St. Aidan’s C.B.S.,
Whitehall, Dublin
Scoil Aodháin, Fionnbhrú, Baile Átha Cliath
News Update
Spring 2016
Easter Rising Commemorations Week
February 29th to March 4th was designated 'Commemorations Week' to
mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. Students explored events of the
Easter Rising across the curriculum including History, Geography,
English, Irish, Music and Maths classes. There was a particular focus on
the 40 children that were killed during Easter Week, which made a big
impact on the students. TYPN did a fantastic job decorating the school. It
was a wonderful success and thanks to all students and teachers that got
involved.
Reimagining the Proclamation
As part of the Centenary commemorations for the Easter Rising, schools
nationwide were given the task of reflecting on the 1916 Proclamation
and using it to write down their vision for the next generation. History
classes in the school completed this task with great enthusiasm. 5th Year
history students Keelin Lu and Darren Kitching's work was chosen to
represent St. Aidan’s. The results of this National Project are also on
Scoilnet. We are very proud of Keelin and Darren's work.
www.scoilnet.ie/proclamationtemplate/proclamation/procid/27/
On Monday 8th March 2016 the following students Jacob Collins, Ryan
Harris, Daire Gray pictured here with Packie Bonner also present were
their history teachers Ms. A Brennan and Ms. M Ryan represented the
school at Croke Park. They were presented with a copy of the 1916
Proclamation of the Irish Republic at a State ceremony in Croke Park in
association with the Thomas F.Meagher Foundation. The President and
his wife were also in attendance.
As part of the celebrations for National Flag Week the school is marking
the event by having a St. Aidan’s Easter Commemoration on Tuesday
15th March to raise the flags, you can check this out on our website
under latest news.
Easter Challenge
(Joyce Rupp)
Every year it happens:
earth shakes her sleepy head,
still a bit wintered and dull,
and feels new life stirring.
Every year cocoons give up their treasures,
fresh shoots push through brown leaves,
seemingly dead branches shine with green,
and singing birds find their way home.
Every year we hear the stories:
empty tomb, surprised grievers,
runners with news and revelation,
unexpected encounters,
conversations on the road,
tales of nets filling with fish,
and breakfast on a seashore.
And every year
the dull and dead in us
meets our Easter challenge:
to be open to the unexpected,
to believe beyond our security,
to welcome God in every form,
and trust in our own greening.
Tanzania Joy
€7,000 for the Sinon High School in Tanzania
on the 12th January 2016. We are so proud of
all the fundraising efforts which led to the
presentation of this cheque!
Here is the link to the video they students
made in relation to the trip, well worth a
look, terrific video and great photographs.
Well done to all involved!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdIDttvkr3s&feature=youtu.be
We also have a write up on the Edmund Rice Development website, twitter and Facebook pages.
www.edmundricedevelopment.org
www.facebook.com/edmundricedevelopment
https://twitter.com/EdmundRiceDev
1916 Library Readings
The English Department hosted “1916
Readings” in the library on Thursday 10th
March. It was mainly 1st years involved and
great to see the interest the students have in
the 1916 history and commemorations.
TY Take To The Streets For 1916
In commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising 100th year
anniversary our Transition Years visited some key places from
the rising with History teachers, Ms. Z Kennedy, Ms. S Burke,
Ms. M Ryan. Giving some Gaeilge on the subject was Mr. D
Humphreys.
The guide brought the Transition Year students on a 1916 tour
around the significant places of the Easter Rising such as
Trinity College, The G.P.O, Moore Street and concluding the
tour outside Dublin Castle. The tour was full of historical
information and little facts which all the students enjoyed.
Seeing the scars left in Dublin City Centre 100 years after The
Rising was fascinating with the bullet holes outside the various
statues and The G.P.O. being the stand out remains. In all the
day was a great one with the students learning a great deal
about their country’s history while having fun together.
