June 2^nd, 2000

The 2:1 class have begun a number of interesting Action Projects as part of their studies of the community and the local environment in CSPE. The Action projects while accounting for up to 60% of students overall result in CSPE are also designed to encourage students to take an interest as well as an active part in the community.
Some of the projects under way include visiting the local welfare home, St. Vincent's Day Care Centre and the Sacre Coeur Nursing home. While there, students will help out as needed and get involved.
One group, including Robert Collins, Larry O'Halloran, Jamie King and Patrick Quinn have a surprise in store for the residents of Cluain Ara who they will treat to a performance of a very special short play.
As part of the Action project students intend to survey people in the town to gauge the level of community involvement and spirit. The problem of litter will also be tackled in a survey while another group will investigate the possibility of planting trees, decorating gardens and raising funds to put up hanging baskets in the local area.
It's going to be a busy week for 2:1!

Rugby

Alan Quinlan took time out from his hectic training schedule with Munster ahead of Saturdays' European Cup Final to present the Rugby player of the Year trophies during the week. Clanwilliam's Tommy Ellard was presented with the Senior player of the Year Award, while Galbally man Colin Watters picked up the award at junior level. Alan presented both players with rugby balls signed by members of the Munster Squad that took part in their memorable success over Toulouse recently.

Speaking at the ceremony, school coach Johnny Lonergan praised the commitment of both players, their approach to training and games and their ability to motivate their teams by example.

Tommy Ellard, who has already represented Munster at underage, came in for particular praise from his coach who wished him every success in his future rugby career. No doubt, Colin Watters will be on hand again next year to lead the school in what will hopefully prove to be another successful year on the rugby field.

North Munster League Cup Final

Under-16 Soccer

Saint Ailbe's 1      St. Enda's 1  AET

St. Ailbe's lose  4 - 5  on penalties

It was heartbreak for the Schools' Under 16 Soccer team on Friday as they lost the final of the North Munster League Cup 5-4 on penalties to St. Enda's of Limerick. The sides could not be separated after normal time and with the score at 1-1 extra time was played. Despite a number of opportunities in extra time St. Ailbe's failed to put away the Shannon siders.

St. Ailbe's made the better start in normal time coming close a number of times from early on. Declan Peters opened the account with a superbly struck free kick after fifteen minutes slamming the ball home from thirty yards. Following this score St. Enda' opened up the play and on thirty minutes the Enda's forwards beat the offside trap to get on the end of a well struck cross from the wing.

Both sides had chances in the second half. Jason Quirke was unlucky to fire over the crossbar following a well worked move involving John Donnelly, Morgan Maguire and Kieran O'Dwyer. The second half was much tighter than the first with neither side really threatening. Depite the introduction of Christopher Power and Anthony Glasheen St. Ailbe's failed to make the breakthrough and the game went to extra-time.

With both teams tiring penalties became inevitable. St. Ailbe's can feel unfortunate as with John Donnelly narrowly missing his penalty in sudden death St. Enda's calmly slotted home the winner to lift the Cup.

May 21^th, 2000

North Munster League Cup  Semi-Final

Under-16 Soccer

Saint Ailbe's 1      St. Caimen's 1  AET

St. Ailbe's win  5 - 4  on penalties

After dominating much of the game, St. Ailbe's looked to be heading out of the North Munster League Cup when St. Caimen's scored in the last minute of ordinary time.  Amazingly, though, from the kick off they forced a corner and the ball was eventually turned home by midfielder, Jason Quirke.
Both sides tightened up considerably in extra time, even though John Donnelly hit the underneath of the bar from 30yrds.
St. Ailbe's penalty takers took their penalties expertly and claimed the tie when St. Caimen's struck the post on their third penalty.
It was a well deserved victory in a game of high quality.  They now play St. Enda's in the final next Friday, May 26^th.

Team:-   Eamon O'Connell, Ciaran O'Dwyer, Declan Peters (Capt.), John Donnolly, Brian Moroney, Christopher Power, Jason Quirke, Morgan Maguire, David Whelan, Denis O'Brien, Luke Edmonds.
Subs:-   Ciaran Nash for Ciaran O'Dwyer, Alan Nugent for Denis O'Brien.
Colm Riordan & Anthony Glasheen.

