A very impressive performance from our Under 14 girls on Saturday in Donabate saw them win their group matches and Semi Final in the Féile na nGael competition to secure their place in the Final. Unfortunately things didn’t go our way on Sunday with the girls losing out to Naomh Barróg by a mere 2 points. Overall a brilliant weekend of football for our girls and a fantastic achievement in qualifying for the Final.

Dec (left) with his two best pals & housemates. Missing: Sean Mulligan (at the bar)

FAREWELL DEC

It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to a Scoil servant whose birthplace beckons him home.

After 6 years of loyal service the Dingle Dynamo Dec Devane – AKA Brendan Behan – is returning southwards in search of a Kerry Senior Championship medal with his home club Dingle before retirement.

Rumoured to have never in his Scoil career ventured into the area between the two 45-yard lines, former Scoil Junior Footballer of the Year ‘Deco’ is renowned for his talisman status, good humour and, of course, the occasional kick up a corner-back’s backside!

It was fitting that in last nights AFL7 nail-biting match vs Balinteer – which finished in a draw – up until the 45 minute mark Dec was the only Scoil player on the scoresheet, and finished with over half the team’s total point tally.

Asked to comment after the match about his departure, Dec had this to say:

“Ah yerra, it’s been class lad. Loads of points & plenty of laughs. I’ll be pure missing the big fella Coady all the way til I get to Barack Obama Plaza. Should be sound out after a chicken fillet burger, mind you.”

The best of luck from everyone at Scoil Dec!

MEET THE MEMBERS

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

Do you have any nicknames? How do you like to be addressed?
Mossy usually, but Conor Coady calls me Tossy.

Where do you hail from?
Raheny

How did you come to be involved in Scoil?
I went to Scoil Neasáin so Scoil was the place to be when I was five.

Briefly describe your Scoil career as a player / mentor / contributor, if any.
Played both codes since nursery. I do a bit of GoGames refereeing and some coaching at the camps the odd time.

What is your favourite sporting moment/sportsperson?
U16 Hurling Championship Semi-Final win against Raheny in St. Anne’s. Lovely 2 point win after an iconic punch-up.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in Scoil?
Easily Conor Farrelly getting banned from coaching the camps.

If Scoil was a country what would it be? Why?
Israel, but sound. Surrounded on three sides by larger hostile neighbours, by the sea, no homeland/parish, wins against the odds, and has support from America.

What would you say you are most known for within Scoil?
Probably being the other Mossy O’Connell. I get mistaken phone calls from Tom McNamee pretty often.

What has been your greatest Scoil moment / achievement?
2016 U16 Hurling Championship win.

What is your profession / field of study / passion?
The leaving at the moment, but I’m hoping to do Economics and Finance in UCD if I get the points

What are your favourite hobbies outside of GAA?
Does third team football count as Gaa?

What is your favourite Scoil quirk?
The colours. Best jersey in Ireland, no doubt about it.

If you could make one addition to Scoil in any way, what would it be?
Martin Tierney’s idea of a balcony was quality, or maybe a good set of flood lights for the main pitch.

OTHER NEWS

Scoil Summer Blitz: Don’t miss out on a weekend of football and hurling fun. Kicking off on Friday 1st June, U13 – U16 @7pm & Saturday 2nd June, Nursery -U12 @2pm.There will be cakes, teas & coffees available for the parents with all proceeds going to the U9/10 Camogie teams. Bar will be open and the BBQ on so it’s the perfect way to spend your bank holiday weekend! Don’t miss out on some fun for the whole family!
A coffee morning will be held in the clubhouse on Saturday 26th May between10:30am – 12:30pm in aid of Zamda Ireland. Some of our club members will be making the trip to volunteer in Zambia this July. All support greatly appreciated for this very worthy cause.
Tickets for the Dublin-v-Offaly Hurling match on the 3rd June @3pm in Parnell Park are now available. Please email suctickets@gmail.com to place an order.

TEAM NEWS

A big win for our Senior Footballers against O’Tooles last Saturday evening.
Scoil Ladies dominate second half to make a big comeback and take home a win against St Brendan’s last Wedneday evening.
Under 14 Hurlers lose out to Cuala in a competitive game on Saturday afternoon.
Under 10 girls show their hard work at training is paying off as they display some impressive football skills against St Maurs.
Under 9 girls put on an excellent display of football against a string Erin Go Bragh side.
The Nursery continue to train in Scoil every Saturday morning from 9:30am – 11am. All newcomers welcome as always!

