Renowned historian, Mr. Tim Pat Coogan,  visited Oatlands in mid-November and reflected, in front of an audience of 5^th and 6^th Year students, on the disappointment the leaders of the 1916 Rising would have felt at recent developments in the country,  which hardly bear out the hopes of the Easter Proclamation. Mr. Coogan’s informative talk on Irish history ranged from the 1880’s to the 1940’s. He then proceeded to take a questions and answers session with the group, which was most helpful.                       The talk was recorded and is available in the school system to any history student who wants to access it. Interestingly enough, his vote for Greatest Ever Irishman goes to Michael Collins.

Past pupil Paddy Kavanagh, who won the Airtricity League with Shamrock Rovers (their first title in sixteen years) visited Oatlands recently with the F.A.I. Trophy. When you have played against the likes of Alessandro del Piero in Medina (the San Siro having been taken over that night by another  team from Dublin: a certain rock outfit called U 2)  and rubbed shoulders at Birmingham with the likes of Andy Cole( the second highest goal scorer in Premier League history, after Alan Shearer, with a total of 187 goals during his Premiership career) you certainly get some valuable insights into life at the top. Del Piero  proved the truth of the old saying that the bigger the star the nicer they are, by the friendly courtesy and respect he showed towards the Rovers players. Of course, that didn’t stop him scoring the winner in the match with an unstoppable free kick!

 Paddy was also impressed by the sheer  professionalism of Andy Cole, who despite all his Premiership titles, would stay back after training to work diligently on some weakness he perceived in his game. It seems the bigger the star the more dedicated they are as well.

He also had some kind words to say about Steve Bruce, Birmingham’s manager while he was with the Premiership side, a man he found both friendly and honest. You always knew where you stood with him.

Paddy enjoys playing in the Tallaght Stadium where a crowd of more than 6000 people turns up for the big matches such as a Dublin Derby. He is now looking forward to the draw for the Champions League Preliminary Rounds in the summer, in which we wish him all the best.

Fifth Year student James, Paddy’s younger brother, is training with U.C.D. at the moment, with a view to joining the club.

As part of our Leaving Certificate History Course Fifth and Sixth Year students went on a trip to Northern Ireland for two days. We got the bus up to the Stormont Parliament, outside Belfast, accompanied by our teachers:  Mr. Browne,  Mr. Lynch and  Mr. O Carroll. We then had some free time to explore Belfast City by bus, and on foot, before heading to Derry where we walked around the walls and studied the murals. We also met two leading members of the Apprentice Boys that day. Finally we had lunch before making our way back to Dublin. All in all, it was a very interesting and enjoyable experience. 

Alan Kavanagh 5^th Year.

The History trip to Northern Ireland for Fifth and Sixth Year students  kicked off with a tour around Stormont where the students learned all about the history of the Stormont Building as well as its current uses. We then received a tour around Belfast in the company of  local S.D.L.P. councilor Mr. Brian Heading.  Afterwards we were allowed to go off and explore Belfast City on our own for an hour. We then went to Buncrana, Co. Donegal, where accommodation had been arranged for us for the night. We then went for breakfast at a local restaurant, after which we were given a tour of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall. We also visited the Museum of Free Derry, after which we were given a tour of the famous murals in Derry as well as a tour of the city itself. The trip was very educational and great fun was had by all.

David Power. 6^th Year.