Clonkeen College

Clonkeen College
Motto	Tada Gan Iarracht Irish: 'Nothing without Effort'
Established	1965
Location	Blackrock, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Students	c. 500
Principal	Dom Twomey
Religious order Colours	Christian Brothers
Homepage	http://www.clonkeencollege.ie/

Clonkeen College is a Christian Brothers secondary school for boys in south Dublin, which opened in 1965. Clonkeen College has approximately 550 students and 30 staff. Dom Twomey has been the principal since 2008. The school has strong links with charities and the developing world.

History

The Ordnance Survey Ireland map 1837-1842 shows Clonkeen School Ho[use]^[1], located in the present day Cornelscourt Village. Although the same building appears on the OSI 1888-1913 map, it is not named as a school anymore.

The present school stands on the site of Charles Stewart Parnell’s second last public meeting.

The school where the present Clonkeen College stands, was St. Joseph’s Private Preparatory School, and was built in September 1965. It was run by a staff of three Christian Brothers until the school was closed in 1975. Upon the closure of the preparatory school the running of the current secondary school was well under way (beginning in 1967).

The first pupils were admitted to the new school in the autumn of 1970, there was one fifth year and two third year classes (there was no fourth year then). There were 13 students that completed the first Leaving Certificate. The school was principled by a Br. Jo Hogan, the other original teachers were Br. Collins, Mr B Twoomey. The school was officially opened by David Andrews T.D. on January 31, 1972.

Facilities

• Three full sized Gaelic football pitches and one training pitch, used for gaelic football, hurling and soccer.
• Two outdoor basketball courts, one indoor court (in the gymnasium).
• Three science labs, for chemistry, physics and biology.
• A hall that acts as both a sports gymnasium and an auditorium for theatrical productions. The hall contains a climbing wall.
• An art room.
• A computer room.

Subjects offered

Junior Cycle subjects

• Irish
• English
• Mathematics
• French
• Geography
• History
• Science
• Business Studies
• Art
• Civic, Social and Political Education
• Religious Education
• Physical Education

Senior Cycle subjects

• Irish
• English
• Mathematics
• French
• Geography
• History
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Business
• Economics
• Accounting
• Art
• German
• Classical Studies - Extracurricular
• Applied Mathematics - Extracurricular
• Religious Education
• Physical Education - Only for those students not studying Higher Level Mathematics

Transition year (TY)

The year’s main outing is a tour organised by the TY co-ordinator. Classes have visited Greece, the Aran Islands, Paris, Venice and Lake Garda.

During the year the students have the opportunity to do courses such as: self-defense, ECDL, Gaelic football, FAI coaching, and sailing. New subjects in the transition year are cooking, music, effective communication, German, Japanese and technical drawing. The students have an opportunity to attain a Gaisce\Presidents award Award.

Students visit educational and historical sites like Christchurch, St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, and Glendalough, Croke Park, Kilmainham Gaol and the National Art Gallery.

Clonkeen Student Council

Students have input into the schools running in the form of a Student Council of class reps in 1st-4th year, and student councillors elected by their peers in 5th year.

Since its inception, the Clonkeen College Student Council has been involved in the running of the school. The council meets weekly to discuss projects or issues. The council is composed of eighteen Prefects; nine are voted in by their fellow fifth years, and nine selected by staff.

Each year the council focuses on one major project. In the past they have had water fountains installed in the junior and senior corridors; more recently they had formal shoes and school jackets introduced to the uniform. Annually, the Council, in conjunction with the Parents Council and the Cluny Student Council, organise a “Ball in the Hall” to welcome Clonkeen's new first year students. Council meetings are chaired by the Chairman and the Secretary takes minutes.

A Councillor's term of office runs from December of 5th year to December of 6th year.

Social Events

Every year the past pupils union organises a corporate golf day that provides substantial money for the school and a day out for past pupils and friends.

The First Year Social, or "Ball in the Hall", is a disco for the first year students of Clonkeen College and St. Joseph of Cluny, Killiney girls' school. The Social Committee contact and work with the Cluny Student Council and jointly organise and run the ball, liasing with the principals and Parents Councils.

Sports

Inter-school sports

• Athletics (track and field)

The school participates in Christian Brother and east Leinster athletics competitions.

• Cross country running

Clonkeen enters runners in the under-15 and under-17 east Leinster cross country running competitions.

• Gaelic football

The school enters gaelic football teams into 1st year, under-14, under-16 and under-18 competitions. They have won three Dublin titles in 1975, 1976 and 2003, the under14 team also came runner up in the Leinster championship of 2003.

• Golf

1st, 2nd and 3rd year students take part in the Dublin junior match play golf competition.

• Hurling

The hurlers play in 1st year, under-14, under-16 and under-18 hurling competitions.

• Soccer

The school has soccer teams entered into competitions at under-14, under-16 and under-18 level. Leinster Junior Champions, runner up to All-Ireland in 1981-1982

• Chess

The first Clonkeen College chess team was formed in 2007 and took part in the Scholastic Chess All-Ireland.

• International Rules Football

In 2006 Clonkeen hosted Southern Cross college and the two schools competed in a friendly international rules football match, which Clonkeen won.

Club sports

• Rugby Union
• Basketball
• Canoeing
• Hill walking
• Orienteering
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Water polo
• Sailing
• Self-defense

Extracurricular activities

• Public Speaking

The school's public speaking team have participated in the Mental Health Public Speaking Competition.

• Pantomime

Clonkeen hosts Christmas pantomimes, such as Jack and the Beanstalk in late 2007.

• Annual adventure holidays

Every year students are accompanied by several teachers on an outdoor pursuit’s week in the Ardèche region in Southern France.

• BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition

The school enters Irelands Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and won the competition in 1992.

• Other activities

The school offers students music classes, hosts quizzes for both students and adults connected to the school, internal leagues provide sporting opportunities to students who may miss the chance to play for a school team. The school has an annual sports day open to entry from all the students.

Notable alumni

• Glenn Quinn - television and film actor (deceased)
• Aidan Quinn - Hollywood actor
• Darren O'Dea - Irish International and Leeds United footballer
• Tommy Lyons - former Dublin football manager [1]
• Colum McCann - international writer and novelist [2]
• Paul McMahon - historic novel author [3]
• Stephen Byrne - (RTE) presenter [4]
• Darragh O'Dea - 98FM (Ireland) radio presenter [5]
• Alan Judge - Notts County footballer
• Kevin Nolan - Dublin Gaelic Footballer
• David Treacy - Dublin Hurler
• Oisin Gough - Dublin Hurler
• Sean Nolan - World Champion 100m Sprinter

References

1. ^ OSI.ie

External links

• Clonkeen College website
• Self Help website

Coordinates: 53°16′12″N 6°09′26″W / 53.269908°N 6.157162°W / 53.269908; -6.157162