March 6^th, 2000

O'Brien Cup Semi-Final

St. Ailbe's 10 - 25 Midleton

A powerful Midelton College progressed to the final of the O'Brien Cup after a well earned victory over St. Ailbe's School Tipperary Town, in Clanwilliam.
The Midleton side proved too strong and too disciplined for the Tipperary men in this first encounter between the two sides. The first try of the game came after only ten minutes of play when an excellent kick from Simon Lyons, and good cross field movement put Matt Ross through to touch down in the corner. St. Ailbe's were guilty of over playing the kicking game and wasted some excellent possession in the build up to the games' first score.
Despite this early set back St. Ailbe's settled into the game and much of the first half was played in the Midleton half. St. Ailbe's scrum-half and inter-provincial star Tommy Ellard took control of the game for the home team and put the visitors under pressure with a number of well placed kicks. Ellard and Kinahan combined well in the best move of the first half for St. Ailbe's when Kenneth Hayes got within a metre of the Midelton line. A superb tackle from Rory Carroll denied Hayes a first try. Later in the half David Kinahan failed to convert his only penalty attempt of the game.
Midleton increased the score in the final minutes of the first half when Steward Childs finished off an inspirational move under the posts. The score came following a poor pass by St. Ailbe's prop Michael Doherty and a well anticipated interception by the winger. The Simon Lyons conversion made the score 12-0 at the end of the half. It was these type of handling errors from the Tipperary men that put their defence under needless pressure.
The second half opened with renewed pressure and enthusiasm from the home squad. Again Midleton found themselves defending deep in their own territory for much of the second half. The discipline shown by the Cork men in defence was the difference between the teams in the second half as wave after wave of St. Ailbe's attacks were held out.
As the half progressed Ellard and Kinahan really blossomed as St. Ailbe's begun to move the ball and penetrate the gain line with greater ease in the second half. In a great move Ellard held the ball up in the line passing through Patrick Heffernan who found Kinahan in support. Kinahan's strength took him over the line and brought the Tipperary men back into the contest. Despite missing the conversion the Ailbe's tails were up and the competitive level of the game raised.
Midleton showed their true colours shortly after when Phillip Morris broke from the middle of the field and combied well with Robert Moore to split the Ailbe's defence once again and put Rory Carroll though for what was in the end an easy try. Although Carroll's score effectively put the game beyond St. Ailbe's with the score 22-5 the Tipperary Town side continued to attack. With eight minutes on the clock Tommy Ellard made the break through that both he and his side deserved when after a well worked switch move Ellard made the gap to touch down and make the score 22-10.
St. Ailbe's woes were added to further in the remaining minutes of the game when number 8, Paul Ryan, who had been playing well was sent to the dressing room for descent. Midleton's Simon Lyon's was on hand to punish this indescretion from the resulting penalty to finish the game 25-10 in favour of the visitors. Ryan's sending off was the only ugly incident in what was a game played in an excellent competitive spirit.
Speaking after the game coach Johnny Lonergan pointed to the decision not to kick two scorable penalties in the first half as significant for his squad. "That decision saw us chasing the game right through out". "Midleton were an excellently organised side who were well able to capitalise on our handling errors, we wish them the best in the final". Midleton coach Ray Power speaking after the game was delighted with his teams performance, and in particular the performances of Phillip Morris and Simon Lyons. Power was quick to single out St. Ailbe's scrum-half Tommy Ellard for praise.

