Coláiste Oiriall had a convincing victory in the Under 14 Ulster final of Ladies Gaelic Football competition at a windswept Smitboro on Monday against Largy College. Deanann muid comhghairdeas ó chroi leo agus leis na bainisteoiri an Muinteoir Orla Ni Riada agus Dessie O Mochain. Is cúiteamh é ar an chailliuint sa chraobh faoi 16 coicís ó shin.

Largy College started strongly and scored a goal within the first few minutes but two points in quick succession from Linda Ní Ghiolla Mhichil and Emma Ní Chleirchín settled the Coláiste Oiriall girls.  The Gaelcholáiste dominated for the remainder of the first half with goals from Eadaoin Nig Uidhir and Emma Ní Chleirchín. Eadaoin’s goal was the culmination of a co-operative effort in the forwards. The half time score was Coláiste Oiriall 2-7 and Largy College 1 – 1.

In the second half Linda Paddy Ní Ghiolla Mhichil scored a rather easy goal while Carla Ní Dhochartaigh also clinched a goal after the ball rebounded of the crossbar following a rasping shot by Eadaoin Nig Uidhir. Niamh Ní Chiaráin, playing at centre half back, successfully marked Megan McElvaney, Largy’s most effective forward. Niamh cried off with a recurring injury in the final stages of the game.

Megan Ní Chasaide scored four points while Carla Ni Chleirchín and Celine Ní Fhailigh proved to be a lethal combination at midfield. Hannah Ní Sceacháin and captain, Bronagh Ní Ruanaí also excelled while Linda Paddy proved to be an accurate free taker with a number of points from frees in the second half. The Coláiste Oiriall cailíní ran out easy winners in the end.

Under 16 Final

Coláiste Oiriall took on Thornhill College from Derry in the under 16 D Ulster final a fortnight ago in Beragh, County Tyrone with many of the same players involved for Coláiste Oiriall.  The Monaghan side started well putting the first score on the score board. However the Derry side responded quickly with a point and a goal. Things didn’t improve much for the Monaghan side in the first half with the girls trailing by four points at half time. The second half saw a great comeback from Coláiste Oiriall.

The positional switches of Niamh Ní Chiarnáin and Brónagh Ní Runaí in the back line, along  with the introduction of Carla Ní Dhochartaigh proved to be pivotal for the Monaghan side. The Monaghan girls quickly brought the Derry side back to a draw.  The remainder of the second half proved to be an extremely exciting encounter with point for point coming from both teams. With Éadaoin Nig Uidhir scoring two fantastic penalties to keep her side in the game.  When the final whistle blew the sides were level.

Coláiste Oiriall made a great start to the first half of extra time and quickly went two points ahead. Unfortunately they failed to capitalise on all their possession hitting a number of wides. The Thornhill side made no such mistake with their first attack of the half resulting in a great goal. At half time the sides were once again level.  The second half saw the Monaghan side begin to tire and the Derry side took full advantage of this, going two points ahead.

Celine Ní Fhailigh brought it back to one point between the sides in the closing minutes of the game.  However the Coláiste Oiriall girls were unable to rally one final attack and were defeated by a point.  The Coláiste Oiriall team had some impressive performances from Ellen Ní Bhriain, Emma Ní Chleirchín, Hannah Nic Sceacháin, Lynda Nic Giolla Mhichil and Hannah Ní Chleirchín.

 Comórtas 1: Aiste Phróis nó Gearrscéal

1. “Scéal an Ghrá” le Kerrie Ní Dhroma, Rang Eamainn
2. “An Gorta Mór” le Hannah Ní Sheacháin, Rang Muireann
3. “Mo Bhrionglóid” le Simone Ní Leannacháin, Rang Muiris

Comórtas 2: Dán nó Cnuasach Dánta

Rannóg 1: Oscailte do dhaltaí 1ú, 2ú agus 3ú bliana

1. “An Titanic” le Katie Ní Chléire, Rang Maitiú
2. “Sicín” le Jorin Ó Conchúir, Rang Maitiú
3. “Cois Fharraige” le Laoise Ní Laoire, Rang Lorcáin

