As we approach the end of another school year it is important to recognise the many wonderful achievements and successes of staff and students during the year and to acknowledge the fact that many people are contributing so much to the life of the school.
I thank all those who have represented the school and in so doing have brought great credit to themselves, their families and their town.
I thank the staff for the time and energy given by them to the huge variety of activities and for their ongoing commitment to the overall development of the students. I also acknowledge those parents who have helped and supported the school in the promotion of extracurricular activities during the year. A special thanks to the local clubs and businesses who have given vital support and sponsorship during the year.
Finally, I would like to thank the Board of Management, staff, students and parents for all the support and help that I have received during the year. I hope you all have an enjoyable and restful summer break.

As you are aware a Whole School Evaluation (WSE) was carried out by the DES inspectorate in January last. The WSE report is a clear and comprehensive document capturing the caring ethos of the school and the good relationships and mutual respect that exist between all members of the school community. It recognises that the school maintains a strong Christian Brother's tradition placing the education and holistic development of each student at the centre of all activities. The inspectors have recognised and endorsed the high quality of teaching and learning within the school and the commitment of the teaching staff to using a wide range of teaching strategies and resources. The report acknowledges the commitment of the school to the provision of a caring and supportive environment for all students and gives justifiable recognition to the huge amount of time, effort and professional input by all within the school community. The acknowledgement of the involvement and dedication of staff and students in all the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities is also very noteworthy. It is envisaged that the WSE will be published on the DES website in late May (http://www.education.ie) and I would encourage you to read this very detailed document.

I wish all our students sitting the State Examinations the very best of luck and I know all the hard work will pay off. Stay calm and everything will be fine! The Board of Management is again providing tea and toast each morning to all examination students (free of charge!). This venture has been very successful in previous years and has helped students to relax prior to their exams.

To the Leaving Certificate students of 2008 I wish you well as you embark on a new stage of life. It is a very exciting time and I hope you will grasp the many opportunities that will come your way. Thank you for the many contributions you have made to the life of the High School during your time with us and I hope you will keep in touch in the future.

Shay Bannon

A.I.B. Get up & Go Awards

Six Transition Year students who set up a company called E.M.P. (Electrical Musical Pillows) won the National Innovation Award at the A.I.B. “Get up & Go” competition held recently in Naas, Co. Kildare. The students Andrew Burke, Sean Murphy, Alan Prendergast, Colum Breen, Simon Power and Conor Acheson had previously received an award for 'Originality of Idea' at the Munster Final in Cork and faced stiff competition from 30 other schools from around the country at the National Final. Their innovative idea is a pillow containing speakers that can be attached to an MP3 player, stereo system etc enabling a person to listen to music without the hassle of earplugs.

A second group of Transition Year students: Emmet Ryan, Gerard Flynn, Brian Donnelly and Shane Donnelly came second at the National Final after receiving two awards at the Munster Final: Best Quality and Best Business Report. The students produced their own Maths resource book for Junior Cert students and sales to date have been very high.

Junior Achievement Award

The Maths group: Emmet Ryan, Gerard Flynn, Brian Donnelly & Shane Donnelly also had huge success at the National RDS Innovation Awards recently held in Dublin. After coming 1st at the Junior Achievement Munster Final they attended the two day national event at the RDS and came second in a competition that initially started with over 3,000 students. The entrepreneurial standard was exceptionally high this year and the students were marginally beaten by an old rival Loreto Secondary School, Cavan. Last year five High School students beat the Loreto students with their German Language Pack 'Deutsch macht Spaß' and went on to win the European Competition in Berlin. This years students attended the two day event with their teachers Carol Kenny and Martina O'Reilly and were treated like royalty by RDS members and stayed in Bewley's Hotel.

All the Transition Year students really got into the entrepreneurial spirit this year and as a treat they are being taken on a trip to Tramore for a day of surfing and fun to end their successful year.

Entrepreneurship is strongly encouraged in the school and this year over 50 companies were set up from 1st Year students to Transition Year students. The future success of Ireland lies in the hands of these young budding entrepreneurs and hopefully they will remember their first introduction to the business world started in the High School.

In April Mr. Bill Cullen visited the High School to talk to 5th Year, 6th Year and Transition Year students. He was due to arrive by helicopter but unfortunately clearance regulations curbed this unusual arrival and instead he arrived by car (a Renault of course) with his PA Christine Fitzpatrick. He gave a 40 minute power point presentation to the students and was really energetic and inspirational in what he said. He started off his successful road to entrepreneurship by selling apples in Dublin for a penny – hence the title of his book 'Penny Apples'. The students were thrilled to hear how he got a scholarship to a second level school, the first in his family, and then got expelled because of his attendance. He forego a trial with Man United because the pay was too bad and he could make more money selling flowers outside the Maternity Hospital in Dublin. He had originally intended to take students for a ride in his helicopter as a treat but as this was not possible he brought along $50 bills and five students who had the nerve to answer his questions walked happily away with the money.

