St Declans N.S.

Archives News and Match Reports ’09 – ‘10

1. Athletics 2. Gaelic Football 3. Swimming 4. Hurling 5. Soccer 6. Tennis 7. Rugby

1. Athletics News 2009 - 2010

Cross Country Races

[Sept 17^th ‘09] A huge crowd today turned up at the Clover Field in Ferrybank to support our School Athletics Team compete in the Waterford Primary Schools Cross Country Competition. We had boys racing in all age groups from 1^st class to 6^th over distances ranging from 200m to 800m. For some it was their first time competing in such an event while for others they had done it all before. Everyone ran really well and we had lots of boys who won medals on the day. Many thanks to all the parents who supported the boys today and especially to Mrs A Brennan for all her help selecting and organizing the team.

Great Performances Reap Reward

[April 22^nd ‘10] Today our school Athletics team competed in the Waterford Primary Schools Track Competition in the RSC. We had 50 boys from 1^st to 6^th class battling it out many of the city schools in sprints, middle distance and relays. There were many great performances and at the end of a very busy afternoon we were awarded “Best Overall Boys School”. Our captain David Power accepted the cup on behalf of the team. Well done to everyone who competed and thanks to Mr Doran and Mrs A Brennan for looking after the team today.

Waterford County Finals

[May 26^th ‘10] This evening in Dungarvan, 19 of our athletes competed in the Waterford Primary Schools County Athletics Finals. Competition was very intense here as all the winner from the various regions were all anxious to take home the spoils. Over all we had 2 individual medal winners Tadgh Brennan {1^st U12 600m} and Cormac McCann {3^rdU12 80m}. We also came third in the U10 relay. Well done to everyone involved and in particular to Mrs A Brennan and Mr Doran for looking after the team tonight.

2. Gaelic Football News 2009 - 2010

U13 Gaelic Football Campaign match by match ’09 – ‘10

Disappointing Start to New Season

[Sept 24^th ‘09] We opened our U. 13 football campaign in disappointing fashion today in the College Field. We opened strongly with two early goals however Holycross responded and were only a point adrift at the intverval. The second half belonged to Holycross as they took over at midfield and their forwards had a constant supply of the ball. On a day when we never got into the game Tom Crotty and David Hogan were tireless in defence, up front Cormac McCann and Tadhg Brennan were prominent.

Final Result: St. Declan's 3-0 Holycross Tramore 4-7

Panel: Kieran Doheny, Tom Crotty, Conor Hogan, Lee Wall, Jamie Regan, David Hogan, Darragh O'Rourke, Cormac McCann, Mark Mullally, Taghg Brennan, Kieran Rooney, Gavin Coppinger, David Burke, Dylan Breslin, Peter Grogan,Daniel Sheehan, David Power, Chris Kong Ben Fitzgerald.

No Joy in Cleaboy

[Oct 7^th ‘09] Our second game in the U13 Gaelic Football League took place at the Cleaboy today against our old rivals St Stephens. The first half was competitive but low scoring, both defences having the upper hand. St. Stephen's were leading by two points at half time. An early goal in the second half gave St. Stephen's a lead which they held for the remainder of the game. Our forwards put huge pressure on the St.Stephen's defence, but the goal we badly needed never came.

Final Score: St. Stephen's 1-5 St. Declan's 0-2

Primary Game Achievement

[May 11^th ‘10] Congratulations to David Hogan who has been selected on the Primary Game football team. David will line out on the Waterford team which will play Clare at Fraher Field on Sunday May 23rd. We wish David the best of luck.

U10 Gaelic Football Campaign match by match ’09 - ‘10

Fun Football Blitz

[Oct 13^th ‘09] Today in Gracedieu was the concluding part of a two day fun football blitz for boys in 3^rd class. The first day was held in Ballygunner a few weeks ago. This was a non competitive event with an emphasis on participation and fun. We brought a total of 28 boys from 3^rd class only. They were then divided into 2 teams. Each team played 3 matches altogether. Everyone enjoyed the games and there was great excitement in the dressing room at the end of the day when both teams met up again to trade stories of great goals and near misses. This was a very well organized and well prepared event which certainly led to the smooth running of the day.

