Contents

• U14 Girls Féile
• Easter Camp 2017
• Meet Dave Walley
• Well Done Stevo!
• Quiz: Win €3,000 for Scoil!
• Your input: Scoil Tagline
• Results / Team News (including first Camogie outings for U9s & U12s!)
• Fixtures

U14 Girls Féile

Scoil is stepping up to host the U14 Girls Féile this weekend and appeal is being made for members to lend a hand by dropping down a plate of sandwiches or snacks in order to play the perfect hosts for the other Clubs in attendance.

As always, we wish to paint the ideal picture of our fantastic Club when entertaining!

**Please note parking will be limited so please carpool or walk/cycle if you can**

Féile Fixtures:

10.30    Scoil Ui Chonaill    v    Skerries Harps B   

10.30    St Brigids B    v    Bye    

11.45    Skerries Harps B    v    St Brigids B    

11.45    Bye    v    Scoil Ui Chonaill    

1.00    Scoil Ui Chonaill    v    St Brigids B   

1.00    Skerries Harps B    v    Bye    
 

Easter Camp

Book Your Easter Camp Place Now!

As we need to know numbers to allocated coaches accordingly
From 18-21st April (9.30am-1.30pm) we will be running the annual Easter Camp for juveniles. At just €35 this is really incredible value. Please contact Club GPO Thomas on 085 113 7728 to book a place.

Prospective coaches submit your application here

Meet Dave Walley

How long have you been involved in Scoil Uí Chonaill?
17 YEARS!

Do you have any nicknames? How do you like to be addressed?
None that I would admit to in public.

Where do you hail from?
I am from Skibbereen in WEST Cork, my home club O’Donovan Rossa is still the only Cork club outside the city to have won the All Ireland Football Club title in 1993 (I was in the stands shouting my head off).

How did you come to be involved in Scoil?
My kids were in school with Kathy & Liam Egan’s kids and Kathy asked if Kate would like to play girls football.

Briefly describe your Scoil career as a player / mentor / contributor, if any.
From the day I walked in the gate, I worked with Kathy Egan managing the girls u10 team, We ran that team for about 5 years. I was club delegate to the ladies board for a few years. I ran the adult ladies second team. I was also secretary for a couple of years and club registrar for another few.  I am currently a selector on the Intermediate Hurling team.

What would you say you are most known for within Scoil? i.e. what do people associate you with? 
That’s hard to say, but at different times I was the person chasing subs, I was involved with the running of last man standing, for the past few years I have organised the tickets for the Dubs games.

What has been your greatest Scoil moment / achievement?
Proudest moment was being awarded club person of the year, watching the hurlers & footballers getting promoted has been fantastic. Watching the boys & girls teams getting stronger year on year is the future of the club and well done to those working to make that happen.

What is your profession / field of study / passion?
I work in IT, it certainly is not a passion. 

What are your favourite hobbies outside of GAA?
Walking & cycling.

If you could make one addition to Scoil in any way (don’t be restricted by the plausible!), what would it be? 
I would love to see an indoor training facility or an all weather surface.

What is your favourite Scoil ‘quirk’?
Having grown up in West Cork I was used to seeing these die hard GAA types hanging around the club at strange hours of the day. I was shocked to discover that, although in the heart of a city, that these same types are in Scoil as well. We are a match for the best when it comes to having umpires that consider a ball or sliothar heading in the general direction of the posts being waved as a point as if it had grazed the black spot.

If you close your eyes and envisage Scoil in 10 years, what do you see?
I can see Scoil having won the Hurling & Football county championship at both intermediate & fingers crossed Senior.

Finally, if you had to describe yourself s an animal, what would it be and why?
My star sign is LEO so that surely makes me a LION.

Well Done Stevo!

Congratulations to Stevo Lee on a successful Special Olympics campaign representing Ireland in the Floorball event. Stevo was honoured with the presentation of the ‘Team Player’ award.

Quiz Time

Please take a moment to enter this simple competition (answer is Brazil!) to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize comprising of a €3,000 cheque from FBD Insurance towards the purchasing of sporting equipment for Scoil. Participate here

Scoil Tagline

Ever thought of a snazzy tagline that could sum Scoil up? Always bidding to sell ourselves in different ways, we would like to establish a simple, short one liner which sums up Scoil and who we are.

Need inspiration?