(Rodrigo Soberon Pena TY)
Hell & Back for Neil
A big congratulations to all those that took part
in Hell and Back 31st January 2016 for Neil. He
was overwhelmed by the efforts and generosity
on behalf of Team Neil. A big thank you also for
all the support from the parents and the wider
community in the 10k Hell & Back challenge.
“The team braved the ice cold rivers, got shot at
with pellet guns, climbed over a ten foot wall,
ran through electric shocks (twice!), crawled
through trenches, squeezed through tyres,
sludged through swamps and carried logs up
and down a mountain for good measure! It was
a bit of a mad day but we're all very proud to
have done it and hold a great sense of
achievement! So we all made it back alive but
carrying minor knocks here and there!”
High Scores for Micheal
Michael Noonan was
presented with an award for
scoring in the top 50 results
in Dublin for Junior
Certificate Business Studies
at an event hosted in DCU.
Big congratulations to his
Business Studies teachers
Ms. J Kealy and Mr. N
Sheridan. Pictured in the photograph are Ms J Kealy and Michael
with a representive from DCU.
Public Speaking Competition
1st and 2nd year public speaking competition took place Monday
7th March. There was great excitement in the hall as the contestants
spoke on any topic of their choice with such passion. The winners
on the day were were Bradley De Guzman 1 South and Sean
Onwunle 2 East. Well done to all involved.
SAINTS AND SCHOLARS
Congratulations to Shaun Ryan and
Gavin McQuaid who were recently
awarded Academic Scholarships
from Dublin City University. Both
students scored over 550 points in
the Leaving Certificate and received
€1,000 each to assist their studies.
Our Guidance Counsellor Ms.McGrath was delighted to join the
students as they received their Awards in the Helix
XFACTOR TALENT
Frank Uduma has the XFactor, he made a big
impression on both students, judges and staff at the
annual talent show. He was the overall winner of
the talent show in December. Kevin Rooney took
2nd place and Luke MacArthur came in 3rd place.
There was great excitement and enthusiasm at the
talent show for all students who were brave enough
to take to the stage to show us their talents.
Cheque for Neil
The 2nd years presented Neil Hoey with the cheque for the money they
raised from the sponsored walk last November at their 2nd year assembly
Thursday 28th January 2016.
There is a lot to be said for the joy of doing and giving when you see all
the smiling faces.
DCU Maths Quiz
LCA on Task
The LCA class have been busy with key assignments in all of
their subjects. These assignments form part of their final
certificate. Recently, the students visited Ballymun library for
one of their Social Education tasks. The aim of this task was to
research about your area in the past. The lads found old
newspaper articles and books about the local area. They were
surprised to find pictures of themselves as children in various
newspaper articles. Afterwards, the class had a well deserved
treat in Firehouse. Well done on completing the first term!
Four of our students Ciaran McManus,
Robert Kiely, David Petrov and Liam Nally
won the 2nd year maths quiz in DCU on the
9th March. The standard was high but our
maths team are of a very high standard, they
came in first place out of 19 teams!!
As if winning was not enough some
supporters from our school won 3 out of the
5 spot prizes with a maths quiz on
kahoots.it!!
Tráth na Gceist
Seachtain na Gaeilge took off with
plenty of Irish posters, words, displayed
around the school agus tá an scoil ag
féachaint go hálainn ar fad. On Tuesday
the TY’s had a table quiz as Gaeilge.
The winners of the TY tráth na gceist
were Michael Noonan, Louis Cassidy,
Ryan Harte, Matthew Martin. In 2nd
place were James Doran, Robert Fahey,
Lee Gannon and Brendan Daly. Well
done to all involved including some of
last years TY’s who returned to help out.
Stop Everything and Read Week
The English Department ran their annual Stop Everything
and Read Week from Monday 29th - 4th March. On that
Monday, English teachers read a non-fiction historical text
with all classes and from the Tuesday onwards the
students were given twenty minutes after break each day
for S.E.A.R. Students had reading materials with them and
enjoyed taking the time out to read.
