An Taoiseach Enda Kenny Opening Ceremony – full write-up & pictures
Ladies Section Fundraiser
Hurling Championship Pucks Off
Edmund Rice News
Summer Camps
Meet Niamh Crowe
Team News / Match Reports
Fixtures

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny Opening Ceremony

The icy wind which swept through Clontarf yesterday afternoon did nothing to quell the warmth and excitement which radiated from 95 Clontarf Road as Scoil members, friends and guests eagerly awaited the arrival of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD to officially open the newly refurbished dressing room and gym facilities.

Attendees were treated to an exhibition game between O’Connell Primary and St Laurence O’Tooles, which was played in great spirit and under beaming sunshine, and it was toward this scene that Mr Kenny was immediately drawn upon arrival. Mr Kenny looked almost relieved, having just come from a Brexit conference, to be met by the energy and enthusiasm that comes with an underage football match and it wasn’t long before he was both kicking footballs and pucking sliotars with some of Scoil’s younger members.

With the final whistle of the game being blown soon after his arrival, the students of the two schools, which Scoil’s Games Promotion Officer Thomas Gleeson works with regularly, had an honour bestowed on them which most don’t: medals presented by a Head of State! Whether they were more impressed by this or the treats they received afterward is up for debate but there were certainly smiles all around regardless. A big thank you and kudos must go to the students and teachers of the two schools who represented themselves and their school with pride.

Mr Kenny then joined our unfaltering resident MC Eileen Dunne, GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl, Scoil Chairperson Maurice ‘Mossy’ O’Connell and Vice Chairperson TJ Farrelly, as well as Brothers Madigan and Garvey whose attendance was warmly appreciated, at the podium which had been specially erected outside the changing rooms for the event.

The large crowd present was then treated to three eloquent and, at all the right times humorous, speeches by GAA President, Scoil Chairperson and Taoiseach, which repeatedly recognised both Scoil’s great tradition and stellar work with the North East Inner City. Before the scissors came out, Mr. Kenny presented our very own Special Olympian Stevo Lee with a medal to mark his representing of Ireland in this year’s Special Olympics in Austria.

And so, with RTE cameras rolling and local and national press photogrpahers snapping, Mr Kenny gave the crowd one last nugget of memory as he uttered those glorious words ‘Up The Dubs’ to a roar of approval as he cut through the aptly coloured Maroon, Amber and Blue velvet ribbon and officially opened the marvellous new facilities which will surely act as the launchpad for many a great day in Scoil’s future.

Following a tour of the facility, during which he showed off his own strength by tackling some of the weightier dumbbells, Mr Kenny made his way up the Clubhouse for some refreshments, during which time he showed a grace and patience which allowed everyone an opportunity to shake hands, chat and get a picture for the archives. The ambience was just right as guests were treated to some tone-perfect traditional Irish music from some of our multi-talented members.

Speaking in about his visit, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, T.D. said: “I am delighted to join Scoil Uí Chonaill GAA to celebrate the opening of their new facilities at Clontarf Road developed with funding from the Sports Capital Programme. This is a hugely important step, not only for the Club itself, but for the wide range of communities which it serves; from the North East Inner City to Clontarf and many of its surrounding parts of Dublin. It is no wonder players from far and wide are proud to don the maroon, amber and blue of Scoil Uí Chonaill. Since 1950, Scoil Uí Chonaill GAA has undoubtedly made a significant impact both on and off the pitch. I would like to commend the work of the Club’s volunteers and mentors who undertake vital work to make a positive difference for many young people.”

With the formalities finished, and cameras put aside, Mr Kenny could enjoy a quiet drink and a chat with some of more seasoned members, as well as Clontarf Chairperson Donal Nolan who was in attendance to support Scoil; testament to the all-inclusive nature of the day. With the stress of the day relieved and the appreciation of a job well done by all, the Club drifted into an atmosphere of relaxed appreciation for another wonderful year in our proud history, aided by the flicking of memories on the TV screen thanks to a slideshow by Clubhouse Manager Paraic Naughton.

