Saint Patrick’s Grammar School Past Pupils’ Union established this award following the death of Cardinal Ó Fiaich in August 1990. It is awarded annually to 3 A-level students of language in SPGS.

This language award is a fitting tribute to a man who loved languages and who showed diligence and enthusiasm in his work, achieving great academic success and inspiring others to do likewise.

The awards enable students to attend courses in French, Spanish and Irish at Easter of Year 14 or as part of the exchange programmes.

Pupils apply for the award in early October. Visiting examiners come to the school to interview the pupils. The awards are presented at Prizegiving in early December.

We in the language department are grateful for the on-going support of the PPU. Our pupils benefit greatly from time spent in the area where their chosen language is spoken natively.