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Hundreds of P7 pupils from across the district gathered at Dunleath Playing Fields in Downpatrick earlier this month for the annual Be Active Cross Country event organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
A total of 384 young athletes from 26 schools took part in the competition, which saw runners tackle a 1,100m course. The morning kicked off with an energetic warm-up session set to music before the races got underway. Matthew Taylor from East Down Athletics Club led the way around the route to make sure everyone stayed on course.
The girls set off first, keeping up a strong pace from start to finish, before the boys took their turn on the course with everyone competing for individual and team prizes. Volunteers from East Down Athletics Club were on hand throughout the day to help things run smoothly, whilst Red Cross First Aiders ensured the safety of all participants.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, was there to support the runners and hand out medals and trophies to the top finishers.
Cllr Campbell said: "It is wonderful to see so many children from across the district participating in this year's Be Active P7 Cross Country event. The determination and enthusiasm shown by these young athletes is truly inspiring. Events like this not only promote physical activity and healthy competition but also foster a sense of community and teamwork. Congratulations to everyone involved."
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Two local apprentices have brought home Team UK's only colour medal from this year's EuroSkills competition in Denmark, claiming bronze in Industry 4.0. Caolan McCartan from Camlough and Patrick Sheerin from Portadown competed at EuroSkills Herning last month, where their impressive performance helped place Team UK in 15th position overall out of 32 European countries.
The duo's success at the prestigious biennial event followed their gold medal win at the 2024 WorldSkills UK National Finals in November 2024. That national victory earned them their place on Team UK and the chance to represent the UK on the European stage.
The months leading up to EuroSkills were demanding for the pair, who regularly travelled to England to train under Marcin Regulski, Team UK's Industry 4.0 training manager. Caolan described the preparation as intense, saying: "I would say the intensity ramped up quite a bit. We were shown a lot more hardware than we've ever seen before and although you might not believe it, the skills gap had increased."
He added: "We really had to put in a lot more time and effort. The UK national finals had set us up on a good platform, but this last six, seven months has been a lot more intense than I'd ever expected."
When their names appeared on the screen as bronze medallists, the experience was unforgettable. Patrick said: "To win the medal was unbelievable. It was similar to the national finals in the sense of, we think we might have placed, but we don't know. So as soon as you see your name on the screen and the whole stadium erupts. Everybody was just in awe and screaming and shouting. It was an experience I don't think I'll ever forget."
Both Patrick and Caolan started their WorldSkills journey whilst undertaking their Higher Level Apprenticeships at Southern Regional College. They were paired together for the 2024 national competition by their lecturer, Sean MacDiarmada, who has a strong track record of mentoring medal-winning students in Automation, Mechatronics and Industry 4.0. Sean has continued to support the pair, ensuring they had access to training facilities in preparation for EuroSkills.
The duo aren't resting on their laurels though. They're already eyeing the next challenge, the WorldSkills global competition in Shanghai in September 2026. Patrick said: "Provided we get picked for Team UK, it's about honing the skills that we have now. If we can refine those skills, in a year hopefully we could be standing on the podium in Shanghai in 2026. We've got a medal at every competition, so why not go the one step further, on the international stage."
Their advice for future competitors is straightforward. "You go for it, because what have you got to lose? There are so many opportunities that come could come from this. It's unbelievable. Whether it's increasing your knowledge, travelling or making new connections in industry. For everything you put in, you'll get twice as much out. You just need to be willing to put in that extra bit of work."
EuroSkills Herning 2025 was the ninth edition of the competition, which ran from 9 to 13 September at MCH Messecenter Herning in Denmark. The competition is Europe's largest biennial vocational skills event for young people under 25, promoting excellence in vocational training and encouraging innovation in education across the continent. The next edition will be co-hosted by Germany and Luxembourg from 22 to 26 September 2027.
