“We go to poetry, we go to literature in general, to be forwarded within ourselves.”- Seamus Heaney
Our A level Literature students travelled to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace this week in Bellaghy to take part in a lecture series where they got to experience a tour of the centre, as well as a lecture from a university lecturer followed by a seminar with a PHD student where they further got to explore their own ideas regarding the poets they are studying. A very worthwhile experience enjoyed by all!
Over the past two nights, our pupils put on the most magnificent show seen in Lisneal College. ‘Snow White and the Seven’ was an absolute smash hit, full of music, songs, wonderful acting and, of course, belly laughs.
In case anyone missed the show, the seven were;
1. Mickey – the local principal of a secondary school in the Waterside
2. Mickey’s Da – works in the canteen of a local secondary school
3. Bugsy – Top football coach with Maiden City Soccer
4. Craigy – Local shop owner
5. McCready – Local politician
6. Mr C – Owner of local chip shop
7. Claudy – From the country….SIR…
Our pupils were just amazing and we are soooo proud of each and every one of them. A huge thank you goes to Ms. Lake, Mrs. Leonard, the Music Department, Unit 7 Audio, Mr. Martin and Mr. Hanna for all of their hard work and efforts.
Thank you to everyone who came along and supported our pupils on stage.
Our choir and band were incredible and the live music just made the show. You can tell we are excited and proud as punch. Enjoy the photos! #LikeNoOther#TeamLisneal
We were delighted and honoured to welcome His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Mr Ian Crowe (MBE), and Irish mountaineer, Ms Hannah Shields, as our guests of honour at school, for our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award celebration.
The event commenced with a welcome from Mr Warren Taylor, DofE Award co-ordinator at the school. The students who completed their DofE Bronze and Silver awards were then invited to deliver a series of presentations based on their experience during the expeditions.
Mr Crowe (MBE), Ms Shields and Principal Mr Allen then presented over sixty students with their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award certificates and badges.
To conclude the event, Mr Michael Allen and the guests of honour, each addressed those present, and congratulated the students on the successful completion of the world’s leading youth achievement award; whilst acknowledging the parental support they had been given, which helped ensure their child’s success.
Mr Allen also thanked all the staff who volunteer to give so freely of their time, to take students out of school to complete their DofE expeditions and also help assess their voluntary, physical and skill activities.
Lisneal College offers students the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold level.
Many congratulations to Megan for her magnificent two night run in 6 The Musical (Teen Edition) at the MAC in Belfast last weekend.
Megan played one of the lead roles and totally smashed it. This is a wonderful achievement and shows just how talented Megan is. For more photos and videos, check out the Just Stage It Academy Facebook page.
I’m sure you will join us in congratulating Megan on her success! #TeamLisneal
We were delighted to see Mr Wilson recognised for his incredible commitment to schools’ cricket. Mr Wilson was presented with the inaugural Schools’ Cricket Champion 2023 Award at the North West Cricket Union Gala Awards held on Friday evening.
Mr Wilson and his team have taken Lisneal College cricket to the top in NI and given so many young players great opportunities to develop their playing careers.
Many congratulations on a well deserved award. #TeamLisneal
Lisneal Under 16’s third game of the season saw them welcome Fivemiletown for the Second round of the NISFA cup. Finally, the boys were rewarded with a clear and crisp morning, perfect for a game of football, which was a stark contrast to the thunderstorms that they battled in the previous rounds of the competition.
Lisneal took advance of the calm conditions and were able to get the ball on the deck and move it efficiently amongst each other to take early control of the game. Every player looked comfortable on the ball and Lisneal dominated and dictated the play from the start of the game. As the half progressed, Lisneal settled more and more into the game, showing strength at the back, through Charlie and Leon, and creativity in the attacking areas with Travis and Sam. Once again, our top man Kyle worked relentlessly against the oppositions central defenders to hold the ball up for his team mates. Despite some decisions not going his way as he collected the ball from midfield, he showed excellent resilience to continue receiving the ball in difficult areas. Kyle managed to draw yet another foul from the Fivemiletown defender and this time, as he went down in the box, Lisneal were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Sam, who calmly waited for the goalkeeper to make his move before rolling the ball down the centre of the goal to put Lisneal 1-0 in the tie.
Lisneal continued to apply the pressure and dominated possession and territory with the majority of play taking place in their opponents half. Dealing comfortably with aerial threats at the back and with midfield working hard to pick up second balls, it was a superb team effort to keep piling the pressure on Fivemiletown. Lewis and Reece, a new partnership on the lefthand side combined for Lisneal’s second goal of the game. The cross from Reece wasn’t dealt with by the opposition defenders and Jacob was on hand to secure Lisneal’s second goal. 2-0 Lisneal on the stroke of half time.
