Cross-country review -
All-Ireland success caps a rewarding year
The year began with the Drogheda Invitation, and the school won the overall title with ease. A lot
of promise was shown by our under 14 squad, however injury and illness would hamper their attempts
at capturing a Leinster title. Our under 15 squad qualified for the Leinster championships.The team
ran well on the day with outstanding performances from Mark McKenzie and Kevin Reilly ensuring the
team would finish fourth overall.
For the under 17 team it was a totally different year, as they won each qualifying race with ease.
The race that really mattered was the All-Ireland championships.Teams around the country would know
about the team from reading the papers. On numerous occasions we were described as 'formidable',
which was the only word for our team. Even though this had been written, we still had not run with
our strongest team due to sickness and injury.Training for 6 months, up to eight times a week, over
1,000 miles and coming into school at 7.45 a.m.for the dreaded morning run, we were easily the best
prepared team in Ireland.
The night prior to the race, we made our way to the cinema to see 'Hot Fuzz'. On All-Ireland
Saturday we unleashed what can only be described as an explosive performance, leading from the front
with Irish mountain running champion, Tony Kavanagh,followed by the determined pack of Eoin McDonnell,
Mark McDonald, Collie Murray and myself. David Murphy, Jordan Logue and Paul Sheerin played a key
role in holding off the other teams. Gavin Redmond and Shane Curran were hindered by sickness during
the year and just missed out on the day but they gave in 100% all the way. No doubt they will be
back for the exciting track season.
For our family, friends and coach, Alan O'Neill this really was a day to remember and even when we
look back now on what we achieved, it still sends shivers down my spine. March 3rd really was the
highlight of the year and it has given the school an even greater chance of winning Evening Herald
Sports School of the Year.
A special word of thanks to all the gang in Clonliffe Harriers - Brian, Joe, Ronan and Mick. Nil
Desperandum!!
LARRY BRADY
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Basketball Blitz!
What a year it has been so far for our basketball teams. Following the Dublin final the under 16
squad travelled to Co. Carlow on February 3rd and defeated teams from Borris Voc. School and Douglas
C.C. to earn a place in the All-Ireland semi-final in Tipperary town.
Unfortunately on February 12th, we were slow out of the blocks and St. Fachtna's, Skibereen, took
a grip on the game. However, in true St.Aidan's style, we fought back to within 6 points with 2
minutes to go! Alas, luck was not on our side on the day and St. Fachtna's went on to win. We did
gain a lot of satisfaction to hear that they did go on to win the All-Ireland title, and this left
us with the bronze All-Ireland medals. Congratulations to ail the troops, and who knows, maybe next
year we will go one step further.
After watching the under 16's success, the first and second year teams decided that they too wanted
medals. After spending each afternoon in the hall, and a couple of late Friday's on the court, the
teams found the winning formula, and they both went on to win Dublin titles. Heartiest congratulations
champs, and we wish you all the best in the All-lrelands. Congratulations also to the team coaches,
Ms. Peoples, Ms. Walsh, Mr. Groarke and Mr. Gill.
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St Aidan's CBS, Whitehall, Dublin, Ireland
