Staff, students and guests gathered in Presentation Secondary School, Ballingarry for annual Prize Day Award Ceremony. Principal, Mrs. Angela Cahill welcomed guest speaker, Ms Ailish Cantwell, Ms. Catherine McCormack (Ceist) and former staff members, including former Principal Mr. Fennessey. Mrs Cahill highlighted how “this ceremony celebrates our students and their achievements.” She acknowledged The Board of Management for their unstinting commitment. Next, Ms. Cahill commended the Parent’s council for their continued hard work, she thanked the students for the positive contribution they make to the school and expressed her pride in their capacity to be such hardworking, decent compassionate individuals. Finally Ms. Cahill acknowledged the “tireless commitment” of the teaching and support staff whose genuine concern for the students was she said, “second to none.”

In his welcome address, Mr. Moran described Ailish as a genuine, sincere, engaging student when she studied in Ballingarry in the 1980’s and applauded her success as founder of Inspire PR.

Ailish shared her journey from Mullinahone to Waterford, Dublin and beyond as she found herself working alongside some of the biggest names in the Business and Musical world like Bill Gates, Bono and Tony O’ Reilly. Ailish highlighted the importance of hard work together with the willingness to take every opportunity that comes one’s way. It was with great fondness that she recalled her days in Presentation Ballingarry and hailed her time there as the first step of her journey. Having studied French under Ms. Marron Kane she went onto WIT where she studied International Languages and Marketing. College was for Ms. Cantwell, a wonderful experience and although her parents expressed many fears as she headed away from the security of home, Ailish emerged as an innovator. Following her graduation Ailish worked with Dublin Tourism and remaining true to her determination to take advantage of every opportunity she spotted an idle computer in the corner of her office and so began the creation of a central reservations system. Ailish’s talents and professionalism soon saw her employed as “image and brand builder” of the exclusive K Club. In speaking of the importance of reputation Ailish reminded students of the importance of safeguarding their reputation and cautioned them against over exposure on Social Media.

Ailish began working with Bono and the Edge (U2). Ailish was to remain working with U2 for seven years, until 2003 when she established her own company, Inspire in the front room of her home.

She advised students to be passionate about what they do, to be true to themselves and to never give up. She added that she herself had achieved a great deal through hard work but she has never lost touch with who she is and her soul will always remain in Mullinahone.