e e s want to c
y pin Monday, Odd Molly, 7 for all Mankind and River Is-
non - “M
Mrs. Len apple trees.” ples.” land, all of which were priced between €1 - €15.
ur e pineap
attack yo rren - “And mak y
Naomi W
a apples b After we had dealt with the gruelling task of pricing all
h y d o they pick ” our stock, we were all set…
- “W ver?
Hegarty se a Hoo
Jessica don’t they just u t So the big day came (a lot of which was spent running
hand, wh
y ) - “Wha
g o u t q uestions et that, around), and by lunchtime we had set up our very own
eadin n’t g
niston (r eople did pop-up vintage and fashion stall (with the much need-
Mr. Den st demand? If p
ho ry.” ed help from some of our enthusiastic classmates),
did the G lie down and c a pair
to er worn complete with its own dressing room, full length mir-
I’m going e y o u e v
e - “Hav ror and music. I was amazed at the response we
a m O ’Morcho
Wil li em off got and the amount people bought! Everyone from
w e ll ie s ?” e a , b u t I took th 1st to 6th years stopped by and bought something.
of - “Y
Hegarty
Jessica When what had been a very busy but exciting lunch
again.” n I’m
e s u m mer, whe re too came to an end, we decided to do it again as we had
“In th ey a
niston - ays, if th some remaining stock and promise of new clothes.
Mr. Den our Hamlet ess the margin.” The second sale was held two days later on Thursday.
gy in
correctin ill be screaming By 10 past 1, it was time to wrap things up and we
general
I w ket in my
d in g a s pace roc started counting the money we’d made. Initially,
buil
on - “I’m I’d hoped to maybe collect €100 or 200, so I was
Mr. Lem
office.” pes of astounded to find we had actually made €764!!
e re ’s d ifferent ty With a few more items sold outside of school, I was
- “Th
n Tracy
Ruadha able to give the charity a total of €800, which they
sheep?!” were ecstatic about.
I ’d really like to thank everyone who came and bought
from us supported us and thank you so much to eve-
ryone in my year who were such a fantastic help –
without you it wouldn’t have been possible!

51
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Volunteering
in Nigeria
I suppose I should start from the start.
Sometime in late 2007, I decided 14 years will be enough.
After this year, it was time for a break, time for a change.
Time to do something else with my life. The change I
sought was away from the classroom. I was about to
enter 6th year, and college was the obvious next step
for someone in my shoes. Well, I decided, not for me.
I wanted to try a different way of learning, another form
of education. Get out, see the world and learn by doing.
You might think I was a bit young for such a change.
Thankfully, my parents didn’t agree with you, and with
their support I started to plan what was to become my
“Sozialesjahr”. (Mum’s German.)
So, for the guts of nine months, I lived outside Ireland.
Outside Europe. I bag-packed around Peru and Ecuador
for three months from September until December with a
group of North Americans, marveling at everything I saw.
These were a wonderful 12 weeks, but looking back now,
they were training for the main event.
After Christmas with the family, I packed my bags again
for Nigeria. (This proved to be my first mistake. I packed
the same items as for South America, and let me tell you,
volunteering requires different things then trekking) I was
heading off with Experiment In Learning (EIL, for short),
52
Oisín Brogan
whom I had found through an internet search of “volun-
teer abroad”. I boarded my flight from Cork on January
the 15th, at an ungodly hour of 6am. This plane took me
to Heathrow, from which I continued until Lagos, Niger-
ia’s former capital.
Why did I choose Nigeria? There were a number of dif-
ferent reasons. I had always wanted to go to Africa, and
when else would I get a better opportunity then this? The
projects EIL offered in Nigeria also seemed more in my
line of interest, which was working with children in a sort
of play environment. More practically, I had spent weeks
trying to learn Spanish in South American. I didn’t want
to spend a similar time learning a native African language
or worse, French.
I spent the plane journey over to Nigeria worrying. I was
terrified. Not about a new country, or about the plane
crashing or anything like that.
(Though I’ll never forget the burnt out planes left by La-
gos Airport’s runway to greet people to Nigeria). No, I
was desperately worried about volunteering. Or, more
to the point, my preparation for my five months of work
ahead. What had I done? I had a list of nursery rhymes,
and a few games to play with kids. What was I going to
do?
These feelings were given brief respite during orienta-

tion, when I had to deal with new sights, feelings and
people. I was welcomed to the country by The Student
and Youth Travel Organization, Nigeria, who gave me a
week long orientation course. The people at SYTO did
their job well, taking it easy on the facts and language
course, knowing I’d still be getting used to everything.
The city tour they arranged for me was spot on, giving
a taste of what being out and about an Nigeria city was
going to feel like, while still letting us “do the tourist” for
awhile.
After a week, I was transferred to a small town called
Ileasa, where I would live and work for the next five
months. I was to work with Living Hope Care (LIHOC for
short) who helped both people living with HIV/AIDS and
the orphans and vulnerable children they left behind. I
was to work with the side helping the children. However,
once I got to my actual placement, the feelings of un-
ease returned. Don’t get me wrong. The people of Ilesa
and LIHOC were all wonderful and welcoming. Everyone
went out of their way to try make my transition easier.
One of those kindnesses, however, was the thing that re-
ally scared me. Ms. Fakande, both my host Mummy (as
she was called by all her staff) and boss, sat me down on
my first night in her home and outlined what LIHOC did,
and how I might be able to help in those endeavors. Dur-
ing the talk, she kept using phrases like “if you wanted
you could ...” and “it’s up to you ...”
Unfortunately, this was exactly what I didn’t want to hear.
Feeling ill prepared, I was hoping for a set task, laying out
exactly what was expected of me, so I could learn and
eventually (with luck) excel at that job.
Instead, Mummy told me I could help “in any way I can.”
To make matters worse, LIHOC was very different from
my expectations. In my mind’s eye I saw myself working
in an orphanage. As Sanya, college and friend told me
later, that’s not how things are done in Nigeria. LIHOC
Newtown Review 2009-2010
acted more as a facilitator and service provider for the
children they worked with, the children themselves stay-
ing with surviving relatives. Feeling at a total loss, I smiled
and went to bed.
Tossing and turning, I felt culture shock for the first time
in my life. It was all too big, all too difficult, all too differ-
ent. I longed for that classroom. At least I knew how to
manage that.
A long story short, I managed to deal with that feeling.
There were highs and lows along the way. For the first
three weeks at LIHOC, I was left with little to do, not be-
ing offered any long term job, as promised. Those three
weeks, looking back, were just the right thing for me. At
the time, I was frustrated and scared, that this would be
how it would be for the rest of my stay. In reality, Ms.
Fakande and LIHOC were giving me time to find my feet
and my own way to go.
My breakthrough came in the form of Kidz Klub. This
was a once a month meeting held in nine different sites
across Osun state. It was one of the few times LIHOC
staff had direct contact with the children, and involved
skill building and informal learning, plus a few games.
Over the five months, I ended up adopting the running of
one of the Klubs, and took an interest in all of them. I was
often, towards the end of my stay, jokingly referred to as
the “KK adviser.”
Of course, once a month meetings aren’t enough to keep
one occupied. With the date of the Klubs circled in my
calender, I started to look for work around LIHOC.
I joined the Project Management Team, which oversaw
all of LIHOC’s activities. This meant I knew all of what
was going on, and even got to have a say in some of it. I
became the local computer expert, which led to my later
task of digitalising our database of the children. I gener-
ally took up any work I thought I could handle, includ-
ing interviewing caregivers of the children for microcredit
53
Newtown Review 2009-2010
loans, among other things.
This “do work as it comes” attitude obviously leads to oc-
casional lapses.
Some weeks were slow, some weeks flew by. I needed
a daily job. This came in the form of a teaching assist-
ant. I worked in Ife Oluwa (Love of the Lord in the local
language, Yoruba) a local primary school as a general
helper to the teacher of Primary Four (the equivalent of
fourth class). I taught mostly Maths, but also dabbled in
English, Home Economics, Science and even Religion,
which I thought a bit ironic given my own views on the
subject.
The people at the school were wonderful. Not only did
this give me my chance for daily interaction with children,
they were the most flexible employers imaginable. Work
at the office took preference and, as I said, came and
went. Sometimes I wouldn’t be able to come to school at
all. When I returned, apologies ready, they wouldn’t even
bat an eyelid. Merely ask what I had brought back from
my travels for them.
As I’m starting to write too much, I guess I should write
about the two most important things I found out in Niger-
ia. One was about Nigeria, and one was about myself.
When I arrived to the country, I had a picture in my head
what a 3rd world country should not only look like, but feel
like. It should look dusty and run down, with lots of shanty
towns and rusted iron. It should feel poor and hopeless,
as though every day was a struggle. There should be lit-
tle if any happiness and certainly no optimism.
However, that’s not what I found. In spite of my “geog-
raphy textbook view” of the country, optimism was in
abundance. I learned quickly not to call Nigeria a “poor
country”. Acknowledging it had problems, that was okay.
But no Nigerian I met accepted that Nigeria was poor. If
only the government sorted itself out, everything would
Random
Fact
I am.Ó is the
shortest complete
sentence in the
English language
54
be fine. It sounded like anything you heard back at
home. Even the poorest of the poor, the kind that needed
LIHOC’s help, didn’t regard their life as a struggle. They
have problems, a malfunctioning health system, meeting
fees to keep their children in bad schools, finding work.
But still they had a spring in their step.
The eye opener for me was when I met Kuti, a farm lab-
orer, interviewing her for a micro credit loan. I realised,
halfway through the conversation, that she was one of
the farmers you hear so much about through Fair Trade,
trying to live on less than $1 a day. Yet she seemed so
happy. She spoke positively about her planned catering
business, telling us “school kids already came to her for
kuli kuli.” After the interview, she even offered us some
fruit she had picked while farming that day.
The self-discovery was a more gradual process. It
dawned on me, towards the end of the trip, that I had
occasionally, throughout my stay, taken the initiative on
things. I had taken on the running of a Kidz Klub. I found-
ed a soccer problem in the local primary school, (I had
gone out of my way to visit people. Me! Visit people, with
no invitation. Something I wouldn’t have thought of in Ire-
land. I have never considered myself a go getter, as they
say, someone to get up and do something. Set me a task,
I’ll do that for you but taking the initiative was new for me.
Nigeria forced that out of me. Now, it wasn’t a complete
turn around. I haven’t started my own NGO upon my re-
turn to Ireland. But before I left for home, someone who
did set up an NGO, commented that I had been “one of
the most active volunteers who came to Ilesa.” Shows
I’m making progress, at any rate.
And, when I did get home, to no summer job (again) I
somehow ended up volunteering in an Enable Ireland
charity shop.
Volunteering, it seems, is a hard thing to shake off.
Random
Fact
If you were to spell
out numbers, how far
would you have to go
until you would find
the letter Ò AÓ ?
A. One thousand

Science
Random
Fact
Bullet proof vests, fire
escapes, laser printers
and windshields all
have been invented by
women
Glencree
Trip
September 2009
Lydia Thorpe
Early on a Tuesday morning in late September, Becky
Casey, Freya Little and myself left on the half seven
train to Dublin. When we got to Heuston Station, we
waited for a while, before deciding the other little
groups of teenagers starting to appear must be going
to Glencree as well.
We got a bus away from the station which brought us
from the city, into the hills to the middle of nowhere!
When we arrived, we were allocated dorms. Each
dorm was named after a different country. Our room
was Cuba.
After lunch there were some ice-breaker games. We
made friends with people from different schools. In the
afternoon we discussed issues like war and poverty.
In the evening we watched a film called “Crash”. This
was about racism and slave trade.
The next day was clear and sunny so we went on a na-
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Mr Ronin ready to fire
Mr Ronan ready to fire!
ture walk to a nearby lake. We had discussions about
bullying when we arrived back.
We also got to watch a video about the Gaza strip, and
discuss what was going on there.
Freya, Becky and I had to make a poster and a draw
a map of our school to show to the other people from
different schools. They all did the same. This was in-
teresting to see how different the other schools are.
After a competition, to see which team could build the
highest tower out of newspaper, we were told to make
up raps about racism. Each group sent two people
outside to find/make instruments. Our group ended up
with a mop, a bucket, some tin cans, a hammer, rocks
and sticks.
Everyone went outside to watch each other’s raps.
This ended up being quite funny. That evening we
played more games.
The next day we packed our bags and got on the bus.
The trip had gone so fast. On our journey to the train
station we even got to see Ryan Tubridy! (We were on
the bus so we didn’t stop and talk.)
We managed to nearly miss our train, but we got there
in the end. It was a good trip and great to make so
many new friends.
55
Tall Ships
Newtown Review 2009-2010
W
hen the summer holidays of 2009 began, I went
straight from school to the tall ship “Tenacious”.
Upon first sight of her, berthed by the quay in
Waterford, I was struck most by her size. She is current-
ly the largest tall ship designed for a mixed ability crew
in the world and has a hull displacement of around 714
tonnes (which is an awful lot). Measuring 36m from the
waterline to the top of her mainmast she certainly quali-
fies as a tall ship and although I have been on many a
ferry in my time, some of which were longer, taller and
wider than the Tenacious, there is nothing quite like see-
ing a tall ship up close. When looking up from the deck,
the masts gave the impression they went on forever and
later, when viewing the deck from the top of the main
mast, I remember seeing how small the deck looked from
up there, the scale of it awed me. I have always loved tall
ships and sailing (as well as pretty much anything to do
with the sea that doesn’t involve an engine) so getting the
opportunity to become part of the crew of a tall ship was
a dream come true for me.
There was quite a large Newtown representation on
board the Tenacious for the voyage as Stephen Ennis
and Hannah Hermon accompanied me and we were also
pleasantly surprised when we bumped into old scholar,
David Murray. This led to much reminiscing. As it turned
out, David and myself were to become a bad influence
56
Report By Loic Jacob
on each other and eventually we seemed to regress to
the mental age of about two. On one occasion, after a
full dinner, we ate nine extra bowls of crumble and half a
jug of custard between us after which, suffice to say, we
resembled beach balls and could barely move. We had
to roll down to berths and sleep it off.
I’ve already mentioned that the Tenacious is a mixed
ability vessel, which means that half of her crew were
disabled and the other able-bodied and as such she was
designed with this in mind. Normally a ship of her type
would be quite cramped but the Tenacious was nice and
spacious with wide corridors and even lifts to allow for
wheelchair bound crew members. However be they disa-
bled or not, everyone had to pull their weight around and
no one was ever excluded from any of the duties associ-
ated with sailing a vessel of this type. The wheelchair
bound crew members were hoisted up the mast so they
could appreciate the view and a blind man even climbed
to the top of the mainmast just for the feel of it. The sense
of “yes we can” was infectious and everyone joined in.
From day one we were all assigned a task essential to the
running of the ship. The crew was divided into watches,
with the more experienced sailors as watch-leaders, and
each watch was assigned an area of the ship to report
to when raising the sails. This was an activity in which
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
everyone was needed as there were no winches to as-
sist. All ropes were also hauled up by hand by teams of
up to ten sailors and every watch took their turn as “mess
men”, which is another way of saying “galley slave”. This
essentially involved doing whatever Hammie, the cook,
told us to and this was mostly washing up.

The watches also took turns helming (steering the ship)

and acting as lookouts, I particularly enjoyed the night
watches as they were very peaceful. Although, I am told
that once when Stephen tried to wake me up early one
morning by tapping my face, I reacted by immediately hit-
ting him, however I have no recollection whatsoever of
this incident but I am notoriously hard to wake up.

Our voyage took us from Waterford to Dublin then all the

way down to Kinsale, before heading back to Waterford
again. We saw dolphins, cruise ships, other tall ships (
in Dublin for a tall ship gathering), fishing trawlers and
pretty much every other water-dwelling animal or vessel
that are commonly seen around the Irish coast. For me,
however, the high of the lookout spotting had to be see-
ing basking sharks. These massive creatures visited us
twice as we lay becalmed and circled the ship for half an
hour at a time, sometimes as many as three or four of
them. The boson estimated that it was at least fifteen feet
from the tip of their tails to their dorsal fins, which put their
overall length at around twenty feet. They appeared slow
and purposeful and a bit menacing but in reality are only
gentle giants/

The voyage lasted eleven days in all, seven of which

were spent at and we were blessed with sunny weather
for most of this time. There were a couple of days of fog
so thick that visibility was down to 150m and a lookout
had to stay on the bow with a walkie talkie so as to warn
the helmsmen of any approaching dangers i.e. rocks or
other ships.

What I learnt from my time aboard the Tenacious was

how to work as part as of a crew. This is different from
playing a team sport because there was no competitive-
ness, the goal was simply to get from A to B not to win
and it didn’t matter how long it took as long as everyone
had a good time. All those on board had equal opportuni-
ties to participate, everyone had fun and left with a sense
of trust both in themselves and in each other. That, for me
anyway, was the best thing about the voyage. We had to
trust each other completely otherwise nothing would work
or get done so everyone was told what was needed doing
and left it at that. It didn’t matter if you didn’t know how or
felt you couldn’t do something as all you had to do was
ask for help and it would be provided. I would do it again
in a heartbeat and highly recommend to anyone with any
interest in tall ships, sailing, the water or just having fun
to get on to the Tenacious. Ability doesn’t matter and they
accept all ages and levels of experience. I didn’t have a
clue about how to sail a tall ship before I signed up but
now I long to be back on the water, swinging from the
rigging as the sails are set, it was one of the best times
of my life.

57
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Short Stories
Ashtray
by Nicky Ryan
H
e didn’t smoke. Every day, he went to the outside
patio of the café, and sat with the sea breeze and
salt blowing in his face. It wasn’t that he enjoyed
this. He never had any great love for the sea. It was an
expanse that belonged to gulls and fish, the tiny sand-
pipers who guard the edge of it, and heavy whales like
the one that washed up on this natural border when he
first moved there. He often saw fisherman haul in lob-
ster pots, or prepare boxes of plaice and mackerel. This
was only a tiny glimpse of what filled the sea. He did not
stop to think about this. Instead, everyday, his attention
and affections lay in front of him, always on two things,
and not with any friends or acquaintances. One was his
newspaper and the other was his ashtray.
The waiters there had learnt years before about his
habit, and had stopped collecting the ashtray. Instead, as
he spent his hours there, and drank cup after cup of tea,
he piled the used teabags up in his ashtray. By closing
time every day, he had a little mound. When he stood
up to leave, always being the last one there, the waiters
would glance at the pile. They saw it as the only insight
they had into the man’s mind, each teabag like a little
knot tied to a weight that fathomed his mind. The deeper
or shallower the weight was, the more they assumed
he was either troubled or at ease. As he left through the
café, the soft lights glinting off his leg brace, they would
say their farewells to him, worded according to their pre-
diction.
This same ritual went on for more than three years af-
ter his accident. His leg injury had not only given him re-
dundancy, but also enough compensation to live out his
days in this café. This was in a time when his face was
not young, but his hair not thin, cracks not yet appearing
on his skin or body. His town was not in the same stage
of life as he was. Years of gales and storms from the sea
had left the town cracked, mortar crumbling and window
panes shaky. The café was stuck with this problem too.
In the winter, the wind claimed tiles from the roof and
let the salty water in and spread damp. In the summer,
bouts of showers and heat in quick succession had left
the pain peeling. This was all expected from the thirty-
ninth building on Earl Street. It was a building that had
escaped renovation in the sixties. As the town was swept
by modern changes, like the new ferry port and shopping
centres, this building was one the hungry new life of the
58
city could do without.
“But” they whispered to each other during lulls in serv-
ice. “This place holds the charm the city once had! It
holds what the city has been!”.
“The suits don’t care” another would reply, which said
it all.
These suits came and went to the café, eyeing it up,
as the man in the smoking area piled up his teabags.
He knew the café was just waiting to be swept
away in the wave of changes in the city. He did not mind
this modernisation. He watched everyday as the ferry
crashed through the waves to the port, and brought new
faces up the hill and into the town. Sometimes, he liked
to think, they ended up in the café with him, and so he
would try to spot familiar faces. He was in the middle of
this one afternoon when a waiter interrupted him.
“Eh, well, hello” the waiter stuttered, aware he was in-
terrupting a meditation.
“Yes?” replied the man, dropping his glasses from his
eyes to his nose, and running a hand across his fringe.
“Em, well, sir, we wanted you to know something”. The
waiter’s hands were clasped tightly in front of him, this
thumbs playing with each other. “I know this is sudden,
but we’ve sold the café, today is our last day serving cus-
tomers.”
The man’s eyes rested on the waiter’s, before glancing
down at the thumbs and then away to the sea. He stayed
like this for maybe ten seconds before he spoke again.
“Well, it was expected, wasn’t it? We can’t stay in the
past now can we?” He turned back to the waiter smiling
but said nothing. The waiter paused before finding what
to say.
“Your drinks today will be on the house. I will bring you
your tea.” his hands dropped in almost a relieved way as
he disappeared back inside, returning quite fast with the
tea, milk and sugar.
The man had already turned his gaze back to the port.
Immediately he was struck by a bright red dot leaving
the ferry, which as it walked further up the hill, became
a tall woman in a red dress. Before he could follow her
any longer, she stepped around a corner and out of sight.
This red dot seemed to have been burnt onto this vi-
sion as he relaxed back into reading his papers. As it
faded, he began notice to notice a buzz around him. The
café was filling up as word spread of its closure, the patio
full of smokers enjoying one last drink here. He soon be-
came aware that the other chair at his table was the only
one left free. In all his time here, it had never been filled.
He shuffled in his seat as he raised his paper.
A voice interrupted his reading. He lowered his pa-
per and red filled his vision. A tall women with dark hair,
green eyes edged by tiny crow’s feet, mouth surrounded

by laughing lines stood in front of him, one hand already
on the chair.
“Sorry”, she began, smiling, “is this seat taken?” The
man’s mouth acted against his will and, with a quick re-
ply, he allowed her to sit.
“I hate to disturb you, but I just had to stop into this
place when I saw it from outside. It’s beautiful.” she said
as the man folded his paper, trying to act as though cas-
ual conversation was a regular occurrence for him.
“It’s a regular haunt of mine, to say the least” he said
quietly.
“I can see why” she said again, and flashed another
smile. With this she reached into her bag and took out
a pack of cigarettes and lit one. She inhaled and blew
smoke up into the sea air. The man knew what was soon
to come, but tried to remain casual, and continued mak-
ing small talk.
“‘Over on the ferry are you?” he blurted, as half way
through she tapped ash into his ashtray. He sensed that
she had noticed this, and tried to lean back in another
attempt to look at ease.
“I am, but only for a couple of days, just trying to
chase a story for the paper”.
For the length of her cigarette, they became en-
tangled in conversation over their shared love of writing.
They began holding eye contact as this went along. He
began to have thoughts, but was aware that her cigarette
was burning down, and his thoughts were tainted by what
would happen when the cigarette was finished. Before
the ash had reached the filter, she began her goodbye.
“Here, I really must go, but it’s been lovely talking to
you. I’m free tomorrow around the same time, would you
like to meet up again?”
“Same to you, I’d love to”
“How about here?” As her words came out, the inevi-
table happened. He had no idea how to react, knowing
she wouldn’t understand this invasion. Almost without a
breath, he replied “Yeah sure”.
By the time he had recovered, and her words sunk in,
she was gone. A flash of red from outside as her dress
caught on the lights. Quickly, he jumped up, and tried to
limp his way to her, his cane banging loudly off the tiles.
By the time he had reached the front door, she was gone.
He did not return to get this paper, instead he contin-
ued out the door, and home.
The waiters saw him leave, and looked at each other in
surprise. As the door closed behind him, two went to his
table, and saw a single teabag with a cigarette towering
out of it.
The next morning he waited across the thin street from
the tired old café. His eyes surveyed the building, all the
cracks and stains of the years having finally been laid to
rest. Crows perched on the building cawed down to him,
but with a wave of his cane they flew away. They quietly
came back, scuttling around the chimney as if eyeing it
up for a nest. He watched them until the day grew long,
the ferry came and went. People passed up and down
the street, but no woman in a red dress. The only chance
now was to walk down to the ferry port. His brace dug
into him as he moved down the hill and once there, he
sat, sighed and waited. Looking out to expanse that was
the sea, and thinking of all that was contained within.
Newtown Review 2009-2010
The
Departure
by Conor Bellew
J
amie and Kim lay idle in the front room. This was
how they spent most of their time together, just lying
there, watching each other and occasionally saying
something, perhaps about what’s on TV or what would
be a better way to spend the day. They never could think
of anything. It had been two days since they had last in-
teracted with their other friends. Friday seemed so long
ago now. They had been together since then; they loved
each other’s company, relaxing together. It was perfect.
Perfect in every way but one. Kim’s family was moving
away to Dublin despite her huge protest when her par-
ents, Mike and Liz, had informed her of their plans.
Jamie promised that it would work or at least it could
work. When Jamie said this, Kim just smiled and nod-
ded, hoping against all odds that it would. She felt it could
work but, to her, working wasn’t enough. She needed to
see him as much as possible. It would never be the same
for them, everything would be rushed. Trying to cram it all
into the small amount of time they were going to spend
in the future.
Looking at each other today there was certain knowl-
edge in both of them. A knowledge that they faced a
struggle, that what lay ahead would hurt and that it was
an uphill battle. Mike and Liz had always seemed hostile
towards Jamie. He was Kim’s first boyfriend and at first
they were okay with it but as things became more serious
so did they. Jamie understood perfectly well that what
they saw was their daughter, so happy and a nice young
lad but he would somehow, no matter what, hurt her, he
would break her heart.
Maybe this encouraged their decision to leave, get out
now before they got too serious. ‘Too serious’ was a com-
ment Jamie laughed at in his head if someone mentioned
it. They had told each other that they loved one another,
which was serious enough for him. Maybe Jamie was
wrong, what if he had imagined the hostility?
What if they were, in general a quiet couple with faces
that naturally rested in that ‘I’m angry’ position but they
were happy inside. Or maybe he just read too much into
it.
When Jamie’s friends found out about the departure
they were somewhat pleased. It’s not that they didn’t like
Kim; Jamie met Kim through his friends. It was more that
they wanted their friend back. The old Jamie who went
out every Friday and Saturday, who played football on
Tuesday and Thursday and who could think of nothing
better to do than chill with his friends was long gone for
about 16 months now. What they didn’t realise was that
the couple weren’t breaking up and if they did, Jamie
would probably suffer from some form of depression.
Their actual opinion was; “Ditch her Jamie, you’ll find a
new girl, she’s not worth the effort of travelling that far.“
That was what Paul had told him. Paul was the new lead-
59
Newtown Review 2009-2010
er of the group as Jamie was now otherwise engaged. To
Jamie they just didn’t understand. They wouldn’t under-
stand until they felt the same way about someone.
Kim was set to leave that evening. It was 4.30 now. She
would probably be gone within two hours maybe even an
hour and a half. “By 9 this evening I’ll be in my shiny new
house on the outskirts of Dublin wondering what my new
life will be like” she said. She would only have to wait
one year, then she and Jamie could do as they please.
Finished the leaving, they could spread their wings and
flee the nest. Their plan was to go to Belfast, Queens
together. Originally it was to go to Trinity but on hearing
the news of her new house; Kim realised she wanted to
get further away from her nagging mother, move out and
start her own life.
It had been almost 20 minutes since either of them had
spoken. That wasn’t going to change; there was nothing
left to say. With previous girlfriends silence seemed awk-
ward to Jamie. They had had nothing in common but with
Kim it was different, there was nothing worth breaking
their peaceful connection for.
There was a horn outside. Jamie woke to find Kim
watching him. He was annoyed at having wasted their
time together sleeping but she seemed happy so he had
no complaints. They still said nothing. He walked her to
the door, through the kitchen past his parents who wished
her the best. A quick kiss, cuddle and I love you and off
she went. Jamie stood watching her drive away with a
fake smile. They waved.
When he went back inside, he shut the door, leaned
back against it and took a deep breath. He felt his eyes
watering. It will be ok he felt. Just then his parents came
out to the hall to see him. “It will work itself out son” his
mother said. “It will all work itself out” added his dad like
a parrot.
Jamie suddenly felt more doubt than ever about this.
Memories
by Liadh Reilly
W
hen I awake, the night sky is black above me,
not a star twinkling comfortingly. The only light
comes from a street lamp, shining dimly, flick-
ering in rapid succession. I try to adjust my eyes to the
deep blackness of the back alley that I am lying in and I
heave myself up against a cold damp wall. Look around,
wondering where I am. I try to remember if I have been
here before. I can hear the faint sounds of a city from my
empty corner in the ally, but try as I might, I can’t for the
life of me remember the name of it.
I cannot remember anything past my twentieth birth-
day and I know that I am much older than twenty. My
hands are those of a grown man. They are work rough-
ened hands, hands that are used for heavy lifting but can
still be as gentle as a lamb. They are wrinkled with age,
these hands have seen many years. I stand up too quick-
ly it seems, for my knees almost buckle under the unex-
pected weight of my body and I feel as though the whole
60
world is swaying from side to side. I put one hand against
the wall to steady my shaky legs and wait for the feeling
to pass. When it does, I gingerly test out my legs, and
they hold my weight, they have become accustomed to
it but I stay close to the wall as I make my way out of the
alley. I do not want to push my luck just yet. I stand un-
derneath the flickering street lamp and take in the night
sounds of the city. I can hear a faint rumble under me and
I know it comes from the subway, but I couldn’t tell you
what a subway is if you’d asked me.
Large metal boxes with wheels pass me by every few
minutes. I see tired looking people in these boxes, and
I know that they are driving cars, but I have no recollec-
tion of ever being in one before, let alone what to do with
one. A person in one of these strange looking cars stops
alongside me and opens a window on my side. “Do you
need a lift?” he asks me. I can see sympathy in his face
and a slight look of worry too. I know what he’s thinking
only too well. I can see it easily. He’s wondering what I’m
doing standing under a street lamp alone, in the middle
of the night, at my age too.
“Actually,” I hear myself saying, “Yes, yes I do. Thank
you young man.” He opens a door on the side of his car
and pushes it open from the inside so that I can sit down
easily. He is young, barely old enough to be driving I think
and his eyes and dark and thoughtful.
“So where are you headed?” He asks. Of course I
think he wants to bring me home. I don’t quite know how
to answer, so I beat around the bush a little.
“Just wondering son, maybe you can help me out
here,” I say, “But by any chance, would you happen to
know where we are?” My question catches him off guard.
He didn’t expect this at all.
“We’re in Chicago sir. Are you, uh,” he hesitates for a
moment, wondering if I’m kidding around. “Are you seri-
ous?” he asks. I don’t want to worry him, so I say “No.”
He starts to pull away from the kerb and heads off down
the street. We continue on in silence for a while. He’s
nervous and doesn’t know what to say. Every so often I
see him open his mouth to say something, but my ques-
tion has confused him and has made him uncomfortable.
I decide to put him out of this miserable awkward silence.
“I’ll just head on with you sonny, until you get to wherever
you’re going.” I reassure him. He isn’t quite sure what to
say to this. When he offered me a lift he supposed that I
would know where I was and where I wanted to go. ‘I’m
not your conventional old guy.’ I think and smile to myself.
We drive for a little while longer, maybe ten minutes and
I am much more comfortable now, but my driver isn’t it’s
easy to tell that from his posture and the tight grip that
he has on the steering wheel. We pass by an old build-
ing. It’s big. Very big. The lights are still on, straining out
from the windows and the front porch. There is a police
car out front and the lights are flashing blue, red, blue,
red. Something in me recognises this house. I have been
here before, been here many a time. “Stop!” I tell my
driver, “This is it.” He slows to a halt and I open the door
of his car. “Are you sure this is okay?” he asks me. The
look of worry has not left his face since I met him. “It’s fine
sonny.” I reply, “And thanks for the lift.”
He nods once and I turn into the driveway leading to
the big house. I’m not sure what I will do once I reach
the door, but I walk to it anyway and knock twice. The

