OldScholarsBlog

2012-01-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

Corinne White has managed to get herself an Erasmus term in Barcelona as part of her nursing degree and seems to be having a fabulous time. Her photo on FaceBook is just a wee bit disturbing however. Aaaaagh!

2012-01-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

We were so pleased to see Naoise Davey and Seamus Fitzpatrick who called in to update us on their news. Seamus is at school in Australia and about two feet taller than when we last saw him. He looks very healthy and happy. Naoise is on top of the world. He was washing dishes for a living when the chef asked him if he'd like to move on and learn to cook. I got an enthusiastic lesson on baking a pavlova! Naoise is starting formal training soon and already has built up plenty of experience. He is really excited, his dad is really chuffed and I am so delighted that he has found such a positive, giving, nurturing thing to love doing.

Marie Looking Gorgeous

2011-12-04T07:19:00.001-08:00

Representing GLYNI at the Pride of NI Awards was our Marie O'Halloran. She is looking fantastic, though no more waist length hair. She moved from Shimna at Malone Integrated College and is currently studying art at Belfast Metropolitan College. Great to see you Marie.

Distinguished Bravery Award

2011-11-12T17:30:00.001-08:00

Decky Allister has been presented with a Distinguished Conduct Award for his rescue of three of his neighbours from a burning building earlier this year. Decky had himself just undergone surgery on his had when he pulled a woman and two men from the burning building in the early hours of the morning. Decky rescued me once from a smokey junior disco, when the smoke machine went wrong. That was a very trivial episode compared with the life threatening situation he was faced with last May, but I was very pleased to see him. I was stuck outside on a winter's night with a horde of wee people dressed only in their disco gear. We are very, very proud of Decky.

Tanya's in Lille

2011-11-12T17:28:00.001-08:00

I was in Oxford at the weekend and thinking about Tanya, who isn't there this year, because she is on her year out in Lille and loving it. She returns next year to Oriel College Oxford to complete her French degree.

Ollie's Umbrella

2011-11-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

Ollie Elsholtz has graduated in music = production, jazz and all sorts of things, and has set up his own recording label, which is going really well. It's absolutely brilliant and I hope he will call him and give us a saxephone blast next time he is home.

Liam's Scholarship

2011-11-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

This week's headline in the MO. 'Newcastle student receives prestigious scholarship' and its our Liam Baron who has been awarded and IET FUSE scholarship, which is worth £4,000. Liam is studying MEng Engineering at Durham University and loving every minute of it. The Institute of Engineering and Technology took into account his Distinction in the International Physics Olympiad and the full marks he received in his A level physics module in making the award. IETAwards and Prizes Manager Linda Deleay said the scholarships are only awarded to the most outstanding candidates. "To be in receipt of one of these awards is a particular accolade," she added. Yahoo! (that was me, not Linda Deleay!)

Steven Corin Thomas McVeigh

2011-06-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Steven came in to visit today, and to tell us that he would be setting up in interior design while he consulted about the best route to furthering his career in drama. Steven already had a place at a prestigious drama school across the water, but had decided it was very important to him to stay in Ireland. He called to see his wonderful drama teacher, Catherine Kelly, and while he was there, his mobile went, and he was offered a place in the inaugural year of the brand new Lir School of Drama at Trinity College Dublin, which is a collaboration with the world famous RADA. This is the most fantastic news, and you will all have to paint your own houses now! Stuff interior design! Steven would be the first to say that his success owes so much to Catherine. She left the beautiful purple, greenroom Steven designed for her, perhaps for the last time as wageslave Shimna staff member BUT she is now Shimna associate and friend, and will be back in all sorts of capacities. We wish her all the very best of luck in her own new drama career.

Stephen Samples

2011-06-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

It was great to see Stephen Trainor in the picture of CAFRE students from the Loughry campus out sampling the real world of the bakery industry during their visit to the Howell House bakery at Lisburn.

Jonathan Killen on the Underground

2011-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Turns out he actually works on the London Underground. He came in to get his passport form signed, and it was great to see him. I wish I had asked more questions though. While I did the signing, he set off for a look round the school to see what has changed. He was very pleased to hear about classmates Kerry Smyth and Ryan Doran.

