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HOLY TRINITY WIN ALLIANZ CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL GIRLS INDOOR '5s' COMPETITION

 

Holy Trinity’s Girls travelled to St John’s GAC to defend the Allianz sponsored indoor title they won last year with a young squad which included two Primary five pupils and three Primary sixes.

Having qualified through the round -robin stage unbeaten, Holy Trinity came up against Gaelscoil na bhfal and St Kieran’s who were the winners of the other qualification days. The enthusiasm and talent on show was a credit to all schools which resulted in a superb Finals with little between the teams on the day.

It took the last match of the tournament between Holy Trinity and St Kieran’s to decide the winners of the Trophy. Lauren McFarlane continued to pull off tremendous saves in the final match and she was ably supported in defence by Abbey Dahunsi and Katie Boyd O’Neill who marshalled the defence magnificently. Lara Dahunsi’s bursting runs from midfield caused St Kieran’s trouble and allowed Cora Morgan room to cause more damage up front.  Eventually, after a titanic battle, Holy Trinity emerged victorious which saw the trophy return to Turf Lodge for the second year in a row.

Panel: Lauren McFarlane, Abbey Dahunsi, Katie Boyd O’Neill, Lara Dahunsi, Cora Morgan, Lucy Collins, Ronetta Daunoraite and Jordan McCabe

Pictures from the Allianz Indoor 5-a-side Football

St Bride's defeat St Kieran's in the B Hurling championship

New medal for Cumann na mBunscol Inter City Games

The annual GAA games  between  Belfast and Dublin primary schools began in 1936. Boys and girls from both cities participate in gaelic football, hurling, camogie and handball. The venue alternates biannually between the two cities and continued right through the troubles thanks to the support of the Dublin schools and Cumann na mBunscol Ath Cliath.  

The commissioning of the medal was decided upon by the Belfast committee of Cumann na mBunscol, in collaboration with Ironside Trophies of Lisburn, to mark the 75th anniversary of the games as well as celebrating the 40th anniversary of the formal establishment of Cumann na mBunscol in 1971 in Belfast at the GAA’s Annual Congress. Cumann na mBunscol is recognised as the official and independent body promoting gaelic games in the primary sector throughout Ireland. It is the largest primary schools sports organisation in Ireland. 

We feel that featuring the City Council’s logo is a fitting endorsement of the friendship developed between the schools in the two cities through gaelic games over the years. Indeed the medals presented to the Belfast children bear the Dublin City Council’s logo. 

In more recent times we have been privileged with the attendance by  respective Belfast Lord Mayors at the opening of the Games when they are held in Casement Park Belfast.  

Below Lord Mayor of Belfast Pat Convery at the launch of the medal. Children from Edmund Rice CBPS and St Kieran's PS attended.

Alliance Cumann na mBunscol Handball Championships

The Cumann na mBunscol Alliance Singles Handball Championships were held in Gort na Mona handball courts. Edmund Rice's Patrick Downey from the north of the city reached the semi final to play Good Shepherd's Daniel Mc Manus .In a closely fought game Daniel won through to reach the final. In the second semi final Marc Mc Kenna narrowly defeated fellow Good Shepherd school mate David Murphy 15-14. to secure his place. The final provided the best game of the day with both boys displaying great skill and determination. Marc Mc Kenna made the better start and kept up the pressure . Daniel played well keeping the games close all the way. In the end Marc won through to claim the victory. Both finalists will now represent Antrim in the Ulster Championships in March.

ST AIDAN’S CBPS TAKE THE SILVERWARE – AT LAST! 

St Aidan’s broke their jinx with a win in the Cumann na mBunscol Indoor Hurling at St John’s GAC. Previous to this the school had lost two Raffo Cup finals and a League Cup final.

 Sixteen schools participated in the competition.  St Aidan’s beating St Teresa’s, St Brides, St Michaels and Na Fuiseoigi, to make their way to the final game against local rivals Holy Trinity.

The local derby as expected produced an exciting and fiercely competitive game.  Holy Trinity, who had most of the early play, deservingly went two nil up and it looked as if St Aidan’s were destined to their now familiar ‘runners up’ title.  However, the second goal sparked life into St Aidan’s and Ciaran Hyland, who had been top scorer throughout the competition, managed to find the net again.  Caolan Herald along with JoJo Quinn tightened up in defence and Coimhin Henry found his form in attack.  With the team firing on all cylinders, St Aidan’s managed to edge in front. 