door swings open and slams against the wall to reveal a
woman in her forties. She is tired looking and her eyes
are red. She has been crying. I recognise her immedi-
ately. “Nora, I think, my daughter.”
“Dad!” she cries and I hear chairs against the floor in
the other room and hurried footsteps. “Where have you
been?” Her voice is filled with relief. I hug her close to me
and I remember, I remember everything. Two men came
out from the kitchen and I see one of them breathe a sigh
of relief. “I’m sorry officer,” Nora murmurs, “This happens
quite often I know.” But Dad forgets where he is some-
times and makes a run for it.
Newtown Review 2009-2010
were so tough, cannonballs would’ve bounced off them,
and others were shaking, snivelling wrecks that you had
to feel pity for. But it was the ones in between that I most
admired: the ones with their feet dangling above mad-
ness whilst their hands kept a firm grip on sanity.
They all, of course, wanted to know how I kept my class
so well-mannered. My reply was always: “It’s like a crate
of apples. You get rid of all the rotten ones, and the ones
you have left will be perfect for the market.”
I went back to my classroom in a thoughtful mood, and
was surprised to find someone waiting for me. A student.
He was medium height, medium age, pretty much me-
dium everything. I remembered him vaguely as one of the
average students who didn’t excel in class but weren’t at

Miss Witch
the bottom of the heap either. Someone who got at least
50% in their exams.
“Yes?” I asked.
The boy turned to face me, and I saw something in
those eyes that most definitely was not average.
by Rory Van Dokkum “Miss, I was just wondering,” began the boy, “how easy
is it to learn witchcraft?”

I
Ahhh…
started work as a teacher a few years ago. My first
His name was Gabriel Thiefson. I was not at all sur-
class was particularly fun. I was working as a science
prised when it turned out he was the seventh son of a
teacher, so I’d decided to do an experiment with some
seventh son. I invited him into the classroom, gave him a
explosive chemicals to start us off. Halfway through,
few basic lessons, and watched him closely. He was defi-
someone started throwing spitballs.
nitely warlock-material, he had a calm, relaxed approach
It was annoying, because I kept getting distracted and
to magic, had the fiery imagination vital for good spells,
didn’t particularly want to blow up.
and he even liked black cats and spiders. I asked him if
So when I caught the guilty party, a small red-haired
he’d like to be an apprentice as soon as the lessons were
boy with freckles, in the act, I turned him into a rooster. I
over, and he said “yes,” without hesitation.
like chicken and I made a point of mentioning this aloud.
We arranged to meet every breaktime, and when the
Afterwards the rest of the class was very well behaved.
bell rang he went off to maths.
I soon made myself at home in the class: I gave the
Later, when I heard the news from the maths’ teacher I
plastic skeleton a black top hat and sunglasses to go
felt so proud of Gabriel.
with his suave voice. I covered the ceiling and parts of
He’d already turned someone into a frog.
the walls with bulging green vines that moved by them-
selves, and I added a big red eye to the front of my desk
to watch the class when I had my back turned.
Most of the class soon got used to me, but there were Quot
a
Quotble
a few who were determined not to have a witch for a
science teacher. One boy, a bespectacled know-it-all
who I’d never liked, said that all witches deserved to be Mr. Lem
on (po
intin
es
burned. I turned him into a plate of cold chips and put him war mers) - g at Na
“They a omi
in the microwave for one minute to make a point. Mr. O’C r e not boo Warren’s leg
u ts.”
Then there was a girl, tall, blond, pony-tailed, who teache inn (about th
was determined to show me who was boss. I ignored r meeti e shee
legible, ng) - “M ts
yo ake su for the paren
her most of the time, but one time she really got on my Joe Dix ur parents h re your
writin
t
o av
nerves: I’d decided to introduce some beautiful tropical even w n - “My dad c e to read thes g is
hen it is an e.”
frogs to the classroom, and as soon as the class came typed.” never read m
in she shrieked “Miss! There’re horrible slimy disgusting Georg y writin
ina Sta g,
reptiles everywhere!” on? I d pleton
on’t kn (about
Mr. Co ow a te
Honestly, the cheek of some people! I introduced her to x - “Pa what it’s on!” st) - “What’s
per.” it
early amphibionhood. (Car hit
a
Those were two of the main cases, and I had to deal Stephe bump)
with many others: bubble-gum chewers, paper aeroplane n Ennis
Mrs. L – “Was
en that a r
makers, catapulters, snitches, no-homeworkers, arguers Stephe non –“I think abbit?”
and whiners. By the end of my second week, I’d realised n Ennis so.”
James – “Rab
O bit
that normal teachers must be made of pretty tough stuff didn’t!” ’Halloran (la s don’t cross
ughing
to deal with this every single day and not break down into ) – “Th the road.”
at one
tears.
So I investigated. One day during a school break, I went
into the staffroom to talk to several of the other teachers.
My suspicions were confirmed: some of the teachers

61
Poems
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Floating
Sara Leslie, 4th Year
Poems Invisible Box
Black Wire
Naomi Warren, 5th year
Floating, frolic through the floor Danielle Lyne, 1st year
Hair like black wire,
One step, two step
Ever seen a mime? Eyes like elf fire.
Dainty pep
Where the person’s stuck Skin pale as snow,
Inside an invisible box? Our love it grows.
Ribbons too smile-why don’t you stay a
while? I’ve seen it, real time.
I’ll wait down the street,
The fire flimsy trails flitter behind their toes
We could not help her. To where lovers meet.
Like bubbles
She could not be convinced Beneath the willow tree
For there were invisible locks Is where you’ll find me
Full of whim-a song?
On her invisible box. Waiting for my love so fair.
Dance, Dance
Floating like bubbles
She was drowning in her sadness. A kiss is all it takes
Dance
Surrounded by total madness. To have love break
She could not escape it. As she kisses him soft on the lips.
She was trapped in her invisible box.
Hair like black wire,
Cormack Langford Suddenly the invisible box died. Eyes like elf fire.
She cried out, for she was inside. Skin pale as snow,
Jessica Hegarty, 5th Year
But she too was gone. My regret of letting you go.
Accompanied along by the invisible box.
You make me laugh though your not around,
You picked me up off the ground,
Though you may not be here, Imitate
Your always with me,
Nicky Ryan, 6th Year
Random
I will remember our memories,
Quite fondly,
Her mother never took a liking to me.
Fact
Clans of long ago that
Pictures hang on my bedroom wall,
The happy times in between it all,
Staring with beady eyes into mine, wanted to get rid
You made me so happy,
She put on a smile of unwanted people
And babble the same kind words without killing them
The good times were great, used to burn their
to my own mother
When you left,
As she dropped me off home. houses down -- hence
I began to slowly deflate, the expression Ò to get
I hated life ,left my resentment unspoken, fired”
Her father stewed in a shirt
You were my gift ,
Watching with beady eyes
And now I am broken,
as me and his daughter
I still miss your joy, in every way,
But I get through life, day by day,
Though my thoughts may wonder,
played with tiny animals,
Always tense in his study of us. Random
To and fro,
You are always in them ,
These tiny animals wore shirts,
Lived in a quaint houses,
Fact
That I know.
With quaint décor, The king of hearts
But they stayed quiet. is the only king
We have them voice without a
Imitate what we thought it would be like moustache
To live out their quiet happy lives.
It wouldn’t be long until we grew tired
And I was taken home.

62
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
The White Cliffs Every year
of Dover The Finality
Brenna Traynor, 5th year
Max O’Brien, 3rd year
Austin Slevin, 6th Year Autumn winds blow
I’m tired, I’m sore; I just want to go home The leaves are rolling
Has it been days, weeks or even months? A bedazzling ineptitude The time to shiver has come again
I’m not so sure anymore. Of untold misery
As I sit on this young man’s fishing boat Covers up its attitude We say goodbye to
Bobbing and dipping like a cork in a tub With serendipity Flip-flops and ice cream
Bobbing and dipping like a cork in a tub. To our homes and our families,
Just watching and waiting for my home to A coincidence of fortunes But mostly to our beds.
Appear. Can make a poor man rich
As I wait for a sign, my sign for home, And mar itself much later Autumn winds blow
Not a flag of sail or even a person To leave you in a ditch The rain rolls down
On the horizon. The time to shiver has come again.
No. My image of home A solemn bang of silence
Is the white cliffs of Dover, Can louden left alone As the gates draw closer
Majestic and beautiful coming up from the sea. But covered by another Your tummy nerves dance
The white cliffs of Dover mean home to me. Makes others feel at home You take comfort in the thought
The sound I’ve been waiting for longing for That you are not a first year.
Hits my ears “land hoe” I hear and then I see Live life in the present You have done this before.
The white cliffs of Dover calling out to me, Look future in the face
The white cliffs of Dover calling out to me See all that you want to see Autumn winds blow
Over the choppy blue sea. But leave it in its place The trees are balding
, The time to shiver has come again.
Remember the magician
It’s never the same Like a cat with a box of knives You have a bed
Should he skewer an assistant Your parents leave
Kate Moore 4th year
He has yet got eight more wives Everyone looks different,
Exactly the same.
The triumph of climbing over the fence,
Not dropping the steel pot Autumn winds blow
Was a smile on her face. My socks are wet
The time to shiver has come again.
Stained grassy knees,
On my new jeans The Devil’s Catrale You have your friends
You feel settled,
Were eyes shot to the sky. (With thanks to Lewis Carroll)
Rory Van Dokkum, 3rd year. No longer alone.
Fingers pricked
From the thorns on the bush On a glumptious gliffig glangland day, Autumn winds blow
Was a quiet curse With the womptious sun high in the sky, You remember what you’d forgotten
The demons of Hell came out to play The time to study has come again
Bruce’s purple stained mouth And Old Nick himself came passing by.
Surrounded by white fur
Was a moment of laughter Pigghuns doggled, chrismans mared, I looked up
The Devil’s shadow burnt the ground
Daniel Pim, 6th Year
Pots of blackberries As he scoured the land for desperate prayers,
Filled to the brim Sniffing the air like a frenzied hound.
That was the first time I saw her.
Was a watering mouth
She was plain, nothing at first glance.
A child he found, a weeping wretchling,
It was her eyes that ,made me stare.
Making the jam A pale as a raghump without a chance.
They had energy.
To spread over the soda bread The Devil did laugh at the sniffing fletchling,
Her hair fell to below her shoulder,
Was a tasty bite Held out his hand and said “let’s dance!”
It tossed, twirled.
The taste is bland The snuffzaps squealed, the kiffniffs wailed
She glides across the room.
It’s never the same As Devil ld child past tree and well.
Then, her laugh-
She’s not there. Others followed. Old Nick catraled,
Serene , quiet,dignified.
Leading them all through the doors of hell ....
Our eyes meet.
I hold her gaze.
She smiles.
I blush.

63
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Summer Evening Take my thoughts

Ben Turner, 5th year
Twilight drifts in my window, fashionably late
As has become her custom, these last few days.
I greet her; an old friend
She knows I will forgive her absence.
She is always welcome, though her visits have become short lived.
But I do not worry
And merely watch and smile
As she stretches, and shakes herself
Before joyfully wrapping herself around the room
Like a cat against an ever patient ankle.
Reaching out a shadowy hand, she carefully envelopes
The last rays of light inside her coat.
A passing breeze makes his way in, cheerily tips his cap
To me and the lady in black
Before carrying on his way.
He has left behind the scents of the night;
Tales of sleeping wildflowers, the heady smell of wood smoke after
rain.
I close my eyes.
In the distance
I hear summer toss her head and laugh
Cherry blossom hair spilling over onto meadow green shoulders
Her laugh reaches deep under the earth
And explodes through my window.
Silence.
Outside, June sleeps on.
James O’Halloran, 5th year
Take my thoughts, Take it all
Scattered thoughts, in a breeze
Tumbling, twisting like flowing leaves
Take my thoughts and gather them up
Then take them and leave them in a cup
If you need to see what I’m thinking
Take the cup and just start drinking
Be amazed at what you find
Now you see, as you were blind
To what I think and thought and said
And saw the blue and green and red
Colours floating in the stream
Of collections of all the things I’ve seen
My mind now open for you to roam
My home of thought is just my home
My home of thinking, big and small
Just take my thoughts,
Take it all.
Many

Running thanks to the

Old Scholars for
Olivia Chambers, 4th year
sponsoring the short
With the wind in her ears she can’t hear a thing;
story/poetry competition
Not a car or a lorry or even the birds sing.
Her feet pound to the beat of her heart; Fiona Carty
She’s tiring now so the panting begins to start.
& Rachel Morris
Just another mile until she is back;
It’s all in preparation for running the track.
The big day is near so she has to train;
She’ll push herself through all the pain.
Her eyes water as she picks up her pace;
She’s imagining herself running the race,
Around the track she will run;
Under the order of the starters gun. Global Warming
But before that day she must prepare; Triona Harvey, 1st Year
Get out there and tie up her hair.
With the wind in her ears she can’t hear a thing; The world one day will disappear
Not a car or a lorry or even the birds sing. And we will all have to live elsewhere it could be
on mars or Jupiter who knows?
But we will all have to move,
When the world finally blows.
We use her fuels,
We dig deep underground,
But over what we have done,
We still stand proud.
I don’t know if we should,
Keep going or not.
After all the world is still getting more hot.
The global warming is burning us to a crisp.
I wonder is it worth
Such a huge risk.
64
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
The Cross Country
Jeananne Mulligan, 2nd Year

It starts at the trees,

Quotablees
in Coolie Woods.
Where the birds sing,
to no words.
Quot trip) - “O
MG I
th e s k i
Stretching and jumping, e (about o salt!”
e b e c c a Mullan c k , th e re was n
hearts are pumping. R rt att a
ad a hea ray to
The whistle blows, nearly h g io n d o they p
li
you’re on your toes. n what re
yrne - “I
Ms. O’B
Out of the woods Allah?” rocco?”
a ls he - “Mo
and onto the drive, Nia ll W you find
Jogging fast, in E u ro pe would
- “Where
your spirit’s alive. Mr. Cox
levees?” frica.”
i W a rren – “A iners) –
Past Annamaur Nao m
ts a t s o me conta
and behind the courts. oe (poin
O’Morch
Now we have speeds William
.C.C.”
of all sorts. “That’s U eally?”
s ic a M olloy – “R
Jes
mlin.”
The walkers, the joggers,
x – “T h is is a dru a ngs the
table.)
the sprinters too. Mr. Co m ro ll ? ” (B
y – “Dru ral
Everyone’s here, Finn Tro m p le of a natu
what next to do? e an e x a
– “Give m
Mr. Cox
.”
Run a little further, hexagon gon.”
down the trail. n T r o y – “Penta
Fin
To the back gate,
don’t forget to inhale.

Past Glynn,
where classes are on.
Just a bit more,
not far to run.
Quot
Some hit the wall, able
a few just stop.
Quot
Others keep going
right to the top.
es
Around to the astro Jessic
a Heg
rooms art
and the grit. ) - “Wh y (outside th
Almost there, floor? y is high e math
Should er mat ’s clas
n’t it be h s on th s-
just the last bit. u pstairs e ordina
Hanna ?” ry
h Can
beside tophe
Past the pitch, Mr r - “Who in
Alice B s. Glasheen th
where the rugby is played. owring again? is school live
If you win, - “Síob ” s
Mr. De han.” (
your dreams will be made. nn Glashe
own w iston – “I rec en)
riting o omme
ut loud n
The finish line’s in view, head.” . You c d you read y
an do our
it’s oh so near. it in yo
Ms. Ki ur
Everyone’s there, rwan (
the rev on
giving you a cheer. iew.) – receiving the
“One s fi
summ
er.” wallow rst article fo
Naom doesn r
You get a sticker i Warr ’t make
worth en – “A a
to state your place. two in h, but
the bu a bird
Thank God it’s over, sh.” in the
hand is
you’ve won the race!

65
Sport
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Sport
Presentation of Trophies
2008/2009
Friday May 29th 12.30– 12.45 Foy Hall

Presentation of Certificates of Excellence and Participation:

Clan Captains: Collect Thursday May 28th

Presentation of Trophies: Anne Goggin Outgoing Chair Newtown School Committee

Swimming Gala Senior Girls Singles Champion: Sarah Yates

Minor Boys Champion: Liam Landy Runner Up: Helena v Kockritz
Minor Girls Champion: Megan Fitzgerald Open Mixed Doubles: Champions: Sarah Yates and
Junior Boys Champion: James Kavanagh Ben Cross
Junior Girls Champion: Andrea Harvey Runners Up: Olivia Chambers and Callum Chambers
Inter Boys Champion: Clive Hatton
Inter Girls Champion: Louise Kent
Senior Boys Champion: Callum Chambers Presentation of 1500m Winners
Senior Girls Champion: Katie Quinn Minor Boys Champion: Liam Landy
Minor Girls Champion: Charlotte Hackett
Junior Boys Champion: James Kavanagh
Presentation of X-Country Winners Junior Girls Champion: Andrea Harvey
Minor Boys Champion: Liam Landy Inter Boys Champion: Stephen Scallan
Minor Girls Champion: Charlotte Hackett Inter Girls Champion: Olivia Chambers
Junior Boys Champion: Dean Whealan Senior Boys Champion: Alex Flynn
Junior Girls Champion: Andrea Harvey Senior Girls Champion: Sarah Rose
Inter Boys Champion: Jamie Cross
Inter Girls Champion: Louise Kent Athletics Competition
Senior Boys Champion: Alex Flynn
Senior Girls Champion: Dervla Purcell Presentation of Certificates of Excellence
and Participation

Presentation of Tennis Winners Minor Boys Champion: Nigel Kennington

Minor Boys Single Champion: Barog Kennedy
Runner Up: Barry O’Sullivan
Minor Girls Singles Champion: Kelsey Cunningham
Runner Up: Megan Fitzgerald
Junior Boys Singles: Champion: Sam Butler
Runner Up: Ben O’Keefe
Junior Girls Singles: Champion: Phoebe Moore
Runner Up: Rebecca Hoban
Inter Boys Singles: Champion: Jamie Cross
Runner Up: Ben Cross
Inter Girls Singles: Champion: Eliza Gomez
Runner Up: Aifric Heffernan
Senior Boys Singles: Champion: Callum Chambers
Runner Up: Arthur Dunne
Minor Girls Champion: Charlotte Hackett
Junior Boys Champion: James Kavanagh
Junior Girls Champion: Emma Prendergast
Inter Boys Champion: Stephen Scallan
Inter Girls Champion: Olivia Chambers
Senior Boys Champion: Callum Chambers
Senior Girls Champion: Rebecca Walsh
George Fitzgerald Memorial Shield: Stephen Scallan
Contribution to Girl’s Hockey: Grace Heffernan
Clan Trophy: Red

66
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Clan Competition 2008-09

Blue Green Red Yellow

Cross-country 59 69 65 72

Tennis 25 28 30 37

Plus Finals Plus Finals Plus Finals Plus Finals

Swimming Gala 514 512 597 562

Athletics 732 598 795 757

TOTAL 1333 1207 1487 1427

Plus Finals Plus Finals Plus Finals Plus Finals

Sporting Achievement Cricket Report

2009-2010 Hunter Maclachlan
Newtown vs. De la Salle In aid of” Missions Week”
Rugby Munster U18: Ben Cross, Eoin O’Conor, Patrick
Kiersey, Emmett O’Shea, William O’Morochoe, Alex On Wednesday the 28th of October Newtown played
Gurnee and Brendan Perkins. their first cricket match of the year. The Newtown team
was a very inexperienced side consisting of 2nd through
East Munster Rugby U17: Dean Whelan. to 4th years, including a few players who had no experi-
Leinster Youths Squad: Daniel Pim. ence of the game at all. The game clashed with a Senior
Rugby match.
South East Development Squad: Andrew Walsh and
Liam Walsh. Newtown batted first, Newtown experienced difficulty
during batting and were bowled out within the set overs
Boys Hockey Munster U18: Tom O’Brien and Stephen limit. There were great batting displays by Josh Kenny
Ennis. and Hugh O’Connor who claimed the majority of the runs
Girls Hockey South East U18/U21: Laura Power (Se- and made a good batting partnership on field.
lected for Irish U18 Trials) and Heidi McIlvenny. When fielding we played a lot better with good bowling
from Will Troy and Hugh O’Connor. Hunter Maclachlan
South East U16: Ruth Harrison and Becky Barr.
and Hugh O’Connor caught out a batter each, De la Salle
Waterford U15 Football: Jamie Cross and Christian reached the required target with only two outs.
Cullen.
Newtown performed well for a side that had no training
Tennis Munster U16 Schools Finalists: Sam Butler, before and were lacking in experience. We learnt a lot
Alex Hackett, Alan Jephson and Barrog Kennedy. from the game and are improving. We look forward to
more games and a summer of Cricket.
Equestrian: Grace Allen, Bertram Allen, April Allen, Wil-
liam Hickey, Hannah O’Shea and Anna Hickey.
Team Batting Order
Swimming: Meghan Fitzgerald and Louise Kent. Will, Troy 1
Gymnastics: Rebecca Hoban (2nd U15 Nationals). Daniel, Fenton 2
John, M ullins 3
Athletics: Clive Kennington (Ireland Regional Squad Luke, Ryan 4
Training) and Andrew Heffernan. Josh, Kenny 5
Sailing Irish Optimist Development Squad: Ruairi Hunter, Maclaclan 6
Finnegan. Hugh, O’Conor 7
Neil, Dunne 8

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Newtown Review 2009-2010

Clan Cross Country

On Monday the 21st of December 2009 the annual clan
cross country took place. It was a frosty morning, and
despite freezing conditions, there was a brave turn out.
Clan colours were everywhere, all you could see was,
blue, green, yellow and red.
Both serious runners and “fun runners” participated. The
number of fun runners was slightly down on previous
years, due to the cold weather. Well done to everyone
who took part and congratulations to all the winners.
Warm showers were appreciated by all afterwards.
A big thank you must go to all members of staff who
helped to organise and run this event. A special thank
you must go to Mr Butler. Also to the very colourful clan
captains who came out and encouraged everybody to
participate.