A Philosophical Cyclist

2011-06-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

We ran into Shane Cooney on one of his trips home. He transferred from his philosophy degree to study history and media studies. At the same time he kept up his mania for cycling, training in high level bike maintenance and travels the world with teams competing in international competition. He is looking ahead to the time when he may want to settle down, and might consider primary teaching.

Ryan Doran Teaching

2011-06-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Ryan Doran is following up his Journalism degree from Sunderland with a conversion course, which picks up from his A level maths and has won him a place on a maths teacher training course. On P6 Day, pupils from All Children's IPS joined us for language learning activities, and lo and behold, the staff member with them was Ryan himself. Every prospective teacher has to do some observing and volunteering before they start training so that they can prove to themselves that they actually like children. Ryan looked as if he liked them as much as they obviously liked him.

Graham Briggs, Architect

2011-06-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Graham took the smart route to his degree in Architecture with which he graduates this summer. He graduated first several years ago in Architectural Technology, worked a few years and earned a bit before completing the lengthy training. He has kept up his interest in sustainable design, which is important for all our futures.

Naming her Salary

2011-06-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Kerry Smyth has graduated with a first class honours degree in Actuarial Studies from Queens University, Belfast. So well has she done that she has job interviews lined up this week and next. With this kind of qualification, she really will be able to name her salary. We were so pleased to hear her good news and look forward to hearing which firm she picks.

Famous Horticulturalists

2011-06-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Wonderful to see Stephen Newell and Sam Wright among the names in the Belfast Telegraph achieving their Level 2 Diploma and National Award respectively in Horticulture from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise. The Minister of Agriculture, Michelle O'Neill, made the presentations at the Greenmount Campus.

Matthew's Movie

2011-06-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks a million to Matthew Denvir for our copy of his award winning film. Shimna has a pretty impressive back catalogue now of famous film makers, and Matthew is up with the best.

Famous Dan

2011-05-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Looking through the Careers Express, the newsletter of SERC, I spotted the famous Dan Wormell receiving his award for Commitment to Enhancing the Student Experience. He looked great, and we are delighted to see him receiving such an interesting award. Please come and tell us what you are up to, and how you did the enhancing.

Lyndsey and Sophie

2011-05-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Did you see the beautiful photo of Lyndsey Straney and her new daughter Sophie in the Belfast Telegraph. Apparently Lyndsey's older daugher, Lucy, is just delighted with her new sister.

Ollie's Umbrella

2011-05-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

Wonderful to hear from Bente that Ollie Elsholz is about to graduate in music, and has already started his own label, Umbrella Music. That's just fabulous and we look forward to hear what he does with it.

Two Happy Mechanics

2011-05-02T03:46:00.001-07:00

i was delighted to be hailed from a car by two bronzed God students of mechanics, Kyle Rooney and Philip Treacy. Both love their course and certainly look as if they are thriving. Keep in touch!

Loads of Old Scholars at Once

2011-04-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

They all came along to our celebration Tea Party to receive their GCSE certificates. This was the replacement do for the Presentation Evening which fell victim to the snow. It was particularly good to see our first Greenmount students, Sam Wright and Stephen Newell, Sam in agriculture and Stephen in horticulture. Jenna's hair was spectacular and everybody had grown up tall and glamorous.

Sports Success

2011-02-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Great to meet Claire McCauley at the careers fair in the Slieve Donard. She was staffing the SERC sports studies stall, and celebrating her nomination as sports studies student of the year. Claire also has an interview at Liverpool John Moores University to look forward to. She looked great and it was a pleasure to hear of her success.

Ryan Doran and Adam Carr

2011-01-29T07:33:00.001-08:00

News from Subway that Ryan Doran has graduated and is now completing a PGCE in maths at the University of Sunderland. Adam, between shifts at Subway, has graduated in politics and is now working at an internship in Belfast, which he really enjoys. Good stuff you two.

Hi Samuel

2011-01-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

Good to meet up with Samuel Rose when he called in to collect his certificates. Samuel has tried lots of routes and is now applying for uniformed forces. He is through lots of sections of the assessment process and things are looking good.

Another PhD Begins

2011-01-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

And it's Jeanette McQuillan who is starting her PhD at Queens in November. This is wonderful news. Very, very, very well done.

