Since 1946, the O’Shea Shield has been a proud tradition among Catholic secondary schools in the Wellington Archdiocese and Palmerston North Diocese. This year, students from all seventeen schools—including the eight colleges within the Palmerston North Diocese—came together once again to compete in a range of disciplines: impromptu and prepared speech, oratory, debating, religious questions, scripture reading (in both Te Reo Māori and English), and drama.
Cullinane College in Whanganui hosted this year’s event over the weekend of May 15 – 17 with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Their exceptional hospitality and organisation reflected the collective efforts of the college’s leadership team, staff, students, whānau, and the wider Catholic community in Whanganui.
The event is a vibrant showcase of the passion, faith and talent of our young people. We extend our congratulations to every participant and express our sincere gratitude to the coaches and mentors who supported them.
Particular congratulations go to those students who won their sections from these colleges in our Palmerston North diocese:
- Sacred Heart College Napier – Oratory Section A
- Francis Douglas College New Plymouth – Oratory Section B
- St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College Napier – Joint winner of English Scripture Reading Section B
- Sacred Heart College Napier – Joint winner of English Scripture Reading Section B
- Sacred Heart Girls’ College New Plymouth – Junior Prepared Speech Section B
- St Peter’s College Palmerston North – Te Reo Māori Scripture Reading Section A
- Hato Pāora College Feilding – Joint winner of Impromptu Speaking Section B
- Sacred Heart Girls’ College New Plymouth – Religious Drama Section A
- Hato Pāora College Feilding – Religious Drama Section B
- Sacred Heart College Napier – Religious Questions Section B
Runners Up to O’Shea Shield 2025: Sacred Heart Girls’ College New Plymouth, St Mary’s College Wellington, St Patrick’s College Wellington
O’Shea Shield Winner 2025 – St Patrick’s College Silverstream
Photos can be found on the O’Shea Shield Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576360791655
Next year the competition will be held at Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt.
Candice Adams
Palmerston North Catholic Education Office