Although naming names is a dangerous game, it should be noted that the day would not have been possible without the relentless work of John Coady in arranging the engagement (who can be heard here from 1hr53mins being interviewed on RTE Radio 1’s Drivetime).

It was also wonderful to have Club stalwart Chris O’Grady back in the thick of things as he used all his diplomatic experience to assist the navigation of the necessary processes. Our Executive Committee once again put in many hours of work and the ever-resourceful Joan Cushen, Marion Mottram, Maire O’Connell, Gillian Linnane and Niamh Farrelly made sure everything ticked on the day. Big thanks also to Eileen Dunne, for stepping up once again to lead proceedings as MC, and Declan Hoban and Colm Kennedy who are continuing to achieve the silent, selfless victories in the name of Scoil’s progress.

As for the PRO, he’s undoubtedly forgotten someone so apologies in advance. Feel free to shoot the messenger!

So, there we have it. Another hugely successful day in Scoil which leaves us with one question, as is becoming encouragingly commonplace, which is: WHAT NEXT?!

#UpScoil

The true benefit of the day is yet to be realised as we enjoyed some wonderful coverage as we were trending for the day on social media, our own Aodháin Ó’Ríordáin appeared on RTE Nuacht and RTE Radio 1 Drivetime dedicated a slot to the topic. You can see a write-up in the Irish Times here

See more photos on Facebook:

Ladies Section Fundraiser

SAVE THE DATE!
Root our your Miami Vice shirt! More info to follow for the Ladies Section Fundraiser…

Hurling Championship Pucks Off

Hurling Championship Pucks Off
IHC: Scoil vs St Kevin’s — Clontarf Rd @6pm April 29th
Our Hurlers hope to put the Footballing disappointment last week into the distant memory with a win in their first round of the Intermediate Hurling Championship.
#UpScoil

Edmund Rice News

Please see information for the Edmund Rice Walk in the image below.
Also, please note that there will be a special mass in St Agatha’s Church on 5 May @10am to celebrate the Blessed Edmund Rice Feast Day.
All friends, connected in any way, with the Brothers’ Community, are invited.

Summer Camps

The Easter camp last week was hugely successful with 120 children taking part! Summer will fly in so never too early to book with our GPO Thomas at 085 113 7728

Cul camp 24-28th July
Multi sports 15-18th Aug
Club camp 21-25th Aug

Meet Niamh Crowe

How long have you been involved in Scoil Uí Chonaill?
Twenty two years no wonder I’m grey!

Do you have any nicknames? How do you like to be addressed?
Having five grandchildren in Scoil Neasain and Scoil UI Chonaill I am probably the only mentor in Ithe GAA known as Mámó.

Where do you hail from?
Clontarf just across the road from pitch 22. Very handy.

How did you come to be involved in Scoil?
When I brought my son from Scoil Neasain at age six. He now plays for our adult team.

Briefly describe your Scoil career as a player / mentor / contributor, if any.
I started by bringing boys from my son’s team to their matches. Despite what they may say they were never late! Then I got roped into the Naoinra for little girls, hence my nickname. Those once little girls now form the bulk of the under 14 Feile squad this year. I am still involved with them. I also served as PRO for four years and while chasing mentors for team reports was reputedly called “The Nag with the Mag.”

What would you say you are most known for within Scoil? i.e. what do people associate you with?
They probably think I own my own spot on the sideline.

What has been your greatest Scoil moment / achievement?
I was thrilled when I was chosen as club person of the year but probably the most exciting moment was when our adult team went up to Division Two. Grown men cried when Aidan Mulvey got that winning point in extra time.

What is your profession / field of study / passion?
I am a writer and have a speechwriting business.

What are your favourite hobbies outside of GAA?
My family would say none but I love gardening and reading.

If you could make one addition to Scoil in any way (don’t be restricted by the plausible!), what would it be?
A bigger room in clubhouse so we could have bigger functions/fundraisers such as music sessions.

What is your favourite Scoil ‘quirk’?
The smell of those sausages sizzling

If you close your eyes and envisage Scoil in 10 years, what do you see?
Adult hurlers as well as footballers playing senior, a thriving Camogie section and a covered stand for OAP’s like me.

