SENIOR FOOTBALLERS

The senior footballers got their season back on track in mid-December after an excellent team performance when they overcame a strong Clonkeen College. Up until then the boys were putting in a big effort but were failing to ignite as a team. With continued hard work it’s hoped that these boys will make a big impact on the competition in the New Year.

U-14 Footballers

These guys can hold their heads high after a terrific season. They put in a huge effort in training and this showed well in their matches. They topped a tough group with great away wins against St. Fintans and St. David’s. In the Dublin semi-final they led by a point at half time, however injuries to key players meant we lost out in the end to the competition winners, Colaiste Eoin.

ATHLETICS UPDATE

As usual, it's been busy and exciting start to the athletics year. Our troops headed north in October for the Drogheda schools cross-country championships. Our under 14's finished 1st, our under 15's finished 2nd, and our indomitable under 17's finished 1st, securing the overall title.

It was the same story at the All-lrelands C.B.S. championships in the ALSAA complex. Strong team performances secured the All-Ireland title. Our most improved athletes this year include Colm Murray, David Murphy, Larry Brady, Mark Mckenzie and Rory Ormond. A number of talented athletes have entered St. Aidan's this year including Darren Molloy, Niall O'Donnell and Matthew Walsh. With continued hard work and dedication, the athletes will hope to secure All-Ireland places and to go on and represent Ireland in April, 2007.

To wrap up the year we organised a 'Christmas Run'. This was a success, with Clonliffe Harriers providing great prizes for our troops. Eoin Mooney finished third, followed by Graham Mahon, and Gavin McCabe coming home first. Keep up the good workmen, and watch this space !!!

WHAT-ER GAME !!

The date was December 6th. The venue was St. Joseph's school, Cabra. The event was the Leinster Senior Water Polo Cup. After cruising through the group stages and through the semi-final these incredible athletes from St. Aidan's were pitted against St. Joseph's, a repeat of last years final.

This year we were better prepared, physically and mentally. The two teams clashed like two bulls and after ordinary time, the scores were level. Extra time followed, but our Irish Internationals, Eoin Bridgeman, Sean Kenna and captain John Kelly could find the power to pull away from the St. Joseph's onslaught. The only way to decide this battle would be a dreaded penalty shoot-out.

The team matched St. Joseph's goal for goal, with goalkeeper Donnacha Murphy performing brilliantly. However, this was not going to be our day, but after the game the team were very upbeat as they had been involved in the best Leinster Final ever staged, and they were awarded a place in the All Ireland finals. Our internationals were also awarded places on the Leinster Senior Schools team. They went on to win the interprovincial title against Ireland's best on Wednesday, December 13th in the National Aquatic Centre. What a game, what a day !!!

GOLF

The School Senior Golf Team consisting of Shane Sexton (6N), Michael Kelly 96S), Kevin Nolan (6S), Mark Crowley (5E), Stephen Browne 95E) and Mark McDonald (5E) played a number of qualifying stroke play tournaments and were unlucky not to progress due to the very high standard. The team also played three matches against Ard Scoil Ris, Castleknock College, and Belvedere. These matches were held in Clontarf G.C., Royal Dublin G.C. and The Island G.C. The team enjoyed the challenge of these fine golf courses and look forward to the spring when there are a number of further tournaments.