Redmond No 4 Hits Scotland

2011-01-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

Daniel Redmond of that ilk is now successfully studying chemistry with Spanish at Herriot Watt University in Edinburgh. He loves it and is getting on well. Brother Mark is about in the city as well cooking good stuff. Brother Jonathan is not too far away at Glasgow University and the biggest brother (I bet he isn't) Chris is near at hand with his wife and child and a bit. Next Redmond due in March! Jennifer and Niamh have their holidays cut out for them getting round them all.

John Francis at the Match

2010-11-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

On one of Kevin's regular jaunts to Man Utd, he ran into John Francis White, who is now in his third year at Leeds studying Marketing. Excellent news and very well done. Equally excellent is that his mother, and ex Shimna staff member, Joanne is teaching in Warrenpoint. On the same jaunt, Kevin ran into Jack McStay, and some of their habitual season ticket swapping went on as usual!

Engineering William

2010-11-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

William Murphy may be currently earning his keep in Tesco, but he has graduated in engineering from Queen's University Belfast, and keeping his eyes open for the kind of engineering job that will inspire him. Great to see him so happy

Well Done Jamie and Aaron

2010-11-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Hugh J O'Boyle newsletter this month had Jamie Doran and Aaron Doherty up there with the students achieving their qualifications. It's brilliant to see OldScholars doing so well. Congratulations

Fascinating Stuff from Wills

2010-10-22T04:55:00.000-07:00

I'm literally just back last night from a study tour in Jerusalem, amazing place, archaeology is so important there as the two competing religions stake their claim on the place. We were also at the holocaust museum, the section on Nazism was just like flicking through our history notes. Coming out of the museum and walking around Jerusalem and seeing all the Jewish people (obvious because of their headdress etc.) really seemed uplifting, they have bounced backed despite such persecution. The trouble is the tension there is very strong and with all the Jewish buildings with little signs saying 'A gift from ...., your American Friends' it reminded me of the money the U.S. sent to Ireland in the troubles, perhaps unintentionally aggravating the situation by funding one side! I was in Perugia Italy doing survey work with a team of Archaeologists led by Simon Stoddart of Cambridge, in late September. Brilliant experience, I'll have to call into the school one day. I haven't forgot about that little write up I said I would do on history for the website, I'll get it sorted hopefully soon. Just having taken ten days out of term time for this Jerusalem trip I've got work to catch up on. My lecturers allowed me to go and I thought it was just too good an opportunity to miss. I hope all is well with you, I'll maybe see you on Remembrance Sunday

How's Chris Getting On

2010-10-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is how...Hello from london! Thought i would let you know how i was gettin on. I came into school before i left and didnt get a chance to have a word wif you because you were teaching, although knowing your usual schedule i cant say i was suprised. Its hard to believe that ive nearly been here a month, times has just flown by but i am absolutely lovin it. I hav a crazy schedule at the minute because im going out on teaching placement for four weeks from the 1st November, so at the mintue im usually in lectures from 9- 6.00 or if im lucky 11-4.00 (who says university is all partyin and no work). Even freshers week wasnt easy, we had three days of outdoor persuits and at the end of each day we were given time to work on our first assingment. We wer given a piece of paper, put into groups and we had to come up wif an ice breaker events day for a girl school in south-west london and then we would actually hav to carry out and run the event ourselves for the 120 1st year girls. this happened about two weeks ago and it turned out to be a huge success and i really enjoyed. I'm lovin the lectures at the minute, one of the topics is History of Sport so getting the best f both worlds. Some of the old History skills are coming in handy too, tomoro i have to hand in a 500 word essay of my choice but the main theme of the task is to show your ability to reference. Hope everything in school is going well and im sure ill be in to visit sometime before the end of the year.

Refloating cruise Ships

2010-10-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

Two Shimna OldScholars are off to the Netherlands to repair a cruise ship in port. Dominic Mitchell and Robert Imrie are the crew with this particular task in hand. Great to hear of two more with a firm career in hand, particularly in the times we live in.

Sorcha's Success

2010-09-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

Sorcha Macken called in today. She graduated from Queens in drama in June and is working two days a week in the Crescent Arts Centre. She is also involved in trying to set up and inclusive drama project for actors of all abilities and disabilities. Great to see her looking wonderful.