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Eleven schools from across the district pitched their ideas to councillors in a Dragons' Den style event at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council HQ in Downpatrick on Friday, 17 October as part of Local Democracy Week. Students presented motions on issues ranging from environmental protection to community facilities with St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel taking the winning spot for their proposal on better preparing young people for voting at 18.
The event saw pupils present their Notices of Motion directly to a judging panel made up of Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell, members of Newry Mourne & Down Youth Voice and the Council's Women's Working Group. The winning motion from St Louis Grammar School will now go forward to be debated at a future full Council meeting.
Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell said: "The creativity, confidence and passion shown by all of the students was truly inspiring. Each Notice of Motion reflected issues that matter deeply to our young people, from protecting the environment, celebrating unity and diversity to improving community facilities. Congratulations to St Louis Grammar School on their winning idea, which demonstrated both vision and real impact. I look forward to seeing their proposal brought before the Council for debate. My theme this year is 'empowering young people', and today's event has been a powerful reminder of why it is so important to give young people a platform and ensure their voices are heard in local democracy."
Other schools taking part included Blackwater Integrated College who proposed a unity in diversity youth celebration event, while Kilkeel High School pitched the idea of building a multi-activity complex for young people aged 10 to 16 in the Kilkeel area. Newry High School suggested reinstating fountains in Newry Canal and investing in eco-friendly litter removal, and Newtownhamilton High School focused on reducing single-use plastics. Our Lady's Grammar School addressed tackling violence against women through education, whilst Sacred Heart Grammar School proposed a joint university and school leavers information event. St Malachy's High School looked at enhancing diversity through language and education, St Colmcille's High School in Crossgar pitched developing a shared community space, and St Joseph's Boys' High School wanted to expand recreational facilities for teenagers outside traditional sports. Shimna Integrated College called for increased funding for women's hostels across the district.
Local Democracy Week is a Europe-wide initiative that highlights how councils work and encourages young people to engage in local decision-making.
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Tourism Northern Ireland joined forces with the Southern Regional College and other Further and Higher Education Colleges in the north for a tour at Long Meadow Cider in Co Armagh to celebrate World Tourism Day, bringing together key officials and lecturers to highlight the sector's contribution to the local economy.
Recognising the key role that Further and Higher Education tourism lecturers play in educating and inspiring learners who are ultimately the future pipeline of tourism employees, during the event tourism and hospitality lecturers learned about the work currently being undertaken by Tourism NI.
Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development at Tourism NI, outlined the strategic ambition for tourism aligned to the Tourism Vision and Action Plan, which aims to grow the value of tourism to £2 billion by 2035. She also explored the latest visitor market research and provided an update on plans for the continuation of the Tourism Careers Programme, which is aimed at promoting tourism and hospitality as a career of choice.
The lecturers also received updates on Tourism NI's Sustainable Tourism Business Programme, the Tourism Enterprise Programme and the organisation's innovative e-learning platform MyTourismNI. Those gathered also heard an update from Tourism NI's Major Events team who are looking ahead to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast next August.,
Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development at Tourism NI, said: "It was wonderful to come together with our colleagues in the education sector to mark World Tourism Day in the beautiful surroundings of Long Meadow Cider. The tourism lecturers have a critical role to play in inspiring students and ensuring they are fully prepared for joining the tourism industry in years to come. We are a sector based on people and having a pipeline of future talent through our college networks right across Northern Ireland is of vital importance for the long-term sustainability and success of our sector."
The event underlined the importance of collaboration between the tourism industry and education sector in developing the next generation of tourism professionals across Northern Ireland.
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Two Southern Regional College students have won bronze in Industry 4.0 at EuroSkills Herning 2025 in Denmark. Caolan McCartan (24) from Camlough and Patrick Sheerin (24) from Portadown recently secured the medal as part of Team UK's 19-strong delegation competing against 600 young professionals from across Europe.
The competition ran from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 September, with competitors tested across multiple technical disciplines.
