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.
9. Derry City F.C. Prize for Soccer / Brendan Dolan Award for Gaelic Football and the Tom Dunbar Award for Commitment award winners - Front from left, Matthew James, Oran Donnelly and Cathal McNicholl pictured with Mr. Tony McGonigle, Senior Teacher. At back from left are Mrs Sinéad McGonigle (Teacher Governor), Mr Ryan Horner (Senior Teacher), Callum Downey, and Ms Karen Simpson (Parent Governor).
Derry City F.C. Prize for Soccer / Brendan Dolan Award for Gaelic Football and the Tom Dunbar Award for Commitment award winners - Front from left, Matthew James, Oran Donnelly and Cathal McNicholl pictured with Mr. Tony McGonigle, Senior Teacher. At back from left are Mrs Sinéad McGonigle (Teacher Governor), Mr Ryan Horner (Senior Teacher), Callum Downey, and Ms Karen Simpson (Parent Governor). : . Photo: Jim McCafferty
10. Mr Brendan McGurk KC (Guest Speaker and Past Pupil), presenting the Laureates' Prize and PPU Prize to Ben Crawley during Thursday's Senior Prizegiving. On left is Mrs Caroline McLaughlin (Principal). At back are Bishop Donal McKeown, Mr. Paul Brennan (Chair of the Past Pupil Union), and Fr Stephen Ward (School Chaplain). (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Mr Brendan McGurk KC (Guest Speaker and Past Pupil), presenting the Laureates' Prize and PPU Prize to Ben Crawley during Thursday's Senior Prizegiving. On left is Mrs Caroline McLaughlin (Principal). At back are Bishop Donal McKeown, Mr. Paul Brennan (Chair of the Past Pupil Union), and Fr Stephen Ward (School Chaplain). (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) : . Photo: Jim McCafferty
11. Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin, Principal, presenting the Dr Michael North Prize for Science to Caiden Morrison. On left is Mr. Brendan McGurk, KC, guest speaker and past pupil. At back are Caiden's parents Michael and Wendy.
Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin, Principal, presenting the Dr Michael North Prize for Science to Caiden Morrison. On left is Mr. Brendan McGurk, KC, guest speaker and past pupil. At back are Caiden's parents Michael and Wendy. : . Photo: Jim McCafferty
12. The attendance at Thursday's Annual Senior Prizegiving at St. Columb's College, Derry. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)
The attendance at Thursday's Annual Senior Prizegiving at St. Columb's College, Derry. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography) : . Photo: Jim McCafferty