Football

Each year our school participates in the Cumann na mBunscol football competition. We are extremely lucky to have parents involved allied to strong connections to the local Ballymacelligott GAA Club. We have been extremely successful over the past number of years and have won the competition twice in recent years.

Last year our school team was victorious in the 6-8 Teacher competition. Our team is made up of both boys and girls and are well known for their skill levels, tenacity and teamwork. Thanks to the parents who coach the teams, Ballymac GAA club and the coaches who attend the school each year from the Kerry County Board.

We also take part in the Mini Sevens competition at local leve in the Castleisland District. We send both boys and girls teams and again have had lots of success in the competition, even reaching the county final in 2016.

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Cumann na mBunscol Champions 2019

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Our senior football team carved out a famous victory under the floodlights of Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Wednesday, 23^rd of October. Following on from victories over Kilflynn NS and Glenderry NS in the earlier rounds we were pushed all the way in the semi-final by a very skilful and determined Cullina NS team on Tuesday 22^nd. Just over 24 hours later we had to do it all again in the 6 – 8 teacher school final against old foes and near neighbours, Scoil Mhuire & Naomh Treasa, Currow.

Under foot conditions were slippery even though the pitch was in pristine condition for this time of year. Scoil Nuachabháil got off to a slow start and found themselves 0-5 to 0-2 points down after ten minutes.

As soon as the nerves disappeared Scoil Nuachabháil gradually began to take the game to Currow. Playing with the aid of a slight breeze allied to some excellent passing Scoil Nuachabháil sniped two goals before the break to leave Currow trailing by 2-7 to 0-5. 

This proved to be the cushion they needed as Scoil Mhuire & Naomh Treasa roared into the match in the second half and heroic defending was needed in all areas of the pitch to keep them at bay. 

A goal from the Currow side saw them bring the deficit back to a goal but Scoil Mhuire dug deep to maintain their three point advantage to the final whistle. 

This was a no holds barred game of football played between two sets of players who refused to yield to the weather conditions or to each other. On this occasion Scoil Nuachabháil came out on top on a 2-9 to 1-9 score line.

Credit to both sets of supporters for the creating a tremendous atmosphere on the night and to our supporters and people from Ballymac for turning up in such large numbers.

Thanks a million to Mossy and Anthony for looking after the team all year and for taking time out of their busy schedules to make training and games. We really appreciate everything you did for our players and the school.

PANEL:

• Luke Griffin
• Cian Gilroy
• Donncha Enright
• Máire Culloty
• Ben O’Keeffe
• Jorge Garcia
• Shane Brosnan
• Eoin Moriarty (C)
• Eoghan Joy
• Con Sheehan
• Jill Quirke
• Sam Boyle
• Michael Quirke
• Máirtín McKivergan
• Seán Martin

SUBS:

• Conor Lynch
• Katie Landers
• Stephen McCarthy
• Sarah O’Rourke
• Katie Hobbert
• Liam O’Rahilly
• Daniel Moriarty

Special mention to Aishlinn Baily, one of our star performers all year who was unable to play in the final through injury. Aishlinn is a terrific all round sportsperson and was an integral part of the team throughout the season. She put in some tremendous displays and always gave 100% committment to the team. Aishlinn is an extremely skillful footballer and we were very disappointed she couldn’t make the final.

Mini Sevens 2023

Congratulations to our boys who won the Castleisland District Cumann na mBunscol Mini Seven’s final in Cordal on Friday 10th of March. Our first win since 2016 the boys faced tough opposition from the many excellent schools in the Castleisland hinterland to emerge victorious.

They will now represent the area in the county finals later in the year. A full report will follow.

Well done to Gearóid (captain), Eric, Jack L, Ciarán, Jack H, Aidan, Kealan, Tom, Finn and Flynn. They represented themselves, their families and their school with distinction.

Thanks also to Mossy and Ciarán for coaching the team, to Múinteoir Anna for looking after them on the day with help from Sheila and to our faithful supporters for cheering them on.

Pictured above are our boys and girls mini 7’s panels on their return to the school after some wonderful displays in the Castleisland District competition.

Our girls team did extremely well, reaching the semi final stage, losing only by a single point in the end. All the girls except out terrific captain Kate will be available again next year, so the future looks bright.

Great work Kate (captain), Hannah, Rachel, Holly, Eva, Maeve, Emma, Katie, Michaela and Aisling.