6th Year Graduation 2026

On Friday 15th of May, we marked the celebratory occasion of the Class of 26’s graduation. After a welcome from Mr. Carey and Deputy Head Boy Paddy and Deputy Head Girl Grace, the choir began the liturgical component of the day with the seminal hymn, Christ be our Light, which perfectly captured the themes of the service: light, love and hope.

Deputy Head Boy Finn and Deputy Head Girl Ellie led the introductions of the symbols offered, each one representing memories, challenges and experiences encountered throughout their time in St David’s. Our celebrants, Fr Des and Fr Bernardo, led us in prayer before we heard readings from 1 Corinthians and the Gospel of Matthew. Fr Des offered a heartfelt homily based on Psalm 23, encouraging us to discover the true Shepherd. Following our student-led Prayers of the Faithful, parents Tom O’Gorman, Mike Hassett and Kathy Sheehy offered poignant reflections. Mr. Davies concluded the liturgy with a blessing on behalf of the Senior Leadership Team before a final prayer from Fr. Des. Our 6th Year Chamber Choir sang for their final ever time together, performing Underneath the Stars with dovetailing harmonies.

Mr. Doyle then began the graduation portion of our day by announcing the nominations for the Student of the Year: Carolina Inanga, Ellie Hall, Grace McDermott, Kate Macadam, Paddy Marrinan, Rian O’Gorman, Sofia MacDarby and Travis O’Farrell. Mr. Doyle then spoke about his immense pride at having had the opportunity to be the Year Head for this graduating class over the last two years. He acknowledged the challenging context of our students’ start to their St David’s experience in the midst of Covid and the rebuilding of the school but highlighted their resilience and pointed to the incredible memories they had made. He reminded us of the fun of the 5th year Iceland trip, their recent airsoft experience and, most importantly, the competitive Senior Assassins bout. He concluded by wishing our graduating students the best as they begin their post-David’s lives and spoke of his confidence in their future success. He also took to thank Mr. Carey, Ms. O’Sullivan, Mr. Davies, as well as their former Year Heads Mr. O’Donnchadha, Mr. Ryan and their TY coordinator, Ms. Courtney, as well as each and every teacher, for their support of our students over the years.

After this, the 6th Year tutors initiated formal graduation proceedings, as each student received a gift to commemorate their time in the school. We then had the opportunity to hear from Head Boy and Head Girl, Rian and Kate, who thanked everyone present and for their contributions to the St David’s community. They thanked Mr. Carey for his energy, determination and enthusiasm in his leadership, as well as Ms. O’Sullivan for her unwavering support of ethos, Mr. Davies for his positivity and organisation and Mr. Doyle’s compassion and dedication. They also expressed their gratitude to all staff - their teachers and mentors, Liam our caretaker, our stellar cleaning staff, and the backbone of the school, Celina and Aoife.

Kate reflected on how much has changed over the years - the uniform, the school building, the emerging facial hair - but spoke of the enduring memories that will last a lifetime, including their time in Colaiste Uisce, the TY musical and each and every friendships forged along the way. Rian spoke of the dual feelings of gratitude and hope looking to the future. He also reminded everyone of a number of highlights over the past 6 years, including Hyperspace Mountain with Ms. Dempsey and Ms. Grogan, the self-imposed ice bath endurance challenge Iceland and the victory over the teachers in the football match on Sports Day. Rian concluded his speech by paying tribute to the teachers, friends and family for their support.

After being treated to a video showcasing all that has taken place over the years, Professor Brian Harney addressed the class on behalf of the PPU, reminding them that the St David’s imprint will stay with them as they embark on their new adventures, encouraging them to stay curious as they thrive. Mr. Carey followed by commenting on our themes of the day: light, hope and love. He recalled the unusual origins of their journey but praised the class for their humility and respect. Mr. Carey pointed to the year group being trailblazers, including embracing the new uniforms, becoming the first year group to form the school choir and the overwhelming engagement of our female students in sports. He concluded by encouraging them to view the wider perspective in life - that as initially daunting as some challenges may appear, they can be overcome, especially when we retain hope.

Frank Corr from Sugarloaf Lion's Club took to the stage to announce the winner of Student of the Year. A huge congratulations goes to Paddy Marrinan, the winner for the Class of 2026. The class brought a close to their graduation by singing a spirited rendition of 'Dreams'.

A huge thank you to all the staff members who made the day possible, including the Religion and Music departments led by Ms. Kane and Ms. Cronly, Ms. Foynes as well as Mr. Doyle, Mr. Carey and Mr. Davies for all their hard work.

Photographers: Niamh O'Neill, Laoise O'Gorman & Abi Breathnach