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250th Anniversary of the Founding of the Presentation Sisters
Tribute from the Presentation Sisters in Lucan
On Christmas Eve, 1775 the Presentation Sisters were founded by Nano Nagle and three companions in a small mud cabin in Cork city. This year is the 250th Anniversary of that event which will be celebrated throughout 2026.
In 1867 the Sisters arrived in Lucan to serve the people as educators in both Primary and Secondary schools. This community of teaching sisters said good bye to Lucan in 1994. The legacy and spirit of Nano Nagle lives on in the schools through the dedication and leadership of wonderful school staffs.
Today the convent has a new name, 'Mission House', and a new community of Presentation Sisters whose work is to support and care for the Presentation Missionaries who come to Ireland for rest and renewal from all five continents.
As we approach the 250th Anniversary, we thank the people of Lucan and its surrounds for your support and companionship down through the years. We will remember you especially in our prayers on Christmas Eve.
Presentation Website: www.pbvm.org
Congratulations & Gratitude to the Presentation Sisters from the Lucan Parish Community
The Presentation Sisters were founded 250 years ago by Nano Nagle in Cork. Nano Nagle founded seven schools in Cork in her lifetime despite the fact that Catholic education was suppressed and warranted imprisonment for any providers. Nano was innovative and very brave in her endeavours. She didn't throw it in the face of the authorities but instead found ways of gathering schools of boys and girls quietly.
Nano Nagle was born to a wealthy family and could have lived a very different and comfortable life. She was urged into her educational mission by her experience of God's call through the poverty of families and children of the time for whom she knew education could be transforming.
Today, there are over 2,000 Presentation Sisters worldwide, carrying on the Mission of Nano. Her recognition as one of the greatest women of Ireland derives from dedication to the poor and oppressed. Her mission between the cutting edge of the gospel and the miseries of her day inspires the Presentation Sisters to minister in joyful service, responding to current needs throughout the world in faithfulness to the gospel.
The Universal Church recognized Nano on October 31, 2013, as a woman of faith, hope and heroic virtue by declaring her Venerable. Once evidence of an authentic miracle is attributed to Nano's intercession with God, she acquires the title Blessed. Another miracle initiates canonization and public recognition of Nano as a Saint. (www.presentationsisters.org/who-we-are/nano-nagle/)
The Presentation Sisters arrived in Lucan in 1867 for the expressed purpose of providing education for the girls of Lucan and surrounding areas. They were welcomed with a joyful and a loudly applauding crowd as they entered the community in horse drawn vehicles. As in many other parts of the country, this provision of education was made available by the Presentation Sisters (along with other religious orders) long before the state was to follow suit. We have two Presentation schools in our community of which we are very proud: Scoil Mhuire Girls National School and St Joseph's Girls Secondary School. While there are no Presentation Sisters working in the school the gifts (charism) of the foundation is protected and supported by CEIST, the Trust in which the schools are now vested. The values of Faith, Justice, Education, Hospitality and Compassion are core to the vision of every Presentation school.
Nano Nagle was often called the Lady of the Lantern as she carried gentle light to guide her steps through the alleyways encouraging families to engage in education and avail of charitable services when needed. She shone a light of hope and of courage in a time when it could cost dearly to step out of line.
We offer a heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the Presentation Sisters as we all celebrate the 250 years since the foundation of the congregation in 1775. Each member gave/gives of themselves generously so that they are both free to serve God in prayer and in service to those who need their services. While the number of sisters active in service in Ireland is relatively small now, the numbers are growing rapidly in other parts of the world in response to both vocation and needs. We are fortunate that Presentation Sisters continue to live among us here in Lucan where we enjoy their companionship and their contribution to parish life. As the sisters remember us in prayer, we will remember them in prayer also.
The legacy of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters continues to be relevant today. We need to continue to hold up shining the lantern of hope into the dark corners of today's world. May we be inspired by the courage of Nano Nagle to stand up for what is truly needed in order to always seek to preserve the dignity of every person in our community, particularly those on the margins.
Colaiste Phadraig
Young Scientist 2026: As the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2026 approaches, excitement is building throughout the school. Taking place in the RDS from 7-10 January, the exhibition is one of Ireland's most prestigious student STEM events, attracting innovative young thinkers from all over the country. This year, our school is proudly represented by a talented group of 17 students who have spent months researching, testing, experimenting and refining their projects. Their dedication, curiosity and scientific creativity have been evident throughout the process, and we wish them the very best of luck on the national stage.
