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Southern Regional College had much to celebrate at the Newry, Mourne and Down Chairperson's Civic Awards, held on 20 February at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch, with both staff and a student recognised for their outstanding contributions.
Electrical Installation apprentice Rachel Carvill took home the Youth Impact Award, which recognises young people under the age of 18 who have made a positive impact through their achievements, leadership, creativity or community contribution. At 17, Rachel has secured two gold medals at the World TaeKwonDo Championships alongside Ulster and All-Ireland boxing titles. She is also among a growing number of young women pursuing a trade apprenticeship at the College. Her employer, Murray and McEvoy, praised her strong work ethic and commitment, and Rachel has developed particular expertise in solar panel installation.
Lecturer Dr Liz Finnegan and the wider ICAS team were recognised in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award for their commitment to the Newry, Mourne and Down region. ICAS, the Interdisciplinary Conference in Arts and Science, takes place each January at the College's Newry campus, sparking conversations in art, literature and heritage and attracting artists, writers and researchers from across the globe.
Sarah Ryan from the College's Organisational Development Team and Jason Brennan from the Student Engagement Team were commended for their fundraising efforts. Both lead on the College's social responsibility work, which includes charity fundraising, foodbanks and toy appeals.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said the recognitions reflected the very best of the College. "These recognitions by The Chairperson's Civic Awards reflect the dedication, talent and community spirit within the College. To be recognised at the Chairperson's Civic Awards is a significant achievement. It affirms the impact our students and staff are making across the region and reinforces our commitment to excellence, opportunity and service to the community."
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Last month more than 120 secondary school pupils demonstrated their vocational skills at Southern Regional College's annual inter-campus competition.
Seventeen schools took part in this year's event, including Newry High School, St Joseph's Boys High School, St Paul's High School, St Joseph's High School Crossmaglen and St Mark's High School, alongside Markethill High School, Rathfriland High School, City of Armagh High School, Brownlow College, Craigavon Senior High, Lismore College, Newtownhamilton High School, St Louis Grammar School, Newbridge Integrated College, St Patrick's College, Banbridge High School and Dromore High School.
Competitors took part across a wide range of vocational disciplines. In construction trades, pupils demonstrated their expertise in brickwork, joinery, tiling, plumbing and plastering, while others were tested in motor vehicle studies and engineering principles. Professional services categories were equally competitive, with entries in catering and contemporary cuisine, beauty therapy, upstyling, blow drying, manicure nail art, childcare and graphic design.
The competition represents the culmination of work carried out by pupils who attend Southern Regional College each year to study vocational and academic programmes alongside their secondary school studies. It gives participants the opportunity to measure their progress against peers in real-world, industry-aligned challenges.
Majella Kelly, Schools Partnership Programme Manager at Southern Regional College, said: "This year's competition highlights the ambition, creativity and technical ability of our young people. They are not just learning, they are applying their skills in live, competitive environments that mirror industry standards. The level of talent on display this year was exceptional and these pupils are building strong foundations for future careers. We are proud to work in partnership with local schools to create meaningful pathways that give students the confidence, direction and opportunity to succeed."
The annual event continues to strengthen the relationship between the College and schools across the region, reinforcing the role of vocational education in preparing young people for further study, apprenticeships and employment.
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Southern Regional College’s Higher Education GAA team are celebrating after a landmark achievement, winning the HE All Ireland GAA Final title, their first since 2019 with a composed victory over Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Connemara at Abbotstown. The team train in Newry with many of the players playing for local GAA teams.
After a tentative start from SRC, it was ATU Connemara who struck first in the Corn Comhairle Ardoideachais final, registering 1-1 in the opening exchanges. SRC soon settled into the contest, with Conor Ward leading the charge scoring 1-1 to bring the game level.
Building on that momentum, SRC piled on the pressure. Martin McKinley split the posts for a superb two-pointer, before a penalty won by Conor Ward led to a crucial goal. Although Darragh McNulty’s initial strike rattled the crossbar, he reacted quickest to finish to the net. Further points from Odhran Hynes and captain Conor Cunningham stretched SRC’s advantage to six approaching half-time.
ATU Connemara responded strongly before the break, converting a penalty and adding a two-pointer of their own to narrow the gap. At half-time, SRC led by the slimmest of margins, 2-5 to 2-4.
SRC emerged for the second half with renewed intensity. Early scores from Danny McLogan and Odhran Hynes helped steady the side, while dominance around the middle third proved pivotal. Donal Coffey, Kyle Clerkin, Dara Óg McCoy and Martin McKinley took control in midfield, consistently winning primary possession and driving SRC forward.
The decisive moment arrived when substitute Oran Wilson made an instant impact, coming off the bench to fire home a vital goal and give SRC valuable breathing space. From there, SRC finished strongly, adding further points to their tally, while a disciplined defensive performance restricted ATU Connemara to just three points in the second half.
