Míle BuíochasWelcome to the summer edition of the roco report.Athuismitheoírí agus a chaired, ag féachaint síar dúinnar imeachtaí agus eachtraí na scoilbliana atá díreachimithe tharainn, is léir go raibh ana chuid buaic-phoin-ntí i saol scoile na daltaí.

As our academic results continue to improve successcontinues apace on the sports field and in the extra-cur-ricular activities generally. The range of activities pro-vided by teachers is remarkable and I would like toexpress my gratitude to them for giving selflessly oftheir time and energy. The recent Awards ceremony inthe college bears testament to the priority the schoolcommunity places on the highest academic standardsbut also on the various opportunities for a holistic edu-cation.

All schools are endeavouring to provide the same andare doing so more or less. But in addition, here in SaintFrancis, we are building a spirit of community and thisspirit of community and this spirit is apparent by thedaily interactions which take place within the college.As a catholic school we celebrate our uniquenessthrough various liturgical events directed by lay andreligious but essentially managed by the pupils them-selves.

Next September, we will welcome 120 new boys intothe school. The rapid increase in pupil numbers is adaily challenge for everyone involved in the school butwe are rising to the challenge. There is a buzz andvibrancy around. There is innovation, encouragementand many personal opportunities to grow and develop.The sense of camaraderie is palpable and infectious andlife is fulfilling and satisfying.

I would like to wish leaving and junior cert. pupils wellin their exams and hope they will reap the rewards oftheir sustained hard work and study. With most of thepupils gone home the school is strangely quiet exceptfor a few senior lads helping to prepare the school fornext school tern, cleaning, tidying and painting.

At this time we are mindful of those who have lost dearones during the school year, those who are anxious,troubled or out of work. In a spirit of hopefulness, we

believe in the transcendence of the human spirit andthat with God’s help the world can be renewed, recon-structed and regenerated.

As another school year draws to a close I wish to praisethe active partnership of pupils, parents, teachers andtrustees. Saint Francis College is an old building, 125years old, and the ongoing refurbishment could not beundertaken without the support of all the interestedparties but especially the Board of Management and theParents Association. I would like to thank the ancillarystaff for maintaining such a high standard both insideand outside throughout the school year. I would like tothank the school secretary , who on her own, has risensuperbly to the challenge of the ever increasing numberof pupils.

On behalf of the school community I would like to com-mend Diarmuid Ó Mathúna for his professional leader-ship and in particular this year for providing leader-ship opportunities to teachers and pupils to extendtheir service to the poor and socially vulnerable inZambia. They have followed in the footsteps of greatCapuchins who brought their talents and good humourto many parts pf the world, especially to Africa.

Thanks again to our dedicated team of teachers not for-getting our pupils who continue to bring honour to theschool. Ní neart go chur le chéile. May you and yourfamilies have a safe and peaceful summer break.

Adrian Groeger .

St. Francis CollegeRochestown

St. Francis College, Rochestown,

Co. Cork

Tel: 021 4891417 Fax: 021 4361254

Email: rococoll.ias@eircom.net

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Ken Hughes Past Pupil presenting Entrepreneur of the YearAwards to Elliot Cantwell and David McEllroy

Niall Foley and Billy Murphy fundraising for Zambia atRochestown College Music Night

Before

Rochestown Orchestra under the direction of Ms LeenShane Collins on the drums at Rochestown Music Night

Ciarán ‘Gary’ Moore at Rochestown MusicNight

Sean Devine performs at Rochestown MusicNight

After - Well done lads!

John Armstrong - winner of the‘Discover Cork Heritage Project’ Junior

Cert Individual Section

SCHOOL CALENDARThurs 27th August 2009 - Term begins with staff meeting

Mid-Term - Mon 26th to Fri 30th Oct inclusiveChristmas Holidays Wed 23rd Dec-Wed 6th Jan

Spring Break - Mon 14th Feb to Fri 19th Feb inclusiveEaster Holidays - Mon 29th March to Fri 9th April inclusive

Last day of school year - Fri 4th JuneMonday 5th October - Free Day

PARENT TEACHER MEETINGSThird Year - 27th Nov

Sixth Year 3rd DecFirst Years - Jan (dates to be decided)

Second Years - Jan / Feb (dates to be decided)Fifth Years - 23rd March

Transition Years - 30th AprilSpecial Thanks to Bernardo Long, Stephen Scully and Jim Spillane.And much gratitude also due to Ms D. O’Connor. Signed: The Editor

1884 HistoryAbout five miles south-east of Cork City, theimposing building of Rochestown Collegestands in a picturesque rural setting, sur-rounded by hills and wooded glades. Todayit is one of the important Secondary Schoolsin the county of Cork, and it is has a roll-callof more than three hundred pupils. It is avery well equipped school, both inside andout, for all-round education of the youth oftoday.But this large college had a very modestbeginning. One hundred years ago, it wasformally opened in Kilkenny on December 8th

1884, and it was transferred to Rochestownon November 22nd 1886.

