Second term almost over – hard to believe – with just one week to the Easter Break. This week, punctuated by St Patricks Day, was another busy one with plenty of activity around the school. Leaving cert mock orals took place, guest speakers visited, the under 14 hurlers were in action and Fr Collander with his band of apprentice farmers from TY got the ‘dung’ spread in the vegetable garden.
Having got a load of farmyard manure delivered early in the week, and with the drop of rain arriving on Thursday, there was frenetic work going on behind the assembly hall as Fr. Collander and his TY team prepared the earth for planting. As the last few students made their way off the campus on Friday evening, the school chaplain was being towed around the patch of ground by a rotavator. If this piece of earth does not prove bountiful, there is little hope for the future of agriculture in this country.
On Saturday last the school hosted the All Ireland Inter Schools Hunter Trials in Bagenalstown and with 83 teams of 3 entered and over 415 in the singles events, it was a huge undertaking. With the co-operation of the weather, the day’s activities went off on schedule. The enormous amount of work involved was undertaken on a voluntary basis by parents, staff, past pupils, students and friends of the college. We are very grateful to all of them for their time and expertise.
Kilkenny College took the honours in the team event winning all first 3 prizes, a remarkable achievement. The senior singles title was retained by Paddy Fitzharris of Tullow CS while one of our own, Cian Aylward landed the Junior Singles. Cian’s brother Shane took 3rd in the Senior singles to make it a memorable day for the Graiguenamanagh family.
To all those who represented the school in the Hunter Trials, a big thank you and especially to Ms Wessley for her work in organising.
Details of results can be found on the School website homepage while a report with some photos can be accessed in the sports reports section.
All Ireland Junior Singles Champion, Cian Aylward
The parents’ Council cookery evening with Phelim Byrne, held in the school on Friday night was a great success and again the enthusiasm and endeavour of all those parents on the council is to be admired. Thanks to all who attended and especially to those involved in organising the event.
Irish and foreign language students got some practice for their Leaving cert. orals during the week with mocks being arranged by their teachers to help them gain valuable experience. Again, thanks to all involved in providing this valuable service.
Nurse Liam Philips spoke to the 5th years during the week on the topic of ‘male health’. Liam’s visit was arranged by Ms. Bolger who has 2 speakers from Alcoholics Anonymous lined up to speak to the boys next week. There is no doubt these are particularly imprtant issues for teenage boys to consider and reflect upon at this stage of their lives.
The U-14 hurlers got their championship campaign off to a start against a very sharp Kilkenny CBS team in Kilkenny on Thursday. Unfortunately the Kilkenny side had the edge up front and won out in the end. The ‘Counsel’ lads have only recently turned their attentions to hurling as they were busy with foofball until 2 weeks ago. They are sure to improve considerably for the experience.