Dr Who?

2010-09-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

Siun Carden has emerged triumphant from her PhD viva, with the exceptional verdict of 'no corrections'. Siun is of course a founder Shimna student, and her PhD is a Shimna first. We are very, very, very proud of her. What next Siun?

Heather's Continuing Success

2010-09-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

While talking to Hannah about her A level choices, I was able to catch up with Heather Edgar's success. After graduating with a 2:1 in Business, and with a commendation in her Diploma in Industrial Studies, she is going on to study for a full time Masters in marketing. Excellent news, and now I need to ring back, because I forgot to ask what Hazel is up to.

The Famous Chimene

2010-08-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Millions of congratulations to Chimene Hayes, who is the Hugh J O'Boyle trainee of the year. Great to see her in the MO. She always was a really smart student, and we are delighted with her success.

Men in a Tree

2010-08-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

When I got home from work last night, I found Chris Keag up the oak tree in my back garden, lopping ivy. Given Chris's new career as a tree surgeon, that wasn't too surprising, but in the undergrowth I found Andrew Moore. He is adminning with Grafton until he heads off to study accountancy at UU. Great to see both of them.

Sinead's Success

2010-08-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all the job hunting gloom, we were delighted to hear that Sinead McVeigh has been successful at her very first interview and will be teaching from September at Ballee Community High School. Great news!

Cary is my Witness

2010-08-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

In case you don't believe me about Slieve Donard, I can cite another witness. I also met Cary Buchanan on my way up. She has one more year to go at St Andrew's and was showing our Mournes to a friend from her course. Michael is in New Zealand, having a great time and keeping his mind off his results. I'm sure he'll get a chance to celebrate.

Aaron, Successful and Gorgeous

2010-08-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

On my way up Donard, yes really, I met Aaron Porter, looking particularly happy, well and gorgeous. He has just started his industry placement with an engineering company as part of his ICT degree at University of Ulster. With all the scares on about the death of placements, it is great to hear of his success. Well done, you.

Lots of Visitors

2010-06-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Lots of visitors have been calling in, having heard that Grainne is rejuvenating. Karl Graham, who very happy and about to start his fourth and dissertation year at Stirling, was looking good. As was Donal Ferris, who is continuing his profitable relationship with Tesco by moving to Birmingham, working away for Tesco, and he is at last getting some freelance work in media, so he feels his real career is finally beginning. Great to see you both.

Ryan's Success

2010-06-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

2:1 in Business and ICT from Liverpool Hope. More fantastic news. I be pressing his relatives form news - Ryan O'Hare that is!

Kathryn's Success

2010-06-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

A 2:1 in English Literature from Leeds University. Fantastic news. Taking time now to chill out. More when we know.

Matthew's Dream Job

2010-06-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Matthew Denvir's first love was always media studies, and he now has a job in the Eclipse cinema complex in Downpatrick. He is looking forward to opportunities to move onto the projection and technical side. Well done Matthew.

Very Sad News

2010-06-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that I have had to pass on such very sad news. Everyone who knew her will be very sad to hear of the death of Kady Carolan, aged just twenty five. There was a huge turnout of Shimna contemporaries both at the wake and at the funeral. Kady died from complications of the diabetes she had lived with since age eleven. The only comfort is that Kady has such a large and supportive family who will be able to comfort each other in their bereavement.

Dana's Baby

2010-05-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

Dana has had a baby boy, Yusuf, in Jordan and is very well. The family
are flying out in three weeks. A small gift 'from all at Shimna.' Her husband is called Khalid. We need to find out what people in Jordan do about surnames after marriage. Lovely news.

Well Done Mark

2010-05-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

Delighted to meet Mark Rogan and hear that he is nearing completion of his ICT course, and has taken the opportunity to take level 2 English at the same time. New year he hopes to train in a trade, probably joinery. Very well done, and keep in touch.

Malaika on FaceBook

2010-04-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Rwanda Shaw called in with fantastic news of Malaika. She has found great success with her piano, guitar and singing, and is heading to college next year in Leeds to study music. This is fantastic news, and we are very proud of her. I gather she has lots of gigs on Facebook. I need to work out how to look, but the rest of you will all know. Great to see Rwanda too, and to hear that she had kept up her two Shimna languages in her current school.