Final score: SRC 3-12 ATU Connemara 2-7
Conor Ward was awarded Man of the Match.
Co-Team Manager and SRC staff member Rory McGreevy praised the team’s performance, saying: “This group showed outstanding character all season, but especially in the final. After going behind early, they trusted the work they’ve put in and delivered when it mattered most. To bring the title back for the first time since 2019 is a huge achievement for the players and for the College and we couldn’t be prouder of them and this result.”
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College added: “This achievement reflects not only sporting excellence but the strength of teamwork, leadership and ambition across the College community. The future of SRC Gaelic football is bright and this victory sets a new benchmark for future seasons. Congratulations to the SRC Gaelic team and team managers Rory McGreevy and Ronan Haughey for their tireless work throughout the season, guiding the team to this All-Ireland success.”
A SRC spokesperson added "A special word of thanks goes to captain Conor Cunningham and goalscorer Oran Wilson, who both lined out for SRC for the final time. After years of dedication and commitment, it was fitting that they signed off with an All-Ireland medal.
"Finally, sincere thanks to team managers Rory McGreevy and Ronan Haughey for their tremendous hard work and dedication throughout the season, guiding the lads to All-Ireland success"
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Newry's Southern Regional College (SRC) Greenbank Campus will host the SkillBuild NI 2026 regional competition on Tuesday 19 May 2026, with construction apprentices and traineeship students from across Northern Ireland set to compete for top honours.
The annual competition, announced by the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) in partnership with Southern Regional College, is a search for the top performers across 11 different trade categories, ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. It is designed to test skills, technique and ability within tight timeframes, while also serving as a showcase of talent and professionalism within the construction industry.
The competition is supported by the Department for the Economy, along with local suppliers and construction companies. Winners from the NI Regional Competition will go on to represent Northern Ireland at the SkillBuild UK National finals later in the year.
Among those helping to announce SkillBuild NI 2026 was Alan Holubowicz, an SRC wall and floor tiling apprentice and 2025 SkillBuild National Finalist, who was joined by Gareth Mone, SRC Curriculum Area Manager, Rachel Dorovatas, CITB NI Director of Industry Training and Support, and Peter Farrelly, SRC lecturer and mentor.
The Newry campus previously hosted the SRC intercampus SkillBuild competition in February, where close to 70 apprentices and traineeship students competed across eight trade categories, with top performers now progressing to the regional stage.
SkillBuild NI 2026 takes place at Southern Regional College's Greenbank Campus in Newry on 19 May 2026.
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Pupils at St Clare's Abbey Primary School in Newry have received a waterbutt donation from NI Water to help support their wonderful school garden.
The waterbutt, donated by NI Water, will allow pupils to harvest rainwater for use in the school garden, whether for watering plants or washing windows. Waterbutts offer a simple and practical way for schools and households to make use of rainfall rather than relying on treated tap water.
Anna Killen, NI Water Education Officer, said the donation was part of a wider effort to encourage water awareness. "We get plenty of rain in Northern Ireland but this rainwater has to be cleaned at our treatment works before it goes into the taps. Using a waterbutt to catch the rain is just one way we can all have a play a part to ensure there's enough water for everyone now and in the future."
Killen also highlighted just how much water people use without realising it. "You'd be surprised how much water we all use on a daily basis, 153 litres per person sounds like a lot, however, much of that is sent back down the drain."
NI Water has encouraged people to check how water wise they are by using the water calculator available at niwater.com
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Southern Regional College (SRC) hosted its annual SkillBuild Intercampus competition earlier this month, with close to 70 apprentices and traineeship students competing across eight trade categories at the College's Greenbank campus.
The Faculty of Building Technology and Engineering organised the event, which brought together students from the College's Greenbank, Armagh and Portadown campuses to compete in bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, electrical installation, joinery, plastering, plumbing and wall and floor tiling. The competition is designed to test skills, techniques and the ability to work under time pressure while maintaining high professional standards. Competitors who placed received vouchers for their efforts, while all electrical installation participants received additional vouchers from City Electrical Factors (CEF).
The intercampus competition serves as the first stage of a pathway that could ultimately lead students to national level. Those who place progress to the SkillBuild Northern Ireland Regional competition, which is scheduled to take place at SRC's Newry campus in May. Students who succeed at regional level may then go on to represent Northern Ireland at the SkillBuild UK National finals later in the year.
Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College, said the standard of work on display was encouraging. "The annual intercampus SkillBuild competition once again brought together apprentices and trainees from across our campuses, all determined to prove themselves under real industry conditions. The level of skill and professionalism demonstrated this year shows that the future of our construction and engineering industries is in capable hands."