In the final minute Holy Trinity could have spoilt the St Aidan’s party but for a spectacular save from Padraig Hagans from an equally spectacular shot from Holy Trinity.  It was a very relieved and delighted St Aidan’s to hear the final whistle.  

Allianz Belfast 5-a-side camogie finals at St John's GAC

The Allianz Belfast 5-a-side camogie finals were held recently at St John's GAC.

Winners with a good display of skill and endeavour were Holy Child who won all three of their games. All round there was a good standard of skill, sportsmanship and enjoyment. 

A large number of parents attended the finals at St John's GAC Whiterock Road which was encouraging for both teachers and girls. Holy Child now progress to the All County Finals in March. Other pics are St Anne's St Bernards, and St Michaels.

Action from the Girls Indoor 5-aside Football

Action from the Boys Indoor 5-aside Football

St Kieran's defeating Christ the Redeemer

in the A Hurling Championship Final at St Teresa's

Action from the All County 7's Finals

Action and teams from the a hurling league won by Na Fuiseoige

Boys’ indoor 5-a-side Gaelic football Championships

Congratulations to the  team from Holy Trinity who emerged unbeaten from the recent county championships finals day held at Edmund Rice College in Glengormley. In a series of tightly contested games Holy Trinity displayed outstanding skills coupled with a tenacious will to win. The day started with a 3-3 draw against Queen of Peace and was followed by a 2-1 win over St. Joseph’s, Crumlin. Needing a victory in our final game against Creggan P.S. the boys ran out convincing 7-3 winners to claim the county championship crown. Well done to all the boys: 

Barry O’Neill

James Mc Cann

Tiernan Keenan

Caolan Boyd Munce

Eamonn Scannell

Thomas Loughran

Liam Dixon

John Paul Ferry

Conor Canning

Teachers Back To "GAA" School

It was a lesson of a different kind for the teachers from Cumann Na mBunscol Antrim Primary Schools recently as they became pupils for the day. Twenty Three teachers from eleven different schools converged on the Ballymena North Centre for a days GAA Foundation Football Course. The course was facilitated by DENI Coaches from the Ulster GAA Council and included both the theory and the practice behind successful primary school coaching.

Awards night in Casement Park

The presentation of the winners of the boys and girls football leagues took place at Casement Park on the 11th March 2010. 

St Bride's

Report from the Belfast Indoor Hurling Championships

Winners naFuiseiga and Edmund Rice runner-up head to the all county indoor finals to see who will represent Antrim in the Ulster finals on April 15th St Anne's and Holy Child were the other finalists on the day

Cumann na mBunscol Primary Seven Singles Handball Championship 2010

Seventeen boys competed in this years handball championships which were played in Gort na Mona on Thursday 23rd of January. The competition was excellent throughout with three different schools reaching the last four.  

In the first semi-final Pearse Mc Varnock from Edmund Rice defeated Holy Child's Eoghan Moran to book his place in the final. Gary Lewis from Good Shepherd narrowly defeated fellow school mate Kevin Cunningham to ensure his place in the final. 

In the final Pearse Mc Varnock from Edmund Rice CBPS put up a spirited defence in a closely fought match. Gary's greater strength and experience helped him to pull ahead to secure the first game. With the first game won Gary quickly raised his game and in the end was a worthy champion. Gary will now represent Antrim in The Ulster Handball Championships in Kingscourt County Cavan.

St Comgall’s PS Antrim win the Cumman Na mBunscol Girls' Indoor 5 a side

St Comgall’s PS Antrim won the Cumman Na mBunscol Girls' Indoor 5 a side Tournament held at St Patrick’s College on Thursday 29^th January 2010. St Comgall’s defeated an excellent Mount St Michael’s PS, Randalstown team in the final by three goals to one. In what was a very entertaining match the teams managed to maintaining the fantastic standard of football that was on show from the first game of the tournament. After the group stages the finalists, along with St Mary’s PS Cargan and St Oliver Plunkett’s PS, Toome qualified for the Semi – finals. The first semi-final saw St Comgall’s narrowly defeat St Mary’s Cargan whilst the second semi final produced the game of the tournament. Mount St Michael’s defeating St Oliver Plunkett’s after extra time and penalties. Congratulations to St Comgall’s and all the other teams that took part and produced an excellent afternoon of football. St. Comgall’s now go forward as South West Antrim representatives to the All County Finals.

