New sports facilities announced
A new sports hall for Dean Maguirc College
Mr. Paul Givan (Minister of Education) has informed Dean Maguirc College that the Carrickmore school has been selected to receive a sports hall as part of the ‘Curriculum Capital Programme’ initiative. The programme aims to ensure that every post–primary school in Northern Ireland has access to a sports hall with the ‘Dean’ being one of the schools now to benefit from such provision.
The Principal, Mr. James Warnock, who made the application last year for inclusion in the programme, spoke of his delight on receiving the news. ‘I am absolutely overjoyed that our school is to receive a sports hall as it is much needed when one considers that the last decade has seen an increase of 33% in our pupil population. Our hall presently is used for various activities and events which is not ideal but fortunately, we have had access to the facilities of the local clubs. This to a certain extent, has enabled us to overcome the challenges which has resulted from limited accommodation.’
He continued ‘Nevertheless, the college has proven to be very successful in sporting competitions, winning numerous Ulster titles in football, hurling and camogie. I applaud the staff and pupils who with many restrictions regarding facilities have still brought much silverware through the front door of the school.’
He concluded ‘Getting a new sports hall is a milestone for the college and is certainly most deserving. The facility will undoubtedly make a great difference to our school and indeed the wider community.’
Painting Of Dean Brian Maguirc unveiled
Painting of Dean Brian Maguirc unveiled at the college
A painting of Dean Brian Maguirc was unveiled recently in the Carrickmore school which was named after ‘this son of the parish of Termonmaguirk’, when built six decades ago. The late Fr. Peter Kerr P.P. commissioned the painting in 2012 to mark the 300th anniversary of the death of the ‘Dean’ who had been born in Aughnagreggan, two miles outside of Carrickmore in 1622. Brian Maguirc had become a priest at a very difficult time in Irish history, when clergy were persecuted and indeed, he found himself being sent to prison on many occasions. It was in Armagh jail that he was to die in 1713.
Prior to the unveiling, invited guests, staff and pupils were welcomed to the event by the principal, Mr. James Warnock and a presentation on the life of Brian Maguirc followed which was given by Mr. Peter Kerr, nephew of the late Fr. Peter Kerr.
The renowned artist Lorcan Vallely then spoke of what was entailed in the drawing of the painting and before the he unveiled his piece of work, the current parish priest of Termonmaguirc, Fr. Peter McAnenly led all in attendance with a prayer for the beatification of Dean Brian Maguirc.
Special visitor to the History Department
Dean Maguirc College had the pleasure of welcoming Bernadette Mc Aliskey (nee Devlin) to the school today to speak to our History and Politics students. Mr Gavan Mc Elroy welcomed her on behalf of the Dean Community, the History Department and most especially the Dean pupils stating, ‘as a witness to the history studied by our pupil’s she has few equals, representing a central figure in the campaign for human rights from the late 1960’s right up to the present’.
Bernadette kept the pupils and staff spellbound as she took them on a journey through the civil rights movement, her election to Westminster as a Unity candidate, Bloody Sunday and internment. Her informative talk was followed by questions from the pupils. These interactions allowed the pupil’s to hear how her upbringing impacted on her political beliefs, her school days, her meeting with Mohammed Ali and the role of Tyrone and Carrickmore as a hub for the civil rights activity in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
The Dean extend our thanks to Bernadette for taking time to visit and educate us.
Fundraising for Zambia
We are delighted that 4 of our pupils will travel with Anamore to support The Spirit of Paul McGirr charity in Zambia. Currently money is being raised for a remediation project “Building Hope, One Roof at a Time”.
Anthony Marley, Co-Founder of Anamore alongside students Clara Rose Marley, Laura Delaney, Niamh McElduff and Ríoghnach McAleer will contribute skills, time and energy to a roof-remediation project that will strengthen vital community buildings and improve the lives of local families.