Midleton:
15 Simon Lyons, 14 Matt Ross, 13 Peter Stapleton, 12 Richard Murphy, 11 Stephen Childs, 10 Andrew O'Brien, 9 Rory Carroll, 1 Stephen Tait, 2 Tom Anderson, 3 Mark Daunt, 4 Robert Moore, 5 Sean Hollywood, 6 Tristan Tait, 7 Phillip Morris, 8 David Smyth - Captain.
Coaches: Martin Preston and Ray Power

St. Ailbe's Tipperary:
15 Robert Doyle, 14 Eamonn O'Connell, 13 Patrick Heffernan, 12 David Kinahan, 11 Kenneth Hayes, 10 Derek Sheils, 9 Thomas Ellard, x Michael Doherty, 1 David Vallence, 2 Adam Ryan, 3 Graham Hennerbry, 4 Raymond Merrigan, 17 Colin Watters, 7 Paul Jones, 8 Paul Ryan
Coach: Johnny Lonergan, Manager: Paul O' Callaghan
Substitions: Niall Sheehan for Eamonn O'Connell, Jerry Dee for Adam Ryan.

North Munster League Cup

Under-16 Soccer

Saint Ailbe's 3      St. Enda's 1

This game was played in very difficult weather conditions, heavy rain and a gale force wind. In the early part of the game both teams created some chances with St.Enda's looking the more dangerous due to the wind advantage. This pressure paid off in the 20th. minute with a thirty five yard free kick which was well struck into the top corner of the St.Ailbe's goal. Jason Quirke (injured) was substituted by Christopher Power in the 30th. minute. The remainder of the first half was very evenly contested.
St. Ailbe's started the second half with great determination. John Donnelly's great run in the 45th minute ended up with Power who took his goal well. Luke Edmonds battled well to force a corner in the 65th. minute. The resulting corner broke to Power on the 6 yard line who riffled it into the net. That super-sub Power struck yet again in the 79th minute when heading home a beautiful cross, from the end line by Alan Nugent (Substitute for C.O'Dwyer 70 mins.).
St Ailbe's have one more game to play in their section of the league. Having secured maximum points from their three games so far,they are assured a semi-final spot. 

Team:-   Eamon O'Connell, Ciaran Nash, Declan Peters (Capt.), John Donnolly, Brian Moroney, Ciaran O'Dwyer, Jason Quirke, Morgan Maguire, David Whelan, Denis O'Brien, Luke Edmonds. Subs:-   Christopher Power for J. Quirke, Alan Nugent for C.O'Dwyer.

"Think Enterprise"

Leaving Certificate Applied Year One are gearing up to host "Think Enterprise" a vocational preparation seminar on March 7^th at 1.30pm. The seminar will provide students in the senior school with information and advice on topics such as careers, finance, training, skills, planning and support. A large number of potential employers and course providers will attend including The West Tipperary Enterprise Group, C.E.R.T., Tipperary Leader Group and T.R.B.D.I. Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland will also attend to provide financial advice along with information on careers in the bank. The event will focus particularly on enterprise and the steps involved in setting up in business. Parents and students alike are invited to attend.

"Open Evening"

The staff and students of St. Ailbe's wish to thank the sixth class students from the region and their parents who attended what was a very successful open night last Wednesday. Teachers, staff and students from all year groups were on hand to answer any questions and to give prospective students a glance at what life in St. Ailbe's is all about. Following a short presentation visitors had the chance to wander through the school to view the many displays and talk to our students about the challenges facing them in secondary school. The highlight of the night was a Musical Extravaganza performed by the School Orchestra led by Marian Carey and Noreen Ryan. The School Drama group were on hand too to entertain with a short, but humorous, piece that they wrote themselves. Enrolment will take place shortly for the coming academic year and enrolment forms are available from the school.

"Mandy Runs For Ireland"

Congratulations to fifth year student Mandy Crowe who achieved gold in the 200 metres relay and bronze in the individual 200 metres at the recent Triple A International Meet in Cardiff. Mandy proved her worth in the 200 metres relay when she took the baton and ran the leg in under 12 seconds to catapult the Irish team into first a lead which they successfully maintained over the remainder of the race. In the individual 200 metres Mandy ran a confident race in what was a strong international field. There was no rest for Mandy following her return home as she was again in competition with the school in Nenagh where she took another bronze in the 200 metres in the Munster Indoor Under 17 meet.