Jamie's Progress

2010-03-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

Jamie Doran also started with Hugh J O'Boyle's in September 2009, and is training in Horticulture with the ‘Royal County Down Golf Club’. Jamie is also on the TFS Programme. Jamie is enrolled with ‘Greenmount Agricultural College’, and we have arranged for him to follow a course in Green-keeping.

Jamie has already passed his VRQ in Customer Service, VRQ in Conflict Handling, and NOCN Level 1 Award in Service Sector.

Jamie’s employer is delighted with his progress, as are his tutors in O’Boyle’s and so are we in Shimna.

Andrew Forges Ahead

2010-03-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

we have had the following fantastic report on Andrew Law and he forges ahead with his business and his business qualifications: Andrew is following an NVQ Level 2 in Administration, and has managed to apply his knowledge from the course to his work environment. Determined to modernise the shop through his training, he has introduced Broadband, as well as setting up a website for the business. Andrew has also put the accounts on a laptop, applied SAGE accounts, and introduced e-banking for staff wages. Our Assessors have observed his progress at work and in the Training company, and he is well on target to completing his qualifications. Andrew is a pleasure to train, and is a great mentor for his classmates and new students.

We are delighted and hope to be in touch for a case study for our current business students.

Keep in with Emma and Anna

2010-03-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

Pat Lenny met up with Emma Small, and found that she has already qualified as an Accounting Technician and is well on her way to being a fully qualified accountant. Anna McKee is also heading that way, having graduated in accountancy, and now working towards Chartered status. Well done both.

Success for Hannah

2010-03-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

News today from Hannah Dumigan, who has just received her acceptance into Stranmillis University College to study primary teaching. This course at Stanmmillis is very oversubscribed and the entry requirements are tough. Hannah will have had to prove herself in terms of interview and additional experience as well as her excellent A levels. Very well done, Hannah.

Reunion Brewing

2010-02-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Next year, our foundation students, the students from our very first year, will have left Shimna ten years ago - of course a few of them have turned up back at Shimna again! There is definitely a reunion brewing, and the best way to contact everybody seems to be Facebook, so watch out for details Facebookers, and get ready with suggestions.

Ciaran Cares

2010-01-29T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ciaran Mahon is now a community carer, with a great reputation for helping people in the early stages of a progressive illness, when they still find it annoying to need care. Its great to hear that Ciaran is happy working in a role where that great big personality will benefit him.

Ria in Nashville

2010-01-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

Our Ria is in the Belfast Nashville Festival programme, with a CD launch at Dukes. Look her up.

http://www.belfastnashville.com/home.html

Chris Flies In

2010-01-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

Tall dark handsome stranger in our front hall turned out to be our very own Chris Wilson. Chris joined our foundation students in sixth form, and did us proud, achieving A levels in business, geography and technology and winning an RAF flying scholarship. The last I had heard of him he phoned to say he was just down from his first solo flight. Chris went on to join the Military Police, and is now chief engineer in charge of two large premises in London where he now lives. If I did a double take when I saw him, Eileen Tate could be heard screaming in the next street when she recognised him. Eamonn Burns also called in. Later that afternoon, after Chris and his girlfriend had gone, Pat Lenny told me he had seen someone in the distance, leaving the school with a very gorgeous companion, and he couldn't quite see who it was. Make sure you give her the compliment Chris. And keep in touch.

Charlotte, Stephen and Chris

2010-01-10T08:56:00.001-08:00

This is always a great time of year for seeing OldScholars with longer holidays than we have, just before they head off again for university. Stephen and Charlotte both love Lincoln, Stephen studying architecture and Charlotte art, and Chris Byrne loves his Product Design degree at Queens. Really good to see you all, and its great for our current students to hear recommendations and details of places and course they might not have thought of.

Anna with Subtitles

2010-01-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

Anna Hunter was among the scruffs at the Tobin/Cardin annual scruffy party. Anna looks very relaxed and happy working on subtitles at the BBC. Brother Freddie is working away in an ICT post in London, financing his passion for photography, which will be his real career direction.