Clan X Country
Individual Races

Minor Boys - 1st - Conor Buckley Yellow

2nd - James Kiersey Red
3rd - Ben Doyle Red
Minor Girls - 1st - Charlotte Hackett Yellow
2nd - Trinoa Harvey Blue
3rd - Lucy Latta Green
Junior Boys - 1st - Liam Landy Red
2nd - Nigel Kennington Blue
3rd - Conor Vogelaar Blue
Junior Girls - 1st - Emily Hermon Green
2nd - Sinead Doody Blue
3rd - Mia Falkenthal Blue
Inter Boys 1st - Jamie Cross Yellow
2nd - Alex Hackett Yellow
3rd - Andrew Walsh Red
Inter Girls 1st - Olivia Chambers Red
2nd - Louise Kent Red
3rd - Andrea Harvey Blue
Senior Boys 1st - Callum Chambers Red
2nd- Aidan Devlin Green
3rd - Clive Kennington Blue
Senior Girls 1st - Charlotte McCormack Green
2nd - Abi Hurley Collins Blue
3rd - Hannah Cantopher Red

1st Yellow 62pts

2nd Red 61pts
3rd Blue 54pts
3rd Green 54pts

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 Newtown Review 2009-2010
East Munster Schools’ Athletics
X-Country East Munster Boys
29th January 2010 Minors: Ian Cohen 1st in 100m and 2nd in Relay
St Augustines Dungarvan
Luis Pettit 2nd in Relay and ran in 100m
Phoebe Moore – Inter Girls Daire Mc Bride 2nd in Relay and ran in 800m
Liam Landy – Junior Boys Luke Kenny Shot
Laura McDaid – Minor Girls Ruairi Finnegan Long Jump
Kate Cafferkey – Minor Girls Ben Doyle 2nd in Relay
Eve Heffernan – Minor Girls Long Jump
Danille Lynne – Minor Girls
Lucy Latta – Minor Girls Juniors: William Hickey Walk
Nicola Boyd – Minor Girls
Connor Vogelaar Walk
Triona Harvey – Minor Girls
Nigel Kennington Long Jump and High Jump
Liam Landy 1500m
Congratulation to all the above who took part in the East
Munster Schools X – Country. Brian Kenny 3rd in 200m
All results are on the Munster Schools web site.
Congratulations to Liam Landy who qualified to run in Inters: Neil Dunne
the Munster Schools X- Country to be held in Cork CIT Alex Hackett 2nd High Jump
February 28th. Seniors: Clive Kennington 1st in 100m and 2nd in 200m
Sliabh Wells 3rd in Discus and ran in 400m
Andrew Heffernan High Jump
Waterford Schools’
Athletics Results
Wednesday 28th April 2010 East Munster Girls
Ian. Cohen 1st High Jump – Minor Boys, 3rd in Shot
Peter. Joyce 2nd Shot – Minor Boys Wednesday, May 5th 2010
Connor Vogelaar 1st High Jump – Junior Boys
Minor Girls Event Result
Liam Landy 1st 1500m – Junior Boys, 3rd in 800m Nikki Boyd 800m/Relay 4th
William Hickey 3rd High Jump Triona Harvey 800m/Relay 4th
Neil Dunne 3rd High Jump Danielle Lyne 100m/Relay 4th
Alex Hackett 3rd 800m – Inter/Senior Boys Eve Heffernan 100m
Clive Kennington 1st 100m – Inter/Senior Boys Laura McDaid LJ/Relay 4th
Andrew Walsh 3rd Javelin
Minor Boys Relay 2nd Junior Girls Event Result
Junior Boys Relay 3rd Charlotte Hackett HJ/800m
Junior Girls Relay 3rd
Also Competed: Inter Girls Event Result
Minor Boys: Stuart Slevin, Daire McBride, Luis Pettit Olivia Chambers 1500m/Relay 4th
Junior Boys: Ruari Finnegan, Nigel Finnegan, Anna Hickey LJ/Relay 4th
Nigel Kennington, Brian Kenny Ruth Harrison Javelin/Relay 4th
Inter/Senior: Andrew Davis Nichola Fennell LJ/Relay 4th
Junior Girls: Charlotte Hackett, Kelsey Cunningham Abi Wilkinson LJ/Relay 4th
Inter/ Senior Girls: Phoebe Moore, Becky Barr Andrea Harvey 800m/Relay 4th
3rd Javelin Becky Barr Javelin 3rd
Congratulations to all Athletes who took part in a really
successful athletics meeting.. Congratulations to all athletes.

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Newtown Review 2009-2010

Clan 1500m Finals

Minor Boys- 1st Connor Buckley -Yellow Wednesday 26th May
2nd Daire McBride - Red 800m
3rd Luke Kenny - Yellow Minor Boys Connor Buckley
Minor Girls Charlotte Hackett
Junior Boys Nigel Kennington
Minor Girls- 1st Charlotte Hackett -Yellow Junior Girls Emily Hermon
2nd Nikki Boyd -Green Inter Boys James Kavanagh
3rd Laura McDaid -Red Inter Girls Olivia Chambers
Senior Boys Clive Kennington
Senior Girls Yuki Omi
Junior Boys- 1st Liam Landy -Red
2nd Brian Kenny -Blue High Jump
3rd Nigel Kennington -Blue Minor Boys Peter Joyce
Junior Boys Conor Vogelaar
Junior Girls- 1st Emily Hermon -Green Inter Boys Alex Hackett
Senior Boys Andrew Heffernan
2nd Amy Roche -Red
3rd Una Maya Kennedy -Red Long Jump
Minor Girls Laura McDaid
Inter Boys- 1st Jamie Cross -Yellow Junior Girls Katie Gurnee
2nd Alex Hackett -Yellow Inter Girls Anna Hickey
Senior Girls Yuki Omi
3rd James Kavanagh -Yellow

Inter Girls- 1st Olivia Chambers -Red Thursday 27th May

2nd Leah Strobelt -Red
3rd Andrea Harvey -Blue 400m
Minor Boys Connor Buckley
Minor Girls Laura McDaid
Senior Boys- 1st Stephen Scallan -Blue Junior Boys Nigel Kennington
2nd Ollie Jay -Blue Junior Girls Una Maya Kennedy
3rd Adan Devlin -Green Inter Boys James Kavanagh
Inter Girls Olivia Chambers
Senior Boys Clive Kennington
Senior Girls- 1st Charlotte McCormack-Green Senior Girls Charlotte McCormack

High Jump
Minor Girls Eve Heffernan
Junior Girls Rebecca Hoban
Inter Girls Aifric Heffernan
Senior Girls Charlotte McCormack

Long Jump
Minor Boys Tom Prendergast
Junior Boys Brian Kenny
Inter Boys Alex Hackett
Senior Boys Stephen Scallan

Shot
Minor Boys Hugh O’Conor
Minor Girls Sarah- Anne Bakker
Junior Boys Neil Dunne
Junior Girls Jean Ann Mulligan
Inter Boys Andrew Walsh
1500m Winners Inter Girls Sarah Keogh
Senior Boys William O’Morochoe
Senior Girls Charlotte McCormack

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 Newtown Review 2009-2010
Swimming Gala 2009-10 Junior Girls’ Tennis
By Kelsey Cunningham and Charlotte Hackett

The annual clan swimming gala was a great success.

The pool was filled with eager swimmers and lots of en-
thusiastic supporters. But the swimming wasn’t the only
competition that day. There was some serious com-
petitiveness between clan captains for the title of “Best
Display”. After a lot of hard work by clan captains to set
them up and some deliberation by the judges, Green clan
came out on top.
It was great to see the range of swimmers taking part in
the gala. Everybody from the first to six years and from
club swimmers to people just doing it to get the one point
for their clan took part. As Mr. Butler says “It’s all about
the participation”. But in every competition there has to
be winners, and Yellow has come out strong as ever to
win, followed by Green in second, Red in 3rd and Blue
in 4th. There were also top class individual swimmers by
Ian Cohen, Liam Landy and Meghan Fitzgerald, who all
broke school records on the day. In March we set up an under fourteen’s tennis team. The
Thank you very much to Mr Butler, Ms. Coady and all girls on the team were Kelsey Cunningham, Charlotte
staff members and gap students who helped on the day. Hackett, Sarah Murray, Laura McDaid and Hannah Bren-
Brid McNamara and Heidi McIlvenny. nan. We started training in Saint Anne’s Tennis Club. On
the 5th of April we competed in our first round against the
Swimming Gala 2009-10 Ursuline team, unfortunately they came out the strong-
er team and won. Following that we were put into the
shield, then on the 26th of March. We played Saint Flan-
1st Yellow – 609pts nans from Ennis. We won all three of our matches and
2nd Green – 604pts therefore we went forward to the semi-final which was
3rd Red – 496pts against the Ursuline from Blackrock, Cork. On Monday
4th Blue – 470pts the 26th of April we travelled to Cork to play them. After
playing three matches against them we were even and it
came down to a tie-breaker from two doubles matches,
Minor Boys Champion: Luke Farrell (Green) Kelsey and Charlotte won their match, but unfortunately
Minor Girls Champion: Megan Fitzgerald (Blue) 6 out of 6 Hannah and Laura lost their match. From competing in
Junior Boys Champion: Liam Landy (Red) 6 out of 6 the Munster Schools tennis we all improved so much
Junior Girls Champion: Katie Gurnee (Green) and enjoyed every minute of it! Thanks to Ms. Ryan and
Inter Boys Champion: Jamie Petch (Blue) Mr. Butler for taking us to training, giving up lunchtimes
Inter Girls Champion: Heidi McIlvenny (Yellow) 6 out of 6 and also for taking us to the matches. Thanks for making
Senior Boys Champion: Andrew Heffernan (Yellow) this a wonderful experience.
Senior Girls Champion: Siobhan Glasheen (Blue)

Munster Schools’ Tennis

By Sam Butler
The U-16 schools tennis team which included Sam But-
ler, Alex Hackett, Alan Jephson and Baróg Kennedy en-
tered the Munster U-16 schools tennis competition.
In the first round we travelled to Carrigaline in Cork. We
travelled down with the highest hopes of progressing
to the next round. We were seeded and we started the
game.
Sam Butler won the 1st match 6-0, 6-0 in a very one-
sided affair.
Alex Hackett won the 2nd match 6-4, 4 -6, 6-3 in a very
back and forth encounter.
Alan Jephson and Baróg Kennedy lost their doubles
match in a very tight game.
At the halfway stage we led 2-1 and needed to win 1
more game to book a spot in the next round. We split
Swimming Gala Winners into our doubles pairings and Alex Hackett and Alan
Jephson clinched the game with a fine performance win-
ning 6-3, 6-2. To win 3-1.

71
Newtown Review 2009-2010
U-16 schools tennis team
In the quarter final we played St Anne’s of Killaloe at
home. We played with the same seedings and claimed
a good victory.
Sam Butler won the 1st match 6-0, 6-0.
Alex Hackett won the 2nd match 6-0 , 6-0.
Alan Jephson and Baróg Kennedy won the deciding
match 6-3, 6-2 to wrap up a 3-0 victory.
We travelled to Clonmel High School for the semi-final.
We knew this would be a tough match. We played 3 hard
fought games. We decided to change the seedings for
this match, swapping Sam Butler to number 2 and Alex
Hackett to number 1.
Alex Hackett won the 1st match 6-4 , 6-2 in a difficult but
exciting match.
Sam Butler won the 2nd match 6-0, 6-4 in a long but at
some stages boring match.
Alan Jephson and Baróg Kennedy won to wrap up the
match and book a place in the final. They won 6-0, 5-7,
6-3. To win 3-0.
This was a fine victory for the team. Thanks to Luke for
travelling and supporting the team.
We are now in the final which is yet to be played.
MUNSTER SCHOOLS’
TENNIS
MAY 17TH 2010
LIMERICK LAWN TENNIS CLUB
U16 BOYS CUP FINAL
A HACKETT
S BUTLER
A JEPHSON
B KENNEDY
A HACKETT LOST (3 - 6, 0 – 6)
S BUTLER WON (7 – 5, 6 - 0)
A JEPHSON /B KENNEDY LOST (1 – 6, 2 – 6)
A HACKETT/A JEPHSON LOST (3 – 6, 1 – 6)
S BUTLER/B KENNEDY (NOT FINISHED)
Lost 3 – 1 to Colaiste Muire, Cobh, Co. Cork
72
Hockey
First Year Boys’ Hockey
First year boys had a good season with plenty of matches
and blitzes with mixed results. First was a blitz on Sep-
tember 30th in Bandon, with mixed result. Good perform-
ances all round.
Our next match was against Midleton, in Midleton. We
had a defeat but the match was enjoyable. Good per-
formances from Ian Cohen and Daire McBride.
We were meant to have a blitz in Ashton but it was post-
poned due the bad weather at the time and the flooding.
We hadn’t had a match in months before our match
against Villiers at home on December 9th. It was a tight
match but due to a late goal to Villiers we lost. Ian Cohen
and Luis Pettit had a great game.
We came back after our Christmas holidays to a blitz in
Villiers on January 27th. Ian Cohen was ill so we didn’t
have a forward. Also Daire McBride was injured with a
broken arm so we were without our centre-back. We won
one match, lost one and drew one.
Newtown hosted our last blitz of the season. It was
against Bandon, Midleton and Ashton We were still with-
out our injured players. 11 aside matches were enjoyed
by.
It was coming to the end of our season and our very
last match was against Bandon held at Bandon which
we won.
Written by Peter Joyce and Luis Pettit.
Special thanks to Terry Butler and Steven Pim.
Squad: Conor Buckley, Daire McBride, Peter Joyce, Lu-
kas Dwan, Fiachra Brogan, Ted Sanders, Stuart Slevin,
Harry Sheridan, Evan Jacob, Devon Hartel, Bill Mitman,
Luke Kenny, Sean Whelan, Hugh McEvoy, Jeffrey O’
Brien, Luis Pettit, Peter Murphy, Ian Cohen and James
Kiersey.
Junior Boys’ Hockey
The Junior Hockey team had a fine year of hockey. The
main highs of the season was beating Villiers twice and
drawing with Middleton. We started the season deter-
mined to win a game. We did so in the first blitz of the
year in Villiers. It was a hard fought match with Sam But-
ler scoring from the short corner. We won this match 1-0.
In the same blitz we drew with Middleton 0-0. We then
played in the cup against Bandon. This was a very hard
match. We ended up losing this match but left with our
heads held high after two fantastic goals from John Mul-
lins and Jamie Petch. We had training every week with
everyone turning up to each training session. The sea-
son came to an end with a final blitz in Newtown.
We had good performances throughout the year from
Sam Butler, Jamie Petch, Alex Hackett, John Mullins,

Sliabh Wells, and Geoff Graham. We hope most people
can make the step up to seniors next year.
Squad: Goal keeper: Andrew Walsh. Defenders: Jack
Joyce, Tom Rohan, Max Marden, Diarmaid Wingfield,
John Mullins, Geoff Graham, Alfredo Llorente and Wil-
liam Hickey Midfielders: Sliabh Wells, Alex Hackett, Alex
Clarke, Sam Butler, John Boyd, Raoul O’Brien and Ben
Doyle. Forwards: Max O’Brien and Jamie Petch.
Minor Boys’ Hockey
By Max O’Brien
Squad: M. O’Brien, T. Rohan, J. Mullins, G. Graham, D.
Wingfield, D. Spurling, B. Doyle, R. O’Brien, W. Troy, N.
Kennington, W. Hickey, M. Marden, B. Allen, D. McBride,
R. Finnegan, T. Prendergast, B. Kennedy and I. Jackson
Results: Wins – 3, Draws - 1, Losses – 2
Overall the team had a good season, winning 3 out of
6 matches. The results got better as the season pro-
gressed as the team started to train consistently, even
still hockey needs to be taken more seriously if the team
is to progress in the cup. The younger ones were quick
learners and gained valuable experience this year that
they will hopefully use next year.
Senior Boys’ Hockey
By Luke Bailey
The senior boys’ hockey team was put under a great deal
of pressure this year. The first problem we faced was a
lack of senior players. This lack of senior players was
partly due to the rugby euphoria, which began this year
as almost all of the senior boys wanted to get onto the
senior boys rugby team to defend and retain the Mungret
Cup won last year by a fantastic squad last year. The
rugby boom left only a handful of senior boys to play on
the senior boy’s hockey team. There were not sufficient
senior players to make a full team so this led us to call
upon the younger years to step it up a notch and com-
pete at a higher and a much more physically demanding
senior hockey level. The juniors were hesitant at the start
finding the tempo, technicality and fitness almost over-
whelming and demanding for their capability. Nonethe-
less as time progressed the juniors grew in confidence
and with the senior boys encouraging and passing on
wisdom as well as Mr. Butler’s guidance and training by
our Monday night coach Chris Thomas, they soon be-
came senior hockey players worthy to perform and rep-
resent our school. Our only sixth year and captain for the
most part Thomas O’Brien led the squad training and
we played hard, well-fought matches against the like of
Bandon Grammar and Kilkenny College before the big
snow at the Christmas break. Also before Christmas we
were privileged to partake in a friendly match against a
touring Scottish side by the name of Robert Gordon’s.
This match was one which was taken seriously despite
Newtown Review 2009-2010
its friendly status. Both teams battled hard to represent
their country, using the peak of their games to penetrate
each other’s defence. This game ended in a draw, one of
which each and every player deserved. Thomas O’Brien
sadly had to end his final year on the Newtown hockey
team shortly after Christmas as he was injured which
would later prove to diminish his hopes of returning to
the squad. With Thomas gone captaincy passed to Gary
Marshall. Also with the departure of Thomas in the cen-
tre midfield this responsibility fell to John Boyd, one of
our best.
We trained hard all year, we fought in our matches as a
team, the defence holding off the opposition, and at the
heart of the defence captain Gary Marshall stood tall and
poised an immovable object in the backline. Meanwhile
people such as John Boyd, Sam Butler and Sliabh Wells
made breaks and great scoring opportunity upfront .de-
spite great performances in matches, behind the scenes
we struggled to fill gaps in the team, one of our main
forwards Jamie Petch had obtained a severe ankle injury.
Many of the junior players we trained had been called
upon and taken by the JCT rugby team as they ploughed
their way into their cup final. The team was in a state of
panic as we scrambled to find suitable players to fill the
gaps in our squad. However we were rescued by a hand-
ful of enthusiastic senior rugby players who were more
than happy to help out. These rugby players surprisingly
proved more than coordinated with a hockey stick. With
the rugby players opting to continue their hockey careers,
we had a full team one more. We grew stronger and had
more belief than ever before. We played our matches not
just as hockey players but as good friends. Once we had
a grasp of our ambitions we stormed through our last few
games with a series of wins to end a long season on a
high.
I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Butler and Chris Tho-
mas on behalf of the whole team for their coaching and
guidance all through the year.
THE HOCKEY TRIP TO
WESLEY
By Luke Bailey
The Journey started with high spirits and enthusiasm up
until about 2 hours later when the entire population of
the bus needed both food and a break. One quick stop
and a check of the map had us on the way and ready for
kick-off. Lisburn, our sister Quaker school, has remained
undefeated since the cup began back in 2007, which by
the way we weren’t told. Coincidently Newtown choir
were visiting Lisburn at the same time, nonetheless their
hockey team was keen on retaining the cup and neither
side planned on showing any mercy. Hopes were high
in the Newtown bus for a win to conclude a difficult sea-
son. Determined to win the cup the team was eager to
start on arrival in Wesley. The Lisburn team disembarked
from their bus and produced 30 rather expensive look-
ing hockey bags leaving us in doubt of our chance. But
Newtowners never to be discouraged from a challenge
walked side by side confidently with the boys from the
73
Newtown Review 2009-2010
north to the changing rooms. A quick change before a
hearty warm up, then followed by the teams squaring up
to each other and presently ready for the whistle. The
match began with a high tempo and skilful play by both
teams, unfortunately we were unlucky to concede an
early goal. Ulster hockey was living up to its reputation.
Spurred on by an early goal (from the opposition) we
fought courageously to equalize. At half-time Newtown
was still trailing with good performances from John Boyd
and Sam Butler. The Lisburn side continued its assault
on the Newtown defence who cheered on by our water
girls stood almost impermeable for the second half. The
team had struggled to create opportunities further up the
pitch throughout the match, and despite the best efforts
from our forwards we could not find the last touch to hit
the backboard. The match ended in a “narrow defeat”
but both sides congratulated each other on what was an
enjoyable well fought match. Captain Sliabh Wells spoke
on behalf of the Newtown lads. Both sides came together
and posed for the annual photo. We return defeated but
with heads high and looking forward to next year’s sea-
son and an end to Lisburn’s reign.
We would like to sincerely thank Chris Doyle and Mr. But-
ler for all their training and belief in us this year.
Our next match was against Loreto Wexford. We lost 0:1.
The team played exceptionally well though, especially
Scarlett Maclachlan as centre back and Sarah Murray as
centre forward.
Our last match was against Kilkenny College. We were
all nervous but the team pulled through and did as re-
quested by Ms. Hill, we won 3:0. Rebecca Hoban had a
fantastic game, as right back, scoring at least one of the
goals. That was a great match to end the season.
The girls on the hockey team were amazing. Everybody
was so enthusiastic at each game it was impossible not
to enjoy playing with them. Thanks go to Ms. Hill for train-
ing us every week throughout the season and keeping us
motivated for all our matches! Thank you girls, good luck
for next season!
Squad: Holly Wells, Becky Barr, Katie Gurnee, Rebecca
Hoban (Vice Captain), Scarlett MacLachlan, Serena Bi-
folchi, Sarah Murray, Amy Kelly, Emma Prendergast, Ro-
saleen Traynor , Phoebe Moore, Hannah Murray, Lydia
Thorpe, Ruah Berney Pearson, Sarah Keogh, Jane Mur-
ray, Cathy McGrory , Abi Wilkinson and Andrea Harvey
(Captain).

Minor Girls’ Hockey

GIRLS’ HOCKEY REPORT Report
First Year Girls’ Hockey By Emily Hermon
The first year girl’s hockey team finished 2nd overall in
the league that we play in throughout the winter. We
were, however, beaten 1-0 in the final but overall we had
a great season with wins against the Ursuline, The Ab-
bey, Colasite Bhríde, Loreto Wexford and Kilkenny Col-
lege. To finish up the season we had a friendly tourna-
ment against The Abbey and The Ursuline. We won both
matches beating the Ursuline by six goals to nil and The
Abbey by one goal to nil. We would like to thank Ms. Hill
and Ms. O’Connor for coaching us throughout the sea-
son.
Squad: Lucy Latta (Captain), Lara McDaid, Hannah
Brennan (Goalie), Eve Heffernan, Nicki Boyd, Izzy Gra-
ham, Sophie Crotty, lla Chapman, Kayleigh Newcomb,
Atlanta Doherty Brophy, Rowan Keane, Grace Allen, and
Triona Harvey.
Junior Girls’ Hockey Team
By Andrea Harvey
The junior girls’ team had a great season. The first match
came just over a month after playing together as a team.
It was against Ursuline Juniors. We won 1:0. The goal
was set up by Abi Wilkinson in a well planned short cor-
ner.
The second match, the very next week was against Lo-
reto Kilkenny. We came away with a draw 1:1. Serena
Bifolchi scored an excellent goal from an almost impos-
sible angle.
This year the minor hockey team had a reasonably good
season. We had a fantastic new coach, Alison O’Connor,
who was great fun and really good at helping us improve.
She came to support us at most of our matches. We
would like to thank her very much for all the time and ef-
fort she put into the team.
The season began with a win over St. Declan’s school,
the score being 3-0. Throughout the season we played a
number of other matches, which brought out the best in
all our players. A cup match ended our season, which we
lost 1-0 to Loreto in Waterford.
The whole team had an excellent year of hockey. Players
who had a particularly good year were Jessica Corrigan
(sweeper), Katie Gurnee (goalie), Sarah Murray (mid-
field) and Niamh Lynam (back). The team are all looking
forward to playing again next year.
Squad; Emily Hermon, Kathie Gurnee, Jessica Corrigan,
Clara Ffrench Davis, Megan Fitzgerald, Rebekah Mul-
lane, Sarah Murray, Ellen O’Carroll, Charlotte Hackett,
Ruth Cusack, Rosy Holman, Niamh Lynam, Una Maya
Kennedy, Gillian Bond, Rachel Brady, Kelsey Cun-
nigham, Jean Ann Mulligan, Sinead Doody and Ruth
Bennet Coady,
Senior Girls’ Hockey
By Captain Charlotte McCormack
The senior girls had a great year, despite having such
a young squad. We worked hard at training all year and

74

came together well as a team. We played 6 matches in
between our endless fitness sessions and reached the
semi-final of the cup. Unfortunately we were just beaten
by a strong Loreto Kilkenny side. Both the senior boys
and girls squads travelled to Dublin to play Kings Hospi-
tal in a friendly match. This was a great test for the teams
and they preformed excellently! The girls played a fast,
exiting game and drew nil all (0-0). It was a great day trip
for the squads and we would like to thank Charlotte and
Terry for arranging everything. We have improved greatly
this year and we look forward to next season!
Squad: Charlotte Mc Cormack (Captain), Nicola Fennell,
Heidi McIlvenny (V.captain), Olivia Chambers, Laura
Power, Abi Wilkinson, Brid Mc Namera, Beth Rochford,
Aifric Heffernan, Kate Moore, Erica Gurnee, Megan
Byrne, Lea Stroblet and Hannah O’Shea
SOUTH EAST HOCKEY
By Charlotte Hill
For being a small school Newtown has always had good
representation on the South East squad, which is a great
achievement for those girls who make it. It involves a
huge commitment at weekends and extra fitness train-
ing done in their own time. Ruth Harrison and Becky
Barr both played U16, while Heidi McIlvenny and Laura
Power played U18 and also U21 this year. Laura Power
achieved U18 Irish Hockey trials again this year as Goal
Keeper but was very unlucky to miss out, but I’m sure it
will only motivate her more for next season.
Thanks to Ms. Rellis who continued to do great work with
the goal keepers and first year girls and also to Alison
O’Connor who joined us on the coaching team from WIT
to coach the minor girls this season.
Gymnastics
By Rebecca Hoban
I started doing gymnastics when I was very small. My
grandad used to teach me how to flip in the back garden.
I started in Tralee Gymnastics Club when I was 7years
old. When I became a boarder I trained with the Water-
ford Crystal Gymnastics Club. I have been competing for
them for 2 and a half years now. This year I was compet-
ing at level 5 in the under 16 age category. In early April
I went to the All – Irelands and was placed in the top 7 in
all pieces (floor, beam, bars, vault)
This summer I am hoping to make the jump up to level
7 (Junior Code) where I can then compete at an Interna-
tional level. Over the summer I am also going to a 1 week
boarding camp in Belfast to train with some of Ireland’s
best coaches. We will have to see how that goes.
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Orienteering
survival guide!
While it is important to be able to read a map, it’s not
strictly necessary.
Compasses are unnecessary objects which you will most
likely lose
The bus will be at least an hour late back (that is if it
comes at all at the start). Half an hour late is early!
Always check that the packed lunch is in otherwise you
will starve as Coxer doesn’t believe in sharing.
It is likely that at least one of the controls will be moved
so remember to look up.
Don’t forget that you have to click your dibber at the start and
finish otherwise nothing will count.
There’s a 98% chance that it’ll be raining on orienteering day
It is guaranteed that you will come back covered in mud
Don’t get lost or the bus WILL leave without you
And finally REMEMBER it’s all for fun and fun for all!
In the Waterford Schools event held at Tower Hill, Portlaw,
the boys retained the Overall Boys Shield. Gold medals
were won by the Junior Boys, Senior B, Senior Boys and
Senior Girls teams. The Minor Girls won silver. Individual
golds were won by Liam Landy, Mia Falkenthal, Evan
Jacob, Niall McEvoy and Isabel English.
The Munster Schools were held in Colligan Wood, Dun-
garvan. Best placed were the Senior Girls (Andrea Har-
vey, Olivia Chambers, Anna Hickey and Georgia Door-
ley) who were narrowly pipped by the Ursuline into silver
medal position. The Junior Boys, Junior Girls and Minor
Boys teams won bronze medals.
At the Irish Schools event held in Glengarra Wood near
Cahir, Co. Tipperary, the Senior Boys (Niall McEvoy, Joe
Dixon, Sliabh Wells and Ben Slevin) and the Minor Boys
(Ted Saunders, Ian Cohen, Daire McBride, James Kier-
sey) once again got 3rd team placing. Congrats to the
Senior Girls who overturned the Munster placings to win
Gold. Isabel English also won 3rd place individual lead
home the team of Becky Barr, Anna Hickey and Andrea
Hemmingway.
75
Newtown Review 2009-2010

JCT
St. Flannans’ (0) – Newtown (31)
With a bye in the 1st round we were at the last 16 stage
of the Mungret Shield. This match was played in Ennis,
so a three and a half hour drive before a quick warm up
was to do us no favours. Even so we ploughed straight
into the match.

This team nearly matched us for size but certainly not

for skill. The 1st period in the match was played up in
their half if not their 22. With no possession, St.Flannans’
buckled under the pressure and conceded a penalty. Ben
O’Keeffe calmly slotted over.

We continued this high tempo play knowing we needed

to get the next score to put our mark on this game. After
receiving clean ball from the pack and half backs, our
first centre Andrew Walsh sliced their defence open for
the game’s 1st try, converted by Alex Hackett.