Comórtas 2: Dán nó Cnuasach Dánta

Rannóg 2: Oscailte do dhaltaí 4ú, 5ú agus 6ú bliana

1. “Bua an Cheoil” le Sarah Ní Fhailigh, Rang Fiachra (as láthair ón ghrianghraf)
2. “Sáf” le Rachel Ní Shuilleabháin, Rang Eamainn
3. “Gafa” le Séimhin Ní Dhonnghaile, Rang  Fionnuala

Competition 1: Prose Essay or Short Story

Section 1: Open to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Year Students

1. “Strictly Against Villainous Education” bY Shane Ó Cinnéide, Rang Muireann
2. “Life of a Goldfish” by Aoibhín N Ghabhann, Rang Muireann
3. “That Night” by Elaine Ní Chuinneagáin, Rang Lorna

Competition 2: Poem or Collection of Poems

Section 1: Open to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Year Students

1. “The Penalty Sheet” by Jorin Ó Conchúir,  Rang Maitiú
2. “Ultimate Ambition” by Jamie MacMurchadh, Rang Lorna
3. “Referees!” by Cathal de Paor, Rang Maitiú

Competition 2: Poem or Collection of Poems

Section 2: Open to 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Year Students

1. “Sister, Sister” by Loinnir Ní Dhonnghaile, Rang Eamainn
2. “Matriarch” by Aoife Ní Láithimh, Rang Eamainn
3. “Outcast” by Tiarnach Ó Muirí, Rang Eamainn

The following five students have received scholarships to Stagewise located in the King’s Hospital School in Palmerstown Co. Dublin: Lúsaí Ní Shiacais, Katie Ní Chléire, Daithí Ó Murchú, Niamh Ní Chiaráin and Saoirse Ní Chionaoith Ní Chionna. The drama and performing arts residential course will be held from Sunday 1^st to Friday 6^th July. Students will do acting, dancing, singing, comedy, improvisation and mime. The top tutors in the performing arts from both Ireland and abroad will work on the course. Each scholarship is worth €160.

The following five students have secured Gaeltacht scholarships: Amy Ní hAmaill, Carla Ní Dhochartaigh, Brónagh Ní Ruanaí, Éabha Ní Fhlanagáin and Maria Ní Fhearghais. While scholarship recipients traditionally went to Coláiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste, Co. Donegal, some of the above are going to alternative colleges. The layout of the day and activities involved are basically the same in all colleges with Irish language classes in the morning, dancing, group singing and sports in the afternoon and ceilithe, talent competitions, game shows and concerts at night. Students lodge with Irish speaking families in houses that have been previously inspected by the Department of the Gaeltacht. The courses last for three weeks and each scholarship is worth €400 with parents paying the remainder to the college of their choice.

Déanann Coláiste Oiriall comhghairdeas leis na buaiteoirí uilig agus tá súil againn go mbainfidh sibh sult as bhur dtréimhse sa Ghaeltacht nó ag freastal ar chúrsa Stagewise. Is iontach an deis é do dhaltaí Choláiste Oiriall.

Foireann peile cailíní faoi 16 Choláiste Oiriall ag traenáil tráthnóna Mháirt

This Thursday Coláiste Oiriall Girls Under 16 Gaelic Football team travel to Beragh in Co. Tyrone to play Thornhill College, Derry in the Ulster Final. They have already convincingly defeated Castleblayney College, Largy College, Inver College, Beech Hill College, Bailieborough Community School, Breffni College, Cavan and Dromore High School, Tyrone on their way to the final.

Coláiste Oiriall is managed by Dessie Ó Mocháin and Múinteoir Orla Ní Riada and the team is backboned by Hannah Ní Chleirchín, Lianne Nic an Bháird, Frances Ní Chonghaile NicAodha and Ellen Ní Bhriain. The school’s under 14 Girls’ Football team will face Largy College in the Ulster final in a
fortnight’s time at a venue yet to be decided. Many of the players play on both the under 14 and under 16 squads. Guíonn muid gach rath ar an dá fhoireann agus muid uilig ag súil leis go bpillfidh an fhoireann faoi 16 abhaile Deardaoin leis an chorn.