The pupils are currently fundraising to help aid the project and recently held a very successful coffee morning at school. The pupils were delighted with the support which they got from staff, pupils, parents and the wider community and are very grateful for the kind donations which they have received to date.
The girls are looking forward to this exciting opportunity, travelling to work on the project in Zambia in January.
Lusaka 2026
Anamore & Dean Maguirc College: Building Hope, One Roof at a Time
We are delighted that Anamore is proud to join forces with students from Dean Maguirc College to volunteer in Zambia with the charity Spirit of Paul McGirr.
In January, Anthony Marley, Co-Founder of Anamore alongside students Clara Rose Marley, Laura Delaney, Niamh McElduff and Ríoghnach McAleer will contribute skills, time and energy to a roof-remediation project that will strengthen vital community buildings and improve the lives of local families.
We are hosting a coffee morning to help support the girls on Sunday 30th from 9.30 – 1pm in the school canteen.
Want to support us? 🤝
Your donation to The Spirit of Paul McGirr Charity will help provide the materials required for the remediation project.
Donate here, https://lnkd.in/eKcnUWk7
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Senior Prizegiving 2025
Dean Maguirc College Senior Prizegiving Celebration 2025
On a proud and memorable evening at Dean Maguirc College, the Senior Prizegiving Ceremony brought together students, staff, families, and Board of Governors to celebrate the outstanding achievements of GCSE and A Level students. The event was a testament to the dedication, resilience, and ambition of the young people, who excelled academically and personally throughout their time at the College.
The school was honoured to welcome Mrs Teresa Bradley as special guest speaker. A respected figure in education and former Co-Ordinator of the Omagh Learning Community, Mrs Bradley shared inspiring reflections on the power of lifelong learning, collaboration, and the importance of nurturing potential in every student. Her words resonated deeply with all in attendance, reminding us of the transformative impact of education and the strength of community.
Mrs Bradley commented that “Dean Maguirc College is a popular and successful school, at the heart of the local community. I have always been made welcome coming into this school and, while in the school, I am very conscious of the great work ethic among staff. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the teachers and staff in Dean Maguirc College for the tremendous work they do for the pupils. It is fitting that the quality of teaching and learning is reflected in the achievements of the pupils being celebrated this evening.”
Mrs Bradley also praised the school’s many accomplishments beyond the classroom, including reaching its first final in the prestigious MacLarnon Cup, winning titles in Ladies Football and Camogie, and staging the outstanding school musical Sister Act, which showcased the talent and teamwork of students.
The evening was filled with pride as students were recognised for their hard work and commitment, with awards presented across a wide range of subjects and achievements. Top pupils at A level were Conor McGlinchey with 3A* and Patrick Morris who achieved 1A*, 2A and 1B. Top pupil at GCSE Level was awarded to Grainne Donnelly with Saorla Loughran, Jane McGurk, Mary Jo Morris and Cal McAleer all being recognised for outstanding achievement at GCSE Level.
Mr Warnock, Principal congratulated all the pupils for their outstanding commitment and dedication to their studies and extra-curricular successes and wished all those on new pathways in further education, degrees and apprenticeships the very best of luck adding, that he was filled with pride as the pupils move forward.
Dean Maguirc College celebrates 2025 G.C.S.E. results
Dean Maguirc College celebrates 2025 G.C.S.E. results
There was much excitement and delight when pupils received their G.C.S.E. results at Dean Maguirc College as the grades achieved by the pupils were most impressive indeed. Commenting on the results, the principal, Mr. Warnock said ‘I am delighted with the performance of our pupils who indeed have excelled in this set of examinations. These pupils have worked closely with their teachers during Key Stage 4, resulting in the achievement of their full potential in both the academic and vocational subjects, a feature of our school which caters for all abilities. These pupils have to be applauded for their application and determination and on behalf of the Board of Governors, I congratulate them on their success today’.