Rachel Dorovatas, Director of Industry Training and Support at CITB NI, who attended the competition, highlighted the wider importance of events like SkillBuild. "The SkillBuild Regional competition showcases the fantastic variety of young talent coming through the industry. With the current skills gap, SkillBuild plays a vital role in promoting construction careers and attracting a diverse new generation into the sector."
Dorovatas added: "Congratulations to all participants who have participated in the inter-campus and competitor selection process, with special recognition given to those who excelled in their respective trade categories. Their exceptional performance may provide an opportunity to further showcase their talents at the upcoming SkillBuild NI Regional Competition, scheduled to take place in Southern Regional College, Newry in May."
Alongside the main SkillBuild competition, preliminary activity aligned to WorldSkills UK was also delivered on the day, with close to 30 students participating across campuses in fabrication and welding and automotive studies. Further WorldSkills UK preliminary competitions in automotive refinishing and automotive body repair are scheduled to take place at the College's Portadown campus in the coming weeks.
Students placing at this year’s SkillBuild competition were:
|
First Name |
Surname |
Placing |
Hometown |
Course |
|
Bricklaying |
|
|
|
|
|
Ruairi |
McAvoy |
1 |
Warrenpoint |
Bricklaying (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Ryan |
Coulter |
2 |
Mayobridge |
Bricklaying (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Sean |
Crawford |
3 |
Warrenpoint |
Bricklaying (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Cabinet Making |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
Ciummei |
1 |
Mayobridge |
Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Aaron |
Werk |
2 |
Kilkeel |
Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Issac (Zac) |
Shepcar |
3 |
Kilkeel |
Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Carpentry |
|
|
|
|
|
Frank |
Finley |
2 |
Rathfriland |
Site Carpentry (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Electrical Installation |
|
|
|
|
|
Joshua |
Porter |
2 |
Newry |
Electrotechnical (Electrical Installation) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Plastering |
|
|
|
|
|
Kyle |
Harte |
2 |
Bessbrook |
Plastering and Dry Wall Lining (Wet Trades) Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Lee |
McCartan |
3 |
Rathfriland |
Plastering and Dry Wall Lining (Wet Trades) Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Plumbing |
|
|
|
|
|
Cathal |
Meehan |
2 |
Poyntzpass |
Plumbing and Heating Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
xx
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Students from the Sacred Heart Grammar School have taken first place in this year's NI Young Economist of the Year competition, which saw post-primary pupils from across Northern Ireland tackle some of the region's most pressing economic challenges. An Abbey Grammar School pupil took third place.
Ceallagh Waters and Michelle Brown were awarded top honours for their project examining health and social care reform under fiscal pressure. The competition, organised by NI Schools Hub and delivered in association with Ulster University Business School and First Derivative, drew submissions demonstrating exceptional economic insight and policy awareness from students region-wide.
The winning entry, titled 'Rethinking Public Services in Northern Ireland: Redesigning Health and Social Care Outcomes Under Fiscal Constraint' impressed judges with its sophisticated approach to complex policy questions. Academics from Ulster University Business School, who formally judged all entries, described it as "a highly accomplished and thoughtfully structured analysis, demonstrating a strong grasp of public finance, opportunity cost and efficiency within health and social care." They particularly praised the project's evidence-based recommendations and understanding of Northern Ireland's unique institutional and fiscal context.
Taking second place was a group from Shimna Integrated College, with Daniel Cutler, Tadhg Kennedy, Ben McNerlin, Matthew Turley and Rory Smith submitting their collaborative work on Rethinking Public Services: 'Improving Outcomes Without Increasing Taxation'. Judges highlighted the team's clear and coherent argument, noting their mature understanding of productivity, value for money and the trade-offs involved in public sector reform. The panel commended the strong collaborative approach and balanced evaluation of policy options presented by the group.
Justin Sheridan of Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School secured third place with his analysis of 'The Productivity Puzzle: Why Northern Ireland Lags Behind Comparable Regions and How Sustainable Growth Can Be Delivered'. The entry was praised for its analytical strength and effective use of economic theory, particularly in examining skills, investment and innovation as drivers of long-term productivity growth.
Students were invited to address pressing economic challenges facing Northern Ireland, with all submissions assessed on economic understanding, use of evidence, clarity of argument and the feasibility of proposed policy solutions. The rigorous and impartial evaluation process ensured entries were judged to the highest academic standards.
All prize-winning students received trophies and gift cards, alongside a two-day work experience placement with First Derivative. The placement offers practical exposure to the application of economics within Northern Ireland's expanding FinTech sector, giving students valuable insight into how economic theory translates into real-world business practice.
