Local Notes: Kiltimagh students enjoy trip to Spain
Members of Kiltimagh Foróige are pictured at the Mayo Foróige 3rd Years Prom Ball, held recently at the Great National Hotel, Ballina. Picture: Trish Forde
Staying with news from St Louis, students from the school recently returned from a landmark Spanish immersion trip, following the successful securing of a €5,000 grant through Léargas.
The funding, accessed through links with the Post-Primary Languages Initiative, allowed the school to organise its first ever cultural and language immersion experience in Spain.
Margaret Monaghan, a Spanish teacher from the school, explained to the Western People how the opportunity came about.
“We applied for the grant about two or three years ago and were very lucky to secure €5,000,” the teacher said. “That allowed us to begin organising our first Spanish and culture immersion trip, and this year we finally got it over the line.”
Fifteen fifth-year students studying Spanish travelled to Alicante where they took part in a fully immersive programme at El Cano Spanish School. The group was accompanied by two teachers, including Ms Monaghan and her colleague Ms Gilmartin.
Rather than staying in hotels, the students lived with Spanish host families across the city.
“They lived the daily life,” Margaret said. “They ate the food, helped prepare meals, found their way to college each day and took part in classes and activities.”
The experience was conducted entirely through Spanish, which presented an initial challenge. Margaret said there was “a lot of silence at the beginning” as students adjusted to the environment. However, confidence grew quickly.
“They realised just how much they had learned over five years,” Margaret said. “Once they found their feet, they were able to communicate very well using everyday language.”
Students were also sent out on practical tasks around the city, encouraging interaction with local people. According to the teacher, this helped them develop conversational skills at a rapid pace.
“After a day or two, they were speaking naturally, using simple phrases and engaging with people in the community.”
The trip ran from Sunday to Friday, giving students five full days of language and cultural immersion. During that time, they also completed a short course at the school and received certificates at the end of the programme.
“It was a fantastic experience,” Margaret said. “Very cultural, very engaging. Alicante was welcoming and accessible, and the students gained so much from it.”
Participation in the trip was open to students rather than selective. The school capped numbers at 20 for its first outing, aiming for a manageable group. In the end, 15 students travelled.
“We were delighted with that,” she said. “It worked out perfectly for a first trip.”
The group included a near even split of boys and girls, with seven boys and eight girls taking part.
Reflecting on the overall success, Margaret described the initiative as a significant step forward for language learning within the school.
“It’s something we would definitely hope to build on,” she said. “The confidence the students gained was incredible.”
The trip marks an important milestone for St Louis Community School, offering students a real-world opportunity to bring classroom learning to life.
St Louis Community School will host a charity fashion show this evening, Tuesday, May 12th, in aid of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. The event, titled 'Fashion for a Better Future', will begin at 8pm in the school PE Hall and will focus on raising awareness around fast fashion, sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Organisers described the event as a celebration of creativity and style, while also encouraging people to “say no to fast fashion” and reflect on the impact of waste and overconsumption on the planet.
The audience can look forward to an evening of fashion, music and entertainment, with students and teachers taking to the stage to showcase outfits and designs from a variety of sources. These will include pieces from local St Vincent de Paul shops, the Mareeva collection by local designer Maria Boyle, along with students’ own original looks and creations.
Organisers say the event aims to highlight how fashion can be both stylish and sustainable, while also supporting an important charity. Special guests are also expected to attend on the night.
Tickets are priced at €10 for adults and €5 for children. They are available from the school reception, through members of the Transition Year committee, or at the door on the evening. The school has encouraged the wider community to support the fundraiser and enjoy what promises to be a lively and meaningful event.
Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals is preparing to launch the Coillte Come Home Darts League, with games set to take place on Sunday evenings at 6pm.
The league is open to players of all levels, with organisers encouraging both experienced players and newcomers to get involved. The initiative aims to provide a social outlet alongside friendly competition during the summer months.
Places are limited and early registration is advised. Those interested can register by contacting Brendan McDonagh on 085-2477892, Sean Langan on 086-2633281 or Mick Rougheen on 089-2479162.
There was another well attended 25 Card Drive during the week, with a great atmosphere and plenty of close games throughout the evening.
First place went to Patsy Flatley and Trish Hyland, who put in a strong performance to finish top of the table. Joint second place was shared by Mary and Jimmy Doyle and Chris Flatley and Manus Kilcoyne, with both pairings level after some tightly contested hands. The Last 10 prize was won by Jack Ryan and Pius Forde, while Seamus Larkin and Joe Corry claimed the spot prize. Raffle prizes went to Trish Hyland, Mary Moran, Liam Moran and Denis Regan.
A blood donation clinic will take place at the Kiltimagh Park Hotel this Thursday, May 14, from 3.50pm to 8.10pm, with members of the public aged over 18 encouraged to attend and donate.
The clinic is being promoted locally by Kiltimagh GAA Club as part of the 'Every Drop Counts, I Know' campaign, inspired by the late Oisín Kelly of Naomh Eoin GAA in Carlow.
The national initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of blood and platelet donation, particularly among younger people and within GAA communities. The campaign also highlights the vital role blood transfusions play in medical treatment, especially for cancer patients.
Organisers point out that only a small percentage of the population currently donates blood, despite the fact that many people will require a transfusion at some point in their lives. Local people are being encouraged to support the clinic and to invite friends, family members and teammates to get involved.
Ann Ivers was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home €598. The draw continues to enjoy strong support from the local community, with tickets available online as well as through shops and pubs around the town.
The club congratulated Ann on the win and expressed sincere thanks to all who entered, noting that funds raised help support underage coaching, facilities and the ongoing development of the club.
The death has occurred of James (Jim) McDonagh of New Road, Enfield, Co Meath, and formerly of Kiltimagh. Jim died peacefully at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.
Jim was predeceased by Rosaleen. He will be deeply regretted by his loving family, Seamus, John, Mary, Caroline, Matthew, Martin and Noreen, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Jim’s remains reposed at Ryan & Sons Funeral Home, Church Street, Kilcock on Wednesday evening. Removal took place on Thursday morning to the Church of the Assumption, Jordanstown, Enfield for Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Tony McDermott of the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh and the Mill Park Hotel, Donegal Town. Tony died peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his loving family and close friends.
Tony will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Bernie, much-loved children Claire (Emmett), Ronan, Niamh (Kevin), Gavin (Bridie) and Crona, and his cherished grandchildren Leo, Ryan, Jamie, Oran, Liam, Conal and Aidan, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Tony reposed at Gallagher’s Funeral Home, Station Road, Mountcharles on Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd. Tony’s Funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Mountcharles on Monday, May 4th, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Brendan Mullaney of Kilbride, Swinford, and formerly of Pulronaghane Kiltimagh. Brendan, a highly respected veterinary surgeon, died on May 5th, following a short illness.
Brendan will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Regina (Carley), children Rachel, Sarah, Katie, Shane and David, parents Frank and Celia Mullaney (Kiltimagh), brothers Bernard, John and Kevin, sisters Marian and Hilary, the Carley family, sisters-in-law Eithne and Svetlana, Hilary’s partner Scott, nieces, nephews, aunts, family circle, neighbours and many friends.
Brendan’s remains reposed at Campbell’s Funeral Home, Swinford on Friday, May 8th. His Funeral Mass was held in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Swinford on Saturday afternoon followed by burial in Kilconduff Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
