Clifden Community School were celebrating after they tasted success in the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS ) UK and Irish Finals held last week at Microsoft Dream Space in Dublin, bringing together top secondary school students from across the country to compete at the highest level in Microsoft Office applications.
The school was proudly represented by four students, Finnian Williams, Meera O Toole, Roisin O Toole, and Shona O Toole, all of whom had successfully qualified to compete in the Excel and PowerPoint categories following earlier rounds. Each student sat a rigorous, timed certification examination on the day, testing their advanced skills, accuracy, and efficiency in realworld Microsoft Office tasks.
The school celebrated an outstanding achievement as Shona O’Toole was crowned National Champion in Microsoft Excel, placing first overall in her category. This remarkable result secures Shona’s qualification to represent Ireland at the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship, which will be held in Anaheim, California, in July 2026. The World Finals attract the highestscoring students from across the globe and showcase exceptional digital and technological proficiency.
Shona’s journey to the world stage began through the school’s digital enrichment programme at Clifden Community School, where students complete Microsoft Office Specialist certifications in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. These globally recognised, industrystandard qualifications form a central element of the school’s commitment to equipping students with essential 21stcentury digital skills, preparing them for further education and the modern workplace.
Principal Mary Kelly, along with the Board of Management, Staff and students of Clifden Community School are extremely proud of all four students for their dedication, professionalism, and strong performance on a national stage. Their success reflects both their individual commitment and the school’s ongoing emphasis on developing highlevel digital skills that prepare students for future academic and career opportunities.
