Girls' Cumann na mBunscol
Gaelic Football Competition 2025
Friday morning, the 16th May, was a hive of excitement and anticipation as we (the girls) prepared for their Cumann na mBunscol competition. It was overcast but still there was a smell of suncream in the corridors as we had seen a good forecast the evening before. Norma had the jerseys ready and we selected our favourite numbers before taking a lift with Aga. Unfortunately, we were down a player as Caitlinn had injured her arm.
When we arrived at St. Mellans, the anticipation was high. We had to set up two pitches first as we were the hosts. We used the Roadside Meadow and the Riverside Meadow.
Our first match was against Deravoy NS. It was intense from the start as we started battle against our friends outside of school. It was a tough battle in midfield but Caoimhe & Náofa managed to get the ball up the field and create a great opportunity for Grace who made no mistake as she opened the scoring with a point. Deravoy then came back strong with a glorious goal from Jane. After that we came under severe pressure but Emily in defence and Catherine in goals bravely withheld the dangerous Deravoy attack for most of the half while Náofa, Grace & Caoimhe combined to get some more important scores for Clara. Half time and it was all to play for. In the 2nd half, Jane started to make dangerous runs in behind our defence and she got 2 more goals. We sent for help from Alanna & Alannah who came on and with their speed they managed to swing the momentum back towards Clara. However, in the end we ran out of time and Deravoy came out on top.
The next game was against Scotshouse and this was a game that will live long in the memory as it was tight throughout, filled with fantastic skills and ferocious commitment. This time it was Alanna who was our keeper and she set up lots of attacks with her brilliant kick outs. Caoimhe went up front and got 2 goals that put us ahead. Then Scotshouse came right back at us with some fine scores. In the 2nd half, we produced our move of the day. Emily was fouled on the half way line. She sprang up and kicked a lovely ball into Náofa who quickly turned and played a superb pass into Caoimhe. Caoimhe caught it in the air, took one solo and then fired it into the net. Wow! After that, I think we got a little tired in the heat. Scotshouse got a goal and a point and pipped us at the very end.
Thankfully, it was a lunch break next. We decided that we would take sanctuary in the shelter of the seated stand at St. Mellans as the sun (as glorious as it was) was now making conditions quite hot for running around so much. In the stand we enjoyed our break, took a snack, rehydrated, shared some tactics (and some news) and also watched a jackdaw who was busy carrying food to her babies in a nest at the top of the stand.
Refuelled and reenergised, we were ready for battle again. This time we faced Rackwallace who togged out in yellow, a sharp contrast to our red tops. This match was played at a frantic pace with both sides giving it their all. Tackling across the field, we managed to win the ball back multiple times and were able to work the ball up the field and convert our possession into scores. In the 2nd half, with a lead to defend, it was our goalkeeper and defenders that stood resolute to ensure we earned a valuable victory.
The final round pitted us against Knockatallon. Their jerseys were Black & Red but we were able to see our own teammates perfectly. This final game turned out to be a goal fest. It was a really open and entertaining game with both sides repeatedly finding the ‘onion bag’. Catherine’s legs went red because she saved so many powerful shots, Emily, Grace & Alannah defended brilliantly and won lots of kickouts. Naofa, Caoimhe & Alanna covered every blade of grass helping their team out in defense, carrying ball through the middle and scoring up front. It was a real team effort and one that we are proud of and will build on next time out. Best of luck to Deravoy & Knockatallon in the final.
Oh yes, and what better way to top of a great day but with a 99 Ice Cream !
When we arrived at St. Mellans, the anticipation was high. We had to set up two pitches first as we were the hosts. We used the Roadside Meadow and the Riverside Meadow.
Our first match was against Deravoy NS. It was intense from the start as we started battle against our friends outside of school. It was a tough battle in midfield but Caoimhe & Náofa managed to get the ball up the field and create a great opportunity for Grace who made no mistake as she opened the scoring with a point. Deravoy then came back strong with a glorious goal from Jane. After that we came under severe pressure but Emily in defence and Catherine in goals bravely withheld the dangerous Deravoy attack for most of the half while Náofa, Grace & Caoimhe combined to get some more important scores for Clara. Half time and it was all to play for. In the 2nd half, Jane started to make dangerous runs in behind our defence and she got 2 more goals. We sent for help from Alanna & Alannah who came on and with their speed they managed to swing the momentum back towards Clara. However, in the end we ran out of time and Deravoy came out on top.
The next game was against Scotshouse and this was a game that will live long in the memory as it was tight throughout, filled with fantastic skills and ferocious commitment. This time it was Alanna who was our keeper and she set up lots of attacks with her brilliant kick outs. Caoimhe went up front and got 2 goals that put us ahead. Then Scotshouse came right back at us with some fine scores. In the 2nd half, we produced our move of the day. Emily was fouled on the half way line. She sprang up and kicked a lovely ball into Náofa who quickly turned and played a superb pass into Caoimhe. Caoimhe caught it in the air, took one solo and then fired it into the net. Wow! After that, I think we got a little tired in the heat. Scotshouse got a goal and a point and pipped us at the very end.
