1. Scoil Darkness Into Light

2. Adult Footballers Win

3. Celebrating Minor Heroes

4. Team News

5. Other News

Scoil Darkness Into Light

On the 11th May at 4.15 AM hundreds of thousands of people in over 200 global venues will walk in hope, from Darkness into Light. 

Scoil Uí Chonaill has been chosen as one of the venues for which the event will take place. We are asking for volunteers from the club to help out at this fantastic event. The work which Pieta House do for the prevention of suicide and self harm is immense and I encourage everyone to show support for this amazing event by helping out.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jackie Geraghty at 087 267 2038.

#DIL2019, #ThePowerOfHope Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm.

Scoil Championship Win

Scoil’s Adult Footballers recorded their first win in this year’s Intermediate Football Championship with a great win over Ballyboughal.

This week’s Evening Herald included the following piece on the game:

SCOIL UI CHONAILL 2-12

BALLYBOUGHAL 1-12

Daire Walsh

CONOR Coady grabbed a brace of goals on the Clontarf Road last Saturday to propel Scoil Ui Chonaill towards a deserved victory against Ballyboughal in Group Three of the Dublin Intermediate Club Football Championship.

Despite a late flourish by their opponents, the combined forces of Coady and Robert Kennedy ensured Terry McGinnis’ men emerged with the spoils. Whereas Ballyboughal already accounted for St Margaret’s on their home turf two weeks earlier, Scoil had received a bye in the opening round.

SPACE

They played with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half, which led to Ballyboughal deploying corner-forwards Gerry Seavers and Timmy O’Sullivan in sweeper roles. Nevertheless, it was the visitors who drew first blood – former Dublin senior panellist Seavers converting a tricky free at a distance of 30 metres.

Scoil responded through a Kennedy ’45’, before Neil O’Flynn released Coady for a palmed finish on 10 minutes. There was no sense of panic within the Ballyboughal ranks, though, and they soon found themselves back in the ascendancy.

Following another Seavers point, centre-back Cormac Flynn broke forward into space and fired beyond the reach of Scoil custodian Jason Redmond. Kennedy and O’Flynn got Scoil back on track with quick-fire points at the opposite end, but an O’Sullivan free restored parity for the fourth time in the half.

However as the play progressed, it was the hosts who began to take over. After Conor Dixon and Kennedy (his third ’45’) increased the Scoil tally, corner-back Eoin O’Connell registered an inspirational score on the left-wing.

Seavers’ latest effort kept Ballyboughal in touching distance, only for Scoil to once again flex their muscles. Supplementing Louis Costello and Ruairi Coady singles, Niall Doherty’s precise pass enabled Conor Coady to beat David Downey for a second time.

A Ben Callanan point for Ballyboughal ended this scoring sequence, but Scoil were commanding 2-8 to 1-5 leaders at the break. Given the strength of the elements, Ballyboughal couldn’t be rule out of the equation.

Cathal Begg’s point on the restart reduced their deficit, although they suffered a set-back when Seavers was black carded in the 35th-minute.

This preceded an off-the-ball incident involving his team-mate Willie Cooney and Scoil’s O’Flynn – resulting in both players receiving their marching orders.

This disrupted the flow of the game, until Scoil got up and running again with Kennedy’s first from play. Unwilling to go down without a fight, Ballyboughal kept in the reckoning courtesy of back-to-back points by Flynn and John Rodgers (free).

The subsequent introduction of Paudie Conlon provided a fresh spark to the Scoil attack and either side of his 54th-minute score, the outstanding Kennedy was on target to move them seven in front.

Even though Eoghan McPhiblin (two), Anthony Rooney and Rodgers amassed four points without reply during a lengthy spell of stoppage-time, Scoil Ui Chonaill had done enough to get over the line.

MATCH FILE

Scorers – Scoil Ui Chonaill: C Coady 2-0, R Kennedy 0-6 (3 ’45’), E O’Connell, L Costello, C Dixon, R Coady, N O’Flynn, P Conlon 0-1 each. Ballyboughal: C Flynn 1-1, G Seavers 0-3 (3f), E McPhilbin (2f), J Rodgers (f) 0-2 each, T O’Sullivan (f), A Rooney, C Begg, B Callanan 0-1 each.

SCOIL UI CHONAILL: J Redmond; A Wilson, M Tierney, E O’Connell; K Cagney, D Lane, C Twomey; C Coady, L Costello; C Dixon, N Doherty, R Coady; R Kennedy, T Crowe, N O’Flynn.

