Mater Dei Academy

🎓✨6th Year Graduation!🎓✨

Earlier this month, we celebrated our wonderful graduating 6th Year students as they prepared to begin an exciting new chapter.

A heartfelt thank you to our Principal, Ms O’Brien, for her inspiring words and continued support of our students throughout their journey in our school community.

We were also delighted to hear a beautiful speech from Annie Feeney, who spoke so thoughtfully on behalf of the graduating class, reflecting on the memories, friendships, challenges and achievements shared over the years.

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our 6th Year students and wish them every success and happiness in the future. May they always look back on their time here with fond memories.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🌟

⚽🎉 End of Year Soccer Tournament!

Mater Dei Academy wrapped up the school year with a Staff vs. Students Soccer Tournament at Sam Allen Sports Complex, Churchfield!

A fantastic day with lots of short games filled with teamwork, school spirit, and great sportsmanship from both teams 👏💙

From fast-paced matches to fantastic goals, the energy never stopped and it was wonderful to see both boys and girls getting involved and showing their skills on the pitch! 👏⚽

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, cheered from the sidelines, and helped make this event such a success.

Céilí Cois Laoi! 💃🕺

Students, families, and staff came together to celebrate Irish music, dance, and community spirit in a night full of fun, laughter, and fantastic energy in Douglas GAA Hall earlier this month. From lively reels and jigs to shared smiles and great company, it was a memorable occasion for everyone involved.

A huge thank you to all who helped organise the event, to our talented dancers, and to everyone who joined us and made the night so special.

We are so proud of the enthusiasm, teamwork, and joy shown by our students throughout the evening. ☘️

🎭 “Friends, Romans, countrymen…” 🎭

Our 1st Year students took part in a performance of Julius Caesar last week. The students showed great confidence, creativity, and teamwork throughout.

A huge well done to all involved for the effort and enthusiasm they brought to this classic Shakespearean play. 👏📚

Enjoy some highlights from their performances below! 📸

🎶 The Mater Dei Academy Choir recently competed in the Schools’ Competition at the Cork International Choral Festival.

The choir performed two challenging and beautiful pieces: Ave Vera Virginitas by Des Prez and an arrangement of Peadar Ó Riada’s Go mBeannaítear Duit, a Mhuire (Hail Mary). 🎵

The day concluded with a lively and enjoyable singing workshop for all participating students at City Hall. 👏🎤

🎶

🎶✨ Tonight’s the Night! ✨🎶

Join us this evening for Céilí Cois Laoi — a wonderful celebration of live music, dancing, and great company.

🗓️ Tonight, Friday May 1st
🕢 From 7:30pm
📍 Douglas GAA Hall, Douglas West, Cork

Bring your friends and family for an enjoyable night of céilí dancing — no experience needed, everyone is welcome!

🎟️ Admission: €10 / €20 for families

All proceeds go towards supporting Independent Catholic Classical Education.

We look forward to seeing you there! 💃🕺

Happening Tonight – Join Us!

A New Generation of Saints and Scholars

Mater Dei Academy and Mater Dei Education warmly invite you to a Community Formation Talk taking place this evening.

📅 Tonight – Thursday, 30th April
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Mater Dei Academy, 17 Eason’s Hill

Grace will explore how faith and reason together have shaped entire civilizations, and how each of us is called to help form a new generation marked by truth, courage, and holiness.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about how Mater Dei supports families- through both its homeschooling programme and Mater Dei Academy- in forming young people in truth, goodness, and beauty through an authentically Irish Catholic education.

All are very welcome. We would love to see you there!

✨ Céilí Cois Laoi! ✨

Come enjoy an evening of traditional music, dancing, and great company. Beginners, seasoned dancers, families — everyone is welcome.

📅 Friday, May 1st, 2026
⏰ From 7:30pm
📍 Douglas GAA Hall, Douglas West, Cork
🎟 €10 per person | €20 per family

Join us for a joyful night in support of Independent Catholic Classical Education. Looking forward to seeing you there! 🎶💃

A New Generation of Saints and Scholars!

Mater Dei Academy and Mater Dei Education warmly invite members of the school community and the general public to our upcoming Community Formation talk.

🗓 Thursday, 30th April
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Mater Dei Academy, 17 Eason’s Hill

Grace will explore how faith and reason together have shaped entire civilizations, and how each of us is called to help form a new generation capable of leading with truth, courage, and holiness.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about how Mater Dei supports families—both through its homeschooling programme and through Mater Dei Academy—in forming young people in truth, goodness, and beauty through an authentically Irish Catholic education.

We would love to see you there and welcome anyone interested in the renewal of Catholic learning and family life.

✨ Céilí Cois Laoi ✨

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a night full of fun, laughter, and community spirit! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome.

📅 Friday, May 1st, 2026
⏰ From 7:30pm
📍 Douglas GAA Hall, Douglas West, Cork

🎟 Admission: €10 | €20 for families

Bring your friends and family and enjoy a lively céilí while supporting Independent Catholic Classical Education.

We look forward to seeing you there! 💃🎶

Mater Dei Academy and Mater Dei Education are delighted to invite families and friends to a special presentation by Grace Cantillon-Murphy, Director of Mater Dei Education:

✨ “A New Generation of Saints and Scholars”

Journey from Moses to Saint Patrick and beyond, as we rediscover how faith and reason together have shaped civilizations — and how we are called to form a new generation to lead with truth, courage, and holiness.

This talk will also explore how Mater Dei supports families through both its homeschooling programme and Mater Dei Academy, forming young people in truth, goodness, and beauty through an authentically Irish Catholic education.

Join us as we share our mission to renew education and culture — beginning in the home and extending into the classroom.

📍 Cork — 7:30pm | 30th April | Mater Dei Academy
📍 Dublin — after 7:30pm Mass | 1st May | Legionaries of Christ, Leopardstown

📚 Grace will also have a stand at the Home Education Awards in Ardee on 18th April, where she will be available for a chat and to showcase the books used in the curriculum.

All are warmly welcome — we look forward to meeting you.