Thankfully, it was a lunch break next. We decided that we would take sanctuary in the shelter of the seated stand at St. Mellans as the sun (as glorious as it was) was now making conditions quite hot for running around so much. In the stand we enjoyed our break, took a snack, rehydrated, shared some tactics (and some news) and also watched a jackdaw who was busy carrying food to her babies in a nest at the top of the stand.
Refuelled and reenergised, we were ready for battle again. This time we faced Rackwallace who togged out in yellow, a sharp contrast to our red tops. This match was played at a frantic pace with both sides giving it their all. Tackling across the field, we managed to win the ball back multiple times and were able to work the ball up the field and convert our possession into scores. In the 2nd half, with a lead to defend, it was our goalkeeper and defenders that stood resolute to ensure we earned a valuable victory.
The final round pitted us against Knockatallon. Their jerseys were Black & Red but we were able to see our own teammates perfectly. This final game turned out to be a goal fest. It was a really open and entertaining game with both sides repeatedly finding the ‘onion bag’. Catherine’s legs went red because she saved so many powerful shots, Emily, Grace & Alannah defended brilliantly and won lots of kickouts. Naofa, Caoimhe & Alanna covered every blade of grass helping their team out in defense, carrying ball through the middle and scoring up front. It was a real team effort and one that we are proud of and will build on next time out. Best of luck to Deravoy & Knockatallon in the final.
Oh yes, and what better way to top of a great day but with a 99 Ice Cream !
FAI 5-a-side Competition 2025
The anticipation had been building towards this competition since the fixtures were announced. The 7 players on our Senior Boys' Soccer Team were Ciarán, Caolán, Killian, Shay McD, Shay L, Tiarnán & Brendan. They all came to school early, fueled with a healthy breakfast and raring to go. They kept a tight eye on the road, urging their lifts to come. Before long, Patricia & Gary had arrived and we were on route to Gortakeegan.
When we arrived, the boys registered and we were informed that our matches would be played on pitch 3. The clouds started to clear and the sun started to shine on the astro pitches. In the first game against Ballybay, the Clara boys combined really well early on, mesmerising the opposition with some slick first touch passes. They continued in this vein with Ciarán & Caolan's flair up front leading to goals, Killian & Shay McD at the back keeping the opposition to minimal chances. The one chance Ballybay did get saw Shay L make a miraculous save to somehow keep the clean sheet intact. Tiarnán & Brendan came on and their fresh legs ensured Clara would secure a win in their first match - 6-0.
In the 2nd match, the Clara boys took on Knockatallon- renewing the Truagh Vs Scotstown rivalry (this time on the soccer field!). Knockatallon flew out of the blocks and scored early on. This filled them with confidence and they put Clara on the back foot for much of the early exchanges before finding the net twice more. Half time came and it was 3 nil to Knockatallon. The Clara boys remained calm and devised a plan to get back into the game. Killian pulled a goal back early on as Clara started to play better football, combining more and passing the ball around at ease. Ciarán volleyed in Clara's second. The Clara boys continued to press hard to find the equaliser but found that the opposition goalkeeper was in excellent form. Just as the game entered stoppage time, Ciarán got half and chance and somehow managed to find the bottom corner. The comeback was complete and the crowd went wild.! Knockatallon took tip and the referee indicated that there would be 90 seconds more to play. Clara got the ball back through another great save from Shay L. He quickly threw it out to Caolán who passed it across to Shay McD. Shay took it forward and played it back across to Caolán to stretch the play. Caolán immediately fired it into Ciarán who flicked it around the corner for Brendan to race onto. Brendan was through on goal with just the keeper to beat. Brendan fired it low into the net. Clara had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. What a game!!
The final game pitted Clara against Ardaghey. Both of these teams had won their two matches so the winners of this tie would progress to the play-off match. The game was a tense affair, with both sides realising what was at stake. Clara had most of the possession early on but were struggling to break down Ardaghey's resolute defense. Shay L pulled off a great save following a counter attack from Ardaghey. The ball was cleared and eventually went out for a throw in to Clara. Shay McD came up to take it. He threw it really far into the opposition's half. Ciarán rose high to get the flick on. The ball fell perfectly into Killian's path but the keeper was out like a flash. Killian took one touch around the keeper and rolled it into the net. Another great team goal and it was one nil to Clara. Clara continued to look for another goal to secure the game. The had a corner kick which Ardaghey cleared and suddenly they were on the attack. Ardaghey found some space on front of goal and made no mistake. One One. It was all level. The pendulum then seemed to swing in Ardaghey's favour and they then created some good chances nearing the end of the game. However, more heroics from Shay L kept the game level. Final whistle and the game was a draw. What would happen next? Would it be a penalty shoot out? It was announced that extra time would be played. The two teams, now tiring in the heat, continued to attack each other in search of the winner. However both defenses were on top and the game remained level heading into the final seconds of the game when disaster struck for Clara. After a ricochet, the ball fell to Ardaghey's striker who poked the ball home to send them through.
Alas, it wasn't to be on this occasion. Best of luck to Ardaghey. The disappointment was clear for the Clara lads but as the old saying goes - "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" and this author is confident that they will be back stronger than ever.
