Athletics returned to the school for the first time in many years in 2005. Training started at the beginning of term and a new long jump run-up and landing area (Shown above) installed together with a Shot Putt/Discus circle were added to the school facilities.
Special coaches helped to get the students and staff up to speed in the field events.
The first competition was the South Munster held at CIT in Cork. We had several medalists in our first year who went on to compete at the Munster Schools Championship.
Athletics
The athletics season was quite a short-lived one this year, with weather, exams and a hectic summer term not allowing a massive practise time. Once again we participated in the Interschoools Athletics competition. This year it happened in Kilkenny on the 12th May and unfortunately because of a clash with the transition year awards night we were without some people who would have competed well for us in the past and who, no doubt, would have helped add to our points tally. We still managed a respectable 4th position in the boys and girls overall placings with Luke Hevers winning the U14 Boys high jump, Greg Chambers winning the U16 800m and Denis O'Riordan winning the senior boys shot.
The schools championship was a great success this year with large numbers taking part in most events. In the U15 girls competition Fi Power equalled two previous records (check when previous records were made), the 100m and the 200m. Luke Hevers broke the high jump record in the U13 boys competition and Donnacha O'Riordan broke the record in the senior shot. Placings 1-3 are listed below in all age- groups. A massive thank you to Paul Cashman, Brian Gill, Catriona Hassey and all the other teachers who helped with the coaching and organisation of the school championships, and congratulations to all the athletes who took part.
Senior Girls
1. E. Coyne
2. J. Crux
3. C. Stead
U15 Girls
1. F. Power
2. J. Griffin
3. T. Waite
U13 Girls
1. P. Wolfe
2. R. Hornibrook
3. R. Kenned
Senior Boys
1. C. O’Sullivan
2. I. White
3. D. Hollywood
U15 Boys
1. C. Simpson
2. K. Karpati
3. G. Chambers
U13 Boys
1. L. Kevers
2. O. Chambers
3. J. Foley
2008
Monday 19th May saw the College pupils pitted against each other in the 2008 event. Entry levels were high and standards even higher with 8 college records broken.
In the U-13 Girls Fiona Power broke the record in 100m, Long jump and high jump to take the overall title from Tiger Waite who ran her close in each event with Cassie Toomey a very creditable third.
The U-15 girls were led home by Jessica Griffin who raised the High Jump record to 1.37m to edge out Lydia Daly and Jessica Scandrett.
Senior Girls was the closest of all with Laura Van Coppenhagen just winning on points from Sarah Oppermann despite Sarah winning all the running events. Julie Coyne was third.
In the Boys U-13 the records just tumbled. Conor Simpson in the 100m, 200m and High jump set new standards for the school and took the title. Oliver Kane took the long jump mark out to 1.46m to come in second and Bryan Moore amazed with a 10.1m Shot to claim third.
U-15 Boys saw Nick Burns win from Adam Couton and Ned Hodson in the class with the most entries.
Senior Boys was the most interesting section proving the importance of all round ability. The section was won by George McLay despite not winning a single event outright., although he did share the High Jump title with Seth Shanagher. Charlie O Sullivan came in second and won the Long Jump. Luke McKeown won the 100m and 200m to claim third. Nick Simonin used his Orienteering to win the 800m and Donnacha O Riodan won the shot.
Thanks to Mr. Seale, Ms. Hassey, Ms Clifford, Mr. Cashman Mr. Stanley and Mr. Power for all their time and effort in organising the events.
During the summer term athletics again proved a popular addition to the extracurricular timetable. Training sessions were well attended and there was an admirable level of enthusiasm from both junior and senior students.
The Inter-Schools Championship this year took place at the RSC in Waterford and saw teams competing from Midleton, Ashton, Bandon, Kilkenny, Newtown and Villiers. In the boy’s competition we had a successful day and finished overall in third position with 84 points. The girls found the going a little harder and finished in fifth position with 59 points. A number of stand-out performances lit up the day including Connor Simpson (First in the High Jump), Brian Moore (First in the Shot) and Fiona Power (Second in the 200m, 800 m and Long Jump).
In addition to the Inter Schools we also had a number of entrants in the South Munster Championships. Donnacha O’Riordan (Shot and Discus) and Fiona Power (100 m) both did exceptionally well to qualify for, and compete in, the Munster Championships.
Overall it was an enjoyable season rounded off by the traditional in-school competition which saw a good level of participation and a number of records broken. Thanks to all colleagues who assisted in organizing and coaching events particularly Liz Clifford, Kevin Stanley, Clive Seale and Ray Power.
-P.C.
Athletics
Built By Digital Crew