6^th class students, now enrolled in Coláiste Oiriall, travelled to Rannafast Gaeltacht last Friday for a weekend of culture, language, activities and fun. This forms part of the school’s induction and settling-in course. The weekend was part-sponsored by Irish language funding from Monaghan County Council. The students lodged with five Irish speaking families.  After their dinner on arrival, students played unihoc, soccer and basketball at Coláiste Bhríde, the local Irish college and this was followed by a Table Quiz which served as a bonding exercise for students from the various primary schools.

On Saturday morning a Coláiste Oirall Boys selection played a Gaelic football match against the local under 12 Gaoth Dobhair team. Coláiste Oiriall while the Coláiste Oiriall girls also played the Gaeltacht’s under 12 girl team. Referring, coaching, selectiions on both teams were carried out through Irish

Saturday afternoon saw the students visiting Dunlewey Lakeside Centre.  This included a boat trip, amusements, animal farm and a guided tour of the old weaver’s cottage.  They particularly enjoyed the climbing wall, rodeo bull, paddle-boats and the canoes. On Saturday evening local musicians and singers, such as Aodh Mac Ruairí, Joe Mac Grianna and Connie Ó Gallchóir hosted a music session and group singing for the Monaghan youngsters. This included traditional, sean nos, contemporary and instrumental music. Many students had brought musical instruments and were afforded the opportunity to play at the musical recital.

On Sunday morning after an early Mass in Dun Lúiche, the students travelled to Ostan Ghaoth Dobhair for an hour’s swimming in the hotel’s leisure centre. This culminated in a number of freestyle races between the houses. Students returned to the houses for their dinner, packed the bags, said goodbye to their bean a’ tí and returned to Monaghan and Carrickmacross courtesy of Feda O’Donnell’s coaches. The students were accompanied by six teachers from Coláiste Oiriall. The entire activities were run through the medium of Irish. Coláiste Oiriall acknowledges the financial support received from Monaghan County Council..

Bhí gach duine   ag súil go mór leis an chuairt go Gaeltacht Thír Chonaill agus ní shílim go raibh díoma ar dhuine ar bith acu.  Thug sé deis do scoláirí Choláiste Oiriall teacht le chéile mar ghrúpa amháin don chéad uair ariamh.  Measann an scoil gur thairbheach an rud é ceangal a chothú le ceantar Gaeltachta agus measann tuismitheoirí gur thairbheach an rud é an teacht le chéile Gaeltachta seo fosta.

Coláiste Oiriall First Year Girls’ basketball team will take part in the All-Ireland Basketball C play-offs in the Phoenix Centre in Carrickmacross on Thursday. They have already defeated Loreto College, Navan in the North East League final. They had earlier defeated Cootehill Comprehensive School, St. Oliver’s Post Primary School, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Collegiate School, Monaghan, Largy College, Clones, Loreto College, Cavan and Cnoc Mhuire, Granard, Co. Longford

The following is the first year panel: Lynda Nic Giolla Mhicil, Celine Ni Fhailigh, Naoimh Ní Chonghaile, Kate Nic Eachaidh, Eadaoin Ní Labhraí, Sorcha Ní Gafraidh, Eadaoin Nig Uidhir, Stephanie Ní Loinsigh, Emma Ní Chleirin, Bronagh Nic Cionna, Tara Ní Chianain, Hannah Ní Sceacháin, Niamh Ní Chiaráin, Sinead Nic Cionna, Sarah Nic Cionna agus Ailíse Nic an Fhailigh.

On Thursday Coláiste Oiriall will play teams from Borrisokane Community School, Tipperary, Mercy Convent, Roscommon and St. Joseph’s, Charlestown, Co. Mayo. The winners of the tournament will progress to the All-Ireland final weekend in University of Limerick in May. Guíonn  muid gach ádh ar fhoireann Choláiste Oiriall inniu i gCarraig Mhachaire Rois agus tá muid ag súil leis go ndéanfaidh siad a mbealach go dtí craobhacha na hÉireann.