(L-R) Margaret Clarke (Chairperson-Parents Council), Mandy Crowe, Dave Hickey (St. Ailbe's Athletics Coach)

February 28^th, 2000

O'Brien Cup

St. Ailbe's 18 - 3 Killorglin

The under 18 squad progressed to the semi-final of the O'Brien Cup last week, following a hard earned victory over Killorglin at Clanwilliam. In what was a tremendous game of open rugby Paul Ryan became the hero touching down twice in the course of the game to clinch victory over the Kerry men. Ryan's first try came after only five minutes when he took full advantage of a well-worked rolling maul. Despite missing the conversion attempt David Kinahan added to the score on ten minutes with a well kicked penalty. St. Ailbe's piled on the pressure through the pack and dominated the exchanges of the first half. Killorglin struggled to deal with powerful drives from Colin Watters and the speed of hands from Tommy Ellard. It was a decisive break from the St. Ailbe's interprovincial scrum-half and captain, Ellard, that put David Kinahan through to make the score 13-3 at the break.Killorglin's score came from the boot of Cathal Foley after some good pressure from the visitors.
The second half was a different game with Killorglin rejuvenated following the interval.The Kerry men took full advantage of a strong wind a put the Ailbe's backs under tremendous pressure. Some excellent tackles from Jerry Dee and the Ailbe's defense were all that prevented Killorglin from reducing the deficit. Despite having the lion's share of the possession in the last fifteen minutes the Ailbe's defense held firm. With five minutes to go defense was turned into attack as a series of quick Ailbe's rucks and mauls resulted in Ryan touching down near the posts to crown what was a memorable day for the school. Commenting after the game coach Johnny Lonergan praised the dedication of his team and is now looking forward to a semi-final clash with Midleton College, Cork, on March 7^th in Clanwilliam.

February 3^rd, 2000

Tribute

The Staff and Students of St. Ailbe's School would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Alan Bresnan. Alan was a first year student in the school and will be sadly missed dy his classmates, teachers and friends. On Tuesday last, Fr. Denis Shanahan presided over a special prayer service held for Alan, which marked Alan's significant contribution to the school. Students and staff alike paid tribute to Alan who was described as a cheerful and happy character. Classmates reflected on how despite his illness Alan was always able to crack a joke and complemented the positive attitude he displayed in all aspects of his life in the school.

Senior Hurling/

Junior Football

Our Senior Hurlers and Junior Footballers traveled to play Carrick-on-Suir in an important double header on January 22nd last. Despite a strong performance from the hurlers the experience of the Carrick men shone through as they progressed to the final thanks to a four point winning margin.

The footballers however can be disappointed. Leading by six points at halftime St. Ailbe's looked to be cruising as the second half got under way. However Carrick mounted a significant come back clawing back the deficite in style. The sending off of Ian Nugent midway through the half turned the game in Carrick's favour and they won out deserved winners in what was a disappointing game.

St. Ailbe's 48 - 0 Scoil Mhuire (Kanturk)

The School Junior Rugby team opened a new chapter in the school's history as they lined out for the first time against Scoil Mhuire from Kanturk in the Munster league on Friday. While it was impossible to predict how this new team would perform on the day any fears were quickly laid aside as St. Ailbe's quickly dominated the game from early on. The Pack, led by Colin Waters proved far too strong for the Cork men. The first score of the game came early on following some tremendous work from the pack. After only seven minutes debutante Jerry Dee went over in the corner. From here on out St. Ailbe's controlled the game and good performances from Colin Waters, Eamonn O'Connell at flanker and Chris Power at out-half saw St. Ailbe's run out easy winners on a scoreline of 48 - 0 despite the difficult weather conditions.

January 28^th, 2000

Under-16 Soccer

Saint Ailbe's 3      Glenstall Abbey 1

St.Ailbes took a hold on the game from the very start. They created a number of chances and it was inevitable that a score would soon follow. In the 8th. minute Denis O'Brien ran onto a through ball and beat the keeper with ease.
In the 35th.minute John Donnolly sent across a corner into a crowded goalmouth, the ball fell favourably for C.O'Dwyer who took his goal with great composure. St.Ailbe,s went in at half time leading 2 goals to nil, which was just reward for the number of chances they created and their dominance in all areas of the field. Ciaran O' Dwyer received a knee injury just before half time and was substituted by Colm Riordan.
The second half was a much more even contest and it came as no surprise when Glenstall scored in the 69th.minute. St Ailbe's now realised that the game might slip away from them. They had to regroup and re-establish their hold on the game. This resulted in Colin Price scoring a spectacular goal when he connected on a ball sent in from the right hand wing in the 75th. minute. This goal put the game beyond the reach of Glenstall.
Christopher Power came on for Morgan Maguire with 5 minutes remaining in the game. A special word of congratulations to Ciaran Nash (late call-up) who had an excellent game in goal.

