Caring for the environment at St Patrick’s Grammar School

St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Downpatrick’s Year 10 student, Eamon Murray proudly shared with Principal Joe McCann his joy at having won the trophy for a recent Youth Speak Competition run by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

This year’s topic was ‘how living sustainably can help with the cost of living crisis’ and Eamon was selected to represent the school competing against Blackwater Integrated College and St. Louis Grammar, Kilkeel in the final.

Eamon was praised by the judges for his extensive knowledge of environmental issues, and the clear passion that he has for being pro-active in how everyone can help to improve the situation.

 Eco Council

This is St. Patrick’s second year of having an active Eco Council with over 50 members, and this year the Eco Council have been busy building a ‘Share Prepare Grow Succeed’ Pollinator Garden, re-wilding a section of the school to become a meadow, and have plans with Shared Ed. partners, Down High School, to organise a ‘Slow Down Fast Fashion’ fashion show in June, with a swap-shop idea to help students who are looking for formal gowns and suits.

Leigh Morgan (Year 12) has been rewarded for his excellence in Hurling by Queen’s University. He has been selected at one of Queen’s Future All Stars, negotiating a number of trial matches and being selected in the top 15.

Leigh, from Portaferry GAC, is a committed, skilful and elegant hurler. His leadership skills are clear for all to see in his displays on the pitch, making big players and key moment and driving his own and team performance. Leigh was a member of the schools historic Mageean Cup panel, claiming the school’s first ever success in the competition in 2021.

As a defender Leigh is as comfortable in corner back as he is at centre half back. His adaptability to the different requirements is testament to his strong mindset as well as his abundance of skill and knowledge of the game of Hurling. Since Leigh became part of the Red High family in Year 8, he has and continues to complement his hurling skills with his academic work, and heading towards his GCSEs these transferable skills will benefit him.

Congratulations to Leigh on the superb achievement.