Déanann muid comhghairdeas le cispheileadóirí Choláiste Oiriall. Bhain na foirne buachaillí 1ú bhliana agus 2ú bliana a gcuid comórtas uilig amach ar na mallaibh ag cur deireadh le seasúr iontach.

The 1^st Year Boys Coláiste Oiriall team defeated Scoil Uí Mhuirí, Dunleer to win the Basketball Ireland North East League title on the eve of the Easter holidays. Conor Ó Meallain, who was top scorer and put in a very impressive performance, collected the 1^st Year title as captain.

The first year panel was: Cathal de Paor, Óisín Ó Murchú, Conor O Mealláin, Caoimhín O Ceallaigh, James de Búrca, Jorin O Conchur, Lee de Buitléir, Seán O Ruanaidh, Dearcán O Donnghaile, Jordan O Cleirchín, Marcus O Míochain agus Jake Mac Giolla Bhríde

On the same day the 2^nd Year Boys’ team defeated Ó Fiaich College to win the 2^nd Year North East League. Dylan Mac Cionna, who contolled the boards at both ends of the court as rebounder, proudly lifted the 2^nd Year Cup as captain. The second year panel was: Cian Mac Giolla Comhail, Darren Ó Dufaigh, Ruairí Mac Cionna, Jack Ó Daighre, Oisín O Muirí Ó Tuathaigh, Calvin Carlisle, Francis O hAodha, Cian Ó Conraoi, Jason Mac Giolla Bhríde, Dylan Mac Cionna, Darragh Ó Tuathail agus Lochrann Ó Donnghaile.

A plethora of teams competed in the Celtic Cup including teams from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Arlene’s team had already beaten off strong competition at trials in Carlow to win through to the international event which was held on 17^th March. Déanann an scoil comhghairdeas le hArlene agus a cuid cairde agus molann muid go mór é. Tá muid iontach brodúil asat, Arlene.

Foireann Cispheile Cailíní 1ú bhliana Choláiste Oiriall a bheas ag imirt Coláiste Loreto, an Uaimh

Ist Year and 2^nd Year Girls Basketball teams from Coláiste Oiriall are in the Phoenix Centre, Carrickmacross on Thursday participating in the Basketball Ireland North East League Finals. The girls had a great run into the finals. They played Monghan Collegiate, Largy College and St Aidan’s Comprehensive Cootehill. They recorded convincing wins in all of these games.  Cnoc Mhuire Granard and Loreto Cavan were closely fought games which Coláiste Oiriall won by a single basket. They met St Oliver’s Post Primary Oldcastle in the semi -finals. The first years will play Loreto Navan and the second years will meet Loreto Cavan in the finals on Thursday.

The 1^st Year team is as follows: Lynda Nic Giolla Mhicil, Celine Ni Fhailigh, Naoimh Ni Chonghaile, Kate Nic Eachaidh, Eadaoin Ni Labhraí, Sorcha Ni Gafraidh, Eadaoin Nig Uidhir, Stephanie Ni Loinsigh, Emma Ni Chleirín, Bronagh Nic CIonna, Tara Ni Chianáin, Hannah Ni Sceachain, Niamh Ní Chiaráin, Sinead Nic Cionna, Sarah Nic Cionna and Ailíse Ni Fhailigh

The 2^nd Year team is Amy Ni hAmaill, Aoife Ni Roideain, Aisling Ni Fhearghais, Brianán Ní  Shearraigh, Charlotte Nic Giolla Comhail, Nicole Nic An Fhailigh, Grace Ni Ghrianain, Laoise Ni Laoire, Megan Ni Chasaide, Bróna Ni Ruanaidh, Carla Ní Dhochtaraigh Lynda Nic Giolla Mhicil agus Celine Ní Fhailigh

Foireann Cispheile Buachaillí 2ú bliana Choláiste Oiriall a bheas san iomaíocht in eadán Choláiste Uí Fhiaich, Dún Dealgan sa Halla Spóirt in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Dhún Dealgan.