The Capuchins inRochestownIt must have been the contemplative spirit inthe early Capuchins which promoted them tochoose such a remote and secluded spot asRochestown was in 1872/73. Their mainobjective was to build a monastery and min-ister to spiritual needs of the people.

The property was purchased from one JosephMintern who owned fifty-five acres of land inRochestown. He leased eight of these acres tothe Capuchins, most of whom were Italiansat the time. Soon the construction of a newfoundation began in 1873 and it was complet-ed in1874. This very first building was thepresent monastery refectory. Four years later,1878, a public church was blessed; a simple,prayerful church modelled after the‘Portincula’ in Assisi. This has now been con-verted in to an art studio, and a new churchhas taken its place.

By the year 1888, a new extension was com-pleted. This is now the new RochestownBusiness Centre. The Seraphic school occu-pied the top floor of this building, and it waswell equipped according to the time.Fr. PeterBowe of Tullaroan, Co.Kilkenny, was the first

rector of the school. He trained five pupils,one of whom was John Hayden of Blarney,Co. Cork. In time, as Fr. Augustine, hebecame rector of the College and a distin-guished writer of Franciscan Literature.

Apostolate of the FirstSeraphic SchoolThe chief purpose of the Seraphic School was,and stills, the education of candidates for theOrder. But the general education of all thestudents was also a fundamental target.Students who entered the order enjoyed thedistinction of being the first members of areligious order in Ireland to present them-selves for a University degree in their reli-gious habits. Most Rev. Dr. Healy, Archbishopof Tuam, was proud to draw attention to thisfact.

By the early twentieth century, applicationsfor places in the college became so numerousthat extra accommodation was necessary. Anew boarding school separate from themonastery was established. It was plannedfor one hundred boarders; and, for about sev-enty years there was steady flow of vocationsfrom the Seraphic School of the Novitiate.

The Older Changeth,Yielding Place to the NewSince 1970, renovations have been made toincorporate the monastery with the school; sothat now, the entire Rochestown building isknown as ‘St. Francis College’.The huge increase in numbers necessitatedmuch work in the re-allocation of space with-in both monastery and college proper.Dormitories were converted into classrooms,three fully equipped modern laboratories;biology and a computer room were opened.These help, in no small way, to prepare pupilsto play a meaningful part in a scientific andtechnological world. Nor has the physicaltraining of the pupils been neglected. As well

Ms. McMorrow presenting Conor Lyden and Daire Fitzgeraldwith Duais don Gaeilge

Mr. Groeger presenting Academic Awards to Aidan Marnane,Ciarán Hurley, Luke Harris, Stephen O’Callaghan and Craig

O’Shea.Junior cert Award 2008: Dharmanshu singh presented by Mr. Ó

Mathúna.

Arts and Drama junior medal presented by Ms. Farrelly to JohnGleeson

Mr. Croke with Merit Award winners David O’Donnell, NiallCashman, Philip Reid, Aonghus Boland and Gerald Killorna.

Ms. Lavelle with young scientist David Vaughn and senior medallist Mark Bruton.

Student of the Year 2009 Peter Travers with his family.

SStt.. FFrraanncciiss CCoolllleeggeeROCHESTOWN • CO. CORK

Tel: (021) 4891417Fax: (021) 4361254

email: rococoll.ias@eircom.net

A revisedand updatedjournal willbe availableto studentsfromSeptember

as the hurling and football pitch ‘up the hill’;extra facilities have been provided in recentyears.

On a slope behind the hand-ball alleys, whereonce a spacious orchard stood, there are ten-nis courts, basket-ball courts and a runningtrack. Thanks to the co-operation of staff, par-ents, pupils and people, much has beenachieved.

Despite the passing of time and the manychanges which time brings in its trail, thespirit of St. Francis is wonderfully alive in ourschool. ‘Boys will be boys’ and human naturedoesn’t radically change. Pupils today pos-sess many redeeming qualities andFranciscan qualities such as loyalty, courage,generosity and compassion for the under-privileged in society. Boys, today, are living ina ‘sock and divided ‘world, consequently, thedangers and temptations which face them aremany and frightening. They need encourage-ment, inspiration and good example in thehome and in the school. More than everbefore, this is our apostolate as teachers ; tosend pupils, whether as Capuchins, priest orlaymen, into the world, not ignorant, butmorally good and courage Catholics to makethe world a better place for their for theirbeing in it.