With 10 minutes left of the first half Walsh again scored

under the sticks after a barging run.
With Flannans’ dejected we hoped to score early on in
the second half to close the game off. We failed to do
so and gave them hope. They couldn’t come close to
breaching our defence.
With possession regained we ran in two more well
worked tries from Ben O’Keeffe and Alex Pim, converted
by Alex Hackett. Final score 31-0.

Newtown (28) – CBS Sexton (12)

We were drawn against CBS Sexton in the quarter finals.
Luckily it was a home game. We started the game well
with our out half Alex Hackett kicking two penalties over
to give us an early 6 – 0 lead. From a scrum on their 22,
we extended our lead with crash ball from centre Andrew
Walsh. Alex Hackett converted. After a couple of phases
we were once again in their 22. With heaps of pressure,
we were awarded a penalty on their 5. A quick tap-and-
go from our captain Alan Jephson who popped the ball
to number 8 Hunter MacLachlan who scored a vital try
close to the corner. At the break the score was 18 – 0.
At the start of the second half we dropped our guard and
gave them two easy tries. They were now back in the
game with the scores at 18 – 12. Both teams fought hard
to keep possession of the ball and soon enough our pa- Straight away SMI caught us of guard and put on a cou-
tience paid off. With a well executed set play our fly half ple of good attacks. Finding themselves in our 22 several
popped it to our centre Andrew Walsh who barged over times but didn’t take their opportunities to score. Once
for his second try. we got the ball we attacked straight away. Our winger
Later our fly half kicked over another penalty to put the Christian Cullen running down the left wing into their 22.
game beyond reach and ending the game 28 – 12. This As he was tackled into touch he kicked the ball in field,
game was the hardest of our campaign and gave us popping up to full back James Kavanagh who touched
great confidence going into our semi final. down under the posts. Conversion from Alex Hackett.
SMI (0) – Newtown (40) As the second half started we pushed on further and
We had a long 3 hour drive to Newcastle West to play scored again. With Andrew Walsh scoring. SMI looked
SMI. For the first 10 minutes the game was very tight. But down and out. We pushed on and scored a further 3 tries.
soon enough we were bearing down on their try line. We Two tries came from James Kavanagh giving him his hat-
were awarded a penalty on their 5. Ben Kavanagh took trick. Dean Whelan was the other scorer. All 3 were con-
a quick tap, stepped one and dived over to score our first verted by Alex Hackett. The game ended 40 – 0.
try. Alex Hackett converted.

76
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
The Mungret Shield Final
Middleton (10) - Newtown (3)

After a late change of venue, the match was to be played

in Youghal R.F.C rather than Clonmel R.F.C. This didn’t
help our nerves. The game was played on a soggy pitch
which gave no team an advantage. We kicked off to be-
gin the final.

The first 15 minutes Middleton had all the possession,

leading to a penalty and duly 3 points.
After this, possession was deeply contested in the centre
of the field. After a couple of good phases Middleton were
in our 22. An unfortunate slip from our winger gifted them
a try in the corner. The conversion was made. This was a
shock to the team and we responded well with some tight
running plays and barging runs. Half time came.

We started the second half as we ended the first. We

found ourselves down in their half for a majority of the
second half. We failed to take the chances we had. We
were given a penalty in front of the posts. We took the 3
points bringing the score to 10-3. We tried to take advan-
tage of the time we spent in their half but Middleton be-
came too strong to crack. They held on and took the win.

We would like to thank the support on the day and

throughout the season. Also credit is due to our coaches,
Mr. Keappock and Mr. Ashmore.

JCT Squad 2009/2010: Ian Jackson, Alan Jephson

(Captain), Ben Kavanagh, Hugh O’Connor, Geoff Gra-
ham, Liam Walshe, Dean Whelan, Hunter MacLach-
lan, Alex Pim, Neil Dunne, Jack Tully, Josh Kenny, Alex
Hackett, Andrew Walsh, Jamie Cross, Sam Butler, Ben
O’Keeffe, Christian Cullen, James Kavanagh, Andrew
Davis, Brian Kenny, Connor Vogelaar, Nigel Kennington
and Ronan Sharpe.

77
Newtown Review 2009-2010

SCT Rugby Review

2009/10
By Clive Kennington and Octavian Fitzherbert
Newtown started off the season with a series of friendlies
against, C.B.S New Ross, Waterpark College, Mallow,
Bandon Grammar, Midelton College, Rockwell College,
St. Edwards and Glenstal Abbey. The real season began
with Bandon in the Cup.

Wednesday 9th December: Newtown vs. Bandon

Grammar: 6-23
On a cloudy day in Newtown, we took on Bandon in the
Avonmore Milk Schools Senior College Cup. Newtown
went 0-3 down early, but responded well with the two Ben
Cross penalties to go 6-3 ahead. Despite great defence
by Alex Gurnee, George Walsh, and Ben Cross, Bandon
managed a try on the stroke of half time. Our scrum was
under pressure throughout. When we had the ball, we
kicked territory very well via the boots of Patrick Kiersey
and Emmett O’Shea. Bandon grabbed two tries in the
second half, one right at the finish. We left the pitch dis-
appointed with the results.

Saturday 16th January: Newtown vs. Enniscorthy

U19 (friendly): 8-8
Newtown competed well, against a large and very skilled
Eniscorthy outfit. We opened the scoring with a Ben
Cross penalty. Then, after a good build up in play Em-
mett O’Shea went over in the corner. Ben Cross was very
unlucky with the conversion, which hit the post. We led
8-3 at the break. Big defences from both sides in the 2nd
half, and Newtown were unfortunate to concede. We had
chances to win late on, but were unlucky.

Wednesday 27th January: Newtown vs. Villiers: 20-3

In LIT, Newtown played the Mungret Cup Quarter Final.
In average conditions Newtown had a tough encounter
with a spirited Villiers’ side. We exchanged penalties
early on, before Clive Kennington charged down a kick
to score a try, which Ben Cross converted. We led 3-10
at the interval. Newtown’s strong defence from the 1st
half continued in the second. We put together a good se-
ries of moves, resulting in Daniel Pim going in under the
posts and Ben Cross converted. The game could have
done with a bit more shape, but Ben Cross scored a late
penalty, to ensure progression in the cup.

Thursday 11th February: Newtown vs. SMI Newcastle

West: 15-19
On a sunny day in Newtown, with good support we
played SMI. It was now the Mungret Cup Semi Final. We
started the match well with Conor Bellew scoring in the
corner very early on. After a good phase of play, Patrick
Kiersey chipped and gathered to score under the posts,
and Ben Cross converted. We led 12-0 at the break. SMI Wednesday 14th April: Newtown vs. Waterpark Col-
scored 1st in the second half, with a try, but we hit back lege: 13-23
with a Ben Cross penalty. SMI pressed for another try, On a hot, sunny day in Ballinakill, we played Waterpark
and took advantage of a sloppy Newtown defence. They in the Daunt Cup. Newtown got off to a good start with
scored another try late on to destroy Newtown’s Cup Clive Kennington scoring an early try, which wasn’t con-
dreams and retaining the cup. Newtown exited the pitch verted. Newtown then seemed to lose their discipline giv-
gutted. This was a game Newtown shouldn’t have lost. ing away a series of unnecessary penalties, two of which

78
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
were kicked. We then hit back with a penalty of our own
from Cross. Waterpark then broke our defensive line and
scored a try before half time. We were 11-8 down at the
interval. Newtown’s defence seemed rattled in the sec-
ond half and we conceded two tries. Newtown failed to
score again. This was a disappointing result considering
we had a comfortable win against Waterpark earlier in
the season.

Summary of the season: The rugby team this year

lacked the necessary depth that was there in last year’s
very successful team. It was always going to be a diffi-
cult road for a new side. The route was made even more
treacherous by injuries and forced changes in key posi-
tions. At the end of the day we expected better results.
The overall feeling in the squad was disappointment. The
team put in a great effort and trained well. A big thank you
must go to our coaches Emyr Jones and Hugh Lyons for
all their effort over the year and to the players who trained
hard all season.

SCT Squad: William O’Morchoe, Paul Murray, George

Walsh, Theo Marden-Wasteneys, Alex Gurnee, Conor
Bellew, Ben Cross, Daniel Pim(VC), Patrick Kiersey,
Eoin O’Conor(C), Brendan Perkins, Emmett O’Shea,
Stephen Scallan, Clive Kennington, Andrew Heffernan,
Daniel Moloney, Jack Joyce, Daniel Bailey, Killian Kelly,
Octavian Fitzherbert, Sliabh Wells, Oliver Jay, Finn Troy,
Kyran Wallace and Stephen Ennis.

1st Year/2nd Year Rugby

By Barry O’Sullivan, David Kavanagh and
Daire McBride.

Our first match this year came away to Midleton. We

started the game very nervously, conceded two quick
tries and by half time we were losing by 12-0. In the
second half we got an early try by Daire McBride. The
conversion attempt by David Kavanagh just missed but
determined to bounce back he scored a try which was
converted by Daire McBride. As our hopes rose of a pos-
sible win we lost focus again and began to get sloppy
and conceded another converted try. In a very physical
match Barry O’Sullivan got a tooth knocked out though
carried on without telling anybody. Just before the end and then we got two converted tries back by Daire and
Conor Buckley got a good pass on the wing to score our David [With conversions by Barry and Daire]. Our for-
third try. The match ended 19-17 to Midleton. wards on the day had a phenomenal match. Unfortunate-
ly Waterpark got a try in the last minute which was then
Our second match was at home to Wycliffe from Eng- converted to win the game 21-14.
land. Again after a slow start we lost three quick tries with
two converted. Then we sorted ourselves out and scored
Our last match was against a strong Waterpark U15
3 quick tries [2 by Devon Hartel and another by Luis
team and straight away they got two tries which were
Petit]. Barry O’Sullivan converted one and so did Daire
converted. We responded quickly with an unconverted
McBride. More crazy rugby followed in the 2nd half , with
try of our own. Waterpark struck back with two converted
Wycliffe grabbing the lead and then Devon Hartel scored
tries leaving the score at 31-5 late into the game. We
another try [Barry O’Sullivan converted it] followed by a
then picked up our game and scored a converted try
quick try by David Kavanagh and then a penalty by Daire
and a penalty then at the death they received a penalty
finished the game 38-31 to Newtown.
and scored it leaving the game at 15-34 to Waterpark.
Our third match was a very competitive game against The age difference on the day had a huge effect on the
Waterpark. We were down 14-0 in the first 10 minutes match. We’ll get them next year!

79
Newtown Review 2009-2010
The 1st and 2nd Year Blitz: On our last Wednesday after-
noon of the rugby season we held a Sevens Blitz. Four
teams competed over that after noon and after a few in-
tense matches Green and Red made it to the final. In a
fantastic game there was a lot of talent on show with the
Red Team coming out victorious. Blitz awards: Best at-
tacker: Brian Kenny, Best Defender: Raoul O’Brien
Try of the Year was awarded to Bill Mitman
Best Tackle: Will Troy on David Kavanagh,
Most Improved Player was given to Sean Whelan.
A big thank you must go to Mr. Ronan, Mr. Lester and Mr.
Deacon for all their work throughout the year.

The Squad:
Ted Sanders, Luke Kenny, Devon Hartel, Bill Mitman,
Luis Pettit, Tom O’Donnell, Barry O’Sullivan, Peter Joyce,
Harry Sheridan, Lukas Dwan, Peter Murphy, Stuart
Slevin, Fiachra Brogan, Ben O’Neill, Sam Ffrench Davis,
George Morris, Barog Kennedy, James Kiersey, Daire
McBride, William Hickey, Ian Cohen, David Kavanagh,
Raoul O’Brien, Ben Doyle, Conor Buckley, Sean Whelan,
Will Troy, Ruari Finnegan, Marcus Walshe, Evan Jacob,
Jeffery O’Brien, Henry Dickinson & Hugh McEvoy.

80

Hoofprints Interschools
Show Jumping League
By Camilla Driver.
26-09-09 The team of Hannah O’Shea, Anna Hickey, Wil-
liam Hickey and Bertram Allen travelled to Boswell. The
team jumped clear and qualified for the jump-off. Anna
and Bertram took part in the jump-off and gained four
faults. The team finished sixth out of 33 teams competing
on a total score of four faults, a good start to the league.
03-10-09 Once again the team of Bertram Allen, Hannah
O’Shea and Anna and William Hickey represented the
school, this time at Coilog Equestrian Centre, Kilmeague,
Naas. Newtown was one of 33 teams competing. The
team jumped clear, qualifying for the jump-off, in which
Anna and Bertram rode. They added four faults to the
team’s score of zero. The team was unfortunate not to be
placed, but in the individual competition William Hickey
took first place.
10-10-09 Two teams represented the school at Barnad-
own Equestrian Centre, Newtown School Waterford Red
Team (Hannah O’Shea, Anna Hickey, William Hickey
and Bertram Allen), and Newtown School Waterford Pink
Team (Grace Allen, Ruth Cusack, Nikki Boyd, Unamaya
Kennedy).
Both teams qualified for the jump-off after both jumping
clear rounds. Anna and William Hickey represented the
Red Team in the jump-off and the Pink Team sent Grace
Allen and Ruth Cusack into the jump-off. Anna and Wil-
liam both jumped clear, as did Grace Allen (who had the
fastest jump-off time of the day) but Ruth unfortunately
gained four faults for the Pink Team. The Red Team fin-
ished in second place with a total score of zero faults,
and the Pink Team finished fourth, on a total score of four
faults. 47 teams competed. Anna Hickey and Bertram
Allen both rode in the individual speed derby, with Anna
taking second place, and Bertram sixth place.
05-12-09 The team of Aifric Heffernan, Anna Hickey, Wil-
liam Hickey and Hannah O’Shea and the team of Nikki
Boyd, Unamaya Kennedy, Ruth Cusack and Grace Allen
travelled to the local round of the interschool’s league in
Ballinamona, Tramore, Co. Waterford to compete against
25 other teams.
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Aifric, Anna, William and Hannah all jumped clear, quali-
fying their team for the jump-off, as did Nikki, Unamaya,
Ruth and Grace. Hannah and Anna went into the jump-
off for their team, each having clear rounds and competi-
tive times. Grace and Unamaya rode in the jump off for
their team. Ruth jumped clear but Grace was unfortunate
to have one fence down. The team of Aifric, Anna, Han-
nah and William finished in second place and Nikki, Ruth,
Unamaya and Grace’s team finished seventh, just out of
the prizes.
12-12-09 Our school was represented at Broadmea-
dows, Ashbourne, Co. Meath by Anna Hickey, Hannah
O’Shea, William Hickey and Unamaya Kennedy. They
all jumped clear, qualifying for the jump-off. Hannah and
Anna rode in the jump-off. Both of them jumped clear.
The team finished in second place.
Overall, Newtown School finished fifth place in the
league, an excellent result.
Interschools Hunter Trial 13-3-10
Hannah O’Shea, Anna Hickey and William Hickey trav-
elled to Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, as a senior team,
Aifric Heffernan as a senior individual and Unamaya
Kennedy as a junior individual. All five went around the
course successfully in their various classes.
Stonehaven Riding
Lessons
By Fiona Carty
Over the last few years, horse riding lessons have been
set up by the school. They take place on a Wednesday,
in Stonehaven Equestrian Centre, Waterford, which has
a large indoor arena with a viewing gallery and a cof-
fee shop. It also has an outdoor arena and facilities for
trekking and cross-country jumping. The lessons are an
hour long. There is a large range of horses and ponies to
choose from.
When the weather is fine, lessons can take place out-
doors. We also use the cross-country course if the
weather is fine. The lessons are aimed at the intermedi-
ate rider, but anyone can take part, from a novice to an
advanced rider. This year
we had a novice called
Hannah Cantopher in a
group of mainly intermedi-
ate to advanced riders. She
has improved immensely
and has started cantering
and jumping already.
Every few weeks, our in-
structor changes. This is
good as each instructor can
see different faults in your
riding and help you correct
them, which helps you be-
come a better rider.
The lessons are good fun.
81
Newtown Review 2009-2010
GOLF
By Luke Bailey
This year as always we had just a few golfers attend les-
sons with our golf coach Colm Carew. Not many people
know that there is golf in Newtown. For those who do
attend golf lessons in Newtown, it occurs every Thurs-
day. Early dinner is given to the golfers at five o’clock
and ready to depart with Mr. O’Cuinn at 5:15. We ar-
rive at Newtown driving range met each week with a jolly
smile from Mr. Carew. He always says “Many people
believe they can play golf just because they can swing
the club. To be good at golf you must follow 5 simple
steps.”
• First get your grip correct with your right hand
overlapping your left thumb
• Then make a triangle, from your shoulders and
your arms
• 3rd your stance, set your feet at shoulder width
or slightly wider, and do not rock your hips when
you swing, don’t lean forward as in picture 1
• 4th don’t bend your wrists, keep them solid ,move
your arms and wrists together in one simultane-
ous movement
• 5th swing back the club with left your arm and
move your left shoulder to swing the club and
follow through.
82
What Colm always tells us is to follow the five steps ex-
plained above.The secret to golf is not to hit the ball, you
do not try and hit it, you simply go through the five steps
and make sure you move your left shoulder, and if you
want to become better simply practice these steps with
your left arm only. In following these steps you will hit the
ball, so you use this system and the result is the striking
of the golf ball.
In using these 5 steps everyone has drastically improved
their golfing skills this year even Mr. O’Cuinn. To sum-
marise this year’s golfing experience we are looking for-
ward to playing an 18 hole golf course and putting our
new skills to the test.
On behalf of all this year’s golf attendants I would like to
sincerely thank Mr. O’Ciunn for organising all of our les-
sons and to Mr. Colm Carew who through his teaching
has made each of us a better golfer.
Waterford Schools
Badminton Competition
Friday 20th November, 2009
Congratulations to all who took part in the Waterford
Schools Badminton Competition, held at Blackwater
Community College. Outstanding result was the junior
team who won their division. All games were played
with enthusiasm and enjoyment and great pleasure was
made of the day. Badminton is a great game and one that
can be played in school and or in clubs. I hope this is just
the start. Well done to all who took part.
Senior Girls:
Nicola Fennell, Anna Hickey, Beth Rochford and Patricia
Martinez
Final Newtown vs. Lismore Lost 1 – 5
Senior Boys: Luke Bailey, Stephen Ennis, Alex Clarke
and Andrew Walsh
Final Newtown vs. Lismore Lost 0 – 6
Junior Boys 1st overall:
Alex Hackett, Sam Butler, Alan Jephson and Jamie Petch
Round Robin Newtown vs. Lismore Won 4–2
Newtown vs. St. Declans Won 6 – 0
Junior Boys:
Max Marden, Joshua Kenny, Geoffrey Graham, and
Roland Walshe
Final Newtown vs. Lismore Lost 1 – 5
Junior Girls 3rd overall:
Phoebe Moore, Catherine McGrory, Becky Barr, and
Sarah Murray
Round Robin Newtown vs. Lismore Lost 0–6
Newtown vs. St. Declans Drew 3 – 3

Surfing in Tramore!
Abi Hurley Collins
Tramore is and has been linked to Newtown school for
years in several different ways. TY students enjoy the
wonderful beach atmosphere and learn to surf as part of
their activities. Aside from this, there are a few surf crazy
students who live and love to surf. Every chance we get
(myself included) we are in the water be it hail or rain, sun
or clouds. While we are away from our homes and our
usual surf breaks, excursions to Tramore are a regular
routine. Wednesday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays
there is nothing we like more than to be out in the chilly
Atlantic Ocean with waves rearing overhead…
Tramore beach has a wonderful atmosphere, two surf
schools Oceanic Manoeuvers and T Bay (in a constant
battle of “who’s more radical”) and an influx of tourists
every time the sun decides to shine. Surfing in Tramore
can be a dire business because the waves are seldom
in existence. No surfer wants to go through the hassle of
getting to the beach only to find that it’s flat, flat, flat! Get-
ting to Tramore from school is hard work. The following
are the necessary steps we must take to insure we get a
surf under our belts:
Getting letters of permission from parents who are sick to
death of using the fax machine.
Managing to secure a lift to Tramore, this always takes a
bit of ‘Newtowners luck’.
IF we’re lucky and there are waves, we get wetsuits on
as quickly as humanly possible (I’m always the last one
ready but I’m a girl!), run to the water’s edge and without
thinking twice, plunge into the sea and begin the long
paddle out.
It is unfortunate that more people in school don’t surf,
especially because we are so close to Tramore beach.
There was a trip (set up by myself) last year, in which the
school arranged for anyone who wanted to go surfing on
a Sunday afternoon to do so. This arrangement unfortu-
nately ended with the retirement of Mr. Collins.
I love surfing. It’s a brilliant sport and until you try it you
don’t know what you’re missing. There is nothing I like to
do more than be out in the waves with friends. This is not
something I get to do often during the school year but,
when it comes to the summer holidays I’m a beach rat!
I’m going to ask everyone reading this to please, give
surfing a try this summer, I hear it’s gonna’ be a good
one!
PEACE OUT DUDES!
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Spikeball
Beth Rochford
In November, along with fifteen other transition year girls,
I completed an intensive training course to become a
Spikeball Leader. The course was run by the Volleyball
Association of Ireland (VAI) and took place over a two
day period and organised as part of the Women in Sport
Coaching Programme. The main aims were to promote
the involvement of women in sport and raise awareness
of the important role they play. The idea of the course
was to introduce young women to the whole concept
of participating fully and actively in all aspects of sport
and our community. One way to do this was by coaching
younger children in our local primary schools.
On the first day, Graham Torrence from the VAI arrived
to be met by sixteen eager girls. Spikeball is a newly de-
veloped sport and so we had no knowledge at the time of
what the game entailed. Nevertheless, we were willing to
learn, so the training course got underway quite quickly.
Despite Spikeball being an adapted form of Volleyball, it
was still a relatively new sport for all of us and took a bit
of adjustin to. Throughout the first day, we were slowly
introduced to the new rules, skills and ball handling. By
the time Graham had finished with us, we all had a good
understanding of Spikeball and our interest in the game
was such that we looked forward to teaching it to others.
On the second day of coaching, Graham was joined by
another VAI coach, Mary Lalor. The training for the day
alternated from learning the game to teaching it to each
other, and focusing on the coaching aspect of the course.
We learned how to teach, referee and promote the game,
which we would come to do vigorously. As we were to
teach the game to primary school children, we had the
difficult task of trying to make learning the game fun, ei-
ther by the way we interacted with the children or the
way we introduced new skills. It was a long 6 hour day
which required an awful lot of concentration on our part.
Though we were all exhausted by the end of the course,
we were excited about teaching the new game to others.
We were split into groups of twos and threes, given Spike-
ball tee shirts and allocated different classes/schools. It
was in these groups that we would teach Spikeball to
our respective classes. We would be teaching fourth, fifth
and sixth class from Christchurch NS, St John of Gods,
Waterpark NS and Newtown JS. They were all local
83
Newtown Review 2009-2010
schools so transportation to and from them over the fol-
lowing weeks was easy.
We spent one hour each week for six consecutive weeks
coaching the children. The new sport was met with much
enthusiasm from pupils and teachers alike. After learning
the rules and the different skills used in the game, every
child could participate fully in the Spikeball games.
At the end of the six week period, the 29th January, we
held a Blitz competition in the Foy Hall in school. Teams
of enthusiastic players from each school arrived in New-
town, to be met by us, the equally enthusiastic organis-
ers. At the end of the competition each child received a
lollypop with the winners being awarded special prizes.
In the end, the whole course turned out to be a huge
success. The local kids learned a new game, while we
learned how to be diligently involved in our community
and improve our participation in local sports programmes.
By simply learning a new game we could, in turn, impart
our knowledge to others and become active members of
the community. It was a worthwhile and rewarding expe-
rience. I would recommend it to anyone interested.

Random Pics
Ironing Choir uniforms

In pensive mood

The Bear necessities - sunglasses

and water

Flower Power

Don’t forget your shovel if you want

to go to work

84
 Music
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Music in Newtown Ben Turner and Joe Dixon

The Chamber Choir perform at the Regional

Final of the All-Island School Choir Competition.

Music has always been a major (or minor, or dominant seventh) part of Newtown life for years, and is now more so
than ever. Newtown has had many famous musicians pass through its gates over the years e.g. Sinead O’Connor,
Karen Casey and Tara Blaise as well as Simon Crowe and Garry Roberts of the Boomtown Rats, to name but a
few. Over the years, the music department has developed and students can now choose from a wide range of
instruments from piano to drums and guitar and everything in between. This is possible due to the much appreci-
ated work and dedication of Ms Anne Barry, director of music. This form of tuition is the kind sought after by most
students. All grade examinations are arranged through the school by Ms Patricia Hogan. Newtown students have
always prided themselves in scoring highly in these exams. This is not by accident, however. The continuing suc-
cess of music at Newtown is due to the skills and dedication of the music staff, who, day in day out come in and
give lessons on a one to one basis. This personalised tuition is the kind sought after by most students and the
school is lucky to have them. Much of the staff are highly involved in music outside of school, playing in bands,
recording, singing in choirs, performing and accompanying.
There have been many student bands over the years but this year none have survived long enough to come under
our radar. There is one duo however that still plays and busks together regularly which comprises of the writers of
this article. We have gone through many names but have settled on Benzoloroso which is a mixture of our stage
names (Benzene and Joey Doloroso). Should any bands be formed, Newtown provides excellent facilities for them
to grow and develop. Ms Barry’s classroom is available (at her discretion) for them to practice in, with a full sized
drum kit and lots of space to jump around in and such. The classroom also houses the school recording equip-
ment, which is free for anyone to use should inspiration strike!
As usual it has been a very busy year for music both in and out of school, with students partaking in Feises and
recitals. Students have played in morning collect; this an opportunity for students to get to grips with performing in
front of their peers and for the rest of the school to enjoy the variety of music happening at school. The Christmas
concert this year was a great success as there were many students who played for the first time as well as students
who are used to playing in front of large crowds. As usual the performances were of a very high standard. Again,
well done to all involved and thank you to Mr. Murray for recording the entire event.
Rock on everybody!!!!