SOUTH WEST ANTRIM ANNUAL GAA QUIZ

Creggan P.S. Triumph at 10th Time of Asking!

CUMANN NA mBUNSCOL FIXTURES/ EVENTS CALENDAR

2009/ 10

Please Note:

• Host school is the event organiser. The host school should therefore arrange the venue etc. The various co-ordinators as elected at the AGM should liaise with the host school in advance to offer help with arrangements etc.
• Schools will be contacted by the host school in advance of the event to confirm participation.

INDOOR HURLING 

The Cumann na mBunscol hurling season opened with the Indoor hurling.  The four schools who won their groups and qualified for the finals were St Aidans, St Annes, St Colmans and Holy Child. St Colmans once more set the standards for the rest and won the Indoors in style.  Holy Child, the holders, did not relinquish their title easily to their traditional rivals.  In a tightly contested game St Colmans scored a goal in the dying minutes to win against Holy Child and buoyed with their victory they went on to power past St Aidans and St Annes.

All four teams gave excellent displays of hurling and they are looking forward to further encounters during the season.

Jim McCann, secretary of Cumann na mBunscol Aontrom, presented the trophy to the captain of St Colmans.

EDMUND RICE WIN CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL '5s' COMPETITION
 

After Holy Family's great success last week in the Allianz Cumann na mBunsccol Fives Competition for
girls, it was the turn of the New Lodge boys to win the Boys competition.

Having qualified through the round -robin stage unbeaten, Edmund Rice CBPS came up against St Joseph's Lisburn, Bunscol na bFál  and North Belfast neighbours Holy Cross Boys'. The enthusiasm and talent on show was a credit to all schools which resulted in a superb Finals with little between the teams on the day.

It took the last match of the tournament between Edmund Rice and Holy Cross to decide the winners of the Daragh Murray Trophy. Sean Begley continued to pull off tremendous saves in the final match. He was well suported in defence by Captain Robert Mc Nulty who was able to contribute vital scores as well.

Patrick Mc Allister's distribution set up Richard McTasney and Christopher Begley who were able to take the necessary scores to seal victory on a 4-2 score-line which saw the trophy return to the New> Lodge for the third year in a row.

Robert McNulty was presented the trophy by Cumann na mBunscol Secretary Jim McCann who commented on the tremendous levels of skill and commitment.

With the girls from Newington last week and two north Belfast teams being represented in the finals this week, the contribution of the Pearses and Ardoyne Clubs to the schools is paying dividend.

Edmund Rice progress to the All-County Finals in January where they will defend the title that they won last year.

Damien McNicholl BJM Chartered Accountants with Mr John Devine Principal, Edmund Rice

Cumann na mBunscol, Aontroim, Booklet Launch 

The Information and Fixtures Booklet for Allianz Cumann na mBunscol,Aontroim, was officially launched at Casement Park on Thursday 16 November. Present at the very well attended function were representatives from affiliated schools in North Antrim, South-West Antrim and Belfast, as well as invited guests from some of  the association’s sponsors Club Aontroma, INTO, Belfast Teachers Credit Union and BJM Chartered Accountants.  Representatives from CLG Condae Aontroma were also in attendance. Guests were welcomed by traditional music provided by pupils from St Patrick’s College, Bearnageeha.

The occasion was also used to dedicate a new trophy, An Corn na nGlinntí Glasa, in memory of the late Pat Trainor, a Cumann na mBunscol stalwart at County, Provincial and National levels during his long and distinguished teaching career in Holy Child PS Andersonstown. Pat is undisputedly the architect of the present day Cumann na mBunscol infrastructures in Antrim. The trophy, for Ulster Indoor Hurling, was presented to the Trainor family by Pat’s lifelong friend and associate Joe Donnelly from Fermanagh on behalf of sponsors Cumann na mBunscol,Uladh. Fittingly the inaugural winners of the new competition were Antrim champions St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s PS, Ballycastle. North Antrim Chairperson Moira McGouran received the trophy from the family, on behalf of the Ballycastle school. The dedication ceremony concluded with the presentation of a piece of commemorative Belfast crystal to the Trainor family by Cumann na mBunscol  representatives Rosemary Devlin (PRO) and Jim McCann (Secretary).