Mini 7’s Gaelic Football campaign match by match ‘09 – ‘10

No Luck in Tramore for 7’s Team

[Nov 10^th ‘09] We played in the mini 7’s final Blitz today in Tramore. In our first game we faced Holycross. This was a fiercely contested game with the outcome in the balance right up to the end. Two late points sealed it for the eventual overall winners – Holycross. In the second game Scoil Lorcáin recorded a good 3-4 to 0-1 victory. The last game was again a very close affair with Rathgormack running out winners on a score line of 2-3 to 2-2. Well done to all the panel who gave it their best shot on the day. Thanks again to Mr Kirby and Mr Fitzgerald for looking after this team.

Panel:- Kieran Doheny, Darragh O’Rourke, Lee Wall, Dylan Breslin, Tom Crotty, David Burke, Tadhg Brennan, Gavin Coppinger, Cormac McCann, Peter Grogan

7 a side Team Progress in Close Decider
[Nov 3^rd ‘09] Our 7-a-side footballers played in the first round of the INTO Gaelic Football Blitz at Gracedieu this afternoon. In our opening game we had a good win over St. Stephen's on a score line of 6-2 to 2-1. In the second game Ferrybank provided the opposition again we recorded a victory St. Declan's 3-4 Ferrybank 0-6. Gaelscoil Phort Láirge also had victories in their two opening games. We now faced them in the final and decisive game. We began poorly conceding five unanswered points. However, two late goals in the first half saw us draw level at the break St. Declan's 2-0 Gaelscoil 0-6. The second half was a very closely contested affair with both sides failing to register any score, and then on the final minute of the game up popped David Burke to slot over the winning point.
We now progress to the Eastern Final Blitz on Tuesday November 10th.

Panel: Kieran Doheny, Tom Crotty, Lee Wall, Tadhg Brennan, Cormac McCann,David Burke, Gavin Coppinger, Dylan Breslin, Peter Grogan, Darragh O'Rourke.

3. Swimming News 2009 – 2010

Swimming to Victory

[Nov 15^th ‘09] Congratulations to our swimmers Jack Ryan, Alex Cavallari and Darragh O Rourke all of whom represented St Declans at the Munster Primary Schools Swimming Gala held in the Gus Healy Pool in Cork today. Jack won silver in the 100mIM and the 50m freestyle achieving personal best times in both. Alex reached the finals in both his events, the 50m breast and the 50m freestyle and also achieved personal best times too. However it was Darragh who topped the bill coming away with two gold medals in the 50m backstroke and the 50m freestyle while achieving a PB in the 50m backstroke. Well done to you all boys.

All Ireland Success

[Dec 6^th ‘09] Congratulations to Jack Ryan and Darragh O Rourke who both represented St Declans today in the All Ireland Primary Schools Swimming Gala in the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin. Both boys swam in the 50m freestyle. Jack also competed in the individual medley while Darragh swam in the 50m backstroke. Even though no records were broken on the day Jack was happy with his performance. Darragh was more than delighted however as he won gold in the 50m backstroke and was crowned All Ireland Champion. Both lads were given a huge cheer after little lunch on Monday to celebrate their success. Well done again to you both.

4. Hurling News 2009 – 2010

Indoor Hurling News ’09 – ‘10

Good Start by Indoor Hurlers

[Feb 23^rd ‘10]Our Indoor Hurlers were in action today at the Butler Centre. This was the first round blitz of a county wide competition with the winners qualifying for next weeks Eastern final. We were in a group with Ballygunner, Faithlegg and the Gaelscoil Phort Lairge. Our first game was against Ballygunner. This was a very close encounter and we emerged with a victory on a score line of 5 goals to 4.We followed up with good wins over Faithlegg and the Gaelscoil, thus qualifying for the final.

Panel:- Luke Flynn, Jack Troy, Peter Grogan, Alex Kennedy, David Burke, David O’Hare, Eoin Tyrrell, Lee O’Connor, Alex Casey, Aidan Gannon.

