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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

St Anne's PS

More Pictures in the  Gallery