Patrick and Caolan qualified for Team UK following their gold medal performance at the WorldSkills UK national competition in Manchester last November. They subsequently completed months of intensive training with Team UK training manager Marcin Regulski, including pressure tests and bootcamps leading up to the European competition.
Both students began their WorldSkills journey during higher level apprenticeships at Southern Regional College under engineering and mechatronics lecturer Seán MacDiarmada. Caolan is employed by Camlough engineering firm Pronto Engineering Group while completing the final year of his Mechatronics foundation degree higher level apprenticeship at SRC and Patrick graduated in 2024 with an Engineering BEng (Hons) degree and now works as a Mechanical Engineer with Portadown-based AJ Power.
Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, commented: "A huge congratulations to the whole of Team UK on their outstanding performance at EuroSkills Herning. As a College, we are especially proud of Patrick Sheerin and Caolan McCartan for securing a well-deserved bronze medal at this international competition.
“We are incredibly proud of all our students who have taken part in the WorldSkills series and have pushed themselves to excel. Their determination, drive and dedication to excel is truly commendable."
Five SRC students competed at the European event in total. Recent Engineering BEng graduates John Doherty and Jason McVerry competed in mechatronics, while electrical installation apprentice Jonathan Gough represented Team UK in the electrical installation category.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: "We are incredibly proud of the whole of Team UK, who have shown commitment, determination and resilience over three days of intense competition. EuroSkills is a key part of our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
"We selected a young, driven team that show huge potential to develop into world-class skilled professionals, to compete against more experienced competitors from across Europe. This has allowed the team to accelerate their development through the unique opportunity of competition at the highest level, in preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. We are firmly on track to showcase the very best of UK skills on the global stage next year."
Team UK will continue training with the WorldSkills UK squad ahead of potential selection for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The event, known as the 'Skills Olympics', takes place from 22 to 27 September 2026 and attracts government representatives, educationalists and employers from around the world.
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Part-time tourism lecturer Kieran Swail has been named as a finalist in the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards for Professionalism. Kieran is one of four finalists in the running to be named as ‘Lecturer of the Year’ at this year’s awards ceremony to be held on Friday 26th September at the Culloden Estate & Spa.
For more than 20 years, Kieran has moved between lecturing and industry, but this year marks the very first time his work has been recognised with a nomination for this prestigious award. His career has been anything but ordinary: from selling corporate, educational, and winter sports tours as a travel consultant, to managing pubs in the hospitality sector, and now driving innovation in travel as an Innovation and Technology Specialist at Southern Regional College. Yet, no matter where his path has taken him, one thing has remained constant, his love of travel. That passion not only fuels his own adventures to new countries but also inspires his students to see the world as full of opportunities.
As part of the shortlisting process, Kieran was interviewed about his teaching style and the ways he connects with students. While he makes strong use of audio and visual learning techniques, he believes teaching goes far beyond simply delivering the curriculum. For Kieran, lecturing is a multi-faceted role, one that’s as much about inspiring, guiding, and supporting students as it is about covering the course content.
"As a lecturer, you walk into every room knowing your students bring their own lives, challenges, and distractions with them. It’s not about standing at the front and projecting loudly; it’s about finding the right way to connect. That means adapting your approach, drawing on coaching and mentoring as much as teaching.”
“The same skills I use working with businesses apply to guiding 17-year-olds, because learning doesn’t click for everyone in the same way. It’s about meeting people where they are and helping them move forward. That's part of why I enjoy teaching in further education so much."
Given his love for travelling, Kieran has beaten a well-travelled path throughout Europe and Canada. Whilst Kieran is keen to revisit these areas, countries that remain on his bucket list include Colombia, New Zealand and Egypt together with expanding student’s horizons.
Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College commented: “We are delighted to see Kieran shortlisted for ‘Lecturer of the Year’ at this year’s Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism. Kieran is well known for his enthusiasm and passion for the Hospitality and Tourism industry, and he is always keen to share this with students and colleagues. Kieran has a wealth of knowledge and is a very dedicated staff member at SRC, and a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. The Hospitality and Tourism team at SRC wish Kieran the very best of luck at this year’s final.”
