100 percent school record for Killawalla man

ANSEO Shane Gavin received a special presentation to mark his complete attendance record at Davitt College. He is pictured with Principal Bernie Rowland, Vice Prinicipal Ger King and Mayo U-21 All-Ireland winners Diarmuid O’Connor and Liam Irwin, both past pupils of the school.

Ger Flanagan

A Davitt College leaving certificate student has been rewarded for an incredible achievement of not missing a single school day for over 13 years.
Shane Gavin (17) from Killawaulluan, Killawalla, Westport was presented with an award by his school in recognition of his 100 per cent record in Davitt College, along with the six years he spent in Killawalla NS, and two years in Ballyheane NS.
The young man’s immaculate attendance record was so impressive it even gained coverage from RTÉ News, who travelled down to Castlebar to meet the man, at where else but his school!
“It was a big surprise to be honest, I only found out the week before that the camera was coming down,” he said. “I didn’t expect to get that kind of coverage at all so it was nice.”
The Killawalla native, who is also a keen runner and cyclist, highlighted the importance of balancing his school work with his social life coming up to the busier times of the term.
“You have to try and keep a balance with sport and the books around the mock times and also now coming up to the exams,” Shane said. “You do have to prioritise because at times there is not enough hours in the day for you to do everything.”

Army Reserve
Upon completing his exams, the youngster has ambitions of joining the Army Reserve as a part-time soldier until he turns 18, where he then wants to go on and apply to the Army Cadets. The budding student hopes his self imposed discipline will stand to him when doing so.
When asked what was his secret for his exceptional attendance, the youngster laughed and but it down to a number of aspects.
“Thank God I was fortunate enough that I wasn’t sick or that there was no circumstances that prevented me from going to school,” he added. “I liked school too, going in and seeing all my friends and the teachers made it a lot more easier too.”
Shane’s 100 percent attendance record and was acknowledged by the National Education Welfare Board and he was quick to point out that this fantastic achievement could not have been possible without a number of people.
“I just want to thank all my friends and family, and of course all my teachers who have helped me along the way,” he concluded.