St. Columb’s said the school was delighted to host Dr. McKeown as he prepares to retire from his role as Bishop of Derry.
As a small expression of the school’s gratitude, Head Boy Ben had the honour of presenting Bishop Dónal with a token of appreciation on behalf of the College.
Mr. McGurk attended St. Columb’s between 1988 and 1995 then went on to study Law at Cambridge University. He graduated with a Doctorate in Legal Philosophy at Oxford University. He was appointed appointed King’s Council in 2024 and has numerous legal publications to his name.
He was described as an inspiration to all College boys and the school said it was delighted to welcome him back.
A particularly meaningful moment during the ceremony was the presentation of the Paula McGurk Scholarship Award, established by the McGurk family in loving memory of their mother, Paula.
1. McCarroll Prize for English , Father McElhinney Award for Geography , Bishop's Prize for Religious Studies, The John Hume Prize for Government and Politics, Frank McAuley Prize for History, The Ross McCartney Prize for Irish History and The Performing Arts Prize award winners pictured on Thursday evening at St. Columb's College. Front from left, Jake Murray, Aidan McDaid, Miss Grace McGowan (Head of Music), Ben Crawley, and Cathal McNicholl. At back from left are Mrs Aisling Leonard (Head of English), Logan Davis-Moran, Luca Duffy, Mr Liam Boyle (Head of History/ Government and Politics), Aaron O Doherty, and Miss Lisa Doherty (Head of Religious Studies).
McCarroll Prize for English , Father McElhinney Award for Geography , Bishop's Prize for Religious Studies, The John Hume Prize for Government and Politics, Frank McAuley Prize for History, The Ross McCartney Prize for Irish History and The Performing Arts Prize award winners pictured on Thursday evening at St. Columb's College. Front from left, Jake Murray, Aidan McDaid, Miss Grace McGowan (Head of Music), Ben Crawley, and Cathal McNicholl. At back from left are Mrs Aisling Leonard (Head of English), Logan Davis-Moran, Luca Duffy, Mr Liam Boyle (Head of History/ Government and Politics), Aaron O Doherty, and Miss Lisa Doherty (Head of Religious Studies). : . Photo: Jim McCafferty
2. Mr Brendan McGurk, KC (Guest Speaker and Past Pupil), presenting the Monsignor Coulter Award for Mathematics and Science to Cathal McNicholl on Thursday. On right is Mrs Caroline McLaughlin (Principal). At Back are Mr Gavin Millar (Head of Chemistry), Mrs Ursula Grimley (VP) and Mr. Vincent Doherty (Head of Physics)
Mr Brendan McGurk, KC (Guest Speaker and Past Pupil), presenting the Monsignor Coulter Award for Mathematics and Science to Cathal McNicholl on Thursday. On right is Mrs Caroline McLaughlin (Principal). At Back are Mr Gavin Millar (Head of Chemistry), Mrs Ursula Grimley (VP) and Mr. Vincent Doherty (Head of Physics) : . Photo: Jim McCafferty
3. Mr John Johnston, Vice Principal, St. Columb's College presenting the Trinidad Valencera Prize for Spanish to Aaron O Doherty, and Fionn Johnson, receiving the Duais Chlub Dhoire Cholmcille Don Ghaeilge prize from Mrs Caroline McLaughlin (Principal) on Thursday evening. At back from left are Bishop Donal McKeown, Ms Claire Keany (Head of Irish), Mrs Patrice McConnell (Senior Teacher), and Fr Stephen Ward (School Chaplain).
Mr John Johnston, Vice Principal, St. Columb's College presenting the Trinidad Valencera Prize for Spanish to Aaron O Doherty, and Fionn Johnson, receiving the Duais Chlub Dhoire Cholmcille Don Ghaeilge prize from Mrs Caroline McLaughlin (Principal) on Thursday evening. At back from left are Bishop Donal McKeown, Ms Claire Keany (Head of Irish), Mrs Patrice McConnell (Senior Teacher), and Fr Stephen Ward (School Chaplain). : . Photo: Jim McCafferty
4. Bishop Donal McKeown presenting the John McDaid Memorial Prize to Aaron O'Doherty (Head Boy Emeritus) during Thursday's prizegiving. On right at front is Fr Stephen Ward (School Chaplain). At back from left are Mr Brendan McGurk KC (Guest Speaker and Past Pupil), Mrs Ursula Grimley (VP), Mrs Caroline McLaughlin (Principal), and Mr Paul Brennan (Chair of the Past Pupil Union).
Bishop Donal McKeown presenting the John McDaid Memorial Prize to Aaron O'Doherty (Head Boy Emeritus) during Thursday's prizegiving. On right at front is Fr Stephen Ward (School Chaplain). At back from left are Mr Brendan McGurk KC (Guest Speaker and Past Pupil), Mrs Ursula Grimley (VP), Mrs Caroline McLaughlin (Principal), and Mr Paul Brennan (Chair of the Past Pupil Union). : . Photo: Jim McCafferty