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This summer, Southern Regional College lecturer William McConnell returned to Uganda for the fifth time, marking twenty-five years since his first visit. A lecturer in carpentry and joinery, William brought not only his professional skills, but also his deep commitment to pastoral care and encouragement. Qualities which have made a lasting impact on all his students across the globe.
Travelling as part of a Boys’ Brigade volunteer team from the Newry, Mourne and Down area, William revisited the village of Kawondwe in Uganda’s Nakasongola district. Since his first trip in 2000, when he helped to roof classrooms and build desks for children who had previously gathered under a tree for lessons, he has witnessed remarkable transformation in the village. What began with the construction of two classrooms blocks for 97 children has grown into a thriving community with a medical centre, a secondary school, and the New Beginnings Orphanage.
On his most recent visit, William’s work included crafting storage cabinets for the orphanage and school, but his influence stretches far beyond the carpentry workshop. For William, returning to Uganda is about investing in people and showing them that they matter. He explained:
“We’re not going out to change the whole world, but we can make a difference in one small part of it. Building the primary school was a turning point. It showed local people the value of hard work, and it taught children the importance of education. But more than that, going back each time shows them they are not forgotten. It’s about encouragement as much as it is about buildings.”
William is inspired by the individual stories of lives changed through education. He mentions Erza, now a young man who he met on his most recent trip. Ezra attended the then newly constructed primary school and went onto complete secondary school at the Bethel Royal High School. Erza is now in his final year of law school in Kampala. For William, these personal journeys are a reminder that hope and opportunity can spread from even the smallest acts of service.
“Sometimes we may go out thinking that we’ll be a blessing to the people there, but often they bless us more.”
For over 30 years, William has poured his energy into guiding young people, whether through football coaching, his leadership in the Boys’ Brigade, or in the classroom at Southern Regional College, where he has taught for two decades. His approach is shaped by his belief in doing things well and encouraging others to reach their potential.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with people, helping them to grow in confidence and skill. For me, quality matters. It’s not about rushing but about doing the job right, and that’s the mindset I try to instil in my students.”
William began his career as a carpentry apprentice in 1979 and today coordinates the Level 3 Carpentry Apprenticeship programme at Southern Regional College, training the next generation of skilled carpenters and joiners. His experience, paired with his pastoral care, has made him a respected figure within the College and beyond.
Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College commented: “William is an invaluable member of staff. His pastoral care is second to none; he goes above and beyond to ensure students fulfil their potential. His work in Uganda reflects the very best of who he is: generous, compassionate, and driven to make the world a better place. I think we could all take a leaf out of his book. His impact on the college has always been positive, from co-ordinating the level 3 carpentry provision as well as being the CSR coordinator for the College. He has left a real mark, not only on the College and the countless qualified joiners and carpenters he has helped shape, but within the community projects he has been involved in”.
The mission statement of the Boys’ Brigade volunteer team from the Newry, Mourne and Down area is; “By the grace of God to help Ugandans achieve self-sustainability, through the teaching and improvement of skills, promoting hard work and endeavour.”
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Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School are celebrating the outstanding achievements of their students in their recent GCSE examinations with pupils hard work, dedication, and resilience paying off with exceptional results across the board.
The results reflect not only the talent and determination of the students but also the unwavering support of their teachers, parents, and the entire school community. Staff have gone above and beyond to provide superb educational opportunities and ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed for their future pathways. Parents, too, have played a crucial role, offering encouragement and creating supportive home environments that foster learning and growth.
Principal Mrs Gina Savage said "While we acknowledge every pupil’s journey is different and should be celebrated, several students achieved outstanding results across their GCSE subjects, with 11 students achieving 11 A*/A grades and 27 students in total achieving a minimum of 9 A*/A grades – a phenomenal achievement! Eoin and Odhran’s achievement of 10 A*/1A grades demonstrates exceptional diligence and is to be commended.