The students listened attentively to his amazing story of success and learnt that they should avoid using two words– 'no' and 'problem'. “There is no such thing as problems in life only challenges”, according to Bill. Once we all have our health and happiness that all that matters.

His visit was a result of the schools entrepreneurial success last year when 'Deutsch macht Spaß' won the European Junior Achievement Award.

This year has been a very busy time for the school library, it’s becoming even more and more popular with first years up to third years with the occasional senior students. Kevin Morrissey, Daniel Logue, Jake Walsh and I have been running the library since last year and are still enjoying it. We have also had some help from Peter Quinn who has replaced Jake for the last couple of weeks. Of course, the library would not be what it is without Ms. McDermott. From the Whole School Evaluation, we received some great comments and suggestions from the team. We were told that most school libraries are old fashioned and are not as popular as our very own one. Which we are very proud of! We are still looking for donations which can be given into the staff room. We hope to see you all back in the library in September!

Jack Redmond

As I look back now, at what it’s been like living in Ireland. I realise that the last eight months just flew by. I remember the day I arrived as if it was yesterday. First landing in the large Dublin airport and then to Cork’s smaller one. This is where the adventure started.
So, with my poor English at the time, I met up with my host mother in Cork, a lady I had never seen and only talked to once on the phone, she was willing to let me live in her home for the next ten months. Irish people appeared to be very friendly and patient as I couldn’t understand everything they were saying. But before I knew it, it was already time to go to school, now with my brand new uniform I had bought the day before, I entered the big atrium known as the GP, full of students dressed in black and grey. The least I can say is that this school doesn’t look a thing like the one I had been studying in for 12 years, first because of the uniform, and also because it’s not mixed. I didn’t know anyone, but soon enough, I got to see I wasn’t the only exchange student and I made friends with the other ones. Then, as my level of English improved, the other students often asked me where I was from or if I was enjoying Ireland. They all seemed very friendly and rapidly I made friends and started to enjoy life at this school.
Here in the school, I’ve learned a lot, most importantly about how to speak English, but also about friendship and integration. I don’t regret for one second having chosen Ireland as it is a great place to be. This country has landscapes with small villages and big towns. Bookmakers and pubs (which I’m not familiar with) are stunning in many ways, it’s different. This whole experience opened my eyes and even if I will always belong in Belgium, there will always be a special place for Ireland in my heart.

Ireland, the emerald isle, is much more than I expected. On the trip over, I was nervous about what was to come. I had no reason to be. The cast and characters of this school out strip those of my old school (in America). They accepted me not as a foreigner but as a friend.
Everyday at school, people greeted me in the halls or told a joke or two. On Wednesdays, a group of us gathered and played soccer. I never felt like an outsider. You, the students of the school gave me a chance, one that in my old school I would not have received.

My favourite part of the school year was learning and playing the different sports. Soccer on Wednesdays was only the tip of the iceberg. Nearly everyday, I enjoyed playing pool and learning snooker with my friends, and near the end of the year I learned rugby (which is the one sport I will definitely bringing back to the States).

This year, rugby is amongst my most treasured memories and I am proud to have shared this with the students of the CBS.

Logan Riley

John Dempsey is a very successful entrepreneur who graduated from the school in 1986. He runs a Dublin based company who have clients from GameStop to The K Club. His company predict revenue of over €10 million by the end of this year alone.

Here’s his interview:

What were you like as a student in school?

To be truthful, I was probably a bit lazy. The subjects I really liked were Economics (Tony Gleeson) Maths (Pat Power) History (Michael O Donoghue) English (Tom Ambrose). I think the way these teachers approached the course really made it relevant.

What year did you graduate?

1986

What subjects did you study for your L. Cert.?

English, Irish, Maths, History, Chemistry, Economics, Geography. Can’t remember the others.

How many points did you get in your L. Cert.?

I don’t remember, lets just say, I was never going to do medicine!

What did you think of school, was it good fun, or terrible to go into every day?

School was great; I enjoyed it most of the time. I think double classes of Irish first thing on Monday morning was the worst I could say about my time in the High School.

What did you want to do after school?

Initially, I wanted to join the Gardai, but back in the 80’s they were not recruiting. Just as I entered 5th year, I got a part time job in Dunnes Stores. This is where I first encountered true commercialism. I was soon hooked. I realised that where society or business’s had a need, a person or a company who could service that need could make a nice living.

What college did you apply to, and if you did, what course did you want to do?

I did not apply to any college, after my leaving cert, I went straight into Trainee Management with Dunnes Stores.

What is your favourite memory of school?

I have a few; my proudest was getting to two Munster finals with the school (Hurling & Football). The friends I made, many of whom I am still in contact with. Finally the 5th year show with the Presentation Convent was so good, I repeated 5th year.

What jobs did u do before starting your company?