Our apostolate of education remains faithfulto the aim so admirably expressed by a sover-eign pontiff when he said; ‘Education consistsessentially in preparing man for what hemust be and for what he must do here below,in order to attain the sublime end for whichhe was created.’

Gilbert Bermingham, O.F.M Cap.Fr. Gilbert Bermingham (R.I.P 1985) was rector in the collegefrom 1955 to 1964.A gifted English teacher, he continued to take classes longafter his retirement.

Gaisce PresidentsAwardsThis year a number of us took part in theBronze Gaisce President’s awards. As part ofthis we had to undertake four different tasks;Community Involvement, Personal Skill,Physical Activity and Adventure trip. Thefirst three of these were similar to each otheras we had to do at least an hour a week forthirteen weeks in each of these areas. Thenwe had to plan and prepare the adventuretrip. We decided we would go to Killarneyon the 15th and 16th May. We had a half dayfrom school so we got the bus down toKillarney. Upon arrival we found our accom-modation; Neptunes hostel. We checked inhere and waited for the teachers to arrive.

After the teachers arrived we went out to thecinema. The next morning we got up earlyand headed off, as part of the trip we had towalk at least 25 km, to complete this wewalked up past Torc waterfall, the weatherwas very bad and it was raining for the wholewalk. After the walk we had lunch and thenwe got the bus back to Cork. Overall it was avery enjoyable experience and I look forwardto undertaking the Silver Award next year.

Mark Ronan4th Year

Discover CorkHeritage ProjectIn November, we were told about the DiscoverCork Heritage Project and asked if we would liketo enter. I had entered the competition before so Iknew what it was like.I decided to do the project on my own as no oneelse participating lived near me and there is noth-ing on the internet about the graveyard.

Ms. O’Daly presenting Gavin Kavanagh with jun-ior Debating Award.

U-16 Gaelic football award winners David Meaney and Ronan White with Mr. Hennessy

Mr. Barry presenting Merit Awards to Robert McCormack, Darragh Connell, Cíaran Moore,Andrew Rock, Mark Tyrell,Thomás O’Donovan, Richard Collins and Kevin Power.

Mr. Lonergan with junior PE Award recipientKeelan Desmond.

Mr. McDonnell presenting Aengus Ó Drisceoil, Séan Collins, RyanDinean and Alan Cadogan with Hurling Awards.

Mr. O’Flaherty presenting David Cummins andDavid O’Conner with junior Soccer Awards.

Surprise best supporter Mrs. Meaney presented with a token ofappreciation by Mr.McDonnell and grandson David Meaney.

I did my project on a small country graveyard notfar from my house, called Templerobin graveyard.Both my granddad and great-granddad, as well asmost of their families, are buried there and this iswhy I wanted to do my project on the graveyard.I spent many long, cold days over in the grave-yard taking photos and researching. I got most ofmy information from the Ballymore CommunityAssociation and from members of the CobhHistorical Society.The awards night was held in the SilverspringConference Centre and it waspacked to therafters. People came from all over Co.Cork toreceive awards, some from as far away as Bantryand Charleville. It seemed as though entireschools came in support of those receivingawards. My Mum and my history teacher,Ms.Henchin, turned out in support of me.Kieran McCarthy organised the Discover CorkHeritage Project and he delivered a few wordsabout the project before the awards were present-ed.I was among the last to receive an award becauseI was in the Junior Certificate Category, but wasdelighted when I received my award of a rosetteand a digital camera from Kieran McCarthy.It was an enjoyable night for all but especiallythose receiving well-deserved awards.I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

John Armstrong 2nd Year

Dragon’s DenCompetitionIn early March this year, students from 1st to 6thyears were informed of a Dragons Den type com-petition. The aim for the pupils was to think of anentrepreneurial idea and present their idea to agroup of judges. Up to three pupils pupils wereallowed per team but some preferred to go solo.Each team/person had to submit a business planto the judges and only the most interesting andbrightest ideas were put forward into the secondround of the competition were each team had toorganize a presentation explaining in detail theirideas. Fortunately, our idea won 1st prize of 500 euro. In

short our idea was to set up a new recycling com-pany, dealing with the recycling of large itemssuch as computers, fridges, freezers, furniture,kitchen units etc. As the normal person would nothave the means of transport to bring these largerecyclables to a recycling centre, we would do thisdifficult task for them by using our spacious tran-sit van. Even though our idea may not have beenthe most unique or revolutionary, our strong pres-entation won over the judges. We believe this is agood idea as at present no other company cartersfor the recycling of large items. Altogether wetruly enjoyed this experience and many thanks tothe judges Mr.Connick, Mr.Croke, Mr. Hughes,and Ms. McCarthy for giving us this wonderfulopportunity

