LC Graduation Celebration 2026 Marks A Milestone

20 May

Milestone, this word is fitting in so many ways for the LC class of 2026 who celebrated their graduation yesterday evening as their retiring LC Year Head Mr. Ciarán Ó Cuanacháin told them. It was a beautiful, emotional celebration and heartwarming to see so many students participate.

We were delighted to welcome Fr Teddy O'Sullivan as celebrant for our heartwarming Graduation Mass. The ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity for our school community to gather in prayer and reflection as we marked this important milestone in the lives of our graduating students. Guided by the themes of family, resilience and transition, the liturgy was both uplifting and reflective. Our students participated with great enthusiasm and dignity throughout the celebration. Harry Lucey O'Mahony warmly welcomed the congregation with confidence and poise, skilfully linking the various elements of the ceremony which includes poetry, symbols and music. The readings and prayers of the faithful were delivered by Sam Hearty, Leo Murray, Senan O Súilleabháin, Adam Ulatowski, Simon Baynosa, Eoin Kilgour, Titho Chinamale, Shane Horgan, Daniel Hughes, Lloyd Wren, Oscar Doherty, Jakov Simek, and Luke O'Callaghan. Jacob Crowley and Andrew Quinn presented the gifts of bread and wine, while the symbols of the celebration were carried by Seán McGrath, David Udeh, Colin O'Donovan Murphy, William Banks, Raymond Foley Kiss, Dominic Hijuelos, and Michael Kelly.

The musical accompaniment for the evening was provided by Robbie O'Sullivan, whose instrumental performance added greatly to the atmosphere of the occasion. The choir, under the direction of Ms Millard, enhanced the celebration beautifully through their uplifting and reflective music.

Following the mass Mr Ó Cuanacháin paid tribute to his year group and reminded them they would always be part of the DCS family and always so welcome here in DCS. He had many words of advice and meaningful recollection for them, warmly referring to his late mother who always loved most the one who was most down in spirit at that particular time. This served to remind us that there is always support out there when life gets tough. Conor O’Brien and Ryan Mullin presented Ciarán with a Cork City jersey signed by the Leaving Certs which will be treasured.

Deputy Principal, Mr. Chris Hickey summed it up when he said “If I had a son in DCS, I would want Mr Ó Cuanacháin as his year head”. Coons, as he was better know, had high standards for his students as he wanted them to be better, well rounded people.

Principal Mr Pat Barry then paid tribute to Mr Ted O’Sullivan and Mr John O’Connell who are also retiring this year. TOS is a passionate and deeply knowledgeable teacher of business, LCVP and Economics who brought energy and enthusiasm into every classroom. John, our most senior SNA will be missed for his rapport with students and being the coolest dude on the planet.

We extend our sincere thanks to all students, staff and families who contributed to making the Graduation Mass such a memorable and meaningful occasion for the Class of 2026.

To the LC class of 26, you are held in the highest esteem by all of us here in DCS. You are gentlemen, who brought positivity, decency and good spirit to our school every day.