85
Newtown Review 2009-2010
Music Report
Junior Choir:
With Junior Choir back on the timetable this year, all of
Form 1 piled into M2 and raised the roof with some wel-
come exercises for young singers. It was quickly evident
there were a number of great singers in he group and
one thing they were not was shy!
In the opening term we worked on a selection of songs
and settled on a Jackson Medley as our choice for Christ-
mas. This featured three brave soloists in Sophie Crotty,
Jeffrey O’Brien and Ian Cohen who sang A,B,C, I’ll be
there and Ben respectively. What a great job they did
and what a great start to the Christmas Concert the ju-
niors made.
In the second term, some of our focus in class turned
to sight-reading, tonic solfa and the singing hand signs.
This group enjoyed the challenge this method presents.
In their ‘x’ and ‘y’ class groupings, they learned very
quickly to follow the hand patterns and could read up to
an octave with ease in a short space of time. These were
encouraging signs in advance of our choir exam towards
the end of the year. On the day, despite a shaky dress re-
hearsal, the choir sang with great conviction and volume!
The examiner commented on their energy and their ex-
cellent diction and he was most impressed by their sight-
reading and theory – the latter receiving full marks. The
choir was awarded 136/150 – a high distinction.
As I write, audition time for the Chamber Choir has come
around again and I am delighted by the number of form
1 singers who have shown interest in giving auditions a
shot. That’s the attitude – well done! I hope to see you
next year in either the Senior or Chamber Choir.
Senior Choir:
With the numbers looking very healthy again this year,
the girls were instantly promoted back to a 3-part choir
and we were able to work with more challenging reper-
toire once again.
One of our ‘starter’ pieces in September ended up being
one of the girl’s favourites and Allundé featured a number
of times during the year. With a confident opening solo
from Laura Power, this setting of a Swahili prayer talks
about a mother protecting a newborn child and includes
some African vocal effects which the girls enjoyed repli-
cating.
To this we added Sahayta by Ben Allway which was com-
posed by a group of students at a peace conference. The
text represents many languages but highlights a unity in
the search for peace. Ektaa is that ‘unity’. The ‘call and
response’ style of singing in this piece also comes from
the African tradition and this was ably led by four senior
1st sopranos – Sunita Brazil, Dearbhaile Maclean, Katie
Maguire and Eimear Mullane,
Our third piece for the Christmas concert was the carol
Hodie Christus Natus Est arranged by Michael Bedford.
We had struggled with learning the words for this one
for some reason, but it all came together on the night!
It’s always lovely when the audience is oblivious to the
potential ‘blips’!
86
Member of the Chamber Choir hold Chamber Choir trophy for
the Cork International Choral Festival, Schools Competition.
The choir was awarded 90% and a mark of Excellence.
In the next term we looked toward our exam and added
to our Christmas ‘set’ with a complete contrast in John-
son Boys. This involved some choreography which the
girls grasped with ease. All they were missing were their
stetsons! On the day of the exam, the girls gave this a
rousing performance and the examiner commented on
the ‘rhythmic energy’ they brought to this arrangement.
For three years in a row the girls were awarded 138/150
but they will be delighted to know that this year, they
topped that result by a mark – 139/150 – only one mark
away from the ‘Excellence’ division!
We have had a special bunch of girls from 6th form this
year who stayed with the choir all the way to the end
of the year. Your commitment and sense of fun during
rehearsals and performances has added so much to the
choir. A special thanks to Jasmine Bolger-Patel, Lucia
Brogan, Hilary Stack, Sarah McDonagh, Catriona Dooley
(Altos), Claire Buckley (2nd Soprano) and Sunita Brazil,
Dearbhaile Maclean, Katie Maguire and Eimear Mullane
(1st Sopranos). Be sure to keep up the singing next year
girls. Any choir would be delighted to have you.
Chamber Choir:
For new members coming into Chamber Choir it can be
a daunting experience to begin but this year’s crew did
not seem to be at all troubled and settled in with ease!
We welcomed 1st soprano Lucy Walsh (Form 4), 2nd so-
pranos Rebekah Mullane, Ellen O’Carroll (Form 2), and
Eimear Mullane (Form 6), altos Jess Corrigan (Form 2)
and Amy Kelly (Form 3), tenors George Morris and Cillian
Jacob (Form 2) and basses Neil Dunne (Form 2), Jung
Hur (Form 4) and Austin Slevin (Form 6),
The opportunity to take part in a new choral competition
arose in September when an application for the All Is-
land School Choir of the Year arrived. The requirement
was to send a CD of the choir with two songs recorded
in September. For this we chose The Long and Wind-
ing Road and Feel the Spirit and a few weeks later we
were informed that we qualified for the Regional Finals

The Chamber Choir are warmly welcomed at Friends
School, Lisburn
which took place at the Cork School of Music on Thurs-
day, October 22. There we competed against four other
schools, the event was recorded for RTE 1 television
and, although we did not qualify for the finals, we had
a great day. The programme was broadcast on Sunday
November 1st and was accompanied by a very nice pro-
file on the school.
In November we turned our attention to preparing for the
WLR/Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal Concert. In
addition to the usual carols that we join forces with oth-
ers choirs to sing at this event, a fun arrangement of The
12 days of Christmas was amongst the repertoire. This
incorporated a variety of styles including jazz, gospel,
barber shop and opera. The concert was on December
12th and our own school concert followed on December
18th. In addition to our competition pieces we performed
Estrella Brillante by Nancy Grundahl. One of the chal-
lenges I set for the choir this year was to be able to sing
mixed up and without being conducted and I was delight-
ed when the choir did both, very capably, on that night.
On Dec 9th some senior students were also involved in
a choral recital given by a number of school groups with
the theme of diversity and integration. This took place
at the Mount Sion Church and was a lovely start to the
Christmas performances.
In the New Year we revised Duilleoga by our friend Br.
Ben Hanlon and we also began a new and very chal-
lenging spiritual by Paul Caldwell, Daniel in the Lion Den.
The latter is mostly in 6 parts and though it took time to
settle into this difficult piece, we got the notes together
and could then begin putting some real shape on it.
On Thursday, March 18th we made the trip to Lisburn
to Friends School. We spent a lovely day there singing
for the school, rehearsing with their choir and later that
evening, performing with them in St. Mark’s Church in
Belfast. We sang some solo items and also joined the
massed choir for the hymn singing in Stainer’s Crucifixus.
After a busy day we said goodbye to our Lisburn friends
and headed back to our hotel for a well earned rest!
On Friday we started the day with a tour of Queen’s Uni-
Newtown Review 2009-2010
versity. There we were shown around the music depart-
ment and the wonderful Sonic Arts Research Centre.
Following this we had a workshop with James Davey,
one of the UK’s leading choral directors. He got us into
gear with some great warm ups and then worked on a
selection of our pieces. Though the choir was tired they
were very co-operative and attentive and gleaned a lot
from James’s expertise.
That evening we shared a concert with the QUB Brass
Band under the baton of Prof. Michael Alcorn. They were
wonderful and treated us to a section of film and big band
music which was a highlight for many on the trip. I am
delighted to say that the band plans on paying us a visit
in December and we’ll look forward to returning their kind
hospitality.
Although that was the end of our official performances for
the trip, it was not the end of the singing and our thanks
go to James O’Halloran and Ben Turner who played gui-
tars and accompanied the choir all the way home – 4
Chamber Choir girls at QUB Concert Hall.
hours, almost non-stop playing – from Belfast to Water-
ford! Well done guys!
Following the Easter holidays, we returned with three
weeks to go to the Cork International Choral Festival. We
worked hard and got our two pieces comfortably under
our belts. Both Duilleoga and Daniel in the Lion Den were
challenging, and ‘big’ sings, but we were encouraged by
Br. Ben’s reaction to his piece when he came to visit a
few days before the competition. He didn’t realize quite
how difficult it was and was impressed by how the choir
had ‘made it their own’ and, he felt, ‘turned it into a better
piece than he had written’. Ever the humble composer,
but I think we can safely say he was very pleased so we
went to Cork hoping to give Duilleoga a worthy premiere
and that we did. The ensemble rocked a little in our open-
ing piece, Daniel in the Lion Den, but not enough to sway
the judges’ decision. They awarded us first prize with a
mark of 90 in each piece, a certificate of excellence and
a beautiful ceramic trophy which marks the special cen-
tenary of Prof. Aloys Fleischmann’s birth – founder of the
festival. We were all very happy campers heading back
to Waterford and, more than our win, we were particu-
larly delighted to have won with Br. Ben’s great composi-
tion. It transpired Br. Ben had 6 pieces performed at this
87
Newtown Review 2009-2010
year’s festival. Two premieres, three winning choirs and
two special awards and it was lovely to play a part in that
success.
On May 13th we did our exam and it was a great, con-
fident, relaxed and fun performance. For this we added
Africa to our Cork programme and were awarded a very
high, 143/150! Well done one and all. That evening we
gave a recital at the local Cheshire Home which was
much appreciated and we look forward to including that
in our calendar for next year also.
Our last performance of the year was without question
Hugh O’Farrell-Walsh (bass), Dearbhaile Maclean
(Soprano) and Paul Murray (Tenor) who have been
selected by audition for the Irish Youth Choir which
takes place from June 26th - July 4th. Well done and
good luck!
the best performance of the year.
It was a fund raising concert for the Waterford members
of the Irish Youth Choir and all of the local choirs who
have IYC members performed. It was a great festival of
singing and one in which the choir held their heads very
high. It was great to end on such a high note – literally! –
after what has been a very special year and I would like
to say a very big thank you to all the choristers for your
incredible commitment, your hard work and for taking on
the challenging music I present for you with such cour-
age and conviction!
I hope you have enjoyed the year as much as I have and
you can be very proud of all you have achieved. Here’s
to 2010 –2011.
The only sad part about Chamber Choir for Mrs. Keap-
pock and I are the goodbyes every year. Often the 6th
years have become the leaders and the inspiration for
younger choir members and this year’s group is no ex-
ception in that regard. They have been a terrific bunch
and they will be greatly missed. Many have been in the
choir since 2nd year and those who joined along the way
equally showed their commitment and dedication. Thank
you guys – you have been a pleasure to work with and
I hope others choirs will benefit from your great talents
88
wherever you may be in the future. To Maeve, Dearbhaile,
Claire, Eimear, Sarah, Paul, Jonathan, Hugh, Shane and
Austin lots of luck for the future and keep singing! AB.
Irish Youth Choir:
The Irish Youth Choir is a national choir of approximately
85 singers from all over the country. Newtown has had
good representation in this group over the years, and
this year is no exception. I am delighted to wish Dearb-
haile Maclean (Soprano), Paul Murray (Tenor) and Hugh
O’Farrell-Walsh (Bass) all the very best as they join the
ranks of the IYC. They will have a wonderful opportunity
to perform with the Irish Youth Orchestra, under the ba-
ton of Greg Beardsall, and sing Brahm’s Requiem and
Ive’s Prayers of Kirkagaard. Into the bargain they will get
to perform at the West Cork Music Festival, the Wexford
Opera House and at the National Concert Hall. I know it
will be the start of something very special for them in their
choral careers. Enjoy every moment!
Chamber Choir Trip To
Belfast
By Ben Turner.
In the wee hours of Thursday morning, the 18th of March,
the bleary eyed heads of the Chamber Choir made their
way on to the bus headed for Friends’ School, Lisburn.
Following much rearranging of seats, and running back
and forth with forgotten bits and pieces, we set off. Un-
usually for Newtown, the bus journey was uneventful,
mostly because everyone was too tired to talk. And so,
piloted by our cheery driver Jim, we arrived safely and on
schedule at Friends’ School Lisburn.
On arrival, we were greeted by head of music Mr. Peter
Hunter, who led us inside and kindly showed us to us
a room to drop off our array of uniforms, bags, guitars
and amps. After lunch in the school canteen, we met
with some of the senior students, who led us through the
many winding corridors to the school hall. After a quick
rehearsal, the choir performed their first concert of the
trip to the students of the senior and junior sections of
the school, interspersed with some excellent impromptu
performances from Jonathan, Paul and Dearbhaile.
Despite a shaky moment from the tenor line (myself in-
cluded!) the first performance of the tour was a success,
and was enjoyed by all. A quick break and a much need-
ed glass of water later, we joined with the FSL choir for
a rehearsal of Stainer’s Crucifixion. Not hindered by the
task of rehearsing two choirs, the ever resourceful Ms.
Barry swiftly took control and soon had both choirs work-
ing well together. After rehearsal came what had been the
cause of much debate that day; the dreaded ‘icebreak-
ers.’ The junior members of the choir, each assigned a
member of the FSL choir, headed off for tea with their
respective hosts, while we seniors resigned ourselves to
our uncertain fate! The icebreakers, however, turned out
to be a series of games; harmless, yet deceptively chal-
lenging. After one last heated round of ‘Smile’ (the details
 Newtown Review 2009-2010
of which I shall not divulge here), peace was made once
more, and we were then brought to the canteen for tea.
I wonder still where the endless stream of Domino’s piz-
zas came from, but appear they did, and no one com-
plained. With the pizza safely stowed in happy tum-
mies, and awkward introductions over with, it was time to
change for the night’s concert. After a second reshuffling
of bags and gear onto the bus, we drove to St. Mark’s
Church in Belfast where we met with the FSL choir and
other adult choirs from Lisburn. Despite having had
only a brief rehearsal, the chamber choir easily settled
into their parts and mixed well with the other choirs. Both
the adult choirs and the FSL choir produced wonderful
performances, with some very impressive professional
bass and tenor solos and a stunning rendition of ‘You
Chamber Choir boys at QUB Concert Hall.
Raise Me Up’ by FSL.
On Friday, after a wonderful breakfast set out for us by
our hosts at the Premier Inn, the choir headed off into Prof. Michael Alcorn had kindly invited us to join in the
Belfast for the much anticipated tour of Queen’s Univer- concert, which was a lovely surprise and a huge privilege
sity. We were met by Claire who showed us to the music for the choir.
department. Here we were given an introduction by Dr. Amongst our repertoire for the evening, the choir were
particularly delighted to have the chance to premiere a
piece by Br. Ben Hanlon, choirmaster at De La Salle Col-
lege, Waterford named Duilleoga. It is a hauntingly beau-
tiful piece of music, and we were honoured to sing it, and
to do so in such a great venue was a real bonus. We look
forward to giving Duilleoga its premier in the republic at
the Cork Choral Festival on April 30th, 2010.
Another highlight of the performance was our rendition of
Africa by the band Toto for which we were joined by beat-
box extraordinaire, Niall McEvoy. The performance was
a huge success, and a real credit to the hard work of Ms.
Barry and the choir. The concert was also a great oppor-
tunity to hear some of the emerging talent from Queen’s,
The Chamber Choir at Queen’s University, Belfast.
with some members of the Brass Band premiering pieces
of their own. The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all,
Pearse Helliwell, Professor of composition, to life as a and a huge thank you to Professor Alcorn for inviting us.
music student at Queen’s. With several choristers now
rethinking their college choice, we were brought through
the maze of the university to the sonic lab, a facility
unique to Queen’s University. We were met by Dr. Gary
Kendall, who explained the inner workings of the lab and
played us a sound sample to show off its facilities; the
choir were treated to music coming from the walls, the
ceiling and even the floor beneath us! The choir were
itching to fiddle with the various buttons on display, but it
was time to go.
Next we were excited to receive a choral workshop from
none other than James Davey, conductor of Chantage,
BBC choir of the year. He quickly proved to be a wonder-
ful teacher and did intensive work on pieces, tightening
sections and offering advice. With this success the choir
were eager to workshop more pieces, but unfortunately
James had to catch a flight back to London (for a re-
Chamber Choir members rest after a choral work-
hearsal that afternoon!) A huge thank you to James for
shop with James Davey.
the great work he did!
After some shopping and sightseeing around Belfast, we
returned to Queen’s where we were kindly hosted for tea Thank you and well done!
by the staff there. That night we sang in a concert given Saturday morning came, and it was time to go. After a last
by the Queen’s University Brass Band. Head of Music, delicious breakfast at the Premier Inn, we thanked the

89
Newtown Review 2009-2010
lovely staff and, after lots of running for forgotten bags, As always we had candi-
we finally set off. Compared to the way up, the journey dates for each of the three
home was never dull with music erupting at any moment examination periods of the
silence seemed imminent. In keeping with the tradition Associated Board. Simon
of many a bus journey, guitars were produced from no- Quigley and Sarah Murray
where and headed by James O’ Halloran, Loic Jacob and did well in the November
myself, the bus sang, yelled and clapped its way across session, with Beth Roch-
the country, and after what seemed like no time at all, ford and Killian Kelly both
cruised through the gates of Newtown, right on time for achieving their grade six
lunch. Though tired out, we all stepped off the bus that theory exams. Jane and
afternoon with smiles on their faces, the last chorus of Hannah Murray, and Lydia
The Wild Rover ringing merrily in our ears. Thorpe did very well in the
March session. We had over 25 candidates for the sum-
The trip would not have been possible without the hard mer session and await the results.
work of many people. Thank you to Ms Barry for her tire-
less work with the choir, and .without whom we wouldn’t The Leaving Certs
exist! To Mrs. Keappock for all her accompanying, to Mr. all played beauti-
McCormick and Mr. Lester for travelling with the group fully in their Sunday
and keeping us all in check, and last but not least, thank evening collect per-
you to our cheery driver Jim without whom we wouldn’t formances on 21st
have gotten anywhere. Thank you to everyone for a great march. I love this
trip, and well done! Vive la musique! concert and each
year it makes me
proud yet sad that
another batch is
Piano Report ready to fly the coup.
This year was a particularly fond bunch...Sarah McDon-
Siobhan Keappock.
agh, Hilary Stack and Jonathan Morris. Best of luck to
Once in a lifetime, perhaps twice if one is very lucky, do you all, and also to Scarlett MacLachlan and Danielle
you get the chance to brush with raw talent in the tru- Lyne.
est sense. Six years ago Jonathan Morris came into M3
accompanied with his parents and Mr. Collins. He had
finished his school entrance interview and was on his ori-
entation walk-about of the school. He had had some pi-
ano lessons, he said, but forgot to bring any music books

Quotablees
along with him to showcase his progress. Not to worry
though...he could try sight reading a piece or two from

Quot I went blind for a

the volume of Beethoven sonatas sitting on my piano.
He did, and so my six years with Jonathan began. To say
that Jonathan is an outstanding musician is an under- “I think
statement. He has a phenomenal capacity to read and li c e B o wring -
A
second!” nking.”
memorise notation. He plays with a sense of time and
“I t’s called bli
Ross Hu
e t - dad do
space far beyond his years. His quality of touch is rich
w h a t d o es your
e,
and lyrical, yet dexterous and nimble when necessary. iley - “Jo
How does he do it? He is gifted. And I know that there Luke Ba
g?” enter.”
for a livin ’s a carp ay.
p to Galw
is a touch of ‘the harder I work, the better I get’, for he - “H e
e D ix o n ld g o u
has worked incredibly hard and consistently over the Jo e shou with the
iley - “H rk there,
years, but it is in addition to this that I say ...Jonathan Luke Ba s o f w o
get load rpets.”
Morris is gifted! This summer Jonathan will be taking He would a ll n e e d new ca
hey’l l , isn’t
up a two month residence as part of the Aspen summer floods. T m a g n e t is a bull
cow
music school. He will be partaking in master classes from ower - “A
world class teachers such as John O’Connor and Anton Laura P
it?” ill snow
Nel. After this he moves to London to commence his four
o y o u think it w
rter - “D
year music degree at the Guildhall ...on a full scholarship! Paul Po
I wish you the best of luck Jonathan; it’s been a pleasure Coxer?” now cha
nce.”
to work with you. o x - “S
Mr. C ondary?
h a t is after sec then
I am very happy to report on a successful year at the s – “W irdary,
feisenna across the country. Ruah Berney Pearson Mr. Jone y – “I know! Th
ase
brought home 1st prize from Feis Maitiu, Cork in the un- Becky C
ry !”
der17 repertoire competition. Sarah Galloway and And- fourtha
rea Hemmingway won the under 17 duet competition in
Waterford and Jonathan won the concerto competition
in Dublin.

90
Who is
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Most likely to be...

Who will … 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year 6th year
Be a Farmer Ian Cohen William Hickey John Mullins Harry Milne Gary Marshall Mark
Richardson
Become a Model Rowan Keene Kyra Burell Olivia Power Freya Little Naomi Warren Sarah
McDonagh
Win the X-Factor Sophie Crotty Sarah Murray Amy Kelly Andrew Davis Jess Hegarty Dearbhaile
Maclean
Be sportsperson Laura McDaid David Christian Stephen Charlotte Caoimhe Hahn
of the year Kavanagh Cullen Scallan McCormack
Win an Oscar Kate Melaine Rosaleen Alex Browne Rachel Morris Austin Slevin
Fitzgerald Traynor
Caffer key
Be a T.V Kate Molly Owen Amy Corkery Jessica Molloy Shane Murphy
Personality Fitzmaurice Chapman
Caffer key
Be a stuntman/ Danielle Lyne Will Troy Phoebe Moore James James Andrew
woman Corcoran O’Halloran Heffernan
Hodgins
Break a World Lucy Latta William Hickey Luke Ryan Ben Kavanagh Stephen Ennis Jonathan
Record Morris
Be the Teacher’s Peter Murphy Rebekah Liam Walshe Stephen Laura Power/ George Walsh
Pet Mullane Scallan Kaija Kennedy
Go down in Ella Chapman Una Maya John Mullins Jamie Petch Octavian Pixie Porter
history Kennedy Fitzherbert
Be a Chris Dowling Marcus Walsh Max O’Brien Hannah Seána O’Neil Nicky Ryan
photographer O’Shea
Feed the world Grace Allen Bertram Allen April Allen Georgia Alice Bowring Mark Power
Doorley
Be on the news Devon Hartell Will Troy Jack Tully Stephen Camilla Driver Eimear
Scallan Mullane
Sail the world Nikki Boyd Ruairi Finegan Scarlett Thea Johnsten Loic Jacob Aidan Devlin
Maclachlan
Be a Ninja Hugh McEvoy Barry Michael Chan James Yuki Omi Paul Murray
warrior O’Sullivan Corcoran
Hodgins

91
RECIPEPAGE!
Newtown Review 2009-2010

These recipes have been generously donated by members of the Newtown community. We would like to thank all
recipe donors!

Anne Foley’s beloved Brown Bread

Ingredients:
250g Plain white flour 1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees.
250g wholemeal flour 2. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl.
2tbs pinhead oatmeal 3. Add sunflower oil and milk to the dry mix-
1/2 tsp salt ture, stir with a wooden spoon.
1tsp bread soda (level) 4. Pour into greased loaf tin.
15ml buttermilk 5. Bake for 45-60 min as ovens may vary.
2tbs sunflower oil 6. Remove from tin and leave to cool before
serving.

Ms. Keogh’s Carrot, Sweet Potato, Red Pepper and Coconut Soup

Ingredients:
1tbsp. Coconut oil or Olive oil
½ red onion
1 garlic clove
1 large carrot
1 large sweet potato
1 cm root ginger
¼ tsp. turmeric
2 tsp marigold reduced salt vegetable
bouillon powder
½ red pepper
75ml coconut milk

1. Peel and crush garlic

2. Peel and chop onion, carrot and sweet
potato
3. Peel and grate or chop ginger
4. Remove seeds from pepper and dice.
5. Heat oil in medium size saucepan and
gently sauté onion and garlic until they
soften but do not turn
brown (lid on).
6. Add the carrot, sweet potato, ginger turmeric and bouillon powder. Cover with boiling water and bring to the
boil. Cover and simmer for 15 min or until the vegetables are soft.
7. Add the red and coconut milk and blend immediately until smooth and thick.

92
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Mrs. Denniston’s Tarte Mrs. Glasheen’s Easy Sticky

aux Tomates Toffee Pudding

Ingredients:
250g puff pastry
3tbsp sun-dried tomato paste
1tbsp olive oil
750g cherry tomatoes
1 small red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
4 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole
30g black olives, stoned
75g fromage de chevre (goats cheese), soft or crum-
bly
1 small egg, beaten for glazing
1 tart tin
sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and basil leaves for
garnishing

1. Preheat oven to its highest setting.

2. Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface to a
30cm circle, and gently place in tart tin.
Ingredients:
3. Prick all over with a fork, leaving 2cm over the
edge. 100g dark muscavado sugar
4. Spread tomato paste all over, except the un- 200g dark muscavado sugar
pricked edge. 175g self-rising flour
5. Baste cherry tomatoes with olive oil, and tightly 25g chopped butter
pack on top of tomato base. 125ml milk
6. Sneak in the onion, garlic and olives. 500ml boiling water
7. Dot the goats cheese here and there. 1 egg
8. Season with salt and pepper before brushing pas- 1tsp vanilla extract
try with the beaten egg.
50g unsalted butter, melted
9. Place in oven for 20-25min, tomatoes will have
200g chopped rolled dates
burst, browned and blistered.
10. Serve with green salad.

1. Preheat oven to 190C and butter a 1.5 litre pudding

Peter and Scott’s Lemon Cake dish.
(from Mrs. Keappock) 2. Combine sugar and flour in a large mixing bowl.
3. Beat together the egg, milk and vanilla extract.
Ingredients: 4. Add melted butter and chopped dates.
8oz butter 5. Scrape mixture into prepared pudding bowl.
8oz white flour 6. Sauce; sprinkle sugar and chopped butter on the
8oz sugar pudding mix.
4 eggs 7. Pour in the boiling water.
2-3tsp baking powder 8. Bake for approx 45min.
1/2 jar good quality lemon curd The top of the pudding should be spongy and
1 lemon (juice and zest) springy and the butter, sugar and water should
have formed a rich sticky sauce underneath the
3-4oz icing sugar
pudding. Serve with ice-cream, crème fraiche or
cream as you wish.
1. Beat butter and sugar together until stiff.
2. Beat in the flour, eggs and baking powder until
creamed.

93
Staff
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Questionnaire
What three things would you bring to a Which teacher would you most like to
desert island? have taught you?
Ms. Davidson Mr. Cox – Henry Collins because he is statesman like
1.laptop and has an excellent grasp of his subject (history)
2.books
3.mobile phone Mr. Denniston – That man in the gospels – Jesus,
the teacher
Mrs.Denniston
1. my husband Ms. O’Byrne – Mr. Denniston
2. complete works of Jane Austen
3. sun tan lotion Mrs. Denniston – Mr. O’Cuinn – he makes me laugh!