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Over 850 people descended on Southern Regional College's Newry West Campus on 5 February 2026 for the Big Apprenticeship Event, with secondary school students, parents and adult learners all keen to explore work-based learning opportunities across a wide range of sectors. The event, held during the Department for the Economy's 2026 Apprenticeship Week, demonstrated the ongoing popularity of apprenticeships as a viable route into employment and career progression.
More than 35 employers and support organisations attended the event, engaging directly with prospective apprentices about opportunities starting in September 2026. Employers present covered job openings in accounting, analytical and bioscience fields, digital marketing, computing, construction, quantity surveying, electrical and electronic engineering, fintech and sports areas.
Among those attending were Leigh Fegan from Mayobridge and Shea Morgan from Hilltown, both students at St Mark's High School in Warrenpoint. Leigh attended the event to explore higher-level apprenticeship opportunities in accountancy, while Shea was keen to learn more about the wide range of career pathways available through higher-level apprenticeships. Also in attendance were Evalynn and Elisa Colgan from Crossgar, who are both students at Down High School in Downpatrick. They attended the event to gain insight into future career options and the different educational routes available to them.
Denise Cinnamond, Marketing Manager at Wood Innovations commented: "Wood Innovations are delighted to join the SRC in Newry for the big apprenticeship event. It's great to be part of an event that champions practical learning and real career pathways. At Wood Innovations, we are proud to support apprenticeships in the workplace. Apprenticeships are a fantastic route for developing talent and confidence and they bring real benefits to both employee and employer."
Conleth Greene from Nuline Utilities added: "Nuline Utilities are once again delighted to be part of the Big Apprenticeship Event which has become a significant night in our calendar and a launch pad for the careers of our local talent."
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College said it had been incredible to see the continued growth in interest in apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships year on year, along with the confidence people now have in choosing this route as a first-class career pathway. At the college, they continue to strengthen their apprenticeship provision, working closely with employers to ensure their programmes reflect real industry needs across the region.
"Apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships combine earning, learning and progression, providing people with the skills, experience and qualifications needed to succeed in today's economy. Our ambition remains clear: to open doors to meaningful, sustainable careers and to support individuals at every stage of their professional journey. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of apprentices this September as they take the next step towards their future," she said.
Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council commented: "SRC's Big Apprenticeship Event once again proved to be a fantastic event. It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from prospective apprentices and local employers across our District. Events like this play a vital role in connecting people with real career opportunities, while supporting businesses to develop and grow through new skills and talent."
Cllr Kearns added that the continued partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to creating sustainable career pathways and strengthening the local economy.
There remain no tuition fees associated with pursuing an apprenticeship or higher-level apprenticeship due to funding provided by DfE. Apprenticeships are open to applicants of all ages, from school leavers to adult returners and those seeking a career change, with students earning a wage for work-based activities whilst studying.
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Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a comprehensive response to the recent Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education and collective worship in Northern Ireland schools, including a full review of the RE curriculum and the introduction of formal inspection across all schools.
The Review of the RE Curriculum will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE, Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, and Mrs Joyce Logue, former Principal of Long Tower Primary School. They will be supported by an expert drafting group comprising teachers from primary and post-primary schools across all sectors, and will involve extensive engagement with churches, teachers, school leaders, parents and young people.
Minister Givan said the review will develop a revised RE syllabus that is academically robust, modern in outlook and fully consistent with the Supreme Court judgment. Following full public consultation, he anticipates bringing forward new regulations in autumn 2026, with the new syllabus implemented from September 2027.
The Minister sees the review it as an opportunity to strengthen RE as an academic discipline. He confirmed that Christianity will remain central to the syllabus, stating that given the region's historical, cultural and legal foundations, it is right that Christianity continues to provide the core focus for RE in Northern Ireland.
Mr Givan also confirmed his intention to introduce legislation within the current Assembly mandate to ensure robust, transparent and accountable inspection of Religious Education, bringing RE into line with inspection arrangements for all other curriculum subjects.
Commenting on the review, Professor Purdy said he was delighted to lead this important review and expressed confidence that working collaboratively with stakeholders across Northern Ireland, they can develop an academically robust RE curriculum that prepares children and young people for life in modern society.
In response to the Supreme Court's ruling on the right of withdrawal from RE and collective worship, the Department has published new guidance to support schools in ensuring that withdrawal is practical, effective and free from stigma. There are no plans to change the arrangements for collective worship which will continue in schools, however the new guidance has been published to strengthen and streamline the right of withdrawal from both it and RE.
The Minister concluded by stressing that while the review proceeds, it is important that schools deliver Religious Education in a way that complies with current law. He noted the Supreme Court was clear that RE can continue to be taught lawfully if schools ensure that additional, objective, critical and pluralistic material is included alongside the existing core syllabus, adding that together, these measures represent a balanced and measured response to the Supreme Court judgment that will strengthen the RE curriculum, introduce inspection and protect parental rights.
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