Lourdes Pilgrimage

Over the past week, six of our 5th year students had the privilege of travelling to Lourdes on pilgrimage.

For six days, they gave their time and energy in service to assisted pilgrims, offering kindness, support, and companionship. They also played an active role in the many liturgies and processions, fully embracing the spiritual and communal life of Lourdes.

This unique experience was only made possible by the generosity of our school and parish community who helped fundraise to get them there.

It allowed them not only to deepen their own faith and understanding but also to witness firsthand the power of compassion, service, and empathy.

As a school, we are extremely proud of these students and the way they represented both themselves and our wider community. Their commitment, maturity, and willingness to serve others is an inspiration to us all, and we commend them for the wonderful contribution they made throughout the pilgrimage.

SNA Appreciation Day, September 25th

On SNA Appreciation Day , the School Community extends our deepest gratitude to all our SNA’s who go above and beyond every day in supporting students with special educational needs. Your work is vital, and you make a real difference.

You support students in many practical ways: with learning support, feeding, mobility, hygiene, administering medicine, orientation, and managing fragile health or sensory needs; you assist with equipment, with lifting or withdrawal from class when required and working with teachers, you facilitate the participation and safety of students in all parts of school life.

Your compassion, patience, and dedication do not go unnoticed. On this day, we honour your invaluable work, not just for the care you provide, but for the dignity, independence, and confidence you help our students build.

Thank you for being such an essential part of our school community! From all in SCS!

Anti-Bullying Presentation to 2nd Years

We were delighted to welcome Ms. Meaghan McCarthy back to Skibbereen Community School for an anti-bullying presentation to all 2nd years.

Our Principal Mr. Anton O’Mahony warmly welcomed her at the entrance with SPHE teachers Ms. Orla O’Sullivan and Ms. Norma Roberts. Ms. Meaghan McCarthy also met with our Anti Bullying Coordinator Mr. Peter Lynch, Year Head Ms. Karen Sheane and the 2nd year Deputy Principal Mr. Tom Foley.

It was a whole school effort to send out a clear message to everyone that bullying is absolutely unacceptable in Skibbereen Community School and as a school it will not be tolerated.

All students were informed about bullying and encouraged to be responsible for their actions. They were also reminded to do something today that their future self will thank them for and to be the person they want to be. They were told about the horrific consequences of bullying and what they can do if they are bullied. Importantly students were encouraged to stand up and report bullying.

We look forward to inviting Bully 4U back next year.

We are very proud as a school to have a strong reputation for being proactive and strong in our stance for a bully free zone.

West Cork Sports Star Awards

Congratulations to Sam Kingston and Allie Tobin on winning awards for their super sporting achievements at the recent West Cork Sports Star Awards held on Monday evening in The Celtic Ross Hotel. The Celtic Ross Hotel were sponsors of the Sports Awards event, along with Cork 103 and The Southern Star.

Sam won his award for Athletics (Javelin) and Allie won hers for Gaelic Football. 

Many of West Cork's finest young athletes received awards on the night for various disciplines and it was great to see so many of Sam and Allie's family members and friends, along with Ms. Ní Charthaigh, Mr. O'Donnabháin and Ms. Belton from SCS in attendance. 

Congrats again from everyone in SCS and well done!

TY Activity Day 1 – Hiking Through Killarney’s Wild Beauty

Our TY students kicked off the year with an unforgettable adventure in Killarney National Park.

Battling the elements with determination and good humour, they hiked from the iconic Ladies View, climbed Torc Mountain, descended past the roaring Torc Waterfall, and finished strong at the historic Muckross House.

Over 4.5 hours of hiking tested their endurance, but the group’s energy and spirit never wavered. Rain jackets were zipped, boots were muddied, and friendships were strengthened with every step.

This was more than just a hike—it was a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the start of what promises to be a fantastic year of TY activities.

Here’s to many more adventures ahead!

National Road Safety Authority Presentation

We were delighted to welcome Mr. TJ O’Connor from the National Road Safety Authority to our school on Friday for a presentation to transition year students.

Our Principal Mr. Anton O’Mahony formally welcomed him at the entrance.

Thanks to Ms. Órla O’Sullivan and Mr. Conor Uhl for organising.

Art Competition Winners

Congratulations to our art competition winners at the Carbery Show Skibbereen in August.

Pictured are Alex O'Leary, Aaron O'Donovan, Laura Daly, Gael Taaffe, Jayden Huggins, Faith Keohane and Jack Leahy.

Well done to all.

Litter Picking

Pictured below are 4th year students litter picking this week.

We are delighted to be back supporting Skibbereen Tidy Towns.

Many thanks to Skibbereen Tidy Towns, Cork County Council, Ms. Orla O’Sullivan, Mr. Conor Uhl, Ms. Gretta Burchill, Ms. Carla Nugent, and Ms. Margaret Collins for organising.

TY Students at Cara House

Well done to our TY students who helped out at Cara House and we look forward to supporting Cara House for the year ahead.

Thanks to Ms. Aine Minihane, Ms. Orla O’Sullivan, Mr. Conor Uhl and Ms. Gretta Burchill for organising.

Welcome to SCS, First Year Class of 2025/26

Everyone in Skibbereen Community School were delighted to welcome our new first year students for their Induction Day on Monday August 25th. 

Students gathered for an official welcome from our Principal Mr. Anton O'Mahony, Deputy, Ms Mary Belton and Year Head, Ms Sarah McCarthy. 

Students spent the morning in fun ice breaking activities before being divided into class groups and getting their timetables and lockers. 

They have now successfully completed their first full week of timetabled classes and are settling in well. 

We are looking forward to working with this fantastic group of students and following their journey over the next six years.

Athletics Championships

Pictured are Katie and Sam Kingston winning the Scottish Javelin Championships held in Aberdeen two weeks ago.

Katie secured a Triple National title over the summer winning the Irish, Welsh and Scottish Javelin Championships.

Katie also competed alongside three time Olympic Gold medalist Thiam in Brussels. Katie achieved a PB in this competition and took silver.

Best of Luck to Past Pupil, Enya Breen and Ireland in the Rugby World Cup

The School Community would like to wish our past pupil, Ms. Enya Breen and the Irish Rugby team the very best of luck in the Rugby World Cup in England this month.

Congrats to Enya on scoring a try against Japan in their opening Pool Match last weekend.

Leaving Cert Results 2025

LEAVING CERTIFICATE RESULTS 2025

We wish the LC class of 2025 the very best of luck receiving their results on Friday 22nd August. Students will be able to access their results on the Candidate Self Service Portal (CSSP) from 10am. It is very important that all students should check their log-in details for the portal in advance of Friday.

Students are very welcome to visit the school Friday morning from 11:30am to 1:30pm to gather and celebrate, have their queries answered or receive their results in person if they so wish.

Some important information from the SEC is outlined below.

Dovydas Palkis, 6th Year R.I.P

The School Community would like to extend its deepest sympathies to Dovydas’ Family, Friends and Year Group on his tragic passing. Dovydas was a well liked, talented and much valued student of our school. He was a hard worker who had a talent for woodwork and had just begun his apprenticeship. He will be sadly missed by us all. May he rest in peace.