Donegal County Council Cultural Services set a commission in 2011 for a new adaptation of the Oscar Wilde story The Happy Prince in a way that made best use of our creative strengths in Donegal, which include music, storytelling and performance.
Working from the existing text, writer, actor, storyteller and musician Little John Nee and composer Vincent Kennedy were commissioned to write and perform an orchestral / narrated Donegal adaptation of this wonderful story that is as relevant today as it was when first published in the 1880′s. The resulting work is an exquisite and beautiful piece of music theatre especially written to be performed by the Donegal VEC Music Education Partnership’s performing groups.The original stage performances took place in An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny and The Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon during April this year. Performed by Little John Nee, the Donegal Youth Orchestra and Donegal Youth Choir, these performances were directed by Raymond Keane (Barabbas Theatre Company), conducted by Vincent Kennedy with lighting designed by Niall Cranney (An Grianán Theatre). Now with the support of RTEjr Radio, The Happy Prince is being brought to a much wider audience through this broadcast at 2pm on Friday 18th May that goes out LIVE from RTÉ Studio 1 in Dublin. We invite you to join us on this last chance to listen and enjoy this magical journey that is suitable for all the family and lasts approx. 50 minutes in duration.
School Education Pack also available.
Join Us and Enjoy.
Last Friday (4th May) a large turnout of people assembled at the AETC Donegal Town to participate in the event in aid of Relay for Life, Donegal. The coffee morning was in full swing with Martina, Geraldine and Patricia busy with the home baking and preparing for the challengers on their return. Mary Ann Kane, CEO of Co.Donegal VEC was present and delighted with the response and she thanked the staff, students and the wider community for their effort in making this event so successful. She said : “The effort and generosity of everyone involved has made this event a resounding success, and at a time when there are so many other fundraising events in the community for so many worthy causes.” Co.Donegal VEC has organised events in many of their centres throughout the county with all proceeds being donated to Relay for Life.
Members of Donegal Bay Cycling Club were also present on the day to lead out the approx. 25 cyclists and the 35 walkers who had assembled. The few pictures show how in one scene Martin Gormley making an effort to get away from Caroline O’Rourke but didn’t succeed as Caroline was close behind although at times not knowing which way to go.
A great day’s fun was had by all with great team spirit present throughout the centre and a big thank you to all who contributed to the event in any way.
Well Done!
1.(F1 in Schools Competition) – Five students under the name Team AVS Velocity took part recently in the national finals of the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge in Griffith College, Dublin and although they didn’t come away with any awards, they certainly enjoyed the experience of taking part for the first time. The Transition Year students (Gerry Diver, Manus Darby, Darren Doherty, Emmett Doogan and Pauric Doherty) were part of the Senior Cycle Category for the first time and were proud to reach the knockout stages where they finished 4th from 17 entries. Mr.Seamus Maguire who as teacher and mentor spoke of the very high standard involved and wishes to thank Toni Kelly, Donegal’s very own rally driver for her advice and direction to the students beforehand and Seamus also wishes to acknowledge the achievement of Coláiste Chineál Eoghain from Buncrana who came away with two awards in the Junior Category.
2. (ECO-UNESCO) – Mr.Maguire and the Woodwork Department of the school have secured funding from ECO-UNESCO for a unique wood project along the Bank Walk in Donegal Town. The project will be aimed at promoting the walk with the younger generation in mind. It is envisaged that the project will be developed with junior cycle students as part of Materials Technology (Wood) in the school and will be completed during the next school term.
3. (Hurley Project) – Well done to Mr.Maguire’s 2nd Year Material Technology Wood class for completing their senior and junior Hurley’s as part of their class projects. A very high standard again this year achieved by all.
Well done everyone.
Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille students were delighted to learn that they had won first place in a competition organised by Logainm.ie in partnership with Fiontair for all second level schools in the country. The project involved the collection of placenames and the Tory students created a database of more than 150 placenames with meanings as well as stories relating to the island’s topography. As well as the database the students also designed a map showing the location of each of these names. They now intend to distribute copies round the island in order to seek advice, correction and clarification and help from the islanders before finally having the map professionally produced. Well done girls!
Please download or view presentation of work to date and any positive feedback should be directed to cpcthorai@donegalvec.ie or phone 074 9165448.