Well, from the recent Scoil Census, our members agreed that the following aspects of the Club are what make us special:

• Our location & enclosed grounds
• The warm & welcoming atmosphere
• Our talent & ambition (on & off the pitch)

If you have some thoughts please submit them here (you can submit anonymously if you prefer)

Results / Team News

Adult Hurling

Scoil 2:11 Mearnog 1:9

The Ahl3 team had their second league match on Sunday away to Naomh Mearnog. Playing against the breeze in the first half Scoil struggled to get a foothold in the game, after 22 mins we were 6 points down, a change in tempo meant we scored 3 points before half time and trailed by 3 at the break. After a rousing half time talk the second half started far better and we narrowed the gap to trail by 1 after 12 minutes, in a crazy 3 minute period we conceded 1 goal and 2 points, to leave us trailing by 1.9 to 6 points. Daire Ryan and Michael McCluskey were introduced and within a few minutes Daire had knocked the sliothar to Andy who finished to the net, game on. We drew level with 5 to go and by the final minute we had opened a 2 point gap. Mearnog applied pressure to grab a goal, and we cleared to Andy who dropped the sliothar into the box and the goalie failed to catch and the sliothar trickled over the line. Final score Scoil 2:11 Mearnog 1:9.

#upScoil
 

Adult Football

The AFL2 team look to follow the Hurlers to obtain two from two in the league as they host O’Tooles at 6pm Saturday. 

AFL7 Footballers face Cuala @11am Sunday in Clontarf and AFL11 are away to Fingal Ravens @3pm Sunday.

#upScoil
 

Ladies Football

Well done to Emma Condon, Hannah Costello, Naoise Ni Bhroin, Caeilinn Ni Bhroin, Martha Clarke, Caoimhe Debuitléar and Sarah Keohane for their involvement in the Ladies schools Leinster Semi-Final.

Also to Hannah Leahy and Susie O’Flynn for their involvement in the Ladies schools All-Ireland Final

Gaelcholáiste Reachrann vs Old Bawn Community School: Reachrann girls beaten by a point.

PPS Senior C All Ireland Final: Presentation Thurles 4-11, Holy Faith 2-10

#upScoil

Minor Boys

Scoil (Isles of the Sea) 5 – 5 to 0 – 6 St. Pats Palmerstown

Another win for our minor team who played their second MFL3 match at home in Clontarf Road against St. Pats Palmerstown last Sunday.

Scorers: Robert Kennedy 1 (p) – 4, Conor Rimmer 2 – 0, Aaron Linnane 1 – 0,  Conor Ennis 1 – 0, David Kennedy 0 – 1.

Next Minor Fixture : MHL2 away to Faughs in Tymon Park at 11am on Sunday 2nd April.

#upScoil

Under 14 girls’ football

Scoil 3.8 Naomh Barrog 3.8

Nail biting stuff against Naomh Barrog

This was a game that kept the spectators riveted right up to the final whistle. Playing with the wind Scoil went into an early lead witha point and a goal. Barrog settled downand after that that was an exchange of points with soon lovely displays of football from both sides. However Scoil kept ahead and went in leading by five points at half time and feeling quietly confident. Barrog must have had some Weetabix at half time and came on to go on a scoring spree helped by the wind in this half. From then on it was wonderful football until we led by two pointswith minutes to go. Our hopes were dashed by a goal which put Barrog ahead by one point with barely any time left. The spectators could hardly bear to watch as our girls fought back bravely towards the Barrog goal. Literally on the last second we scored an equalising point from a free to end 3.8 to 3.8. Every girl played her part in this exciting match but some of Lia’s last minute saves definitely kept us in the game to earn the draw.

This fighting spirit and never say die attitude will certainly help the girls in Feile on Saturday and we wish them every success. 

#upScoil

Girls Feile on Saturday:

Scoil are hosting a group including St Vincents, St. Oliver Plunketts and Foxrock Cabinteely.

Group games will run from 10:00 until 14:15 with a semi-final at ~ 5:00.

Final on Sunday in another venue.

Parking will still be at a premium so if Scoil attendees could please park outside the ground, carpool or walk/cycle.

Any helpers welcome for clubhouse, dressing rooms parking.

Scoil will be providing some food for the visiting teams so there is an appeal for members to make sandwiches, cakes etc. which can be left in the clubhouse on Sat. Morning.

U13 Boys Football

Scoil 0:5 Marks 4:8

The lads had a tough assignment in Tallaght against Marks. The first football loss in 5 months against a very hardened organised team will stand to them further in the league.