Having been in this position in previous weeks, the Under 16’s knew that one more goal would put the game to bed and be enough to see off their second round opponents.
Lisneal once again started the half the stronger of the two sides. Every player competed and battled well to dominate possession. Lisneal continued to impress with their attractive free flowing football in front of the supporters who came out to watch the game. The constant pressure was soon rewarded again, the hard working Kyle making a fantastic front post run across goal to get on the end of a Sam cross, giving Lisneal the third goal of the game.
Although the boys were 3-0 up and looking comfortable in the game, Lisneal continued to press on for more goals. With opponents tiring, Sam continued to go through the gears and provided some entertaining, direct dribbling through the opposition defenders. His outstanding individual skill resulted in him drawing more and more fouls from the opposition in dangerous attacking areas.
Sam took full advantage of two of these positions to put the Lisneal team out of sight in the game. The first free kick was a powerful low drive into the bottom corner beyond the Fivemiletwon goalkeeper to make it 4-0. But it was the final goal of the game which was the goal of the day. Sam’s second free kick flew into the top corner to give him his Hatrick, the MOTM award, and most importantly the win for the team to put them into the next round of the cup.
Thank you again for all the support from parents, staff and pupils who came out to watch and cheer on the boys. Thanks to Fivemiletown for making the trip up for the fixture.
Congratulation to the Lisneal Under 16’s for yet another fantastic professional performance. In the hat for the next round of the last 16.
Our very own Keigan enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime when he was selected to present the Player of the Match award at today’s Northern Ireland European qualifier. Paul Smyth was a worthy winner and who better to present the award than Fan of the Month, Keigan. An amazing day for Keigan and his family. We know there were some Lisneal NI fans at the match too cheering Keigan on. #TeamLisneal
Lisneal Under 16’s second game of their cup campaign saw them take on St Brigid’s College at home on yet another wet and miserable day. Despite the weather, the Lisneal team were in good spirits and excited to get back on the pitch following their dominance in the previous round. They demonstrated great focus and seemed well-prepared for the game ahead.
Lisneal made the faster and brighter start of the two teams. Every player started quick, the midfield took control in key areas of the pitch, the defence dominated challenges and headers, setting a platform to drive the team forward on the front foot. But it was Kyle who set the tone up front. Kyle’s pressing and intensity early set the standard of the game and once again he got on the score sheets and put Lisneal ahead. Kyle capitalised on a St Brigids defenders miss clearance following a strong cross field pass from fullback, Reece. 1-0 up.
After a confident Lisneal start, the scoreline was back to all square following a brief miscommunication in Lisneal’s own box. St Brigids striker took advantage and scored past a helpless Aaron in goal. 1-1.
However, Lisneal got straight back on the ball and continued to dominate the first half. After some well engineered set pieces from Sam and his field partner Travis, Lisneal forced some good saves from the opposition’s goalkeeper. Although Lisneal continued to put pressure on their opponents, the score remained 1-1 and both teams rushed out of the torrential rain to seek shelter in the changing rooms for a brief break at half time.
Once again, Lisneal started the better of the two sides and quickly found themselves 2-1 in the game. Another effective cross field ball from Reece put Rhys on the opposite flank through in on goal. Rhys showed outstanding composure to fire the ball beyond the goalkeeper with the St Brigid’s fullback also applying the pressure.
Lisneal worked tirelessly to defend the lead they created again. However, some poor decisions and a loose man in the box led to a St Brigid’s flick hitting the back of the Lisneal net. Game still in the balance at 2-2. In spite of being dragged back into the game twice and not being able to hold the lead for a second time, Lisneal continued to show great patience on the ball and played great football. Off the ball, every player competed well and won individual battles to secure the ball back for the team. This resilience and determination led to Sam winning a penalty for his team at a vital moment. Sam stepped up, sent the keeper diving and slotted home to put his side 3-2 up.
Even thought the weather did not improve from here, Lisneal’s football continued to shine! A superb team passing movement down the left-hand side of the pitch, with some great hold up play by Kyle, ended with him turning the defender on the byline to tee up the full Reece who started the move from defence. Today’s MOTM, Reece finished well and put the Under 16’s 4-2 in the game.
Of course last week’s MOTM and skipper couldn’t go home without getting a mention and a headline in tomorrow’s paper. Charlie emerged from his defensive duties in midfield, and found himself in space outside the opponents box with space to shoot. Charlie needed no second invitation to take on the strike and with the last kick of the game, he fired home to make the scoreline 5-2 and secure the game for Lisneal.
Thanks to all the support and staff that attended the game. Thanks to St Brigid’s for the game.