The Big Night

2009-12-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

It was brilliant to see so many of you back for Presentation Evening. You are a wonderful resource for the students coming up behind you. Would you recommend your course? Would you recommend your university? Would you recommend going to university at all? We would love to have you visit before you go back in January, and to talk to the current year 13 who will be going to the UCAS fair later in the Spring term and starting to make up their minds.

Tanya Rescued Me

2009-12-12T10:20:00.001-08:00

Rescued me from myself that is. I was Christmas shopping locally as suggested in Shimna's newsletter, and wandered into Painted Earth in my annual attempt to buy something suitable for a relative who is less aesthetically challenged than I am. Tanya Ireland was working there, found me an entirely suitable present and wrapped it beautifully. She has taken the very brave step of holding fire on her perfectly successful career to head back to college to study art. She is loving the foundation course, and hopes to combine work and study through to an art degree. Fortunately, she is still in demand from pervious employers, which should help dovetail a communications and art career. Deirdre has completed her degree in psychology and a PGCE and is teaching in England. Tanya also mentioned seeing Leanne Spiers very striking degree show last year. Networking, networking!

Ciara and Alan

2009-12-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

Alan Ayckbourne that is, with our Ciara McClelland in a picture from the Newry Reporter, sent to us from Shimna founding parent, Stephen. Ciara went from Shimna to graduate in Theatre and Performance, and is now studying for a Masters Degree in Drama Therapy. She has been appearing in Scarborough in a new play by Stephen Ayckbourne, son of Alan. Her aim is to set up a touring company and travel the world bringing joy and fun with drama projects into communities and schools. Make sure you include Shimna in the tour!

Stuart's Taking Photos

2009-12-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

Stuart Graham called in to collect some of his artwork, and his mother presented the school with a painting by Stuart's grandmother. It was great to see both of them looking well and happy. Stuart is studying photography now, and loving it.

Welcome Sorcha

2009-11-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

It is great to have Sorcha back on placement with the drama department. Sorcha is studying drama at Queens Universtiy, and she and our students will benefit hugely from her placement with us.

Lorna and Dettori

2009-11-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Lorna Hall and Dettori Dillon called in to let us know how they are getting on. Lorna is studying art and Dettori, after a false start on another course, is very happy studying ICT. Good to see you.

Home Grown Governor

2009-11-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

This month the Department of Education has appointed the very first Shimna OldScholar to our Board of Governors. It's founder student Neil McGrady and we are absolutely delighted to have him. But, Rebecca, doesn't that mean he's your employer!!! - not to mention mine!

Great News for Mountains

2009-10-17T06:11:00.001-07:00

I have just been delighted to write a reference for Paul Swail who has been appointed Youth Development Officer with Mountaineering Ireland. As well as being a Shimna OldScholar, Paul has led groups of our students at Ardnabannon and in their Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition work. There's nobody better, and we are absolutely delighted to hear of this appointment. There will be payback Paul!

Training Successes

2009-09-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to receive news of: Emma Cree's success in Children's Care, Learning and Development; Aaron Doherty's success in Customer Care; Chimene Hayes success in Conflict Handling. All of the students are continuing to further their training. Very well done all.

Darren Makes it Good

2009-08-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Darren McAnallen was in with the football club, looks great and is now doing an Access course with the University of Ulster. That's terrific, because he was always full of brains. Best of luck, Darren, and keep us in touch with what you do next.

Ria's for Nashville

2009-08-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

Ria Maguire has been getting feedback and support from Nancy Griffiths through the Belfast/Nashville connection. Ria will be heading over to Nashville, and has a promise of recording with Nancy's producer. We always knew Ria's voice and songwriting were fantastic, and now everybody knows. Ria has also just completed a Masters degree, following her first class honours degree in Music from QUB. Talent and brains!

A Scholarship for Jonathan

2009-08-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

We have just heard that Jonathan Houghton has been awarded a scholarship from the University of Ulster on the basis of his achievement in the first year of his degree. This is fantastic news, and the accolade is well deserved.

Paul and Happiness

2009-08-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a pleasure to run into Paul Harper, who is still really happy working as a carer. He heads off into a nursing course in September, and plans to build up his academic qualifications at the same time. He is also really happy with his girlfriend of five years. It's just great when a person finds real satisfaction.