Mr. Ashmore Mr. Ashmore – any home Ec. Teacher

1.a ball
2.Jamie Oliver Ms. Davidson – Mr. McCormick
3.5th biology class
Mr. Ronan – Fozzie Bear – he tells the best jokes in
Mr. Ronan: That makes no sense why would I plan to the world – EVER!
go to a desert island? I know I often say I wish I could
get some peace and quiet from the border boys but Ms. Rellis – Most have, so no comment!
going to a desert island is a bit extreme. Where would
I plug my playstation 3 in? Where would I store my
books? Where would I get my fix of Fentiman’s Cu-
riosity Cola? Is there an Ardkeen Superstore on the
island? Therefore I feel it would be better if I sent all
the kids there and just enjoyed the peace and quiet What philosophy do you live your life by?
here in my flat. Oh and I’d send those stupid brothers
Jedward there too. Ms. Davidson - Do onto others as you would like to
have done onto yourself

Mr. Ashmore - Never grow up

Ms. Rellis - Hakuna Matata

Quotablees Ms. Rowe - Just do it

Quot looks lik

e it’s
Mr. Cox – I seldom analyse my life if at all, I try to look
at ways at which I can interact more positively with
a t v a n
an – “Th window.
Ms. Kirw
those I encounter daily.
the ranny
m in g through s o n th e van, ‘G
c o sa y
yce – “It Mr. Denniston – Small random, unexpected, insignifi-
Peter Jo get
tl e ’. ” n o t c o ming to cant acts of kindness while keeping in mind that one
Ca s ell it’s
an – “W is unique – just like everyone else
Ms. Kirw
me.” t yet!”
r s tu d e nt – “No Mr. Ronan – When I get sad, I stop being sad and be
Anothe ay this awesome instead. True story!
t a F r e aky Frid
no
an – “It’s .”
Ms. Kirw y th, so
a half a
Ms. Barry – Life is not a dress rehearsal, enjoy every
a y, it ’s
d
F r id a y the 13
Frid But it’s minute.
Lyne – “
Danielle ay.”
is a F r eaky Frid
it

94
 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Puzzle page
2010

95
Newtown Review 2009-2010
The silva
method
I
n October 2009 I completed The Silva Method Basic
Lecture Series in Dublin. I am now a Silva Gradu-
ate. Doing the course was one of the best decisions I
have ever made, and I would like to share some of what
I learned with you.
The Silva Method of mind development is the first how-to
program designed to help people function at alpha level
frequencies (Brain waves). In this state of mind, you are
able to use your best qualities of thinking; your creative
side the right-brain hemisphere, together with the logical
and rational perspective qualities of your left-brain hemi-
sphere.
The Silva Method was founded by Jose’ Silva (1944-
1999) in Laredo, Texas. His initial aim was to help his
children to improve their ability to concentrate and re-
member lessons in school. As he found effective ways to
help them, he expanded his research, leading to a glo-
bal program practiced by millions of people in over 130
countries.
There are two main reasons for this rapid growth:
The Silva Method is the first and only fully-guaranteed
programme known to effectively help people establish
greater self-mind control as well as a more innovative
way of thinking.
The Silva Method is the only scientifically-researched
program known to develop intuition.
Meditation is a large part of the the Silva Method. Medi-
tation describes a state of concentrated attention on
some thought or object of awareness. Meditation is also
known as; daydreaming, centering, deep relaxation, self-
hypnosis, basic plane and alpha level. Controlled relaxa-
tion is the basic state used in the Silva exercises. The
first part of the programme is learning to relax at any time
you choose.
It is recommended that you relax properly for at least 15
minutes every day. Doing this strengthens your immune
system and dissolves stress enzymes, improving your
general health and happiness.
Fractional relaxation is a method of releasing muscu-
lar tension in one part of the body at a time. The Silva
Method style begins by relaxing the head and ends with
the toes. You can practice deepening exercises by count-
ing backwards slowly from 100-1 or 25-1 breathing in
through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus in
one part of your body at a time starting with your scalp,
then your forehead, then eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw,
neck and so on down the body.
Once you learn to relax, you will be able to carry out
the techniques to help you achieve whatever you want!
Whether it’s improving your grades at school, getting to
sleep, losing weight, improving your memory or finding a
solution to a problem, there’s a technique for everything!
96
by Brenna Traynor
Our consciousness needs information about what we
want so it can give positive results. Positive thoughts pro-
duce positive results, negative thoughts produce nega-
tive results. Positive thinking is very important.
Mental House-cleaning in an exercise used to filter out
negative phrases such as: “It’s killing me” “I can’t remem-
ber” “You’re giving me a headache” “I’m dying for...” and
so on. There are three steps involved in Mental House-
cleaning:
Recognition- you must realize that the thought you are
expressing is not to your benefit.
Say ‘Cancel, Cancel’- you must cancel the negative
thought/statement, take it back in other words.
.............. And most importantly ...............
Substitution- you must replace your thought with a posi-
tive alternative.
For example;
“I can’t remember.” ---- “It doesn’t come to mind.”
“I can’t afford...” --------“I choose to spend my money dif-
ferently”
If you struggle to find an alternative statement, just re-
peat this affirmation; “Everyday in every way I am getting
better and better.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once you complete the 3 day course and become a
graduate, you can repeat the course anywhere in the
world for the rest of your life for free!
The programme is so effective that a few of the exer-
cises, like the three finger technique, are banned in some
American high-schools during exams, where it is consid-
ered ‘cheating’ simply as they improve your memory! It
is seen as an unfair advantage over other scholars who
don’t know the method!
For more information about the Silva Method or for course
dates, check out the website at www.SilvaMethod.com
Books and CD’s are also available to get you started.
Seriously think about doing the course, it’s really worth
it!!
Random
Fact
Random The youngest
Fact pope was 11
years old
The word Ò nerdÓ
was first coined
by Dr. Seuss in Ò If
I Ran the ZooÓ
Newtown Review 2009-2010

First Years

97
Newtown Review 2009-2010

Newtown Review Team

Staff Editor: Brideen Kirwan.
Student Editor: Robert Galvin.
Sub Editors: Andrea Hemmingway, Camilla Driver, Sarah Galloway and Rachel Morris.
Collage: Brenna Traynor and Rachel Morris.
Photographers: Fiona Carty, Rachel Morris, Alice Bowring and Brenna Traynor.
Diary: Sarah Galloway and Andrea Hemming way.
Fashion: Naoimi Warren and Adam Torrie.
Front Cover: Brenna Traynor.
Back Cover: Cristopher Leslie (6th Year).
Quotable Quotes: Camilla Driver, Hannah Cantopher and Robyn Mockler.
Music: Joe Dixon and Ben Turner.
Sport: Clive Kennington, Octavian Fitzherbert, Luke Bailey and Stephen Ennis.
Rest of the Team: Abi Hurley Collins, Jessica Hegarty, James O’Halloran, Glen Ruane,
Hannah Cantopher and Ross Huet.
Cartoonist: Rory Van Dokkum (3rd Year).

98
 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Presidents Report 2010

Particularly good to see members of all
ages involved and it is hoped that more
‘mature’ old scholars might offer to help as
their vast knowledge is invaluable when
getting groups together and remembering
classmates and their whereabouts.
Following the TerCentenary of Bishop
foys, the revival of Foys Old Scholars
is very welcome and it is hoped this will
continue.
In these very challenging times for
schools, it is good to remember the object
of the NMFOSA which states:
The main object of the Association shall be
the advancement of education, primarily
education at Newtown School, Waterford. In pursuing
this object, the main activity of the Association shall be
to provide a means for past pupils and staff of Newtown,
Mountmellick and Bishop Foy Schools to maintain their
contact with The School, thus enabling them to support
the educational objections and educational progress of
the students.
These days when technology moves
at an ever increasing pace, we
understand the need to keep up with
new methods of communication. To this
end we have set up a Facebook page
for Old Scholars. We are concsious
that not everyone has accesss to
this technology and so we would like
to reassure you that we are always
contactable by traditional snail mail and
we do love to hear from Old Scholars
with their news and updates of their
whereabouts.
Comments, suggestions and ideas are
always welcome, offers of help even
more so. I do look forward to hearing
from you and to seeing many of you at the Reunion
weekend on 25/26 September 2010 in Waterford.
Thanks to the hardworking committee who give their time
and energy voluntarily on behalf of all Old Scholars.
Bob Burns

Thank you Debbie

After 11 years as Secretary of the Newtown Mountmellick Foyonian Old Scholars Association, the committee
would like to thank Debbie Bailey for her committment and hard work.
Debbie was presented with a lamp, made by Brian Ashmore (Class of 1959) and a voucher for two people to at-
tend the Chelsea Flower Show in London this year. Debbie is now chairperson of the School Committee and has
recently completed the first year of her horticulture studies at the National Botanic Gardens.
The Committee wish her well in her future ventures.

Back row: April Rellis, Donal Motherway, Nicky Johnson, Kevin Jephson,
Keith Lemon, Andre Thompson, Ellen Fitzmaurice
Front row: Derek Dunne, Debbie Bailey, Oriel Woodbyrne, Bob Burns
99
Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010

The Annual Newtown Mountmellick & Foy

Old Scholars Reunion
Saturday 25th &
Sunday 26th September 2010
All old Scholars welcome

Programme of Events

Saturday 25th September

All Afternoon Archival Photo Display & Tea/Coffee in Legoland

3pm Hockey Old Scholars v School
Players of all ages and levels welcome.

5pm AGM of Newtown, Mountmellick & Foy Old Scholars Association.

To take place in the Study Hall (old Lecture Room).

7.30pm for 8pm REUNION DINNER at Woodlands Hotel,

Dunmore Road, Waterford
Ph: 051 304574 051 304574
Tickets : € 40
Available through Class Organizer. Must be booked and paid for in advance.

Sunday 26th September

11am Archival Photo Display & Tea/Coffee in Legoland

12pm Tree Planting and Group Photos in the Old Scholars garden in school

1pm Lunch in School

Cost: € 10
Available from Class Organizer. Must be booked and paid for in advance.

Those who are attending with Class year groups must book Dinner and Lunch with your class co-ordinator (Below).
All others please book with Jonathan Fletcher (Tel) 087 6476416 (Email) jonfletch@eircom.net

Old Scholars Reunion 2010

Class leaders

Class of 2000 Class of 1980

Kerrie Clarke, kerrieclarkester@gmail.com Philip Hadden, 087 8168457 acuan@oceanfree.net

Class of 1995 Class of 1970

Ellen Fitzmaurice, ellenfitz@hotmail.com Kathy Dunne (nee Wallace) kdunne2312@gmail.com.

Class of 1990 Class of 1960

Gillian Nicholson, gillonich@hotmail.com
BISHOP FOYS
Class of 1985 Bob Burns, 021 4358191
Sarah Molony Cleary, rathmorestud@eircom.net

100
 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Nomzi
I
am proud to say that put on. On the last evening,
Nomzi Pre-School, with the aid of head torches
which was established and the pickups headlights
in the remote Transkei area we finished the drainpipes
of South Africa, is proudly that collect rainwater into
celebrating 10 years. With large 5000 l catchment
two full time locally trained tanks.
teachers and a village
Due to the lack of rain dur-
school committee the whole
ing that dry season the vol-
project is finally reaching a
unteers didn’t get to shower
stage where the community
for the two weeks we were
are completely responsible, Georgie with Jannes, John, James, Trish and
there, however we did swim
this in my opinion should their team taking a break from their work.
in the sea each evening to
be the aim of these types of
wash away the grime and
projects. The only outside
sweat that built up during the day! It wasn’t all work
influence therefore is the continuous financial support
though, if we weren’t playing with the children or chal-
from the many generous donations, this covers teachers’
lenging the locals to a game of football, when the sun
salaries, food medical supplies, teaching equipment and
went down at 6 we sat around the fire enjoying locally
building upkeep costs. Having full control of the funds
caught crayfish, mussels and oysters. There was lots of
enables me to determine where all donations are spent.
singing, numerous games of trivial pursuit and of course
Since my last article in the Review in 2004 we have had a few drinks all under the flicker of candlelight.
many improvements to the school, the most significant
I can never sufficiently thank the team of volunteers who
being the construction of a new building in 2007.
worked so hard, each returning home to Ireland with nu-
The original building (built in 1999) was constructed us- merous blisters, and bar one, suffering a serious dose
ing traditional methods of wattle and daub and was in of tick bite fever which had us all shattered for weeks
desperate need of repair after serious weather damage. after our return. Most importantly I’d like to thank all of
you who have donated and continue to donate, as none
I went back out to South Africa in July 2007 with a small of this would be possible without you. I have had a
but very enthusiastic team of volunteers including my fa- lot of support from ex Newtowners. I would also like to
ther Jannes, Fawn Allen and three hard working friends, extend my gratitude to those who have completed vari-
John, James and Trish. Our mission was to build a se- ous challenges with a view to raising sponsorship and
cure long-term concrete building for the children. On our awareness for Nomzi Pre-school. This year my partner
arrival the local team who worked with us during our time Steve is competing in the Norseman Ironman in Norway,
there, had already demolished the original building and described as the ‘hardest ironman in the world’ I can only
prepared the site. thank him for his unrelenting support and hope we get as
Looking back now it is amazing to see what we achieved much sponsorship as possible.
in just 15 days. Due to the remote- We are always in need of volunteers,
ness of the area we had no access Children enjoying their new school preferably with experience working with
to electricity or running water. The children, and with so many things hap-
construction was extremely tough as pening here in Ireland at the moment a
there was no access road to the site, challenge and change of scenery is just
only a very steep grassy hill which what many of us need. There is plenty
was impossible to go up or down to do with regards to the project apart
with transport when it rained. All con- from teaching and due to the remote-
crete and cement for foundations and ness of the area, travelling with a friend
brickwork was mixed by hand and or as a couple is ideal as you will have
water was collected by bucket from support and company.
a river 15 minutes away and stored
in tanks strapped in the back of the For more info on volunteering please
rental pickups. It was a four hour contact me.
round trip if supplies were needed Georgie
from town. georgiehk@hotmail.com
During those 15 days, foundations Bank Details: TSB, Waterford
were laid, walls went up, windows Georgie Helmholt-Kneisel
and doors went in and the roof was – School Fund
Acc No: 990631 -70851062

101
Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010

Prize
winning
Charlie working in
her studio
jewelry
designer
Charlie Harrison left Newtown with the Class of 1999
and has been working as a Jeweller for the last 7
years. Newtown gave Charlie many opportunities
to explore non academic area’s that interested her
like pottery, stained glass and woodwork. Craft was
something that she wanted to do more of when she
left Newtown, so she studied at Grennan Mill Craft
College in Thomastown. Here she worked on a va-
riety of skills including batik, weaving and printing.
When she fininshed in Thomastown, she knew jew-
elry was the area she wanted to focus on. She then
attended the Crafts Council of Ireland Jewellery Skills
Course in Kilkenny. Charlie worked with Eoin Mc-
Donnell, who was then, chairman of The Federation
of Jewellery Manufacturers in Ireland, with whom
she founded Moo Jewellery. After that Charlie
spent a year abroad, where she worked with a re- One of Charlie’s beautiful butterfly necklaces
nowned Jeweller, Trevor Scott, in New Zealand.

Throughout the years Charlie has entered the RDS

Crafts Competition on three occassions. All three of
her pieces that were entered were selected to be
exhibited in the RDS National Craft Competition Ex-
hibition. In 2005, a piece of Charlie’s Jewellery came
first in the Jewellery category. She won first prize in
the Company of Goldsmiths Award. Charlie also won
a purchase prize from the Crafts Council of Ireland for
her ‘Rainbow Swizzle’. She set up Charlie Harri-
son Jewellery in 2004 and her work was shown to the
trade at Showcase Ireland, an international trade fair,
held yearly. Since then she has been making pieces
that have been commissioned by numerous people,
including a brooch that was presented to The Presi-
dent of Ireland, Mary McAleese and a piece that was
presented to the Tainaiste Mary Harney.

Charlie currently lives in Edinburgh where she is in

her final six months of her degree in Mental Health
Nursing. Once qualified, she plans to nurse part time
and work on her jewelry for the rest of her time. Charlie presenting President Mary MacAlesse with her a specially
commissioned brooch

102
Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

103
 Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010

From Waterford to
B
orn in England, Dorian’s family
moved to Ireland when he was
four and he attended Newtown
for his secondary education, finish-
ing with the Class of 2004. He had
an interest in sketching and design
from a very early age, when detailed
drawings of spaceships, aircraft carri-
ers and formula one cars sparked his
talent. During his school days, he ex-
perimented with different forms, from
portraits and charicatures to studies
of The Sistine Chapel. Dorian would
describe himself as being self taught
through experimentation and private
study of artistic techniques and movement.
On finishing school, he left Ireland and lived in Madrid for
16 months, executing private commissions while honing
his techniques and experimenting with subject matter.
In February 2005 after returning to Ireland, he embarked
on his first solo exhibition “Shedding light” in the Jones
Gallery , Dungarvan Co. Waterford. Following the suc-
cessful exhibition, Dorian renovated a pair of derelict
out houses at the family home in Fiddown, Co. Kilkenny
Florence
where he now has a purpose built stu-
dio and private gallery space. He used
this space to show his second exhibition
“Collection 2006” along with ongoing
new and old works throughout the year.
2007 proved a very busy year for Do-
rian. “Le Nu” was a retrospective of his
past works which he showed in Febru-
ary, while he exhibited a variety of piec-
es at The Framing Studio in Waterford
City in March. Alongside internationnally
aclaimed artists such as Graham Knut-
tel and local artists, Dorian was involved
in the Waterford Fringe Festival where
he exhibited his works . Towards the end of 2007, Dorian
exhibited “The Shape of Things to come” at the Greyfri-
ars Municipal Gallery as part of the Imagine Arts Festival
in Waterford City.
Returning to the Jones Gallery in 2008, he exhibited
“Still” which was a different style to his usual figurative
work. Here, he showed a collection of still lifes as well as
a few other pieces. He took part in this exhibition along-
side artists Ken O’Neill and Anthony Hayes.
Dorian decided that a move to Florence, Italy would be

Shifting emotions.
oil on canvas
by Dorian van ’Indifference’. oil on canvas
Braam

Figure study for ‘Last Judgement’ 2008. Pencil

on paper. By Dorian Van Braam
104
 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010
the best move for him so that he could continue his de-
velopment and help him be involved in the international
market. His first international exhibition was as part of
the “3 spazzi aperti” exhbition curated by Giovanni Laura
Adreani at the Galleria Mentana in Florence city centre.
This involvement lead to his first solo international exhi-
bition at the same gallery titled “Abstractions from reality
and other works”. Spending his time mainly painting, he
has also branched into more surreal and abstract works .
At time of print, Dorian is continuing with exhibitions,
teaching and hoping to move to London in the near fu-
ture.

’Twilight madonna’ oil

on canvas

WAT E R F O R D

Working in studio in Ireland

Working on ‘Last judgement’ in studio in

Florence
105
Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010

NMFOSA Pupils’ Fund

This year was the sixth year of the Pupils’ fund, we gave
€1,270 to four different projects in the year. We are con-
tinuing with this fund as we believe it to be a worthwhile
and valuable fund helping pupils with varied activities
and interests while increasing the awareness of the Old
scholars’ association amongst the pupils.
€250 Poetry and Short story competition.
We continued with funding the prize money for this com-
petition as there is a great interest and level of participa-
tion in this event.
€320 Caretakers Trip.
This money was given to Andrea Hemingway and Sarah
Galloway to help pay for their flights to attend the Care-
takers of the Environment conference which was held
this year in Aberdeen, Scotland. This is an annual confer-
ence for which pupils are selected and invited to attend.
€250 Young Scientists Competition.
This money was given towards the participation of 6 stu-
dents who entered in two different categories. Both en-
tries were well received and achieved very good praise.
€450 Tenacious Sail Training.
We helped 3 pupils ,Loic Jacob, Hannah Hermon and
Stephen Ennis finance their trip from Waterford on an 8
day voyage with a mixed ability crew during their summer
holidays .This proved to be a great learning experience
for the students.

The Eric DeCourcy Scholarship

In recent years, the Old Scholars Committee have set in motion, a music scholarship which will allow a student,
who may not have otherwise had the opportunity, to study a musical instrument. This year, the committee have
continued their efforts with the School and Music Department to make this Scholarship a reality.
For this year, to get the scholarship off the ground, it has been decided that The Scholarship will part fund three
students who have been accepted to sing in The Irish Youth Choir. The Irish Youth Choir meet annually for an in-
tensive week long rehearsal course during the Summer, where it brings together singers aged from 18-28 from all
over Ireland. Under Artisitc Director, Greg Beardsell and a team of tutors and vocal coaches, the week culminates
in a number of performances.
The Committee are currently in discussion with the school and the music department as to the best format for
The Scholarship. If you would like to donate to this scholarship, please contact Oriel Woodbyrne at : orielandpaul-
woodbyrne@eircom.net

Senior Choir 1964 - with Eric De Courcy: Back row: ---?---, Joe McKeever, Mervyn Hall, Piers Allott,
Michael Hall, Trevor Myles, ---?---, Susan Luke, Adele Masse. 2nd back row: John Davey, Maurice Poole,
Willie Hill, Keith Mosse, Rowena Fennell, Alwyn Gillespie, Judith Elmes, Rosemary Henderson.
2nd Row: Dahne Luce, Gabi Kneisel, Diane Turner, Ruth Sexton, Everild Allen, Karen Butterworth,
Barbara-Ann Mazwell, Caroline Oldlum, Heather Williams. Front row: Alison Hill, Beatrice Trench,
Aoileann Ní Eigeartaigh, Meriel Barrett, Judith Hitchmann, Pamela Bigger, Rosaleen Alexander,
Penny Hill, Louise Maxwell.

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 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

2011 Year of Craft

The Crafts Council of Ireland has
designated 2011 as a year long celebration
of craft.
Join us to celebrate craft at a multitude
of special events across the country,
including at Galway Arts Festival, Tall
Ships Waterford, Kilkenny Arts Festival
and many more.
And we are delighted to announce that the
World Crafts Council will hold its annual
congress in Dublin on June 8th and 9th.
Please e-mail us on
info@2011yearofcraft.ie
to be included on our mailing list
for the year.

Noel Ryan
TREE SURGEON
Waterford
* Dangerous Tree Specialist
* Tree Pruning
* Stump Grinding
* Tree Surveys
* Tree Felling
* Fully Insured for Tree Surgery
(C2)
* Free Estimate
* Emergency Call Out
Tel: 051 382 913
Mobile: 087 773 6953
BROOKLANDS, FAITHLEGG, CO. WATERFORD
Email: noelryantreesurgeons@eircom.net

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Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010
Minutes of AGM
MINUTES OF THE A.G.M. OF THE NEWTOWN, MOUNTMELLICK & FOYONIAN
OLD SCHOLARS ASSOCIATION HELD AT NEWTOWN SCHOOL WATERFORD ON
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2009.
Present: Bob Burns, Kevin Jephson, Heather
Stewart, Richard de Courcy, Anne
Jeffrey, Ruth Coad, Derek Dunne,
Jonathan Fletcher, Debbie Bailey,
April Rellis, Roger Johnson, Joan
Johnson, Ester Langley, Andre
Thompson, Peter Pearce, Oriel
Woodbyrne.
Apologies: Ken Murphy, Aidan Dunwoody, Ellen
Fitzmaurice, Gordon Pyper, Matt
Foley, Heather Coad, Ann Russell,
Rena Bowers/harris Nicky Johnson
1. The minutes of the previous meeting were read,
passed and signed by the President.
2. Treasurers Report Jonathon Fletcher read his
report for the year 2008.
The audited accounts are printed in full in the
review.
Bank monies have fallen considerably this year,
with losses in all the stock and shares. In 2008,
we contributed €2,800 to the pupils fund for 5
projects, and €1,100 on 4 projects for 2009.
The Eric De Courcy Scholarship will hope to
start in Jan 2010. We received a donation of
€1000 from Jill Bailey for the pond and €100
from Myfanwy Ford. Kevin Jephson thanked
Jonathon for all his work this year particularly
with the down turn overall.
3. New Officers and Committee
The following officers were proposed by Roger
Johnson and seconded by Ruth Coad for the
year from Sept 2009 to Sept 2010:
President Bob Burns
Vice-President Nicky Johnson
Hon Treasurer Jonathan Fletcher
Hon Secretary Oriel Woodbyrne
Hon Auditor Brian Little
Editor Ellen Fitzmaurice
The following committee members were proposed
by Debbie Bailey and seconded by Derek Dunne
for the year from Sept 2009 to Sept 2010: Andre
108
Thompson, Nicky Johnson. Ruth Coad & Derek
Dunne have both agreed to stay on the committee.
Committee with dates due to retire:
Sept 2010 Sept 2011
Derek Dunne
Ruth Coad Ken Murphy
Kevin Jephson Aidan Dunwoody
Ellen Fitzmaurice April Rellis
4. A.O.B.
Joan Johnson thanked Debbie Bailey for her
valuable work and that the growth of the old
scholars was down to her continuous work
over the last 11 years. Joan also asked for a
photograph appeal for the Archives, old pictures
and newspaper cuttings of old scholars.
Bob Burns also thanked Debbie for her years
on the committee.
Kevin Jephson made a recommendation that
Henry Collins be made an honorary member
of the NFOSA and that this then be ratified.
Proposed by Kevin Jephson and seconded by
Joan Johnson & Bob Burns
Roger Johnson suggested that a letter of
welcome be sent to Keith Lemon and his wife to
welcome them to the school.
Andre Thompson asked the committee about
any fundraising projects.
A book called A Jacob family will be launched
on Sunday the 27th in Tramore Life boat house,
all are welcome.
Derek Dunne asked that the committee
acknowledge the passing of Edward James and
send a card of sympathy to his wife Mildred.
The handover of the chain of office to incoming
President, Bob Burns took place.
There being no further business, the meeting closed.
 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

TREASURERS REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED DEC 2009

Newtown Mountmellick and Foy Old Scholars Association accounts for the year Current Assets
ended 31rst December 2009. Stock 3,819 3,848
Debtors 2,322 1,075
Auditors Report Bank of Ireland current a/c 8,483 7,091
I have audited the financial statements and received all the information I found neces- Royal bank of Scotland ( E de Courcy) 41,000
sary .In my opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the associa- Perm TSB 41,000
tion’s affairs at 31rst Dec 2009 and of its result for the year then ended. Cash on hands 39 39
----------- ----------
Brian S.W. Little F.C.A. Current liabilities
Hon Auditor. Creditors 38
----------- ----------
6th May 2010. Net current assets 55,625 53,053
----------- ---------
Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31rst Dec 2009. 185,166 245,968
======= ======
Income
2008 2009 Financed by
Euro Euro Capital account
Balance at 1rst Jan 2009 130,206 131,134
Income from investments 5,213 17,839 Deficit for year ended 31rst Dec 2009 -1,826 -928
Interest receivable 207 Loss on investments -63,564 0
Advertising revenue 2,400 2,900 ----------- -----------
Profit (loss) on sale of ties -30 0 64,816
Profit on annual reunion 800 808 130,206
Donations 1,100 Life membership a/c
-------- --------- Balance at 1rst Jan 2009 74,390 70,231
9,482 21,754 Subscriptions received during the year 3,680 4,159
===== ===== ----------- -----------
78,070
Expenditure 74,390
Eric de Courcy fund
Activities Balance 1rst Jan 2009 41,373 168
Caretakers of the Environment 320 640 Donations and interest received 907 41,205
Poetry and Short story comp. 250 400 ----------- ----------
Young scientists 250 42,280 41,373
Tenacious sailing training 450 ---------- ---------
Choir, trip to Italy 1,000 185,166 245,968
Sarah Doorley, building a hospital in Africa 500 ====== ======
Debating society 360
--------- --------- Note 1 to the account.
1,270 2,900 Investments
Printing and stationery 1,436 3,424
Postage 2,377 4,276 At 1/1 09 Purchased/(Sold) at 31/12/09
Bank interest and charges 54 52 Bank of Ireland 5,480 5,480
Sundry 0 30 Allied Irish Bank 4,139 4,139
--------- --------- Anglo Irish Bank Corp. 4,000 4,000
5,137 10,682 Irish Life and Permanent 1,947 1,947
====== ====== 7.5% AIB perpetual floating rate note Eur30,000 Eur30,000
Grafton group 2,540 2,540
Surplus (Deficit) for the year on normal activities Anglo Irish Capital 6% Eur 40,000 (-40,000) 0
Aviva 2,700 2,700
4,346 11,072 INM 17,400 (-17,400) 0
New School pond 6,000 12,000 Greencore group ord 7,950 7,950
Old Scholars garden 171 E on Ag NPV 470 470
---------- ----------
Surplus (deficit for the year) -1,826 -928 Market value on 31/12/09 was 79,389 Euro (31/12/09 62,627)
======= ======

On behalf of the committee, Jonathan Fletcher Hon Treasurer Loss on Investments

Purchased Sold Loss
Anglo Irish Cap UK 6% 40,200.00 10,800.00 29,400.00
INM 34,796.00 2,075.00 32,721.00
------------- ------------- -------------
Balance sheet as at 31 December 2009 2008 74,996.00 12,875.00 62,121.00
Euro Euro Euro Euro ======== ========
Investments (note 1) Shares written down to nil
Balance at 1rst Jan 2009 192,340 122,281 Anglo Irish Bank Corp. plc 1,443.34
Purchases less sales during the year 123 70,059 -----------
------------ ----------- 63,564.34
192,463 192,340 =======
Losses transferred to capital account -63,564 0
------------ ------------ On behalf of the committee Jonathan Fletcher Hon Treasurer.
128,899 192,340
Goodbody dealing account 643 575
----------- -----------
129,542 192,915

