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.
13. St. Columb's College Rugby Prize / Basketball Prize / Culmore GAA KS4 Gaelic Football Award / The Aodhan O’Donnell Award winners - Front from left, Thomas Coyle, Tyler Gorham, Rory Hope and Fionn Johnson pictured on Thursday evening. At back from left are Mr Donal Chambers, Head of Year 14, Mrs Caroline McLaughlin, Principal, Mr Tony McGonigle (Senior Teacher), and Mr John Johnston, Vice Principal. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
St. Columb's College Rugby Prize / Basketball Prize / Culmore GAA KS4 Gaelic Football Award / The Aodhan O’Donnell Award winners - Front from left, Thomas Coyle, Tyler Gorham, Rory Hope and Fionn Johnson pictured on Thursday evening. At back from left are Mr Donal Chambers, Head of Year 14, Mrs Caroline McLaughlin, Principal, Mr Tony McGonigle (Senior Teacher), and Mr John Johnston, Vice Principal. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) : . Photo: Jim McCafferty
14. 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
15. Mr John Johnston, Vice Principal presenting the Design and Technology Prize to, Caiden McMonagle on Thursday evening at St. Columb's College. On right is Mrs Caroline McLaughlin, Principal. Back from left are Ms. Yvonne Connolly, Caiden's mum, Ms. Karen Simpson, Parent/Governor and Mr. Brian McMonagle.
Mr John Johnston, Vice Principal presenting the Design and Technology Prize to, Caiden McMonagle on Thursday evening at St. Columb's College. On right is Mrs Caroline McLaughlin, Principal. Back from left are Ms. Yvonne Connolly, Caiden's mum, Ms. Karen Simpson, Parent/Governor and Mr. Brian McMonagle. : . Photo: Jim McCafferty
16. Mrs. Mary Delargy presenting the Patricia Hughes Bursary to Leon Toland at St. Columb's College on Thursday evening. On right at front is Mrs Caroline McLaughlin, Principal. Back from left are Padraig Delargy, Mrs. Ann-Louise Kirby, Senior Teacher, Ms. Karen Simpson, Parent/Governor and Mr. Mark McConnellogue. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Mrs. Mary Delargy presenting the Patricia Hughes Bursary to Leon Toland at St. Columb's College on Thursday evening. On right at front is Mrs Caroline McLaughlin, Principal. Back from left are Padraig Delargy, Mrs. Ann-Louise Kirby, Senior Teacher, Ms. Karen Simpson, Parent/Governor and Mr. Mark McConnellogue. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) : . Photo: Jim McCafferty