Champions Again

[Mar 2^nd ‘10]Our Indoor Hurlers retained the Eastern title of the Waterford Primary Schools Indoor Hurling Competition at the Butler Centre this afternoon. In our first game we had a good win over Scoil Lorcáin. Next up was St. Stephen’s… this was a very competitive game and we emerged winners on a score line that read 8 goals to 4.The final game was against Holycross, Tramore. This was another close game, but we won the game 6 goals to 3.Team captain Jack Troy was presented with the trophy by Mr. Harry Flynn, Cumann na mBunscol.

Panel:- Luke Flynn, Jack Troy, Peter Grogan, Alex Kennedy, David Burke, David O’Hare, Eoin Tyrrell, Lee O’Connor, Alex Casey, Aidan Gannon.

U 13 Hurling Campaign ’09 – ‘10

Another Good Opening Display

[Apr 21^st ‘10] Our U 13 Hurlers opened the campaign with a hard fought victory away to Ballygunner today. This was a very competitive and skilful game. We were leading by a point at the break St. Declan’s 0-5 Ballygunner 0-4.The second half was equally competitive, an early goal from a free by Mark Mullally put us further ahead. Ballygunner replied with two points. A late goal and point by Jack Fanning sealed the victory for us.

Final Score: St Declans 2 – 6 Ballygunner 0 – 6

Panel: Lee Wall, Conor Giles Doran, Conor Hogan, Tom Crotty, Peter Grogan, David Hogan, Chris Kong, Mark Mullally, Gavin Coppinger, Jamie Regan, Cormac McCann, Colm Stockdale, Daniel Sheehan, Jack Fanning, Kieran Doheny, Gary Smyth, Conor Murphy, David Burke

U13 Hurlers Reach Semi Final

[May 17^th ‘10]Our U. 13 hurlers advanced to the semi final of the Waterford Primary Schools Hurling League following a good win over Mt Sion in our last group game. The game was played in DLS College in perfect conditions for hurling. We topped our group and now we face old rivals St. Stephen’s in the semi final.

Panel: Lee Wall, Tom Crotty, Conor Hogan, Connor Giles Doran, Peter Grogan, David Hogan, Chris Kong, Mark Mullaly, Cormac McCann, Jamie Regan, Gavin Coppinger, Tadhg Brennan, Garry Smith, Jack Fanning, David Burke, Conor Murphy, Lee Coady, Matthew O Connor, Daniel Sheehan, Colm Stockdale, Kieran Doheny.

U13 Hurlers also Reach Final
[May 25^th ‘10] Our senior hurlers advanced to the final of the U13 East Waterford Primary Schools Hurling League following a hard fought victory over St. Stephen’s today in the College field.The first half was evenly contested and we led by 2-2 to 2-0 at the interval. We upped our performance in the second half and added another two goals and three points. The final is fixed for Walsh Park on Thursday June 3rd. at 2.00p.m.

Final score: St. Declan’s 4-5 St. Stephen’s 2-4.

Panel: Lee Wall, Mark Mullally, Conor Giles Doran, Christopher Kong, Conor Hogan, Tom Crotty, Peter Grogan, David Hogan, Cormac McCann, Jamie Regan, Gavin Coppinger, Tadhg Brennan, Gary Smith, Jack Fanning, David Burke, Colm Stockdale, Daniel Sheehan, Lee Coady, Matthew O’Connor, Conor Murphy, Kieran Doheny.

Primary Game Achievement

[May 26^th ‘10] Congratulations to Mark Mullally who will represent St Declans on the Waterford Primary Game Team who will face Clare in advance of the Senior inter county clash on the June bank holiday Monday.