Elliot CantwellTyrone McGrath 5th Year

Roco Hurlers deliveragainThe under 16 hurlers gained another piece of silverwarethis year when they won the Cork Colleges Under 16 ‘B’Hurling Championship. Following from their successof the 2007/2008 campaign, the squad played theiropening game of the competition in early Octoberagainst Carrgnavar. Base on a knockout system, victoryin every game is essential for progression through thecompetition. The initial fixture against Carrignavar hadto be abandoned due to inclement weather but at thereplay, Roco displayed some fine skill and determina-tion to overcome a spirited opposition who pressedhard for a home win. David Meaney led the Rococharge with a rasper of a shot from about 25 yards outand this was soon followed by a brace of Roco points.Carrignavar fought hard in the second half but Rocoremained cool and closed the game out with authority.

The second round was played against Coláiste Choilmfrom Ballincollig in Rochestown and Roco never reallycame under threat in what could only be described as aone sided game. Goals from Alan Murray, Ryan Dineen,James O Mahony and Robert Mc Cormack ensured asoft victory for the team.

The semi-final was played in perfect conditions inBlackrock’s new pitch against Carrigaline Community

Mark Ronan painting a mural at the City of Hope home for girls inLusaka

Transition years gowild at The BoilngPot Victoria Falls!

Ms Kelleher with some children from the City of HopeChildrens’ Shelter

Billy Murphy, Jack Barry and Mark Ronan with MrO’Regan working hard on the mural at the City of

Hope

Good Friday ceremony in Chawama compound, Lusaka

School. This was always going to be a tight game andone which Rochestown had identified as the key gamefrom the start of the competition. Based on past reputa-tion, Carrigaline were favourites not only for the matchbut the entire competition. Roco tore up the script how-ever and started the game at a blistering pace. Movingthe ball at top speed, they piled on the pressure fromthe very beginning. Scores were traded on either sidebut the relentless pace of Alan Cadogan and OlanHanley in particular gave Roco the upper hand andthey received their just rewards when full forwardJames O Mahony found the net twice to hand Roco asolid lead at half time.

The second half began where the first half left off butthis time it was Carrigaline bursting forward foragingfor a place in the final. Roco withstood the relentlessonslaught however and tacked on a few more points oftheir own to emerge victorious in an enthrallingencounter which left both sides absolutely exhausted.

Roco faced the North Monastery in the Final which wasplayed in the C.I.T. main pitch just before the Easter hol-idays. The Roco squad was confident but grounded asthey approached the big day. A win in the final had twoprizes at stake – the Cup and promotion to Senior Ahurling in 2 years time. With no serious injuries toworry about, Roco started the match with their usualrelentless pace and ran hard at the North Mon backs.Alhough the ‘Mon claimed the first point, Roco settledquickly and responded with 3 points in a row. In atough physical encounter, this match was always going

to be tight but Roco took their chances when they creat-ed them. Alan Cadogan caused huge problems for the‘Mon backs as did captain Ciarán Moore at centre for-ward muscling the centre back out of the game at everyopportunity. A 5 point lead for Roco at half timeensured a stirring response would be expected from the‘Mon. They did no disappoint. The physicalityincreased massively in the second half as the ‘Monfought for every ball and threw everything at Roco.Undeterred however, Roco too stepped up their physi-cality and huge performances from Andrew Murphy,Eoin Dolan and Michael Quinn in the backs, DavidMeaney in mid field and a phenomenal contributionfrom Ryan Dineen as a roving third midfielder gaveRoco the dominance they needed. A clash ball fromabout 25 yards in front of the ‘Mon goal resulted inRyan Dineen billowing the back of the net for Roco’s 4thgoal. The game ended with Roco being crowned CorkColleges Champions and promotion to Senior AHurling – O’ Callaghan Cup in 2 years time.

D. Mac Donnell

GAA ReportFollowing on from some tremendous successes inrecent years the school displayed some serious poten-tial on the GAA fields this season. There was disap-pointment at the exit of the senior teams in the Munsterand Cork College competitions. The highlight was theu18 football team reaching the semi final. However the

Rochestown- U16 Cork College hurling champions.