The national finals of the prestigious F1 in Schools National Championships were held recently in Griffith College, Dublin. This unique competition where students have to plan, design, analyse, test and then race their newly created Formula 1 Model Car. The models are created to a scale of 1:20 and when complete are capable of travelling at speeds of over 110 km/hr. Along with this the students have to compile a 20 page portfolio which outlines every aspect of the work, give an oral presentation to a panel of judges, design a pit area where the work is displayed and then of course race their cars against other finalists. F1 in Schools which is now in it’s 6th year is becoming more popular with Junior and Senior Cycle students using advanced 3D design software, automated manufacturing technology along with individual and group innovative input. This year’s competition saw 3 schools from Donegal VEC taking part (Coláiste Chineál Eoghain, Crana College and Abbey Vocational School) with Coláiste Chineál Eoghain coming away with two awards on the day at the overall finals. CCE competed in the Junior Cycle with two entries – Foireann Sliotar who picked up the trophy for the fastest car and Foireann Marc 11 who finished in 3rd place overall in the category. They exceeded all expectations in winning two awards particularly as this is their first time entering the competition. Congratulations to all the students and teachers involved for your efforts. Well Done.
Youthreach is the Department of Education and Skills’s official education, training and work experience programme for young people who have left school early. Its aim is to develop the core skills needed for further learning and to prepare young people to progress to further education/training or to employment. The centre located on the Kilmacrenan Road in the Centre for Education is one location where such training and education is provided. Letterkenny Youthreach has space for 40 young people who can avail of courses such as FETAC Levels 2, 3 and 4 and also Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA).
One of the current learners on the LCA Course, Ryan Matthewson has written a piece on his experiences and feelings towards the course and this has recently been published in the local papers. Ryan, an 18 year old from nearby Convoy, is one of eight students currently attending this 2 year course where along with the core subjects of the Leaving Certificate, the emphasis is placed on personal development, practical skills and work experience. Ryan shows (of which he has one full year completed) what the programme has done for him as he participates individually and with the group and he is a prime example of what can be achieved in Youthreach.
Well done Ryan and keep up the excellent work!
The latest edition of the Magazine (New Young Voices in Irish Writing) which supplements the national newspaper ‘The Irish Times’ (Edition Thursday 3rd May 2012.) features a publication of a short story from a fifth year student in Mulroy College, Milford. – namely Ryan McBride. Ryan wrote a piece called ‘Rapunzel’ which is part of the magazine and in conjunction with Fighting Words, the Centre for Creative Writing founded in the heart of Dublin by the well known novelist and dramatist Roddy Doyle.
Ryan is not new to this creative writing as he regularly contributes to Mulroy College Newsletter (Mulroy’s Ministry of Words) under the editorship of Danielle Friel and also recently enjoyed success with his poetry entered in the North West Words Poetry Competition. We all take this opportunity to congratulate Ryan, his teachers (especially his English subject teacher, Ursula O’Connor) and his fellow students and the school overall. Well done, Ryan and keep up the writing!
Brendan Boyce, a former student of the school visited last week and gave several workshops to the current third year students on the values of walking as a sport and exercise and how one can benefit from it. Olympic walker, Brendan who is from Milford was well received and gave up his time from his busy training schedule as he prepares for the upcoming London Olympics this summer. He was delighted to return to the school where Sport became an important part of his life. Principal Ms. Fiona Temple thanked Brendan for taking time out to visit the school and described Brendan as generous, patient and inspirational and that he was a real example to all young people of how hard work can pay off. We all wish Brendan well in the upcoming games in London.
Team VEC in conjunction with Gartan OEC are hosting one BIG event for ‘Relay for Life Donegal’. We are hosting a ‘SUNDAY STROLL’ on Sunday 13th May 2012. There are 3 walks to choose from so as to cater for all levels and for families : a 2 mile / 4 mile or an 8 mile walk around the beautiful picturesque area of Gartan. Tea and Coffee will also be available and admission will be €10 per person and €15 for families. We, at this time would like to encourage as many as possible to come out to this BIG event. Bring your partners, friends, family and colleagues along for a Sunday Stroll.
See you there!
The youth project BEO which was launched back in January this year is due to have it’s grand final here in Letterkenny in the Regional Cultural Centre on Friday 11th May at 7.00 p.m. This now recognised national competition which was originally the vision and work of the local students and teachers of Coláiste Ailigh, St.Eunan’s College and Loreto Convent has grown in stature and involves the organising, promoting and realisation of a rock gig from start to finish. This competition has attracted entries this year from far and near and has been acknowledged by national radio stations – Today FM and 2fm among others. A very prestigious judging panel are lined up for the 11th May next which should be a good evening’s entertainment and promotion of our young talented students. Please see attached poster and further information on this event and future upcoming events can be had by visiting the BEO website at www.beoireland.com. The project has been supported and sponsored by Co.Donegal VEC and the Donegal County Council. Come along and Enjoy!