EPIC BATTLE WON AS ST. AIDAN’S
SECURE THE THREE IN A ROW
The curtain fell on the 2016 U16 Dublin schools football
season in Irishtown on Friday 22nd January. A titanic battle
began between the reigning champions St. Aidan’s and
Coláiste Eoin as the game, between two determined sides,
sparked into life from the moment referee threw in the ball.
Keith Campbell, an ever present thorn in the opposition’s
side, fired home the first point to send them into an early lead. Aidan’s started to impose themselves on the game from
the very beginning and were quickly into a 3 point lead with scores from full forward Sergei Runin and St. Aidan’s
prodigy James Doran. Eoin knew they were in for tough afternoon and began to rally and respond. Eoin had the first
use of the elements and as the wind got stronger, they started to run at the men in red and white and put Aidan’s under
immense pressure, picking off some fantastic points. The game was once again tied. It was an accumulation of the wind
and Eoin pressure that forced Aidan’s into playing a style of football that was alien to all fifteen players wearing red and
white. They needed to regroup and settle. They had been thrown off course and admirably this was something they
quickly realised. They demonstrated the ability to adapt and like well drilled military men, with Captain Matt Moran as
their General, they reorganised and stretched a further 2 points ahead, both scored by the scintillating James Doran who
was incredibly playing in his third consecutive U16 Dublin A’ final.
Aidan’s full back line, consisting of Brendan ‘Chuck’ Daly, Ryan Harte and Eamon Hill all played out of their
skin, with the opposition rarely getting a sight at Mark Kenny’s goal due to their endeavour. An Eoin full forward line,
that was ear marked as being particularly strong before the game, was kept at bay and limited to 5 first half points, 3 of
which were scored from frees. Mark Kenny is proving to be one of the best goalkeepers St. Aidan’s has ever had
between the posts. He helped out his team with point blank saves and precision kick outs. He is a real find and will
prove instrumental going into the future. After an epic first half the two sides were inseparable at the break, drawing 5
points apiece.
Four giants locked horns in the middle of the park knowing that every point in such a competitive affair would
prove crucial. The might of Ciarán Murphy, covering every inch of the park and the grit and determination of Eoin
Berry meant that Aidan’s began to dominate midfield the second half. Sergei Runin was another man who came into his
own during the second period of the game. He bossed the full forward line, setting up attacks, drawing kickable free
kicks and laying down a marker with a shoulder only he could deliver. Rumour has it Joe Schmidt is lining the ‘The
Serge’ up for a six nations clash over the coming weeks.
Aidan’s settled into the game and the presence of Dan Gorman proved instrumental. He swept up stray ball and
dictated play from the half back line. Dylan O’ Connell did an unselfish job that can often go unnoticed, but not on this
occasion. His brilliance was there for us all to marvel at. Eoin’s wing forward had pace and skill but the perseverance O’
Connell showed to track every run and block every shot meant he was limited to just one point all game.
Aidan’s, who were never behind in the encounter, had to show real resolve throughout as Eoin repeatedly
fought their way back into the match, drawing level on four different occasions. Both Jack Murray and Andrew McCaul
demonstrated the desire that burns within St. Aidan’s men as they covered every inch of the park. Murray had an
important attacking role but it was his defensive work that was more impressive. McCaul was a constant threat,
whether it was through getting out on front or drifting in behind with his blistering pace, he won breaking ball and he
created opportunities that Aidan’s successfully converted. While his name is not on the score sheet he was worth 5
points.
