On Friday next, 2nd December 2022, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Rev. Dr Paul Colton is to be presented with the Hall of Fame Award by his former secondary school, Ashton School in Cork.
The Ashton School Hall of Fame Award is awarded to past pupils of the School in recognition of outstanding achievement. Each year the Board of Management invites nominations for the award from members of the school community. Where the Board judges the achievement of one or more nominees to be outstanding, the Board makes the award.
The Ashton School Hall of Fame Award was awarded for the first time in November 2010 to five past pupils who had played Hockey for Ireland and represented their country more than 100 times (Dave Hobbs, Mark Black, Jason Black, Karl Burns and John Jermyn). On that first occasion it was awarded in the area of Sport. Over the last number of years it has been awarded for outstanding achievement in the areas of plasma physics (Brian Appelbe), maths/physics (Hugh McNamara), orthopaedic surgery (Ruth Delaney), stem cell research (Stephen Sullivan), corporate finance (Mark Hutchinson), film-making (Peter Foott), artistic performance (Camille O’Sullivan), humanitarian aid work (Mary Elmes) and percussion music (Alex Petcu).
Bishop Paul is to receive the award for several achievements in various areas, mentioned by those in the school community who proposed his name, including:
many academic achievements and outstanding example as a scholar
work in the Church of Ireland Ministry
service to Ashton School as Chairperson of the Board during which he secured the patronage of the school for the future
service to the Diocese as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross since 1999
care and support for people of Cork and service to the community
his community involvement with particular mention of COVID and Ukrainian crisis
Holy Trinity Church packed for the fundraising concert.
The Rev. Isobel Jackson, Rector of Templebreedy Group of Parishes, writes:
What a fantastic weekend with Paddy Casey and Crosshaven Community Choir! We had two wonderful nights of music and song in Holy Trinity Church on the 18th and 19thof November. The Concerts were organised by Dr Eva McMullan, Director of the Crosshaven Community Choir. This choir was formed in 2017 and in conjunction with Holy Trinity, they have invited Irish artists to sing for local fundraisers. Our last concert just before Covid was with Brian Kennedy for the Alzheimer’s Society.
After a forced break we were delighted to welcome Paddy Casey and his daughter Saoirse Casey to entertain us at two sold out concerts for Penny Dinners. Our MC’s were Paul Linehan of the ‘Frank and Walters’ on Friday night and Caitriona Twomey of Penny Dinners on Saturday night. It was brilliant to have the community together again and we are already looking forward to the next concert.
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Hilary Dring, Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union, writes:
A provocative exhibition which is touring Ireland is coming to St. Mary’s Church, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. It will take place during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence which takes place each year from 25th November to 10th December.
Initially shown in Edinburgh in 2017, ‘Souls of our Shoes – A Journey into and out of Domestic Abuse’ is an exhibition which walks viewers through the reality of domestic abuse. This incredibly powerful and compelling exhibition is an initiative of Mothers’ Union Ireland; its main purpose is to raise awareness of domestic violence.
The first All-Ireland Souls of Our Shoes Exhibition was mounted in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin for the duration of the World Meeting of Families in 2018. It was a moving and meaningful experience, visited by thousands of visitors and pilgrims, many of whom echoed that domestic abuse was endemic in their own country. Some took photos, asked questions, and were excited to be taking this idea back to their own country.
Souls of Our Shoes is an exhibition of physical shoes accompanied by comments from those who have walked away from abuse, and from those who journey with them. Individuals and groups are welcome to drop in during this time to view the exhibition and stand in solidarity with all who experience domestic abuse.
The Rector of Carrigaline Union of Parishes, Revd Canon Elaine Murray commented:
As the Rector of Carrigaline Union, I am delighted to welcome this exhibition to St Mary’s Church. As Christian Communities, we are called to provide assistance to, seek safety and health for, and serve as an advocate for the victims of domestic abuse. If we ignore such abuse and politely act as if it does not exist, we perpetuate violence and leave the “least of these” as vulnerable victims of violence and abuse. Thank you to the Mothers’ Union for organising such a powerful witness.’
The exhibition is open at St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Church Road, Carrigaline, P43 F625 from every day from 12noon – 2pm from Friday 25th November to Thursday 1st December.
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Kilmocomogue Union of Parishes is running an online fundraising Christmas raffle this year based on the 12 Days of Christmas.