Trainee Manager, Manager, Area Manager and Buyer with Dunnes Stores Managing Director for Eircom’s Retail Division.

What inspired you to set up a security company?

When I was working in Eircom, we had a real problem with stock loss in one of our stores. We went to the golden pages and found four companies providing anti theft solutions. We invited the four companies in for a meeting. Of the four we invited in, three turned up. I found the companies focused on their technologies rather than focusing on the solutions to our problem. These companies had good products but as sales people they failed on a number of points.

Did you conduct market research?

Interviewing these three companies was the start. I felt we could provide a better service to Retailers in Ireland if we focused on their needs (to reduce stock loss), most retailers knew nothing about RF or AM (exactly). Between my wife and I, we had 40 years retail experience, we knew the problems. All we had to do was package the solutions in a clear way.

Was there a niche in the market for your business?

Most definitely, when we started, our competitors focused on the clothing sector. We knew the quickest way to grow our business was to create new markets for our business. So we focused on selling to retail sectors who previously had not considered using anti theft equipment.

Do you have a big client base? If so, can you name some of your main ones?

Our business has grown steadily over the years, our customers include Supervalu, Centra, Spar, GameStop, Heatons, Atlantic Homecare, DID Electrical, Ryanair, & K Club.

Was it hard work to set up? E.g., finding capital, sourcing employees and materials, etc.

The most difficult part was sourcing suppliers who had reliable products. We have been very lucky with our employees. Our business would not have been as successful if it was not for our team of engineers who are brilliant and very customer focused.

Do you advertise? If so, through which medium?

We use a number of means, Golden pages, Ad words on Google, Yahoo adverts, Direct Mail. But never underestimate the power of a customer referral. About 50% of our business each year comes from repeat business with existing customers and referrals. In business terms, Ireland is tiny. If you screw up, word quickly gets around. “So always under promise and over deliver”.

How many employees do you have?

We have 21 engineers around the country, 8 in the office.

Tell me about your company?

Detectag Securities Ltd. Provides anti theft solutions to Retailers. Home CCTV, provide and install CCTV systems to householders Security Warehouse acts as a distributor for many of the worlds largest manufacturers of security equipment. Screenfood Ireland Ltd is a Digital Media solutions provider.

How much revenue, on average, have you taken in each year, since founding the company?

The company continues to grow, in our first year turnover was about €200k, this year it will exceed €10 million.

If your company was to be sold, how much would the market value it at?

About 2 time’s turnover or 8 times profit seems to be the international benchmark.

Is there a big market for your company?

Globally, retailers lost $1 Billion last year to shoplifting. As the economy deteriorates and unemployment rises, shoplifting grows. If we can provide cost effective solutions, we will remain relevant to retailers and consequently grow our business.

Have you any main competitors?

Competition is welcome, always be aware of their offerings but never become obsessed with them. Stick to your gameplan, a business that follows competitors rather than strives to be a leading player has no real competitive advantage.

What position in your company do you hold?

I involve myself in the sales and marketing functions.

Is there a B.O.M.?
2 Shareholders ( my wife and I) , however we have a very strong team of non executive Directors whose assistance is invaluable.

Coming from a “small” country town to living in the “big” city, was it a culture shock or were you used to being there from college?

Moving to a City from a smaller town has some drawbacks (traffic, mainly), but I found this to be outweighed by the greater opportunities.

Since setting up the company, have there been any difficulties? e.g., getting clients, advertising, loss of revenue, failure of your technology?

In the early days, the biggest challenge was convincing a Retailer to spend significant money with you as a start up company. They wanted to be sure you would be there in a year and not gone with their money leaving bad or faulty equipment behind you. You just have to believe in your offering, be better than the competition and keep working on improving your offering. It will pay off.

If you could do one thing different, what would it be?

I think we would have embraced the internet earlier, Google has provided us with so many opportunities since we started advertising with them.

Does your company have a website?

www.detectagsecurities.ie
www.homecctv.ie
www.securitywarehouse.ie
www.screenfood.com


What words of advice would you give to future entrepreneurs?

· Never stop wanting to learn new things · Never give up. · Never spend it before you earn it · Always listen to your customer · Always ask yourself “ can we do this better” · And most importantly ENJOY WHAT YOU DO. · Ask yourself, “what do I like, what am I good at ” Can I be one of the best ?

What do you drive?

My greatest weakness is cars, currently I have a BMW X5, but I am already thinking about my next car. I might buy a Porsche when you send me the cheque for this article!

Where do you live?

In Wicklow, but I will always cheer for Tipperary.

How much are you worth?

Definitely more dead than alive.

Who influenced you most growing up?

My mother, she showed us that with the right attitude and hard work, you could achieve anything.

What are the challenges facing businesses these days?

Keeping costs under control is a major issue and in my view if we don’t do this as a country, the larger employers will simply move their operations abroad. We already outsource some of our web design to Poland and have saved about 40%.