St Patrick’s Grammar School Armagh celebrates a standout year as junior prize winners honoured

St Patrick’s Grammar School Armagh has celebrated the achievements of its junior pupils at a prizegiving ceremony recognising success in the classroom, on the sports field and on the stage.

The event brought together students, parents, guests and staff to honour a wide range of accomplishments across the school community. Awards covered academic excellence, sport, music, languages, history, attendance and personal improvement.

Academic achievement recognised across Key Stage 3

Principal Mr Declan Murray opened the ceremony by congratulating the students and reflecting on the dedication and perseverance shown by young people across St Patrick’s. He noted that many pupils had worked diligently over the past three years and deserved the recognition they received.

Heads of Year Mrs McCann, Mrs Little and Mr Hagan presented bronze, silver and gold lapel pins for academic excellence. The awards went to students who achieved the highest grades in the 2026 Summer Key Stage Three examinations.

Prizegiving Co-ordinator and Head of Key Stage Three, Mrs Denvir, highlighted the number of students who received their third academic star in three years.

The school also presented awards for Most Improved Student, EAL Student of the Year, 100% Attendance, and excellence in Languages and History. The Spirit of St Patrick’s awards were among the most prestigious honours. Nominated by staff, they recognise pupils who consistently demonstrate the school’s values of diligence, compassion and generosity.

Many students received recognition in more than one category, reflecting achievements across academic work, music, sport and wider school life.

Students of the Year and special honours

Charlie McSherry was named Year 10 Student of the Year after achieving the highest results in the Year 10 Summer Examinations in 2026. The school described him as a role model for younger students.

Joel McManus received the Year 9 Student of the Year award after achieving the highest results in the 2026 Summer Examinations. He was also praised for embodying the values of St Patrick’s.

Alex McGivern was named Year 8 Student of the Year after recording the highest results in the Summer 2026 Year 8 Examinations.

Other academic award winners included Declan Lappin, who received an academic achievement award for every year in Key Stage Three, and Steafan Daly, who collected awards for academic achievement, Irish Linguist of the Year and 100% Attendance.

Tommy Currie was recognised as Key Stage 3 Irish Linguist of the Year and also received an academic award. Chimdindu Agujiobi was named Key Stage 3 French Linguist of the Year and was also among the top academic achievers in the 2026 Year 8 Summer Examinations.

Sporting, musical and community values celebrated

Vice Principal Mr McAlary assisted with awards for sporting and musical excellence, underlining that achievement beyond the classroom was equally deserving of celebration.

Cahir Hughes received the Conor McKeever Perpetual Trophy for Year 8 Sportsman of the Year, along with awards for Sporting Excellence and academic achievement. Tomas Og McNicholl collected an academic achievement award and the Year 8 Gaelic Football Player of the Year award.

Jack McGahan was recognised for academic achievement and named Minor MVP Basketball Player of the Year. Ollie McCormack received a Spirit of St Patrick’s Award and a prize for Sporting Excellence, while Kyle McClelland received a Spirit of St Patrick’s Award for demonstrating diligence and compassion in school.

Gareth McMurdie collected the Key Stage 3 Most Improved Student award. In music, AJ Martin was named Junior Steel Band Musician of the Year.

The guest speaker was current Head Boy Harry Harvey, who spoke about his own experiences as a Key Stage Three student and offered advice to the junior prize winners and their families. His younger brother, Jack Harvey, also received an academic award for his Summer 2026 examination results.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations to all the pupils who took part. The school said the awards reflected the breadth of talent within the St Patrick’s community and its commitment to recognising and valuing every individual ability.