Canon Paul Willoughby, Rector of Kilmocomogue Union, writes:
There will be twelve prizes, where each prize will increase by one item on the last, leading up to twelfth prize. The first prize will be a bottle of whiskey, the second prize will be a bottle of whiskey and a bottle of wine … The twelfth prize will be a fabulous Christmas hamper with twelve luxury items. All in all a delightful Christmas treat for a lucky winner!
Because of the pandemic we have been unable to hold our annual Garden Fete for the past three years. As part of our parish fundraising efforts this year I am very grateful to Lorna O’Donovan who has come up with this imaginative idea for a Christmas raffle.
After buying tickets online a digital copy of the tickets will be emailed to the buyer. The prize draw will take place on Sunday, 18th December 2022.
After 41 years of vocational service to the Irish education system as a Teacher, Principal, and Deputy Principal, Susan Colton retired from her position as Teacher and Deputy Principal of Saint Luke’s NS, Douglas on Friday 28th October 2022, just before the October mid-term break.
To celebrate Susan’s 23 years-long career at Saint Luke’s NS as a teacher for Rang 3, Junior Infants and Support Teaching, a special service was held on Thursday, 27th October at Saint Luke’s Church in Douglas, followed by a lunch gathering in the school afterwards. Current and former students, teachers, Board of Management members, and staff of Saint Luke’s NS all were present to celebrate with Susan and her family and friends.
A full church for Susan Colton’s Retirement Service
Every single class made a small presentation to Susan, where they recited poems, sang songs, and recollected some of their favourite memories of their teacher, most notably from their time in Junior Infants.
Olwen Anderson, Principal of Saint Luke’s NS, said during the service:
There is a well known saying – ‘Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions’. You have without doubt taught future engineers, doctors, sportspeople, marketing gurus, architects, teachers and there must be the odd influencer in there too! […] Susan – we will miss your lovely relationship with our pupils, your thoughtful teaching, your witty sense of humour, your entertaining stories, your calm wisdom, your practical solutions to problems, and that very unique umbrella.
As one of our pupils said in their message to you – “Have fun. You’ve worked really hard. Hope you will always remember that you are part of St. Luke’s”
So, on behalf of everyone in St. Luke’s School, I want to wish you a very healthy and a very happy retirement.
Principal Olwen Anderson and a pupil of St Luke’s NS during the service.
Susan Colton also recollected some memories from her time at Saint Luke’s NS:
One of my duties as deputy Principal was to keep and update the School Records. This involved making sure the roll was taken correctly every day. I also had to keep an eye on all the pupils attendance – how many days pupils were present and how many days pupils were absent in the year.
I had to fill in these two Clar Leabhair, one for boys and one for girls. […] My name is also in a Clar Leabhair not as a teacher, but as a pupil, because I started St Luke’s School in Junior Infants just like you, in 1965 – 6th Class do your sums. I am very proud that my name is in a St Luke’s Clar Leabhair. […] I feel very privileged that since 1965 I have been connected to St Luke’s as a pupil, teacher, parent and deputy principal. […]
School Group Photo at St Luke’s NS with Susan Colton (second row, sitting on chairs, fourth from the right) and her husband Bishop Paul Colton (back row, standing, first from left next to Canon Packham).School Group Photo at St Luke’s NS with Susan and her sister Jane (second row, third from the left: Jane, fourth from the left: Susan).
I now have the opportunity to thank past and present Patrons, Managers, Chairpersons, clergy, Boards of Management, PTA, Principals, teachers, parents, staff, pupils and everybody associated with St Luke’s who have worked so hard over the years to make St Luke’s the progressive school it is today. […]
Winston Churchill once quoted Confucius and said “If you find a job you love, you will never work again”. I was fortunate enough to find a job that I loved. Thank you to all who made it possible to allow me to do the job that I love. I have had 23 very happy years teaching in St Luke’s and 18 years before that in other happy schools. I hope all of you pupils will find a job in the future that you love.
Susan Colton, her husband Bishop Paul and their two sons Adam and Andrew, all former pupils of St Luke’s NS, having lunch in the school after the celebratory service.
On Friday, 28th October, Susan’s very last day at school, the pupils and teachers of Saint Luke’s NS prepared a special assembly, where they presented Susan with more gifts and sang a song that they wrote for their teacher – “Super-duper, wonderful, fantastic Mrs Colton”.
Susan Colton dressed up for her last day of school.
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