“Markvelous” Victory for U13 Hurlers

[June 3^rd ‘10] We retained our Eastern U3 Hurling title at Walsh Park today once again in front of our supporters from 3^rd to 6^th class. Both teams started nervously and the first score did not come until the ninth minute when Ballygunner scored the first of four unanswered points. We had to wait until the seventeenth minute of the half for our first score, a point, scored by Jack Fanning. Jack quickly followed this with a well taken goal in the nineteenth minute. Gary Smith’s excellent point left us a point ahead at the break. St. Declan’s 1-2 Ballygunner 0-4. It was at this stage that Mark Mullally’s sheer class and ability came to the fore as he took over and dominated midfield for the entire second half and was a danger and a threat with every ball. Two pointed frees in the second and seventh minute extended our lead to three points. Following an exchange of points Ballygunner struck for a match leveling goal in the eleventh minute of the half. We added 1-4 between the fourteenth and the nineteenth minute, Ballygunner’s only reply was a single point. At the final whistle victory was ours and the trophy was presented to team captain Gavin Coppinger by Eoin Fanning, Cathaoirleach, Cumann na mBunscol. We now face Cappoquin in the County Final on Friday June 11th. at Walsh Park.

Final score: St. Declan’s 2-9 Ballygunner 1-6.

Panel: Lee Wall, Mark Mullally, Conor Giles Doran, Christopher Kong, Conor Hogan, Tom Crotty, Peter Grogan, David Hogan, Cormac McCann, Jamie Regan, Gavin Coppinger Capt., Tadhg Brennan, Gary Smith, Jack Fanning, David Burke, Colm Stockdale, Daniel Sheehan, Lee Coady, Matthew O’Connor, Conor Murphy, Kieran Doheny.

Outstanding U13 Final

[June 11^th ‘10] Today at Walsh Park we played Cappoquin in the County Final of the Waterford Primary Schools U13 Hurling League. Cappoquin had a great start and ran into a four point lead before we registered our first score, a pointed 65 in the ninth minute. Mark Mullally added a point from a free in the eleventh minute and Jack fanning quickly followed this with a point from play. In the meantime the men from the west added two more points. Half time score read Cappoquin 0-6 St. Declan’s 0-3. The second half was a low scoring affair with Cappoquin scoring just one point and a tenth minute point from Mark Mullally which then left us a goal in arrears. Then on twelve minutes Cormac McCann scored the goal which leveled the game, St. Declan’s 1-4 Cappoquin 0-7. Amazingly there were no more scores and the game ended in a draw. Extra time now was played, two periods of five minutes. In the fourth minute Mark Mullally scored a goal and Cormac McCann added a point. That left the score at the end of the first period of extra time St.Declan’s 2-5 Cappoquin 0-6. In the second period of extra time Cappoquin scored a goal in the first minute followed a minute later by a pointed free which left the game level. Both teams were exhausted and now we must prepare ourselves for the replay.

Final Score: St. Declan’s 2-5 Cappoquin 1-8

U13 Hurlers Complete Incredible Journey to Victory

[June 17^th ‘10] The replay of the Waterford Primary Schools U13 County Final took place at Ballygunner today. Playing against a slight breeze in the first half we got off to the best possible start when Gary Smith had the ball in the net inside the first minute. Mark Mullally added three points between the third and sixth minute to edge us further ahead. Cappoquin were finding it very difficult to make any progress as our half back line of Chris Kong, David Hogan and Peter Grogan were giving nothing away. Up front Jamie Regan and Jack Fanning, despite not scoring, did tremendous work and caused all sorts of problems for Cappoquin. We extended our lead in the fourteenth minute when Mark Mullally converted a free. However, in the last five minutes of the half Cappoquin landed three points. And so the half time score read St. Declan’s 1-4 Cappoquin 0-3.

Our lead was reduced to a goal when Cappoquin scored a point in the second minute of the half. Our defence was under enormous pressure at this stage. Tom Crotty was outstanding in the corner and Conor Hogan, at full back, foiled numerous Cappoquin attacks. In the other corner Conor Giles Doran hurled with skill and determination and cleared a huge amount of ball. In the sixth minute Cormac McCann scored his first point after a long solo run. David Burke followed this with a well taken point. Then in the eleventh minute Cormac McCann struck again, this time he crashed the ball to the net after a fifty metre solo run. Now St. Declan’s led 2-6 Cappoquin 0-4. Cappoquin began to press forward looking for the goal they so badly needed, but team captain Gavin Coppinger, now operating at centre back was playing out of his skin, and his long clearances relieved much pressure. Cappoquin got through for a goal in the seventeenth minute, and added a point a minute later to leave four points between the teams with two minutes of normal time remaining. Once again Cormac McCann broke through the Cappoquin defence and crashed home his second goal. From the puck out Tadhg Brennan, who played really well throughout, collected the ball, raced through and slotted home a great goal from close range.