When we arrived, the boys registered and we were informed that our matches would be played on pitch 3. The clouds started to clear and the sun started to shine on the astro pitches. In the first game against Ballybay, the Clara boys combined really well early on, mesmerising the opposition with some slick first touch passes. They continued in this vein with Ciarán & Caolan's flair up front leading to goals, Killian & Shay McD at the back keeping the opposition to minimal chances. The one chance Ballybay did get saw Shay L make a miraculous save to somehow keep the clean sheet intact. Tiarnán & Brendan came on and their fresh legs ensured Clara would secure a win in their first match - 6-0.
In the 2nd match, the Clara boys took on Knockatallon- renewing the Truagh Vs Scotstown rivalry (this time on the soccer field!). Knockatallon flew out of the blocks and scored early on. This filled them with confidence and they put Clara on the back foot for much of the early exchanges before finding the net twice more. Half time came and it was 3 nil to Knockatallon. The Clara boys remained calm and devised a plan to get back into the game. Killian pulled a goal back early on as Clara started to play better football, combining more and passing the ball around at ease. Ciarán volleyed in Clara's second. The Clara boys continued to press hard to find the equaliser but found that the opposition goalkeeper was in excellent form. Just as the game entered stoppage time, Ciarán got half and chance and somehow managed to find the bottom corner. The comeback was complete and the crowd went wild.! Knockatallon took tip and the referee indicated that there would be 90 seconds more to play. Clara got the ball back through another great save from Shay L. He quickly threw it out to Caolán who passed it across to Shay McD. Shay took it forward and played it back across to Caolán to stretch the play. Caolán immediately fired it into Ciarán who flicked it around the corner for Brendan to race onto. Brendan was through on goal with just the keeper to beat. Brendan fired it low into the net. Clara had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. What a game!!
The final game pitted Clara against Ardaghey. Both of these teams had won their two matches so the winners of this tie would progress to the play-off match. The game was a tense affair, with both sides realising what was at stake. Clara had most of the possession early on but were struggling to break down Ardaghey's resolute defense. Shay L pulled off a great save following a counter attack from Ardaghey. The ball was cleared and eventually went out for a throw in to Clara. Shay McD came up to take it. He threw it really far into the opposition's half. Ciarán rose high to get the flick on. The ball fell perfectly into Killian's path but the keeper was out like a flash. Killian took one touch around the keeper and rolled it into the net. Another great team goal and it was one nil to Clara. Clara continued to look for another goal to secure the game. The had a corner kick which Ardaghey cleared and suddenly they were on the attack. Ardaghey found some space on front of goal and made no mistake. One One. It was all level. The pendulum then seemed to swing in Ardaghey's favour and they then created some good chances nearing the end of the game. However, more heroics from Shay L kept the game level. Final whistle and the game was a draw. What would happen next? Would it be a penalty shoot out? It was announced that extra time would be played. The two teams, now tiring in the heat, continued to attack each other in search of the winner. However both defenses were on top and the game remained level heading into the final seconds of the game when disaster struck for Clara. After a ricochet, the ball fell to Ardaghey's striker who poked the ball home to send them through.
Alas, it wasn't to be on this occasion. Best of luck to Ardaghey. The disappointment was clear for the Clara lads but as the old saying goes - "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" and this author is confident that they will be back stronger than ever.
Active Schools Flag is a Department of Education Initiative Supported by Healthy Ireland. The Active School Flag was launched by the Department of Education in May 2009 and is organised through Mayo Education Centre.
The purpose of the initiative is to recognise schools (primary, post primary and special schools) that strive to achieve a physically active and physically educated school community. The process aims to get more schools, more active, more often. We are working on the following areas: Physical Education, Physical Activity, Active School week & Partnerships...
As the Active School Process welcomes community involvement, we would encourage you to be active with your child at home. If you think you have any skills or ideas that would be of benefit in helping us to achieve our Active Flag, please let us know! We would love for you to get involved! Your support of the Active Flag is greatly appreciated!
Active Week 2024
Massive thanks to Mrs. McGuigan for organising some really fun events. Check out the photos!
Massive thanks to Mrs. McGuigan for organising some really fun events. Check out the photos!
Volleyball
We were delighted to have Francis in from Monaghan Sports Partnership to coach us how to play Volleyball.
We were delighted to have Francis in from Monaghan Sports Partnership to coach us how to play Volleyball.
Walk Around Monaghan
Our whole school joined together to walk around Monaghan. In school & at home, we measured the distanced we walked each day and added in together. Then, using the help of Google Maps, we were able to see where in Monaghan we had reached. We did that good of a team effort, that we made it around all the big towns in Monaghan, via all the GAA pitches, and even went outside of our county. Super effort everyone.
Our whole school joined together to walk around Monaghan. In school & at home, we measured the distanced we walked each day and added in together. Then, using the help of Google Maps, we were able to see where in Monaghan we had reached. We did that good of a team effort, that we made it around all the big towns in Monaghan, via all the GAA pitches, and even went outside of our county. Super effort everyone.
RSS Feed