Awesome Aidan’s claim first Basketball All-Ireland

Aidan’s captain, Paul Caffrey, turned in a phenomenal display at the Arena as Aidan’s were crowned the All Ireland under-16 league champions. With 27 assists, 5 rebounds and 27 points, Caffrey was the stand out choice for MVP but he had plenty of back up support on the day. St Aidan’s, under the guidance of Eva Cunningham and Catherine Peoples, had their foot on the gas from the off and following a good steal from Mikey Murray, Irish trialist, Mark Blanchfield recorded a lay-up under the basket to bring the Whitehall boys into double figures.

Two frees from David Boyle saw Abbey make it a six point game but with Aidan’s putting on the pressure, a telling gap was now beginning to open. Baskets from Caffrey and Blanchfield made it a double scores lead and with Blanchfield a towering figure under the two baskets, Abbey were now struggling to stay in touch.

And then following a one point free from Finnegan after the resumption Aidan’s went into overdrive with successive plays from Caffrey and Shayan Yousefizadeh putting further light between the two. And with Yousefizadeh and Blanchfield giving Aidan’s a clear height advantage in the inside, Aidans enjoyed their best spell of the game with Yousefizadeh, Caffrey all making baskets to propel their team into a 47-31 lead at the interval. Abbey did their best to make a game after that with their two big game players Dylan Muldoon (also the captain) and David Boyle contributing nobly to the cause.

But with Caffrey in unstoppable form in the third, Aidans had consolidated their lead at the end of the third to lead 78-50. And with the previous third quarters, Aidan’s were quick out of the blocks with Blanchfield, Caffrey and Yousefizadeh all finding the target. And although Jason Carr attempted to drive on Abbey with a series of assist, Aidan’s finished the game with their big game players back on court as they celebrated a terrific win at the National Arena.

Awards Ceremony

We are looking forward to this year’s Awards Ceremony which takes place on Friday May 8^th at 7.30pm. Guests of Honour this year are Jason, Keith and Glen Barry, three past pupils who have distinguished themselves in the acting world. Nominees in each category will be made public before Easter.

Mr.T.P.Ward

Well done to past-pupils Luke Sweetman and Ted Furman.The lads have been involved with the Senior Dublin Gaelic Football team and are now enjoying great success with the Dublin under 21’s. And of course we must not forget the two former team mates of Luke and Ted, Thomas Brady and Joey Boland that have being playing out of their skins for the Dublin Senior Hurling team.

Go for it lads!