Contents

• U14 Girls Féile – Full report
• U13 Boys Féile – Support
• Easter Camp 2017
• Meet Aoife de Burca
• Your input: Scoil Tagline
• Results / Team News
• Fixtures

U14 Girls Féile

There were many, many complements from the visiting teams for the way in which Scoil hosted the girls Feile. It was a great effort by all in Scoil from the many parents who made “industrial” quantities of sandwiches to Paudraic Naughton, Niamh Farrelly, Marion Mottram, Audrey O’Rourke, Peter Morley, Ronan Murphy and their helpers.

Special Feile Report:

The sporting spirit wins the day

It was a day for football and fun not to mention loads of sandwiches. The mentors and parents of the Girls’ Feile team would like to express their thanks for the magnificent support they got from other Scoil members for their special day. Everyone was generous with both their time and food. The day opened early with a queue of Foxrock Cabinteely cars outside the Club gate at 8.20a.m. These were filled with supporters and mentors eager to get their girls going for a ten-a.m. start. We gave them a real Scoil welcome and let them at it. Our focus was on our own girls and certainly they looked the part when they posed for their team photograph. The first game which we followed anxiously was Oliver Plunket’s v St. Vincent’s whom they beat 4.1 to 2.3. In doing so they laid down a marker for the rest of the day. Our first game was against Foxrock and we started off with a bang, played like Trojans and went in winners by 4.3. to Foxrock’s 1.4. As the games continued it was obvious that Plunkett’s were the team to   beat. In our second game although we tried hard they were the far superior team and beat us convincingly. So, when it came to our last game against Vincent’s we knew we had it all to play for as two wins would probably get us into the semi-final. It didn’t look good at first and at half time there were some slightly worried people on the side-line. However, our girls by responded magnificently to the cheers of the Scoil supporters and came out convincing winners by 3.2 to 1.5,   Then there were some nail biting moments as the officials did their sums and to the great relief of everyone we knew we had made the semi-finals, even if they were out in Bohernabreena. There was a mad dash to be there for the 5p.m. kick-off. We arrived in good time but the referee was very impatient to start the game and would not let us even warm up.  The game was pulsating stuff and playing with the wind and downhill and we went into a lead which we maintained until half time. The second half was much tougher against that wind and the opposition caught up with us and with about five minutes to go things were level. Unfortunately, St. Anne’s then got a leading point and while the Scoil girls battled up to their goal for the equalizer the ref just blew his whistle without giving them the chance to take their score leaving. This left the Scoil supporters bewildered and annoyed as according to their timekeeping the time was not up. However, the referee’s decision is final and our girls showed up their wonderful sporting spirit in the way that was unbelievable. They were an absolute credit to their parents, their mentors and their club in the way they accepted a defeat of one point. Holly played a real captain’s role and her scores had to be seen to be believed. Lia was outstanding in goal until she was injured when the eve- useful Isabelle changed from being a forward to being a super goalkeeper. Siofra M and Jody were excellent playing tirelessly all day while Abby and Sorcha ran rings around the opposition with their speed and scoring ability. Eimear showed she was getting to be a stronger player and came into her own on the occasion while Siofra D showed her determination by shadowing her opponent determinedly. Sadhbh M played bravely through a groin injury until she could play no more but was very vocal on the sideline.  Aoibheann was always in evidence as the solid reliable player she is while Ella showed her recent great improvement. Reailtin Leahy was sturdy and tenacious in defence and her namesake Realtin Candon is definitely one to watch out for. Siobhan was brilliant at intercepting the ball and Meibhín displayed her recent great improvement all day. Caoilfhionn was another of the under 12 team to impress and of course Kellyann overcame her hand injury to make some great blocks. Sara, as usual was a dynamo leaving others behind while Caoimhe really came into her own storming through the St. Anne’s players. Meadhbh ran herself ragged and Eve, as usual, was a force with which to be reckoned. Sadhbh Ni P certainly gave it her considerable all while Aine was a constant thorn in the flesh of the opposition. We couldn’t praise the girls enough for their sheer grit.

Paul was upbeat and encouraging and Brian had the unenviable task of running on and off the substitutions that the weird rules of Feile insist are part of the game. Gerry was there to ensure everything went well and Gus and Jonathon answered all our queries during the day. Ronan was a hidden presence supporting us.  All in all it was a great team effort and we are hoping the same will apply to the lads on Saturday.

One final point. One of our club members bumped into someone from St. Vincent’s. She sang our praises for a well organised Feile with wonderful hospitality and a really good day being had by all. So say all of us. Up Scoil. 

