6th Year Graduation 2026
- ERSS
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
ERSS Celebrates the Graduation of the Class of 2026
On Thursday, 21st May, the ERSS community came together to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026 in what proved to be a memorable, emotional, and joyful occasion for students, parents, staff, and families alike. The ceremony marked the culmination of six years of learning, growth, friendship, achievement, and countless shared memories as the graduating students prepared to begin the next chapter of their journeys.
The celebrations began early in the morning as the boys gathered for rehearsals ahead of the ceremony. There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the school, with excitement, anticipation, and reflection all evident among the students as they prepared for one of the most significant days of their school lives. Following rehearsals, the boys enjoyed breakfast rolls generously provided by the Parents Association. This thoughtful gesture gave students an opportunity to relax together, reflect on their years in ERSS, and enjoy the occasion with classmates before the formal proceedings began.
As parents, family members, teachers, and invited guests arrived, they were welcomed by a beautiful and touching display celebrating the journey of the graduating class. A collage of baby photographs alongside the students’ most recent 6th Year yearbook pictures immediately captured the attention of attendees and became a real talking point throughout the day. The display perfectly illustrated the remarkable growth and development of the boys over the years and served as a reminder of just how far they have come since first walking through the doors of ERSS as First Year students. It was a fitting tribute to the friendships formed, challenges overcome, achievements earned, and memories created throughout their six years in the school community.
Guests were also greeted by a stunning graduation cake, beautifully created by Angela Comerford. The cake was admired by all in attendance and added another special touch to an already memorable occasion. The effort and care shown in every aspect of the day reflected the strong sense of community within ERSS and the pride felt in celebrating the achievements of the graduating class.
Before Mass commenced, Head Boy Paul Keane addressed the gathering with an outstanding and heartfelt speech that set the tone perfectly for the ceremony that followed. Speaking with sincerity, confidence, and warmth, Paul reflected on the experiences and memories shared over the last six years. He expressed gratitude to teachers for their support, encouragement, patience, and dedication, while also acknowledging the friendships formed among classmates that helped shape their school experience. Paul paid tribute to parents and families for their constant guidance and support throughout the boys’ educational journeys. His words resonated deeply with everyone present and captured both the pride and emotion of the occasion.
The Graduation Mass, led by Fr. Patrick Cahill, was both moving and uplifting. Throughout the ceremony, the 6th Year students, under the guidance of Ms. Kirwan and Mr. Guilfoyle, performed beautifully through song and music. Their singing added greatly to the atmosphere of reflection and celebration and was accompanied wonderfully by the talented school musicians and Tony, the organist. The music throughout the ceremony created a warm and memorable atmosphere and highlighted the many talents within the graduating class.
One of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony was the Service of Light. This symbolic moment reflected the support, guidance, and encouragement the students have received throughout their years in ERSS. A number of members of the wider school community were invited to participate, including First Year student Mayson Power, Parents Association representative Jane Finn, Chairperson of the Board of Management Tom Larkin, and class tutor Ms. Hickey. Their involvement highlighted the importance of community, support, and continuity within school life and served as a reminder that each student’s journey has been shaped by many people along the way.
The students themselves played a central role throughout the ceremony. The readings, Prayers of the Faithful, offertory gifts, and reflections were all carried out thoughtfully and respectfully by members of the graduating class. Each contribution held particular meaning and reflected the significance of the occasion, allowing the students to look back on their time in ERSS while also looking ahead to the future with hope and ambition.
Adding another memorable moment to the ceremony, Paul Keane once again showcased his exceptional musical talent through a beautiful piano performance. His contribution was greatly appreciated by all in attendance and added another personal and reflective element to the celebration.
The beautiful music and carefully planned ceremony helped create a truly special occasion for everyone present. Sincere credit and thanks must go to the Religion Department for the care, planning, and dedication that went into organising such a meaningful and fitting graduation ceremony. Special thanks are also extended to Noel Casey for his continued support, guidance, and work behind the scenes in helping ensure the success of the day.
Following the Mass, Alex Tobin and Paul Keane presented tokens of appreciation on behalf of the graduating class to Principal Majella Gleeson, Deputy Principal Linda Barry, and Secretary Catherine McCarthy. The presentations were made in recognition of the enormous support, guidance, care, and encouragement each has shown to the students throughout their years in ERSS. Gifts were also presented to the 6th Year team, Ms. Rachel Moriarty, Year Head, and Ms. Ria Hickey, in appreciation of the incredible commitment, care, and dedication they showed to the students throughout the year. Their constant support played a hugely important role in helping guide the boys through the many experiences and challenges of their final school year.
Ms. Moriarty then delivered a brilliant and heartfelt speech which reflected perfectly the spirit of the graduating class. Sharing both humorous and poignant memories from the students’ years together, she spoke warmly about the friendships, personalities, achievements, and experiences that made the group so special. Her speech drew laughter, smiles, and emotion from those gathered and highlighted the close bonds formed between students and staff over the years.
Principal Ms. Gleeson also addressed the gathering and spoke proudly about the journey the students had made during their time in ERSS. She reflected on their development from young First Year students into mature and capable young men ready to take on new opportunities and challenges. Ms. Gleeson thanked parents and families for the support they have given the school and their sons over the years and offered heartfelt best wishes to the graduates as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.
A particularly special moment of the ceremony came when each graduate was presented with a graduation folder containing their graduation certificate, yearbook, graduation photographs, a voucher for The Lazy Cow from the Parents’ Association, and a commemorative pen. These keepsakes will serve as lasting reminders of their time in ERSS and of the friendships, achievements, and memories made throughout their school years.
Following the formal proceedings, students, parents, families, and staff had the opportunity to gather together and enjoy refreshments kindly organised by the Parents Association. The reception provided a wonderful opportunity for photographs, conversations, laughter, and reflection as everyone celebrated the achievements of the graduating class together. There was a strong sense of pride, gratitude, and community throughout the afternoon as students marked the end of one chapter and looked ahead to exciting new beginnings.
The Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 was a fitting and memorable celebration of six years of hard work, friendship, resilience, and achievement. It was a day filled with pride, reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future.
Sincere thanks are extended to everyone who contributed in any way to making the occasion such a success, including the Parents Association, school management, teachers, musicians, support staff, organisers, families, and students themselves. The care, dedication, and teamwork shown by all involved ensured that the day was one the graduates and their families will remember for many years to come.
We extend our warmest congratulations to the ERSS Class of 2026 and wish each and every graduate every happiness, success, and fulfilment in the future. May they move forward with confidence and pride, carrying with them the memories, friendships, and experiences that have shaped their years in ERSS.