On the night trophies and medals were also presented to the winners of the various boys and girls football leagues in Belfast. They were as follows:

“A” league Cathedral Cup presented to Adrian McCrystal (St John the Baptist Boys) by Mark McTaggart (INTO)

“B” league Corn an tSleibhe Dhuibh presented to Tómas McKee (Holy Cross Boys) by Damian McNicholl (BJM Chartered Accountants)

“C” league An Corn Naomh Úna presented to Rob Crouch (St Colman’s, Lambeg) by Paddy McIlvenny (South Antrim Board)

“D” league Monsignor Tom Toner Cup presented to Gavin Gallagher (St Joseph’s, Lisburn) by Seán Fleming (Youth and Development Officer CLG Aontroim)

“E” league Andy McCallin Cup presented to Barry McMahon (St Clare’s) by Pádraig Mullan (Antrim Referees Committee)

“F” league Joe McCallin Cup presented to Pat McCabe (Our Lady Queen of Peace) by Eamon Grieve (County Administration Officer)

“A” league (Girls) Truly Fare Cup presented to Gary Higgins (St Kieran’s) by Rosemary Devlin ( Belfast Teachers Credit Union)

“B” league (Girls) Lagan Cup presented to Odhrain Joyce (St Bride’s) by Joe Donnelly (Cumann na mBunscol, Uladh)

Cumann na mBunscol Championship Competitions 2006 

Draws and dates of games will be decided at a special meeting of schools in Casement Park in second term 

Raffo Cup (Boys’football):                         entry confined to A league  teams (and winners of  the other leagues who will play in preliminary games. All teams beaten in preliminary games may compete in McCarragher Cup) 

McCarragher Cup (Boys’ football):          entry confined to teams in leagues other than the A league. 

Truly Fare Cup (Girls’ football):               entry open to all schools 

Primates Cup (hurling):                              entry confined to A league teams and winner of the B league. 

Credit Union Cup (hurling):                     entry confined to teams playing in the B league 

Cleary Cup (camogie)                                 entry open to all schools 

Schools currently holding these trophies must bring them to the above meeting in Casement Park. 

INTO 7 Boys Football Final ------Edmund Rice 2-0 2-1 St Aidan's
 

At a damp Woodlands Park, the final of the INTO 7s saw the clash of the two Christian Brothers School with Edmund Rice CBPS getting caught by a late goal by Damien Dunne that saw the trophy return to St Aidan's in the Whiterock.

With sixteen teams competiting, it was the two Christian Brother schools that met each other in the decider.It was Edmund Rice that started swiftly with the strong breeze and lead with two Patrick Boyd goals in the first half. St Aidan's responded with a well taken goal of their own and only some super saves by Edmund Rices keeper Ryan McClory denied St Aidan's a deserved lead at half time.

A  disciplined defensive display by Edmund Rice  were able to keep out a frustrated St Aidan's attack and with less than a minute on the clock, Edmund Rice lead by two points.

Edmund Rice's luck ran out when Damien Dunne caught the ball and rounded the advancing goalkeeper, sticking the ball in the corner of the net. For the second time in a week the boys from Edmund Rice had surrendered a lead in a final. Well done St Aidan's CBPS.

St Aidan's CBPS	Edmund Rice	The victorious St Aidan's

St Mary’s PS, Portglenone Retain Camogie Sevens Trophy 

Hot on the heels of their South West Antrim Indoor Camogie victory last month the Camogs of St Mary’s Primary School, Portglenone have retained the INTO South West Antrim Sevens Trophy they won last year. The competition, hosted by the Geraldine’s club in Portglenone, featured some skilful stickwork and included Creggan PS, St Patrick’s PS, Rasharkin, Mount St Michael’s PS, Randalstown, St Patrick’s PS/St Joseph’s PS, Ahoghill, St Joseph’s PS, Crumlin, St Comgall's PS, Antrim and the local St Mary’s PS girls.   

Edmund Rice CBPS progress to Raffo Cup Final

Edmund Rice 3-5  St Aidan's 1-4

The clash of the two Christian Brothers School in the semi-final of the Raffo Cup saw Edmund Rice CBPS progress but it was a hard fought win.

