CROSS COUNTRY

Another fantastic year for our athletes.The plan from the start of the year was to qualify for the All-Ireland finals. Little did we know that we would be competing for first place with St. Malachy's Belfast.

Preparation for the year began in mid-August, 2005. Our team were very young to be competing at U-17 and all will be eligible to compete in this category next year.The All-Ireland C.B.S. was our first test, where we finished second. However, we bounced back and cruised to victory in the D.C.U. Invitation. This was followed by victories in the North Leinster and Leinster Championships.

We found ourselves entering the All-Ireland championships as favourites.This was coupled with 121 training sessions so our preparation was perfect. However a virus did the rounds in the team preceding the finals, and this was compounded by shin splints to torn hamstrings and groin problems. However, these men of steel (David Murphy, Mark McDonald, Paul Sheerin, Gavin Redmond, Eoin McDonnell.Tony Kavanagh, Colm Murray (c) and Larry Brady) persisted and finished an incredible second on the day.This great achievement was made sweeter when news came through that Mark McDonald was selected for the Irish team and will represent St.Aidan's and Ireland in the Home Nations International in Buckingham, England in April.

Our Senior athletes were not the only ones enjoying success. Our U-14's finished a very respectable 4th in North Leinster, with Kevin Reilly winning the All-Ireland C.B.S. title, Bobby Dennan finishing second and Aaron Stapleton showing great form in the Leinster championship. Our U-15 team also showed great promise throughout the season, with Jordan Logue finishing 3rd in Leinster, and narrowly missing out on a place in the Irish team.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable year. All of our teams are drawing up plans to conquer Ireland next year and this shows great strength and optimism. We wish all of our athletes the very best of luck in the track and field season, and judging by the last six months, the future looks bright!

Pictured at our recent successful All Ireland's, a few future Olympians pictured with one of Ireland's finest athlete and former Olympian, Eamonn Cough/an. Bottom right is athletics coach, Alan O'Neill.

What a Water Polo Team !

More All-Ireland medals for St.Aidan's. St.Aidan's recently assembled a Polo Team and achieved great success in the Leinster and All-Ireland championships. Our boys were narrowly beaten in the Leinster final by St. Joseph's School for the Deaf. This second place spot guaranteed a place in the All-Ireland Finals where these magnificent athletes finished third overall. All players were excellent, including our three Irish Internationals, Sean Kenna, Eoin Bridgeman and John Kelly.The future looks bright!

Mr. A O'Neill.

2nd Year Basketball

Commiserations to the 2nd year Basketball team who were narrowly defeated by St. Benildu's in the Dublin semi-finals.This was a great performance for our team. Given that they have been promoted to the A/B Division this year. Special thanks to Ms. Peoples and Ms.Thompson.