The Leaving Certificate Applied National Awards (LCANA) “Feargal Quinn Awards” are presented each year to those students who obtain the top results in the Leaving Certificate Applied Examination of that year, as notified by the State Examinations Commission.
The awards are financed by sponsorship from Fergal Quinn, and the awards are named after Senator Fergal Quinn, who was the first Chairman of the steering committee for the then new Leaving Certificate Applied in 1995. It was he who oversaw the rolling out of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme, the embedding of it in the Irish Education system, and he oversaw its continuing development in the following years. He was a firm believer in the power of this programme.
The final credit total is based on their performance in the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) Examination over 5th year and 6th year, due to the continuous assessment nature of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. It takes hard work and continuous commitment to achieve full marks across all key assignments, Task Interviews and the written examinations.
St Joseph’s Secondary School are very proud to have an amazing four award winners. Huge Congratulations to these students who have all obtained the best Leaving Certificate Applied results in Ireland in 2023. This is the first time that this Award was achieved by a student in St. Josephs and it is a huge achievement on a national stage.
The Principal Mr Nealon joined the students Mia Murphy Hill, TJ Knowlden,Chloe Hanratty Russell, Jake White and their families at the awards ceremony in The Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, on Saturday 27th January 2024.Awards were presented to Chloe, Mia, TJ and Jake.
Jake White
Jake is currently undertaking an Apprenticeship in Telecommunications and Data Networking. Jake is a keen supporter of Shelbourne football and a regular attender at Tolka Park. Described by all his teachers as ‘A wonderful young man’, who throughout his time in secondary school, involved himself in all aspects of school life. A real down to earth character with a fantastic sense of humour and wonderful personality.
Jake showed great maturity and effort throughout the LCA programme and was a huge addition to the LCA Class. He was a pleasure to have in our school and is totally deserving of this award and all his teachers are very proud of him.
Chloe Hanratty Russell
Chloe currently works with Whites Agri in Rush. Chloe is an avid horse show jumper, and competes nationally; winning many awards. In her final year at St Joseph's, she was Ambassador for the ‘She Cycles’ National Campaign. She was a brilliant addition to the School’s LCA Programme, involving herself in all aspects of the course, culminating in outstanding overall grades.
Chloe is hardworking, kind, honest and a wonderful example to other young people. She is a fantastic young woman and all at St Joseph’s are so proud of her for winning this award.
Mia Murphy Hill
Mia, at present, is a most valued employee of Elvery Sports, Swords, Dublin Branch. She has worked her way up to becoming a keyholder in the company. In her final year at St Joseph's she was Ambassador for the ‘She Cycles’ National Campaign.
Described by her teachers as a ‘real leader and a highly motivated young woman’, Mia displayed these wonderful leadership qualities throughout her time in school and during the LCA programme. Throughout School, Mia was always proactive, encouraging of others and brilliant at getting things done, and done to an excellent standard. She was very popular among both staff and students alike. Mia is somebody totally deserving of this award and everybody in St Joseph’s is incredibly proud of her.
Thomas John ( TJ) Knowlden
TJ is currently studying Business and IT at Plunkett College. He is also a Manager of the Boyle Sports Shop, in Rush. An avid football fan, TJ is a big supporter of Arsenal football club. Described by his teachers as a ‘total gentleman’, TJ is a mature, well rounded young man, who is hard working, honest, respectful and very bright.
During his time in School, TJ involved himself in all aspects of school life. He was, very trusted, and looked up to figure among his fellow LCA peers. He always led the way on tasks, key assignments and events. He is very deserving of this recognition and accolade, and our School is very proud of him.
We at St.Joseph's are extremely proud of these students' achievements and we wish them continued success in the future. Mr Nealon said ‘A huge Congratulations to four of last year’s LCA class Jake , TJ ,Chloe and Mia who received their Fergal Quinn Awards for outstanding results at the weekend. Well done to their families, teachers and Ms Cuttliffe, the Leaving Certificate Applied coordinator for all the support given to these students over the two years.'