Cappoquin put up a tremendous battle in this game and we had to be at our best to overcome them however we gave a great team performance and deservedly collected our first ever county U. 13 title. Killian O’Reilly Cathaoirleach Cumann na mBunscol Coiste Chontae Phort Láirge presented the trophy to team captain Gavin Coppinger.

Final score: St. Declan’s 4-6 Cappoquin 1-6.

Panel: Lee Wall, Conor Giles Doran, Conor Hogan, Tom Crotty, Peter Grogan, David Hogan, Chris Kong, Mark Mullally, Gavin Coppinger Capt., Jamie Regan, Cormac McCann, Colm Stockdale, Daniel Sheehan, Jack Fanning, Kieran Doheny, Gary Smyth, Conor Murphy, David Burke, Tadhg Brennan, Lee Coady, Matthew O’Connor.

U 11 Hurling Campaign ’09 – ‘10

Good Start to New Season

[April 20^th ‘10] Our school U11 Hurling Team got off to a winning start today with a fine display away to Mount Sion. It was a beautiful day and conditions were perfect for hurling. In the first half both sides found it difficult to get scores despite producing a number of good chances. At the break Mount Sion were leading 1 goal to 2 points. In the second half we improved our effort levels and eventually got the decisive goal to put us into the lead and claim our first victory of the year. Well done to Matthew and Aidan who both put in good performances today.

Final Score: St Declans 1 – 5 Mount Sion 1 – 1

Today’s Panel:Conor Giles Doran, Craig Ayres, Chris Kong, David McGlynn, David Burke, David O’Hare, Lee Coady, Eoin Tyrrell, Joshua Campus, Matthew O’Connor, Peter Grogan, Jack Troy, Luke Flynn, Alex Kennedy, Daniel Casey, Alex Casey, Aidan Gannon, Tadhg Ryan, Harry White, Cormac Power, Lee O’Connor

Good Victory for U11 Hurlers

[May 11^th ‘10] Our U.11 hurlers had a comprehensive victory over Scoil Lorcáin today at the College Field. We have now qualified for the semi-final against Ballygunner as a result of this win. The semi-final is fixed for Tuesday May 18^th at DLS College. Throw in 2.30 p.m.

Panel: Alex Kennedy, Conor Giles-Doran, Jack Troy, Peter Grogan,Christopher Kong, Luke Flynn, Lee O’Connor, Matthew O’Connor, Aidan Gannon, Lee Coady, David Burke, Cormac Power, David O’Hare, Daniel Casey, Alex Casey, Craig Ayres, David McGlynn, Joshua Campus, Tadhg Ryan, Harry White.

U11 Hurlers Reach Final
[May 18^th ‘10]The semi final of the U. 11 Waterford Primary Schools Hurling League was played in DLS College today. We advanced to the final following a one point victory over a very determined and skilful Ballygunner side. We led by two points at half time St Declan’s 1-0 Ballygunner 0-1. The second half was as keenly contested as the first and we were lucky to come away with a one point victory.The final is fixed for Walsh Park on Tuesday June 1^st.

Final Score: St Declans 1-1 Ballygunner 0-3

Panel: Conor Giles Doran, Craig Ayres, Chris Kong, David McGlynn, Sean O’Keeffe, David Burke, David O’Hare, Lee Coady, Joshua Campus, Matthew O’Connor, Peter Grogan, Jack Troy, Luke Flynn, Alex Kennedy, Daniel Casey, Alex Casey, Aidan Gannon, Tadhg Ryan, Harry White, Cormac Power, Lee O’Connor .

Champions Again!