Recession Fighting

2009-08-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Really proud of Michael Mullan. Like so many people, the recession has cut off the flow of work, so he is back doing a great job in the Mourne Cafe. That way he stays in employment, builds up experience and a bit of money for his move to London to follow Jonathan Killen into working on the London Underground construction job. It takes real emotional stamina to do what has to be done while we all wait for an upturn. He's also a pleasure to meet as a waiter!

Zoe's Success

2009-08-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Brilliant to see Zoe's graduation photo in the MO. Well done you. What next?

Joeleen's Success

2009-08-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

We got a letter from the University of Aberdeen today letting us know that Joeleen Lynch has graduate in History of Art. You will know from earlier posts that Joeleen didn't just do her degree, she took every opportunity to travel and learn and expand her horizons while she was at it. She was also a winner of the Jean Forbes bursary, and I will be delighted to report the good outcome to Jean.

Yo Tracy

2009-07-31T10:43:00.001-07:00

Best news of the summer is Tracy Ireland's graduation from the University of Ulster. Tracy's family commitments meant she had to take some time out, and it takes heroic stamina to get back and succeed. We are really, really proud of you Tracy.

Jim to the Rescue

2009-07-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Jim Greene is just the paramedic you would want to rescue you. He is very happy and settled in London. Come and see us sometime.

Congratulations Claire

2009-06-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Many congratulations to Claire Franklin on completing her Certificate of Higher Education in food technology and health at Loughry College, the first stage of a successful career. We are really delighted. What's next Claire?

David at Exploris

2009-06-19T13:39:00.001-07:00

David Barr is heading over to work at Exploris in Portaferry. As well and quite separately he has a gorgeous wee daughter.

Rachael and the Byrnes

2009-06-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Great to see Rachael, and catch up on news of all the Byrnes. Rachael herself has completed her course in Travel and Tourism, and hopes to move on to study Event Management, which we know she would be brilliant at. Richard is in the middle of his Sports Studies course and loves it. Shane is in his third year at university, and also loves it, and has Jenny completed her business course and hopes to continue her studies. Killian - get in touch - I forgot to ask about you!

Smartypants Donal

2009-05-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Look what Smartypants Donal has done, added a Followers strip on my blog! I am so old and daft I have no idea how he did it! Join him. It would be great to see more of you. Don't forget the OldScholars link on the Shimna homepage. Sign on there too for long term contact even when I blog off into the distance.

Stephen's Back

2009-05-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Spotted sunbathing on our pitch, the erstwhile familiar form of Stephen McLaughin, rubbing it in that he has finished for the year with his architecture course at the University of Lincoln, and we still have more than a month to go!

Welcome to the Next Redmond

2009-05-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

News from Scotland of the birth of Benjamin Alex Redmond, son of Chris and his wife Becky. We are delighted. Niamh and Jennifer head off this weekend to meet him. Daniel is doing well on his applied medical sciences course, and already making plans to head to Scotland himself to college.

Fiona in Beijing

2009-03-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Fiona Elsholt is exhibiting her art work in Beijing next month. Fabulous

Great News from Clare

2009-03-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Clare Hamilton Bryce rang in today to tell us the great news that she is now holding offers from Dundee University and the University of the West of Scotland - spoiled for choice! Make sure you let us know your final choice and have a brilliant time whichever it is.

Who's He?

2009-03-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Of course we recognised Donal Ferris who called in on a week home from Luton - though it did cause a double take! Donal graduated last year, and, smart person that he is, has taken up the offer of management training with Tesco while he continues to suss out employment opportunities in more creative fields. Donal had the wit to transfer his Tesco post in Newcastle over to Luton when he went to university, and has therefore an excellent record of regular employment. He is also about to shift north to Manchester, and will be able to take advantage of another Tesco transfer. He also looked healthy, happy and gorgeous!

Aaron's Catering Success

2009-03-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

I also got news from the Hugh J O'Boyle stand about Aaron Doherty. He is now very happy on his training course in catering. I looked up the O'Boyle's e-news and found that he has clocked up full attendance and already has his Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering. I'm really pleased that he has found what he wants to do and is enjoying the course. I just as pleased to hear that he has kept up his commitment to Amnesty International, and has been doing some awareness raising among staff and fellow students. Yo!