U13 Boys Féile

#sandwiches
This weekend Scoil will host the Boys Féile with our u13 boys in action. Whilst a similar appeal is being made for members to lend a hand by dropping down a plate of sandwiches or snacks, please holster those buttering knives after a plate to avoid wasted food. Our application in playing hosts could have fed all of Clontarf’s bird life…but poor Peter would not be pleased! 
**Please note parking will be limited so please carpool or walk/cycle if you can**

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 Aoife de Burca

How long have you been involved in Scoil Uí Chonaill?
13 years

Do you have any nicknames? How do you like to be addressed?
Just Aoife

Where do you hail from?
Clontarf

How did you come to be involved in Scoil?
Scoil Neasáin

Briefly describe your Scoil career as a player / mentor / contributor, if any. 
I began playing football with Scoil Uí Chonnaill when I was 10. At underage level we won a couple of leagues and Shield finals. We also got to the semi-final of our Féile. I was part of the Dublin development squad for 2 years at U/11 and U/12 and was part of the Junior Dubs stars this year. I began playing with the ladies team at 15 and we won the league in 2012. Currently vice captain of the ladies team. Part of the Marino team that won the O’Donaghy cup in Mayo last weekend.

What would you say you are most known for within Scoil? i.e. what do people associate you with?
Going away for the whole summer and missing the majority of the season!

What has been your greatest Scoil moment / achievement?
Winning the league with the ladies team in 2012 under Fiachra Mac Domhnail.

What is your profession / field of study / passion?
Final year student in Marino studying primary school teaching.

What are your favourite hobbies outside of GAA?
Tennis, basketball and travelling.

If you could make one addition to Scoil in any way (don’t be restricted by the plausible!), what would it be?
Proper floodlights.

What is your favourite Scoil ‘quirk’? e.g. the Geese on the pitch.
Barbecues after Dubs matches.

If you close your eyes and envisage Scoil in 10 years, what do you see?
A great club, competing at the highest level in both mens and ladies football, with more members but still that tight knit, welcoming community.

Finally, if you had to describe yourself as an animal, what would it be and why?
A cheetah because I love to sprint.

Hard Luck OCS

Hard luck to the OCS boys junior team who recently lost their schools cup final to a good Tallaght Community School side.

The OCS team included club players Stephen, Justin, Tundae, Pongkassat, Thanawat & Cristan.

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

AFL2

Scoil 4-13 — O’Tooles 1-11

The Senior Footballers hosted O’Tooles in their second league game of the season at Clontarf on Saturday evening last.

The pitch was very sticky after prolonged rain during the week- conditions which probably suited our opponents, who have proved to be something of a bogey team over the last two seasons.

An early goal from Neil O’Flynn settled us but O’Tooles, playing with the wind, got back into the game. Another goal from Conor Coady eased us ahead and we led by two points at halftime.

In the second half, our fitness began to tell and we gradually pulled ahead. After a second goal from Neil and the goal that quelled any hope of a comeback from Alan Cronin – who was noticeably without nosebleed – the game was all but over. In the final minutes, we scored a number of lovely points, including two from long range by Eoin O’Carroll.

The final score was 4-13 to 1-11.

The Lads next competitive match is vs Finbarrs in the first round of the Intermediate Championship on April 22nd @5.30pm in Chanel College.

#upScoil

AFL7

Scoil 0-16 — Cuala 0-7

Great win for the AFL7 team vs Cuala in a game in which they never looked uncomfortable.

#upScoil

AFL11

Scoil were beaten by Fingal Ravens in Rolestown on Sunday afternoon.

#upScoil

Ladies Football

Scoil 8-20 Naomh Mearnog 1-5

A very impressive win for the adult ladies team in their first competitive match of the season versus Naomh Mearnog in the Cup. Apart from one free all the scores came from play, with all of the forwards getting on the score sheet. Kathy Delaney was a constant threat on the night, bagging herself 6 goals, including an early contender for goal of the season. Scoil debutant, Lucy Murphy, also put in a stellar performance slotting 6 long range points all from play. Great to see Alannah Kane, Jane Brooder and Ellen Crimmins making their returns to the team after spells away. Next up is Fingallians away next Wednesday in the league. 

#upScoil

Minor Ladies

Scoil 1:14 Na Fianna 4:9

21 dedicated girls were available for Mondays game away to Na Fianna. An excellent display by the Na Fianna goalkeeper was ultimately the difference between the teams. Scoil led by the minimum at half time 0:11 to 2:4 and still held the lead with 5 mins to go when denied a clear penalty. Some fine point taking by Sophie Gibney and a fabulous goal by Caelinn niBhroin after a lung bursting run were the Scoil highlights before a couple of quick scores from the home side nudged them ahead by the final whistle. This is a resilient group of girls who we are sure will bounce back quickly next Saturday.