Lee Gannon, excellent and hard working throughout, began to provide an out from the onslaught of the final
few minutes. His clever movement and intelligence on the park prevented any last ditch attempts of the opposition to
steal a late goal and break the hearts of the St. Aidan’s players, coaches and supporters alike. Aidan’s then had one last
trick up their sleeve. Jordan Leonard, who had been out all campaign through injury, was waiting to be unleashed and
once he got the opportunity he didn’t disappoint, scoring a point with his first touch of the ball. His introduction, along
with the plethora of talent waiting on sideline, just shows what strength in depth this squad has. St. Aidan’s is not
comprised of just 15 boys, nor are they reliant on just 15 boys. They’re a panel of 39 men. Who play for each other!
St. Aidan’s were able to breathe a sigh of relief when the final whistle sounded after three minutes of added
time. They were once again champions of Dublin, winning it for three successive years, and in so writing their names
into the history books.
I’m sure Mr. Lowry and Mr. Brown speak on behalf of all the team when they say “they did it for Enda” and we
all wish him a speedy recovery over the next few weeks.
Final score St. Aidan’s 0-14 --- Coláiste Eoin 0-12
Scorers: James Doran 0-06, Keith Campbell 0-05, Sergei Runin 0-02, Jordan Leonard 0-01.
Scoil Aodháin Abú!!
Senior Football
Up and Coming 2nd Year Basketball Team
Terrific 2nd year basketball team who are playing
so well this year. Keep up the great work boys.
First Ever Senior Basketball
All-Ireland Winners
A successful year for us at St. Aidan’s Basketball was
topped off with an outstanding display in the National
Basketball Arena back in January. We had worked
tirelessly as a team throughout the season to reach this
point, with help from our very own Ms. Peoples and
Coach Randall Mounts, the volunteering teachers Ms. E
O’Dell, Mr. R. Gill and Mr. J Mc Ginnity. Our hard work
eventually paid off. Hours upon hours spent after school
training, long days of fundraising and with the
commitment of the volunteering teachers we were able to
reach the goal which we had set at the beginning of the
year.
In the lead up to the big event, the support from the school
didn’t go unnoticed. Banners were hung, assemblies were
held and the ‘buzz’ around the school was electric.
Without a doubt, this motivated us to do our school proud!
After a disappointing end to our school league campaign,
we saw it as an extra incentive to bring some silverware
back to Whitehall. When January 27th arrived, we were
well prepared and focused on the job in hand. Prior to the
game, the stands filled up with St. Aidan’s loyal
supporters and the noise was ear piercing. The game
tipped-off and we were off to an early lead. With an
excellent display from all of the lads, Ballincollig didn’t
know what hit them. When the final buzzer went, the
celebrations had just started. This was the first time St.
Aidan’s had won the All-Ireland ‘A’ Senior Basketball
final. Surely, without the support of the school and our
families this achievement would not have been possible.
After the highs and lows of last year, the senior
footballers dusted themselves off and hit the
ground running into this year’s Dublin
Championship. First up was the challenge of St.
Fintan’s in Ballymun and the Sutton side were up
for the challenge. It was only after some
incredible leadership and teamwork that the St.
Aidan’s men were able to pull away. Fintan’s
have since gone on to win their quarter final and
await St. Benildus in the semi final on the other
side of the draw.
The next fixture was the school’s “El Classico” , a
local derby against Árd Scóil Rís down in St.
Vincent’s. This tie lacked the intensity of the
previous game but the men from Whitehall came
through the game comfortably kicking some
fantastic scores and momentum was building. A
Dublin semi final was now guaranteed but would
be put off until after Christmas.
The focus then changed to the prestigious
Leinster competition, where a fixture with
Westmeath’s Rochford Bridge saw our men take
to the road. It must be mentioned that going into
this game preparation was going well but the
team suffered some setbacks with some injuries
to key players. What St. Aidan’s do best is rise to
a challenge and this game was no different.
Rochford Bridge asked some questions of our
defence but they always came up with an answer.
A quick thinking counter attack and the ball was
rifled into the Rochford Bridge net. This was final
nail in the coffin and a dream home semi final
awaited the team against familiar opposition.