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Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010
Old Foyonian News
Old Foyonian Association Barbecue
12th of June dawned lovely and sunny, a good omen
for our barbecue. Before the meal, we had an inspiring
communion service conducted by The very Revd Dean
Philip Knowles at Cashel Cathedral. Lessons were read
by Jane, Olive and Heather.
After the Service, we drove to the Deanery where the
Dean had gone to alot of trouble getting everything ready
for us all.
We sat our in the Deanery gardens in brilliant sunshine
while Gerry O’Neill and Herbert Knowles saw to the bar-
becuing. The ladies organised the rest of the food amidst
much chat and laughter abliy assisted by some of the
men.
The meal was delicous and the fellowship was enjoyed
by us all.
People travelled from as far away as England, Lisburn,
Cork, Waterford and Wexford. Everyone agreed it was a
marvellous day. We look forward to getting together again
at the Annual Dinner on Saturday 25th September.
A sincere word of thanks to Bob Burns and the Dean for
all their hard work and to everyone who contributed to
make the day such a success. Heather O’Neill
Left to Right: Gerry O’Neill, Herbie Knowles, M/s M.
Foley, Dean Philip Knowles, Bob Burns
Margaret Brabazon, Terry Crosbie, Carmel Crosbie
(nee O’Grady)
110
Wedding
The marriage took place
on Friday 21st May 2010
at Corbally Church, near
Dunmore East, of Terry
Crosbie (OFA) and Carmel
Brophy-O’Regan, both of
Tramore. Officiating at
the ceremony were Dean
Trevor Lestor and Mon-
signor Shine. The bride
was given away by her
brother Michael Brophy
and matron of honour ws
Mary-Rose Brophy-Martin,
sister of the bride. Best
man was Sam Brabazon
(OFA), a school friend of the bridegroom.
The bride wore an elegant fitted gown in ice-blue silk
with contrasting bolero-style jacket and a matching head-
dress of blue silk rose with contrasting bird’s eye feathers
in royal purple.
A most enjoyable reception was held at the Haven Hotel,
Dunmore East with the usual speeches and musical en-
tertainment.
The honeymoon was spent touring Kerry in perfect
weather.
Old Foyonian Association Lunch
Back row: Cyril Sherwood, Betty Burns, Edward
Thompson, Wynston Boyle, Olive Lauwers, Helen
Nicholson, Tom Lauwers, Noel Develon, Myra
Develon, Jack Russell, Ann Russell, Max Nicholson,
Irish Agar, Gerry O’Neill, Ida Scanlon
From row: Richard de Courcy, Margaret Brabazon,
Bob Burns, Olive Daunt, Heather O’Neill, Ann Meagher
Saturday 17th Mary dawned bright and sunny, a good
omen for the O.F.A lunch reunion. We all met at Becketts
Restaurant on the Dunmore Road, just outside Water-
ford. Before lunch we sat outside in the brilliant sunchine
sipping our glasses of wine and catching up with the last
years news. Ddean Philip Knowles said Grace and we
tucked into a delicous meal, yummy desserts and a cup
of coffee. It was marvelous to see friends from Limerick,
Wexford, Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and all over Water-
ford.
Many thanks to Bobby Burns and Richard de Courcy for
all their hard work to make this a successful day, helped
by Marina Harris, Olive Daunt and Heather O’Neill.
Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

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Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010

Senior Rubgy 1979/1980

Mungret Shield and O’Brien Cup Winner – Standing: Ken McCormick, Paul Kenny, Nicky Johnson,
Bobby Barr, Bas Van Dam, Colin Jephson, Stedman Sponton, Simon Kenny, Sean Donnelly.
Sitting: Keith McCurtain, Alan Johnson, Newton Popplewell, Paul Kidd, Philip Hadden, Brian Dunne,
Stephen Walker. On ground: Martin Gaedke, Andrew Bailey, Nicholas Popplewell, Nicky Bailey,
Douglas Kidd.
Upper and Lower Transition - 1959/60

Back row: George Ashmore, Hugh Gibson, Roger Bewley, Richard Gibson, Judith Elmes, David Cumming,
Ruth Sexton, David Roberts, Ray Watson, David Webb, Willie Hill. 2nd back row: Rachel Jameson,
Karen Butterworth, Mervyn Hall, Thelma Boyce, Gwen Draper, Kristin Jameson, David Grubb,
Barbara Anne Maxwell, Diane Turner, Brian Whiteside, Roy Foster. Sitting: Anne Lester Smith,
Leslie Matson, Elizabeth Burke, Belle Chapment, Liam Glynn, Edith Thompson, Donald Poole, Hilary
Bateman. On Ground: Edward McBride, Gabi Kneisel, Rachel Wigham, Penny Hill, Adele Massé,
John Kenny.
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Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

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Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010

Reunion 2009
Class of 99 – Back Row
L-R: Emily Allen, James
Good, Luke Curran, Andrew
Maxwell, Patrick Guinness,
Evin O’Neill, Annie Barclay.
Middle Row L-R: Richard
Kimpton, Maria Cho, Ailbhe
Levingstone, Clare Flinders,
Sara Mullally, Sue Ryan,
Caroline Sutton, Jessica
Cunningham. Front Row L-R:
Barry Hilliard, Gail Shannon,
April Rellis, Holly Hunt,
Ailbhe Wheeler, Caragh Allen,
Annie Quinn, Diana Guinness
Taylor.

Class of 1999 – Tree Planting L-R: Emily Allen,

Annie Quinn, Gail Shannon, Holly Hunt, Sue
Ryan, April Rellis, Ailbhe Wheeler, Maria CHo,
Annie Barclay, Caragh Allen, Diana Guinness
Taylor

Class of 1979 – (L to R) Back

row; Niki Davies, Christian
Zaska, Sean O’Connell, Colin
Jephson, Tommy Driver.
Middle row; Neil Fitzgerald,
Martin Reid, Sean Mernagh,
Kerry Fenn, Malcolm Pim,
Ben Pearson, Darrell Boyd.
Front row; Barbara Ellis,
Primrose Duplessis, Kerry
McGrath, Jenny Milne, Caroline
Murphy, Hazel Perdue

Class of 1979 Tree Planting –

Niki Davies, Caroline Murphy,
Kerry Fenn, Primrose Duplessis,
Hazel Perdue, Sean O’Connell,
Neil Fitzgerald

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 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Reunion 2009

Hockey Match – Back Row L-R: Terry Butler (staff), ?, ?, David Kiersey, John Boyd (school), Luke Bailey
(school), Luke Curran, Carl Pallas, Annie Quinn, April Rellis, ?, Andrew Cox, Jonathan Fletcher
Front Row L-R: Yuki Omi, Laura Power, Zenya Henry, Megan Byrne, Robert Galvin, Daniel Bailey, James
O’Halloran, Paul Murray, George Walsh, Brid McNamara, Heidi McIlvenny, Joe Dixon, Stephen Ennis (all
school) Goalie lying in front: James Good (o.s)

Old Foyonians –
Back Row (L to
R) Leslie Bowers,
Gordon Bowers,
Richard de Courcy,
John Gardiner, Rene
Gardiner, Ronnie
Scanlan. Front Row (L
to R) Rachel Bowers,
Helen Nicholson, Max
Nicholson, Stanley
Scanlan, Ida Scanlan,
June Scanlan.

115
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Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010

Reunion 2009
Class of 1989 (Dinner)
Back Row (L to R) Lee Rothwell,
Helen McNieve, Ronan Murphy,
Tracy Kenny Benn, Debbie Walsh ,
Dara Scallan Carberry, Lorinda Wolfe
Benn, Jillian Drury. Middle Row (L
to R) Duncan McLoughlin, Pierre
Fewer, Ciaran Kelly, Fiona Checkett,
Ruth Crampton Laverty, Nell Wright,
Liz Slazenger, Clarke Allen. Front
Row (L to R) Heather Moffatt,
Suzanne Connolly Brady, Caroline
Pim, Percy Kingston, Lisa Ryan,
Heather Shelly, Siobhan Dier.

Class of 1989 (Tree planting)

(L to R) Debbie Walsh , Tracy Kenny Benn,
Ronan Murphy, Ciaran Kelly, Lorinda Wolfe
Benn, Ruth Crampton Laverty, Fiona
Checkett, Clarke Allen, Percy Kingston,
Dara Scallan Carberry, Nell Wright.

Class of 1984
Back row
Gabrielle Sheridan, Ralph
Bingham, Ed Crotty, Rob Milne,
Julian Talbot-Brady
Front row
Des Jackson, Clodagh
Nicholson (Coad), Sarah Bean
(Hill), Alasdair Pim, Gillian
Stone

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 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

Reunion 2009
Class of 1969 (Dinner)
Back row: Brian Grubb,
Owen Metcalfe, Sue
MacAllister (Turner),
John Clarke, Pamela
Kelly, Dorothy Fennell,
Norman Allott, Louie
Kerr. Front row: Lynne
Fitzgerald (Foster),
Gillian Young, Fiona
Chin-Yee (Bodmin),
Rosemary Hobday
(Harper), David Griffiths,
Peter Johnson, David
Lilburn.

Class of 1969 (Tree planting)

Back row: David Griffiths, John Clarke, Peter
Johnson, Hugh McConnell, Brian Grubb,
Norman Allott. Front row: Pamela Kelly,
David Lilburn, Lynne Fitzgerald (Foster),
Fiona Chin-Yee (Bodmin), Louie Kerr,
Rosemary Hobday (Harper)

Class of 1959
Zoltan Zinn; Brian Ashmore;
Sally (Roberts) Popham; Uschi
(Donat) Love; Heather (Grubb)
Stewart; David McConnell;
Clare Nuttall; John Clarke;
Patricia (Watson) Davey.

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 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010

NMFOSA Launches Staff Mini-Reunion

Groups for
Old Scholars
at Abbeyleix,
One of the primary difficulties the association faces is
maintaining communication with its members as time September, 2009
passes and as old scholars move on and change ad-
dresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. One
thing that remains constant however is old scholars pro-
files on internet based social networking sites and to
take advantage of this the NMFOSA has launched its
own Facebook groups, one for each of the three schools
the association represents. The Newtown School old
scholars’ group, titled “Newtown School Waterford Old
Scholars”, has over 200 members already and more
are joining all the time. The Association also operates
a page for Bishop Foy old scholars entitled “Bishop
Foy School Waterford Old Scholars” and a Mountmel-
lick page entitled “Mountmellick School Old Scholars”.
By using Facebook as a means of communication the
NMFOSA has a quick and direct way of providing As-
sociation and school news to old scholars as well as
providing information about the old scholar’s weekend
and about the activities of the Association itself. It also
provides old scholars with a means of keeping in touch
with the Association and each other. To find and join the
Newtown School Facebook group, login to Facebook
and type “Newtown School Waterford Old Scholars” in
the search bar at the top of each Facebook page. When Left to right: Ruth Williams (Mrs. Seymour Kenny,
you join be sure and invite any of your Facebook friends 1960-1962, Leslie Matson, 1952 & 1959-1977,
who are also old scholars. We look forward to seeing Mildred Adamson (Mrs. Theo Dillon), 1964-1971,
you there. Mary Hamilton (Mrs. Stanley Jackson), 1956-1968.