[June 1^st ‘10] In Walsh Park this afternoon our U11 Hurlers faced Mount Sion in the Final of the Waterford Primary Schools League. It was a beautiful day for hurling and the opposing sets of supporters in the stand created a fantastic atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Between the white lines the battle begun at 2pm and despite our great start and a bullet of a goal from Matthew O Connor, the score at half time read 2-2 a piece. In the second half we raised our game considerably and after Lee O Connor put us into the lead we never looked back and ran out comfortable winners in the end. There were many great performances around the field typified by Daniel Casey who scored 2 goals and put in a tremendous effort from start to finish. There were great cheers of delight as joint captains Christopher Kong and Conor Giles Doran lifted the cup in front of our many supporters. Well done to Mount Sion who fought bravely to the end.

Final Score: St Declans 5 – 4 Mount Sion 2 - 2

Panel: Conor Giles Doran, Craig Ayres, Chris Kong, David McGlynn, Sean O’Keeffe, David Burke, David O’Hare, Lee Coady, Joshua Campus, Matthew O’Connor, Peter Grogan, Jack Troy, Luke Flynn, Alex Kennedy, Daniel Casey, Alex Casey, Aidan Gannon, Tadhg Ryan, Harry White, Cormac Power, Lee O’Connor .

INTO Hurling Mini 7s ’09 – ‘10

INTO Mini 7’s Hurling

[Mar 9^th ‘10]Our 7-a-side hurling team was involved in the opening round blitz of the Waterford INTO Mini 7’s Hurling Competition. We had mixed fortunes on the day with two defeats and two victories. In the first game we went under to a very determined Scoil Lorcáin side on a score line of 2-1 to 2-0. Next up was Mt. Sion and despite putting in a good performance we lost 2-2 to nil. Ballygunner were our opponents in the third game, we won this game 3-0 to 1-1. In our final game we faced St. Stephen’s. Here we again had a victory on a scoreline of 3-0 to 2-1. This unfortunately however brought an end to our involvement in this competition as we failed to go through to the next round of the competition.

Panel: Lee Wall, Tom Crotty, Conor Giles Doran, Gavin Coppinger, Jack Fanning, Colm Stockdale, David Burke, Peter Grogan, Tadhg Brennan, Christopher Kong.

5. Soccer News 2009 -2010

Jack Kennedy Cup ’09 – ‘10

Early Exit for St Declans

[June 4^th ‘10] Our senior school soccer team were in action today in the Jack Kennedy Cup and were very disappointed not to progress onto the next round. It’s been a very busy week for most of the boys on this team and tiredness may have been a factor at the end of the day. Hopefully next year we can do a little bit better. Thanks to Mr Morgan and Mr O mahony for looking after this team.

EA Sports 5 - a - Side National Soccer Competition - May ‘10

*This is a new competition this year

Indoor Soccer Team enjoy a Good Start

[Nov 27^th ‘09] Today a selection of boys from 3^rd and 4^th class in played in the first round of the *Futsal Indoor Soccer Tournament. This tournament is being run by the FAI for all schools in Waterford city and county. The venue was the Kingfisher leisure centre.

It is a five aside indoor soccer tournament and St. Declan’s were scheduled to play St. Saviours, Christchurch, Newtown and Killea NS. Unfortunately only three schools turned up – St. Declans, St. Saviours and Christchurch so each team played the other twice to make a fair sporting competition of it on the day.

St. Declan’s initially played St. Saviours and through excellent teamwork displayed by David Burke (4^th class), Aidan Gannon (3^rd class), Cian Maguire (4^th class), Matthew O’Connor (4^th class) and our steady and ever dependable goalkeeper David O’Hare (4^th class), St. Declan’s got off to a flying start with a 4-0 win over St. Saviours.

This game was followed by a match against Christchurch and a changed St. Declan’s team featuring Arsalan Iqbal (4^th class), Peter Grogan (4^th class), Alex Kennedy (4^th class) and Lee O’Connor (3^rd class) followed up with an excellent 2 – 0 win.

St. Declan’s then played St. Saviours again and won comfortably 3 – 0 and their final match against Christchurch completed their clean sheet with a 4 – 0 win. Full credit to David O’Hare for excellent goalkeeping on the day.