Finally, if you had to describe yourself as an animal, what would it be and why?
My imagination didn’t stretch this far. Family ideas ranged from a duck minding her ducklings to a walrus. Don’t ask why. The parents of our Féile girls choose beaver…

Want to feature here / know someone who should? Complete the questionnaire and send it in!

Team News / Match Reports

Ladies Football

Scoil Ui Chonaill 3-5 Foxrock Cabinteely 2-5

The adult ladies maintained their 100% start to the season with a hard fought win, courtesy of an injury time goal from Hannah Leahy. The game may have been low scoring but it produced an exciting finish. Scoil started both halves well, with goals in the first minute of each from Hannah Leahy. However, the team were unable to impose themselves on a fast and skillful Foxrock Cabinteely team. Only some tenacious tackling by Ellen McGowan, Nicole Rock and the outstanding Molly Power prevented the opposition from gaining an unassailable lead.

Heading into the last 5 minutes the team were 3 points down, however 3 unanswered points brought the teams level going into injury time. With Foxrock having most of the possession in the dying moments, Scoil were able to break away with a fine counter attacking move. A fantastic interception from Molly Power well inside her own 45, saw her carry the ball 50+ yards before moving the ball onto the workhorse Grainne Egan who played the finest of passes into Hannah Leahy, who sprung clear of the Foxrock fullback line to find the back of the net to complete her hatrick.

Not to be outdone, there was still time for one final Foxrock Cabinteely attack, and through some good interplay themselves came baring down on stand in keeper Laura O’Reilly’s goal, who would make a point blank save with the last kick of the game to secure the win.

Next up is an away trip to Kilmacud Crokes in the Cup on Wednesday 7.30pm.

#UpScoil

Minor Boys

Scoil (Isles of the Sea) 0-14 Ballyboden 2-5

Bright, sunny Sunday morning, Scoil took to the field in Clontarf for their third MHL match. Ballyboden were the opposition.

The niggling started before the referee had even thrown in the sliotar but Scoil got off to a quick start with a pointed free and a point from play from Robert Kennedy followed by a converted 65 from Daragh Levins.

Scoil went in at half time 0-8 to 0-2 ahead.

The second half started well for Scoil and they notched up another 6 points. With 10 minutes to go Scoil were 10 points up but a couple of late goals from Ballyboden left the final score at 0-14 to 2-5.

Daragh Levins was particularly strong at full back and both David McGauran and Conor Ennis had a great match at corner back. Half back line of Connor Barnes, Sean Barry and Conor Farrelly performed extremely well. The work rate from Eoghan McKay and Ted Walsh in the centre of the field was immense. In the half forwards, David Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Seamus McCann all got on the scoreboard. Patrick Duffy, Tomás O’Connell and Conor Rimmer in the full forward line defended well from the front. Subs of Scott Collopy (corner forward), Karl Morgan (full forward) and Matthew O’Rourke (wing forward) performed well when they came on. Dean Fitzpatrick in goals was his usual reliable self and gave some great puck outs.

Special mention to Sean Barry who left the field temporarily with a dislocated finger but was soon back on the pitch having had the finger put back into position!

Scorers: Robert Kennedy 0-7 (3f); Daragh Levins 0-3 (2 ’65, 1f); David Kennedy 0-2; Eoghan McKay, Seamus McCann 0-1 each.

This makes it 2 wins out of 3 for the team and leaves them in 2nd place in the league.

Next match is home football vs St. Marys on Sunday 30th April at 11am. Pitch to be confirmed.

#UpScoil

Minor Ladies

Scoil 4:15 Naomh Mearnog 4:5

Scoil minors got back to winning ways with a comprehensive victory in Mearnog in Saturday.

We had a turnout of 19 girls who all played their part in this comprehensive win.