Edmund Rice started swiftly with some long range scores from the mid-field duo of Patrick Boyd and Tony O'Hanlon. St Aidan's responded with a well taken goal that just managed to beat goalkeeper Robert McNulty. The well-marshalled Edmund Rice defence were able to keep out a frustrated St Aidan's attack with the half time score ending at 1-3 to 1-1.

Edmund Rice, playing with the wind, took command early in the second half and crucial scores from Mark Moloney and a well timed goal by full-forward Gareth Porter saw the North Belfast out fit extend their lead. Ryan McClory at full-back was on hand to make some fine clearances as Edmund Rice turned defence into attack.

The last five minutes of the second half saw St Aidan's get more involved producing some lovely attacking moves reulting in vital scores. It was Tony O'Hanlon who finished this excellent display of football when he rounded three players too hit the back of the net, despite a brave effort from the St Aidan's goalkeeper. A final score of 3-5 to 1-4 sees the North Belfast boys progress to the final on the 27th April at Casement Park.
 

Tony starting another attack on the St Aidan's defence	Patrick scoring one of two long range points	Caolan clearing his line despite being under pressure	Victorious Edmund Rice CBPS

Edmund Rice into semis of the Raffo Cup

Edmund Rice booked their place in the semi-final of the Raffo Cup with a fine win at Falls Park defeating Holy Trinity 5-5 0-5.

Edmund Rice took command early and scores from Tony O'Hanlon (1-1) and Caolim Baker put Holy Trinity on their back foot. Robert McNulty pulled off fine saves to deny the west Belfast team their first score. The first half ended with Daniel Kelly scoring a wonder goal from the half way line, with the ball dipping under the bar, to leave the half time score 2-2 0-2.

The second half saw the north Belfast boys resume their dominance in midfield with Tony O'Hanlon cutting through the Holy Trinity defence for his second goal. A few points by Holy Trinity were soon overshadowed when Lee Carmichael opened his account with a goal and 2 points.

Edmund Rice CB continued to produce some lovely attacking moves resulting in scores. Kieran Barnes extended Edmund Rice's lead, slipping the ball into the goal past the advancing keeper. Despite some late points from the west Belfast outfit, they were unable to peg back Edmund Rice who now meet St Aidan's.

Edmund Rice win All County 5-a-side Indoor Finals

Gaelic Football

The boys from the New Lodge completed the Belfast and All-County Indoor 5-a-side double, over coming stiff competition from Rasharkin, Portglenone and St Peters from Divis Street. In the competition, held at Edmund Rice College, Edmund Rice CBPS got into their stride quickly and scores from Tony O'Hanlon put St Peters on their back foot. The boys from the West defended in numbers but the New Lodge boys were still able to penetrate this wall. Sterling work in defence by Edward Begley and Caolim Baker meant that Man-fo-the-Tournament Tony O'Hanlon was able to perform his heroics up front.

The second match saw St Mary's Portglenone, the defending Champions, come up against a determined Edmund Rice who soon got the better hand of the south west Antrim team. Patrick Boyd weighed in with a few goals. Edmund Rice just had to beat St. Patrick's Rasharkin to win the Slemish Cup. Tony O'Hanlon soon registered the first of his goals. Ryan McClory, in nets, kept Rasharkin's attack at bay distributing the ball
accurately to the forwards. Edward Begley and Patrick Boyd added to the Edmund Rice CBPS tally.

Ciaran McCavana from BJM Chartered Accountant presenting the trophy to a jubliant winning captain Tony O'Hanlon	Participants from Edmund Rice and St Peter's, Belfast, St Mary's, Portglenone, and St Patrick's, Rasharkin, at the Cumann na mBunscol Allianz All County Indoor 5-a-side Gaelic Football Finals in Edmund Rice College, gGengormley.	Winners of the Cumann na mBunscol Allianz All County Indoor 5-a-side Gaelic Football Finals Edmund Rice PS with  tournament sponsor Ciaran McCavana of BJM Chartered Accountants

St Patrick's & St Brigid's win All-County 5-a-side Indoor Finals

Camogie & Hurling 

On Thursday last, primary schools from all over County Antrim descended on Ballycastle to contest the All County camogie and hurling indoor finals.  Representative champions from Belfast - Holy Child P.S. and Bunscoil Phobal  Feirste, South West Antrim – St Mary’s P.S., Glenravel and St Mary’s P.S., Portglenone and North Antrim – St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s P.S., Ballycastle all vied for the honour of winning the all-county championship and thus enabling them to travel to Buncrana, Co Donegal for the Ulster Finals. 