#upScoil

U12 Camogie

Fast learners in Scoil history class

Fourteen fearless pioneers ventured to Sandyford for Scoil’s first ever competitive junvenile camogie fixture. Having been proving their credentials in football in recent times, the girls are undertaking a new challenge by entering this year’s camogie league.

It took the team some time to find their feet and, with the opposition’s experience showing, Scoil were under siege in much of the first half. Olaf’s showed some lovely pass and catch interplay and Scoil initially struggled for answers. But these girls are made of seriously stern stuff and some tough tackling by the Scoil defense marshaled by Ella, Kate, Aoileann and Róisín, with great covering from midfielders Éabha and Katerina, kept them in the game. Behind the defence, Heather in goal also made a couple of great saves when called upon.

As half time drew close however, Scoil were finding their feet and with some determined play from Sadhbh and Sophie, Olaf’s half-backs and midfielders weren’t having it their own way anymore. By half time Scoil were down a handful of scores, but the tide was beginning to turn.

There was plenty of praise handed out at half-time, but there were some questions asked too. In particular, the management was looking for the older players to step up their game and lead the way. They responded in spades. Reailtín found an extra gear and began to dominate around half-back and midfield. She grew in confidence and her skills and striking matched anything seen on the day. Sorcha too grew into the game and much of the second half was played in opposition territory. Therese began to make her presence felt up front, making the block of the game on the left touchline. Chances started to appear for Scoil with Ellie and Caoilinn threatening, but in the end it wasn’t to be. After a very competitive second half, Scoil just couldn’t close the gap.

Overall it was a great outing. Apart from the fact that we had our first reports of sunburn for the year, the spirit, camaraderie and positive attitude shown by the girls will certainly see them develop throughout the season. If there’s this much progress over 40 mins, the coaching staff are excited to find out where this team of girls can get to by the summer break. Onwards and upwards.

#upScoil
 

U12 Boys ‘Thunders’

Scoil 2-8 St Maurs 2-4

Scoil under 12’s thunders had a very important and confidence boosting win in sunny Clontarf.

St. Maurs were by far the more physically mature side and ably demonstrated this in the first half.  They were first to the ball and put the Scoil back line of Sean and Flann under tremendous pressure from the start.  Scoil battled bravely however and although playing well within themselves kept the scoreboard ticking over with a brace of Jack frees and a goal from Steven who flicked the ball into the net following a long delivery from Brendan into the St. Maur’s full back line.

The half time interval came at just the right time for Scoil.  It was the time for Richie Egan and honorary mentor Colm Kennedy to inspire the troops and by God, did they deliver.  The Scoil boys were reminded of the history and legacy of the jerseys they wore and the sheer effort and determination that was required from them ever time they put that special jersey on.

Scoil began the second half like men possessed.  Cillian, Flann and Eoghan were throwing their bodies into every tackle.  Eanna was solid as a rock in goals and Sean was clearing ball from the full back line like a young Diarmuid O’Sullivan.  Brendan and Patrick dominated the midfield battle and covered every blade of grass with their tireless runs.  Jack was humming like a Rolls Royce and put ball after ball over the bar.  Finn, Rory and Luke made absolute nuisances of themselves and time and time again prevented the Maur’s backline from delivering clearances.

Everyone gave it their all and eventually Scoil pulled away near the end and were definitely not letting go.  Scoil won with 4 points to spare.

A great collective team performance of dogged determination, grit and courage.  Well done all.

The team and mentors would like to wish Oisin a speedy recovery from his broken thumb and hope he gets better soon.

Can’t wait till the next match.

#upScoil

U10 Boys Hurling

SCOIL U10’s Hurlers were away last Saturday to Naomh Mearnog & again raided the opposition’s cookie jar with x2 wins;

Team JP:

Started the game slowly but soon warmed to the fight after several heavy challenges. Hard to believe we had 3 players (Fahad, Aurelien & Calum) playing their 2nd game ever of hurling with two of them getting on the scoresheet also. Many highlights of the game but will keep it to one – Conal (Twin) catching the goalie’s puck out in mid field and shooting over the bar! Huge determination required as N.M. were very skilful and their hooking was excellent but Scoil lads never give up and saw the game out for the win.  All the lads were keen to get on the scoresheet with Niall (Twin) hovering in opposition’s Square (despite playing in defence!!). 