Team:-
Ciaran Nash, David Whelan, Declan Peters, John Donnolly, Brian Moroney,
Colin Price, Jason Quirke, Morgan Maguire, Ciaran O'Dwyer, Denis O'Brien,
Luke Edmonds.
Subs. Colm Riordan for C.O'Dwyer. Christopher Power for M.Maguire Alan Nugent

December 15^th, 1999

The "Big Breakfast" - A Success!!

Congratulations to all involved in this year's Healthy Eating Week, which was celebrated in the school last week. The week centered on "the Big Breakfast" held on Thursday and Friday. Transition Years provided healthy breakfasts to over 300 students and staff. T.M.W. were there to record the event and the many other activities that took place. The day was crowned with a visit from Kevin Evans from the Knockanrawley Organic Garden Project, and the comedy sketches from second years Liam O'Halloran, Robert Collins and Michael Noonan.

Senior Ladies Football

St. Ailbe's 7-10     Bruff FCJ 2-7

The Senior Ladies Football Team recorded their first win of the season in style over Bruff FCJ on Wednesday. A full squad traveled to Bruff with many players absent or ill for the game against Cashel returning to the first fifteen. The girls showed great determination and spirit to run out comprehensive winners on a score-line of 7-10 to 2-7.
As expected the game hinged on mid-field and Donna Crowe and Martina Peters put in an excellent display, dominating from the start. Edel Hanly, playing at centre-forward, combined well with the mid-field pairing to score an amazing five goals.
The first of these goals came seconds into the game when Donna Crowe and Martina Peters exchanged passes before Edel fired low into the corner. Edel notched up four more with Donna Crowe and Maire Kiely also finding the net.
Through out the game the defense led by Joanne Peters and Niamh Kennedy held firm. Bruff took time to settle and it was not until the second half that they mounted the expected fight-back. At the break the had scored only three points but added 2-4 to that score early in the second period. Chantal Ryan and Anna Kennedy worked very hard in defense and made strong runs up field which were instrumental in lifting Bruff's siege on Martina Brennan's goal. If it were not for a great performance from Martina Brennan in the second half, Bruff's fortunes could have been much different.
Perhaps the most significant part of the day for St. Ailbe's was the performance of the younger members of the panel. Maire Kiely, who scored 1-1, Rose Keane, who scored an excellent point, and Fiona Fox, at half - forward, showed the way for the more senior players. Other good performances came from Katie O'Connor, at corner - back, Cyndi Morey, wing - back, and Erica O'Brien at full forward.
The girls now go on to meet Cappawhite in the last of the first round games. A win over neighbours Cappawhite would see St. Ailbe's qualify for the next round.

November 30^th, 1999

"St Ailbe's Big Breakfast"

The "St. Ailbe's Big Breakfast" will take place on Thursday and Friday of this week. During the week, designed to mark Healthy Eating Week, Transition Year students and staff hope to provide healthy breakfasts for over 300 students in the school. Tipperary Mid-West Radio will broadcast from the school on one of the mornings while other events will take place to promote healthy eating amongst students.
At the moment Transition Years are busy handing out information sheets, quiz sheets and nutrition sheets to be filled out by students. A dietition will be in the school during the week to speak to students on nutrition and food. The week will also feature a performance by the School Choir, joined by the1^st Year singers, of music with a nutritional theme. Radio programmes will also be broadcast on the school radio, Radiocom, to promote the idea of healthy eating.