Given that this first round of the competition was a played on a league basis, St. Declan’s emerged as victors on the day and they are now through to the Waterford county final of the competition against Scoil Lorcáin, Holy Cross Tramore and another school from West Waterford. Date and venue has yet to be confirmed. Thanks to Ms Aylward for looking after this team.

Champions of Waterford

[Jan 20^th ‘10]Following on from having successfully qualified for the final of the Waterford city and county Futsal indoor soccer tournament, the 3^rd and 4^th class boys returned to the Kingfisher leisure centre today. The final comprised of league play off games with the top two teams going through to the final. The teams competing for glory on the day were St. Declan’s B.N.S., Cappoquin, Kinsalebeg, Scoil Lorcáin and Holy Cross Tramore.

We played Cappoquin in the first match and emerged as victors 3 – 2 in a very tight and evenly matched game. The second match saw us defeat Scoil Lorcáin by a scoreline of 4 – 1. Round 3 proved to be a much tougher game which saw us narrowly beaten by Holy Cross by 1 – 0. However we bounced back admirably to beat Kinsalebeg by 3 – 0 in the final league game.

Following all of the games we went through to the final against Holy Cross, Tramore. Bearing in mind that Holy Cross had narrowly defeated us in the play off stages this was always going to be a very tough physical and mental game and so it was. There was stalemate for the first 7 minutes (of a 10 minute game) with both teams giving as good as they got. All our players showed remarkable character and composure at times and both teams had near misses. Finally Cian Maguire broke the stalemate and scored a well worked goal which came from a superb work effort from his team mates David Burke, Lee O’Connor, David O’Hare and Peter Grogan. So the final score read 1 – 0 in favour of St. Declans and there was euphoria when the final whistle went.

The boys from 3^rd and 4^th class in St. Declan’s were crowned the Waterford city and county indoor soccer champions.

St. Declan’s team: David Burke (4^th class), David O’Hare (4^th class), Josh Campus (4^th class), Arsalan Iqbal (4^th class), Matthew O’Connor (4^th class), Peter Grogan (4^th class), Alex Kennedy (4^th class), Cian Maguire (4^th class), Lee O’Connor (3^rd class) and Aidan Gannon (3^rd class).

School 5 - a - side Soccer League Final – June ‘10

6. Tennis News 2009 -2010

[Apr 20^th ‘10] Today our schools tennis team travelled to Tipperary Town and played their first match against Monastery School Tipperary. They played strong and competitive tennis and proved they deserved their win by only conceding one game out of 32. This was an important win as it secured their place in the Cup. We wish Richard Gaule, Tadhg Brennan, Cian Maguire and Colm Stockdale best of luck in the next round.

[May 26^th ‘10] Our school tennis team had an impressive 4 – 0 victory today in Cork against our near neighbours Tramore in the Munster Final of the Primary Schools Tennis Competition. All the boys played strong competitive tennis and the game itself was closer than the score might suggest. It was the end of a great journey of success this year. Having secured our spot in the Cup we then played against Cashel whom we beat 4 – 0. Then in the semi final we played Whitechurch of Cork in a very close game, however we once again we came out on top 3 – 0. So well done to Richard, Tadgh, Cian and Colm for their excellence on the court this year. Special thanks to Angela McIllhinney for all her help. Without her, our participation in this competition would not have been possible.

7. Rugby News 2009 -2010

Tag Rugby Tournament

[April 29^th ‘10] Today two teams from St. Declan’s B.N.S. (made up of 4^th, 5^th and 6^th class) took part in the Waterford city and county tag rugby tournament. This was organised by the IRFU and was held on the grounds of the Waterford Crystal Leisure centre in Kilbarry.

St. Declan’s went into the tournament having won it for the last two consecutive years. There was a marked increase in the number of schools taking part this year with schools representing Waterford city, county and South Kilkenny.

This competition is different in that it is not only based on winning games. There are also marks awarded for sporting behaviour, fair play and teamwork.

Both of the St. Declans’ teams played four matches each and showed great teamwork and rugby skills.

Although St. Declan’s didn’t win the tournament this year, the boys in the different classes enjoyed getting to know each other by playing together, and they all agreed that they had had a really good day. Special thanks to Ms Aylward who looked after the teams today.