Host school, St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s P.S. eagerly awaited the challenges of schools from outside North Antrim, having already won both the camogie and hurling championships in their own area.  County Antrim Hurling Development Officer, Mr Kieran Megraw and Chairman  of Cumann na mBunscol, Aontroim, Mr Paul Sloan, all attended and witnessed the high standard of camogie and hurling being played throughout the county in primary schools.

Sixth year students from Cross & Passion College, Eileen McFarland and Ryan Donnelly officiated as referees for the occasion – both past participants in primary school camogie and hurling in former years and, as county players, a great inspiration for the youngsters participating in the event.

With each team playing each other, games were keenly contested throughout the competition.  Fine displays of skills were evident from every player on the day, but a word of congratulations must go to two exceptional goal-keepers – one from Holy Child Primary, Belfast and the other from St Mary’s, Glenravel.  

As in all competitive games there has to be a winner and on this occasion the North Antrim champions, St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s PS Ballycastle came away with joint honours, lifting both newly-sponsored trophies.  The hurling trophy, sponsored by JB Amusements, Draperstown, Co Derry and the camogie cup sponsored by Mullaghan’s Bar, Rasharkin were carried triumphantly back to the local primary school.  Players to impress on the winning sides were Kathryn Donnelly, Emma Laverty and Orlaith McAlinden for the camogs and some fabulous scoring from Conall Brown and Saul McCaughan for the hurlers.  John McLister was very steady in the defence.

St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s primary school now go forward to the Ulster Indoor Finals at Burnfoot in Co Donegal as county Antrim representatives.  Having been beaten in this final two years ago, the boys are keen to bring a first Ulster title to the school.

ALL IRELAND NOMINATION FOR ST MARY'S PS, PORTGLENONE

It was lights, camera, action at St Marys Primary School, Portglenone during the week as RTE came to visit. The visit was a result of the schools nomination in this years Cumann Na mBunscol Roadstone Awards. The school has been nominated in the GAA Large School of the Year category and faces competition from St Patricks National School, Wicklow and Sundays Well National School, Cork for the ultimate accolade. An RTE video presentation showcasing aspects of the schools Gaelic coaching and traditional music programmes will be shown on the night as the nominees are announced.  Speaking following the announcement of the nomination school Principal, Mr Jim Brady expressed the delight of all at St Marys:

"The last twelve months have given us much to celebrate. Following our win in the Ulster GAA Primary School of the Year competition last May we thought we had achieved the ultimate accolade. To have been short-listed in the final three for a prestigious national award is fantastic. Full credit must go to all who helped us achieve this nomination including the local Casements and Geraldines Gaelic and Camogie clubs, our dedicated staff and parents and of course the children who participate in our Gaelic activities with such vigour and enthusiasm."

The awards, which are the highlight of the Cumann Na mBunscol year will be held in the Berkely Court Hotel, Dublin on Saturday 10th December. Special guest on the night will be the President, Mrs Mary McAleese while MC for the evening will be Marty Morrissey of RTE sport.
 

St Mary's Portglenone Take "Irish News" Ulster Club of the Year Primary
School Award

Following recent successes on the field of play St Mary's Primary School, Portglenone have won the prestigious "Irish News" Ulster GAA Primary School of the Year Award.

At a ceremony held in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast on Friday 6th May 2005 the school was recognised for its success on the field of play as well as its committment to developing Gaelic Games at all levels in the school. The award was presented by Mr Dominic Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of the Irish News to school Principal Mr Jim Brady and pupils Dermot McAleese, Niamh Doherty, Conor Graham and Niamh O'Reilly.

Paying tribute to the efforts of staff and pupils school Principal, Mr Jim Brady stated that the award had topped off a great year for the school adding that to date the school had won seven GAA related trophies including three south West Antrim INTO mini-sevens trophies in Camogie and Boys' and Girls Football and the South West Antrim Cumann Na mBunscol Quiz title.

He also paid tribute to the officers of both Cumann Na mBunscol South West Antrim and Cuman Na mBunscol County Committtee and to the members of the local Sir Roger Casements GAC and Geraldines Camogie Club for the support the school has recieved  in promoting Gaelic Games in the school.  The prize included a 1000 cheque, a 500 O'Neills Sports Voucher, an "Irish News" Platinum Website Package and a framed Certificate commemorating the achievement for display in the school.
 

