On Wednesday last the school community of Scoil Mhuire came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of student Mairead Martin.
Scoil Mhuire invited Mairead’s parents, Brendan and Karen along with members of Kanturk Golf Club (Ladies President Nora Daly and Ladies Captain Mary Fitzpatrick) to the presentation.
Principal Miriam Downey welcomed staff, students and invited guests and asked Deputy Principal, Denis Keating to outline the achievements of Mairead to date.
Mr Keating started by outlining that in Scoil Mhuire students are encouraged to achieve to the best of their ability in whatever talent they have been gifted. He continued that Mairéad is a wonderful role model in this regard.
Mr Keating then outlined her career to date; Mairéad got the golfing bug in October 2011, starting off with a handicap of 36. Through hard work and dedication Mairéad quickly lowered her handicap and is now playing off +2.
Her progress ensured that from 2012 to 2016, Mairéad had travelled all over Europe competing and representing her country.
In 2017 Mairéad was a member of the Irish U18 team for the European Championships which competed in Finland. She also finished tied 5th in the French U21 championship.
In July Mairéad won the Irish Girls Close Championship, played in Mallow. She dominated the competition and was never taken beyond the 15th hole. One week later Mairéad won the Leinster Ladies Championship in Donabate.
This was the second occasion that Mairead had won this event having become the youngest winner of the event in 2014. Mairéad was assisted in these two victories by her sister Áine who performed caddy duties for both events.
Mairéad continued her victory streak by sinking the winning putt for the Irish Ladies Team at the Home International matches in England, the first Irish team to win since 2004.
As a result of her victories over the summer, Mairéad was invited by Buckingham Palace and Prince Andrew to take part in the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy.
Mairéad competed with credit in this event in early September. Next on the list is the U18 World Championships to be held in Ontario, Canada at the end of September.
Mr Keating finished by congratulating Mairéad on her achievements and thanked all those involved in helping Mairead to date, her parents, coaches and sponsors.
Ms Downey then presented Aine with a token to acknowledge her part in Mairéads success. Finally Ms Downey presented Mairéad with a trophy to mark her success and a contribution towards her upcoming trip to Canada, on behalf of the entire Scoil Mhuire community.
Congratulations to Luke Barrett and Donal Jones who recently competed in the U15 All-Ireland Handball tournament. Luke and Donal had a good win in their semi-final over the Tyrone representatives, but lost out to Kilkenny in the final. Well done to both boys.
Transition Year Students have hosted girls from the Kanturk Convent National School over recent weeks, for games and activities, in the Scoil Mhuire gym. Co-ordinated by Mr. Canty the transition year class has gained valuable experience in organising and running the events, while primary students have enjoyed the escape from the classroom and mixing with older students. It is hoped to continue this initiative after Christmas.