Movember fundraising success at St Gerald’s
During November and December 2025, SGC’s school community continued to live out the Lasallian spirit of faith through concrete actions of care, reflection and solidarity.
Movember Challenge
On 20th November, SGC’s LCA students, supported by Ms Flynn and Mr McGee, completed the inspiring Reek Challenge for Movember, climbing Croagh Patrick in challenging winter conditions in support of men’s mental and physical health. For many students, it was their very first time tackling the Reek, and the climb demanded immense resilience, determination and trust. Their efforts were undertaken in a spirit of prayerful solidarity with those affected by mental health challenges and stood as a powerful expression of faith in action.
Through their commitment and generosity, the students raised over €1,000 for Movember initiatives, helping to raise awareness, start important conversations and challenge stigma around men’s health. To celebrate reaching the fundraising target, the school community enjoyed a light-hearted moment later in the month when LCA Co-ordinator Mr McGee honoured his promise and shaved his beard, with past pupil and celebrity barber, Conrad Kelly, stepping in for the transformation. The challenge beautifully combined compassion, courage, humour and community spirit — capturing the very best of St. Gerald’s Lasallian ethos.
Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
November and December brought a strong focus on service, justice and outreach in St. Gerald’s DLS College.
On 21st November, a group of Transition Year students participated in a Sleep Out for Galway Simon Community, spending a night in the cold and raising over €2,000 for those experiencing homelessness. The experience helped students reflect deeply on the realities of housing insecurity and the Gospel call to stand with the most vulnerable.
Throughout November, students also supported their local community through actions such as:
Volunteering at a primary schools rugby blitz in Castlebar Rugby Club, helping younger pupils enjoy a day of sport and inclusion.
Taking part in the Green Schools litter pick on 13 November 2025, caring for the local environment around the school and Lough Lannagh as part of their commitment to stewardship of creation.
Together, these initiatives show a strong Lasallian commitment to Concern for the Poor and Social Justice, rooted in practical compassion.
Celebrating community through sport
Sport and co-curricular activities remained an important dimension of Lasallian formation in November and December.
In early November 2025, students had a fantastic day at the Connacht Schools Swimming Championships in Longford, bringing home medals in multiple events and representing the school with pride. On the playing fields, successes continued:
The U15 soccer team recorded their first competitive win against Gort Community School on 18th November, and later topped their group following a strong performance against Presentation College Athenry on 27 November 2025.
The 1st Year soccer team began their journey with an impressive victory over Claregalway on 26th November.
A huge congratulations to our Juvenile Footballers, who captured the O’Haire Cup after a hard-fought and thrilling final against Rice College. Gerald’s came out on top by two points, showing incredible determination, teamwork, and spirit right to the final whistle. A special word of thanks to their dedicated management team — Messrs. Naughton, Geraghty, Loftus and McGee — for their outstanding leadership and commitment. Well done, lads — a fantastic achievement for the school.
Basketball remained vibrant too, with U16 and U19 teams securing notable wins over St Louis, Kiltimagh, and delivering strong performances against Gortnor Abbey earlier in the month.
Meanwhile, students also enjoyed a memorable trip to the Aviva Stadium on 8th November 2025 to support Ireland in their rugby match against Japan, celebrating national pride and camaraderie.
These experiences highlight how sport and student life in St. Gerald’s serve the Lasallian vision of educating the whole person — body, mind and spirit — in a community of faith and joy.
Relove Fashion
We’re thrilled to have won a Brother A50 sewing machine through the Relove Fashion competition! Huge thanks to Arran (Rediscovery Centre) and Sharon (Mayo County Council) for inspiring our 1st Year Art class today with a brilliant sustainability workshop. Excited to start creating with preloved textiles!
Quality Education helping to transform society
St. Gerald’s DLS College continued to offer a rich, broad education that prepares students to transform society through knowledge, skills and critical engagement.
In early November, Transition Year students completed a Barista Training Course with Darren from DBarista, gaining practical skills in food service, hygiene and customer care. Around the same time, TY students also participated in a Life Skills Workshop with @youthessentiallifeskills, learning about personal hygiene, skincare, shaving and healthy lifestyle habits – all essential components of holistic education.
