Deputy Head Prefect Redmond French writes about his Violet Hill journey
Hi!
My name is Redmond French and I am one of the current deputy head boys in St. Colmans. I thoroughly enjoyed my 7 years in Tannaghmore Primary School in Lurgan and coming into year 8 in St. Colman's, I was in a privileged position as four of my best friends from primary school were coming with me.
Having a familiar face on the corridor certainly made those first few days a little bit easier, but I am aware many year 8's may come to St. Colmans with none of their primary school friends. My advice to them and their parents is not to worry, the school are great at settling everyone in on their first few days through events like the Induction Day and The Multi Sports Blitz and in no time everyone has a large network of friends.
The reason I came to St. Colman's was the rich tradition of Gaelic Football that surrounds the school. As a young aspiring sportsperson I dreamed of adding to the success the school has had through the years and being able to be part of the 20th Macrory win is something I am extremely proud of. One of my best memories of J1 is a picture taken with Adam Crimmins and our fathers on the Induction Day in the canteen. It is a photo I often look back on to remember the first few days of my time in Violet Hill. It makes it more special looking back at that photo, now that we have experienced success together as team mates and remained close friends through our time at St. Colman's.
My best memories overall in the college come from the days I spent in Kilbroney and Castlewellan with the footballers over the Winter period. Although those days may not have been enjoyable at the time, they are fond memories because of the great people I was with and the immense feeling afterwards. Not only have I been involved in sports in the school, I also took part in guitar tuition through the school and was able to achieve my grade 5.
There is definitely something for everyone in St. Colman's and I encourage all new year 8's to try and get involved in any way they can. I would thoroughly recommend St. Colman's to any prospective pupil currently in P7. The excellent facilities in the arts, sports and education sets St. Colmans apart, but more important than that is the friendships and comradery between pupils here. I know that in my time in St. Colman's I have made friends for life and enjoyed every minute of my journey, no doubt you will too.
Redmond (Pictured second from the far right hand side)