#UpScoil

U13 Boys Hurling

Scoil Uí Chonnaill 4:3 Na Fianna C 3:2

Scoil recorded their second consecutive win in two days against Na Fianna in the hurling league in Clontarf. They played especially well in the first half, Na Fianna tried their level best to bring themselves back into the match in the second half but the back line of Nikhil, Caleb and Cathal held firm which resulted in Scoil moving to second in the league. Well done all.

#UpScoil

U13 Boys Football

Scoil Ui Chonaill 6:16 Fingallians B 7:11

Scoil kicked off their second match of the season against Fingallians in St Anne’s Park with a 2 point win. Scoil led by 10 points after 15 minutes in the first half but Fingallians brought the score within 2 by half time. The second half was a close affair with both teams playing very attacking football which resulted in a high scoring game. Scoil came out on top with a late goal and point. Well done to all especially Caleb McDermott and Ethan Cassidy who’s pace helped the high scoring throughout.

#UpScoil

U12 Boys

Scoil Under 12’s Thunders (3-4) versus Clanna Gael (10-9)

Scoil found the going tough against Clanna Gael in Ringsend. From the start Clanna Gael peppered the Scoil goal line and only for the fine reflexes of Marcus in goal the scoreline could have been worse.

Clanna Gael were the better hurlers and demonstrated as much throughout the match with some fine scores from their midfielders and half backs.

As ever, Scoil battled to the very end, in particular Sean and Rory in defence, ran themselves into the ground.

After the match the mentors reiterated to the players and parents how important it was to spend time during the week with the hurl in the hand, working on touch and technique. At this level, they are competing against players who are training multiple times per week.

Training continues Monday nights.

#UpScoil

U12 Girls

Scoil Uí Chonaill vs Round Towers

After a less than ideal start when we were short players and had to pull together a team ( thanks to Aoife and Eabha for playing 2 games ) we looked disjointed and as though the Easter break was catching up on our girls. The opposition who were bigger and stronger than ours got on top and scored 3 goals in very quick succession that had us hanging on in the first half but we managed to put together some good tackles and blocks to keep us in the game somewhat at 0.3 to 4.2 at half time. After a few home truths were delivered and a reminder of what makes this team what it is ie total focus on fast movement of both girls and ball into our dangerous forwards we began to creep back into the game. Our transition play utilizing the one twos and speed that we work on eventually took over and we kept the scoreboard ticking over. This in addition to some great last ditch defending all helped to keep out 100% record in the league this year to date as we won out 2.11 to 4.3 winners in a very exciting match in Clontarf.

Tus maith leat na hoibre. Some work left for the coaches to work on but what a great bunch of girls to be a part of and their never say die attitude.

#UpScoil

U10 Girls

Scoil Uí Chonaill vs Erin Go Bragh

As the u12s had borrowed 2 players that were required for the 10s they needed to start with some u8s as the game had started before they could get out there. When they had arrived the score was a point each. This group have won every game to date that they have played in a canter and this was their first real test as the opposition had also won every game they played over last 18 months.

It took a while for them to get their feet properly into the game as they were missing a few key players due to holidays but the return of our Portuguese machine helped ease that loss.

The game was end to end with some great play to be seen on both sides. The girls worked tirelessly and displayed great maturity and discipline beyond their age in the way they tackled without giving away any frees to set up the platform to attack from. When we gathered as a group at the break going into the last quarter at level scores the coaches asked the girls was this the day to lose their 100% winning record as a team they all agreed that they would do whatever they needed to get that win. So it proved when we got the winning score with only a few minutes to go and held on for the win. Their manager although very disappointed couldn’t speak highly enough of us and we look forward to many tests against them in the coming years.

These girls are a credit to themselves as their togetherness and will to listen and learn is a pleasure to be involved with.

#UpScoil

U10 Boys Hurling

Scoil Uí Chonaill U10’S Hurlers were away to Man O War GAA today and pulled off another convincing win (despite being ring rusty – Their last match a month ago):

Due to limited numbers Man O War fielded One Team (11 a side) which meant Scoil used mix of Team Liam Ryan & Jp Courtney players with plenty of substitutions for Scoil on the day.

As is the norm, Adam rattled off some fine individual points/scores but great to see plenty of others score today also – Luke, Conall, Alan to name but a few.