Meanwhile the Coláiste Oiriall 1^st and 2^nd Year Boys teams will travel to the Sports Hall in the Dundalk Institute of Technology where they will also compete in the finals on Friday. Bhuaigh na buachaillí sa chéad agus sa dara bliain ar Largy college, Scoil Uí Mhuirí, Ardee Community College, O Fiaich College, Dún Dealgan and Coláiste na hInse, Laytown. They were awarded walk over points from St Bricins, Belturbet. The first years Boys will now meet Scoil Uí Mhuirí in the finals and the second year Boys will meet O Fiaich College Dundalk. The Finals will take place on Friday in DKIT, Dundalk.

The 1^st Year Boys’ team is Cathal de Paor, Óisín Ó Múrchú, Conor O Mealláin, Caoimhín O Ceallaigh, James de Búrca, Jorin O Conchur, Lee de Buitléir, Seán O Ruanaidh, Dearcán O Donnghaile, Jordan O Cleirchín and Marcus O Míocháin.

The 2^nd Year Boys’ team is Cian Mac Giolla Comhail, Darren O Dufaigh, Ruairí Mac Cionna, Jack O Daighre, Oisín O Muirí – O Tuathaigh, Calvin Carlisle, Francis O hAodha, Cian O Conraoi, Jason Mac Giolla Bhríde, Dylan Mac Cionna Darragh O Tuathail and Lochrann O Donnghaile.

Coláiste Oiriall’s Amy Ní hAmaill clinched seventh place in the AVIVIA All-Ireland Schools’ Cross Country Championship in Galway on Saturday and thus secured a place on the Irish Junior Girls Cross Country team. Amy had already qualified for the AVIVA All-Ireland Schools’ Cross Country Championship after her excellent performance at the Ulster competition earlier in the month.

The All-Ireland event was held in St Mary’s in Galway on Saturday last the 10^th March and Amy was competing in the Junior Girls event which consisted of 2 short laps and one longer circuit totalling 2,500m. Amy was an individual runner and without the support of a team she was started in the outside lanes and found the start very difficult. Amy gradually moved up the field and on the completion of the second short lap she found herself in 16^th position.

On the final lap Amy demonstrated her determination and began to overtake many competitors who found the foot conditions on the final stretch challenging.  She finished a very strong race with a sprint finish to cross the line in 7^th position. This result and her superb time means that Amy has secured a place on the Irish Schools Cross Country team that will compete in the European Championships in Scotland on March 31^st.

Other Sporting Activities

Meanwhile the Coláiste Oiriall Under 16 Girls football team defeated Bailieborough Community School to win the Ulster Quarter final in Clontibret and progressed to play a school from Dromore, Co. Tyrone yesterday in the semi-final.

Coláiste Oiriall won three of the Girls Gold team placings , namely 1^st Years, Intermediate and Senior in the VEC Cross Country Championships held in
Black Island, Castleblayney on 1^st March.  Amy Ní hAmaill, Sarah Ní Fhailigh, Deirdre Nic Canna, Celine Ní Fhailigh and Jessica Ní Dhruacháin received individual medals.

The Girls 1^st Year Basketball team had a convincing win over Cnoc Mhuire, Granard in Streete on 5^th March while the 2^nd Year team also came out on top
in a closely fought contest. St. Aidan’s Cootehill conceded the points in the remaining round of matches and now Coláiste Oiriall finds itself in the semi-final
of the North East Schools Basketball League against St. Oliver’s, Oldcastle on 22^nd March with Coláiste Oiriall having home advantage as they topped the group.

The Boys 1^st and 2^nd Year teams defeated Scoil Uí Mhuirí, Dunleer on the 8^th March while the 2^nd Years also defeated Ardee Community School on
the same day. The victories mean that the 1^st Year team is now in the regional final while the 2^nd Year team is in the regional semi-final.

The Boys under 14 and under 16 soccer teams travel to Dundalk today to play the High School, Carrickmacross. Déanann muid comhghairdeas leis na luthchleasaithe agus na himreoirí uilig as na héachtaí atá bainte amach acu, go speisialta Amy Ní hAmaill. Tá muid ag súil leis na foirne gabh’ail giota eile ina gcuid comórtas. Ádh mór orthu go léir.