Tremendous Excitement at Hazelwood College as Ciara Meaney achieves Highest Grade in Agricultural Science in the Country
There was a huge buzz of excitement around Hazelwood College recently when it was announced that Ciara Meaney achieved the highest grade in Agricultural Science in the country. Receiving 98.5% in an exam that was perceived by both students and teachers as the hardest Agricultural Science exam to date was a huge accomplishment for Ciara. She is the youngest daughter of Kevin and Geraldine Meaney, Dromcollogher. It was an extremely proud moment for them when the Irish Science Teachers Association presented the Marty Barrett Memorial Award to Ciara at their annual AGM and conference. This was the first award of its kind in this subject area.
A keen sports enthusiast, Ciara played Basketball, Camogie and Ladies Football throughout her academic studies. Ciara was a prominent member of each of the afore mentioned teams. She captained the Ladies football team to numerous Munster titles and was an essential member of the camogie team throughout her time in Hazelwood College. The pinnacle of Ciara’s sporting career probably arrived when she captained the School Basketball team to an All Ireland Final, played in the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght, Dublin.
In the classroom Ciara was always hard working and enthusiastic. A diligent student she always displayed a quest for knowledge and was rewarded with the Student of the Year award at the Hazelwood College Graduation night last May. It was evident on trips to Clonakility and Pallaskenry Agricultural College and various animal physiology dissections that Ciara was destined to achieve great things. Her greatest wish was granted when she received her CAO confirmation, securing a place to study Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin. Her Agricultural Science teacher, Ms Michelle Herbert recognised her innate ability to absorb information and desire to excel, “Ciara was an exceptional student, an absolute pleasure to teach and it was evident from all the work she presented not only in Ag Science but Chemistry also that she only tolerated perfection! Everyone in Hazelwood College is extremely proud of Ciara and wish her well in her career and have no doubt that she will be a great addition to UCD and to the Veterinary world. “