Subs: P Conlon for R Coady (50), S Cogavin for Lane (57, BC), E McKay for C Coady (59-61, blood).

BALLYBOUGHAL: D Downey; W Cooney, J Rooney, J Ryan; J Rodgers, C Flynn, A Rooney; R Downey, C Flynn; C Begg, B Callanan, G Rooney; G Seavers, E McPhilbin, T O’Sullivan.

Sub: D Glanville for Seavers (38, BC).

MENTORS – Scoil Ui Chonaill: Terry McGinnis, John Foley, Mick O’Connell, Colin McMahon, Cormac Coady. Ballyboughal: Lar Lynch, Dee Donohue, Eanna O’Reilly.

Referee: Ian Kavanagh (Raheny).

WIDES – Scoil Ui Chonaill: 7 (4+3). Ballyboughal: 9 (2+7).

CONDITIONS: Windy but also sunny.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Conor Coady (Scoil Ui Chonaill).

Celebrating Minor Heroes

Scoil will be celebrating the amazing achievements of the Minor teams of the 60’s where the club won five minor championship titles and an under 21 title in a seven year period!

Not many members of the Club will be aware of the Scoil glory days when the Club  contested six Minor Championship Finals in eight years and won FIVE Dublin Minor Championship titles!

The Scoil also contested and won an U21 title in that period.

To revive and relive some of the memories, some of the stars of that era are having a reunion on Friday 7th June at 7.30pm in the Clubhouse.

So get out the photos, put on the memory caps and  spread the word (50 years plus is a long time)

Main contact points are: Robbie Kelleher(086 2583796), Barry Kenna (087 4196789), Bernie O Sullivan (086 0688101) and Gerry Rowley  (087 6287395)

Team News

Ladies Football: St Judes 1-16  Scoil A  4-14 / Scoil B  4-8  Man O War B  2-6

As mentioned in last week`s newsletter, the Easter holidays took a heavy toll on the adult ladies teams. There were a total of 16 players plus the managers of each teams away in such exotic locations as Vietnam, Dubai, California, Romania and the Kerry gaeltacht. So it was a fine achievement to record two impressive wins on the same night.

The A team were able to play 13-a-side as per the Cup competition rules. An early penalty was coolly converted by Emma Condon. The Scoil archives are still being scrutinised to ascertain when the team last scored from the penalty spot. The team dominated the first half with some fine scores but only lead by a point at half time, 2-7 to 1-9. 

They had to play the second half against a very strong wind and up the hill, plus St Judes were able to use their large complement of subs. The Scoil players continued to run at the opposition defence and a long solo run from Caelinn Ni Bhroin created space for sister Naoise to slot the ball home. The lead was extended as Sinead de Burca punished the opposition with a number of converted frees.

While the lead was relatively comfortable, it required a courageous goal line block from Jane Brooder to prevent a certain goal at a crucial stage. A fine goal from Caelinn Ni Bhroin after another one of her unstoppable solo runs sealed the victory.

The B team was augmented for the second game in succession by a number of the under 16/17s. 

There were many noteworthy performances but the referee said Caoimhe Mulligan was “man of the match”. Izzy was as sound as ever in goal and her kick outs always seemed to find a Scoil player. Martha Clarke and Sarah Keohane continued their good form from last years minor team. The scores were shared between Aideen Naughton and the O`Rourkes, Holly and Katie. 

A fine contribution was made by substitute Pola Szymanska, another one of the talented young players in Scoil.

Thanks to Aidan Mulligan who stepped in to look after the team, while Alva and Eithne were exploring Vietnam. Thanks also to the under 16s, their parents for providing lifts and to Niamh Crowe who did all the contacting.

Under 15’s: U15 Shield QF Sunday 28th April
Scoil 3-19 Na Fianna 2-2
Scoil continued their fine form and followed their brilliant efforts in the Championship vs St Judes with a dominant performance vs Na Fianna. Fantastic support play, great scores ,interplay and  solid defensive work were the bedrock of a stellar effort. We were the stronger ,faster and fitter team throughout. Some exceptional performances and a magnificent overall display.  Mentors were so proud as were the watching supporters.It made one Mentor’s birthday that day extra special!
Onwards to a semi-final vs Fingallians Tuesday 7th May away.
All support welcome.

Under 12’s:

Parnells v Scoil U12’s Hurling Match:

Before the game commenced both teams held a minute’s silence for Sam Clarkin (U13 Fingallians player) who sadly passed away last weekend – May he Rest in Peace.