Show Jumping

On Sunday November 21^st six students from St. Ailbe’s competed in the Finches All-Ireland Show Jumping League. This leg of the league was held at Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Adare, with over 130 competitors representing 20 different schools. Our senior competitors were most successful with Philip Buckley and Donna Crowe making it to the jump off against the clock. Philip Buckley, who led until the last rider, was narrowly beaten for first place in what was an enthralling competition. Donna Crowe performed extremely well in the same competition taking 7^th place amid strong compeition. In the Team Competition St. Ailbe’s also performed excellently taking a well earned 5^th place.

U.14/U16. North Munster Cup

It was a busy week for the schools’ soccer teams as the Under 16’s and the Under 14’s played the Cresent College, Limerick, in the first round of the North Munster Cup. The day proved bitter sweet with the Under 16's recording a comprehensive 4-1 victory over the visitors while the Under 14's went down 4-0 to the Limerick side.
The Under 16's, captained by Declan Peters, proved too strong for their opponents up front with Jason Quirke, Shane Prenderville (2) and Denis O' Brien getting on the scoreline. On the day, Declan Peters, Eamonn O'Connell and Luke Edmonds all gave strong performances.
The Under 14's, however, have a lot of work to do following their defeat. In what was a poor game, Cresent made the best of the poor pitch conditions. Despite a good performance from St. Ailbe's keeper John Lynch, Cresent found the net with relative ease. Cresent came in wave after wave and it was worrying the ease at which the visitors played the passing game. St. Ailbe's cetainly learned a lot from the game and will have to work hard to establish themselves in this age group.

November 26^th, 1999

Athletics

Last week the school Athletics team traveled to Nenagh to the West Munster Schools Indoor Meet. The team made up of Mandy Crowe, Geraldine Ryan, Doireann Lawlor and Sinead Connolly proved very successful bringing home 2 gold medals and a silver amid strong competition. Mandy Crowe, who recently represented Ireland in Birmingham, was in fine form taking gold in the Junior 60 meters. Sinead Connolly held off a strong field in the Minor 800 meters to take gold while Doireann Lawlor performed extremely well in the Senior 800 meters clinching the silver on the line. Geraldine Ryan was unlucky in the same event narrowly missing out on a podium place coming in fourth overall.  

English Speaking Board

Congratulations to all those involved in the English Speaking Board Examinations which took place in the School last week. The English Speaking Board was established in 1953 to promote and encourage excellence in all aspects of oral communication. St. Ailbe's School is one of only a small number of schools in the country offering students the opportunity to prepare for and take part in the English Speaking Board Exams. Mr S.Alisdair Munro traveled from Liverpool to examine 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year students. This is the third year that Mr. Munro has examined students here. He was very impressed with the confidence of the students, with the amount of work they had done and with the relaxed manner in which they presented their chosen project.  

Healthy Eating

A Healthy Eating will be held in the school in the coming weeks. Students will explore attitudes to food, the different types of food, healthy and unhealthy eating amongst other issues. Students are being asked to collect and record memories based on the differences between how food is being prepared today and how it has been done in the past. Students are hoping to gather information on how food was prepared in the past and what type of food was generally prepared.If you have any information which you like to share with students in the school please contact Sheila Ryan, Transition Year, at the school. In particular students will be hoping highlight the importance of healthy eating.  

VTOS

  Students studying Woodwork, Craft and related skills under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (V.T.O.S.), in St Ailbe’s School, this week unveiled their completed work experience project.V.T.O.S. is a programme for adults who are long term unemployed and is designed to provide retraining for those hoping to return to the workforce.During the Summer months the group worked long and hard building a new office in the school. Under the watchful eye of Course instructor Sean O’Brien and Course Co-ordinator Colin Cummins the students designed and built the new office. The group of three women and three men were involved in all aspects of the project including initial design, brick work, internal carpentry and fittings. The aim of the project was to give students the experience of a real working environment and to allow students to use the skills they have acquired while on the course. Those involved in the project will now go on for certification under the National Council for Vocational Awards in May 2000. The group included: Bridget Kiely, Elizabeth O’Brien, Jacqueline Burns, Hugh Wade, Kevin Tedford and Richard Caplice.

