Category: ‘Sports Activities’

November 21- Visit of Birr Intermediate county champions

November 30, 2021

Last week we were honoured to welcome some members of the victorious Birr intermediate hurling team to the school. Traditionally there would be a big whole school welcome for a county win but COVID safety meant a small outdoor gathering with 5th and 6th class bubbles . captain Mick Mulrooney and coach Johnny Kelly along with players told the boys about the great win and the importance of working hard to achieve these days – there were many tough days and great sacrifice which led to this point so we hope the boys will get inspiration for this visit. It was heartening to hear how these men fondly remember starting their hurling at school and of the friends they still have from playing the game together – our boys were encouraged to make the most of the excellent school coaching now with Adrian Clancy- the boys got some lovely photos with the cup and some hurls signed and please God the next time Birr come back with a county title we will lift the roof off the hall with a welcome 🙏

Ireland Rugby past pupil visit

November 30, 2021

Delighted and honoured to welcome back Past pupil and rising rugby star Ronan Loughnane back to our school. Ronan proudly presented the school with his Ireland u20 jersey – Ronan spoke with some classes and the boys loved to hear about how hard work and self belief are the key ingredients in following your dream – a young Ronan ( pictured ) was at the school back in 2013 when another famous past pupil Peter Dooley presented the school with his Ireland u20 jersey – young Ronan returned home and told his dad Barry that some day he would have an Ireland rugby jersey on the school wall beside Peters – inspirational stuff !!
We wish Ronan well in his exciting career and we hope that he continues to work hard towards the goal of a full international cap – boys of Birr – dream big ! Denis R @BirrRugby

October 2020- Kayaking on the Shannon

November 1, 2020

Thank you again to Birr OEC for the amazing opportunity handed to some of our 5t class boys last week –
They were volunteers for KAYAK instructor training on the shannon – Great fun!

Hurling Coaching 2020

February 19, 2020

Coaching with Adrian is going great with all classes. Boys from 2nd class accepted the donation of sliotars , helmets and hurls from Birr GAA Club presented by
Michael and Charlie
Loughnane,
Mile buiochas 🙂

Gaelic Football Champions 2018 – Offaly schools

November 6, 2018

Gaelic Football team

A great season for our schools Gaelic Football team. The boys really bought into the idea of playing the game for September and October and we had huge numbers 70+ playing the lunchtime league with Mr Crofton. The panel of 31 boys then training each week under guidance of Mr Kennedy and great to see such good numbers from 6th class this year playing.
They started off the campaign with a good win over Dromakeenan and then also won against a weakened Banagher side and young Gaelscoil Tullamore side to reach the final in St Brendans park. The boys really had it put up to them by a strong Banagher team with a goal only in it at half time. That’s when the men stood up and led by some outstanding performances by 6th class they eased away with 5 mins to go. The honour of lifting the cup fell to Adriano Szoma as captain.
Thanks to Mr Kennedy for his passion and dedication to the team– the school staff who supported the team as various matches and attended in great numbers at the final and to the great parents for support as each match too Full report in this weeks midland tribune and we also hope to write our school magazine after mid term with some reports—

Oct 18- Catch and kick Gaelic lunchtime league

November 6, 2018

Catch and kick football
8 teams of 80 boys from 3rd—6th took part in this fun league each lunchtime. We are down to semi final stage now with 4 teams remaining– great to see boys try football for the first time and enjoy it so much.

Oct 18 – Kayak level 1 course

November 6, 2018

Kayak level 1 training course– Our 6th class boys got a fantastic opportunity last week as they each earned certs from The Irish Kayak Association of Ireland for level 1 kayak skills. The OEC organised through the excellent Yanni and he had the boys out paddling the Shannon and overcoming their fears and anxiety in o time at all. It was great to see the boys excel at this activity and how many attend the OEC centre.

Sept 18- Offaly school cross country athletics

November 6, 2018

Cross country athletics—
school teams 2018 / 2019

Mr Cunningham took teams from 3rd-6th class over to Tullamore harriers for this school event. Trials for each class were held in school beforehand and 4 boys from each class went forward to represent the school.All ran well with medals coming home with ——
Danny Dwyer—1st in 6th race
Kevin Pardy– 7th in 6th Race
Sixth class team 2nd overall in Offaly
Dylan Carroll –5th in 4th class race

Sept 18- New Look hall !

November 6, 2018

New artwork for our fresh new hall

Over the summer we had our school hall repainted and fresh carpet laid down. With support from the parish we commissioned some artwork to bring a sense of soul and community to the fresh walls. In September we were delighted to unveil some new artwork especially created for our school hall by local artist and past pupil Mr Frankie Gallagher. Fr Tom Hogan attended for our start of year prayer service along with some of our retired ( and fresh looking ! ) staff . The boys played lovely music for the ceremony and loved the new art works which depict boys learning at school / St Brendan our school saint and a painting of Jesus caring for all in the world – thank you Frankie and Fr Tom. Pictures are also some boys from senior classes in full uniform along with Fr Tom Hogan, Mr Frankie Gallagher (Artist) Mr Michael Donegan ( Former Principal) Mr Niall Crofton ( Current Principal).

June 18 – Sports day

July 13, 2018

Sports day 2018 which was a day of sunshine , fun and activity. Stations and teams organised and set up by Mr Cunningham and his team from our wonderful staff- each pupil on a team ( county based) and all took part in a spirit of enjoyment / encouragement and participation. Some wonderful photos and memories !
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