Nursery POW.jpg

Congratulations to the Nursery Players of the Week.
Our Under 14 girls in action during the Féile final last Sunday in Crumlin.

TEAM REPORTS

LADIES DIVISION 7

v St Brendans 16/5/2018

Scoil Ui Chonaill 2-10 St Brendans 2-7

A second win of the season for the Ladies B team. The selection on the night was a blend of youth and experience and the early signs were ominous as the visitors raced into a lead of 1-7 to 0-1. The deficit would have been greater, except for some fine saves from stand in goal keeper Mairead Sandford. The team gradually settled and thanks to contributions from younger “veterans” Aifric Ni Neachtain, Emma Smith, Deirdre Egan and Niamh Bunyan they reduced the deficit at half time to 4 points.

The team totally dominated the second half and 4 points from play by Emily McMullen and a further 2 from Caoimhe de Buitlear gave them the lead. A fine goal from substitute Eithne Ni Domhnaill seemed to seal the victory. However, St Brendans staged a late comeback but some great fielding at full back by Aifric thwarted their goal efforts.

Apart from Mairead, thanks to Tracey, Tara, Jackie, Evelyn and Aedamar for making their belated Scoil debuts. Well done to joint managers Aifric and Eithne who also returned to competitive action for the first time in at least 5 years.

#UpScoil

UNDER 10 GIRLS FOOTBALL

v St Maurs 20/5/2018

Despite being down a few girls with Communions and injuries, Team Aidan put on the great display against 2 strong St Maurs teams even
with 5 of the team being under 9’s. After an excellent coaching session with Alex on Friday night, the team moved the ball much better and broke the tackles and took full advantage of the space. Emily and Abbey hovered everything up and distributed brilliantly. Andrea and Sadhbh played very well and Millie scored the point of the season so far from an angle that any intercountry player would be proud of. On
a great weekend for the club it is good to see this group eager to follow in the footsteps of the Féile team.

Team Dave also put in an excellent display with all contributing to some free flowing football. Aishat performed brilliantly in mid field covering a lot of ground and winning all the 50:50 challenges. Alex proved that age and size are irrelevant when you have the right attitude and a big heart. Even the opposition coach was impressed with her efforts. Ciara marshalled the back line well and made some crucial blocks.

#UpScoil

UNDER 9 BOYS FOOTBALL

v Na Fianna 19/5/2018

For the second week in a row, we hosted Na Fianna in Clontarf Road and witnessed some excellent hurling by all teams.

The maroon team found the going tough against extremely skilful opponents who have clearly done a lot of practising. Sean did his best throughout the game and make some super long strikes in the air. Jake covered a lot of ground and twice managed to hook his opponent.

The blue team worked hard for a fine victory. Fionán showed that he has been practicing his striking at home and delivered some terrific long clearances out to the wings. Fionn is becoming an excellent shot stopper in goal and made a number of excellent saves. In the forwards, Hugh pulled on the moving ball quite brilliantly on a number of occasions.

The amber team had an excellent match and comprehensively won their match. Faolain worked hard and showed great determination and tackling skills throughout. Darragh had a powerful game in defence, winning great ball and looking up to find a team mate before delivering long accurate passes.

Overall, we are continuing to make fine progress satisfactory with every player showing improved technique. However, to master the skills of hurling (which will bring more enjoyment), requires practice, practice, practice over the summer. The coaches will be happy to suggest some games to parents to improve hurling skills at home, in the park or on holidays.

#UpScoil

UNDER 9 GIRLS FOOTBALL

v Erin go Bragh 20/5/2018

After a slow start last week, Team Aidan started quickly and put on excellent displays against 2 good Erin go Bragh teams. Lena and Nessa
covered the pitch and were central to everything in the first match. After a little bit of refocusing before the second game the team made
much better use of the ball and Aoife, Alex and Sarah took some great scores. Thanks to everyone who played with the opposition to ensure
that the matches were competitive and everyone got to play a full part.

Team Sean/Dave played some excellent football with some fine passing and team work on display. Star performers on the day were Aoibhinn and Aibhilin who commanded mid field and contributed some fine scores. It was also great to see Joya and Priya getting in on the action with
some excellent inter play. Alice and Aifric competed well during their time in mid-field and showed that their skills are improving each week. Overall the team set a very high standard and played with great spirit and endeavour.

Next Weekend is Camogie with matches away against St Maurs’s on Saturday and home to Good Counsel and Clanna Gael Fontenoy on Sunday.

#UpScoil