"The accomplishments of these students extend beyond the classroom, demonstrating exceptional time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavours."
Mrs Savage concluded "The Abbey community is immensely proud of all our young men. Their success is a testament to what can be achieved when perseverance and community support come together.
"Congratulations to all the students, their families, and their teachers. Your hard work and perseverance have truly shone through, and we look forward to celebrating your continued successes in the years to come."
Pupils who achieved 11 A*/A: Gorman Eoin, Reel Odhran, Devlin Leo, Shiels Ronan, Fitzpatrick-Harkin Conall, Lenkutis Denis, McEntee Keelan, Rooney Eoghan, McSherry Ciaran, Gallagher Conall and Rooney Owen.
Pupils who achieved 9 or more A*/A: Gorman Eoin ,Reel Odhran ,Devlin Leo ,Shiels Ronan ,Fitzpatrick-Harkin Conall, Lenkutis Denis, McEntee Keelan, Rooney Eoghan, McSherry Ciaran, Gallagher Conall, Rooney Owen, Rice Patrick, Voo Ethan, Donnelly Matthew, Ahsan Rayan, Sheridan Justin, Corkery Joseph, De Rose Thomas, Larkin Oliver, McGleenon Tom, Haughey Finn, Quinn Reilly, Mulligan Frank, Nicholl Callum, O'Mahony Jack, Gallagher Ciaran and McCorry Joseph
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On Friday 29th August, 213 graduands from Southern Regional College proudly graduated from degree and higher national diploma programmes in the vicinity of witnessing friends and family at the Armagh City Hotel.
During the ceremony, a total of nine special awards were presented to this year’s crop of graduands. This included the ‘Outstanding Classmate’ award, voted for by students and eight ‘Student of the Year’ awards, sponsored by local businesses for each of the College’s four faculties.
This year’s ‘Outstanding Classmate’ was Majella Sheppard from Katesbridge who studied the Integrative Counselling level 5 foundation degree at the College’s Newry campus. Majella was highly thought off by her peers who commended her for her dedication to the class, acting as class representative, organising social events for her class and fostering a strong sense of community. Majella was described as ‘one in a million’ by her peers.
Student Awards
Faculty of Building, Technology & Engineering
Full-time student of the Year – Jason McVerry from Belleeks, Newry (Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree), sponsored by Thompson Aero Seating.
Part-time student of the Year – James Henry from Craigavon, (Engineering (Mechatronics) Foundation Degree), sponsored by Hyster-Yale.
Faculty of Computing, Design & Academic Studies
Full-time student of the Year – Lee Ferguson from Moygashel (Game Development Higher National Diploma) sponsored by The Helix Way.
Part-time student of the Year – Emma McVerry from Crossmaglen (Graphic Design Higher National Diploma), sponsored by Sacia Pack.
Faculty of Health & Science
Full-time student of the Year – Katie Graham from Portadown (Early Childhood Studies Foundation Degree), sponsored by Kilmorey Care.
Part-time student of the Year – Victoria Kelly from Portadown (English and History BA (Hons) Degree), sponsored by Newry BID.
Faculty of Professional Services
Full-time student of the Year – Shana Murphy from Caledon (Sport & Exercise Foundation Degree), sponsored by Ellisons Hair & Beauty.
Part-time student of the Year – Declan Heaney from Lurgan (Business Studies BSc (Hons) Degree), sponsored by Stephen’s Catering.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College offered her congratulations to students receiving their degrees:
“It is a pleasure to celebrate with you on this momentous occasion. This day is a result of years of dedication, perseverance and hard work. While this graduation is a moment of immense pride for yourselves, take time to thank those who supported you, friends, family and your lecturers who have stood by your side throughout this journey. The qualifications you receive today are a testament to your ambition and passion, as you stand posed to making a difference. Go forward, make your mark and shape the future for all of us. Congratulations to you all”.
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