November 9^th, 1999

Healthy Eating

A Healthy Eating will be held in the school at the end of November. Students will explore attitudes to food, the different types of food, healthy and unhealthy eating amongst other issues. Students are being asked to collect and record memories based on the differences between how food is being prepared today and how it has been done in the past. In particular students will be hoping highlightthe importance of healthy eating.

County Minor Football

Congratulations to the Tipperary Vocational Schools Team, and especially the seven panel members from St. Ailbe’s, on their comprehensive victory over Clare in this years Munster Final.  Niall Sheehan, Paul Ryan, David Kinahan, Michael Maguire, Liam Murphy, and Paul Jones were all members of the panel.  The game played in Mullagh, Co. Clare, proved an easy win in the end for the Tipperary side.  Despite a strong comeback by Clare at the start of the second half Tipperary won out easy winners in the end.

St. Ailbe's 10 - 21 St. Joseph's Galway

St. Ailbe’s Rugby suffered another defeat at the hands of St. Joesph's, Galway, last week following a 21-10 defeat. Despite playing good rugby St. Ailbe’s were victims of their own mistakes and left the game behind them. Tommy Ellard performed well giving the type of performance that has earned him a place on Munster’s under 18 squad. Chris Power and Colin Waters were our two scorers on the day, finishing good moves across the backs. Certainly, Division two rugby is proving difficult for a still developing squad.

St. Ailbe's 8 - 23 Cashel Community School

Last week the team lined put against Cashel in the same competition. Cashel ran out winners on this occasion but not before St. Ailbe’s gave a gutsy performance. Despite the absence of Tommy Ellard and Niall Sheehan, St. Ailbe’s gave an excellent display of rugby. In particular Derek Sheils at scrum-half and David Kinahan at out-half played well. Many players such as Robert Doyle and Kenneth Hayes playing out of position adjusted well to their new roles. However inexperience told and Cashel were good for their 23 - 8 win.

October 14^th, 1999

Tribute

This week students and staff took part in a very special mass, celebrated in the memory of Mrs. Patricia O’Reilly, who was tragically killed during the Summer.  In what was a very emotional day for all involved Patricia’s particular and very special contribution to life in St. Ailbe’s was remembered.  Fr. Denis Shannahan and Mr. Pat Moroney led the tributes to Patricia, a woman who was described as bringing tremendous energy and enthusiasm to her work.  The mass, celebrated by Fr. Denis Shannahan gave students and staff the opportunity to remember Patricia in a very special and unique way.

Patricia’s family, in particular husband Colin, were remembered in prayer.

Junior Hurling

St. Ailbe's 1-7    Colaiste Eoin 2-11

In sporting matters the Junior Hurlers took to the field against a very strong team from Colaiste Eoin in Youghal.  This game proved to be both exciting and tight with some excellent performances all round.  While Youghal ran out 7 point winners St Ailbe’s gave one of the best performances seen for many years.  In particular captain Jimmy O’Donnell and Colin Price were very strong in midfield, while Brendan Whealan took up the breaking ball well to score 4 points in the course of the game.  Colm Riordan playing in goals, not his normal position, gave an exhibition in goal-keeping.  There was little he could do about the goals.  The backs were very tight as a unit with good displays from Jerry Dee at full-back and Keneth Hayes at corner back.  One point separated the teams at half time, but in the second half Youghal proved too strong and pulled away in the last ten minutes to win on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-7.

U. 18 Rugby

Last week the rugby season kicked off with a first defeat for the under 18’s at the hands of current Division 2 champions.  Despite taking the Munster Development Title last year, and promotion to Division 2, this season has proved an entirely new challenge for the St. Ailbe’s side.  While many of last years’ players have left, St. Ailbe’s matched St. Enda’s in the early exchanges.  Colin Watters gave a man-of-the-match performance throughout the game. David Kinahan was unlucky not to put St. Ailbe’s ahead on thirty minutes following a period of sustained pressure.  Other good performances came from Derek Sheils and Adam Ryan.

St. Enda’s proved far too strong and disciplined however and ran out easy winners in the end on a scoreline of 20-3.  St Ailbe’s can be happy with the impressive performances from new comers to the game Kenneth Hayes and Chris Long.