Recycling Old Scholar

2009-03-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

We visited the careers fair in the Slieve Donard Hotel today, and met up with a Shimna Old Scholar, Aaron Hawthorne. He showed us where he works at the back of the hotel in the impressive recycling plant. He works at recycling the food waste from the hotel, processing the waste into fertilizer for the hotel gardens. The plant also deals with all the cardboard waste. We were really impressed, as food waste recycling is something we have only started to think about for Shimna's kitchens, and our wonderful cardboard recycling scheme is no longer operating. Aaron has invited us down to visit the plant, and we will certainly be taking him up on the invitation. Great to see you looking so well Aaron.

Basque Country and Argentina

2009-02-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

Jane Lugea is now working on a PhD at Queens University, spending lots of her time in Argentina. Aisling Kearney is working in the Basque Country. We certainly have high flying and wide ranging OldScholars.

Daniel Doing Well

2009-02-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

Daniel Quinn called in from the University of Ulster to collect his A level technology project, which turns out to be very relevant to his sports Technology course. He is looking good and thoroughly enjoying his course.

Open Day Visitors

2009-02-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

It was great to meet Leanne Arterton and Laura Rutledge have a look around on Open Day. The girls just wanted to see how things had changed. I have to get back in touch with them to make sure I have the details of what they are doing now.

Two Cheerful Visitors

2009-01-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

It was a real pleasure to see Patrick McMullan and Barry Cousins at the hatch. Patrick is thoroughly enjoying his engineering course at Queens, and even finding parts of the course easy. Barry has now decided to apply to university this year, and is very happy to be doing so with his good grades behind him. He set off with a bag full of prospectuses, knowing he would have the pick of plenty of courses whose requirements he has already met. Both of them were grinning!

Patrick's Gold

2009-01-19T02:39:00.000-08:00

Patrick Poland called in to let us know that he has received his invitation to St James' Palace to receive his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Very well done, and well deserved.

Laura's PGCE Success

2009-01-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

Laura O'Hare has built on her excellent degree in German and Spanish, her experience teaching in Madrid and Dublin, her classroom assistant experience in Shimna to win a PGCE place at Liverpool Hope University in primary language teaching. The course includes teaching practice in Spain, and will leave Laura in an excellent position to join the drive to encourage language learning for children from the youngest age.

Rachel Full of Plans

2009-01-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

Rachel O'Rourke served me in Nearbuy, and she looks really happy and is full of plans. She has been offered a place at Liverpool Hope University to study Early Childhood Studies after which she plans to do her PGCE and teach nursery and KS1 children. She says she is really happy that she took time to make her career decision and didn't jump at her first idea.

Hi from Sinead

2009-01-11T07:20:00.001-08:00

Hi to all the staff at Shimna !
This is Sinéad McVeigh. This is just a wee note to let you know what I'm doing at the minute. I graduated in June 2008 from University of Ulster (Coleraine) with BA Honours Degree in Applied Languages: French and Spanish with a Diploma in Area Studies. I am currently working in a business in Newry called The Natural Baby Resource where I speak French and Spanish to our european customers. I will be attending many tradeshows throughout Europe promoting products. Thanks to Anne Clark and Margaret O'Boyle for their support during school. I miss you all.
Sinéad xx

Ronan Up the Walls

2008-12-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

We hear that Ronan Barr is now a very valued instructor at the Tollymore Mountain Centre climbing wall. Great to hear how much he is appreciated.

Ciaran Graduates

2008-12-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

We were delighted to see photos of Ciaran Curran graduating in Architectural Technology. Well done Ciaran, really delighted!

More Matt Success

2008-12-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

This time, one of Matt's films has taken a Highly Commended at the Foyle Film Festival, which is a really, really big deal. Millions of congratulations.

Ruth Kidd M.A.

2008-11-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

Ruth Kidd is currently living in Leeds, getting as much experience of international development agencies as possible, now that she has graduated with and MA in International Security.

Claire Franklin is Famous

2008-11-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

When Rebecca Murphy was completing her training in Home Economics at the University of Ulster this summer, a video of Loughry College was shown, and there was our Claire looking competent and gorgeous. We would love to hear how you are getting on, Claire!