Pat Trainor

It is with deep regret that, after a short illness, we learn of the passing on of our friend and colleague Pat Trainor.  Pat was a stalwart of Cumman na mBunscol Aontroim for many years and nationally as well, through his work as national treasurer of Cumman na mBunscol.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and our deepest thoughts are with his family at this time.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Pat Trainor

It is with deep sadness that the schools, pupils, teachers and South 
West Aontroim Committee, Cumann na mBunscol Aontroim, learn of the death of 
Pat, our dedicated colleague. A tireless worker for the Primary Schools of 
the whole County he served so well in many roles ranging from Chairperson to
Treasurer. He did of course also offer his services to National 
Committee, most recently in his role as National Treasurer. He will be sadly missed.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his sorrowing wife Anne and the 
entire family circle.

South West Aontroim Cumann na mBunscol Committee

ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, PORTGLENONE CROWNED INTO MINI-SEVENS CHAMPIONS

ST MARY'S, PORTGLENONE AND ST MARK'S BELFAST CONTEST ALL COUNTY INDOOR FIVE A SIDE FINALS

  ST MARY'S CROWNED QUIZ CHAMPIONS

The pupils of St Mary's Primary School, Portglenone have done it again.  They have recently been crowned Allianz Insurance Cumann na mBunscol GAA Quiz winners for the third year in a row. Competition for the title was fierce with teams representing St Mary's PS Harryville, Braid Primary, St Oliver Plunkett's PS Toome and St Mary's PS Cargan also challenging for honours. The successful St Mary's team will travel to the Glencairn Hotel in Castleblaney, County Monaghan on Saturday 12^th March 2005 where they will represent County Antrim in the Ulster Final.

The draw has been made for the

Girls Football Championship

Raffo Cup

McCarragher Cup

Click on the links for further information

CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL PITCH

WOODLANDS

Cumann na mBunscol, in conjunction with the Antrim County Board, have acquired a grass pitch for the exclusive use of Cumann na mBunscol and our affiliated schools.  The pitch will have permanent goalposts with dimensions of approximately 110m by 50 m. 

We believe that children should play our games on pitches where the dimensions and goal sizes are proportionate to their age and ability. 

We also believe that our games should be played, as far as possible, on grass.  Although the pitch is situated in West Belfast and may not be a central location to some schools, we are happy to have acquired our first grass pitch that we can call our own. 

We will use this for a variety of our activities- INTO Mini Sevens, Blitzes, training for representative matches, as well as for schools who wish to use the pitch for league and championship games. 

FINALS will still be staged at Casement Park as far as possible with agreement from the Antrim County Board. 

In order for your school to use the pitch at Woodlands, we must book it through the Casement Park office ( 028 90 605868) where Suzanne will enter the booking into the book. Otherwise, we are not insured.  Schools found using the pitch without pre-booking may be asked to pay a penalty. 

The use of the pitch is FREE OF CHARGE, as the South Antrim GAA Committee have agreed to pay the fees, for which we thank them. 

We hope that our schools can use the pitches as often as possible and avail of such an excellent facility. 

Martin Short

INDOOR AND BLITZ COMPETITIONS

2004/2005 

Entry forms for these competitions will be sent out in advance to ensure the commitment of the teams to the event. 

Times and venues will be included on the entry forms. 

Dates will be forwarded when agreed by committee for the following competitions. 

BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL-THE CALLAN CUP

INDOOR HURLING- THE DARRAGH MURRAY CUP

GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL-THE JUBILEE CUP

INDOOR CAMOGIE- THE IRONSIDE CUP 

ALL COUNTY INDOOR FINALS TO BE DECIDED

INTO MINI SEVENS

2005 

Entry forms for these competitions will be sent out in advance to ensure the commitment of the teams to the event. 

Times and venues will be included on the entry forms. 

The closing date for receipt of the entries will be

FRIDAY 8^TH APRIL 2005 

DATES FOR INTO MINI SEVENS BLITZES 

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL     THURSDAY 14^TH APRIL 2005

CAMOGIE                   TUESDAY 19^TH APRIL 2005

BOYS’ FOOTBALL      THURSDAY 21^ST  APRIL 2005

HURLING                    TUESDAY 26^TH APRIL 2005

More Pictures in the  Gallery