Fundraising: Over the past term, our school community has once again demonstrated its generosity, compassion, and commitment to helping others. Through the simple but meaningful act of donating bottles and cans for recycling, our school has raised an impressive 300 euro, all of which has been donated to Crumlin Children's Hospital.
This contribution is being directed specifically toward the parents' accommodation unit, a vital facility that provides parents with a place to stay close to their child during hospital treatment. These units help keep families together at a time when comfort, reassurance, and emotional connection matter most.
At the heart of this initiative is Ms. Casey, whose efforts, dedication, and leadership have made this project possible. From promoting the initiative, to managing the collection bin, to overseeing the final donation, Ms. Casey has led this project with passion and purpose.
Colaiste Phadraig was bursting with festive colour and cheer on Thursday, 11th December, as students and staff took part in A Wear a Christmas Jumper for Jigsaw Day. The event raised 418.20 euro, all of which will be donated directly to Jigsaw, a vital mental health charity that provides free therapy and support services to young people aged 12-25 who are struggling with their mental health.
Winter Fair: The canteen was transformed into a festive marketplace on Thursday, 11th December, as the annual Christmas Fair burst to life in a vibrant display of creativity, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit. Organised and run by the Transition Year students, the event proved to be an enormous success, with every last item selling out by the end of the day.
Food lovers were spoiled for choice. Among the many stalls, the scent of freshly baked cinnamon cookies drifted through the air, drawing people toward tables laden with cupcakes, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and snowman-themed cakes. Candy canes were a popular pick, as were the mini-lanterns made by students and the ever-enticing freshly spun candy floss. More adventurous visitors sampled delicious Indian sweets such as gulab jamun and jalebi, which sold out almost as quickly as they were set on the table.
Among the most popular attractions of the day was the Ho-Ho Homies stall, which drew one of the longest queues in the canteen. Students and teachers flocked to buy their beautifully wrapped Christmas crackers, indulgent tray bakes, and perfectly baked cookies.
Visitors with a sweet tooth were spoiled even further at other stalls selling chud cookies, marshmallow bites, biscoff brownies, blondies, Oreo cookies, and rice krispie cakes, along with festive Christmas baubles. The hot chocolate stand-complete with whipped cream and marshmallows-was the perfect winter warmer, especially for those taking a break from games and browsing.
A Christmas-themed target-throwing game, similar to darts, offered gold, silver, and bronze prizes to those with the most accurate aim. A huge well done to all three TY classes for delivering an event that truly captured the festive spirit and brought the whole school community together!
Soccer: Our 1st yr soccer team were beaten 3-2 by Skerries CC on Thursday in the 2nd rnd of the Leinster Cup. Lucan took the lead after 10 mins when the lively Luke Whelan pounded on a loose ball in the penalty box to tap home at the unguarded near post.
They deservedly led 1-0 at half time, having created numerous opportunities in a dominant 1st half display, but a poor 10min spell in the 2nd half ultimately cost them the game as their opponents scored three goals to take control of the match. A late strike by Brody Williams from the edge of the box was too little, too late as Lucan exited the competition in disappointing fashion.
Christmas Wishes: The staff and management of Colaiste Phadraig would like to wish the readers of The Lucan Newsletter a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hopefully 2026 brings joy and happiness to all.
Guimid Nollaig Shona agus bliain ur, lan le dochas agus feidearachtai, oraibh go leir.
Lucan Community College
Badminton Blitz: Our senior squad of badminton players had a fun and exciting competition on
Tuesday afternoon. Medal winners in each of their respective levels were Matthew/Ian, Bogdan/Andrew & James/John. The spirit of the blitz, as voted by the students were, Ben, Taylor & Michael. Many thanks to our badminton coaches, Ms Geraghty Ms Clarke, Mr Hughes & Ms Gallagher.
Nursing Home Appeal: A huge thank you to all students across our school community who were so generous donating gifts to our local nursing home in Peamount. There were numerous gifts given, and I am sure the residents will be very happy this Christmas time. A big thank you to Mr. Clancy who organised this appeal.
DDLETB Ethos Team: The Ethos Team recently represented Lucan Community College at the Interschools Meet-Up event, where they showcased the strong values at the heart of our school community. The students presented their School Box, which they thoughtfully designed and created to reflect how Lucan CC lives out its core values of Respect, Care, Equality, Community and Excellence in Education. Through a confident and engaging presentation, the team demonstrated outstanding leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Their hard work, creativity, and commitment clearly highlighted the positive ethos of our school and made a lasting impression on all in attendance. The students represented Lucan Community College with great pride and did the school extremely proud. Well done to all involved!
