Success at the 72nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition
We are thrilled to announce that two of our very own Year 10 pupils, Áine Kelly and Caitriona Donaghy have achieved outstanding success in this year’s prestigious 72nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition. This year, 6 independent judges reviewed an astounding 18,000 entries from across the island of Ireland. Amidst such an incredibly high standard of national talent, Áine and Caitriona successfully showcased their creativity to claim a Certificate of Commendation for their beautiful artwork. This award is a wonderful reflection of their dedication, passion, and artistic vision. We couldn’t be prouder to see their talent recognised on a national stage. Mrs H O’Hanlon is also delighted that both girls will be studying art at GCSE level! Well done girls, delighted for you both.
Dean Maguirc College is top local school in 2025 A–Level Examinations
Dean Maguirc College is top local school in 2025 A–Level Examinations
The recent publication of the performance of all post–primary schools in the 2025 A–Level examinations saw Dean Maguirc College being the top achieving school in the Omagh area, with 83% of its students obtaining grades of A* – C in three or more subjects. This accomplishment has also resulted in the college being placed 2nd overall in Co. Tyrone and 4th overall in Northern Ireland for all–ability second level schools.
The principal Mr. James Warnock, commenting on such success, said: “I again congratulate this cohort of pupils on their academic success and reiterate that the achievement results from pupils and staff working closely together and the on–going communication with parents who are most supportive ”.
He added “Whilst I applaud the achievement of our students, I do have reservations about ‘League Tables’ as it does not always reflect the holistic approach to education that prevails in our schools. For us, this is borne out in our mission statement, “We commit ourselves to the growth and development of people’’ and as an all–ability school, our goal is not only striving for academic success but to focus also on the personal, social and spiritual development of the pupil.’’
Trocaire presentation
We were delighted to present a cheque for £3600 to Mrs Patricia McQuade (Trocaire Volunteer), which was raised during our Lenten Campaign. Thank you kindly to all our pupils and staff who donated, it is greatly appreciated. Mrs McQuade is pictured with Mr Warnock (Principal), Mr Toner (Trocaire co-ordinator) and pupils.
Ulster Schools All-Star award for Eoghan
Congratulations to Eoghan Conway (Year 14) who is pictured with his proud parentsand teachers/coaches, Mr McAlinden, Mr Mullan and Mr McElroy at the Danske Bank UK Ulster Schools All-Star awards.
Eoghan proudly received the No.4 jersey.
All Star Awards
We are absolutely delighted to celebrate four of our Year 12 students who collected Queen’s University Future Stars awards at a prestigious ceremony Belfast recently.
Minnie Mc Callan and Katie Marley were selected on the Ladies Football team, and Minnie was also awarded a Future Stars award for Handball along with Aaron Mc Elhone and Owen Kelly.
Such a fantastic achievement and so well deserved for our pupils.
Spring Conert
Spring Concert 2026
The school’s Spring Concert was a truly outstanding celebration of musical talent and creativity. The evening showcased an impressive variety of songs and musical styles, highlighting the breadth and depth of the pupils’ abilities. From uplifting choral numbers to soulful solo performances, lively instrumental pieces to contemporary favourites, each act brought its own unique energy to the stage.
The diversity of the programme kept the audience engaged throughout, demonstrating not only the students’ hard work but also the dedication of the staff who supported them. Harmonies were beautifully blended, instruments were played with confidence and flair, and every performer rose to the occasion with enthusiasm.
Pupils were accompanied by their teachers and a house band made up of past pupils and staff – Thanks to Shauna McGarrity, Conal Ward, Aiden Scott-Browne, Colin Keenan along with Eamon McGarrity and Jack Kennedy. Huge thanks to Annette Kelly (past pupil) for hosting the nights proceedings. Thank you to Mrs Kennedy, Head of Music for organising/accompanying and preparing the pupils to showcase their talent and also to our past pupils/parents who performed – Rachel Ward, James McCrory, Oisin Conway, Margaret Mullan and Noelle Toner.
Thanks to our wonderful music tutors Edel Strawbridge, Orlagh Devine and Shauna McGarrity – whose dedication and passion continue to inspire and uplift the pupils ever day.
The concert was a vibrant reminder of the power of music to bring people together and a wonderful celebration of the school’s thriving creative spirit. It was an evening that left families, staff, and pupils feeling proud and energised.
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.