St. Benildus took St. Aidan’s to extra time last
year in the Dublin semi final but their efforts
were not enough to stop a fantastic Aidan’s team.
This time they would look for revenge in the
Leinster quarter final. Up to this game
preparation went well for St. Aidan’s and some of
the key players lost through injury were now
returning to the fold. Serious commitment had
been shown by the St. Aidan’s panel throughout
Senior Soccer Team
Senior Football (cont.)
the year; 7 a.m. training sessions,
after school on Friday’s and
even coming in to train over the
Christmas holidays. There is
nothing this bunch would not do
to try and win but unfortunately
getting off to bad start and
chasing the game for long
periods meant that we would
fall short of our goal of reaching
a Leinster semi final for the first
time. St. Benildus were worthy
winners and went on to win the
Leinster competition outright
and deservedly so.
This loss left a sour taste for our
panel but all was not lost. The
Dublin championship, of which
we are the current champions of,
is still up for grabs. A semi final
with Coláiste Éanna would
mean a chance at another fixture
with Benildus. This game came
thick and fast and questions
were asked of this team again. In
true St. Aidan’s fashion they
rose to the occasion in a bruising
encounter to win the game by 4
points. To be back in a final is no
more than this crew deserve.
The other side of the draw sees
St. Fintan’s and Benildus in the
semi final and St. Aidan’s await
the winners. History beckons as
the school has never put back to
back Senior ‘A’ titles together
and this is a great opportunity to
overcome that feat.
The senior soccer team are in the semi-finals
of the Metropolitan Cup having beaten
Rathcoole C.S. and St. Benildus in the
knockout stages.
Our top scorer is Sean Cummins and he said
they have worked hard throughout the year
and that there is a great team spirit that no other school could beat.
“When things get difficult or when we are losing a game we never give
up. The difference is we do not just want to play for the school, we want
to do what it takes to win and bring back to first ever trophy for the soccer
team.” We wish the team every success on in the upcoming semi-final.
U-14 Hurlers
Winning Start
The U 14 hurlers got off to a
winning start with a win over
St.Fintan’s in their first group
game. In the second game they
lost out to Ard Scoil Rís in a
game played in awful weather
conditions. If the lads keep up
the effort they will be in with a
great chance of making the
knockout stages after Easter.
Running two national Titles in a row
Throughout the 2014/15 season people were beginning
to question if St Aidan’s best days were behind them?
We hadn't won a major title in a near 10 year dry spell.
On the 7th of March 2015, almost one year to the day I
and seven others toed the line in Clongowes Wood
College in Clane, Co. Kildare as the underdogs who
weren’t expected to feature. By the end of the 6500m
race we caused the greatest upset in Irish school’s
history snatching the senior boys title from St. Flannan’s
of Ennis by no more than a single point, we put our arch rivals in their place that
day.
Fast forward 12 months and we were toeing the
line once again, this time on the Sligo racecourse
but for almost all of us for the very last time. This
time everyone knew who we were, this time
everyone knew what we’d accomplished, what we
were capable of. This time every head on the
course turned to look when we were called to the
line. Every man played his part that day (as always) the captain’s speech worked
its magic.
What we didn’t know at the time was that Alumni from all over the world from
London, Los Angeles, Wisconsin, New Zealand and Sydney to name but a few,
were awaiting the results alongside us on the other side of the TV camera. At
15:03 we made history to win two National titles in a row, something that may
never be equalled.
Make no mistake none of this would ever have been possible without Mr. A
O’Neill. He made us realise the importance of team bonding, the importance of
comradeship and above all the importance of discipline in sport. He achieved the
impossible. Without teachers like him St Aidan’s would not the prestigious
sporting schools that it is. For many of us, including myself I face the prospect of
leaving the red and white singlet behind me once and for all this June, but the
legacy and the impact of those six years of competing for our school will stay
with us forever.
Brian Flanagan, 6th Year