SVP Christmas Collection: A huge thank you to everyone in our school community who once again have been so generous in donating to St Vincent de Paul to help local families in need. We collected over 2000 euro. We had our annual Christmas Carol concert in the gym on Wednesday night. A huge thank you to the Parents' Association for providing some mulled wine and mince pies beforehand. Thank you to Mr Murphy for coordinating the event and to our wonderful choir and music team for providing many Christmas tunes and a little spirit too.
St Joseph's College Lucan
Sixth years careers talks: A sincere thank you to Sophie from National College of Ireland who came into our sixth year students during the week to provide them with informative insights into their level 6 and level 8 degree pathways. Also, Dr. Louise Higgins came into the school on Monday to talk about careers in Psychology. She informed students of education, training and potential careers in the area and answered any questions our students had.
Local Schools athletics: A massive well done to our athletes who were competing in the local schools 4 x 500m relays. Our TY team won and second years came second.
Opening of extra autism classes: Last Wednesday we had the massive pleasure of opening two new autism classes in our school. These rooms are dedicated to the specific learning needs of students in our school with specific needs that will help them flourish and reach their potential. The spaces will be a learning environment and home for 11 wonderful students with inclusion and growth and the forefront. Thank you to Adam Harris, Emer Higgins TD for attending the ceremony in the school
Fifth year politics trip to Brussels: Fifth year politic students were invited to visit Brussels and the European parliament by Regina Doherty MEP. Our students were taking place in a simulation debate with other Irish schools and other European third level students on the topic of AI. This mock debate was a fantastic opportunity to see how ideas are challenged, negotiated and shaped directly in practice. A massive thank you to Regina Doherty MEP for the invite.
Visitors in the school: This week we welcomed Shane Moynihan TD and Barry Andrews MEP by Zoom to talk with students. Shane Moynihan came into our senior Politics classes for a Q&A. They covered a wide range of topics on the economy, foreign policy, transport, migration, misogyny and studying Politics in university. The students really enjoyed it and several are considering a career in Politics. Our TY European Ambassadors attended a webinar from Barry Andrews MEP all about the key issues in European Politics. They will now use this information to spread awareness across the school year.
Basketball: Huge congratulations to our U16 basketball team who are now regional winners, after defeating Manor House in the final on Thursday last. It was a very tight match, with St. Joseph's only going ahead at the very end of the 3rd quarter. The team will now go on to play in the National playoffs in January. Thank you to Manor House for a great game and to all our supporters. Special shout out to Saoirse O' Dowd, MVP on the day.
Visit to the Mexican Embassy: Our 6th-year Spanish students attended a visit and talk today at the Embassy of Mexico in Ireland, where they were received by the Charge d'affaires, Mr. Tomas Olvera Lopez. Our students learned important facts about Mexican culture and about the 50-year partnership between Mexico and Ireland. They also successfully answered several questions in Spanish, received meaningful gifts, and had the honour of placing the Baby Jesus in the Embassy's nativity scene.
Senior Debating: Our Concern senior debaters were in action on Friday. They were opposing the motion 'Global commitments to ending world hunger are a load of hot air'. We are eagerly awaiting results after another fantastic performance.
Carol Service: The annual Christmas service took place on Wednesday afternoon at 12 noon. It was a fantastic celebration for the whole school community where we all took time give thanks and reflect. A special mention to our school choir who were fantastic on the day.
Junior camogie final: St Joseph's Lucan captured the Junior Championship Title after a gripping contest and an epic 'game of two halves' against an excellent Castleknock Community College side.
Final score to clinch the Championship Title was 4-11 to 2-12.
Gold Gaisce Award for St. Joseph's Student: Congratulations to Nazia Rafiq, who was presented with the Gold Gaisce Award by President Catherine Connolly at the Irish Museum for Modern Art, Kilmainham Hospital on Monday, 15th December. Nazia completed all the challenge areas of the Gold Gaisce Award over four years completing 52 weeks of each of the Physical Recreation, Community Involvement and Personal Skill, undertaking over 80 km of an Adventure Journey over 4 days and completing a residential project - all the while completing a degree in Medicine and during Covid times. It was a very proud day to see Nazia receive her Gold Award and it will certainly inspire many more to undertake and complete the Gold Gaisce Journey now.
Happy Christmas: We would like to wish all our staff, students and the wider school community of St. Joseph's a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Follow Us on Twitter: @StJosephsLucan
Follow Us on Instagram: @stjosephscollegelucan
Find us on our Website: www.stjosephslucan.com
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