Great to see Alex Cahill(Culligan) getting stuck in to his defensive duties.

Scoil kids took some heavy blows from the opposition with Tadhg, Diarmuid and Alex Courtney in particular, coming in for some very special attention (both knees/ankle) – driven by some excellent defending first half by the lads.

Delighted though that all three returned to the field before match ended.

Only real negative was the lapse in concentration which allowed opposition in for their only score (fine point as well).

While the scoreline was heavily weighted in Scoil’s favour, Man O War were certainly up for the fight with some excellent blocks/hooks on show and heads never went down.

All in all, very comprensive win by the U10 Lads and happy everyone managed to walk off the pitch (just!)

#UpScoil

Under 9s

On Saturday the Under 9s played a challenge match against St Monicas at home on a nice sunny morning.

We fielded two all boys teams, with the exception of Aisha who with her competitiveness and skill is well able to mix it with the boys. After the easter break and all the easter eggs, the training and practicing of new skills is really paying off with a good win in each match.

Match 1
We had lots of smart kicking and got points from all angles from newly acquired hook and punt kicking skills.
Highlights include a goal scored by Callum, great goal keeping by Aisha as well as some strong defence and big clearances. Eoin Óg kicked a lot of points and worked hard for them. Diarmuid had some great clean aces in defence – getting to the ball first and protecting the goals. Senan and Jake in midfield worked hard to anticipate the kick outs and get to the ball fast, winning a lot of balls and getting it back up to the forwards. Evan had some good goal keeping in the first half – nothing conceded below the crossbarand lots of strong kicking passes. Overall some great passing work and holding off positions. Heads were up looking for their team mates and lots of fighting to get to the ball and lift it.

Match 2

The team started strongly.

Our defence was committed and competed well for the ball.

Saoirse, Blaine and Joe linked up well in attack to score some nice points and even nicked an early goal. St Monica’s came back into the game – Cillian did well in goals to keep their attack at bay.

The lads fought to get back on top with Conor Kelly and Conor Mehan winning the exchanges and finding some space.

Calum Boyle showed his strength and kept the pressure on, resulting in more scores.

In the second half after a lot of positional changes it was much the same from us. We gave them a few easy kick-outs but responded well to close up the space and mark-up.

Lots of effort with the lads looking for passes and all showed some nice skills and touches. The training effort is showing its dividend.

St Monica’s came back into it again but the strength of our lads won out.

Well done to Blaine (captain for the day) and his team – an impressive display by all.

Unfortunately our girls game scheduled for the next day cancelled by the opposition.

With the longer evenings we have added a training session on Friday at 6.30pm to get the kids in the groove for the next days match. We are hoping to organise a meeting/skills session for parents in the next few weeks to brief everyone on where we are at and where we are going.

Next week we are away to Garristown where we will hopefully see more progress.

#UpScoil

U8s

Note: Game on Sat changed from 11am to 10am

Na Fianna Fall to U8s

On Saturday, we hosted 3 strong teams from Na Fianna. All the games were highly competitive with great passages of play and some excellent scores. Our teams delivered fine performances and more than held their own in skilful, tough encounters.

It is noticeable that many of our players’ have greatly improved the speed and length of their striking which shows that skills are being practiced at home. This is really encouraging for the coaches as the most important practice a child can do is that which they do on their own or with family / friends. And, increased mastery of skills leads to increased enjoyment for players.

For the Blue team on Saturday, every single player played their part. Orson was tigerish in defence and provided great protection to his goalkeeper. On more than one occasion he put in important tackles as the last defender. It’s impossible to single out any other player given the technique and commitment shown by every team member during the 3 matches. Teamwork was the real star on the day.

For the Maroon team, Jamie was in very impressive form and scored a wonderful goal helped by his able teammates. All the Amber players showed great team spirit and determination. Noah and Emily demonstrated all the skills that we have worked hard on in training including clashing, getting close to opponents when they have the ball and striking off both sides.

Next outing: Football vs O’Dwyers on Saturday at 10:00.

#UpScoil