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Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010
Obituaries
Aphra Maunsal Earl
1922 – 2009
Aphra was born on 19 March 1992 in
Dublin and moved with her family to
Grantstown in Waterford (the origi-
nal home of Bishop Foy’s School) in
1930. After attending Bishop Foy’s
school, she then worked there also hav-
ing qualified in catering in Waterford.
She later served as President of the
NM&FOSA and even organised func-
tions for groups of Old Scholars in the
Dublin area. These were often held after International
rugby matches.
As a young girl, she learnt to swim and was often seen
swimming at Dunmore, Boatstrand and Woodstown.
She carried on swimming throughout her life until just a
few years before her death. Aphra moved to Dublin to
work as Catering Manager in Wesley College in 1955 be-
fore moving to Sandford Park School where she stayed
until her retirement in 1987. She had great affection
for the school and when the boys got a bit rowdy in the
dining room, she used to use her ladle to restore order.
She was also able to indulge her passion for gardening in
Sandford Park well into her retirement and in later years
looked after the flower arrangement in Brabazon House
where she spent her final years very happily.
Bertha Turner (nee Vickery)
(1922-2010)
Bertha Vickery was born in Bantry, Co Cork in 1922
where she went to school until she was 12 years old.
She won a scholarship to Rochelle boarding school in
Cork and spent the next six years there where her natural
aptitude for Mathematics was nurtured and she took first
place in Ireland in her Leaving Certificate examination.
She furthered her studies in the Froebel method of kin-
dergarten teaching at Alexander College, Dublin. During
this period her friendship with Ted Turner from Blackrock
in Cork was blossoming. Ted was transferred to Water-
ford city, and following college graduation she applied to
Newtown School for a job in order to be near him.
Betty Foster also applied for the same post and to their
joy, both were taken on by the school in the same year,
and they became firm friends.
Bertha loved the Quaker ethos in the school and admired
the way in which the pupils were trusted to “do the right
thing”. She never lost her interest in NSW and when
she and Ted later had their two daughters, Dianne and
Susan, they went to school there from age 4. When
Ted retired in 1974, they moved to Tramore shortly after,
and enjoyed life there together for many years until Ted’s
passing in 1979.
She continued living independently up until her unex-
pected death in Cork on 29th April 2010 after a very short
illness.
120
Joseph Bevan Braithwaite Lamb
1918 – 2010
Bevan Lamb, was born in 1918 in Dub-
lin the only son of Wilfred and Anna
(Whitney) Lamb. His father’s family,
originally from Oxfordshire, had been
Quaker since the mid-17th century; his
mother’s parents had been medical-
missionaries in Japan. His education at
Rathgar Junior School, Newtown and
Bootham School, York, left him with a
lifelong interest in science and a love of Quakerism and
walking in the hills. As a young man he played hockey
and cricket, and sang in the Culwick Choir
After studying food-chemistry in Manchester, he entered
the family business of fruit-growing and jam-manufac-
turing and settled in Rathfarnham with his wife, Marjorie
Bottomley, whom he had met at university . They had
four children Cathy, Peter, Jenny and Rachel. Bevan was
an active Quaker who served on the committees of Rath-
gar and Newtown schools, but his longest service (over
40 years) was to Drogheda Grammar School which, with
a small Quaker committee, he helped to save from ex-
tinction in the 1960s.This service was recognised by the
school when the new sports building in 2005 was named
the ‘Bevan Lamb Hall’.
Bevan’s love of mountains and hills had been stimu-
lated at Newtown by Wilson Strangman, who took him
tramping in the Kerry mountains, and by Leslie Gilbert
at Bootham who took him to the Alps. He became very
good at painting and photographing the scenery. Family
holidays for Bevan’s children usually included ascents to
the tops mountains from Kerry to Connemara. In middle
life, Bevan and Marjorie acquired a house in Co Wicklow,
where they explored the local hills and valleys on foot,
tended their garden and Bevan became a bee-keeper.
They spent their later holidays in Slovenia amid the flow-
ering meadows of the Alps which they loved.
All his life Bevan followed a spiritual path, with regular
practice of quiet retirement and study. He was a deep
thinker and regularly ministered in Rathfarnham Meeting,
which he had helped to establish in the 1950s. In his later
life he provided a valuable service at Ireland Yearly Meet-
ing with his Quaker bookstall, making available a supply
of Quaker literature most of which he had already read
and was happy to discuss. This was an aspect of his per-
sonal out-reach in particular to new Friends.
Bevan died peacefully in Dublin on 20th March 2010.
The Association has been informed of the following
deaths:
Dr. Kinross Burke (Class of 1982), Patricia Ward
(Class of 1943) and Cyrill Hall (Class of 1949).
To all the families of these loved ones, the Association
would like to extend their deepest sympathies.
If you know of old scholars who have passed away,
please inform the Association so as to pass on the
news to others by:
Email: oldscholars@newtownschool.ie
Post: NMFOSA Secretary, c/o Newtown School,
Waterford
 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010
Dick Fletcher
(1923-2009)
Richard Henry Fletcher, widely known
as Dick or Dickie, who died on Decem-
ber 28th 2009, aged 86, was one of
Newtown’s heartiest and most respect-
ed Old Scholars. At his funeral in Wa-
terford, many tributes and anecdotes at
Meeting reflected a life which was often
innovative and enterprising. His most
successful venture was setting up the
Galley cruising restaurant in New Ross in 1971.
Born in Cork on June 25th 1923, he was the second son
of Robert Fletcher. In 1929 the family moved to Cross-
haven. Here, their house had wonderful views of the har-
bour where its constant activity was undoubtedly a factor
in Dick’s future love of the sea, rivers and boats.
Another major influence in his life was his education at
Newtown, where he thrived. Among his contemporaries
were Ivan and Myrtle (nee Hill) Allen, later of Ballymaloe
renown. He stayed on to teach woodwork and PT and
took Latin grinds to get into Trinity College, Dublin.
At Trinity, he studied horticulture and gained his BA in
1946. On graduation, he went to work for Ivan Allen at
Imokilly Orchards in Shanagarry, Co Cork, where he
was assistant manager. In 1948, he started out on his
own, growing mushrooms in Rathangan, Co Kildare. He
also raised pigs and chickens. Due to disease, though,
his mushroom crop was ruined, so he terminated this ele-
ment of his career in 1956.
He moved on to Henry Denny’s, the bacon and sausage
processors, and mainly based in Dublin for 12 years, he
became sales manager. But his heart was elsewhere.
During this time he had enjoyed much leisure activity on
the Shannon and on inland waterways and then switched
his interest to Galway Hookers in the early 1960s.
Of course, his greatest enterprise was the setting up of
the Galley cruises. With unstinting and loyal support from
his wife Valerie, he ran the business for 30 years until he
sold it to the Minihan family from New Ross in 2000.
Besides his life afloat, Dick was an enthusiastic sports
follower through the activities of his family. During his
time in Dublin he sang tenor in the Culwick Choral Soci-
ety. A leading life member of the Newtown, Mountmellick
and Foyonian Old Scholars Association, he was presi-
dent in 1967 and served as hon treasurer from 1994 to
2001. Christian Science was a very significant part of
his long and healthy life.
He is survived by Valerie, whom he married in 1970;
his son Jonathan, daughters Nikki (Ford) and Rachael
(Guest) and five grandchildren.
D.A. (reproduced from The IrishTimes with reflective ad-
ditions)
Note for Clarification:
In last year’s Review, we noted the death of John
Mitchell. This was John G. Mitchell, an Old Foyonian
from Waterford.
John S.M. Mitchell, of Co. Limerick, Class of 1946 is
still very much with us. We apologise for any confusion
and upset this may have caused.
EDWARD JAMES - First Bursar at Newtown School
(1915-2009)
Edward James enjoyed a number of ca-
reers before he took up the appointment
as the first bursar at Newtown School.
He trained and qualified to be a master
brewer. He saw distinguished service
as a Squadron Leader in the RAF dur-
ing the Second World War. He became
a marketing manager. He lectured in
marketing at the business faculty of the
Institute of Technology.
Gardening was one of his abiding interests. He readily
shared his enthusiasm with scholars of a horticultural in-
clination, talking with them about the maintenance of the
school grounds.
Edward James was a committed member of the Church
of Ireland. He availed himself of every opportunity to pro-
mote the cause of Newtown School within the councils
of the church. He even applied for grants from church
funds. As a diocesan reader he persuaded successive
deans to allow him conduct a special morning service in
the cathedral each year with choir, orchestra and readers
from the school.
When Edward James finally retired he retained his inter-
est in the school. Each year his successors as bursar
received a marketing diary from him: the school librar-
ian got an up-to-date Guinness Book of Records and the
year’s editions of the National Geographic for the school
library. In more recent times he was delighted when his
granddaughter, Mikela, elected to transfer all the way
from Donegal to be a boarder at Newtown School. He
took great pleasure in writing the requisite letters of per-
mission so that Mikela could get leave out at weekends,
and oft times on weeknights in between, “to look after her
grandparents.”
In the summer of 2005 Edward James was awarded the
MBE. The then British Ambassador travelled to Water-
ford to conduct the ceremony in the presence of civic dig-
nitaries at Faithlegg House Hotel. The citation included
acknowledgment of Edward James’s work as bursar at
Newtown School together with his distinguished RAF ca-
reer, his support of the British Legion and his local chari-
table and social involvements
Edward James died on August 27th 2009 in his 94th
year. His funeral took place in Christ Church Cathedral
Waterford on the first school day of this school year. Pall-
bearers included representatives from different aspects
of Edward’s family and working life. The Most Revd John
Neill, Archbishop of Dublin, gave the address.
Edward James is remembered as a gracious adminis-
trator and a true friend to scholars, staff and parents at
Newtown School. Mildred James, his wife for sixty-three
years and his lifelong support continues to live in Water-
ford under the watchful eye of their daughter Liz. Mrs
James is looking forward to celebrating a most significant
birthday this coming winter and all old scholars who re-
member her and Mr James from school will extend best
wishes to her for that special occasion.
121
Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010
Laura Breheny
(1988 -2009)
It was with confusion and heartache
that friends and family received the
news of Laura’s death on the morning
of the 22nd of December, the day which
should have been the celebration party
for her 21st birthday.
Laura packed far more into her 21 short
years than any of us could ever hope
to fit into our life times. As well as being a phenomenal
horse rider Laura loved all kinds of sports from rugby
to hurling to skiing. She could try her hand at anything
and within a few days master it. This was seen when
her cousins brought her skiing in New York and as usual,
Laura amazed.
Laura’s horse riding career started from a very young age
when she got her first pony Suzanne. She progressed
rapidly and in 2000, won the Minimus Individual National
Pony Club title. This was the first time such an award was
brought back to Waterford Pony Club. In 2001, Laura
was not only a member of the team that won the National
Junior Eventing Championship, but she also claimed the
National Junior Combined Training title. In 2002, Laura’s
mum Jo bought Laura’s pride and joy, Fin. Once again
she displayed her extraordinary talent on her new pony
by reclaiming the National Junior Combined Training title,
winning her arena at the National Eventing Champion-
ships and being a member of the team who finished in
third place. Throughout these national, and later inter-
national, pursuits, Laura always had time to compete for
Newtown or help the team that was competing. It was
Laura’s dream to win a medal for her country at Eventing
and so the road to this began in 2003 when she was long
listed by Eventing Ireland for a place on the Irish Pony
Eventing team. Unfortunately, Fin trotted up lame at a
test and Laura was denied the opportunity to represent
her country on that occasion. However, Laura was al-
ways philosophical about these things and her steely de-
termination shone through. This was seen the following
year where she got to realise her dream and represented
Ireland on the Irish Pony Eventing team in Poland where
she finished as individual 17th. Her passion for a medal
for Ireland was seen again in 2006, after a transition to
horses, when she won 5 classes out of 6 starts through-
out the season. Due to this amazing performance, she
of course, was selected to represent her country at the
Junior European Eventing Championship which took
place in Necarne Castle. Although Laura’s health began
to deteriorate she never gave up her ambition of winning
a medal for Ireland. For that reason, she purchased a top
class horse in 2008 and this horse was to take her to Eu-
ropean and Olympic success when her health improved,
which it undoubtedly would have, if Laura’s road had not
been cut short.
As well as reaching such a high level in Eventing, Laura
always found the time for her friends. She was a fan-
tastically loyal friend. She would be the person to text
back straight away and the first person in line for a night
122
out. It’s amazing how many nights out Laura made it to
with her very demanding training schedule. On finish-
ing in Newtown with a brilliant Leaving Certificate result,
Laura moved to University College Cork to study Early
Childhood Studies with the aim of becoming a teacher.
As usual, Laura put her all into the student life including
her studies and the nightlife in Cork.
Laura is an inspiration to all of us. With her courage and
talent she overcame all the odds to become a star and
should not have been taken from us so early. She is
deeply missed by her mum Jo, dad Neil, brothers Hugh
and Chris, and her numerous friends in Newtown, Uni-
versity College Cork and beyond.
Michael Vogelaar
1964 – 2009
Michael Vogelaar a.k.a. Dutchy or Woody died sudden-
ly and unexpectedly at home on 26th November 2009.
Born in Waterford August 1964 to Kees and Anneke,
Michael attended Newtown between 1969 and 1982, first
in the Junior School following on to Newtown School.
Many lifelong friendships were formed during his school
days.
Michael studied business at U.L. and graduated in 1986.
He left Ireland to work in London where he eventually
found his way into the fruit trade. After eight years in
England the lure of home was too great and he returned
with his wife-to-be Jacinta. Michael built a very success-
ful business in fresh produce giving him a lifestyle that
was the envy of his wide circle of friends.
An expert skier on snow and water and a keen rugby
supporter, Michael loved trips to follow Ireland and Mun-
ster. Skiing trips with family and friends were also high
on his social agenda.
He is survived by his wife Jacinta, sons Conor, Aaron,
Finn and Niall, parents Kees and Anneke, brothers An-
drew and Peter. His wit, friendship and bonhomie will be
sadly missed by everyone.
Murrogh O’Brien
(1919-2009)
Born in Parteen, Co. Clare, Murrogh
was one of three children and Hugh MV
and Margaret O’Brien. He was educat-
ed at home until he was sent to New-
town at the age of ten. When he fin-
ished school, he took a year off to work
as a stores clerk and timekeeper dur-
ing the construction of the Foynes rein-
forced concrete jetty in the mid 1930’s.
He then wen on to study Engineering at Trinity College
Dublin, followed by a degree in mine geology and a BSc
from the Royal School of Mines, London University.
He married his wife, Suzanne Karolyi in 1945 who he
had met after returning to Ireland and starting work in the
 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010
Avoca Mines, Wicklow. In 1952 he became director of the
Geological Survey of Ireland. During his career, he was
General Manager of Tara Exploration and Development
and a journalist for the Evening Press.
He had a strong interest in ships and he drew a serious of
ships over 30 years that docked in Foynes port. The 900
drawings are now in the National Library of Ireland. An
honorary fellow of the Institution of Mining and Metallur-
gy, he was also the founding member of the Irish Mining
and Quarrying Society . Seen as a visionary geologist, he
helped to develop the mining industry.
He is survived by his wife Suzanne, son Stephen, daugh-
ters Sylvia, Iseult and Charlotte and 12 grandchildren.
His son Colm predeceased him.
Robert C Jephson
1926 – 2010
Robbie Jephson passed away in the
early morning of March 4th 2010, just
a few weeks short of 84th birthday sur-
rounded by his loving family to whom
he had devoted his life.
Robbie’s dad was Assistant county en-
gineer for Waterford and as his mother
sadly died when Robbie was only ten, a
strong bond was forger with his father
as he accompanied him on his engineering work through-
out the county thus developing for himself a knowledge
of the local road network, a knowledge that stay with him
for his entire life.
Robbie went to Bishop Foy’s school where he proved to
be, not only a competent pupil but a keen athlete as well.
White at Trinity College in the 1940’s he won Irish titles in
the 100 and 200 yards.
He married Pamela Fletcher in 1954 and set up home
at Prospect on the Dunmore Road where they reared
their four children. In the early years of setting up home,
Robbie and Pam worked hard for their growing family.
Pig rearing and fruit growing supplemented the family in-
come during Robbie’s days at the Waterford Sack and
Bag Company. In 1967 they embarked on a new en-
terprise when they opened a shop and petrol station at
Ardkeen. From day one it was very much a family busi-
ness and through long hours and hard work the business
grew and prospered to become the thriving complex it is
today. Robbie had an inherent ability to innovate and a
strong sense of self-reliance but it is fair to say that a key
added ingredient to his success was a great talent and
ability to get on with people, best epitomised by the sight
of his familiar figure around the shop complete with cap.
Sailing was a life long passion, shared with family and
friends and he was instrumental in the early development
of Waterford Harbour Sailing Club.
As a proud Waterford man he had a life long interest in
his native city and closely followed its development as it
expanded and changed over the years. Robbie’s funeral
service was held in Christ Church Cathedral and was at-
tended by a large congregation fo family, friends, staff
and members of the wider Waterford community.
WILLIAM FREDRICK CHAPMAN
(1937 - 2009)
William died on the 7th September, 2009 aged 72 years.
He was only son of Frederick William B. Chapman &
Beatrice Decima Chapman. The family lived at “Beech-
mount”, Tramore where he grew up with his only sister
Joy (now Simpson).
William & Joy were educated at Newtown School and
they travelled in and out each day either with their Dad or
on the old narrow guage steam train which was the main
mode of transport at the time.
Willie served his apprenticeship to the grocery, tea, cof-
fee & wine trade in Findlaters in Dublin and then came
back to Chapman’s famous family grocers on the Quay
in Waterford. Later Chapman’s opened a Cash & Carry
business in Thomas Street, Waterford which prospered
for many years.
William later joined Sure Haul in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
where he worked until his illness.
Willie married Rosemary Cassidy in 1968. They lived
in their lovely old farmhouse near Annestown, Co. Wa-
terford. William & Rosemary had four children, Fred,
James, Annabel & Barrett. Willie was a great family man
and he & Rosemary were so proud of their children.
William was a larger than life character, he loved people
and had a great memory for names & faces. He had
many friends and loved a night out. One could always
recognise his wonderful hearty laugh. He loved a good
yarn and after hearing one he could always return an-
other!
Willie was a loyal supporter of the Friends Meeting in
Tramore, until its closure, and in her later years would
regularly provide transport for his good friend Carole
Grubb on a Sunday morning. He served on the Newtown
School Committee for a number of years.
Willie had many hobbies. He was a member of Tramore
Golf Club for a long number of years. Even if he did
not play much golf of later years he would enjoy meeting
many friends in the Club House. He also had a very keen
interest in The Turf Club and was a keen race goer. He
took up wood turning as a hobby and turned out some
beautiful and useful pieces!! Willie always kept a herd of
cattle on their land at Annestown. He also loved his mo-
tor cars. Right from the early days, whatever car he had
it always stood out and he kept them beautifully, he loved
to see them shine.
The last years of William’s life were a struggle for him.
Shortly before he was due to retire he was struck down
with his illness with which he coped with great courage.
We all had great admiration for how he lived through this
time. When one would call he would always greet you
with a smile and a wave and would talk about past times
and a good laugh was guaranteed.
He was pre deceased by two sons Fred and James
and survived by his wife Rosemary, his son Barrett and
daughter Annabel.
God Bless you Willie and many thanks for your friend-
ship. He is greatly missed. G. C.
123
Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010
Class of 1959
DAVID McCONNELL (Year of 1959). A former Head of
Finance at the Arts Council, David now works as an arts
consultant, with a focus on providing financial services to
arts organisations. He has been a church organist since
he left Newtown and currently is responsible for the mu-
sic in two churches in Rathgar, Dublin, where he lives
with his life partner, David Soden.
Fiachra Trench has been a professional musician for
over 40 years. From 1967 to 1991 he lived in England,
working (mostly in London) as a composer/ arranger/
music director/keyboard player/record producer. He has
written music for films and orchestral arrangements for a
wide gamut of artists, from (Joan) Armatrading to (Hans)
Zimmer. He and his wife, the singer Carmel McCreagh,
have been together 37 years. They have four children,
Michael, Sarah, Oisín and Rían. In 1991 they and their
two youngest moved from London to Delgany, Co. Wick-
low. Fiachra continues to compose and arrange. Recent
arranging projects have included Altan with the RTÉ Con-
cert Orchestra, Paul Brady’s new album, Hooba Dooba,
and a debut solo album from Sharon Corr.
Class of 1969
Lesley Hayoun (Abrahamson) lives in Jerusalem and
works as a teacher.
Norman Allott lives near Rathmines and works as a lec-
turer in Trinity College Dublin.
Fiona Bodmin works as a health service manager in
Nova Scotia.
Ann Christopherson is a nurse specialist in Portland,
Oregon.
John Clarke lives near Bandon, Co. Cork.
Simon Crowe lives in Devon, England where he works
as an architect and plays in one or more bands.
Elizabeth Thacker (Dyer) lives near Cheltenham,
England.
Dorothy Fennell runs a kennels in Co. Carlow.
Lynne Fitzgerald (Foster) lives in Glenealy, Co. Wick-
low where she works as an artist.
David Griffiths lives in Surbiton, Surrey and works as a
quantity surveyor.
Brian Grubb lives in Clonlara, Co. Clare and has his
own architectural practise.
Rosemary Hobday (Harper) lives in Southam, Warks
and works as a physiotherapist.
Robert Jacob, Kinsale, Co. Cork is a designer of boats
and other things.
Peter Johnson, is an artist and builder in Rath-
gar.
124
Pamela Welch (Kelly) lives in Douglas, Cork and works
in the Examiner.
Louie Kerr lives and works on the family farm near En-
niscorthy.
David Lilburn lives in Limerick and works as graphic de-
signer in UL and as an independent artist.
Hugh McConnell lives in Waterford where he and broth-
er Bill run a Toyota dealership.
Owen Metcalfe lives in Dun Laoghaire and is assistant
director of the Health Service Executive.
Barbara Cowtan (Pleass) lives in Worcester, England
Tessa Collier (Stokes) lives in Delgany, Co. Wicklow
and is keen on horses.
Susan Spinks (Torrie) lives in Enfield, Middlesex, Eng-
land.
Susan MacAllister (Turner) lives in Cork and works as a
dental nurse.
Brian Watts lives in London and is a social worker work-
ing with homeless persons.
Sheila Lyall (Williams) lives in Dun Laoghaire and
works as a physiotherapist.
Gillian Alley (Young) lives near Rathdowney and works
as a secretary/receptionist.
Sadly, the following are deceased: Felicity Grant, Susan
Snipper, Frank Theil and Billy Warren
The class of 69 will meet again in 2014.
Class of 1979
Nick Davies After an initial stint as a chef, tour guide and
wedding photographer in the ‘80’s, I settled into a ca-
reer in ATC and VIP handling before joining a company
providing flight planning systems to the airline industry. I
travel a lot, to the Gulf, S.Europe and N.Africa, and am
about to graduate with a BSc in Aviation Management.
Married to a beautiful Maltese girl, first child on the way
(due Dec 2010!!), and teaching myself Italian ahead of a
possible relocation to Sicily/Sardinia there in the future.
Neil Fitzgerald Living with family in ‘Glenbower’ in Wa-
terford. Working in the gardening business. Got ECDL
last month and now finishing an autocad course. Enjoys
hill walking.
Gina Hensman Married to Tony. Still a restrateur at the
very famous old plough much loved by the Irish racing
fraternity when they venture to Newmarket!
Stuart Baxter Now living outside Oxford and working in
London for Sony Pictures running their European distri-
bution businesses. Married with 3 young kids and spend
too much time traveling. Amusingly became Irish Real
Tennis National Champion last year (seriously small
niche) at the age of 48.
 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010
Julie Pearson Merrey Is back in control
of her life, almost. Returned to teaching to
earn a crust, to educate and feed 3 bold but
great teenage off springs. Living still on the north side,
trying to keep fit and healthy, and enjoying playing poor
golf, and the odd bottle of wine with friends!
Maurice O’Shea I was working in Private Banking on
Jersey for nearly twenty years until 2004. I left the Is-
land to work for the United Nations in Kenya with my now
wife Susanna who comes from Barcelona. In 2006 we
moved to New York and in 2007 Chloe Niamh O’Shea-
Garcia was born. In 2008 we moved to Geneva. My wife
is still working for the UN but I have returned to Private
Banking and am trying to learn French at the same
time. Not easy but our traveling days have now finished!
Primrose Duplessis Living and working in Sussex as a
Farm Conservation Advisor having returned to education
to do a degree as an (extra) mature student! Married with
2 children and 3 step children aged between 18 and 27.
Caroline Murphy Living in Dublin with husband Frank
Cruise. Working as Web Marketing Manager at Aviva.
(No access to tickets, honest!) Competition organiser of
the Irish Karting Club. Collects writing slopes (i.e. 18th
century laptops)
Jenny Pim nee Milne Married Malcolm Pim and living
in Co Wexford. They have three sons, Daniel born 1992,
Alexander 1995 and Sebastian 1999. Managed Interior
Design Company Odyssey Interiors 1996-2004. Quali-
fied as Tai Chi Instructor in 2003. Currently breeding
Connemara ponies under Dun an Oir prefix and teaching
Tai Chi in Wexford.
Colin Jephson Colin lives in Waterford with wife Ann
plus John (12) and Harry (10). Works in the family busi-
ness - Ardkeen Quality Food Store - trying to get through
the recession in one piece. Likes the odd game of tennis,
cycling, coaching youth rugby, oh! and good food!”
Ceri McGrath Happily settled in Chester, UK. Single - no
children or pets but plenty of godchildren who bring me
a lot of joy but are very expensive! Working for Npower
Renewables as Replant Manager trying to upgrade our
older wind farm portfolio. My brother Mike lives close by
and Mum is alive and well and still living in Waterford.
Hazel Perdue Alive and well and living in Tipperary.
Breeding guinea pigs and ducks
Sean O’Connell Alive and well and dividing his time be-
tween West Cork and Tipperary
Class of 1984
RALPH BINGHAM Architect/Director in Murray O’Laoire
Architects, Dublin, until recently and now looking forward
to new challenges. Married to Hilary, 2 sons Max (8), and
twins Harry and Adam (6).
ALISON CRANMER (NEE BOYD) Living in Norfolk pro-
viding Farm Administration service to local farms. Mar-
ried to Richard and has two girls Zoe (12) and Georgia
(11).
YVONNE EARL Living in Dublin, married to Tom, work-
ing as a channel manager for Eircom.
JILL FITZGERALD (NEE CANNING) 1992 Married An-
drew FitzGerald - we run a dairy farm beside the sea
near Tralee in Co. Kerry, I occasionally milk cows etc just
to justify the “we” bit. We have 3 kids, Sarah 14, Lucy
11 and Mark 8, and except for the odd dabble in catering
I’m at home full time. Launched new business www.ca-
ketopperireland.com, featured on an RTE programme on
up & coming entrepreneurs and in Irish Tatler magazine.
Winner of the Best Wedding Industry Newcomer Award
2009!! Congratulations Jilly – what an inspiration!
SOPHIE CANTILLON After many years of fruitful study,
awarded a scholarship at the Norwegian School of Man-
agement to undertake a doctoral degree in Industrial Net-
work Marketing and has learnt to speak Norwegian! Still
as chirpy and energetic as ever!
ALAN COAD Telco industry, based in London but lots of
travel! Still big into ‘huntin, shootin, fishin’ and sailin of
course! Married Anna and has a son Toby who’s 6
CLODAGH NICHOLSON (NEE COAD) Married Darren,
4 children (between 5-18). Full-time Mum at home! Also
teaching PE one day per week in Knockskeagh National
School Clonakilty and some temporary substitute primary
school teaching. Lots of outdoor activities continue from
newtown days including swimming, skiing and canoeing;
also hockey coaching, gardening & photography.
LUKE CROSBIE After a Law degree, moved into area of
investments, Currently making investments for a family
investment company, BHR.
Plays golf and hockey very badly! Married Niamh, has 3
daughters Emily (5) and twins of 1, which explains the
poor golf standard!
ED CROTTY Engineering degree TCD, worked as
engineer in London (5 years), back to TCD in 1994
to do an MBA (1 year), then back to London for fur-
ther 3 years. Moved home to Dublin 1997, and cur-
rently working in strategic business consultancy. Mar-
ried to Sue, has 3 sons Patrick (7), Hugh (5), Sam (1)
and a daughter Louise (3). Has been bitten by the Tri-
athlon bug and is fitter than he’s ever been in his life!
PAUL DUFFIN Lots of various studies and jobs until
moving to Dubai in 94 and starting The House of Cars in
98 followed by a number of other car related businesses.
Currently running 4 different businesses across proper-
ty, cars and coffee! Big horseracing and golf fan – why
wouldn’t he be living out there? – married to Frances and
has 4 children Emily (11), twins Patrick & Shona (5), new-
est addition (2)
LIZ DUFFY Besotted by Horse Riding - Horse Racing -
Interior Design – Gardening – and highlight was watching
her racehorse win at Laytown in 2003! Lives with Robert
in Wicklow, one stepdaughter Emma 21 and enjoys the
company of all her nieces and nephews!
ALISON FANAGAN (nee Farrell) Partner with A & L
Goodbody solicitors, specializing in litigation, and envi-
ronmental and planning law. Married to Jody and has 3
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Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010
sons Hugo (11), Harry (10) and Stephen (7). Plays golf
and swims, and runs after her boys!
JOHN FAULL B.SC in Marine Biology from UCG. Spent
about 5 years working for an environmental consultancy
company, in Galway, which involved going to sea and un-
derwater photography etc. followed by 5 years in an Op-
tics company in Galway (money better and job more se-
cure). Then moved into web design (www.awd.ie) based
in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Highlight was spending a whole
month at sea on a German research vessel off the coast
of Alaska!! Married and has two girls 13 and 10.
SARAH BEAN (NEE HILL) BSc (Mgmt) from College
of Marketing in Dublin; various marketing & commercial
roles. Currently running a cosmetics & fragrances busi-
ness (Coty Ireland) based in Dublin. Play too little golf, a
little hockey and finds some time to swim, run & do yoga.
Taking up the piano again after 25 years to ‘relax’! Mar-
ried to Tom, 3 children Liam (10), Thomas & Lilly (twins
of 5)
TIM JOHNSON Trained as a chef, lives in Abbeyleix
and works in the Millrace Hotel in Bunclody. Still have 2
daughters (just:))
BEN JOHNSON Left Newtown in 84,
straight into cheesemaking, set up a hon-
ey co-op in the Burren farming 200 beehives,
Had the opportunity to set up cheese factories in Sweden
for the Harri Krishna movement, Ukraine for the cher-
nobyl affected areas and South Africa the next step. Set
up a boat building school and ran guitar making classes.
Current venture goes right back to the early days
of hawk flying at Newtown! Have set up the Bur-
ren Bird of Prey Centre www.birdofpreycentre.com.
Married in Kilfenora and have a son Robin.
SALLY COLE (NEE KINGSTON) Trained as a Nurse in
the Adelaide Dublin. Theatre nurse training in St. Marys,
London. 3 years traveling Asia, NZ & Australia. Cordix
Scrub nurse Blackrock for about 5 years. Currently living
in Naas, married to Alan & has 2 daughters Sasha (10)
and Sophie (8). Still working out!
ROISIN LENNON (NEE KLANN) General nurse training
in the Adelaide Hospital. Staffed there for a while & then
off to Perth in Scotland to do midwifery. Now a midwife in
Sligo General working with David Meade’s wife – small
world! Latest qualifications are aromatherapy & reflexol-
ogy, kids reckon she’s a witch! Married to Tom with 2 kids
Eoin (14) and Emer (12)
GILLIAN LAZENBY (Nee Milne) Agricultural College
in Hampshire and now running a Farm Office is doing
everything from doing the accounts to sorting cattle out
for market! Married to Rob and has a daughter Lucy (8)
who’s also a keen rider. Last heard of was planting 10000
asparagus crowns and planning to acquire some sheep!
IAN LAZENBY Gurteen agricultural college after leaving
Newtown then came home and have been farming ever
since!
Played rugby for Gorey until 1991and then some bad-
minton in Tinahely until an accident on the farm which
took the wind out of me for a while. Married Nicolette in
2003
126
PAUL MCCARTHY Living in Cork; is a sax player and a
singer songwritter about to start gigging. Divorced, four
children all grown up, more or less, and new son recently
born!
MIRANDA MARTIN Worked with horses for many years
after school...and worked in racing in France, Italy,
America and in the UK. Also qualified to teach riding..
then moved to London where I have built up a small
catering business, which is doing well!
Skiing, racing, hillwalking and gardening loves of my life,
and my recently acquired husband of course!
DAVID MEADE Studied civil engineering in UCG 1984-
1988. After a few years in London, now working as a
resident engineer in the West of Ireland on the main Sli-
go-Moscow highway. Soccer, swimming & hockey keep
me fit & I do some hockey coaching with the Sligo ladies!
Married to Mary & Conor was born in 2004.
ROBERT MILNE Farming in Co. Wexford. Three children
Bill (11), Aoife (8), John (5). Graduated in Maths (I think?)
with Open University – always a man of few words! Living
with Hilary.
HELEN MOORE (DOYLE) BA in English & French, TCD
followed by a raft of qualifications in marketing, account-
ing, finance, French & interior design! Working in Eircom
managing a telecoms service for customers with inter-
national call centres. Wide variety of hobbies including
wind-surfing, singing, astronomy and dance. Married to
Tony & has a son of 6.
KEITH MURPHY Batchelor of Agricultural Science –
UCD, then qualified as Chartered Accountant and moved
to Warsaw working for Price Waterhouse, followed by
Aventis in Strasbourg - Head of Corporate Functions
Controlling. Married Agnieszka (Aga for short) in 1998. 2
kids, Adam (10) (I was never too worried about the Mile-
nium Bug) and Ola (8) and thats enough for now.
GLENN O’NEILL Did a degree in Theology at Queens
Belfast. Trained as a welder, opened a shop in Kilkenny
for three years, Travelled with an African Children’s Choir
through America and Canada, and laterally have been
working for a Community Church in Navan www.calva-
rycommunitychurch.info. Into cycling, wood carving and
music. Married Gabi and have a daughter Tara (8)
AILEEN O’BEIRNE BA from UCG in 1989, LLB from
UCG in 1992, qualifying as a solicitor in 1995. Later
that year moved to Brussels with my husband Brendan,
worked in various jobs, and joined the European Com-
mission in 2001where she is still employed and has 2
daughters
DAVID O’BRIEN Degree in Production Engineering
(Carlow Regional Technical College) then spent 4 years
in Japan and onwards to Australia where he is still based.
Love of his life is his skydiving, last count had done at
least 2000 jumps and had a bronze national medal under
his belt! He’s the ultimate Pepsi Max man – mountain
biking, motorcycling, rockclimbing, skiing!
His most memorable moment? When he first got his
knee down on the ground going around a corner on a
motorbike !!
 Old Scholars Report 2010 Newtown Review 2009-2010
GORMLAITH ORMOND Trained as a PE teacher in
Stranmillis and taught hockey at Newtown before training
as a Special Needs teacher and now works in Newpark
Comprehensive Blackrock. Married to Louis and mum to
Louis (13) and Celeste (10).
TIA WOOLER (DEIRDRE PIM) Trained as a Montessori
teacher in Dublin and moved to New Zealand almost im-
mediately after a year of travelling. Has been running her
own Montessori school for many years. Married to Mark
(artist, gardener, chef extraordinaire!) and has 3 beautiful
children Cullen (16), Bree (13) and Carrie (10). Living in
Warkworth North Island NZ with an amazing garden full
of trees, animals and vegetables and very involved in the
local community.
ALISTAIR PIM Agriculture degree but then, naturally,
ended up auctioneering (thankfully horses, not houses)
and working the stud farm in Mountmellick. Married to
Gillian and has 3 children. As witty as ever, but unfortu-
nately short on words for a more extensive update!
RICHARD POPPLEWELL Living in Manchester and dad
to Lei. Self employed, his own boss!
GABRIELLE SHERIDAN Degree in social science from
UCD, followed hdip in Business Ed in Thomond followed
by a year in Italy, follwed by a year in Japan! Then a
Grad Dep in Special Ed from UCD – spent a few years
teaching in a number of different countries and has finally
settled in Dublin! Married to Gerry, has 3 children Penny
(6), Willow (5) and Gerry (2) and works part time in the
family business Hertz.
AITHNE SYMES Living in Auckland, New Zealand with
her 2 children Hannah (12) and Hamish (10) and too
many animals! Recently divorced. Trained and has been
working as a Montessori teacher and also tutors dyslex-
ics
JULIAN TALBOT BRADY Architecture in UCD but after
a number of years completed an MBA at Cranfield in
the UK and now runs his own business consultancy in
London. Married to Louise, living in London, and father
to Tuscany (10), Gaia (7) and Noah (3)
ANDREW WALKER (ALIAS CHUCK!) TCD (History &
Hockey), Kings Inns and Barrister since 1992 in Dub-
lin. Much of spare time spent hockey coaching in Three
Rock Rovers where he played for many years, and latest
bug is Triathlons! Married to Meriel (of course! Class of
85 – proposed at our 10 year reunion apparently!) and
has 3 boys James (12), Ben (10), Sam (8)
Class of 1989
Jillian Drury is living in Bristol and working as a GP. Mar-
ried to Giles, they have a 2 year old daughter called Orla.
Georgina Addison is living near Guildford in Surrey.
Happily married to Sat for 10 years now. They have 2
little girls ages 7 & 5. Georgina works in a nursery school
part time to fit around the girls school terms.
Liz Slazenger Lives in Buckinghamshire. Is happily
married to Simon for 9 years now. They have 2 children,
8 and 6 years old.
Philip Boucher-Hayes wrote a book on food and farm-
ing with his wife Suzanne (“Basket Case: What’s hap-
pening Ireland’s food?”) which they finished on the day
she went into labour with their first child, Anna. They live
in North Wicklow. Still making documentaries in RTÉ TV
and presenting/reporting on Radio. Always in the market
for a good story or a bit of tittle tattle– pbh@rte.ie
Dara Carbery (nee Scallan) Living in Cork; married to
Dermot; 3 children - Aoife, Billy & Aideen.
Lisa Ryan O’Sullivan is married to Patrick O’Sullivan, 2
kids Elizabeth and Eva, both 8. Currently living in Puerto
Rico in the Caribbean having lived in Dubai for 7 years,
possibly moving again soon! We travel back to Ireland
most summers so hope to see a few more of the class
having reconnected at the 20 year reunion.
Percy Kingston is married, living and farming near Wa-
terford.
Ronan Murphy is living in Germany, working for
Friesland-Campina dairy company. Married to Tina, their
son Nicolas was born in November 2009.
Class of 1994
Stuart Musgrave Stuart Musgrave - Living in Dublin
running Onboard a surf, snow and sail store. Still reced-
ing!
Dermot Daniel Conner - Living in Houston, TX. Came
over in 2000, lured by NASA and marriage. Now doing
something terribly tedious with computers for The Uni-
versity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (http://
www.mdanderson.org/) Married (for a 2nd and final time,
<hangs head>) one kid, another on the way. Looking for-
ward to actually attending a reunion one of these days.
Mark Finnegan Living in Fuzhou, China. Creating online
computer games. Hairier than ever.
Fiona Ní Mhulláin Living in Carlow with husband and
daughter, working in Enniscorthy as a Regulatory Man-
ager of a medical device company.
Mary Jo Logue Living in London and just completed my
Law degree. Getting married this summer, so I’m hoping
to become a grown-up soon!
Suzie Shorten Living in Dublin with my partner and 1
year old son Dylan and still working in the music industry
for my sins.
Sarah Woodbury Living in a tiny village outside of Ed-
inburgh with husband, 2 (and a half) year old daughter,
two psychotic cats, four angry chickens and, apparently,
some invisible but very naughty monkeys in the play-
room. I was working as an addictions worker (mainly
heroin and valium, but I dabbled in crack too) but having
a child has made me soft and (almost) tolerant of people.
So now I stay home and bake instead.
Alexandra Tyndale (nee Egan-Langley) Living in Lon-
don helping disadvantaged families in social housing to
127
Newtown Review 2009-2010 Old Scholars Report 2010
access training and funding. Married, and currently on
maternity leave with my 6 month old son. Luckily not yet
receding.
RobandSan Corrigan Living in Co Kildare with wife
Sandra and son Ben. Involved in commercial property
consultancy in Dublin. Still busy with horses, in particular
one-day-eventing.
Aura-lee Casey (nee O’Halloran) Living in waterford
with my husband Jason. 17 year old james who is in 5th
yr at newtown, and 3 year old daughter Mia. Im lecturing
in beauty therapy at w.c.f.e and running my own beauty
salon called Boudoir beauty.
Isobel Bailey-Baudu Loving living in Brittany, France
with husband Yann & 2 daughters, Zoé & Sasha (aged 3
& 1), still teaching english & music in junior high school
(collège). We get over to Ireland a couple of times a year
usually & enjoy catching up with school friends & their
kids! Great to be back in touch via Facebook!
Wietske van der Pol making wine for a winery in Nel-
son, New Zealand - and living in sin with my man Cam,
who is a computer geek....but now student pilot, and 2
doggies. Every once in a blue moon I work vintages in
France, New York and most recently and most terrifiy-
ingly, Moldova!!
Tim Stephen Hendy Just saw this now, thanks for the
reminder! I’ve been working as an archaeologist in Cape
Town, but living between there and Vancouver.
Class of 1999
Caragh Allen - I am living in East Cork with my husband
Peter and children Samson and Bella.
Celine Grant - Qualified as an engineer from Trinity in
2003. Travelled a few loops around the world and I’m
now living in Australia and working for the government.
Andrew Maxwell - graduated from Trinity College, Dub-
lin with first class honours and subsequently an MA. In
the intervening 5 years Andrew, along with his younger
brother Tom, has been developing a successful toy man-
ufacturing and design business. In his spare time Andrew
is to be found tinkering with classic British sports cars.
Sara Mullally - went to college in Dublin, studied and got
a degree in Psychology. Went travelling for two yrs, then
returned to Waterford, where I have been ever since. I
now work for the Waterford Chamber of Commerce, as
a network administrator for the Skillnet. This June I’ll be
getting my blackbelt in kickboxing, yay!
Jessica Cunningham - After school I studied History
and English at Trinity College Dublin and a few years af-
ter graduating from that I did an M.A. in Design History at
the National College of Art and Design. In between and
since all that I’ve been working in different areas of the
arts in administration, production and management – in
publishing, dance, theatre, and now in the visual arts. I’m
living in Dublin and also lecture part-time in theatre man-
agement, design history and the decorative arts.
Melanie Dool - Completed my Diploma in Sports Ther-
apy in Dublin, where I met my husband Owen. Studied
128
Business and now working the in the family business.
New mother to son Noah, born January.
Clovisse Ferguson – Clovisse lives in Cork and works
in the family business growing organic herbs and vegeta-
bles which are used in Gubbeen Smokehouse products
and are also sold to local cafes and restaurants. Likes
to travel in the winter months when she leaves her pug
and jack russell on the farm to eagerly await her return
for spring planting.
Ailbhe Levingstone - After leaving Newtown in
1999, Ailbhe studied law in UCC and moved to Dublin
in 2002 to begin her apprenticeship with O’Connor and
Bergin Solicitors. Qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has
been working and living in Dublin since.
April Rellis – Studied Science in Trinity, and then later
completed her H.Dip. Ed. In Trinity also. Now a member
of teaching and residential staff in Newtown.
Jenny Rothwell - Did a rainbow of courses ranging from
computer game design to live sound engineering. Now
working in property development around the UK and Ire-
land. Living life to the full and loving every minute of it.
Sue Ryan - After medicine in College of Sur-
geons worked in Dublin, Kilkenny Waterford and
New Zealand. Now doing gp training in south
east, and off to Malawi next year for part of it.
Still playing hockey with Waterford, still singing at every
opportunity and attempting my first triathalon under the
capable supervision (!) of Carl and James in June and
Oisin i suppose!
Gail Shannon - Working as a masseuse and recently
started free range pig and geese farming, In my spare
time I am involved with Macra na Feirme on the National
Executive board and National Council Rep for County
Wexford which involve lots of fun and frolics around the
county, country and Europe - one of the highlights was
being selected to represent Ireland at the European
Youth Rally in Germany.
Caroline Sutton - After Newtown I went on to study Sci-
ence at Trinity College, Dublin. I received my degree in
Biochemistry in 2003 and continued on at Trinity to earn
my PhD in Immunology in 2007. I am currently working
as a post-doctoral researcher in Trinity, looking into the
development of autoimmune diseases. I also recently got
engaged to Brendan Murphy and am planning a Novem-
ber wedding in Wexford.
Ailbhe Wheeler - live in Clare, teach English and am
expecting a baby with my lovely-boyfriend-Brian in July.
Other Old Scholars News
Rebecca Hughes studied International Marketing and
German at the University of Ulster, working in Germa-
ny for a few years and had a great time working for the
O’Reilly family dynasty in Dublin and at ARCON Mines
in Co. Kilkenny. Married to Carl Bowe , they have a
five and a half year old daughter Jennifer. They cur-
rently live in Fiddown, Co. Kilkenny, they run the local
Daybreak Shop.