#upScoil

U14 Girls

Special Report Above

U13 Boys

Scoil 9:4. Clontarf 1:0

Scoil got back on track in the U13 hurling league with a great win away against Clontarf. They tackled hard and dominated mud field.Special mention to jack who took some wonderful scores.

#upScoil

U12 Football

Lightenings goals gain win

Another strong turnout for the Lightenings with 18 players available, Howth also had 15 so a full 15 aside match was played in beautiful weather and looking out from the hill of Howth, as usual a slow start and poor finishing found Scoil behind at half time 4 points to 1, second half saw the Scoil finishing improve and goals from Tony, Lennox and Domhnall saw Scoil pull away to record a 3-2 to 0-5 victory

#upScoil

U11 Football

The lads were IMMENSE once again on Saturday beating St Pats 3-4 to 1-4 to make it 4 wins on the trot!! 

Our U11 boys showed great heart with a super team performance against a very tough opponent. Our new additions Mourad, Dyson & Dominic were once again excellent to compliment some of the U11 stalwarts like Josh, Conall & Tiernan. Both Rory & Cillian pulled some amazing saves & distributed the ball excellently throughout the game while Karl & Patrick held the back line alongside Mourad throughout. Some great balls from midfield & some great teamwork saw Tiernan & Dillon score great goals while they all stayed focused on the game throughout.

Special thanks to Peter for driving a few kids out to Palmerstown!

#upScoil

U9 Football

They had their first football win on Saturday, of the rain interrupted season. Both teams (all boys except our sole girl Caoimhe who put in a great performance against the boys) won their games. Steeled by a few new players to the squad the team is coming together and showing good progress. 

The long cold winter training for the Under 9s is finally paying off. The boys put in a very strong performance on Saturday against St Perigrines out in Blakestown. Scoil dominated the second half and were very unlucky not to come away with a win. Our new recruits Blaine and David were lively in the midfield with David coming away with an impressive 1 -1. Senan and Seoirse battled strongly up front while Liam, Conall and Joe delivering good ball forward. The team has shown good improvement in the last two games which bodes well for future matches.

The other Scoil boys team (with the capable assistance of Caoimhe) on the day put in a great performance and came away with a good solid win. A great performance from our new recruit Temi who dominated. Now that the weather and daylight has improved we hope to get in a few more practice sessions to push on.

#upScoil

U9 Camogie

Last Sunday was the first outing for the U9 girls camogie team and on a bright summer-like day they didn’t disappoint. This was a real team effort with excellent interplay ensuring the team delivered an impressive win against a strong Fingallians side. The tackling was brave and this coupled with a determination to get the ball forward quickly meant the girls created lots of scoring chances particularly in the second half. Special mention must go to Ciara, Lauren and Caragh who were imperious in defense while Laura provided an accomplished performance in mid-field. Tús maith!

#upScoil

U8 Football

The u8s played Beann Eadair away for the second weekend in a row; this time in football. The spectacular views over the Irish Sea attracted a great turnout from the panel. Special thanks to Cody, Eoin and Oisín who each spent some time playing for Beann Eadair and helped make sure everyone got as much game time as possible.

For the Amber team, Noah had an excellent game in defence, blocking shots and using long accurate kick passes to get the ball quickly away from the danger zone and into his forwards. In the forwards, Shay was on fire, scoring one goal into the net and putting four fantastic long range points over the bar.

The Blues played well overall but left their shooting boots at home. Often too, they took the ball into crowded areas instead of passing it out into space. That said, the players showed great confidence in competing for every 50/50 ball. This was epitomised by Aoibhinn who was a rock in defence where she was first to every ball, both low and high. Danny was one player who began to find space for his team mates with some great defence-splitting long hand-passes and we’ll hope to see more of this passing in future games from all players.

Finally, there were suberb team performances by the the Maroon’s. Sean played particularly well in goal where he communicated well with his defenders, keeping them tight and organised. Jamie, meanwhile, showed good awareness of his team mates with some great passing.

All in all it was a very successful morning in the team’s second competitive football outing of the year. More generally, the commitment of the kids to turning out in large numbers for both matches and training is very heartening for all concerned.

This weekend’s match is due to be against Fingallians. Time and venue to be confirmed.

#upScoil

Nursery

Unfortunately, due to boys Feile event this week the nursery is being moved to Friday evening again from 1830-1930. We will also run the regular nursery on Saturday 15th /22nd at usual time.

#upScoil