He added ‘I thank the staff for their on–going commitment which has undoubtedly enabled such high achievement for our pupils and I also want to acknowledge the continued support and co–operation of our parents. We look forward to welcoming back so many of the year group for their Post 16 Studies and I wish the remainder of this cohort of pupils the very best as they embark on the next stage of their education at South West College.’
Top achievers were:
Grainne Donnelly, Saorla Loughran, Jane McGurk, Cal McAleer, Mary–Joe Morris, Daniel Cullen, Francis McNamee, Eabha Sheridan, Keelan McAleer, Caillin–Joe McDonald, Caolan McGarrity, Padraig Loughran, Erin Gormley, Aoife Grogan, Ciaran McCrystal, Caolan Breen, Jamie Loughran, Liam McCrystal, Micheal McCallan.
A Level Results
Dean Maguirc College celebrates impressive results
Mr. James Warnock spoke with pride of the results that pupils had achieved in the 2025 A–Level and AS examinations, saying ‘I am delighted with the impressive results achieved by our pupils today and I applaud the students on the high grades they have received.’
He added: ‘I thank the parents for their on–going support and encouragement and I also wish to acknowledge the dedicated teachers, both here in the college and those involved in collaborative settings who have enabled the achievement of full potential at A2 and AS Level. It is great that the endeavour of our students has resulted in a very high number getting their first choice at third level whilst others have decided to pursue degree and high–level apprenticeships on completion of their second level education.’
Top achievers at A–Level were:
Patrick Morris, Caolan Martin, Cara Sweeney, Alanagh Loughran, Conor McGlinchey, Ryan McCallan, Ryan Coney, Niamh Conway, Olivia Conway, Cara Fox, Davagh Loughran, Chloe Curran, Jennifer Duffin, Georgia McCrory, Maebh Warnock, Orlaith McElduff, Tiarnán Mullin and Erin Nugent.
Mr. Warnock continued to say that the impressive results again at AS Level provided a very solid foundation for the students who would now be entering Year 14 in September. The top achievers at this level were:
Amy Anya, Ava Byrne, Clara–Rose Marley, Sarah McConnell, Rioghnach McAleer, Laura Delaney, Laura Duff, , Katie Rose McCartan, Grace Donnelly, Meabh McAnespie, Niamh Mullan, Aislinn Robinson, Aobh Bennett, Brendan Daly, Niamh McElduff, Ruairi McGarrity, Roisin Munroe, and Caolan Tracey.
U16 Girls Path To The Final
DEAN MAGUIRC – PATH TO THE FINAL
Dean Maguirc College, Carrickmore have reached an Ulster Ladies U16 Final for the first time in the school’s history. The school has won previous U14 & U20 Ulster titles but the U16 title has always evaded them.
They face fellow Tyrone school, St Patrick’s Academy Dungannon on Tuesday 29th January in St. Patrick’s, Rock at 1pm.
The Dean’s Ulster campaign started back in September 2024 with a comprehensive win in their opening match against Aquinas Grammar, Belfast with a score line of 8 -14 to 3 -7.
Again, the Dean proved too strong against the next local rival, St Joseph’s
Grammar, Donaghmore. The Dean were slow to get going in this match and Donaghmore were competitive but once the momentum got going, The Dean ran away with it defeating Donaghmore 8 -09 to 1 -11.
The final group game was played before the Halloween break in Tír na nÓg, Portadown against another Belfast School, St Dominic’s. The Dean were in fine form once again and scored heavily against a talented St. Dominic’s.
Topping the group, the Dean progressed to the Ulster Semi- Final to play
Sacred Heart Grammar, Newry. This game was played in Éire Óg pitch in Carrickmore on 2nd December and was a very intense and closely contested match. Sacred Heart were very strong across the field but the Dean girls showed true grit and determination to overcome their opponents by 3 points. Final score 2-11 to 3 -05.
Open Night 2025
We would like to invite Pupils of Primary 6 and 7 along with their parents and guardians to our Open Night on Monday 20th January at 7.30pm. Principal’s address at this time followed by a guided tour of the school and its facilities.