St. Brendan's Boys Primary School

After many training sessions and a league campaign our U/13 Footballers reached the final of their competition. Having won and drawn some games along the way they faced Banagher in the final. This game proved a tough test with our boys being down by seven points by half time. However they showed a great fighting spirit and determination and began to pull back the Banagher lead. Time was not on their side and Banagher ran out eventual winners. Well done to Mr. Kennedy, Mr. McIntyre and all the boys for representing our school so well both in the league stages and in the final itself.

Peter and Kostas gave a very interesting demonstration on Fly Fishing to the pupils of sixth class. They demonstrated the techniques involved in the sport and through question and answer sessions they shared their knowledge with the other pupils. They spoke about the equipment needed, different types of bait and fly used, strength of line, best time and location and about the different types of fish that can be caught. Overall a very informative project for the pupils to be involved in. Well done to all .

Rugby Coaching started up again this term. The pupils really enjoy the sessions with the World Cup giving extra impetus this year. All the boys enjoy developing the skills they have already learned and also learning some new omes. The sessions are carried out in a fun manner and later in the year the senior classes will participate in a rugby blitz in Birr Rugby Club.

After qualifying from the school trials a group of athletes travelled to Tullamore to represent St. Brendan’s at a schools cross country event. With over thirty schools participating the boys all ran very well. St. Brendan’s managed to bring home three medals from the competition. Nathan Hynes ran a magnificant race to finish second in his individual event. Cambell Boyd also got a medal in his individual finishing in the top ten and in the sixth class race the boys managed to finish third in the team event. Well done to all runners you didi your school proud.

Our pupils were very lucky to have the opportunity to avail of some expert tuition on all the various aspects of cycling. Many of the skills involved were taught through a games format. Some of the skills included safety equipment, braking, visibility, manoeuvering the bikes and all the safety issues associated with the Rules of the Road. The high point of the project involved a cycle around Birr town led by Mr. Crofton. The pupils really enjoyed the project and it is wonderful to see the increase in the amount of pupils cycling to school and everyone being aware of all the safety issues involved in doing this activity.

Johnny and Barry had the coaching sessions up and running early this term. The boys love the coaching and enjoy doing the drills to improve their skill. The sessions are performed in a fun atmosphere with the emphasis on participation. The pupils really enjoy learning new skills and showing off those already learned. Thanks to Johnny and Barry for their time, expertise and energy.

Our Sports Day was a resounding success again this year. It was divided into a junior section and a senior section. The mixed ability teams involved pupils from different classes and the various activities were organised on a circuit basis. There were some new activities this year involning bales of hay and cycling with water. Special awards were given for most helpful pupil, most encouraging pupil etc. After the circuit activities the various classes held their own novelty races. The Br. Finian Cup was won this year by Niall Hehir. A special word of thanks to Mrs. Lonergan for all the organising and to Michael Hansbury for all his work in setting up the various stations.

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Our Parent’s Association First Ever Golf Classic was an outstanding success raising a staggering €4,530 for St Brendan’s P.S.. The sun beamed down on Friday 3rd of June as 23 teams played in the Classic Competition. Congratulations to the overall winners The Nolans ( Ollie, Milie, Daryl and Brian) and well done also to all the other teams who supported the school in this sporting event. Thanks to all the sponsors and especially our Parent’s Association who did all the organising of the event. Special thanks to Kevin McNamara for all his work in the lead up to the event and particularly for his work on the day itself. Thanks to Birr Golf Club for the use of their magnificient facilities.

We had a wonderful Cycle Games Project taking place in the school under the guidance of Mieke. The boys were asked to bring in their bikes and through various games they were shown how to check their bikes for safety issues, how to manoeuver their bikes correctly and were informed of cycle safety procedures. The boys really enjoyed the days activities. This activity also links in with our latest Green School activities. Well done to all.

Twenty six athletes from St. Brendan’s travelled to Tullamore to compete in the outdoor athletics competitions. They availed of the top class facilities in the Tullamore Harriers stadium. The events included 60m, 80m, hurdles, long jump, ball throw, 600m and the evening ended in great excitment with the relay events. The boys had the opportunity of getting great advice from Two time Olympian James Nolan. All the boys really enjoyed the day. They were all presented with a medal for participating and many of the boys won gold, silver and bronze medals in their respective events.