Business and enterprise learning were particularly strong across the senior cycle:
On 4th November, 5th Year Business students visited Meissner Manufacturing in Castlebar, where they experienced leadership and teamwork challenges, and saw business theory in action on the factory floor.
On 5th November, 6th Year Business students welcomed Elaine Mullane from UL’s Kemmy Business School, who introduced them to the wide range of opportunities available through further study in Business.
Science and sustainability were also to the fore. In late November, the school was delighted to win a Brother A50 sewing machine through the ‘Relove Fashion’ competition. A visit and workshop led by the Rediscovery Centre and Mayo County Council helped 1st Year Art students explore how fashion, creativity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Then, on 2nd December, 5th Year Biology classes visited the EPA laboratories in Castlebar, learning about water sampling, licensing and environmental protection, and seeing how scientific understanding shapes public policy and care for creation.
Academic excellence continued beyond the classroom!
Past pupils Orann Bourke and Cormac Cronin received University of Galway Excellence Scholarships, a testament to the strong academic foundation developed during their time in St. Gerald’s DLS College.
Throughout late November 2025, Geography Awareness Week saw students taking part in quizzes, litter picks and a vibrant poster competition on topics such as climate change, world maps and Green Schools themes, deepening their understanding of global interdependence.
All of this reflects the Lasallian commitment to Quality Education, preparing students not only to succeed but to contribute meaningfully to society.
Career Connect Programme
As part of our Career Connect programme in association with Castlebar Rotary Club, we were delighted to welcome Niall O’Hara, Machine Learning Engineer at Stripe, to speak with our 6th years. Niall shared his inspiring career journey — from studying Civil Engineering at the University of Galway, to exploring a variety of roles, and ultimately finding his passion in the world of tech.
His message to students was reassuring and motivating: you don’t need to have everything figured out at 18 — your path can unfold in its own time. A huge thank you to Niall for his honesty, enthusiasm, and generosity, and to Shane Bourke of Castlebar Rotary Club for organising this fantastic opportunity.
Our students left feeling encouraged and energised as they plan their own futures. This talk was a wonderful addition to our College Awareness Week celebrations, highlighting the many routes and possibilities open to our learners.
Dignity and wellbeing
A core focus in St. Gerald’s during November and December was the dignity and wellbeing of each student.
The Life Skills Workshop for TY students in November was designed to help young people develop confidence in self-care and presentation, reinforcing the idea that each person is worthy of respect – including respect for their own body and wellbeing.
On 21st November, Garda Micheál Gorman delivered the Life Saver Project road safety presentation to 6th Year and LCA students. This hard-hitting session encouraged students to consider how their choices on the road impact their lives and the lives of others, underlining the value of every human life and the responsibility we share to protect one another.
Through such initiatives, the school continues to foster a culture where every person is treated as a child of God and invited to grow in maturity, responsibility and self-respect.
Student voice and belonging
St. Gerald’s continues to be a welcoming, participative community where student voice and belonging are central.
On 3rd November 2025, students represented the school at Mayo Comhairle na nÓg in Castlebar. They engaged with peers from across the county, discussing issues that affect young people and exploring ways to influence decision-making at local level. Their participation showcased the importance St. Gerald’s places on student leadership and democratic engagement.
Team-building activities at the end of term further strengthened community bonds. On 1st December 2025, TY and LCA students enjoyed a joint trip to Pallas Karting and Paintball, which allowed them to build friendships across programmes, develop teamwork and celebrate the maturity and exemplary behaviour that characterised their year so far.
SGC College and Career Fair
St Gerald’s College held their College and Career Fair on November 19th and it proved to a very popular and informative event for all.
TY Adventures
Our TYs enjoyed a fantastic trip to Delphi recently. Students took part in an action-packed programme including aerial trekking & climbing, zip-lining, archery, orienteering, and of course the legendary bog run! Well done to all the lads for their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the trip. A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising and supervising such a memorable experience.
Great memories made — well done, lads!