Ms Kelleher presenting a donation from the college to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Livingstone

Fr. Jude, Mr Ó Mathúna, Fr. Sean and transition year studentspresenting the college crest to Mr. Nolan the Irish Ambassador in

Zambia

Transition years with Mr ÓMathúna and Mr Cotter preparefor the Palm Sunday Procession

David Scully catches his dinner from the Mighty Zambezi!

school was boosted with some outstanding progress inthe U14, U15 and U16 competitions. The u16 footballteam had a great run which saw us reach the ‘B’decider. Unfortunately after a strong performanceMitchelstown scored a late goal to snatch victory. Theu15 footballers had a great run in the Munster Collegescompetition and the eventual winners Mounthawk inthe semi final narrowly defeated us.

The U14 team were competing in the ‘A’ grade this yearin both codes. The U14 football team showed great tal-ent through the group stages with a 100% recordagainst teams such as Macroom, Colmans, Chriost Ri,Spioraid Naomh and Colaiste Choilm. After beatingChriost Ri on the 28th November which put us throughto the final we didn’t play again until we went down 4-5 to 2-3 on the 20th May. The game was played in des-perate conditions and the long wait meant that the ladsfound it hard to get into a rhythm. Despite thisMacroom were a very good side and congratulations tothem on regrouping after their earlier defeat.

In hurling there were decisive victories over Colmans,Chriost Ri and Mallow. However we lost out on a placein the final after a closely fought encounter withBlackwater. The U16 hurling team overcameCarrignabhear, Colaiste Choilm, Carrigaline and NorthMon to capture the Cork Colleges ‘B’ title. This was thehighlight of the hurling season in St. Francis College(see u16 report).

Both students and teachers deserve a lot of credit fortheir efforts throughout the year. Next year it must beour aim to continue our outstanding progress and addan ‘A’ title to our growing list of honours.

A. Lonergan

Our CSPE Trip toDublinOur day began at Kent station in Cork. We had to getup early to get the train to Heuston station in Dublin.We waited until everyone was present, and then we goton the train. Since most of us were still half asleep, thefirst thing we did on the train was relax. It was a longjourney and an even longer day ahead, but at the sametime a welcome break from our hectic schedule.Everyone prepared as we approached Dublin. The

day's timetable was tightly packed, so the first thing wedid when we got off the train was hop on one ofDublin's many buses. We got off the bus right outsidethe Dail, and after a quick speech from our teachers Mr.Hennessy and Ms. Henchin (and some routine photo-graphs), we enteredthe Dáil. The security was heavy, but we made itthrough. The buildings were magnificent, both insideand outside. The walls were fantastically decorated.Carved stone, plaques and statues greeted us outside.Because the session was about to begin, we would haveto wait to see the interior. We saw all of the familiarFianna Fail members put on brave faces as they wereassaulted by the likes of Enda Kenny and EamonGilmore by statistics and opinions.It was an exhilarating session. It even took the energyout of us, so we were directed to a dining room wherewe were properly fed by the D6il staff. It was satisfyingto have the government give us something back foronce. Afterwards, we were given numerous brochuresto introduce us to life at the Dáil. This was followed bya very interesting guided tour. The history of the Dáil isfascinating, and the various pictures and articles on dis-play were very well laid out, and carried the rightamount of information. After enjoying a few hours withthe politicians, we went for a quick meal inMcDonald's, followed by another bus ride and a walkto Collin's Barracks. It turned out to be very interesting.All of Ireland's history was covered, from Neolithicman, to the Middle Ages, to the War of Independence,to Ireland during World War 11. Pieces of archaeologi-cal evidence were all over the museum. It was veryenjoyable and a fantastic conclusion to what was a greatday out.Everyone was tired after the long day out, we arrivedback at Kent Station at around half past 7, about four-teen hours after the voyage had begun.For our class, the experience was enjoyable and enter-taining, and I'm sure everyone in class 3C will remem-ber our day at the Dáil for a long time.

3rd Year CSPE Class

French Award presented by Ms. O’Gorman and Ms. Callanan to TomásO’Donovan and Séan Driscoll.

School secretary Ms. Cindy Higgins being presented with atoken of appreciation by Séan Geaney.

Mr. Ó Mathúna presenting Principals Award to Peter O’Sullivan.

Mr. Groeger with second year Academic Award recipients Conor McDonald, NiallO’Sullivan, Darragh Connell and Lorcan Fidgeon.

Special Guest Mr Ken Hughes presenting Elliot Cantwellwith Entrepreneur Award.

Mr. Groeger presenting 1st year Academic Awards to Aiden Mornane, Ciarán Hurley, Luke Harris,Stephen O’Callaghan and Craig O’Shea.

Mr.Fahy with U-18 Gaelic football winner ChrisO’Callaghan