This was definitely a game of two halves. Scoil started the game playing into a vicious wind, where sliotar control was extremely difficult and ground hurling skills were required. Our cause wasn’t helped when Parnells scored an early goal from a long range free. Despite this, the boys kept to the game plan, kept their shape , defended well and ended up a point ahead at half time, thanks to some well taken points & outstanding defensive play.

2nd half began, unfortunately due to musical commitments we lost the services of two Scoil players and with no subs available from the outset, we had to play 2nd half 11 v 11.

This could have spelt disaster, as opposition had numbers aplenty with two of their backs that wouldn’t have looked out of place at U14 level.

However, with the wind in our favour and a few tactical switches made, Scoil took off and chipped away point after point, both from play and frees, eventually running out 1-0 v 1-13 winners.

Absolutely delighted for the lads, as they completed both their Hurling and Football Grading games with 100% win record.

MAITH SIBH LADS.

Jp/ Liam / Ronan

Under U10’s:

The U10s had a chance to test ourselves against some of the strongest teams in the league in a hurling blitz at Bridgefield, Malahide. Playing with 14 players on a bigger pitch than usual also gave us valuable experience.

Our first game against a strong St Peregrines showed just how much progress has already been made this season. Back in March, we did not do ourselves justice and were comprehensively outplayed by the same opposition. Saturday was different. Every player stood up when asked to do their best. The result was that the whole team put in a tremendous performance and we were highly competitive.

Our second game was against the hosts St Sylvesters. Encouragingly, we started very well but allowed our work rate to drop. This allowed Sylvester’s to get the upper hand on us throughout the pitch. Afterwards, when we discussed what we had learned from this game, the boys identified that we must never give up or allow any team to work harder than us.

Immediately, we had an opportunity to put this learning into our final game against Parnells. We finished the game on a high as every player worked harder and did his best.

Overall, the coaches were very pleased with the performances of this fantastic bunch of boys. They gave everything on the day and richly deserved the treats which Sylvesters generously provided after the blitz. Our skillsets (especially air hurling), have improved beyond all recognition since January. In particular, the players who are practicing on their own at home are really beginning to stand out in matches.

Conall was a joy to watch all day, jab lifting the ball and striking whilst moving, just like Aaron Gillane. There was also great determination and efforts from Brodie and Sam during all the games.

A special mention to our guest players, Orlaith and Caoimhe who were super all day and set a high standard for the boys.

Under 9’s: Scoil under 9 girls made the longest journey of the year o far to play Star of Erin in Glencullen, a short journey of 70km round trip. 
In a game in which we had most of the possession,  scores were hard to come by to start with. This was due in part to some tenacious defending from the opposition but also due to our team ensuring they passed the ball to a teammate, even when a score was there. Following a little positive guidance we started scoring and never stopped. 

This team continues to develop and the weekly improvements are great to watch, with the player’s confidence growing every week and less coach’s ‘encouragement’
needed. As well as the always excellent Emily, Alex and Lena, it was great to see Roisin Ni and Blathin play very well, especially when tackling. 

Well done girls and thanks to all the parents for travelling and the support.

Under 8’s:

The under 8’s were back after their Easter break with an away hurling match against Donabate on what seemed like a winters morning post storm Hannah.

This didn’t stop the boys and girls from playing some great hurling with evidence of long strikes, accurate scores and plenty of Scoil possession despite the strong wind. 

Rory and Simon played with the other side for a while. 

Conall scored some goals from mid field and hurt his finger but kept playing on. 

The youngest Healy boy played up for the under 8s and showed that the under 7s have a great player in their mix too. 

Malik once more showed some great skills in his striking long distances. Fred in goals was able to block St. Pat’s attempts.

The two teams played well together as a team and had a lot of the overall possession. A good mornings work for all involved.

Nursery:

We had a low turnout for the Nursery last Saturday. Kids were tired after a busy week at Easter Camp and holidays. Storm Hannah was still blowing strong. All the kids were grouped together and concentrated on their kicking skills and enjoyed a match against the coaches which they won handsomely….
Training returns to Scoil grounds on Saturday from 0930 to 11.

Other News

• The OCS PPU / Scoil Ui Chonaill GAA Annual Mass will take place in the Oratory, O’Connell School on Thursday 9th May at 8pm. Light refreshments will be provided  after the Mass. Car parking will be available in the school yard . We look forward to seeing you there.

• The Scoil Junior trad session takes place in the clubhouse this Friday from 7.00 until 8.00 sharp. All are welcome. See you all there!

• Congratulations to ladies footballer Sophie Gibney who, along with her Suttonians teammates, was promoted to the Women’s All-Ireland league after a 24-20 win over Malone Ladies.