Team Liam Ryan:

Scoil 4-6 to 1-5 N Mearnog

With regular manager Liam Ryan on holidays the team, managed by Ronan, responded with a hard-working performance in a 4-6 to 1-5 win. Scoil started brightly with an excellent point from the lively Adam from the sideline. This was quickly followed by a well taken goal by Luke. Alan added a good point before Adam found the net again. The home team started to play and scored a well worked point to narrow the lead. They added another goal and 2 points to level the game at halftime. Scoil produced a dominant second half with Tadgh a rock at the back, Fionn hoovering up all the loose ball and the scores followed. Ronan worked tirelessly throughout and won a number of 50/50 balls while Calvin cleared a number of balls and Charlie and Diarmuid created chances upfront. A very enjoyable game to watch with lots of good skills on display and it was particularly pleasing to see plenty of hooks and blocks from our lads

Finally, Happy Birthday to Calvin and fair play to Ronan and the lads for throwing him a surprise  party in club after – That’s Team Spirit!!

#upScoil

U10 Girls Football

Magic on Mother’s day from girls u10s

The Scoil Uí Chonaill u10 girls football team are building a serious reputation for themselves. Having played with the boys at the Tough as Teak school of football over the past couple of years, their physicality and determination is the first thing you’ll notice about them. However, it doesn’t take long to see that there’s a lot more to this group than that. Anyone at Ballyboughal on Sunday morning will have seen that some of the passing and movement on show marks this team out as one with hugely exciting potential.

It was Mother’s Day, but with an early start (made earlier by the hour going forward) there was no breakfast in bed as the girls’ mammies turned out to support in force as always. Scoil were completely dominant in the first half and the opposition was left well out of sight by the break. All the girls were focused on their roles in the team and held their positions well. Special mention this week to Ella who was reading everything at the heart of the defence and was consistently first to the ball and setting up attacks from the back.

In the second half there were a host of positional changes but Scoil started where they left off. Kate was a revelation in attack and scored with a number of suberb long range strikes. However, there were things to work on too as the half wore on. In particular, our defenders abandoned their positions on a couple of occasions letting the opposition in for some soft scores. Afterwards, the management were keen to stress the importance of each player playing their given role for the good of the entire team.

In the end it was another convincing win for the girls and while it wasn’t the best team performance we’ve seen from them over the full 40 minutes, it was sprinkled with some magical passing and interplay that made the early start well worthwhile.

#upScoil

U9 Camogie

Scoil U9 Camogie team had their first competitive outing on Sunday morning away to Westmanstown Gaels. Despite the unsociable time and location we had a fantastic turn out by players and supporters. While we had a couple of people caught out by the clock change every player arrived early enough to play their part in a great morning’s Camogie action. The team played two matches and put on a tremendous display of skill and determination in both fixtures. The team mentors were absolutely delighted to see every player make a significant contribution on the field and we hardly lost a 50/50 ball in either match. It would be totally unfair to single out any player for particular praise but a special mention for those players who got injured but returned to action at the first call. Scoil on the day were represented by: Emilie, Martha, Sadhbh, Taiya, Niamh, Aoife, Orlaith, Caragh, Abbie, Ciara, Aishat, Nessa and Aibhilín.

#upScoil

U8 Hurling

Big performances vs Beann Eadair

Despite 8 players being unavailable for a variety of reasons, we fielded 3 full teams against Beann Eadair on Saturday. The hugely impressive performances of every single player on all 3 teams showed that nobody is there just to make up the numbers!

We showed first rate striking, blocking and hooking and were very competitive in all matches.  The players displayed good passing skills and played as a unit.  It’s clear that the commitment of this group to working hard at training and also practicing the skills at home is paying off.

The Blues fought hard in all 3 games. Priya, grew into things and her tough tackling, hard work and positive attitude in the second and third games left a huge impression on proceedings. Cónán was another who grew into the games with some great dribbling and anticipation of the ball. This ability to guess where the ball was going to be next was duly rewarded with his first ever goal in Scoil colours.

For the Maroon team, there was great work rate from Darragh who managed to cover every blade of grass.  There was also great goal keeping from Conor who did some long puc outs to quickly get the ball away from the danger area.

For Amber team, Aibhilin is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the backs and made some great blocks and long clearances to set up attacks. Joesph had another great game which was topped off with a particularly huge puc out from the hands.

We return to Beann Eadair for a football match at 10:00 on Saturday.

#upScoil

Fixtures